bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing on adaptive equipment in children and adults with Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Cilenti Nicolette A. , Tamaroff Jaclyn G. , Capiola Christopher J. , Faig Walter , McBride Michael G. , Paridon Stephen M. , O'Malley Shannon , Edelson Jonathan B. , Lynch David R. , McCormack Shana E. , Lin Kimberly Y.
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Aims

Traditional exercise is often difficult for individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), and evidence is limited regarding how to measure exercise performance in this population. We evaluated the feasibility, reliability, and natural history of adaptive cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in children and adults with FRDA.

Methods

Participants underwent CPET on either an arm cycle ergometer (ACE) or recumbent leg cycle ergometer (RLCE) at up to four visits (baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 year). Maximum work, oxygen consumption (peak VO2), oxygen (O2) pulse, and anaerobic threshold (AT) were measured in those who reached maximal volition. Test–retest reliability was assessed with intraclass coefficients, and longitudinal change was assessed using regression analysis.

Results

In our cohort (N = 23), median age was 18 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14–23), median age of FRDA onset was 8 years (IQR 6–13), median Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale score was 58 (IQR 54–62), and GAA repeat length on the shorter FXN allele (GAA1) was 766 (IQR, 650–900). Twenty‐one (91%) completed a maximal CPET (n = 8, ACE and n = 13, RLCE). Age, sex, and GAA1 repeat length were each associated with peak VO2. Preliminary estimates demonstrated reasonable agreement between visits 2 and 3 for peak work by both ACE and RLCE, and for peak VO2, O2 pulse, and AT by RLCE. We did not detect significant performance changes over 1 year.

Discussion

Adaptive CPET is feasible in FRDA, a relevant clinical trial outcome for interventions that impact exercise performance and will increase access to participation as well as generalizability of findings.
Transformer‐based choice model: A tool for assortment optimization evaluation
Authors: Peng Zhenkang , Rong Ying , Zhu Tianning
Published: March 2024

Assessing the efficacy of algorithms plays a pivotal role in advancing various fields, both in theory and practice. Unlike the predictive models, due to the intricate relationship between decisions and the underlying data‐generating processes, the evaluation of decision algorithms cannot directly rely on real data. Hence, a simulator becomes indispensable for appraising decision algorithm effectiveness. In this paper, we aim to leverage assortment decisions, a widely used application in revenue management, to illustrate the utilization of a machine learning‐based simulation. The process can be summarised as: we utilize the modified Transformer‐based choice model, acting as a simulator, to generate a synthetic dataset that mimics consumer purchasing behavior. After training the MNL, DeepFM, and DeepFM‐a models, all of which can swiftly provide assortment decisions in real‐time, we utilize the simulator to evaluate the revenue generated by each assortment prescribed by different choice models. This approach mitigates the challenge of validating decision models that alter real‐world observed data. To show the benefit of such a simulation approach, we have conducted various numerical studies. These studies aim to examine the impact of outside option attractiveness, data size, the number of features, and cardinality. Admittedly, due to the close alignment between the simulator and complex consumer purchase choice datasets, some numerical observations may be challenging to explain. Nevertheless, by employing the simulator, we are able to contrast the differences between the MNL and DeepFM/DeepFM‐a models, shedding light on their respective model misspecifications.
Reducing femoral flow artefacts in radial magnetic resonance fingerprinting of the prostate using region‐optimised virtual coils
Authors: Sørland Kaia I. , Trimble Christopher G. , Wu Chia‐Yin , Bathen Tone F. , Elschot Mattijs , Cloos Martijn A.
Published: March 2024

High acceleration factors in radial magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) of the prostate lead to strong streak‐like artefacts from flow in the femoral blood vessels, possibly concealing important anatomical information. Region‐optimised virtual (ROVir) coils is a beamforming‐based framework to create virtual coils that maximise signal in a region of interest while minimising signal in a region of interference. In this study, the potential of removing femoral flow streak artefacts in prostate MRF using ROVir coils is demonstrated in silico and in vivo. The ROVir framework was applied to radial MRF k‐space data in an automated pipeline designed to maximise prostate signal while minimising signal from the femoral vessels. The method was tested in 15 asymptomatic volunteers at 3 T. The presence of streaks was visually assessed and measurements of whole prostate T1, T2 and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) with and without streak correction were examined. In addition, a purpose‐built simulation framework in which blood flow through the femoral vessels can be turned on and off was used to quantitatively evaluate ROVir's ability to suppress streaks in radial prostate MRF. In vivo it was shown that removing selected ROVir coils visibly reduces streak‐like artefacts from the femoral blood flow, without increasing the reconstruction time. On average, 80% of the prostate SNR was retained. A similar reduction of streaks was also observed in silico, while the quantitative accuracy of T1 and T2 mapping was retained. In conclusion, ROVir coils efficiently suppress streaking artefacts from blood flow in radial MRF of the prostate, thereby improving the visual clarity of the images, without significant sacrifices to acquisition time, reconstruction time and accuracy of quantitative values. This is expected to help enable T1 and T2 mapping of prostate cancer in clinically viable times, aiding differentiation between prostate cancer from noncancer and healthy prostate tissue.
Linking network ecology and ecosystem services to benefit people
Authors: Stanworth Anna , Peh Kelvin S.‐H. , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: March 2024

Ecosystems are rapidly degraded by anthropogenic pressures, affecting the provision of ecosystem services. Therefore, it is increasingly important that we can quantify and manage ecosystem services to maintain human well‐being.

Many ecosystem services are underpinned by ecosystem functions and processes that are driven by interspecific ecological interactions. Humans then benefit from ecosystem services through socio‐ecological interactions. Therefore, interaction network approaches can provide a unique understanding of ecosystem service flows.

In this paper, we assess the current interface between network ecology and ecosystem services, before exploring how work linking these two fields could be enhanced.

We emphasise the value of network approaches and explore network methods to improve the assessment and management of ecosystem services. Within this, we highlight the role of local and indigenous knowledge in operationalising network approaches in a useful ecosystem service context.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Mechanical behavior of glass fiber‐reinforced hollow glass particles filled epoxy composites under moisture environment
Authors: Anandakumar Paramasivam , Kanny Krishnan , Mohan Turup Pandurangan , Velmurugan Ramachandran
Published: March 2024

The utilization of hollow glass particle‐filled fiber‐reinforced composites in marine applications necessitates a proper understanding of their behavior when exposed to moisture environments. In this study, the glass fiber‐reinforced composites reinforced with 0%–30% volume fraction of glass microspheres were fabricated and immersed in seawater and distilled water conditions for monotonic tensile and flexural testing. The degradation mechanisms were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moisture absorption results showed an increasing trend with the inclusion of glass microspheres. A decline in glass transition temperature and storage modulus was observed as a result of moisture absorption. The tensile results of the specimens exhibited a decrease of 13% and 9% in distilled water and seawater solution, respectively when compared with unaged samples, respectively. The flexural results of the aged composite specimens demonstrated a reduction of 24% and 11% in distilled water and seawater solution, respectively when compared with unaged samples. The findings also show that the influence of moisture on the modulus is less pronounced compared to its effect on strength under both environmental conditions. The micrograph results revealed a notable deterioration of the glass microsphere and the fiber/matrix interface in the moist environment.

Highlights

Water absorption increases with the addition of glass microspheres.

Microsphere degradation and fiber/matrix debonding are the governing mechanism.

Retained 89% of tensile strength of their initial properties after exposed in sea water.

Increase in microsphere contents decreases the tensile and flexural strength.
Invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) diets on barrier islands in the southeastern United States
Authors: Canright Vienna R , Piaggio Antoinette J , Beasley James C
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Biological invasions are a leading cause of reductions in global biodiversity. Islands are particularly sensitive to invasions, which often result in cascading impacts throughout island communities. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are globally invasive and pose threats to numerous taxa and ecosystems, particularly for islands where they have contributed to declines of many endemic species. However, the impacts of wild pig diet on the flora and fauna remain understudied in many island systems.

RESULTS

We used DNA metabarcoding of wild pig fecal samples to quantify the seasonal diet composition of wild pigs on three barrier islands in the southeastern United States. Wild pigs exhibited a diverse diet dominated by plants, but also including marine and terrestrial animals. The diet composition of plants varied seasonally and between islands. Consumption of invertebrates also changed seasonally, with a shift to coastal invertebrates, particularly crabs, in spring and summer. Vertebrates were found in <10% of samples, but spanned broad taxa including amphibians, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Species consumed by wild pigs indicate that wild pigs use a variety of habitats within barrier islands for foraging, including maritime forests, saltmarshes, and beaches.

CONCLUSIONS

An observed shift to beach foraging during sea turtle nesting season suggests wild pigs have potential to hinder nesting success on islands without established management programs. These findings provide insight into the diverse diets of wild pigs on barrier islands and highlight the need for removal of wild pigs from sensitive island ecosystems because of their potential impacts to native plant and animal communities. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Hierarchical estimation methods based on the penalty term for controlled autoregressive systems with colored noises
Authors: Sun Huanqi , Xiong Weili , Ding Feng , Yang Erfu
Published: March 2024

This article considers the parameter estimation problems for the controlled autoregressive systems interfered by moving average noises. A recursive extended gradient algorithm with penalty term is proposed by using the penalty criterion function. By introducing three fictitious output variables, the original system can be decomposed into three subsystems based on the hierarchical principle. The hierarchical recursive extended gradient algorithm with penalty term is then proposed to achieve the parameter estimation. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Anodic Reconstructed p+‐GaAs/a‐InAsN for Stable and Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liang Jiehui , Liu Peixin , Xie Shaohua , Liu Qianhu , Wang Junkun , Guo Jiansen , Wu Haoyang , Wang Wenliang , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2024

The extremely poor solution stability and massive carrier recombination have seriously prevented III–V semiconductor nanomaterials from efficient and stable hydrogen production. In this work, an anodic reconstruction strategy based on group III–V active semiconductors is proposed for the first time, resulting in 19‐times photo‐gain. What matters most is that the device after anodic reconstruction shows very superior stability under the protracted photoelectrochemical (PEC) test over 8100 s, while the final photocurrent density does not decrease but rather increases by 63.15%. Using the experiment and DFT theoretical calculation, the anodic reconstruction mechanism is elucidated: through the oxidation of indium clusters and the migration of arsenic atoms, the reconstruction formed p+‐GaAs/a‐InAsN. The hole concentration of the former is increased by 10 times (5.64 × 1018 cm−1 increases up to 5.95 × 1019 cm−1) and the band gap of the latter one is reduced to a semi‐metallic state, greatly strengthening the driving force of PEC water splitting. This work turns waste into treasure, transferring the solution instability into better efficiency.
Advancements in Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction: A Comprehensive Review of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Long Xianhu , Huang Fan , Yao Zhangnan , Li Ping , Zhong Tao , Zhao Huinan , Tian Shuanghong , Shu Dong , He Chun
Published: March 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction technology seamlessly aligns with the principles of environmentally friendly chemical production. In this paper, a comprehensive review of recent advancements in electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis utilizing single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is offered. Into the research and applications of three categories of SACs: noble metals (Ru, Au, Rh, Ag), transition metals (Fe, Mo, Cr, Co, Sn, Y, Nb), and nonmetallic catalysts (B) in the context of electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis is delved. In‐depth insights into the material preparation methods, single‐atom coordination patterns, and the characteristics of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are provided. The systematic comparison of the nitrogen reduction capabilities of various SAC types offers a comprehensive research framework for their integration into electrocatalytic NRR. Additionally, the challenges, potential solutions, and future prospects of incorporating SACs into electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction endeavors are discussed.
Effect of Simultaneous Ultrasonication and Protease Treatment on Wet Milling of High‐Amylose Corn
Authors: Zhou Qiong , Gu Zhonghua , Cheng Gaomin , Zhao Renyong , Jiang Hongxin
Published: March 2024

The objective of this work is to study the effect of applying simultaneous ultrasonication and alkaline protease treatment to the wet‐milling of high‐amylose corn on improving the starch yield and reducing the starch protein content. After applying the optimal conditions of simultaneous ultrasonication and protease treatment to the wet milling, the starch yield is elevated to 61.3% and the starch protein content is decreased to 0.44% when compared to the conventional process (48.9% and 1.75%, respectively). High‐amylose corn starch extracted using simultaneous ultrasonication and protease treatment has crystalline structure, relative crystallinity, pasting properties, thermal properties, and enzymatic digestibility similar to the one extracted from the conventional process. The results suggest that simultaneous ultrasonication and protease treatment are a friendly approach in improving the yield of high‐amylose corn starch and reducing the starch protein content, causing no obvious change in starch physicochemical properties and enzymatic digestibility. This study provides useful information for scaling up simultaneous ultrasonication and protease treatment to industrial scale with minor modifications of the conventional wet‐milling process.
Preparation and Application of Zwitterion Modified Starch Catalyzed by HRP‐ACAC Binary System
Authors: Wang Wenda , Zhang Ning , Cui Yifan , Wang Qiang , Zhou Man , Wang Ping , Yu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Enzymatic modification, compared with traditional starch (St) chemical modification methods, avoids using toxic solvents and toxic catalysts. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP), being the most commonly employed natural green initiator, has found extensive application in starch grafting modification as a substitute for chemical initiators. HRP‐catalyzed grafting of starch with vinyl zwitterionic monomers has not been reported. Here, modified starch (St‐PSBMA) is first synthesized by grafting zwitterionic sulfobetaine [2‐(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) (SBMA) onto starch by HRP/Acetylacetone(ACAC) binary initiation system catalyzed. The modified starch‐based hydrogel is then prepared by the repeated freeze‐thaw method. Compared with native starch‐based hydrogels, which bind water molecules only through hydrogen bonding, the ability of modified starch‐based hydrogels to bind water molecules is enhanced by ionic solvation. The modified starch hydrogels also have excellent antiprotein adsorption and antibacterial properties due to the presence of a strong hydration layer. The modified starch‐based hydrogel also has excellent sensitivity and stability when used as a sensor for detecting joint motion. The binary HRP initiating system, employed in this study instead of the traditional three‐component HRP initiating system, offers a novel and promising approach for grafting modification of starch without the need for strong oxidant hydrogen peroxide.
Using Artificial Intelligence in TESOL: Some Ethical and Pedagogical Considerations
Authors: Pack Austin , Maloney Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

While recent and significant progress made in natural language processing and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to drastically influence the field of language education, many language educators and administrators remain unfamiliar with these recent technological advances and their pedagogical implications. The primary purpose of this paper is to raise the awareness of language educators regarding ethical and pedagogical issues stemming from student, teacher, and administrator use of generative AI tools such as large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots. These issues include ethical ways of teaching with AI, questions of ownership, writing skills development, the accuracy and reliability of generated output, the potential to widen the educational divide, and AI bias. We conclude by offering suggestions for language educators and calling for further discussion.
Detection ofBartonella schoenbuchensis(sub)species DNA in different louse fly species in Saxony, Germany: The proof of multiple PCR analysis necessity in case of ruminant‐associated bartonellae determination
Authors: Vogt Isabelle , Schröter Stephanie , Schreiter Ruben , Sprong Hein , Volfová Karolina , Jentzsch Matthias , Freick Markus
Published: March 2024

Background

Hippoboscid flies are bloodsucking arthropods that can transmit pathogenic microorganisms and are therefore potential vectors for pathogens such asBartonellaspp. These Gram‐negative bacteria can cause mild‐to‐severe clinical signs in humans and animals; therefore, monitoringBartonellaspp. prevalence in louse fly populations appears to be a useful prerequisite for zoonotic risk assessment.

Methods

Using convenience sampling, we collected 103 adult louse flies from four ked species (Lipoptena cervi,n = 22;Lipoptena fortisetosa,n = 61;Melophagus ovinus,n = 12;Hippobosca equina,n = 8) and the pupae ofM. ovinus(n = 10) in the federal state of Saxony, Germany. All the samples were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) forBartonellaspp. DNA, targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA). Subsequently, PCRs targeting five more genes (16S,ftsZ,nuoG,ribCandrpoB) were performed for representatives of revealedgltAgenotypes, and all the PCR products were sequenced to identify theBartonella(sub)species accurately.

Results and Conclusions

The overall detection rates forBartonellaspp. were 100.0%, 59.1%, 24.6% and 75.0% inM. ovinus,L. cervi,L. fortisetosaandH. equina, respectively. All the identified bartonellae belong to theBartonella schoenbuchensiscomplex. Our data support the proposed reclassification of the (sub)species status of this group, and thus we conclude that several genotypes ofB. schoenbuchensiswere detected, includingBartonella schoenbuchensissubsp.melophagiandBartonella schoenbuchensissubsp.schoenbuchensis, both of which have previously validated zoonotic potential. The extensive PCR analysis revealed the necessity of multiple PCR approach for proper identification of the ruminant‐associated bartonellae.
An alternative approach to averaging in nonlinear systems using classical probability density
Authors: Genda Attila , Fidlin Alexander , Gendelman Oleg
Published: March 2024

The averaging method is a widely used technique in the field of nonlinear differential equations for effectively reducing systems with “fast” oscillations overlaying “slow” drift. The method involves calculating an integral, which can be straightforward in some cases but can also require simplifications such as series expansions. We propose an alternative approach that relies on the classical probability density (CPD) of the “fast” variable. Furthermore, we demonstrate the equivalence between the averaging integral and the cross‐correlation product of the CPD and the target function. This equivalence simplifies handling many problems, particularly those involving piecewise‐defined target functions. We propose an effective numerical method to calculate the averaged function, taking advantage of the well‐known mathematical properties of cross‐correlation products.
The TIPPING+ Project Journey
Authors: Tàbara J. David
Published: March 2024

This chapter introduces and provides the research background of the several contributions of this book. It does so first by briefly reviewing the previous conceptual developments that over the course of two decades eventually led to the EU-funded project TIPPING+. The goal of the project was to improve our understanding of the enabling conditions and complex processes for fast structural sustainable transformations in coal and carbon intensive regions (CCIRs) using the notion of positive tipping points as a boundary concept able to bring together the insights of various social science and interdisciplinary perspectives. The main challenge facing these regions is understood not only as sectoral energy transitioning challenge; but the extent to which multiple socio-economic, political and cultural dimensions for full-systems transformations are taken into account. Second, it presents some of the conceptual and methodological proposals generated by the project and argues for ontological and epistemological diversity and to understand equity and justice as a key drivers and outcomes of positive tipping points. As a research journey, however, the TIPPING+ project did not search for a destination. Instead, it looked for a point of departure, for an opportunity space in which different disciplines, researchers and interests could jointly develop their own ideas and start their own new research ventures.
Exploring the Role of Identities and Perceptions of the Future in a Post-coal Mining Region: The Demolition of Andorra Coal-fired Cooling Towers (Spain) as a Tipping Point
Authors: Cots Francesc , Tàbara J. David , Fosse Jérémie , Codina Gerard
Published: March 2024

In May 2022, the last cooling tower of the coal-fired power plant in the Spanish region of Andorra in Teruel province was demolished. After forty years in operation such an event had a huge emotional effect on the local population, since much of the local identity and tradition was built around this industrial emblem. On the one hand, it represented a final symbolic farewell to a way of life around coal, now perceived to have inevitably ceased to exist. On the other hand, it highlighted the need to accelerate the full regional transformation towards a new socio-economic structure whose agents of change, content and new identities were not yet well-defined. Our research explores the role of identities and perceptions of the future as key constraining or enabling factors in tipping former carbon-intensive regions towards clean energy and sustainable development pathways. Understanding how local populations see their uncertainties about the future, and examining other views on relative deprivation and inequality, are central in developing enabling governance arrangements and continuous learning feedback loops required in rapid socio-energy transformations. We found out that embracing transformative change towards green transformations may entail adopting more diversified, self-defined complex forms of collective sense-making processes based on project identities.
Tipping Away from Coal?: Exploring Narratives and Tipping Dynamics in the Phaseout of Coal on Svalbard
Authors: Veland Siri , Nogueira Leticia Antunes , Steiro Vida Marie Daae
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores societal tipping points in energy transitions in the Arctic through the case of the phasing out of coal mining on Svalbard. The economy of the region, which has high geopolitical importance in the Arctic, was founded based on extractivism. More than a century ago, coal mining not only consolidated as Svalbard’s main industrial activity, but also crystalized in the region’s identity and in Norway’s strategy for sustaining its presence on the archipelago. International agreements and debates concerning green transitions, in combination with fluctuating coal prices and ageing infrastructure, have provoked the emergence of various narratives concerning the future of the archipelago. These narratives entail both low-carbon alternatives for the local economy, and alternative energy sources to power human life on Svalbard. This chapter examines these narratives, focusing on the interplay between demographic and socio-economic developments of the past 20 years. Several kinds of societal tipping points can be observed, from politico-economic to demographic and socio-cultural tipping points. The question remains, however, whether the Svalbard case also exemplifies tipping points in the biophysical dimensions of social-ecological systems. This will in large part depend on the ability to find viable energy alternatives that harmonize with regional geopolitical security.
Confronting Local and Global Tipping Narratives: Green Energy Development in the Arctic and Why Greenland Is Not for Sale
Authors: Hansen Anne Merrild , Tàbara J. David
Published: March 2024

This research addresses a confrontation of narratives usually overlooked in global-local discourses about green energy futures by focusing on the case of Greenland. On the one hand, the call for keeping the vast amounts of Greenland’s fossil fuel deposits in the ground, as one of the most efficient and fastest strategies to limit global GHG emissions and avoid a climate catastrophe -hence preventing a negative global climate tipping point. And on the other, the need to exploit and provide alternative mineral resources for the global green energy transformation – hence enabling a global positive tipping point towards a sustainable development trajectory. For that, we trace the historical local conditions and events that eventually led towards green development trajectory pathways. These include indigenous groups’ opposition to oil drilling in the Arctic waters and more recently, the consideration of alternative resource governance mechanisms in support of a low-carbon transformation. We argue that overcoming such confrontation requires reconciling both Natural Resource Justice with Earth System Justice principles that consider the rights, needs, worldviews, and institutional traditions of local communities. Among them, the impossibility of privately owning land across generations in Greenland stems as a possible example of disruptive tipping intervention on how Western societies could learn to relate to biophysical systems in more sustainable ways to cope with accelerated global environmental change.
Tipping Points. Deep Roots and Contemporary Challenges in Psychology
Authors: Sarrica Mauro , Cottone Paolo , Biddau Fulvio
Published: March 2024

As an object of study, tipping points raise several questions for psychology. Unless one wants to use this term as a generic metaphor to indicate sudden change, any attempt to better define this concept has to take into account some fundamental psychological features including acceptance, promotion or resistance to change, the relationship between quantitative and qualitative transformations, the dynamics between individual, social and societal levels, and the relationship between psychological and environmental changes. All these facets refer to classical approaches and theorisations developed in the early 1900s as well as to more recent systemic models, including societal and cultural psychology approaches and proposals for a socio-ecological psychology. In this chapter, we will identify points of contact with classics such as Insights and Dynamics of field forces, Cognitive dissonance, Grievance, Bounded rationality, Coping, and Socio-dynamical approaches to social representations. Moreover, looking at the recent literature, we will highlight advances in our understanding of tipping points provided by cognitive, socioecological and systemic models. Common to all these views is the attempt to describe and explain the processes that favour or hinder qualitative transformation, both in terms of its perception and its enactment. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of the different approaches mentioned, which should be read more as an agenda for future research rather than an exhaustive review of state of the art.
Multiplikatorenkonzepte zu Stress- und Emotionsregulation im Rettungsdienst – ein Scoping-Review
Authors: Hummel Michel , Steudtner Mirco , Gebauer Elea , Buruck Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Beschäftigte im Rettungsdienst sind einem erhöhten Risiko ausgesetzt, psychische Beeinträchtigungen zu entwickeln, da sie in ihrem Berufsalltag hohen körperlichen und emotionalen Stressoren ausgesetzt werden. Der Umgang mit diesen Stressoren stellt eine wichtige Ressource dar, um im Sinne der Salutogenese eine Bewältigung vorzunehmen. Damit die Förderung der Stress- und Emotionsregulation nicht nur auf einer Verhaltensebene wirksam wird, bieten sich Multiplikatorenkonzepte mit einer verhältnisbezogenen Verzahnung in die Arbeitssysteme an.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Überprüfung der verfügbaren Evidenz von Multiplikatorenkonzepten zur Stress- und Emotionsregulation im Rettungsdienst ist das Ziel des Scoping-Reviews.

Material und Methoden

Die Übersicht orientiert sich inhaltlich am Modell der Salutogenese und methodisch am Konzept des Joanna Briggs Institute zur Durchführung von Scoping-Reviews. Die Recherche basierte auf den Suchoberflächen PubMed sowie PubPsych (alle Evidenzquellen) und erstreckte sich auf deutsch- und englischsprachige Literatur im Zeitraum von 1997 bis 2023. Alle Schritte der Datensichtung und -extraktion wurden von zwei Reviewern unabhängig voneinander durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Für die Überprüfung der verfügbaren Evidenz wurden insgesamt 22.345 Datensätze identifiziert und gesichtet. Abschließend konnten vier Volltexte eingeschlossen werden. Die Interventionen richten sich neben Mitarbeitenden des Rettungsdiensts auch an andere Berufsgruppen. Alle Trainings sind modular aufgebaut. Die psychosozialen Widerstandsressourcen sind vielfältig. In drei von vier Studien können kleine Ergebnisse belegt werden; eine Intervention erhöht die Selbstwirksamkeit der Teilnehmenden.

Diskussion

Es gibt weltweit keine spezifischen Konzepte, die sich explizit an Mitarbeitende des Rettungsdiensts richten. Gezielte Interventionen sind aufgrund der hohen Belastungen der Berufsgruppe erforderlich.
Momentum portfolio selection based on learning-to-rank algorithms with heterogeneous knowledge graphs
Authors: Wu Mei-Chen , Huang Szu-Hao , Chen An-Pin
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence techniques for financial time series analysis have been used to enhance momentum trading methods. However, most previous studies, which have treated stocks as independent entities, have overlooked the significance of correlations among individual stocks, thus compromising portfolio performance. To address this gap, a momentum trading framework is proposed that combines heterogeneous data, such as corporate governance factors and financial domain knowledge, to model the relationships between stocks. Our approach involves adopting a knowledge graph embedding approach to map relations among heterogeneous relationships in the data, which is then utilized to train a multitask supervised learning approach based on a learning-to-rank algorithm. This method culminates in a robust portfolio selection method on the basis of the framework. Experimental results using data from the Taiwan Stock Exchange demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms traditional linear models and other machine learning methods in predictive ability. The investment portfolio constructed serves as an invaluable aid to investment decision-making.
LIPUS regulates the progression of knee osteoarthritis in mice through primary cilia-mediated TRPV4 channels
Authors: Wu Sha , Zhou Haiqi , Ling Huixian , Sun Yuyan , Luo Ziyu , Ngo ThaiNamanh , Fu Yuanyuan , Wang Wen , Kong Ying
Published: March 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly people. An imbalance in calcium ion homeostasis will contribute to chondrocyte apoptosis and ultimately lead to the progression of OA. Transient receptor potential channel 4 (TRPV4) is involved in the regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis. TRPV4 is expressed in primary cilia, which can sense mechanical stimuli from outside the cell, and its abnormal expression is closely related to the development of OA. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can alleviate chondrocyte apoptosis while the exact mechanism is unclear. In this project, with the aim of revealing the mechanism of action of LIPUS, we proposed to use OA chondrocytes and animal models, LIPUS intervention, inhibition of primary cilia, use TRPV4 inhibitors or TRPV4 agonist, and use Immunofluorescence (IF), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western Blot (WB), Quantitative Real-time PCR (QP) to detect the expression of cartilage synthetic matrix and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. The results revealed that LIPUS altered primary cilia expression, promoted synthetic matrix metabolism in articular chondrocytes and was associated with primary cilia. In addition, LIPUS exerted a active effect on OA by activating TRPV4, inducing calcium inward flow, and facilitating the entry of NF-κB into the nucleus to regulate synthetic matrix gene transcription. Inhibition of TRPV4 altered primary cilia expression in response to LIPUS stimulation, and knockdown of primary cilia similarly inhibited TRPV4 function. These results suggest that LIPUS mediates TRPV4 channels through primary cilia to regulate the process of knee osteoarthritis in mice.
Development of a core set of outcome measures to be applied toward breast cancer-related lymphedema core outcome domains
Authors: Doubblestein David , Koehler Linda , Anderson Elizabeth , Scheiman Nicole , Stewart Paula , Schaverien Mark , Armer Jane
Published: March 2024

Purpose

For breast cancer survivors (BCS) living with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), what outcome measures (OMs) are recommended to be used to measure standardized outcome domains to fully assess the burden of the disease and efficacy of interventions? An integral component of a standardized core outcome set (COS) are the OMs used to measure the COS.

Methods

A supplemental online survey was linked to a Delphi study investigating a COS for BCRL. OMs were limited to a maximum of 10 options for each outcome domain (OD). There were 14 ODs corresponding to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework and respondents rated the OMs with a Likert level of recommendation. The feasibility of the listed OMs was also investigated for most outpatient, inpatient, and research settings.

Results

This study identified 27 standardized OMs with a few ODs having 2–3 highly recommended OMs for proper measurement. A few of the recommended OMs have limitations with reliability due to being semi-quantitative measures requiring the interpretation of the rater.

Conclusion

Narrowing the choices of OMs to 27 highly recommended by BCRL experts may reduce selective reporting, inconsistency in clinical use, and variability of reporting across interdisciplinary healthcare fields which manage or research BCRL. There is a need for valid, reliable, and feasible OMs that measure tissue consistency. Measures of upper extremity activity and motor control need further research in the BCS with BCRL population.
Implementation of Additive Manufacturing in the Healthcare Supply Chain for Circular Economy Goals: Paradoxical Tensions and Solutions from an Industry 5.0 Perspective
Authors: Priyadarshini Jaya , Singh Rajesh Kr , Mishra Ruchi , He Qile , Braganza Ashley
Published: March 2024

This study addresses the paradoxical tensions that arise during additive manufacturing (AM) implementation for circular economy goals in the healthcare sector. Using the lens of paradox theory, this study identifies four competing priorities that stakeholders may encounter while adopting AM. Focus group discussions among 12 industry experts from the healthcare supply chain were conducted to verify the paradoxes. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with 10 industry experts to derive the solutions to manage these tensions from an Industry 5.0 perspective to achieve the full benefits of AM. This study expands paradox theory into the AM literature and provides a novel ‘both/and’ perspective (i.e. a pluralistic rather than a dualistic perspective) to look at emerging tensions encountered while implementing AM in the healthcare sector. This perspective will help decision-makers realise that these tensions can be managed over time to turn them into creative, rather than destructive, forces.
One Variable Relevant Logics are S5ish
Authors: Ferenz Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Here I show that the one-variable fragment of several first-order relevant logics corresponds to certain S5ish extensions of the underlying propositional relevant logic. In particular, given a fairly standard translation between modal and one-variable languages and a permuting propositional relevant logic L, a formula $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
of the one-variable fragment is a theorem of LQ (QL) iff its translation is a theorem of L5 (L.5). The proof is model-theoretic. In one direction, semantics based on the Mares-Goldblatt [15] semantics for quantified L are transformed into ternary (plus two binary) relational semantics for S5-like extensions of L (for a general presentation, see Seki [26, 27]). In the other direction, a valuation is given for the full first-order relevant logic based on L into a model for a suitable S5 extension of L. I also discuss this work’s relation to finding a complete axiomatization of the constant domain, non-general frame ternary relational semantics for which RQ is incomplete [11].
Cover Times of the Massive Random Walk Loop Soup
Authors: Broman Erik I. , Camia Federico
Published: March 2024

We study cover times of subsets of $${\mathbb {Z}}^2$$

Z

2

by a two-dimensional massive random walk loop soup. We consider a sequence of subsets $$A_n \subset {\mathbb {Z}}^2$$

A
n

⊂

Z

2

such that $$|A_n| \rightarrow \infty $$

|

A
n

|
→
∞

and determine the distributional limit of their cover times $${\mathcal {T}}(A_n)$$

T
(

A
n

)

. We allow the killing rate $$\kappa _n$$

κ
n

(or equivalently the “mass”) of the loop soup to depend on the size of the set $$A_n$$

A
n

to be covered. In particular, we determine the limiting behavior of the cover times for inverse killing rates all the way up to $$\kappa _n^{-1}=|A_n|^{1-8/(\log \log |A_n|)},$$

κ
n

-
1

=

|

A
n

|

1
-
8
/
(
log
log
|

A
n

|
)

,

showing that it can be described by a Gumbel distribution. Since a typical loop in this model will have length at most of order $$\kappa _n^{-1/2}=|A_n|^{1/2},$$

κ
n

-
1
/
2

=

|

A
n

|

1
/
2

,

if $$\kappa _n^{-1}$$

κ
n

-
1

exceeded $$|A_n|,$$

|

A
n

|
,

the cover times of all points in a tightly packed set $$A_n$$

A
n

(i.e., a square or close to a ball) would presumably be heavily correlated, complicating the analysis. Our result comes close to this extreme case.
Relationship of psychotropic medication use with physical function among postmenopausal women
Authors: Beydoun Hind A. , Beydoun May A. , Kwon Edward , Alemu Brook T. , Zonderman Alan B. , Brunner Robert
Published: March 2024

To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships of psychotropic medications with physical function after menopause. Analyses involved 4557 Women’s Health Initiative Long Life Study (WHI-LLS) participants (mean age at WHI enrollment (1993–1998): 62.8 years). Antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sedative/hypnotic medications were evaluated at WHI enrollment and 3-year follow-up visits. Performance-based physical function [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)] was assessed at the 2012–2013 WHI-LLS visit. Self-reported physical function [RAND-36] was examined at WHI enrollment and the last available follow-up visit—an average of 22 [±2.8] (range: 12–27) years post-enrollment. Multivariable regression models controlled for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics. Anxiolytics were not related to physical function. At WHI enrollment, antidepressant use was cross-sectionally related to worse self-reported physical function defined as a continuous (β = −6.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.48, −4.07) or as a categorical (< 78 vs. ≥ 78) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.98) outcome. Antidepressant use at WHI enrollment was also associated with worse performance-based physical function (SPPB) [< 10 vs. ≥ 10] (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.21) at the 2012–2013 WHI-LLS visit. Compared to non-users, those using sedative/hypnotics at WHI enrollment but not at the 3-year follow-up visit reported a faster decline in physical function between WHI enrollment and follow-up visits. Among postmenopausal women, antidepressant use was cross-sectionally related to worse self-reported physical function, and with worse performance-based physical function after > 20 years of follow-up. Complex relationships found for hypnotic/sedatives were unexpected and necessitate further investigation.
A survey on large language model based autonomous agents
Authors: Wang Lei , Ma Chen , Feng Xueyang , Zhang Zeyu , Yang Hao , Zhang Jingsen , Chen Zhiyuan , Tang Jiakai , Chen Xu , Lin Yankai , Zhao Wayne Xin , Wei Zhewei , Wen Jirong
Published: March 2024

Autonomous agents have long been a research focus in academic and industry communities. Previous research often focuses on training agents with limited knowledge within isolated environments, which diverges significantly from human learning processes, and makes the agents hard to achieve human-like decisions. Recently, through the acquisition of vast amounts of Web knowledge, large language models (LLMs) have shown potential in human-level intelligence, leading to a surge in research on LLM-based autonomous agents. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of these studies, delivering a systematic review of LLM-based autonomous agents from a holistic perspective. We first discuss the construction of LLM-based autonomous agents, proposing a unified framework that encompasses much of previous work. Then, we present a overview of the diverse applications of LLM-based autonomous agents in social science, natural science, and engineering. Finally, we delve into the evaluation strategies commonly used for LLM-based autonomous agents. Based on the previous studies, we also present several challenges and future directions in this field.
Model-based closed-loop process control for the manufacturing of hairpin coils
Authors: Wirth Felix , Hausmann Ludwig , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: March 2024

As a consequence of the increasing market share of hybrid and all-electric mobility solutions, there is a need for robust manufacturing technologies that enable the efficient production of powerful electric traction motors in automotive industry. In the context of high-quality distributed stator windings, the so-called hairpin technology already meets the automotive demand regarding productivity – but process reliability is still limited by variations in the mechanical and geometric properties of the enameled rectangular copper wire leading to different springback effects within the forming processes. Against this background, a model-based closed-loop process control for the sequential tool-bound bending of hairpin coils is introduced and validated in this paper.
Umsorgt oder schikaniert?
Authors: Bielefeld Laura , Hamatschek Marie Joséphine
Published: March 2024

Während der COVID-19-Pandemie war der Einsatz von Hygiene- und Schutzmaßnahmen zur Eindämmung des neuartigen Virus erforderlich. Das Gebot der sozialen Distanzierung stellt dabei besondere Herausforderungen an das System Strafvollzug, was für die ohnehin im Freiheitsentzug befindlichen Gefangenen zusätzliche – allerdings unverschuldete – Einschränkungen bedeutete. Denkbar ist, dass sich auch hinsichtlich deren Wahrnehmung und Zweckattribution seitens der Inhaftierten Besonderheiten zeigen. So widmet sich dieser Beitrag sowohl der Wahrnehmung und Akzeptanz der pandemiebedingten Maßnahmen durch deutsche Strafgefangene (n = 956) als auch dem diesbezüglichen Einfluss der anstaltsseitigen Begründung und Erklärung. Die Kommunikation der Maßnahmen erfolgte gemäß der Auskunft der befragten Inhaftierten größtenteils schriftlich, aber auch mündlich durch das Personal. Qualitative Daten legen die Unzufriedenheit mit der Maßnahmenvermittlung nahe, und auch die quantitativen Befunde zur Zweckattribution zeigen, dass die Maßnahmen nicht nur als Schutz und Fürsorge, sondern auch als Schikane wahrgenommen wurden. In Bezug auf altersbedingte Unterschiede zeigt sich, dass ältere Inhaftierte die Maßnahmen weniger ablehnen und sie eher als Fürsorge und Schutz interpretieren. Zusammenhänge zeigen sich zwischen einer begründungsorientierten Vermittlung und einer günstigen Zweckattribution sowie einer geringeren Ablehnung der Maßnahmen. Letztlich findet sich eine partielle Mediation des Effekts einer nichtbegründungsorientierten Vermittlung auf die Ablehnung der Maßnahmen durch deren Attribution als Schikane. Wenn es um die Einhaltung von Schutzmaßnahmen geht, ist man auch im Zwangskontext Strafvollzug auf die eigenverantwortliche Kooperation der Gefangenen angewiesen, die wiederum nicht durch begründungsloses Anordnen entsteht.