bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐driven quality prediction in injection molding: An autoencoder and machine learning approach
Authors: Ke Kun‐Cheng , Wang Jui‐Chih , Nian Shih‐Chih
Published: July 2024

In the injection molding process, the pressure within the mold cavity is crucial to the quality of the final product. Due to the inability to directly observe the process, sensor technology is required to acquire data. Traditionally, experts interpret and encode pressure curves, but this method has limitations. This study proposes an innovative pressure curve encoding technique to overcome these limitations and achieve automation to obtain more comprehensive pressure information. The study employs mold flow analysis software and autoencoders to capture and encode pressure data, classifying pressure curves into global pressure and local pressure values. Subsequently, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network is used for machine learning to predict multiple qualities. Results indicate that local pressure features perform better in predicting multiple‐quality targets than global pressure features, exhibiting smaller prediction ranges and higher prediction stability. Although domain knowledge‐based indicator features slightly outperform in terms of predictive capability, the low error results of the local pressure feature method validate the effectiveness of the autoencoder approach, demonstrating its potential for digital information extraction and practical quality prediction in the injection molding process.

Highlights

Develops a product quality prediction system for efficient injection molding.

Autoencoders extract key features from pressure data without domain knowledge.

ML models predict quality indicators, optimizing injection molding processes.

Compares pressure features, showing data‐driven methods' prediction accuracy.
Beliefs regarding the use of imaging among patients with low back pain: A cross‐sectional study in the context of a middle‐income country
Authors: Diniz Leandro M. , Lemes Ítalo R. , Freire Ana P. C. F. , Guimarães Ana F. , Ferreira Lucas A. C. , Franco Marcia R. , Verhagen Arianne P. , Simoneau Guy , Pinto Rafael Z.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Patients with low back pain may play an active role in the prescription of excessive spine imaging.

Objective

To determine the proportion of patients with low back pain who have beliefs not aligned with current evidence regarding the use of imaging and to identify factors associated with these beliefs.

Design

Secondary analysis of baseline data of a previously published randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Outpatient physical therapy clinic in a middle‐income country.

Patients

Individuals with non‐specific low back pain.

Methods

Outcome variables were two statements assessing the extent of patient agreement on the need for imaging in the management of low back pain. The predictor variables were age, educational level, duration of symptoms, disability level, pain intensity in the last 24 hours, beliefs about inevitable consequences of low back pain (assessed using the Back Belief Questionnaire), and having received imaging previously. Multivariable logistic models were used for data analysis.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Level of agreement with Statement 1: X‐rays or scans are necessary to get the best medical care for low back pain and Statement 2: Everyone with low back pain should have spine imaging.

Results

A total of 159 patients were included. Of these, 88.1% believed that imaging was necessary for the best medical care for low back pain and 62.9% believed that everyone with low back pain should obtain imaging. Lower scores on the Back Belief Questionnaire were associated with beliefs that imaging was necessary (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81, 0.99) and low education level was associated with the belief that everyone with low back pain should obtain imaging (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.61), after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Nearly 90% of patients believe that spine imaging is necessary for the management of low back pain. Beliefs about the inevitable consequences of low back pain and low education level may be factors that need to be considered when developing new interventions.
Unequal burials: Medicolegal death investigation system variation as a determinant of FEMA's disaster funeral assistance allocation
Authors: Zaychik Danielle
Published: July 2024

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funeral assistance is available to cover funeral expenses for the relatives of disaster victims in the United States. However, funds are dependent on death certificate proof of a disaster‐related cause of death. Previous research has shown that the medicolegal death investigation (MDI) system may impact the quality of death certificate data. This research examines the relationship between MDI systems and FEMA disaster funeral assistance distribution. The results of the study indicate that centralized medical examiner systems have higher funeral assistance acceptance rates than other MDI system types. Democratic states and counties with fewer minority residents also have higher acceptance rates. Furthermore, acceptance rates varied significantly by FEMA regional office. These findings suggest that the distribution of funeral assistance may be influenced by administrative and political differences between states.
Fault reconstruction‐based robust tracking control design for periodic piecewise polynomial systems with disturbances
Authors: Aravinth Narayanan , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Satheesh Thangavel , Kwon Oh‐Min
Published: July 2024

In this article, we address the topics of fault reconstruction and robust fault‐tolerant tracking control for periodic piecewise polynomial uncertain systems with time‐varying delays, faults and external disturbances. In detail, the periodic piecewise polynomial learning observer system is configured with the intent to concurrently reconstruct the faults and immeasurable states of the system that is being considered. Precisely, the key intent of this study centers around in devising a robust fault‐tolerant tracking control to achieve the tracking performance of the system as intended with mixed and passivity performance. To this end, a robust fault‐tolerant tracking control is designed by incorporating the reconstructed faults and error feedback, which aids in vouching for the outcomes that were desired. Besides, by building the periodic piecewise polynomial Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and making use of the matrix polynomial lemma and Wirtinger's inequality, certain adequate conditions are procured in the frame of linear matrix inequalities. Subsequently, the required gain values for the devised controller and the configured observer are found by using the established linear matrix inequalities. Ultimately, in order to attest the controller's intrinsic potential and relevance, numerical example along with the simulation results is supplied.
Spodosol development and soil organic carbon distribution along a lithosequence in perhumid coastal temperate rainforest
Authors: Fedenko Jennifer , D'Amore David , Spinola Diogo , Portes Raquel , Dere Ashlee , Lybrand Rebecca A.
Published: July 2024

A dense concentration of old‐growth forest and a wet, cold climate promote mineral weathering and leaching in coastal temperate rainforest soils. Our objective was to assess soil development and soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution across 18 soil profiles in remote, upland terrain of southeast Alaska where pedon data are sparse. We made soil morphological observations, collected samples, and completed laboratory analyses to measure SOC content, pH, and particle size distribution. The survey of upland backslope soils included north‐ and south‐facing hillslopes derived from three lithologies (slate, metavolcanic, and phyllite). The soils across all sites were very gravelly (51.8 ± 20.4% coarse fragments), acidic (mineral soil pH 4.85 ± 0.45), and moderately deep (96.56 ± 37.80 cm); thin, broken E horizons were underlain by thick, carbon‐rich spodic horizons. Soil development was relatively consistent as demonstrated by the Profile Development Index with values from 15 to 26 and Podzolization Index values spanning 8 to 14. A mean pedon SOC stock of 198.02 ± 81.42 Mg C ha−1 (n = 18) was calculated using data collected for all upland organic and mineral soils from our work. The accumulation of SOC was similar among soils formed from contrasting lithologies with averages of 182 ± 15.70 Mg C ha−1 for slate, 188 ± 53.80 Mg C ha−1 for metavolcanic, and 218 ± 124 Mg C ha−1 for phyllite. Our work contributes to soil morphological observations, laboratory data, and SOC stock estimates required to better constrain and model pedogenic processes and SOC stock in remote forests where data sets are limited.
Evolution of secure development lifecycles and maturity models in the context of hosted solutions
Authors: Lange Felix , Kunz Immanuel
Published: July 2024

Organizations creating software commonly utilize software development lifecycles (SDLCs) to structure development activities. Secure development lifecycles (SDLs) integrate into SDLCs, adding security or compliance activities. They are widely used and have been published by industry leaders and in literature. These SDLs, however, were mostly designed before or while cloud services and other hosted solutions became popular. Such offerings widen the provider's responsibilities, as they not only deliver software but operate and decommission it as well. SDLs, however, do not always account for this change. Security maturity models (SMMs) help to assess SDLs and identify improvements by introducing a baseline to compare against. Multiple of these models were created after the advent of hosted solutions and are more recent than commonly referenced SDLs. Recent SMMs and SDLs may therefore support hosted solutions better than older proposals do. This paper compares a set of current and historic SDLs and SMMs in order to review their support for hosted solutions, including how support has changed over time. Security, privacy, and support for small or agile organizations are considered, as all are relevant to hosted solutions. The SDLs analyzed include Microsoft's SDL, McGraw's Touchpoints, the Cisco's SDL, and Stackpole and Oksendahl's SDL2. The SMMs reviewed are OWASP's Software Assurance Maturity Model 2 and DevSecOps Maturity Model. To assess the support for hosted solutions, the security and privacy activities foreseen in each SDLC phase are compared, before organizational compatibility, activity relevance, and efficiency are assessed. The paper further demonstrates how organizations may select and adjust a suitable proposal. The analyzed proposals are found to not sufficiently support hosted solutions: Important SDLC phases, such as solution retirement, are not always sufficiently supported. Agile practices, such as working in sprints, and small organizations are often not sufficiently considered as well. Efficiency is found to vary based on the application context. A clear improvement trend from before the proliferation of hosted solutions cannot be identified. Future work is therefore found to be required.
Multi‐species occupancy modeling of ground‐dwelling mammals in central Laos: a case study for monitoring in tropical forests
Authors: Alexiou Ioannis , Coudrat Camille N. Z. , Niedballa Jürgen , Wilting Andreas , Tilker Andrew
Published: July 2024

Unsustainable hunting and habitat loss have led to widespread mammal population declines in Southeast Asia, and evidence‐based conservation is needed to prevent further declines. Robust monitoring of population trends is a key component of evidence‐based approaches. We conducted a landscape‐scale systematic camera‐trapping survey in Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park, located within the Annamites region in Laos, with the objective of establishing a population baseline that can be used for long‐term monitoring for ground‐dwelling mammals. We analyzed camera‐trapping data within a multi‐species Royle–Nichols occupancy framework to estimate occupancy and species richness within three management zones. We used anthropogenic and ecological covariates to understand the factors influencing species occurrence in the study site. In total, we detected 40 terrestrial mammals over 20 794 camera‐trap days, including five Annamite endemics and 18 threatened species, of which 26 had sufficient detections to be included in the multi‐species occupancy analysis. We found that overall species richness increased with remoteness and elevation. Mean ± SD predicted species richness in the three management zones was 14.6 ± 1.55 (Zone 1‐Thong Khacheng), 13.18 ± 1.64 (Zone 2‐Thong Kouang), 11.84 ± 1.15 (Zone 3‐Nam Chae), with an average of 13.26 ± 2.03. Our study highlights the importance of Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park as a priority area for biodiversity conservation in the Annamites, and demonstrates the utility of using camera‐trapping and multi‐species occupancy modeling approaches to establish robust baselines for the monitoring of mammal communities in tropical protected areas.
Introduction: A Policy-Focused Approach
Authors: Laffin Martin , Wayenberg Ellen , Kuhlmann Sabine , Bergström Tomas
Published: July 2024

This book aims to contribute to our theoretical and empirical understanding of comparative intergovernmental studies and public administration during a period of increasing political, social, and economic crises. These crises have meant that, over recent years, those involved with intergovernmental relationships (IGR) have had to cope with new challenges and manage often unprecedented tensions between levels of government. In particular, new and emergent issues have arrived on the political agenda. These issues create present or looming crises in government and wider society—such as over disease control (such as Covid-19), mass migration, and climate change. They pose new and complex governance challenges, and place strains on the political responsiveness, policymaking capacities, and operational capacities of existing European substate political-administrative institutions. These unprecedented challenges necessitate a critical examination of the prevailing assumptions that underpin contemporary studies on European substate government and intergovernmental relations (IGR). This book provides such an examination through applying a policy-focused approach (Hacker & Pierson, 2014). This approach departs from the conventional institutional-focused approach, prevalent in past comparative European intergovernmental relations studies, which seeks to explain contemporary IGR arrangements predominantly in terms of the persistent and dominant influence of political-institutional, structural legacies (e.g. Loughlin et al., 2011). In contrast, the policy-focused approach contends that the structures and processes of IGR are best understood by analysing how specific policy issues are navigated by actors.
Inter-administrative Relations in Migrant Integration: France, Germany, and Sweden Compared
Authors: Oehlert Franziska , Kuhlmann Sabine
Published: July 2024

Migrant integration is a prime example of intergovernmental coordination and multilevel governance; first because no level of government can carry out this task alone, and second because its cross-cutting nature often leads to fragmented institutional structures that must be overcome. Within the research strand of intergovernmental relations (IGR), the focus has been on executive actors and governmental decision-makers, resulting in an underexposure of the role of public administration, known as inter-administrative relations (IAR). Against this backdrop, we aim to remedy some of the deficits in IGR research by (1) adopting an explicit IAR perspective which systematically addresses the role of local governments; (2) including a comparative dimension in IAR research that accounts for different administrative ‘starting conditions’ in European countries; and (3) using the policy area of migrant integration as a case in point to empirically investigate developments of institutional convergence and divergence in IAR patterns. It is argued that the coordination of migrant integration in the three countries examined has moved towards more intergovernmental coordination, on the one hand, and that the role of municipalities in this context has been enhanced—varying degrees of (de-)centralization notwithstanding. While certain convergent patterns of inter-governmental coordination have become apparent during the migration crisis, historical path dependencies and administrative cultures still appear to be factors that influence institutional development.
AI Cards: Towards an Applied Framework for Machine-Readable AI and Risk Documentation Inspired by the EU AI Act
Authors: Golpayegani Delaram , Hupont Isabelle , Panigutti Cecilia , Pandit Harshvardhan J. , Schade Sven , O’Sullivan Declan , Lewis Dave
Published: July 2024

With the upcoming enforcement of the EU AI Act, documentation of high-risk AI systems and their risk management information will become a legal requirement playing a pivotal role in demonstration of compliance. Despite its importance, there is a lack of standards and guidelines to assist with drawing up AI and risk documentation aligned with the AI Act. This paper aims to address this gap by providing an in-depth analysis of the AI Act’s provisions regarding technical documentation, wherein we particularly focus on AI risk management. On the basis of this analysis, we propose AI Cards as a novel holistic framework for representing a given intended use of an AI system by encompassing information regarding technical specifications, context of use, and risk management, both in human- and machine-readable formats. While the human-readable representation of AI Cards provides AI stakeholders with a transparent and comprehensible overview of the AI use case, its machine-readable specification leverages on state of the art Semantic Web technologies to embody the interoperability needed for exchanging documentation within the AI value chain. This brings the flexibility required for reflecting changes applied to the AI system and its context, provides the scalability needed to accommodate potential amendments to legal requirements, and enables development of automated tools to assist with legal compliance and conformity assessment tasks. To solidify the benefits, we provide an exemplar AI Card for an AI-based student proctoring system and further discuss its potential applications within and beyond the context of the AI Act.
Verantwortungsvolle Wissenschaftsbewertung in der Medizin – was zählt?
Authors: Herrmann-Lingen Christoph
Published: July 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag betrachtet aus der Sicht eines Praktikers die Zielsetzungen und Probleme der Evaluation medizinischer Forschung und der hierauf basierenden Leistungsorientierten Mittelvergabe (LOM) bzw. der Indikatorgestützten Mittelallokation (IMA). Nach einer allgemeinen Einführung ins Thema stellt er, methodische Probleme der Publikationsbewertung als eines zentralen Leistungsindikators und unerwünschte Effekte bibliometrisch definierter Anreiz- und Steuerungssysteme dar. In einem Exkurs wird dabei auch auf die durch extrinsische Incentivierungen erzeugten Interessenkonflikte und ihre potenziell schädlichen Effekte auf das Wissenschaftssystem eingegangen. Im zweiten Teil werden Probleme aktueller Anreiz- und Incentivierungssysteme im spezifischen Kontext medizinischer Forschung skizziert und Anregungen für eine Weiterentwicklung wissenschaftsadäquater und multidimensionaler Evaluations- und Anreizsysteme formuliert.
Dimensionen und Qualitätsmaße zur Evaluation medizinischer Forschung – Kontext und Ansätze des Projekts QuaMedFo
Authors: Biesenbender Sophie
Published: July 2024

Das Verbundprojekt „Qualitätsmaße zur Evaluation medizinischer Forschung“ (QuaMedFo, Projektzeitraum 2019–2022) war der Ausgangspunkt für den vorliegenden Sammelband „Qualitätsmessung als Prisma“, welcher verschiedene Perspektiven auf die Evaluation medizinischer Forschung in Deutschland versammelt. Dieser Beitrag enthält eine Beschreibung des Projekts QuaMedFo und eine Einordnung in den allgemeinen Stand der Forschung sowie die aktuelle Diskussion zum Thema datengestützte Bestandsaufnahmen und Forschungsevaluationen. Am Beispiel der medizinischen Forschung und bestehender Evaluationspraxen im deutschen Wissenschaftssystem werden strukturelle, methodische und praktische Herausforderungen bei Entwicklung adäquater Betrachtungs- und Bewertungsinstrumente skizziert. Das Kapitel umfasst eine Kontextualisierung und Hinführung zu den im QuaMedFo-Projekt durchgeführten Analysen verschiedener Dimensionen und Datenzugänge für die Evaluation medizinischer Forschung und setzt den konzeptionellen Ausgangspunkt für die Ableitung von Empfehlungen und Denkanstößen.
Boundary Liouville conformal field theory in four dimensions
Authors: Gaikwad Adwait , Kislev Amitay C. , Levy Tom , Oz Yaron
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Higher dimensional Euclidean Liouville conformal field theories (LCFTs) consist of a log-correlated real scalar field with a background charge and an exponential potential. We analyse the LCFT on a four-dimensional manifold with a boundary. We extend to the boundary, the conformally covariant GJMS operator and the $$ \mathcal{Q} $$
Q
-curvature term in the LCFT action and classify the conformal boundary conditions. Working on a flat space with plate boundary, we calculate the dimensions of the boundary conformal primary operators, the two- and three-point functions of the displacement operator and the boundary conformal anomaly coefficients.
The potential of an artificial intelligence for diagnosing MRI images in rectal cancer: multicenter collaborative trial
Authors: Hamabe Atsushi , Takemasa Ichiro , Ishii Masayuki , Okuya Koichi , Hida Koya , Nishizaki Daisuke , Sumii Atsuhiko , Arizono Shigeki , Kohno Shigeshi , Tokunaga Koji , Nakai Hirotsugu , Sakai Yoshiharu , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: July 2024

Background

An artificial intelligence-based algorithm we developed, mrAI, satisfactorily segmented the rectal tumor, rectum, and mesorectum from MRI data of rectal cancer patients in an initial study. Herein, we aimed to validate mrAI using an independent dataset.

Methods

We utilized MRI images collected in another nationwide research project, "Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Advanced Low Rectal Cancer Patients". MRIs from 467 cases with upfront surgery were utilized; six radiologists centralized the MRI evaluations. The diagnostic accuracies of mrAI and the radiologists for tumor depth were compared using pathologic diagnosis as a reference.

Results

For all cases, centralized diagnosis demonstrated 84.2% sensitivity, 37.7% specificity, and 73.7% accuracy; mrAI exhibited 70.6% sensitivity, 61.3% specificity, and 68.5% accuracy. After limiting MRIs to those acquired by a Philips scanner, with an inter-slice spacing of ≤ 6 mm—both conditions similar to those used in the development of mrAI—the performance of mrAI improved to 76.8% sensitivity, 76.7% specificity, and 76.7% accuracy, while the centralized diagnosis showed 81.8% sensitivity, 36.7% specificity, and 71.3% accuracy. Regarding relapse-free survival, the prognosis for tumors staged ≥ T3 was significantly worse than for tumors staged ≤ T2 (P = 0.0484) in the pathologic diagnosis. While no significant difference was observed between ≥ T3 and ≤ T2 tumors in the centralized diagnosis (P = 0.1510), the prognosis for ≥ T3 was significantly worse in the mrAI diagnosis (P = 0.0318).

Conclusion

Proper imaging conditions for MRI can enhance the accuracy of mrAI, which has the potential to provide feedback to radiologists without overestimating tumor stage.
Undetected permanent dental inflammation as a possible trigger for brain abscesses? A retrospective analysis over the last 2 decades
Authors: Olivier Maximilian , Kraus Luisa Mona , Brandenburg Leonard Simon , Andereggen Lukas , Fung Christian , Beck Jürgen , Schnell Oliver , Cipriani Debora
Published: July 2024

Background

Recently, there is increasing evidence that the proportion of odontogenic brain abscesses is greater than previously known. In this study, we aim to differentiate the oral infections as triggers more precisely and to classify them in the clinical setting.

Methods

For analysis, we conducted a retrospective single center study. We reviewed patients with brain abscesses who have undergone treatment in the University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany in the period between 2000–2021. Inclusion required two main criteria: 1. The brain abscess must not have an other focus than odontogenic. 2. The microbial spectrum identified in the brain abscess must be consistent with an odontogenic origin.

Results

Of 217 brain abscess patients, 26 met the inclusion criteria. 42% (11 patients) suffered from immunosuppressive conditions. Odontogenic foci were diagnosed in 18 cases (69%). Neurologic deficits included vigilance reduction and hemiparesis. Pathogens of the Streptococcus anginosus group were the most frequent causative agent (21 cases, 81%). Metronidazole (54%) and ceftriaxone (42%) were part of the targeted antibiotic therapy. All brain abscesses were surgically treated. Teeth were extracted in 14 of 17 cases for focus control. 18 cases (72%) showed complete or partial resolution of neurologic symptoms and 3 cases were fatal.

Conclusion

Apparently silent or chronic oral infections are sufficient to cause bacterial colonization of the brain, especially in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, special care should be taken to maintain good oral health. An interdisciplinary management should become a standard to prevent and treat the occurrence of brain abscesses.
A potential acaricide of Moutan Cortex essential oil encapsulated in nanoemulsion and mesoporous silica nanoparticles against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Teng Qiao , Li Yuanyuan , Cai Yuanyuan , Guo Junjie , Zou Minghui , Xue Qiqi , Tang Xiaoniu , Li Xiangzi , Zhao Jinhong
Published: July 2024

Moutan Cortex essential oil (MCEO) is considered to be a promising botanical insecticide. However, like most oils, MECO has several limitations, including instability and poor solubility. Nanoencapsulation technology is an excellent strategy for stabilizing essential oils because of its controlled release, enhanced efficacy, and strengthened biological activity. The present study investigated the acaricidal efficacy of pure MCEO and its encapsulated nanoemulsion (NE) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae using contact bioassays, fumigant bioassays, repellent bioassays, and the observation of toxic symptoms. MCEO-MSNs obtained in the study successfully encapsulated MCEO with an encapsulation efficiency of 63.83%. The acaricidal mortality experiments revealed that MCEO-NE and MCEO-MSN showed more significant toxicity against D. farinae than did pure MCEO. The nanomaterials showed better larvicidal and nymphicidal activities than pure MCEO at a high concentration (12-h LC90). Notably, the repellent effect experiment showed that MCEO-NE and MCEO-MSN had long-term and stable repellent effects on D. farinae, indicating the sustained release and persistence of the nanomaterials. More toxicity symptoms were observed in the IM-type group than in the KD-type group, suggesting that the MCEO nanoparticles have adverse effects on the respiratory system. Nanomaterials and MCEO promoted superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in D. farinae. In addition, the binding sites of paeonol to SOD and AChE were found through molecular docking. These findings demonstrate the potential of MCEO as a biological acaricide, which merits further investigation.
Tissue Engineered 3D Constructs for Volumetric Muscle Loss
Authors: Gahlawat Sonal , Oruc Doga , Paul Nikhil , Ragheb Mark , Patel Swati , Fasasi Oyinkansola , Sharma Peeyush , Shreiber David I. , Freeman Joseph W.
Published: July 2024

Severe injuries to skeletal muscles, including cases of volumetric muscle loss (VML), are linked to substantial tissue damage, resulting in functional impairment and lasting disability. While skeletal muscle can regenerate following minor damage, extensive tissue loss in VML disrupts the natural regenerative capacity of the affected muscle tissue. Existing clinical approaches for VML, such as soft-tissue reconstruction and advanced bracing methods, need to be revised to restore tissue function and are associated with limitations in tissue availability and donor-site complications. Advancements in tissue engineering (TE), particularly in scaffold design and the delivery of cells and growth factors, show promising potential for regenerating damaged skeletal muscle tissue and restoring function. This article provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology of VML and critiques the shortcomings of current treatments. The subsequent section focuses on the criteria for designing TE scaffolds, offering insights into various natural and synthetic biomaterials and cell types for effectively regenerating skeletal muscle. We also review multiple TE strategies involving both acellular and cellular scaffolds to encourage the development and maturation of muscle tissue and facilitate integration, vascularization, and innervation. Finally, the article explores technical challenges hindering successful translation into clinical applications.
Projection generalized correntropy twin support vector regression
Authors: Wang Zhongyi , Yang Yonghui , Wang Luyao
Published: July 2024

A projection generalized maximum correntropy twin support vector regression algorithm is proposed. The generalized correntropy function is added into the loss function of adaptive filtering, maximizing which can suppress the interference of noise or outliers.Considering the fact that single-shift projection twin support vector regression cannot observe local information of samples, a complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) combined with wavelet soft threshold denoising is used to assign weights to samples. The CEEMDAN is used to decompose the original data, calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient between the mode functions and the original data. The mode with low correlation is filtered by wavelet based algorithm with soft-threshold to get the reconstructed samples after noise reduction. Smaller weights will be assigned to reconstructed samples with significant differences from the original data, while larger weights will be assigned to reconstructed samples with smaller differences. Similarly, the empirical risk term in the cost function is also assigned calculated weights to improve the robustness. Due to the use of empirical mode decomposition, the proposed method is particularly suitable for processing non-stationary data. Experimental results on artificial and UCI datasets verified the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Exploring students’ perspectives on Generative AI-assisted academic writing
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Yu Seongryeong , Detrick Rita , Li Na
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), including large language models (LLM), has merged to support students in their academic writing process. Keeping pace with the technical and educational landscape requires careful consideration of the opportunities and challenges that GenAI-assisted systems create within education. This serves as a useful and necessary starting point for fully leveraging its potential for learning and teaching. Hence, it is crucial to gather insights from diverse perspectives and use cases from actual users, particularly the unique voices and needs of student-users. Therefore, this study explored and examined students' perceptions and experiences about  GenAI-assisted academic writing by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese students in higher education after completing academic writing tasks using a ChatGPT4-embedded writing system developed by the research team. The study found that students expected AI to serve multiple roles, including multi-tasking writing assistant, virtual tutor, and digital peer to support multifaceted writing processes and performance. Students perceived that GenAI-assisted writing could benefit them in three areas including the writing process, performance, and their affective domain. Meanwhile, they also identified AI-related, student-related, and task-related challenges that were experienced during the GenAI-assisted writing activity. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of GenAI's impact on academic writing that is inclusive of student perspectives, offering implications for educational AI design and instructional design.
Early Modern Deviant Burial in Prehistoric Monuments in Sweden
Authors: Rundkvist Martin
Published: July 2024

This study deals with Early Modern burials in ancient monuments located nowhere near churches or execution sites. Examples are given from four prehistoric sites in different Swedish provinces, dating from the Early Neolithic through the Roman Period, with a total of 15 buried Early Modern individuals. Written sources along with details of the burial rite suggest that they are plague burials. Such were not welcome in churchyards because of concerns over the poorly understood contagion. Why people all over Sweden occasionally targeted ancient monuments specifically for this purpose is not clear. In one case, they saw the monument as the remains of a church. More generally, they knew that much older burials sanctified and lent some prior sanction to those sites.
Should a Yogi Be Healthy? Health Concepts in Early Haṭhayoga Texts
Authors: Shalev Hagar
Published: July 2024

Haṭhayoga texts, influential in the development of modern posture-based yoga, offer a conceptual framework intertwining physical cultivation, health, and soteriological aims. This article explores two interconnected inquiries regarding early Haṭhayoga texts: How do they conceptualize health, and how do they perceive the relationship between health and soteriology? These investigations illuminate the place of health in early yoga texts within Hindu traditions prior to its global recognition.

This article reveals that early haṭha texts present a holistic approach to health, highlighting the interconnectedness of curing the mind and healing the body. This process entails not only eradicating physical diseases but also the transcendence of all forms of suffering. The transformative process of eliminating the misleading self-identity (ahaṁkāra) is pivotal, leading directly to health. This relationship extends beyond metaphorical comparisons of healing ignorance and suffering. This ontological framework proposes a harmonious integration between the material and soteriological realms, viewing the healthy body as a physical manifestation of the divine essence. Thus, the emergence of the biomedical discourse surrounding yoga in modern times did not occur autonomously. Haṭhayoga, with its roots dating back to the beginning of the second millennium CE, played a crucial role in shaping this historical transformation.
Quantifying growth, erosion and dislodgement rates of farmed kelp (Saccharina latissima) to examine the carbon sequestration potential of temperate seaweed farming
Authors: Canvin Maxine C. , Moore Pippa J. , Smale Dan A.
Published: July 2024

Seaweed cultivation, including kelp species, is rapidly expanding in many regions. A widely assumed co-benefit of seaweed farming is increased local carbon sequestration rates (thereby contributing to climate change mitigation), although direct field-based measurements of carbon assimilation and release are largely lacking. We quantified growth, erosion and dislodgement rates of farmed Saccharina latissima in Porthallow Bay (Cornwall, UK) throughout a typical cultivation season to provide insights into the carbon sequestration potential of small-scale kelp farms. Blade elongation rates increased from ~ 1.3 cm day−1 to ~ 2.3 cm day−1 in March–April, before declining to 1.4 cm day−1 by May. Meanwhile, erosion rates remained low, ranging from ~ 0.5 to ~ 0.8 cm day−1. Dislodgement rates decreased from 20% of plants in January–February to 5% in April–May. Rates of carbon accumulation and loss increased from January to May, related to an increase in standing stock. Conservative first-order estimates suggest that the farm captures 0.14 t C ha−1 y−1, of which up to 70% is released into the environment as particulate organic carbon. Based on previous estimates of carbon burial and storage rates, the farm may sequester 0.05 t CO2e ha−1 y−1. These values suggest that scaling-up European kelp farming should be motivated by other co-benefits, such as low-carbon product alternatives, job creation and potential biodiversity gains, and not be solely driven by a perceived meaningful increase in carbon sequestration. Importantly, further information needs to be obtained from a variety of cultivation sites to develop a better understanding of carbon dynamics associated with kelp farms.
Analysis of CeO2/SiO2 double-layer thin film stack with antireflection effect for silicon solar cells
Authors: Kanmaz Imran , Tomakin Murat , Uzum Abdullah
Published: July 2024

This study introduces CeO2/SiO2 double-layer film stacks and its antireflection coating effect. Optical properties were analyzed by spectrophotometer measurements; surface morphology and cross-sections were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); elemental distributions and crystallographic properties were determined by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. Average reflectance of single-layer 0.3MSiO2, 0.6MSiO2, and 0.3MCeO2 thin films were 30.54%, 20.12%, and 14.23%, respectively. Average reflectance was decreased significantly down to 5.9% by 0.3MCeO2/0.6MSiO2 double-layer thin films comparing to those of the results of single-layer films and bare silicon surface reflection (~40%). Antireflective effect of the films on solar cells was estimated by simulation using the measured reflection data. Simulated solar cells indicate that 0.3MCeO2/0.6MSiO2 double-layer antireflective coatings are capable to increase the efficiency significantly and conversion efficiency of 21.7% could be achieved.
Unmasking Street Harassment in Spain: Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and the Role of Sexism in Women’s Experiences
Authors: Contreras-Merino Ana M. , Farhane-Medina Naima Z. , Castillo-Mayén Rosario
Published: July 2024

Street harassment is a widespread problem that affects women from all backgrounds, often leading to negative psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and reduced self-worth. Despite the pioneering development of laws protecting women’s rights, Spanish culture often normalizes this type of violence against women, and research on this context remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study with 245 women in Spain to investigate the occurrence and impact of street harassment on psychological well-being. We used the Street Harassment Assessment Scale, a self-report measure designed to evaluate the prevalence and frequency of street harassment, and explored its association with anxiety, fear of rape, avoidance behavior, self-esteem, and adherence to sexist beliefs. The results showed that 98% of women experienced street harassment, with 80% reporting monthly occurrences. The frequency of street harassment was correlated with increased anxiety, fear of rape and avoidance behavior, and lower self-esteem. Additionally, the results supported the link between the endorsement of sexist ideology and lower identification of events. Collectively, the results underscore the negative impact of street harassment on women’s well-being and freedom, highlighting its role as a patriarchal tool that perpetuates female objectification and subordination. An integrative feminist perspective involving various fields, including psychology, public policy, and education, among others, is necessary to create safer environments for women.
Comparison of in-vitro orchid media solutions for Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins vars. diandra and triandra
Authors: Bartel Lauren G. , Downing Jason
Published: July 2024

Prosthechea cochleata or clamshell orchid is recognized as a species of both conservation and commercial importance. It has long been prized by orchid breeders and growers for its unique flower and hardy disposition. The commercial market has failed to meet the demand for this species since it is still targeted for illegal collection in the wild. This study examines the effectiveness of the banana powder on two variants (var. diandra and var. triandra) with disparate home ranges and levels of genetic diversity using two commercially available agar-based media (PhytoTechnology P668 and P748). Undifferentiated protocorms of the two variants were monitored for shoot growth and differentiation across a period of 156 days. The growth media with 3% banana powder supplement (P748) was more effective in initiating shoot formation in both P. cochleata variants compared to control media (P668) (F = 27.15, p < 0.001, df = 81). The diandrous variant grown with banana showed the highest mean shoot count (28.67 shoots/flask) at the end of the monitoring period. Results suggest that banana supplement is an effective source of plant growth regulators and organic nutrients necessary to promote shoot formation and seedling development in this species. This research is important for the conservation of P. cochleata as it identifies an effective and cost-efficient method for in vitro propagation, which can aid in increasing the ex-situ and in situ populations of this threatened species. Additionally, the findings have implications for commercial orchid production, as it can potentially improve the cultivation and yield of this species for economic purposes.
Histological and chemical view on parotid duct sialolithiasis in the Slovakian warmblood mare
Authors: Korim Filip , Revajová Viera , Koľvek Filip , Bujňák Lukáš , Hreus Sebastián , Všianský Dalibor
Published: July 2024

The parotid duct has been reported to be the most common site of sialoliths in horses. In this case report, we described the first confirmed case of the equine sialolithiasis in Slovakia. The work was aimed to describe the transcutaneous approach to removing the sialolith, which manifested as a hard painless mass in the area of the maxillary cheek teeth, in a 14-year-old Slovakian warmblood mare. Pathological-anatomical and histological examination after extirpation confirmed the presence of parotid duct ectasia resulting from calculus. The mineral composition of the sialolith was determined with atomic absorption spectroscopy using X-ray powder diffraction. The sialolith was successfully extirpated transcutaneously, without complications or recurrence.
No association between markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction with Alzheimer’s disease progression: a longitudinal study
Authors: van Setten Arne , Uleman Jeroen F. , Melis René J. F. , Lawlor Brian , Riksen Niels P. , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R. , de Heus Rianne A. A. ,   on behalf of NILVAD Study Group, Segurado Ricardo , Kennelly Sean , Rikkert Marcel G. M. Olde , Howard Robert , Pasquier Florence , Börjesson-Hanson Anne , Tsolaki Magda , Lucca Ugo , Molloy D. William , Coen Robert , Riepe Matthias W. , Kálmán János , Kenny Rose Anne , Cregg Fiona , O’Dwyer Sarah , Walsh Cathal , Adams Jessica , Banzi Rita , Breuilh Laetitia , Daly Leslie , Hendrix Suzanne , Aisen Paul , Gaynor Siobhan , Sheikhi Ali , Taekema Diana G. , Verhey Frans R. , Nemni Raffaello , Nobili Flavio , Franceschi Massimo , Frisoni Giovanni , Zanetti Orazio , Konsta Anastasia , Anastasios Orologas , Nenopoulou Styliani , Tsolaki-Tagaraki Fani , Pakaski Magdolna , Dereeper Olivier , de la Sayette Vincent , Sénéchal Olivier , Lavenu Isabelle , Devendeville Agnès , Calais Gauthier , Crawford Fiona , Mullan Michael , Berglund Maria A. , Claassen Jurgen A. , de Heus Rianne A. , de Jong Daan L. K. , Godefroy Olivier , Hutchinson Siobhan , Ioannou Aikaterini , Jonsson Michael , Kent Annette , Kern Jürgen , Nemtsas Petros , Panidou Minoa-Kalliopi , Abdullah Laila , Paris Daniel , Santoso Angelina M. , van Spijker Gerrita J. , Spiliotou Martha , Thomoglou Georgia , Wallin Anders
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are potentially modifiable factors implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which offer potential therapeutic targets to slow disease progression.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between baseline circulating levels of inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1ß) and endothelial cell markers (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin) and 18-month cognitive decline (ADAS-cog12) in 266 mild-to-moderate AD patients from the NILVAD study. We employed individual growth models to examine associations, potential mediation, and interaction effects while adjusting for confounders.

Results

The average increase in ADAS-cog12 scores over all patients was 8.1 points in 18 months. No significant association was found between the markers and the rate of cognitive decline. Mediation analysis revealed no mediating role for endothelial cell markers, and interaction effects were not observed.

Discussion

Our results do not support the role of systemic inflammation or endothelial dysfunction in progression in persons with AD.
Assessing the Prevalence of Male Obesity-Associated Gonadal Dysfunction in Severe Obesity: A Focus on the Impact of Bariatric Surgery and Surgical Approaches
Authors: Bombardieri Alessio , Bufano Annalisa , Fralassi Noemi , Ciuoli Cristina , Benenati Nicoletta , Dalmiglio Cristina , Voglino Costantino , Tirone Andrea , Vuolo Giuseppe , Castagna Maria Grazia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Obesity is an important risk factor for secondary hypogonadism in men. Several studies evaluated the impact of bariatric surgery on gonadal function in men, proving an improvement in testosterone levels, without yet a global consensus on the impact of different surgical approaches. Objectives of the study are: to estimate the prevalence of obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction among men with severe obesity; to evaluate the response to bariatric surgery in terms of resolution of this condition, distinguishing between restrictive and restrictive-malabsorptive surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 413 males with severe obesity (BMI 44.7 ± 8.3 kg/m2). A subgroup of them (61.7%) underwent bariatric surgery. Anthropometric assessment (weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference), metabolic (glyco-lipidic asset and urate) and hormonal (morning gonadotropin and total testosterone) assessments were carried out at baseline and 3–6 months post-surgery.

Results

Using a TT threshold of 2.64 ng/ml, 256 out of 413 (62%) patients were categorized as having biochemical hypogonadism. At multivariate analysis, the only parameter significantly associated with biochemical hypogonadism, was BMI value (p = 0.001). At 3–6 months after surgery, during the acute weight loss phase, only 20.1% of patients still had biochemical hypogonadism. At multivariate analysis, which included age, presurgical BMI, pre-surgical TT, surgical approach and %EWL, presurgical TT levels (p = 0.0004), %EWL (p = 0.04), and mixed restrictive-malabsorptive surgery (p = 0.01), were independently associated with the recovery of gonadal function.

Conclusions

The results of this study underscore the potential reversibility of obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction through bariatric surgery, highlighting the importance of considering surgical approach.

Graphical Abstract