bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Cloacal Prolapse in a Farm Ostrich (Struthio camelus): Case Management and Literature Review
Authors: Munif Mohammad Raguib
Published: January 2025

Captive ratites, including the ostrich (Struthio camelus), are susceptible to various gastrointestinal conditions. However, spontaneous cloacal prolapse is a relatively less frequent diagnosis. This report details the clinical management of cloacal prolapse in an ostrich, including a brief literature review. A 10‐week‐old female ostrich reared in a semi‐intensive farming system was presented with a reddish protruded mass through the vent opening, along with a history of lethargy, poor appetite, and lack of droppings. Clinical examinations demonstrated a complete cloacal prolapse without any devitalization or necrosis of the involved tissues. Laboratory examinations revealed no parasitic or bacterial enteritis. Hematobiochemical analysis indicated low serum calcium. The case was surgically treated, which involved repositioning the prolapsed cloaca to its anatomical location and subsequent vent narrowing with a purse‐string suture while ensuring adequate space for the passage of droppings. Postoperatively, supportive medications and formulated feed with vitamin–mineral supplements, including calcium, were provided. The ostrich experienced an uneventful recovery. The purse‐string suture encompassing the vent was removed on the eighth postoperative day. No complications were reported 9 weeks after surgery. In brief, mineral deficiencies, particularly reduced serum calcium levels, may be associated with cloacal prolapse in young ostriches. Prompt surgical intervention and a balanced nutritional regimen with calcium supplements can effectively facilitate recovery.
Iron‐Based Nanomaterials for Modulating Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Le , Zhang Xiaoting , He Lulu , Wei Yuanyuan , Zhang Yujie , Wu Aiguo , Li Juan
Published: January 2025

Iron‐based nanomaterials (IBNMs) have been widely applied in biomedicine applications including magnetic resonance imaging, targeted drug delivery, tumor therapy, and so forth, due to their unique magnetism, excellent biocompatibility, and diverse modalities. Further research on its enormous biomedical potential is still ongoing, and its new features are constantly being tapped and demonstrated. Among them, various types of IBNMs have demonstrated significant cancer therapy capabilities by regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, a variety of IBNMs including iron oxide‐based nanomaterials (IONMs), iron‐based complex conjugates (ICCs), and iron‐based single iron atom nanomaterials (ISANMs) will be introduced, and their advantages in regulating TME would also be emphasized. Besides, the recent progress of IBNMs for cancer diagnosis and treatment through the strategy of modulating TME will be summarized, including overcoming hypoxia, modulating acidity, decreasing redox species, and immunoregulation. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this field are briefly discussed. This review is expected to contribute to the future design and development of next‐generation TME‐modulate IBNMs for cancer treatment.
Towards Continuous Certification of Software Systems for Aerospace
Authors: Ribeiro J. Eduardo Ferreira
Published: January 2025

Safety-critical systems are subject to strict regulation by domain-specific standards and documents. One such example is the DO-178C standard for aerospace, which provides guidance to organizations to ensure system safety and produce the necessary evidence for certification. In these regulated environments, most organizations rely on traditional development processes, unlike the widespread adoption of Agile in the broader software industry. This PhD research is a collaboration between academia and industry, involving the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto (FEUP), the University of Coimbra (UC), and Critical Software SA (CSW), as part of the Doctoral Program in Informatics Engineering at FEUP. The study focuses on integrating Agile methods and practices into safety-critical software development for aerospace applications, specifically adhering to the DO-178C standard. The goal is to define a new process that enhances safety-critical software development, moving towards continuous certification of software systems for aerospace. The research aims to establish a quasi-continuous certification process by evaluating new guidelines, practices, and tools, thereby ensuring high-quality and traceable software releases. Preliminary results are promising, as the initial case study involving a real industry project demonstrated positive outcomes using our innovative process. The findings are anticipated to advance the adoption of Agile methods and practices in safety-critical domains.
Autonomous Agents in Software Development: A Vision Paper
Authors: Rasheed Zeeshan , Waseem Muhammad , Sami Malik Abdul , Kemell Kai-Kristian , Ahmad Aakash , Duc Anh Nguyen , Systä Kari , Abrahamsson Pekka
Published: January 2025

Large Language Models (LLM) are reshaping the field of Software Engineering (SE). They enable innovative methods for executing many SE tasks, including automation of entire process of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). However, only a limited number of existing works have thoroughly explored the potential of LLM based AI agents to automate the entire lifecycle in SE. In this paper, we demonstrate the success of our initial efforts in automating the entire lifecycle autonomously based on given software specification as input, which has shown remarkable efficiency and significantly reduced development time. Our preliminary results suggest that the careful implementation of AI agents can enhance the development lifecycle. We aim to streamline the SDLC by integrating all phases into an AI-driven chat interface, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, we seek to enhance collaboration, creating an environment where stakeholders from various backgrounds can contribute, review, and refine ideas and requirements in real-time. This forward-looking direction guarantees to redefine the paradigms of SE and also make software creation more inclusive, collaborative, and efficient.
Towards a Double-Edged Sword: Modelling the Impact in Agile Software Development
Authors: Neumann Michael , Diebold Philipp
Published: January 2025

Agile methods are state of the art in software development. Companies worldwide apply agile to counter the dynamics of the markets. We know, that various factors like culture influence the successful application of agile methods in practice and that sucess varies from company to company. To counter these problems, we combine two causal models presented in literature: The Agile Practices Impact Model and the Model of Cultural Impact. In this paper, we want to better understand the two facets of factors in agile: Those influencing their application and those impacting the results when applying them. This papers core contribution is the Agile Influence and Impact Model, describing the factors influencing agile elements and the impact on specific characteristics in a systematic manner.
The Right Amount of Technical Debt in an Agile Context
Authors: Ciolkowski Marcus , Diebold Philipp , Janes Andrea , Lenarduzzi Valentina
Published: January 2025

Agile and technical debt management should have a symbiotic relationship, as technical debt was conceived as a metaphor (or tool) to balance the benefits of taking shortcuts for early release and user feedback with the responsibility of ‘repairing’ the effects of these trade-offs. Agile processes provide the necessary flexibility to achieve this balance. However, in reality, feature greed often takes over, making it difficult for development teams to ensure that technical debt is repaid. This paper discusses experiences and best practices to address Technical Debt in an Agile context.
Agile Approaches in Critical Infrastructures
Authors: Hanssen Geir Kjetil , Jaatun Martin Gilje
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the emergence of agile-inspired approaches in the critical infrastructure sector, with a focus on the current digital transformation of the Norwegian Oil & Gas industry. It addresses how traditional plan-driven development and strict architectural principles are challenged by the need to exploit the growing volume of operational data, in search for better, faster, and safer operations. We emphasize the increasing reliance on data for optimizing operations and the inherent risks and culture clashes between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). We furthermore discuss the role of cybersecurity in this transition, illustrating how increased connectivity and agile-like approaches can both mitigate and exacerbate security vulnerabilities.
Unravelling AdS3/CFT2 near the boundary
Authors: Knighton Bob , Sriprachyakul Vit
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We study correlation functions of spectrally-flowed vertex operators in bosonic string theory on AdS3 × 𝑋 in the path integral formalism. By restricting the path integral to only include worldsheets which live near the asymptotic boundary, we compute correlation functions of spectrally-flowed vertex operators and find a precise agreement with the perturbative correlators in the recently-proposed dual CFT at all orders in conformal perturbation theory. We thus provide highly nontrivial evidence for the bulk/boundary duality.
Mediator decay through mixing with degenerate spectrum
Authors: Kamada Ayuki , Kuwahara Takumi , Matsumoto Shigeki , Watanabe Yu , Watanabe Yuki
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The decay of the mediator particle into standard model (SM) particles plays a significant role in exploring the dark sector scenario. We consider such a decay, taking the dark photon mediator as an example that mixes with the SM photon. We find that it requires a careful analysis of the decay rate in the presence of an SM vector boson (e.g., Z boson, ρ meson, and true muonium, etc.) nearly degenerate with the mediator particle in mass. The decay rate of the mediator particle calculated in the mass eigenstate basis does not agree with the correct result, given by the imaginary parts of the poles for the vector boson propagators, when the mixing parameter is smaller than a specific value. In such a case, the decay rate calculated by treating the mixing as a perturbative parameter is in agreement with the correct result. We clarify specific values for the mixing parameter quantitatively using several concrete examples of the SM vector bosons degenerate with the dark photon. When the mass mixing between the vector boson and dark photon is smaller (larger) than the decay width of the vector boson, the latter (former) method to calculate the decay rate of the mediator particle gives the correct result.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 Orbi-S-Folds
Authors: Giacomelli Simone , Savelli Raffaele , Zoccarato Gianluca
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We introduce a new class of non-compact backgrounds of Type IIB string theory preserving eight supercharges by combining S-folds and non-perturbative 7-branes wrapping orbifolds, and study the four-dimensional superconformal field theories arising at low energy on D3-branes probing them. We draw a precise correspondence between this setup and the torus compactification of six-dimensional orbi-instanton theories with a Stiefel-Whitney twist, and use it to determine the main features of such strongly-coupled systems, like central charges, spectra of Coulomb-branch operators, networks of Higgs-branch flows. Finally, with the aim to improve our understanding of the landscape of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 superconformal field theories, and possibly to extend their classification beyond rank two, we provide a detailed catalogue of all the rank-three theories that our framework gives access to.
Presentation and Management of Silicone Lymphadenopathy: A Single Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Desai Anshumi , Smartz Taylor , Tabibi Orel , Borowsky Peter A. , Tadisina Kashyap Komarraju , Singh Devinder P. , Kesmodel Susan B. , Rojas Kristin E. , Mella-Catinchi Juan R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Silicone Lymphadenopathy (SL) is a complication of breast implants that involves migration of silicone to nearby soft tissue/lymph nodes. Data on its clinical features and management is scarce. We aimed to identify the clinical presentation and management of SL.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted from our institutional imaging system where search terms “Silicone lymphadenopathy”, “silicone adenitis” and “silicone adenopathy” were used to identify patients with SL (January 2016–September 2023). Patient demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, pathological investigation, and treatment were obtained from the medical records.

Results

Of 52 patients with SL, breast augmentation accounted for 90.4% of the implant placements. All patients had silicone implants placed at some time. A significant portion of patients (69.3%) were asymptomatic, while 7.7% had non-tender lymphadenopathy, 19.2% experienced painful lymphadenopathy, and 1.9% presented with mixed symptoms. Implant rupture was observed in 88.7% of cases; 13.0% intracapsular, 26.1% extracapsular, 15.2% both, and unknown in 45.7%. Axillary nodes were the most commonly involved (86.5%), and ultrasonography was most commonly used to detect SL (80.7%). Biopsy was performed in 17.3% of cases, confirming benign pathology in all cases. No patients required surgical excision of lymph nodes for management of SL.

Conclusion

Most patients with SL are asymptomatic and are managed with observation. Biopsy and surgical intervention should be reserved for those patients with abnormal imaging or persistent symptoms. Evaluation of lymphadenopathy is essential to exclude malignancy in patients with a history of breast cancer.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Semi-infinite particle systems with exclusion interaction and heterogeneous jump rates
Authors: Menshikov Mikhail , Popov Serguei , Wade Andrew
Published: January 2025

We study semi-infinite particle systems on the one-dimensional integer lattice, where each particle performs a continuous-time nearest-neighbour random walk, with jump rates intrinsic to each particle, subject to an exclusion interaction which suppresses jumps that would lead to more than one particle occupying any site. Under appropriate hypotheses on the jump rates (uniformly bounded rates is sufficient) and started from an initial condition that is a finite perturbation of the close-packed configuration, we give conditions under which the particles evolve as a single, semi-infinite “stable cloud”. More precisely, we show that inter-particle separations converge to a product-geometric stationary distribution, and that the location of every particle obeys a strong law of large numbers with the same characteristic speed.
A macroevolutionary perspective of cryptic coloration in sexually dichromatic grasshoppers of the genus Sphenarium (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: Ramírez-Delgado Víctor Hugo , Serrano-Meneses Martín Alejandro , Cueva del Castillo Raúl
Published: January 2025

Background matching and disruptive coloration are defense mechanisms of animals against visual predators. Disruptive coloration tends to evolve in microhabitats that are visually heterogeneous, while background matching is favored in microhabitats that are chromatically homogeneous. Controlling for the phylogeny, we explored the evolution of the coloration and the marking patterns in the sexual dichromatic and widely distributed neotropical grasshoppers of the genus Sphenarium. These grasshoppers represent an excellent model to investigate the evolution of cryptic coloration on insects due to the heterogeneity of the environments where they have evolved. We found a correlation between the grasshoppers' coloration and disruptive markings with the chromatic properties of their environments that was inferred by the levels of precipitation during the rainy season. The results suggest that colors and marking patterns could evolve due to predation pressures. Color in both sexes could offer camouflage that is not perfectly background matched to a single habitat but instead offers a degree of resemblance to multiple backgrounds. Moreover, we found that males and females chromatic properties differ between them and precipitation levels where the species are found. This suggests that the sexes have diverged in their response to the environments, favoring the evolution of sexual dichromatism in these grasshoppers.
Bioprocess development for microbial production and purification of cellobiose lipids by the smut fungus Ustilago maydis DSM 4500
Authors: Valkenburg André D. , Teke George M. , van Rensburg Eugéne , Pott Robert W. M.
Published: January 2025

Cellobiose lipids (CBLs) are a class of glycolipid biosurfactants produced by various fungal strains. These compounds have gained significant interest due to their surface-active and antifungal properties, which are comparable to traditional synthetic surfactants and antimicrobials. Despite their potential applicability in various cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural formulations, significantly less research has been focused on their production and purification in comparison to other glycolipid biosurfactants, such as mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) and sophorolipids. Hence, this work proposes the development of a bioprocess that involves the microbial production and high-level chromatographic purification of CBLs from a submerged culture of Ustilago maydis DSM 4500. After a highly purified CBL product was obtained, the factors affecting the production of this glycolipid were investigated. It was demonstrated that U. maydis DSM 4500 produces a specific structural variant of CBLs at a concentration of 1.36 g/L on an optimized the growth medium. Also, it was established that when the C/N ratio was decreased, the CBL titer increased by 2.3-fold. Furthermore, supplementing the culture with ZnSO4 at a concentration of 0.04 mg/L further increased CBL concentration to 4.95 g/L, representing the highest CBL titer achieved in a single-stage bioprocess to date. This study developed a methodology for utilizing U. maydis as a high-level CBL producer, which could challenge other familiar CBL producers, such as Sporisorium scitamineum and Cryptococcus humicola.
A systematic review of salivary gland hypofunction and/or xerostomia induced by non-surgical cancer therapies: prevention strategies
Authors: Mercadante Valeria , Smith Derek K. , Abdalla-Aslan Ragda , Andabak-Rogulj Ana , Brennan Michael T. , Jaguar Graziella Chagas , Clark Haley , Fregnani Eduardo , Gueiros Luiz Alcino , Hovan Allan , Kurup Seema , Laheij Alexa M. G. A. , Lynggaard Charlotte Duch , Napeñas Joel J. , Peterson Douglas E. , Elad Sharon , Van Leeuwen Stephanie , Vissink Arjan , Wu Jonn , Saunders Deborah P. , Jensen Siri Beier
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to assess the updated literature for the prevention of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by non-surgical cancer therapies.

Methods

Electronic databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that investigated interventions to prevent salivary gland hypofunction and/or xerostomia. Literature search began from the 2010 systematic review publications from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) up to February 2024. Two independent reviewers extracted information regarding study design, study population, cancer treatment modality, interventions, outcome measures, methods, results, risk of bias (RoB version 2), and conclusions for each article.

Results

A total of 51 publications addressing preventive interventions were included. Eight RCTs on tissue-sparing radiation modalities were included showing significant lower prevalence of xerostomia, with unclear effect on salivary gland hypofunction. Three RCTs on preventive acupuncture showed reduced prevalence of xerostomia but not of salivary gland hypofunction. Two RCTs on muscarinic agonist stimulation with bethanechol suggested a preventive effect on saliva flow rate and xerostomia in patients undergoing head and neck radiation or radioactive iodine therapy. Two studies on submandibular gland transfer showed higher salivary flow rates compared to pilocarpine and lower prevalence of xerostomia compared to no active intervention. There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin E, amifostine, photobiomodulation, and miscellaneous preventive interventions.

Conclusion

This systematic review continues to support the potential of tissue-sparing tecniques and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to preserve salivary gland function in patients with head and neck cancer, with limited evidence on other preventive strategies, including acupuncture and bethanecol. Preventive focus should be on optimized and new approaches developed to further reduce radiation dose to the parotid, the submandibular, and minor salivary glands. As these glands are major contributors to moistening of the oral cavity, limiting the radiation dose to the salivary glands through various modalities has demonstrated reduction in prevalence and severity of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia. There remains no evidence on preventive approaches for checkpoint inhibitors and other biologicals due to the lack of RCTs.
Exponential synchronization of bi-directional associative memory neural networks with delay on arbitrary time domains
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Heiland Jan , Benner Peter
Published: January 2025

We investigate the exponential synchronization of bi-directional associative memory neural networks with delays on a family of different time domains. By utilizing the theory of time scales, we provide stabilization results that are applicable to continuous-time, discrete-time, and general nonuniform hybrid time domains. Our approach employs a unified matrix-measure theory, a recent alternative to traditional Lyapunov functions, to establish exponential synchronization and design effective feedback laws. Notably, our methodology does not require symmetry or diagonality in the control gain matrix, distinguishing it from prior works. Furthermore, we explore various special cases of the considered systems and provide a detailed discussion highlighting the advantages of our findings over existing results. The effectiveness of our proposed criteria is demonstrated through small-scale and medium-scale simulated numerical examples across different time domains. Additionally, we apply our results to an example from the literature, showcasing the broad applicability and improved performance of our method in comparison to previous approaches.
Strategic input price discrimination with horizontal shareholding
Authors: Tsuritani Ryosuke
Published: January 2025

Price discrimination has substantial social and policy implications and has received attention in the literature. However, prior research on input price discrimination has primarily been limited to single-input situations. We explore the strategic desirability of uniform pricing and contribute to the growing literature on perfectly complementary inputs in vertical markets. We consider a vertically related market in which two symmetric upstream firms provide perfectly complementary inputs for two downstream manufacturers, one of which has a non-controlling interest in its rival. Each upstream firm can choose between two pricing regimes: discriminatory or uniform. This study shows that although uniform pricing limits the firm’s flexibility, one upstream firm voluntarily chooses uniform pricing, and the other chooses discriminatory pricing in equilibrium. Furthermore, in the mixed-strategic equilibrium for the pricing regimes, we find that downstream horizontal shareholding makes upstream firms likely to choose uniform pricing, which is undesirable for consumers and society. We extend the above analysis to the following directions: endogenous horizontal shareholding and two-part tariffs.
Quantitative investigation of a 3D bubble trapper in a high shear stress microfluidic chip using computational fluid dynamics and L*A*B* color space
Authors: Boonsiri Warisara , Aung Hein Htet , Aswakool Jirasin , Santironnarong Siraphob , Pothipan Phattarin , Phatthanakun Rungrueang , Chancharoen Wares , Moonwiriyakit Aekkacha
Published: January 2025

Microfluidic chips often face challenges related to the formation and accumulation of air bubbles, which can hinder their performance. This study investigated a bubble trapping mechanism integrated into microfluidic chip to address this issue. Microfluidic chip design includes a high shear stress section of fluid flow that can generate up to 2.7 Pa and two strategically placed bubble traps. Commercially available magnets are used for fabrication, effectively reducing production costs. The trapping efficiency is assessed through video recordings with a phone camera and analysis of captured air volumes by injecting dye at flow rates of 50, 100, and 150 µL/min. This assessment uses L*A*B* color space with analysis of the perceptual color difference ∆E and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results demonstrate successful application of the bubble trap mechanism for lab-on-chip bubble detection, effectively preventing bubbles from entering microchannels and mitigating potential damage. Furthermore, the correlation between the L*A*B* color space and volume fraction from CFD simulations allows accurate assessment of trap performance. Therefore, this observation leads to the hypothesis that ∆E could be used to estimate the air volume inside the bubble trap. Future research will validate the bubble trap performance in cell cultures and develop efficient methods for long-term air bubble removal.

Graphical abstract
On bad intentions and harmful consequences: understanding public perceptions of environmental crime seriousness
Authors: Kluin Marieke , Ansems Lisa , Brands Jelle
Published: January 2025

The public has grown increasingly concerned about environmental issues. However, few studies examine the perceived seriousness of environmental crimes. Those that do tend to focus on US citizens and compare crime seriousness ratings among different types of crimes, rather than examining the factors that shape perceptions of environmental crime seriousness. By employing a vignette survey among Dutch citizens (N = 261), the current paper seeks to address this knowledge gap. It focuses on two such factors: (1) whether or not the environmental crime is committed intentionally, and (2) whether or not the environmental crime causes considerable harm. The results show that environmental crimes were perceived as more serious when committed intentionally and when they caused considerable harm. Furthermore, intentions affected perceived seriousness less in case of harm and harm affected perceived seriousness less in case the crime was committed intentionally. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of the factors that shape the perceived seriousness of environmental crimes.
Approval of Parent-Child Aggression as a Mediator of Intergenerational Child Abuse Risk: An Evaluation of Racial Differences
Authors: Morgan Casie H. , Rodriguez Christina M. , Pu Doris F. , Elkins Zoe O.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Personal history of parent-child aggression (PCA) can predict future parenting behavior, but some effects may differ between racial groups. Black parents in the U.S. are more likely to encounter discrimination and personally experience and approve of PCA, which may account for previously reported group differences. This study examined whether personal PCA history predicted later parental child abuse risk mediated by PCA approval across the transition to parenthood, and whether effects differed by race.

Methods

Expectant parents (non-Hispanic White sample: 95 mothers with 86 fathers; Black sample: 94 mothers with 85 fathers) participated in a prospective longitudinal study, assessed prenatally and when children were age 6 mo., 18 mo., and four years. Personal history of PCA was assessed retrospectively, PCA approval was evaluated at each timepoint; and abuse risk was assessed as both theoretical abuse risk (an analog task at all timepoints) and actual PCA use (parents’ report at the final two timepoints).

Results

Personal PCA history largely predicted PCA approval for Black parents but was inconsistent for White parents. Higher PCA approval predicted abuse risk for both groups but appears to be a more consistent mediator between personal PCA history and abuse risk for Black parents.

Conclusions

Findings suggest PCA approval may perpetuate the PCA cycle but future work needs to consider differential effects by race, socioeconomic status, and age and identify factors that may account for such differences. Abuse preventions should be more intentionally culturally informed to enhance efficacy for communities of color.
Conceptualizing data-driven entrepreneurship: from knowledge creation to entrepreneurial opportunities and innovation
Authors: Grimaldi Mara , Troisi Orlando , Papa Armando , de Nuccio Elbano
Published: January 2025

Digital transformation and the possibility to collect large amount of data, the so-called big data, from different sources can lead to the redefinition of business processes, models and infrastructures. In this respect, data-driven decision making (DDDM) emphasizes the need to rethink management practices to view data as a driving force that can improve the effectiveness of decisions and nurture innovation. Over time, data-driven principles have been reframed as the foundations for the development of a new mind-set that considers data as a key asset that redesigns entrepreneurship and encompasses orientation, culture and human resources management to help entrepreneurs catch, evaluate and launch entrepreneurial opportunities that can improve technology and knowledge by stimulating innovation. For this reason, the study aims at reconceptualizing entrepreneurship according to a multi-levelled perspective based on the integration of cultural, human, knowledge-based and technological dimension to assess the impact of data-driven management on entrepreneurial opportunities creation and on the development of different kinds of innovation. To assess these goals, empirical research based on constructivist grounded theory and on the administration of semi-structured interviews is performed through the investigation of an Italian public–private Consortium specialized in big data. The findings allow the elaboration of a conceptual framework which classifies the activities of data-driven entrepreneurial processes, the phases of opportunity creation and the different kinds of innovation enabled in the Consortium by guiding entrepreneurs and managers in the elaboration of effective data analysis strategies.
What Makes a Relationship Serious? Race, Religion, and Emotions in South Asian Muslim Immigrants’ Romantic Meaning-Making
Authors: Shams Tahseen
Published: January 2025

How do sociologists operationalize “romance,” specifically the seriousness or casualness of the romantic relationships of the participants they study? How do research participants themselves understand and define romantic connections in everyday life? Using the case of 80 South Asian Muslim Canadian interviewees and how they used relationship labels like “casual” and “serious” when describing their romantic experiences, this article problematizes the concept of a romantic partnership and bridges sociological conversations about emotions, dating, marriage, and larger discussions about religion, race, gender, and immigration in high-demand religious cultures. Contrary to popular definitions of casual and serious relationships, rather than on sexual intimacy, my participants defined the casualness or seriousness of their relationship based on the marriageability of their partner. Their assessment of a partner’s marriageability rested on the partner’s social compatibility and/or their emotional attachment with the partner. Factors indicating marriageability included race/ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status that many participants perceived to be in tension with emotions. On the one hand, emotional connections brought people from different races and faiths together, motivating participants to overcome external hurdles from family and internal biases. On the other hand, people ended relationships with out-group partners despite being in loving relationships for years because they deemed them to be socially incompatible for marriage. However, emotions are hard to control. Sometimes, the relationship deemed to be the most socially compatible was unsuccessful because of a lack of emotional connection. Instead, the relationship with an out-group partner initially deemed incompatible ended up being emotionally significant and meaningful.
Bi-aspectual verbs in heritage Russian against the background of baseline language dynamics
Authors: Warditz Vladislava
Published: January 2025

Our study investigates language processing in mono- and multilingual settings, focusing on language dynamics in heritage Russian against the background of baseline Russian.

In this context, we explore bi-aspectual verbs as an unstable part of Russian grammar. As verbs without morphologically marked expression of aspectual contrasts, bi-aspectual verbs represent a special case within Russian aspectual morphology and demonstrate significant variations in their monolingual use. Our study examines the use of bi-aspectual verbs in heritage Russian acquired as a home language in a multilingual environment in families with migrant background. In contrast to monolingual speakers, heritage speakers operate with polylingual variation, which can comprise single varieties within the same language or even two or more typologically different languages. These language variation mechanisms in heritage speakers represent notable specifics of their language use and the special dynamics of heritage Russian. Therefore, when comparing the use of a dynamic part of the language system, we aim to shed light on the analogous vs specific language processing in baseline and heritage Russian.

Based on the elaborated production data, we test the use of ten bi-aspectual verbs in heritage speakers (N = 30) with high proficiency in Russian. The control group of the study was composed of monolingual Russian respondents (N = 30). By examining the use of bi-aspectual verbs in monolingual (baseline Russian) and bilingual (migrant heritage Russian) speakers, we focus on the question of the extent to which language dynamics in the core domains of the language system are either similar or dissimilar in heritage vs baseline language. In so doing, we further contribute to the discussion of the primary vs secondary role of the internal vs external mechanisms of language change.
A decomposition algorithm for distributionally robust chance-constrained programs with polyhedral ambiguity set
Authors: Pathy Soumya Ranjan , Rahimian Hamed
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study a distributionally robust optimization approach to chance-constrained stochastic programs to hedge against uncertainty in the distributions of the random parameters. We consider a general polyhedral ambiguity set under finite support. We develop a decomposition-based solution approach to solve the model and use mixing inequalities to develop custom feasibility cuts. In addition, probability cuts are also developed to handle the distributionally robust chance constraint. Finally, we present a numerical study to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed decomposition-based algorithm and showcase the results for Wasserstein ambiguity set, total variation distance ambiguity set, and moment-based ambiguity set as special cases of the polyhedral ambiguity set.
Computational Generation of Long-range Axonal Morphologies
Authors: Berchet Adrien , Petkantchin Remy , Markram Henry , Kanari Lida
Published: January 2025

Long-range axons are fundamental to brain connectivity and functional organization, enabling communication between different brain regions. Recent advances in experimental techniques have yielded a substantial number of whole-brain axonal reconstructions. While previous computational generative models of neurons have predominantly focused on dendrites, generating realistic axonal morphologies is more challenging due to their distinct targeting. In this study, we present a novel algorithm for axon synthesis that combines algebraic topology with the Steiner tree algorithm, an extension of the minimum spanning tree, to generate both the local and long-range compartments of axons. We demonstrate that our computationally generated axons closely replicate experimental data in terms of their morphological properties. This approach enables the generation of biologically accurate long-range axons that span large distances and connect multiple brain regions, advancing the digital reconstruction of the brain. Ultimately, our approach opens up new possibilities for large-scale in-silico simulations, advancing research into brain function and disorders.
Sasanian and early Islamic copper-base metalworking at Qasr-e Abu Nasr, south-central Iran
Authors: Oudbashi Omid , Colburn Henry P. , Carò Federico
Published: January 2025

A group of metal objects excavated at Qasr-e Abu Nasr in south-central Iran in the 1930s, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been analyzed to examine metalworking techniques and metallurgical processes. Thirty-three objects were studied and analyzed by micro-X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and metallography techniques. The results of these analyses show a wide range of copper alloy compositions including impure copper, tin bronze, brass, leaded tin bronze, leaded brass and leaded ternary Cu-Sn-Zn (gunmetal) alloys. Also, two silver-copper and one pewter object were identified among the analyzed objects. The results of this interdisciplinary study provide new insights onto the archaeology of Qasr-e Abu Nasr, as well as present new information about the history and evolution of copper-base metallurgy on the Iranian Plateau during the Sasanian and early Islamic periods.
Development of a Hardened Industrial Strain of S. cerevisiae for Bioethanol Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysates
Authors: Brandt B. A. , Teke G. M. , van Zyl W. H. , Görgens J. F.
Published: January 2025

Sugarcane bagasse is a priority source of industrially available lignocellulose for producing residue-based fuels using microbes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This process requires pre-treatment (such as dilute acid or steam explosion) of the lignocellulosic material, which often releases the monomeric sugars (glucose and xylose) and selected microbial inhibitors. A key bottleneck, however, remains the limited xylose utilization ability and toxicity of the released microbial inhibitors that negatively affect the fermentation ability of the yeast. Hence, this study engineered the industrial, xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae CelluXTM4 strain for improved resistance to pre-treatment-derived microbial inhibitors by overexpressing various genes associated with inhibitor resistance phenotypes. Combinations of six homologous genes were overexpressed through 3 rounds of genomic integrations, resulting in the C4TP1 and C4TP3 groups of transformants. These were screened in 50% w/w sugarcane hydrolysate fermentations under industrially relevant conditions for bioethanol production. Key findings show that the highest bioethanol titers were from C4TP1 and C4TP3 transformants, ranging from 1.8 to 35.2 g/L, which far outperformed the 2.1–3.2 g/L achieved by the CelluXTM4 industrial strain. Moreover, the TFA3.3 and TFA1.4 transformants achieved 39.4 and 40.1 g/L bioethanol titers, respectively. Thus, the overexpressed genes contributed to the improved tolerance to inhibitors, resulting in a step-change improvement in fermentation performance.
Biodiesel Production from Animal Fats Using Blast Furnace Geopolymer Heterogeneous Catalyst: Optimisation and Kinetic Study
Authors: Mwenge Pascal , Luboya Aaron , Muthubi Salvation , Rutto Hilary , Seodigeng Tumisang
Published: January 2025

Biodiesel is a sustainable fuel alternative that is typically produced through a transesterification process that primarily employs homogeneous catalysts. However, they generate significant amounts of wastewater and are often non-\recyclable. This study aims to investigate the application of heterogeneous blast furnace slag geopolymer catalyst for biodiesel production from animal fat. Central composite design was employed to optimise the transesterification process, considering four key variables: the methanol-to-oil ratio (20–50 wt.%), reaction time (3–7 h), reaction temperature (30–70 °C) and catalyst-to-oil ratio (3–15 wt.%). The heterogeneous geopolymer catalyst was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. These analyses confirmed the geopolymerisation of the blast furnace slag and revealed no modifications to the geopolymer structure following the transesterification reaction. RSM optimisation resulted in 97.436% biodiesel yield, which was achieved at a constant stirring rate of 450 RPM, a reaction time of 6.254 h, a catalyst ratio of 9.996 wt.%, a methanol-to-animal fat ratio of 33.435 wt.%, and a reaction temperature of 50.509 °C, which was experimentally validated. The transesterification process followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics, with an activation energy of 43.76 kJ/mol. These findings demonstrate the potential of animal fat as a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production catalysed by blast furnace slag geopolymer, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional homogeneous catalysts.
Closed flat Riemannian 4-manifolds
Authors: Lambert Thomas P. , Ratcliffe John G. , Tschantz Steven T.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we describe the classification of all the geometric fibrations of a closed flat Riemannian 4-manifold over a connected 1-orbifold.
Robust online drop detection for cochlear implant surgery
Authors: Liu Yuansan , Wijewickrema Sudanthi , Bester Christofer , O’Leary Stephen , Bailey James
Published: January 2025

Hearing loss is an impairment that affects a large population worldwide. Cochlear implant (CI) surgery is an effective solution, especially in patients with residual, natural hearing. However, the risk of intracochlear damage during CI surgery, which impairs residual hearing, remains as a concern. It has been shown that intra-operative monitoring (using electrocochleography, specifically the cochlear microphonic) during CI surgery can detect drops that are associated with such trauma, resulting in its potential prevention. Researchers have attempted to automate the process of drop detection by implementing supervised models. However, these have so far failed to achieve good reliability and generalizability. To address these issues, we develop an unsupervised model based on the Bayesian method with a scoring function derived from the logistic function. The proposed model, as a data-driven method, directly learns from data without the need for any supervision which enhances its adaptability to diverse patient populations. Empirical results demonstrate the proposed model’s high accuracy with a low false alarm rate (18 extra detection against 146 in previous work), as well as its robustness when processing new data. This indicates its potential for real-world application to improve safety during CI surgery.
In situ growth of three-dimensional walnut-like nanostructures of W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for water decomposition
Authors: Gao Yu , Sun Xin , Mersal Gaber A. M. , Alhadhrami A. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Hou Yulong , Liu Wenhui , Bildan Denise , Algadi Hassan , Liu Terence X.
Published: January 2025

The design of novel composite nanomaterial structures is important for the construction of advanced electrocatalysts. Nevertheless, obtaining novel electrocatalysts with excellent catalytic activity and stability is still challenging. Herein, new catalysts with a unique nanostructure of W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF composed of W-doped Ni2P ultrafine nanosheets were successfully grown in situ using NiFe LDH nanostructures as the backbone support. The newly produced catalysts showed distinctive three-dimensional spherical nanostructure, beneficial to enhancing electron transport, providing abundant active sites, and promoting gas release. To increase the catalytic effectiveness, a synergy interaction was produced among W-Ni2P with NiFe LDH to yield significantly improved stability and reactivity electrocatalysts. Compared to NiFe LDH/NF and W-Ni2P/NF, the as-obtained spherically-structured W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF catalysts demonstrated high catalytic efficiencies toward OER (222 mV @ 40 mA⋅cm−2), HER (195 mV @ 10 mA⋅cm−2), and total electrolysis (1.7 V @ 10 mA⋅cm−2). Besides, the catalytic activities of W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF electrocatalysts compared well to most published non-precious metal catalysts and even valuable precious metal catalysts. In sum, the proposed approach to construct inexpensive, high-activity, and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts looks promising for advanced future hydrogen energy conversion applications.
The Factorial Fundamental Frequency Explicit Formulas for Homogenous Rectangular Thin Plates with Four Free Edges
Authors: Tang Lechao , Feng Zengming , Deng Jianjiao , Hou Hangsheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate fundamental modal solutions for rectangular thin plates with four free edges: (1) to provide a novel criterion for fundamental mode identification, and (2) to derive high accurate explicit formulas for calculating the fundamental frequency.

Method

To achieve the study objectives, an investigation into the fundamental mode space was conducted, varying structural and material parameters including the plate’s dimensions (a, b), thickness (h), and Poisson’s ratio (ν). A novel, explicit criterion for fundamental mode identification was formulated, incorporating a six sigma tolerance tailored for specific aspect ratios. Ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple linear regression methodology was integrated within a dedicated process to identify optimal factor combinations for factorial frequencies based on 56 features. This methodology allowed for the derivation of factorial frequency formulas as a function of a, b, h, and ν, providing explicit expressions for calculating the fundamental frequency.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the global fundamental mode shapes of rectangular thin plates with four free edges are primarily governed by the aspect ratio a/b, Poisson’s ratio ν, and the thickness-induced shearing effect h on both dimensions. The derived explicit formulas for calculating the fundamental frequency exhibit exceptional accuracy, with a maximum error of −0.217% compared to extensive finite element analysis results, surpassing current state-of-the-art accuracy. This work presents physically meaningful, explicit formulations and introduces a novel perspective in plate and shell research, particularly relevant in scenarios with adjacent free edges and similar global modes.