bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plug‐and‐play segment anything model improves nnUNet performance
Authors: Li Yunxiang , Jing Bowen , Li Zihan , Wang Jing , Zhang You
Published: October 2024

Background

The automatic segmentation of medical images has widespread applications in modern clinical workflows. The Segment Anything Model (SAM), a recent development of foundational models in computer vision, has become a universal tool for image segmentation without the need for specific domain training. However, SAM's reliance on prompts necessitates human‐computer interaction during the inference process. Its performance on specific domains can also be limited without additional adaptation. In contrast, traditional models like nnUNet are designed to perform segmentation tasks automatically during inference and can work well for each specific domain, but they require extensive training on domain‐specific datasets.

Purpose

To leverage the advantages of both foundational and domain‐specific models and achieve fully automated segmentation with limited training samples, we propose nnSAM, which combines the robust feature extraction capabilities of SAM with the automatic configuration abilities of nnUNet to enhance the accuracy and robustness of medical image segmentation on small datasets.

Methods

We propose the nnSAM model for small sample medical image segmentation. We made optimizations for this goal via two main approaches: first, we integrated the feature extraction capabilities of SAM with the automatic configuration advantages of nnUNet, which enables robust feature extraction and domain‐specific adaptation on small datasets. Second, during the training process, we designed a boundary shape supervision loss based on level set functions and curvature calculations, enabling the model to learn anatomical shape priors from limited annotation data.

Results

We conducted quantitative and qualitative assessments on the performance of our proposed method on four segmentation tasks: brain white matter, liver, lung, and heart segmentation. Our method achieved the best performance across all tasks. Specifically, in brain white matter segmentation using 20 training samples, nnSAM achieved the highest DICE score of 82.77 ( 10.12) % and the lowest average surface distance (ASD) of 1.14 ( 1.03) mm, compared to nnUNet, which had a DICE score of 79.25 ( 17.24) % and an ASD of 1.36 ( 1.63) mm. A sample size study shows that the advantage of nnSAM becomes more prominent under fewer training samples.

Conclusions

A comprehensive evaluation of multiple small‐sample segmentation tasks demonstrates significant improvements in segmentation performance by nnSAM, highlighting the vast potential of small‐sample learning.
Industrial‐Scale Preparation of Nanocrystalline n‐Type Silicon Oxide Front Contacts Using N2O as an Oxygen Source for High‐Efficiency Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Peng Chen‐Wei , Zou Shuai , He Chenran , Zhang Dramon , Wu Hongfan , Dong Gangqiang , Wu Haihong , Yu Cao , Zeng Yulian , Wang Zipeng , Dai Longfei , Su Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

The advantage of employing an n‐type hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc‐SiOx:H) layer as the front surface field (FSF) in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells is due to its low optical absorption coefficient and tunable refractive index. However, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, one of the major precursor gases in the nc‐SiOx:H layer, deteriorates the crystallinity, which is one of the key factors affecting cell performance. Here, we successfully deposited a nc‐SiOx:H FSF layer with high crystallinity for SHJ solar cells by using nitrous oxide (N2O) as an alternative oxygen source instead of existing CO2. Compared with the use of CO2, the use of N2O as an oxygen source can achieve a 10% ~ 15% increase in the deposition rate of the nc‐SiOx:H layer, which can shorten the total processing tact‐time, thus having the potential to reduce production costs in large‐scale industrial applications. The influence of N2O as an oxygen source on the film properties was also investigated. By optimizing the proportion of N2O in the precursor gases, we finally fabricated 274.5 cm2‐area SHJ solar cells with an in‐house average efficiency of 25.76%, which is approximately 0.1%abs higher than that of their reference counterparts (using CO2 as an oxygen source), and obtained a certified efficiency of 25.79% for the champion cell independently confirmed by the ISFH CalTeC in Germany.
Boosting Dry Reforming of Methane Over NiCo/CeO2 Catalysts Treated by Hydrogen Plasma
Authors: Zhang Luyue , Huang Zhiyuan , Zhu Bin , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhu Yimin
Published: October 2024

Nickel (Ni)‐based catalysts are prospective materials for dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction, but suffer from coke formation and limited activity for CO2 conversion. To improve the reactivity of Ni‐based catalysts, a promising strategy is introducing cobalt (Co) metal. Here, we construct highly efficient NiCo sites on CeO2 support by H2 plasma, which enables the catalyst to obtain a remarkable increase in DRM reaction than the samples treated by conventional H2 reduction. H2 plasma treatment results in the formation of highly dispersed NiCo alloy nanoparticles and high‐concentration oxygen vacancy. These features create large numbers of highly active sites to boost the activation of CH4 and especially CO2 and their catalytic reactions, resulting in strong coke resistance in the DRM reaction.
Nitrogen‐Nitrogen Bond Breaking in Irradiation Products of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20)
Authors: Beste Ariana
Published: October 2024

While the primary result of an interaction of ionizing radiation with an organic material is the ejection of electrons from molecular orbitals producing cations, the free electrons can further interact, yielding excited states; and, potentially, anions. In this work, we computed reaction barriers and energies for N−N bond breaking in the CL‐20 cation, anion, and excited state to investigate if CL‐20 degradation is accelerated after radiation exposure. We focused on N−N bond dissociation because it is the rate‐determining step in the thermal degradation of CL‐20. We found that N−N cleavage rapidly takes place in the CL‐20 cation and anion with greatly reduced reaction energies as compared to CL‐20. We also outlined a potential path for photodissociation of the N−N bond. While CL‐20 is kinetically stable, initial degradation occurs readily in its irradiation products. This is of importance for the performance of the explosive after high‐dose exposure and influences aging if CL‐20 is irradiated at a low dose over extended periods of time.
Diversity and structural‐functional insights of alpha‐solenoid proteins
Authors: Arrías Paula Nazarena , Osmanli Zarifa , Peralta Estefanía , Chinestrad Patricio Manuel , Monzon Alexander Miguel , Tosatto Silvio C. E.
Published: October 2024

Alpha‐solenoids are a significant and diverse subset of structured tandem repeat proteins (STRPs) that are important in various domains of life. This review examines their structural and functional diversity and highlights their role in critical cellular processes such as signaling, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. Alpha‐solenoids can be classified into three geometric folds: low curvature, high curvature, and corkscrew, as well as eight subfolds: ankyrin repeats; Huntingtin, elongation factor 3, protein phosphatase 2A, and target of rapamycin; armadillo repeats; tetratricopeptide repeats; pentatricopeptide repeats; Pumilio repeats; transcription activator‐like; and Sel‐1 and Sel‐1‐like repeats. These subfolds represent distinct protein families with unique structural properties and functions, highlighting the versatility of alpha‐solenoids. The review also discusses their association with disease, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets and their role in protein design. Advances in state‐of‐the‐art structure prediction methods provide new opportunities and challenges in the functional characterization and classification of this kind of fold, emphasizing the need for continued development of methods for their identification and proper data curation and deposition in the main databases.
BEAN and HABAS: Polyphyletic insertions in the DNA‐directed RNA polymerase
Authors: Alvarez‐Carreño Claudia , Huynh Angela T. , Petrov Anton S. , Orengo Christine , Williams Loren Dean
Published: October 2024

The β and β′ subunits of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) are large proteins with complex multi‐domain architectures that include several insertional domains. Here, we analyze the domain organizations of RNAP‐β and RNAP‐β′ using sequence, experimentally determined structures and AlphaFold structure predictions. We observe that lineage‐specific insertional domains in bacterial RNAP‐β belong to a group that we call BEAN (broadly embedded annex). We observe that lineage‐specific insertional domains in bacterial RNAP‐β′ belong to a group that we call HABAS (hammerhead/barrel‐sandwich hybrid). The BEAN domain has a characteristic three‐dimensional structure composed of two square bracket‐like elements that are antiparallel relative to each other. The HABAS domain contains a four‐stranded open β‐sheet with a GD‐box‐like motif in one of the β‐strands and the adjoining loop. The BEAN domain is inserted not only in the bacterial RNAP‐β′, but also in the archaeal version of universal ribosomal protein L10. The HABAS domain is inserted in several metabolic proteins. The phylogenetic distributions of bacterial lineage‐specific insertional domains of β and β′ subunits of RNAP follow the Tree of Life. The presence of insertional domains can help establish a relative timeline of events in the evolution of a protein because insertion is inferred to post‐date the base domain. We discuss mechanisms that might account for the discovery of homologous insertional domains in non‐equivalent locations in bacteria and archaea.
Gating residues govern ligand unbinding kinetics from the buried cavity in HIF‐2α PAS‐B
Authors: Silvestrini Marion L. , Solazzo Riccardo , Boral Soumendu , Cocco Melanie J. , Closson Joseph D. , Masetti Matteo , Gardner Kevin H. , Chong Lillian T.
Published: October 2024

While transcription factors have been generally perceived as “undruggable,” an exception is the HIF‐2 hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor, which contains an internal cavity that is sufficiently large to accommodate a range of small‐molecules, including the therapeutically used inhibitor belzutifan. Given the relatively long ligand residence times of these small molecules and the lack of any experimentally observed pathway connecting the cavity to solvent, there has been great interest in understanding how these drug ligands exit the buried receptor cavity. Here, we focus on the relevant PAS‐B domain of hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α (HIF‐2α) and examine how one such small molecule (THS‐017) exits from the buried cavity within this domain on the seconds‐timescale using atomistic simulations and ZZ‐exchange NMR. To enable the simulations, we applied the weighted ensemble path sampling strategy, which generates continuous pathways for a rare‐event process [e.g., ligand (un)binding] with rigorous kinetics in orders of magnitude less computing time compared to conventional simulations. Results reveal the formation of an encounter complex intermediate and two distinct classes of pathways for ligand exit. Based on these pathways, we identified two pairs of conformational gating residues in the receptor: one for the major class (N288 and S304) and another for the minor class (L272 and M309). ZZ‐exchange NMR validated the kinetic importance of N288 for ligand unbinding. Our results provide an ideal simulation dataset for rational manipulation of ligand unbinding kinetics.
Design, synthesis and antifungal activity of arylhydrazine analogs containing diphenyl ether fragments
Authors: Qiu Longjian , Liu Yaru , Zhang Lijuan , Hu Aixi , Ye Jiao , Yan Zhongzhong
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) represents a critical target in the development of novel fungicides. To address the growing issue of resistance and safeguard the economic viability of agricultural production, the pursuit of new succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) has emerged as a significant focus of contemporary research.

RESULTS

In this project, 32 arylhydrazine derivatives containing diphenyl ether structural units were synthesized and evaluated for their fungicidal activities against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Alternaria alternata, Gibberella zeae, Alternaria solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In an in vitro fungicidal activity assay, compound D6 showed significant inhibitory activity against R. solani with a half‐maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 0.09 mg L−1. The in vivo fungicidal activity demonstrated that compound D6 inhibited R. solani by 95.39% in rice leaves, which was significantly better than that of boscalid (85.76%). The results of SDH enzyme assay, molecular docking simulation, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cytoplasmic release studies and morphological observations demonstrated that the target compound D6 not only had significant SDH inhibitory activity, but also affected the membrane integrity of mycelium.

CONCLUSION

Bioactivity screening and validation of the mechanism of action indicated that compound D6 was a potentially unique SDHI, acting on SDH while also affecting cell membrane permeability, which deserved further study. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Residential mobility and social capital: Regional analysis in Finland
Authors: Jokela Markus , Soini Eetu , Laakasuo Michael , Parikka Suvi , Rotkirch Anna , Hämäläinen Hans
Published: October 2024

Multiple factors can influence the rates of residential mobility flows between different regions of a country. Studies have often focused on demographic and economic factors, but social conditions may be relevant as well. We examined whether different indicators of social capital (i.e., social support, loneliness, social trust, community participation, cultural activities, and meeting other people) were associated with population migration rates across 299 municipalities of Finland. Data for the social characteristics were derived from the Regional Health and Wellbeing study (n = 100,750 respondents) aggregated to the level of municipalities using multilevel regression with post‐stratification (median number of participants was 115 individuals per municipality, range from 5 to 10,616). Residential mobility rates were derived from census data. Municipalities with higher levels of social support, higher social trust, more cultural activities, and more frequent social contacts had higher net migration rates, that is, more people moving in than out of the municipality. Social support, cultural activities, and community participation were associated with higher in‐migration. Social trust and frequency of meeting people were associated with lower out‐migration. The findings provide empirical support for the hypothesis that regions with stronger social capital are more attractive destinations for within‐country residential mobility.
Reachable Set Estimation for Singular Discrete‐Time Nonlinear Systems With Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Vu Le Huy
Published: October 2024

In this article, the reachable set estimation problems for a class of singular discrete‐time nonlinear systems (SDNS) with time‐varying delay (TVD) are presented. First, we employ a Lyapunov function scheme and utilize zero‐type free matrix equations. Based on this, a criterion is derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee that the considered system to be regular, causal, and the state trajectory of the system is bounded. Second, by developing the singular systems decomposition technique into slow and fast subsystems and using the introduced auxiliary lemma, we establish that the state trajectory of the fast subsystem is also bounded, and the reachable set of singular nonlinear system is bounded within the ellipsoid. Finally, Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cinnamon – A Competent Drug: A Review on Extraction, Analysis and Anticancer Action
Authors: Demina T. D. , Margaret Rodrigues Roopa , George Louis , Varghese Anitha
Published: October 2024

Cinnamon, an Indigenous species, is extensively used as a folk medicine in India, China, and other parts of the world due to its therapeutic potential inherited via the latent chemical composition. The vital component presented is cinnamaldehyde, along with cinnamic acid and cinnamate, which contributes to being an anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent together with the capability to control neurological syndromes like Alzheimer's and even Parkinson's diseases. Given the importance of the anticarcinogenic properties of cinnamon on various cell strains concerning the curable effect, this review focuses on evaluating different extraction methods like steam distillation, Soxhlet extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, and more, in addition to a summary of new technologies like gas chromatography, HPLC, DART‐MS, and NMR, etc. which paved the way in characterizing the chemical composition of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde showed its apoptosis through various mechanistic pathways on an adequate number of cell lines and antineoplastic potential on specific multifaceted cancerous cells, which advocates for continued research and investment in this vital area of drug discovery and suggestions for future scope.
Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) on Modified Coal Gasification Slag: Competitive Adsorption, Leaching Toxicity, and Adsorption Mechanism
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Ting , Ma Rui , Ma Hongzhi , Dong Biqin , Xia Changlei , Li Hongxia
Published: October 2024

To remove heavy metals from wastewater, coal gasification slag (CGS) was prepared as an adsorbent. Five modified materials were created, including HF‐CGSC, KOH‐HCl‐CGS, and three KOH‐CGS variants with different mass ratios. The adsorption tests showed KOH‐CGS (0.25) had the best efficiency for Pb(II) and Cd(II) via spontaneous chemisorption. Kinetic, thermodynamic, and 13C NMR analyses indicated that adsorption involved pore adsorption, functional group coordination, and π‐π interactions. Competitive adsorption results showed minimal interaction between Pb and Cd. Leaching tests confirmed the process's environmental safety. This study suggests new approaches for using coal gasification slag in wastewater treatment.
Efficient Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methane Derivatives on Heterogeneous Ga‐MCM‐41‐SO3H Catalyst under Mild Conditions
Authors: Van Do Dang , Nguyen Van Thi Hong , Linh Tran Tuan , Le Thanh Son , Ngoc Binh Vo , Nguyen Hien , Cho Cheon‐Gyu , Hung Tran Quang , Dang Tuan Thanh , Ngo Quoc Anh
Published: October 2024

We are reporting a convenient method for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives from relatively cheap and commercially available chemicals such as indoles and aldehydes in a one‐pot procedure using Ga‐MCM‐41‐SO3H heterogeneous catalyst. Notably, the use of this catalyst has resulted in high yield of products (up to 98 %) under mild conditions, and the catalyst was found to be stable and reusable, retaining its highly catalytic activity even after five runs. Interestingly, two alkaloids Arsindoline A and Turbomycine B were successfully synthesized in the employment of this catalyst. These findings suggest that Ga‐MCM‐41‐SO3H could be a promising alternative to traditional acid homogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives, offering several advantages including ease of separation and reuse, high stability, and low toxicity.
Research Progress of Human Biomimetic Self‐Healing Materials
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Sun Fuyao , Xu Jianhua , Zhao Zi‐Han , Fu Jiajun
Published: October 2024

Humans can heal themselves after injury, which inspires researchers to develop bionic self‐healing materials. Such materials not only equipped with the self‐repair capacities akin to those of the human body, but also emulate the mechanical properties of human organs, including the tensile resilience of muscles, the fatigue resistance of skin, and the elevated modulus typical of cartilage. Based on the design concept of imitating the structure of human organs, the bionic self‐healing material perfectly solves the problem of poor mechanical properties of self‐healing materials caused by weak bond energy and inter‐chain flow. This review discusses various organ‐inspired self‐healing materials in detail, summarizes their synthetic principles and introduces their fascinating mechanical properties. Finally, the application prospects of bionic self‐healing polymer materials, such as bio‐strain sensors, self‐healing anticorrosive coatings, biomedical detection, etc., are outlined. Considering the excellent comprehensive performance and multi‐functions of human biomimetic self‐healing polymers, more outstanding sustainable materials will be developed, accelerating research progress in self‐healing materials and realizing environmentally friendly products in multiple fields.
Achievements and Challenges in Surfactants‐Assisted Synthesis of MOFs‐Derived Transition Metal–Nitrogen–Carbon as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for ORR, OER, and HER
Authors: Li Ru‐Ji , Niu Wen‐Jun , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Yu Bing‐Xin , Cai Chen‐Yu , Xu Li‐Yang , Wang Fu‐Ming
Published: October 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are excellent precursors for preparing transition metal and nitrogen co‐doped carbon catalysts, which have been widely utilized in the field of electrocatalysis since their initial development. However, the original MOFs derived catalysts have been greatly limited in their development and application due to their disadvantages such as metal atom aggregation, structural collapse, and narrow pore channels. Recently, surfactants‐assisted MOFs derived catalysts have attracted much attention from researchers due to their advantages such as hierarchical porous structure, increased specific surface area, and many exposed active sites. This review mainly focuses on the synthesis methods of surfactants‐assisted MOFs derived catalysts and comprehensively introduces the action of surfactants in MOFs derived materials and the structure‐activity relationship between the catalysts and the oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction performance. Apparently, the aims of this review not only introduce the status of surfactants‐assisted MOFs derived catalysts in the field of electrocatalysis but also contribute to the rational design and synthesis of MOFs derived catalysts for fuel cells, metal–air cells, and electrolysis of water toward hydrogen production.
Coupling CoIr Nanoalloys with MXene by Lewis Acidic Molten Salt Etching for Wide‐pH‐Environment Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhou Qingqu , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Lin , Li Zilan , Li Ruidong , Jiang Linbo , Jiang Lintao , Jiao Jixiang , Mu Shichun
Published: October 2024

Metal/MXene‐based materials show broad prospects in energy conversation through the strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI). However, the difficulty and harshness of synthesis heavily limit their further application. Herein, using Lewis acidic molten salt to etch MAX as a precursor of MXene, a more convenient and safer strategy is designed to in situ construct the MXene‐supported CoIr nanoalloy (CoIr/MXene) catalyst through Ti─O─M bond. The special layered structure and oxygen‐containing functional group of MXene regulate the SMSI upon CoIr nanoalloys. Moreover, the contact angle and in situ Raman test results exhibit good interface hydrophilicity of MXene, enhancing the water adsorption on interfaces, and accelerating the mass transfer process. As a result, CoIr/MXene shows high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, which only needs overpotentials of 34 and 50 mV to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2in alkaline and acidic media, respectively, with excellent stability. Especially, in alkaline media, CoIr/MXene possesses 6 times higher HER mass activity (4.297 A mgIr−1) than commercial Pt/C catalysts (0.686 A mgPt−1) at the potential of 50 mV, indicating larger active site density and intrinsic activity for CoIr/MXene. This work expands the application of the molten salt assist etching strategy and provides new insight for the development of metal/MXene‐based catalysts.
A New Insight on the Pulverization Mechanisms of FeSi75 Alloy by Understanding Its Solidification Process
Authors: Tan Ruisong , Wu Tenghao , Wang Haijuan , Song Bo
Published: October 2024

Easy pulverization of FeSi75 alloy during its crushing, storage, and transportation, inducing huge loss of such alloy annually, has been a critical problem. In this research, the pulverization mechanisms of FeSi75 alloy have been understood by introducing a range of characterization techniques to find out correlations between the alloy microstructure, mechanical properties, formation of PH3, and the pulverization during its solidification process. The experiments are carried out under different isothermal quenching temperatures and casting cooling rates. The results show that during the cooling process, the eutectic reaction occurs and produces the low‐ductility ζ phase, which leads to cracks in the microstructure and higher pulverization possibility. Moreover, sulfides and phosphides precipitate on the Fe‐Si microstructure and form clustered structures, and the release of PH3 increases with decreasing temperature. The internal stresses generate by phase transformations, the low‐ductility ζ phase, and the precipitation of sulfides and phosphides at crack sites collectively lead to the pulverization of FeSi75 alloy. It is also found that the grain size becomes smaller and more uniform at higher casting cooling rates, which effectively prevents the precipitation and enrichment of sulfides and phosphides, reduces PH3 release, and hence could prevent the pulverization of FeSi75 alloy.
Systems engineering barriers to legacy system evolution: Legacy system assessment
Authors: Terry Sian , Chandrasekar V.
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of common engineering processes in conducting system assessments, with a focus on legacy system assessments, which are currently a barrier to legacy system evolution. These processes include reverse systems engineering (RSE), which remains in its infancy, and more established processes such as software and hardware reverse engineering. The study assesses these methods to better understand their ability to define systems of interest and meet the criteria set by the four horsemen of traditional systems engineering, as defined by Rebovich and White, and the International Council of Systems Engineering. Additionally, RE techniques are reviewed to ensure that a formal, systems‐level process—with detailed steps and diagrams—is documented and accessible to systems or reverse engineers. Lastly, this investigation elucidates the ability of each reverse engineering process to discover, recover, or reproduce information pertaining to the systems of interest that is missing, incomplete, or outdated in documentation relevant to the development or operations of that system. This information can be used to better understand the areas of RSE that still need to be developed and aid in the maturation of a repeatable process that is applicable to legacy systems. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the further development of the Enterprise Lifecycle Model proposed by Terry and Chandrasekar.
Model‐based systems engineering and safety assessment: A workflow for mechatronic systems design
Authors: Bouhali Imane , Pasquariello Agnese , Mhenni Faida , Vitolo Ferdinando , Hehenberger Peter , Patalano Stanislao , Choley Jean‐Yves
Published: October 2024

Mechatronic systems become ever more complex because of their increasing number of interconnected safety critical components and sophistication. MBSE (Model‐based Systems Engineering) and MBSA (Model‐Based Safety Assessment) are the most commonly adopted approaches to deal with the design and safety analysis of mechatronic systems. Unfortunately, both approaches are normally adopted separately, especially in the earlier phases of system design, thus leading to a lack of communication between system engineers and the safety team. This work aims to fill that gap at a high level, that is, through process interaction. This paper proposes an enhanced V‐model for the design of safety‐critical mechatronic systems. It relates a system development process with specific safety assessment methods. Specifically, the proposed workflow details exchange flows between the RFLP (Requirements, Functional, Logical, Physical) method, the FHA (Functional Hazard Analysis), the FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), the MBSA and simulation, and the FTA (Fault Tree Analysis). These analyses are complemented with multiphysics modeling and simulation to observe system behavior in functional and failure scenarios, with the aim of requirements verification. The design workflow has been applied to a winged Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to apply the parallel process and the necessary interaction of MBSE and MBSA approaches. The information flows between the individual activities proved effective for designing a safe system before the verification phase. The main benefit of the proposed workflow is providing both the design and safety team with some interaction points, thus avoiding a lack of safety‐critical analysis in the early phases of system design.
The characterization of serum proteomics and metabolomics across the cancer trajectory in chronic hepatitis B‐related liver diseases
Authors: Xiao Jin , Liu Hang , Yao Jun , Yang Shuang , Shen Fenglin , Bu KunPeng , Wang Zhenxin , Liu Fan , Xia Ningshao , Yuan Quan , Shu Hong , Xiong Yueting , Liu Xiaohui
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly cancer that emerges from a continuous progression of liver cells from normal to abnormal, often following infections by hepatitis B/C viruses (HBV/HCV), liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis (LC), ultimately culminating in cancer. However, there is currently limited systematic molecular analysis of biomarkers at different stages of HCC progression using multi‐omics approaches. We carried out an innovative pipeline by utilizing targeted proteomics and metabolomics to identify potential biomarkers for early detection of HCC in 316 participants, including healthy adults and patients diagnosed with HBV, HCV, LC, and HCC from three independent cohorts. We first established a detailed database of candidate biomarkers for HCC containing 3059 proteins and 103 metabolites, and identified pivotal candidates implicated in the progressive trajectory of liver cancers. Through our developed DeepPRM, scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)‐targeted approach, and machine learning‐based computational pipeline, we identified an eight‐biomolecular‐based combination with an accuracy rate of 91.43% for early diagnosis of HCC, and a 12‐biomolecular‐based combination with an accuracy rate of 80.00% for detecting changes in HBV–LC progression. These two biomarker combinations significantly improved accuracy compared to traditional tumor biomarkers. Our extensive analysis provides valuable proteomic and metabolomic data resources that will contribute to a deeper understanding of liver disease progression and enhance the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Quantifying the Impact Propagation of Cyber Attacks Using Business Logic Modeling
Authors: Lazrag Marwan , Kiennert Christophe , Garcia-Alfaro Joaquin
Published: October 2024

Cyber-attacks affect the security properties of critical systems, such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability of crucial business activities. They also affect mission quality and performance. Existing risk assessment tools handling the problem still present some limitations, owing to the difficulty of describing the enterprise infrastructure, such as identifying assets, missions, and their dependencies. Furthermore, little research has been conducted to assess the impact propagation of external events on business entities.

In this chapter, we survey existing methods aiming to solve the aforementioned limitations. We focus on two main families: financial and operational impact assessment. The latter aims to specifically assess the impact propagation of cyber-attacks. For instance, cyber-attacks targeting the infrastructure assets and perturbing the execution and performance of the company’s activities. It can also include the evaluation of the financial impact based on former financial assessment methodologies.

We also present a concrete operational impact propagation assessment contribution. This contribution extends previous work by enhancing the definition associated to organizational activities that might be impacted by cyber-attacks. It relies on business impact analysis via business logic modeling. It also includes metrics to quantify (i) the impact propagation probability on the business entities, and (ii) critical time (i.e., the time during which the business entity is not be impacted).
Introduction
Authors: Hertel Thomas W.
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the rationale behind the development of the SIMPLE-G framework and the role it can play in the global sustainability debate. It is designed to document an open-source framework for multiscale analysis of land and water sustainability challenges. Given SIMPLE-G’s emphasis on simplicity and transparency, it is well suited to use in the classroom. By providing a minimodel module for SIMPLE-G, users can analyze outcomes at the level of individual grid cells as well as in a global context. This will help to guide model parameterization, calibration, and validation. The eight diverse applications offered in this book provide a starting point for others to modify and extend this framework to address a wide range of sustainability challenges facing the world today.
Equilibrium Conditions and General Assumptions for a Quantitative Geospatial Economic Model
Authors: Haqiqi Iman
Published: October 2024

Quantitative understanding of the implications of growth in food demand and global changes requires a multisystem framework. Environmental and human system models can be linked via agricultural and food markets. This chapter shows how to construct a computable multiscale environmental economic model for projecting and analyzing the impacts of policies and changes. This analysis requires assumptions about (1) how demand and supply in each market are determined, (2) the relevant scales for each market, and (3) how markets are linked. The market-clearing conditions are based on economic theories at local, regional, and global scales. This chapter introduces the general conditions for constructing a gridded model based on quantitative frameworks widely employed in microeconomics, regional economics, international trade, and land use. To provide a comprehensive picture of how the model works, this chapter illustrates how the equilibrium in agricultural and food markets is determined and how the markets are linked to human and environmental system. The overall model structure shows how local land and water resources can be linked to regional agricultural production and global food consumption.
Konzeptioneller Bezugsrahmen
Authors: Massimiani Andrea
Published: October 2024

Basierend auf den theoretischen Grundlagen im dritten Kapitel und der daraus abgeleiteten Forschungslücke in Abschnitt 4.2, verfolgt das fünfte Kapitel das Ziel, anhand des abgegrenzt dargestellten Untersuchungsgegenstandes einen für diese Arbeit passenden konzeptionellen Bezugsrahmen zu entwickeln.
Empirische Untersuchung
Authors: Massimiani Andrea
Published: October 2024

Das sechste Kapitel dieser Arbeit konzentriert sich auf die methodische Vorgehensweise der empirischen Untersuchung.
Type-Based Verification of Connectivity Constraints in Lattice Surgery
Authors: Wakizaka Ryo , Suzuki Yasunari , Igarashi Atsushi
Published: October 2024

Fault-tolerant quantum computation using lattice surgery can be abstracted as operations on graphs, wherein each logical qubit corresponds to a vertex of the graph, and multi-qubit measurements are accomplished by connecting the vertices with paths between them. Operations attempting to connect vertices without a valid path will result in abnormal termination. As the permissible paths may evolve during execution, it is necessary to statically verify that the execution of a quantum program can be completed. This paper introduces a type-based method to statically verify that well-typed programs can be executed without encountering halts induced by surgery operations. Alongside, we present $$\mathcal {Q}_{LS}$$

Q

LS

, a first-order quantum programming language to formalize the execution model of surgery operations. Furthermore, we provide a type checking algorithm by reducing the type checking problem to the offline dynamic connectivity problem.
Constraining dark matter from strong phase transitions in a $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$ model: implications for neutrino masses and muon g − 2
Authors: Choubey Sandhya , Khan Sarif , Merchand Marco , Vihonen Sampsa
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we study a non-minimal gauged $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

model, where we add two complex singlet scalars, three right-handed Majorana neutrinos (RHN), and a vector-like dark fermion to the Standard Model (SM), all non-trivially charged under the extra gauge symmetry. The model offers an easy resolution to the muon (g – 2) anomaly, which fixes the scale of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Furthermore, the two-zero minor structure in the RHN mass matrix provides successful predictions for neutrino oscillation parameters, including the Dirac phase. The extended scalar sector can easily induce first-order phase transitions. We identify all possible phase transition patterns in the three-dimensional field space. We quantify the associated gravitational waves from the sound wave source and demonstrate that the signatures can be observed in future space-based experiments. We find that strong first-order phase transitions require large values of scalar quartic couplings which constrain the scalar dark matter (DM) relic density to a maximum of 10−2 and 10−5 when we consider the DM direct detection bound. Nonetheless, the model successfully explains the DM relic density via contribution from the vector-like dark fermion. We show the allowed range of the model parameters that can address all the beyond SM issues targeted in this study.
Knowledge and support for AI in the public sector: a deliberative poll experiment
Authors: Arnesen Sveinung , Broderstad Troy Saghaug , Fishkin James S. , Johannesson Mikael Poul , Siu Alice
Published: October 2024

We are on the verge of a revolution in public sector decision-making processes, where computers will take over many of the governance tasks previously assigned to human bureaucrats. Governance decisions based on algorithmic information processing are increasing in numbers and scope, contributing to decisions that impact the lives of individual citizens. While significant attention in the recent few years has been devoted to normative discussions on fairness, accountability, and transparency related to algorithmic decision-making based on artificial intelligence, less is known about citizens’ considered views on this issue. To put society in-the-loop, a Deliberative Poll was thus carried out on the topic of using artificial intelligence in the public sector, as a form of in-depth public consultation. The three use cases that were selected for deliberation were refugee reallocation, a welfare-to-work program, and parole. A key finding was that after having acquired more knowledge about the concrete use cases, participants were overall more supportive of using artificial intelligence in the decision processes. The event was set up with a pretest/post-test control group experimental design, and as such, the results offer experimental evidence to extant observational studies showing positive associations between knowledge and support for using artificial intelligence.
“Your friendly AI assistant”: the anthropomorphic self-representations of ChatGPT and its implications for imagining AI
Authors: van Es Karin , Nguyen Dennis
Published: October 2024

This study analyzes how ChatGPT portrays and describes itself, revealing misleading myths about AI technologies, specifically conversational agents based on large language models. This analysis allows for critical reflection on the potential harm these misconceptions may pose for public understanding of AI and related technologies. While previous research has explored AI discourses and representations more generally, few studies focus specifically on AI chatbots. To narrow this research gap, an experimental-qualitative investigation into auto-generated AI representations based on prompting was conducted. Over the course of a month, ChatGPT (both in its GPT-4 and GPT-4o models) was prompted to “Draw an image of yourself,” “Represent yourself visually,” and “Envision yourself visually.” The resulting data (n = 50 images and 58 texts) was subjected to a critical exploratory visual semiotic analysis to identify recurring themes and tendencies in how ChatGPT is represented and characterized. Three themes emerged from the analysis: anthropomorphism, futuristic/futurism and (social)intelligence. Importantly, compared to broader AI imaginations, the findings emphasize ChatGPT as a friendly AI assistant. These results raise critical questions about trust in these systems, not only in terms of their capability to produce reliable information and handle personal data, but also in terms of human–computer relations.
Enhancing orthogonal finishing machining of Ti6Al4V with laser-ablated tool geometry modifications
Authors: Kneubühler Fabian , Zhang Nanyuan , Haudenschild Livia , Klippel Hagen , Putzer Matthias , Urundolil Kumaran Varun , Kuffa Michal , Wegener Konrad
Published: October 2024

Finishing machining of Ti6Al4V, known for its high strength and heat conduction resistance, demands optimisation to achieve high-quality end products. This study explores modifying the chip contact length on the rake face and altering the flank face with a cavity to minimise process forces and temperatures while maintaining cutting edge integrity. The research validates the manufacturability of ultra-short pulsed laser-ablated tool geometry modifications, indicating potential for industrial scale-up. Extensive experimental evaluations under dry conditions assess the impact of tool modifications at various feed rates for planing and turning. Significant reductions in process forces and temperatures were observed with rake face modifications, particularly at a cavity distance of approximately 34 µm. Ideal performance was noted for feed rates between 0.035 and 0.045 mm for planing and 0.040 to 0.045 mm/rev for turning. Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations employing a Johnson-Cook material model were used to analyse chip formation and to predict the process forces. These simulations revealed a clear change in the chip formation and lower process forces and temperatures. The SPH results closely matched experimental outcomes, with a discrepancy of less than 7 % in cutting forces for both tool types, although feed forces were underestimated by about 50 %. The effect of the tool modification is reflected accurately at the respective feeds.
Image-based chip detection during turning
Authors: Filep Tamás , Andó Mátyás , Szekeres Béla J.
Published: October 2024

This study proposes a method to analyze chip formation using camera surveillance to enhance safety and efficiency in machine operations. The process involved the face and straight turning of a workpiece under the observation of a camera strategically placed within the workspace. The suggested algorithm carries out initial image preprocessing and edge detection, followed by background subtraction to isolate dynamic elements and filtering based on the size of the objects. Pre-determined masks are applied to eliminate overlaps with existing workspace objects, based on the tool’s trajectory. The research validates that the applied technique effectively recognizes chips in both face and straight turning. Specific filtering techniques improve the algorithm’s capability to detect even smaller chips, and it substantially reduces false alarms, laying the groundwork for long, continuous chip detection systems.
Refraktion- und Visusbestimmung nach Implantation von Multifokal- oder Extended-Depth-of-Focus-Linsen
Authors: Kaymak Hakan , Messerschmidt-Roth Anke
Published: October 2024

Es gibt viele Faktoren, die sich auf die postoperative Zufriedenheit nach Implantation von Intraokularlinsen mit Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDoF) und Multifokallinsen der Patienten auswirken können (z. B. photische Phänomene, postoperative Komplikationen und das Vorhandensein eines trockenen Auges). Das Erreichen der Zielrefraktion sollte jedoch ebenso als signifikanter Faktor für die Zufriedenheit angesehen werden. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die Fallstricke auf, die mit der Refraktionsbestimmung bei Patienten mit einer Multifokal- oder EDoF-Linse einhergehen und wie sich der unkorrigierte und korrigierte Visus auf die Zufriedenheit des Patienten auswirken können.
A retrospective cross-sectional study on district-based socioeconomic status and prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Yurdakul Ozan , Tuncel Altug , Hassler Melanie R. , Oberneder Katharina , Gamez David V. , Remzi Mesut
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Socioeconomic disparities have been linked to delayed prostate cancer diagnosis and poorer outcomes in various countries. This study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic disparities in prostate cancer diagnostics in Vienna, Austria, by examining initial prostate-specific antigen values and age at diagnosis across different districts and nationalities.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1356 prostate cancer patients treated at the Medical University of Vienna between 2012 and 2022. Influence of residential districts and nationalities of the patients on the initial prostate-specific antigen (iPSA) value and on the age at diagnosis were analyzed. Patient data, including iPSA values, residential districts, and nationalities, were retrieved from the hospital’s internal documentation system. The information on average income of residential districts was obtained from the City of Vienna’s municipality data. Nationalities were grouped into EU and non-EU categories. Statistical analyses, including linear regression and t‑tests, were performed to examine the relationship between iPSA values, age at diagnosis, and socioeconomic variables. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between district income and both iPSA values and age at diagnosis.

Results

The study found no significant differences in iPSA values and age at diagnosis between patients from higher income and lower income districts. Additionally, there were no significant differences among individual districts or between EU and non-EU nationals.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the Austrian healthcare system provides equitable access to prostate cancer diagnostics across different socioeconomic groups.