bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of deep learning algorithm in diagnosing lumbar central canal stenosis using abdominal CT
Authors: Jeon Yejin , Kim Bo Ram , Choi Hyoung In , Lee Eugene , Kim Da-Wit , Choi Boorym , Lee Joon Woo
Published: September 2024

Objective

To develop a deep learning algorithm for diagnosing lumbar central canal stenosis (LCCS) using abdominal CT (ACT) and lumbar spine CT (LCT).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study involved 109 patients undergoing LCTs and ACTs between January 2014 and July 2021. The dural sac on CT images was manually segmented and classified as normal or stenosed (dural sac cross-sectional area ≥ 100 mm2 or < 100 mm2, respectively). A deep learning model based on U-Net architecture was developed to automatically segment the dural sac and classify the central canal stenosis. The classification performance of the model was compared on a testing set (990 images from 9 patients). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of automatic segmentation were quantitatively evaluated by comparing its Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with those of manual segmentation.

Results

In total, 990 CT images from nine patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 77 ± 7 years; six men) were evaluated. The algorithm achieved high segmentation performance with a DSC of 0.85 ± 0.10 and ICC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80,0.85). The ICC between ACTs and LCTs on the deep learning algorithm was 0.89 (95%CI: 0.87,0.91). The accuracy of the algorithm in diagnosing LCCS with dichotomous classification was 84%(95%CI: 0.82,0.86). In dataset analysis, the accuracy of ACTs and LCTs was 85%(95%CI: 0.82,0.88) and 83%(95%CI: 0.79,0.86), respectively. The model showed better accuracy for ACT than LCT.

Conclusion

The deep learning algorithm automatically diagnosed LCCS on LCTs and ACTs. ACT had a diagnostic performance for LCCS comparable to that of LCT.
State of the Art Therapie mit Impella® in der Herzchirurgie in Österreich
Authors: Wiedemann Dominik , Dumfarth Julia , Zierer Andreas F. , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: September 2024

Seit 2022 wird in Österreich das mechanische Linksherzunterstützungssystem Impella 5.5® zur Versorgung von Patienten mit kardiogenem Schock, bei fortgeschrittener Herzinsuffizienz, Postkardiotomie und Low-Cardiac-Output-Syndrom eingesetzt. Die chirurgische Einbringung der Impella 5.5 über die Arteria subclavia oder alternativ über die Aorta ascendens ist inzwischen in Österreich ein etabliertes Verfahren zur mittelfristigen Therapie von Patienten im kardiogenen Schock und für Bridging-Szenarien, wie z. B. „bridge to recovery“, „bridge to linksventrikulärem Assist Device“ (LVAD), „bridge to decision“ und „bridge to heart transplant“ (HTx). Allen linksventrikulären Impella-Herzpumpen ist gemein, dass sie den linken Ventrikel entlasten, wobei die Impella 5.5 ein volles Herzzeitvolumen von 5,5 l/min erreicht. Aufgrund der stabilen Lage mittels der transaxillären oder transaortalen Insertionstechnik sind eine rasche Extubation und Mobilisierung des Patienten auf der Intensivstation (Intensive Care Unit, ICU) möglich. Dies führt in weiterer Folge zu einer deutlichen Verkürzung des ICU-Aufenthalts. Auch eine Kombination von Impella 5.5 mit einer venoarteriellen extrakorporalen Membranoxygenierung (VA-ECMO) hat sich in verschiedenen Fällen als wirksam erwiesen. Eine Reihe an nicht randomisierten Studien weist die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit der Impella 5.5 in der Praxis nach, die in mehreren internationalen Guidelines Eingang fanden. Die Vorteile der Impella 5.5 in der Praxis sind die einfache Handhabung mit hoher Lagestabilität und niedrige Komplikationsraten. Diese Veröffentlichung beschreibt den Stellenwert der chirurgischen Impella-Therapie in Österreich aus der Sicht der klinischen Experten aus Österreich.
An exact analytical method for free vibration analysis of FG-GPLRC sector cylindrical shells under Levy-type boundary conditions
Authors: Ghassabi Ata Alipour , Razgordanisharahi Ali , Sendur Gullu Kiziltas , Kiani Yaser , Hellmich Christian
Published: September 2024

In this article, an exact analytical method for the free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) graphene platelet (GPL)-reinforced composite (GPLRC) sector cylindrical shells is presented by considering Levy-type boundary conditions for the first time. The analysis relies on the use of the Halpin–Tsai micro-mechanical model for evaluating the material properties of the graded layers of the shell with three different grading patterns. Mathematical modeling of the Levy-type cylindrical shell is based on the Hamilton principle and the Sanders first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The governing equations of the composite shell are analytically solved using the state-space method. The validity of the proposed analytical method is demonstrated by the excellent agreement between the obtained results of the exact analytical solution and the results available in the literature. Furthermore, some parametric studies are conducted to reveal the effects of variations in boundary conditions, GPL distribution patterns, GPL weight fraction, and geometrical parameters such as shallowness angle, length-to-radius ratio, and thickness on the free vibration behavior of the shell structure. Natural frequencies and mode switching are reported for different mode numbers.
Nicosulfuron Weed Control in Maize as Influenced by Adjuvants: Original vs. Generic Herbicide
Authors: Brankov Milan , Simić Milena , Samuelson Spencer L. , Nikolić Dušan , Čamdžija Zoran , Mandić Violeta , Dragičević Vesna
Published: September 2024

In the absence of new herbicides on the market, adding adjuvants into the tank with herbicides is a strategy for increasing efficacy. In our research, we tested whether there are differences in weed control as influenced by the original nicosulfuron formulation and a generic counterpart. In this study, we tested the addition of two commonly used adjuvants: ammonium-sulfate (AMS) and non-ionic surfactant (NIS). In a three-year experiment, based on a percentage of biomass reduction and canopy cover, these results showed no differences in any treatments when comparing the original versus generic nicosulfuron. However, adding an NIS increased efficacy, while adding AMS decreased herbicide activity. The average percentage reduction of biomass in this study was about 80%, implying that using solely nicosulfuron as aceto-lactate synthase inhibiting herbicide is not a good solution in weed control in maize and that other methods for weed control should be considered and integrated, in order to increase weed control efficacy.
Benchmarking in data envelopment analysis: balanced efforts to achieve realistic targets
Authors: Guevel Hernán P. , Ramón Nuria , Aparicio Juan
Published: September 2024

The minimum distance models have undoubtedly represented a significant advance for the establishment of targets in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). These models may help in defining improvement plans that require the least overall effort from the inefficient Decision Making Units (DMUs). Despite the advantages that come with Closest Targets, in some cases unsatisfactory results may be given, since improvement plans, even in that context, differ considerably from the actual performances. This generally occurs because all the effort employed to reach the efficient DEA frontier is channeled into just a few variables. In certain contexts these exorbitant efforts in some inputs/outputs become unapproachable. In fact, proposals for sequential improvement plans can be found in the literature. It could happen that the sequential improvement plans continue to be so demanding in some variable that it would be difficult to achieve such targets. We propose an alternative approach where the improvement plans require similar efforts in the different variables that participate in the analysis. In the absence of information about the limitations of improvement in the different inputs/outputs, we consider that a plausible and conservative solution would be the one where an equitable redistribution of efforts would be possible. In this paper, we propose different approaches with the aim of reaching an impartial distribution of efforts to achieve optimal operating levels without neglecting the overall effort required. Therefore, we offer different alternatives for planning improvements directed towards DEA efficient targets, where the decision-maker can choose the one that best suits their circumstances. Moreover, and as something new in the benchmarking DEA context, we will study which properties satisfy the targets generated by the different models proposed. Finally, an empirical example used in the literature serves to illustrate the methodology proposed.
Sufficiency assessment of intensity measures for natural and spectral-matched ground motion records
Authors: Cantagallo Cristina , De Risi Raffaele , Terrenzi Marco , Camata Guido , Spacone Enrico
Published: September 2024

A correct Intensity Measure (IM) selection is essential for Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) applications, as any probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) depends significantly on the IM. If a single IM can describe the complexity of the corresponding ground motion record, it can be defined as sufficient in an absolute sense. However, this is unlikely because a single number should be able to inform on the frequency content, the amplitude, the duration, the energy content, etc. For this reason, literature studies have defined sufficiency in a relative sense to investigate whether one IM is more sufficient (i.e., more informative) than another in predicting the structural response. This work explores the relative sufficiency of eight scalar IMs through Nonlinear Response History Analyses (NRHAs) using two sets of 20 pairs of ground motion records. Both sets are spectrum-compatible and consist of unscaled natural and spectral-matched records. Also, both Cloud and Incremental Dynamic Analysis procedures are used. This study demonstrates that Cloud analysis cannot be used in its conventional form to study sufficiency when spectral-matched accelerograms are used. When natural accelerograms are employed, the results clearly indicate the existence of a sufficient IM among those selected. Conversely, it is more difficult to define the relative sufficiency of the IMs for spectral-matched records because the operation of record adjusting leads to similar structural demands. This result could question either the validity of using spectral-matched accelerograms for PBEE due to the lack of aleatory variability in the structural demand or the necessity of having a sufficient IM when a PSDM is fitted in a PBEE analysis using spectral-matched accelerograms.
Different kinds of data: samples and the relational framework
Authors: Potiron Aline
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes an original definition of samples as a kind of data within the relational framework of data. The distinction between scientific objects (e.g., samples, data, models) often needs to be clarified in the philosophy of science to understand their role in the scientific inquiry. The relational framework places data at the forefront of knowledge construction. Their epistemic status depends on their evaluation as potential evidence in a research situation and their ability to circulate among researchers. While samples are significant in data-generating science, their role has been underexplored in the philosophy of data literature. I draw on a case study from data-centric microbiology, viz. amplicon sequencing, to introduce specifications of the relational framework. These specifications capture the distinctive epistemic role of samples, allowing the discussion of their significance in the inquiry process. I argue that samples are necessarily transformed to be considered as evidence, portable in the limits of a situation, and they act as world anchors for claims about a phenomenon. I compare these specifications with other data and evidence frameworks and suggest they are compatible. The paper concludes by considering the extension of these criteria in the context of biobanking. The specifications proposed here help analyze other life sciences cases and deepen our understanding of samples and their epistemological role in scientific research.
Lower error bounds and optimality of approximation for jump-diffusion SDEs with discontinuous drift
Authors: Przybyłowicz Paweł , Schwarz Verena , Szölgyenyi Michaela
Published: September 2024

In this paper sharp lower error bounds for numerical methods for jump-diffusion stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with discontinuous drift are proven. The approximation of jump-diffusion SDEs with non-adaptive as well as jump-adapted approximation schemes is studied and lower error bounds of order 3/4 for both classes of approximation schemes are provided. This yields optimality of the transformation-based jump-adapted quasi-Milstein scheme.
Age-dependencies of the electroretinogram in healthy subjects
Authors: Jung Ronja , Kempf Melanie , Righetti Giulia , Nasser Fadi , Kühlewein Laura , Stingl Katarina , Stingl Krunoslav
Published: September 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the age-dependency of amplitudes and implicit times in the electroretinograms (ERGs) of healthy individuals and provide clinicians and researchers with a reference for a variety of stimulus paradigms.

Design and methods

Full-field electroretinography was conducted on 73 healthy participants aged 14–73 using an extended ISCEV standard protocol that included an additional 9 Hz flicker stimulus for assessing rod function and special paradigms for isolated On–Off and S-cone responses. Correlation coefficients and best-fit regression models for each parameter’s age-dependency were calculated.

Results

Dark-adapted ERGs, in particular, displayed notable age-related alterations. The attenuation and delay of the b-wave with higher age were most significant in the dark-adapted, rod-driven 0.001 cd s/m2 flash ERG. The age-dependent reduction of the a-wave amplitude was strongest in the standard dark-adapted 3 cd s/m2 flash condition. Cone-driven, light-adapted responses to either flash or flicker stimuli displayed comparatively small alterations at higher age. S-cone function tended to diminish at an early age, but the effect was not significant in the whole population.

Conclusion

The results suggest that rod and cone function decline at different rates with age, with rods being generally more affected by aging. Nonetheless, response amplitudes displayed a wide variability across the whole sample.
Social enterprises and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a means to an end
Authors: Quaye Josiah Nii Adu , Halsall Jamie P. , Winful Ernest Christian , Snowden Michael , Opuni Frank Frimpong , Hyams-Ssekasi Denis , Afriyie Emelia Ohene , Opoku-Asante Kofi , Ocloo Elikem Chosniel , Fairhurst Bethany
Published: September 2024

Ghana is regarded as one of the main nations driving social enterprise development in all of Africa, despite the lack of a policy for the social enterprise sub-sector. Regardless of these trailblazing initiatives, the sub-sector is still young and vulnerable. As a result, the time is right for the government to implement policy reforms to expedite the growth of the sub-sector, which offers an alternative business model for the achievement of the social and environmental goals embodied in the global goals. All nations are urged to take immediate action in response to the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which offer a global framework for achieving global development while balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The methodology adopted is qualitative in nature, whereby focus group discussions were held, bringing together key stakeholders from the social enterprise sector, industry, academia, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to provide insights into how social enterprises will contribute to SDG achievement. This paper aims to generate new insights into how social enterprises can provide a solution to the UN’s SDGs from the Ghanaian perspective. Our findings reveal a strong link between solving social problems through social businesses and achieving the SDGs, and that social enterprises represent an ideal business model for achieving the SDGs. Their mission-driven approach, innovative solutions, focus on empowerment and inclusion, utilisation of market mechanisms, collaboration and partnership, and understanding and knowledge of local contexts collectively position social enterprises as powerful catalysts for sustainable development.
Fire Safety Disparities in Sweden: Sociodemographic Influences and the Impact of Societal Protection on Personal Fire Prevention Measures
Authors: Henrekson Ebba , Andersen Rebecka , Turesson Kenny , Nilson Finn
Published: September 2024

Previous research has identified sociodemographic inequalities in fire prevention measures. This study examined whether sociodemographic differences persist in the Swedish population concerning fire prevention measures and particularly whether there remains an inverted u-curve related to age in protection habits. Additionally, it investigated whether fire protection practices are influenced by the level of societal protection. The research utilised survey data and register data from The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and Statistics Sweden. A latent class analysis was conducted, dividing respondents into four latent classes, followed by two binomial regression analyses. The study revealed three key findings regarding fire protection measures. First, certain demographic groups, namely the young, women, single and childfree households, low-income and low-education individuals, immigrants, and urban residents, are disproportionately lacking optimal fire safety measures. Second, although a safety maturity curve is still observed, older adults in Sweden today are considerably more protected compared to 15–20 years ago, indicating that safety practices employed during middle age continue into old age. Third, a trend is observed where individuals living in areas with more efficient professional rescue services tend to have lower levels of personal fire protection, suggesting a rational choice based on the perceived level of societal protection.
Machine Learning Predicts Accuracy in Eyewitnesses’ Voices
Authors: Gustafsson Philip U. , Lachmann Tim , Laukka Petri
Published: September 2024

An important task in criminal justice is to evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. In this study, we examined if machine learning could be used to detect accuracy. Specifically, we examined if support vector machines (SVMs) could accurately classify testimony statements as correct or incorrect based purely on the nonverbal aspects of the voice. We analyzed 3,337 statements (76.61% accurate) from 51 eyewitness testimonies along 94 acoustic variables. We also examined the relative importance of each of the acoustic variables, using Lasso regression. Results showed that the machine learning algorithms were able to predict accuracy between 20 and 40% above chance level (AUC = 0.50). The most important predictors included acoustic variables related to the amplitude (loudness) of speech and the duration of pauses, with higher amplitude predicting correct recall and longer pauses predicting incorrect recall. Taken together, we find that machine learning methods are capable of predicting whether eyewitness testimonies are correct or incorrect with above-chance accuracy and comparable to human performance, but without detrimental human biases. This offers a proof-of-concept for machine learning in evaluations of eyewitness accuracy, and opens up new avenues of research that we hope might improve social justice.
Heat capacity measurements by a Setaram μDSC3 evo microcalorimeter: estimation of deviation in the measurement, advanced data analysis by mathematical gnostics, and prediction by the artificial neural network
Authors: Parmar Nirmal , Bendová Magdalena , Wagner Zdeněk
Published: September 2024

The aim of the work is to study the variation in the isobaric heat capacity measurement due to changes in the amount of sample and the calibration standard using a Setaram

$$\mu$$

μ

DSC3 evo microcalorimeter batch cells to provide a guideline toward the selection of the sample amount to minimize heat capacity measurement error in

$$\mu$$

μ

DSC. Moreover, overall variation, variation due to the sample amount, and variation due to the calibration standard (reference) amount in heat capacity measurement were estimated for different amounts of the sample or/and the calibration standard material. In the present work, heat capacity measurements were taken for [C4mim][Tf2N] (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide) ionic liquid as a sample material and 1-butanol as a calibration standard. A novel non-statistical approach, mathematical gnostics (MG), was used for data analysis of measured heat capacities data. Moreover, the artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the deviation in the heat capacity measurement with 99.83% accuracy and 0.9939 R
2 score. The Python package PyCpep based on the trained ANN model was developed to predict the deviation in the heat capacity measurement.
Understanding diversification of strategies and tactics in Swedish mining resistance: the fanning-out effect of goals and contextual opportunities
Authors: Fjellborg Daniel
Published: September 2024

Europe is witnessing increasing protests against mining. Social movements mobilizing against resource extraction projects, (i.e. anti-extraction movements) are typically heterogeneous actor networks using diverse tactics to stop projects and promote other forms of societal development. I investigate two prominent anti-extraction movements in Sweden and explore how movement actors’ goals and interpretations of contextual opportunities shape their strategies and tactics. I study tactics over eleven years and use frame analysis to explore actors’ goals, interpretations, and strategies. Results show how diverse goals lead to diversification of tactics in movements by prompting movement actors to relate to different policy areas, that is, issue-specific contexts. Furthermore, actors’ experiences of interacting in different issue-specific contexts created differences in actors’ retrospective reasoning, which reinforced variation in tactics by informing interpretations of contextual opportunities. The study contributes to social movement theory by explicating how the content of goals shape interpretations of contextual opportunities and by extension diversify movement actors’ strategies and tactics. This adds to the understanding of how socio-political context influence tactical choices in concert with other explanations such as action traditions, diffusion, and available resources. Understanding diversification of movement tactics is important for handling increasingly complex conflicts over natural resources.
Opium in science and society: numbers and other quantifications
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Marewski Julian N.
Published: September 2024

In science and beyond, quantifications are omnipresent when it comes to justifying judgments. Which scientific author, hiring committee-member, or advisory board panelist has not been confronted with page-long publication manuals, assessment reports, evaluation guidelines, calling for p-values, citation rates, h-indices, or other numbers to judge about the ‘quality’ of findings, applicants, or institutions? Yet, many of those of us relying on and calling for quantifications may not understand what information numbers can convey, and what not. Focusing on the uninformed usage of bibliometrics as worrisome outgrowth of the increasing quantification of science, in this opinion essay we place the abuse of quantifications into historical contexts and trends. These are characterized by mistrust in human intuitive judgment, obsessions with control and accountability, and a bureaucratization of science. We call for bringing common sense back into scientific (bibliometric-based) judgment exercises. Despite all number crunching, many judgments—be it about empirical findings or research institutions—will neither be straightforward, clear, and unequivocal, nor can they be ‘validated’ and be ‘objectified’ by external standards. We conclude that assessments in science ought to be understood as and be made as judgments under uncertainty.
The Composition of Saturn’s Rings
Authors: Miller Kelly E. , Filacchione Gianrico , Cuzzi Jeffrey N. , Nicholson Philip D. , Hedman Matthew M. , Baillié Kevin , Johnson Robert E. , Tseng Wei-Ling , Estrada Paul R. , Waite Jack Hunter , Ciarniello Mauro , Ferrari Cécile , Zhang Zhimeng , Hendrix Amanda , Moses Julianne I. , Hsu Hsiang-Wen
Published: September 2024

The origin and evolution of Saturn’s rings is critical to understanding the Saturnian system as a whole. Here, we discuss the physical and chemical composition of the rings, as a foundation for evolutionary models described in subsequent chapters. We review the physical characteristics of the main rings, and summarize current constraints on their chemical composition. Radial trends are observed in temperature and to a limited extent in particle size distribution, with the C ring exhibiting higher temperatures and a larger population of small particles. The C ring also shows evidence for the greatest abundance of silicate material, perhaps indicative of formation from a rocky body. The C ring and Cassini Division have lower optical depths than the A and B rings, which contributes to the higher abundance of the exogenous neutral absorber in these regions. Overall, the main ring composition is strongly dominated by water ice, with minor silicate, UV absorber, and neutral absorber components. Sampling of the innermost D ring during Cassini’s Grand Finale provides a new set of in situ constraints on the ring composition, and we explore ongoing work to understand the linkages between the main rings and the D ring. The D ring material is organic- and silicate-rich and water-poor relative to the main rings, with a large population of small grains. This composition may be explained in part by volatile losses in the D ring, and current constraints suggest some degree of fractionation rather than sampling of the bulk D ring material.
Teachers’ mindset meaning system: achievement goals, beliefs and classroom practices
Authors: Lüftenegger Marko , Muth Joy
Published: September 2024

Mindsets are crucial factors for individuals’ adaptive behavior in educational contexts. In meaning systems, these associations between mindsets and behavior are mediated through motivational aspects. It is generally assumed that students should also benefit if teachers adopt a growth mindset. Even though many studies have investigated mindset processes of students, analyses of teachers’ meaning systems are lacking. This study, therefore, examines relationships between teachers’ mindsets, self-efficacy, achievement goals (mastery, performance-avoidance), and instructional practices (goal structure dimensions of task, autonomy, recognition, grouping, evaluation, time). The sample of the questionnaire study comprises 650 Austrian in-service teachers (69.6% female; mean age 45.1 years; SD = 11.3) with an average of 19 years of teaching experience. Data was analyzed using latent mediation modeling with fixed mindset as a predictor, self-efficacy, mastery goals, performance-avoidance goals as mediators, and six mastery classroom goal structure dimensions as outcomes. The results indicated positive relations between a fixed mindset with performance-avoidance goals and negative relations with self-efficacy and mastery goals. Mastery goals and self-efficacy negatively fully mediated the effects of fixed mindsets on five of six mastery goal structure dimensions. No mediation was found for performance-avoidance goals except for the fixed mindset-autonomy and fixed mindset-grouping links. To conclude, the study’s findings support that a meaning system approach is also valid for teachers and provide insights into the associations between mindset, self-efficacy beliefs, achievement goals, and classroom practices.
An analogous Twisted Little Tale on the significance of unusual infrared frequencies
Authors: Agranat Israel
Published: September 2024

The autobiographical 2024 Brief Report published in Structural Chemistry by the heterocyclic chemist Professor José Elguero prompted the author to describe his recollections of a similar yet twisted little tale of an incident occurred in 1964 during his Organic Chemistry Ph.D. period at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The trait d’union between the two tales is the significance of unusual infrared frequencies in the characterization of newly synthesized organic compounds. The absence of an infrared band at the 1800–1900 cm−1 region was a sufficient condition for ruling out a cyclopropanone structure (Elguero’s little tale). The presence of such an infrared band was a necessary condition for the presence of a triafulvene and triapentafulvalene systems (author’s twisted little tale). The related experience in the publication of Communications to the Editor articles in the Journal of the American Chemical Society is also described. A further teaching of the author’s tale is the importance of early learning of ethics and integrity in the scientific publication process.
Use of prompt-based learning for code-mixed and code-switched text classification
Authors: Udawatta Pasindu , Udayangana Indunil , Gamage Chathulanka , Shekhar Ravi , Ranathunga Surangika
Published: September 2024

Code-mixing and code-switching (CMCS) are prevalent phenomena observed in social media conversations and various other modes of communication. When developing applications such as sentiment analysers and hate-speech detectors that operate on this social media data, CMCS text poses challenges. Recent studies have demonstrated that prompt-based learning of pre-trained language models outperforms full fine-tuning across various tasks. Despite the growing interest in classifying CMCS text, the effectiveness of prompt-based learning for the task remains unexplored. This paper presents an extensive exploration of prompt-based learning for CMCS text classification and the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of the script on classifying CMCS text. Our study reveals that the performance in classifying CMCS text is significantly influenced by the inclusion of multiple scripts and the intensity of code-mixing. In response, we introduce a novel method, Dynamic+AdapterPrompt, which employs distinct models for each script, integrated with adapters. While DynamicPrompt captures the script-specific representation of the text, AdapterPrompt emphasizes capturing the task-oriented functionality. Our experiments on Sinhala-English, Kannada-English, and Hindi-English datasets for sentiment classification, hate-speech detection, and humour detection tasks show that our method outperforms strong fine-tuning baselines and basic prompting strategies.
Technical Overview of Pyro-processing and Policy Considerations
Authors: Im Kwangchae , Lee Manseok , Woo Seung Min
Published: September 2024

Pyro-processing is an emerging technology crucial to the implementation of a closed nuclear fuel cycle. It is distinguished by its method of extracting and recycling actinides from fission products in spent nuclear fuels, utilizing high-temperature molten salt media. Despite its promise, the technology poses proliferation concerns that underscores the imperative for robust safeguards. While the safeguarding framework for aqueous reprocessing facilities that has been established over decades offers a foundational reference, the unique challenges posed by Pyro-processing necessitate a tailored approach. Amid these concerns, Pyro-processing is heralded as a viable strategy for nuclear waste management, with research increasingly focusing on its selectivity and efficacy within molten salt systems. This paper scrutinizes the proliferation risks inherent in Pyro-processing, delineates the requisite safeguards, and evaluates the feasibility of Pyro-processing, especially within the purview of the 123 Agreements between the United States and South Korea.
Prognostic value of transient ischemic dilatation by 13N-ammonia PET MPI for short-term outcomes in patients with non-obstructive CAD
Authors: jia Yanni , Hu Yingqi , Yang Lihong , Diao Xin , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Yanhui , Wang Ruonan , Cao Jianbo , Li Sijin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Transient ischaemic dilatation (TID) had incremental diagnostic and prognostic value in obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), but its clinical significance in patients with non-obstructive CAD remains unknown. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of TID in patients with non-obstructive CAD by 13N-ammonia PET imaging.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 131 consecutive patients with non-obstructive CAD undergoing one-day rest-stress 13N-ammonia PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). TID was automatically generated using CardIQ Physio software. The receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal threshold of TID. The follow-up outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of re-hospitalization for heart failure or unstable angina, late revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and cardiac death. Cardiac event-free survivals for normal and abnormal TID were compared using Kaplan–Meier plots and log-rank tests.

Results

During a median follow-up of 42.08 ± 17.67 months, 22 (16.7%) patients occurred MACE. The optimal cut-off value of TID was 1.03 based on MACE. Our preliminary outcome analysis suggests that TID-abnormal subjects had a lower overall survival probability. Furthermore, our multivariate analysis reveals abnormal TID was the only independent predictor for MACE in non-obstructive CAD. In the subgroup analysis, an abnormal TID was an independent predictor for MACE in patients with abnormal perfusion patterns.

Conclusion

Among patients with non-obstructive CAD, PET-derived TID ≥ 1.03 may identify those with a high risk of subsequent MACE independently. It was also an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with abnormal perfusion.

Graphical abstract

CAD coronary artery disease, PET positron emission tomography, MPI myocardial perfusion imaging, TID transient ischaemic dilatation, MACE major adverse cardiac events, ROC receiver operative characteristic.
One type of graft for reconstruction of the ACL does not suit all patients based on their characteristics and sports: a scoping review
Authors: Reinerink J. M. , Vendrig T. , Keizer M. N. J. , Hoogeslag R. A. G. , Brouwer R. W.
Published: September 2024

The selection of graft type for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction remains a topic of debate, taking into consideration patient characteristics, as well as the type and level of sports involvement. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate patient characteristics that might influence the selection of graft type for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. PubMed and Scopus were searched to identify articles for inclusion. All included studies focused on one or more patient characteristics involved in the decision-making process regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction autograft, including the hamstrings tendon (HT), patellar tendon (BPTB) and quadriceps tendon (QT). Out of the 1,977 initial studies, 27 studies were included in this review. The BPTB graft seems to be the preferred choice in young patients, females, and athletes—especially those engaged in pivoting sports. The HT graft seems to be the preferred choice in less active and older patients, along with those involved in sports where knee extensors are vital. The HT graft is not preferable in patients with a small body height and graft diameter. Moreover, surgeon preferences were also of importance for graft selection. The success of a specific graft type in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is highly dependent on the patient’s characteristics and type of sport. Patient characteristics such as age, gender, body height, graft diameter, and the patient’s activity level should all be considered when choosing the appropriate graft type.
Cumulative effects of natural and anthropogenic processes on groundwater chemistry of a small karst island—case study of Vis (Croatia)
Authors: Patekar Matko , Briški Maja , Terzić Josip , Nakić Zoran , Borović Staša
Published: September 2024

Many coastal and island communities depend on groundwater as the only source of freshwater, making it an invaluable resource. In the Mediterranean region, groundwater resources are highly vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic pressures, such as overexploitation, climate change, seasonal variations in precipitation, and seawater intrusion. Hence, an understanding of hydrogeological processes and groundwater chemistry is a basis for the sustainable management of coastal and island groundwater resources. Vis, a small and remote karst island in the Adriatic Sea, exhibits peculiar geological and hydrogeological settings, resulting in the island’s autonomous water supply. The current pumping capacity (maximum of 42 l/s) meets most of the demand, but intensive summer tourism and climate change exert high stress on groundwater resources during the dry season. Consequently, in the last decade, occasional reductions for consumers occurred. Monitoring of in situ physicochemical parameters and groundwater sampling for chemical and isotopic analyses were conducted from 2020 to 2023 at deep borewells, shallow dug wells, and springs. Hydrochemical interpretation indicated that groundwater chemistry was affected primarily by carbonate and sulfate rock dissolution, mixing with seawater, reverse ion exchange, and dedolomitization. The majority of groundwater samples exhibit Ca–HCO3 hydrochemical facies, followed by Na–Cl and mixed facies. The low percentage of seawater in the mixture indicated that seawater intrusion is not too extensive even during prolonged dry periods, implying a favorable hydrostatic regime with relatively small but sufficient groundwater reserves of the island’s aquifers, although the investigated period was characterized by significantly lower precipitation with respect to the 30-year average.
Simplicial models for the epistemic logic of faulty agents
Authors: Goubault Éric , Kniazev Roman , Ledent Jérémy , Rajsbaum Sergio
Published: September 2024

In recent years, several authors have been investigating simplicial models, a model of epistemic logic based on higher dimensional structures called simplicial complexes. In the original formulation of Goubault et al. (Inf Comput 278:104597, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ic.2020.104597), simplicial models are always assumed to be pure, meaning that all worlds have the same dimension. This is equivalent to the standard $$\mathbf {S5_n}$$

S

5
n

semantics of epistemic logic, based on Kripke models. By removing the assumption that models must be pure, we can go beyond the usual Kripke semantics and study epistemic logics where the number of agents participating in a world can vary. This approach has been developed in a number of papers (van Ditmarsch, WoLLIC 2021, pp 31–46, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88853-4_3; Goubault et al. STACS 2022, pp 33:1–33:20, 2022. https://doi.org/10.4230/LIPIcs.STACS.2022.33; Goubault et al. LICS, pp 1–13, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1109/LICS56636.2023.10175737), with applications in fault-tolerant distributed computing where processes may crash during the execution of a system. A difficulty that arises is that subtle design choices in the definition of impure simplicial models can result in different axioms of the resulting logic. In this paper, we classify those design choices systematically, and axiomatize the corresponding logics. We illustrate them via distributed computing examples of synchronous systems where processes may crash.
A Qualitative Investigation of the Relationships Between Foster Care Stakeholders and Research
Authors: Ruff Saralyn , Linville Deanna , Hawkins Quanice
Published: September 2024

Research on foster care from the perspective of key stakeholders with lived and professional experience is necessary to inform programs, policy and practice. Numerous barriers exist to accessing these populations and ensuring inclusion and representation in research. This study interviewed twenty-two stakeholders with lived and/or professional experience in foster care to gain their recommendations on how to understand and conduct research on foster care and specifically and how to (a) increase stakeholders’ participation in research and (b) capture a broader representation of those impacted. Findings offer observations of who does and does not participate in research and how this may affect public perception, as well as direct recommendations for future research.
Trends and Outcomes of US Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Hospitalizations in Hispanic Americans: Epidemiology from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Reiche William S. , Walters Ryan W.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) hospitalizations are increasing in the USA; however, the impact of race and ethnicity on key outcomes in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white HTG-AP hospitalizations has not been studied.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2016 and 2020 identifying all patients with discharge diagnosis AP. HTG-AP hospitalizations were identified for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. Primary outcomes included yearly rate of HTG-AP and in-hospital mortality from HTG-AP. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and inflation-adjusted hospital costs.

Results

HTG-AP hospitalizations accounted for 5.9% of all AP hospitalizations; 17,440 and 48,235 hospitalizations included a Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patient, respectively. The yearly rate of HTG-AP hospitalizations per 100,000 adult population was statistically higher for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites. The HTG-AP hospitalization rate increased for both Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites (both ptrend < 0.001); however, the trends were not statistically different. The number of observed in-hospital deaths for Hispanics was too low to report, precluding subsequent analysis. Hispanics were younger, more likely to be female, more commonly Medicaid recipients, and from zip codes with lower income quartiles. Despite clinically similar rates of plasmapheresis use and LOS, adjusted hospital costs were 18.9% higher for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites (95% CI, 15.4 to 22.6% higher, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HTG-AP incidence is increasing in the USA in Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites. Despite clinically similar outcomes, HTG-AP hospitalizations in Hispanic patients were associated with $26,805,280 in excess costs compared to non-Hispanic white hospitalizations.
Evolutionary Cognitive Enhancement: Stimulating Whole-Body Problem-Solving Capacities
Authors: Malaei Fereidoun
Published: September 2024

This article argues that understanding the primary functions of cognitive processes in our evolutionary past can help to develop effective cognitive enhancement methods. The adaptive problems our ancestors faced forged interconnected cognitive and motor mechanisms supporting various movement-based problem-solving processes. However, the physical and social challenges these cognitive-motor capacities originally evolved to address are no longer prevalent in modern societies. Consequently, many adaptive problem-solving mechanisms linked to a wide range of body movements are often underused and insufficiently developed in modern contexts, contributing to age-related cognitive decline. From this view, and considering current cognitive enhancement techniques such as cognitive training, neurostimulation, physical exercise, and combined cognitive and physical training, the present article introduces an evolutionary-inspired cognitive enhancement framework. This framework advocates for developing strategies and training methods that stimulate our evolved cognitive-motor adaptations. In particular, therapeutic interventions should incorporate adaptive problems and whole-body movement solutions into modern technologies and computer-based tasks.
The Double-Edged Sword of Short-Time Work: Job Insecurity, Financial Stress, and Leisure Experience during COVID-19
Authors: Zabel Sarah , Loths Laura , Lutz Franziska , Spannbauer Claudia , Otto Siegmar
Published: September 2024

For many employees, the COVID-19 pandemic-related policies triggered concerns about job security. At the same time, companies in many countries made greater use of state-financed short-time work (i.e., where employees could keep their jobs, work less or not at all, and still receive a substantial surrogate wage). Even though such a measure certainly helps mitigate negative financial effects, employees in short-time work can be expected to experience job insecurity and financial stress. It can also be assumed that the additional free time is not experienced positively in times of lockdowns and social distancing. Therefore, the effects of short-time work during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 on employees’ perceived job insecurity, financial stress, and their leisure experience were examined in Germany. The results of a cross-sectional online study (N = 343) showed that short-time workers experienced greater job insecurity and financial stress as compared to full-time workers. Furthermore, the perception of job insecurity and financial stress among short-time workers was negatively related to satisfaction with their leisure time (i.e., leisure experience).
Plant performance and soil–plant carbon relationship response to different biochar types
Authors: Liao Jia Xin , So Pui San , Bordoloi Sanandam , Li De Nian , Yuan Hao Ran , Chen Yong , Xin Li Qing
Published: September 2024

Biochar (BC) applications in soil has positive effects on plant performance, particularly for loose soil in agricultural context. However, how biochar types affect plant performance of non-crop species and soil–plant carbon relationships is not clear. We selected five different BC types and three plant species to investigate the responses of plant performance and the soil–plant carbon relationship to BC effects. The result demonstrated that peanut shell BC led to the death of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, due to a reduction in nutrient uptake caused by higher soil electricity conductivity (2001.7 and 976.3 µS cm−1). However, the carbon content of S. arboricola increased by 57% in peanut shell BC-amended soil, suggesting that S. arboricola has a higher tolerance for soil salinity. Wood BC-amended soil led to better stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf area index (LAI) of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae due to the higher water retention in the soil (22.68% and 20.79%). This illustrated that a higher amount of water retention brought by wood BC with a great amount of pore volume might be the limited factor for plant growth. The relationship between gs and LAI suggested that gs would not increase when LAI reached beyond 3. Moreover, wood and peanut shell BC caused a negative relationship between soil organic carbon and plant carbon content, suggesting that plants consume more carbon from the soil to store it in the plant. Overall, wood BC is recommended for plant growth of R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, and peanut shell BC is suggested for S. arboricola carbon storage.

Graphical Abstract