bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational study of Super Typhoon Saola in 2023 when it was close to Hong Kong
Authors: Chan P. W. , Choy C. W. , Chiu Y. Y. , He Junyi
Published: May 2024

Super Typhoon Saola came very close to Hong Kong on 1/2 September 2023, necessitating the issuance of the No. 10 hurricane signal, the highest tropical cyclone warning signal in Hong Kong. While there was widespread damage in Hong Kong, no people were killed in the event with effective early warning. It is rare that a super typhoon comes very close to Hong Kong, and this paper is a part in the series of the documentation of Saola to summarize the interesting observations of Saola near Hong Kong for future reference by weather forecasters.
Simulation of Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer and Particle Transport Inside Open-Cell Foam Filters for Metal Melt Filtration
Authors: Werzner Eric , Mendes Miguel A. A. , Demuth Cornelius , Trimis Dimosthenis , Ray Subhashis
Published: May 2024

In order to develop improved filters for metal melt filtration, different physical phenomena that take place during depth filtration of liquid metals need to be well understood. Due to the difficult accessibility of the process, the harsh process conditions and the randomness of the typically employed ceramic foam filters, representative experimental investigations are extremely difficult to perform and often provide only integral quantities or selective information. This chapter presents a numerical model for simulating the depth filtration of liquid metal at the pore-scale, i.e., fully resolving the complex filter geometry, which can also accurately handle the curved filter walls. In the model, the velocity and pressure distribution of the melt flow is obtained by the lattice-Boltzmann method and the temperature field is calculated using the finite volume method, while the transport and filtration of the inclusions are predicted by solving the equation of motion for particles in a Lagrangian reference frame. In order to obtain a consistent representation of the curved filter walls for both particle transport and fluid flow, the Euclidean distance field of the filter structures is employed. By comprehensive parametric studies, the sensitivity of the filtration process with respect to various geometric parameters and process conditions is investigated. Therefore, geometries of conventionally manufactured filters, acquired from 3D μCT scanning, as well as computer-generated filter structures are considered. Their performance is assessed by evaluating various effective properties, such as the viscous and inertial permeability and the filtration coefficient. The numerical predictions allow to draw conclusions with respect to the dominant physical mechanisms and are compared with those from simplified physical models, which are shown to be sufficiently accurate for the pre-screening of filters. On the basis of the detailed results, suggestions for improved filter geometries are made, depending on the considered filtration process. Further, simplified models for the prediction of the effective thermal conductivity of open-cell foams in presence and absence of radiation are presented and validated using the detailed numerical predictions.
Virtual Prototyping of Metal Melt Filters: A HPC-Based Workflow for Query-Driven Visualization
Authors: Lehmann Henry , Jung Bernhard
Published: May 2024

The advent of additive manufacturing has vastly increased the design space of filters for metal melt filtration. In order assess the large amount of possible filter designs before they are actually manufactured, a virtual prototyping workflow based on HPC simulations is proposed. A major challenge are the large data volumes produced even by single CFD simulations of metal melt flow and even more so by virtual prototyping settings, where a large number of filter designs must be evaluated. The LITE-QA framework addresses the large data problem by providing data management methods supporting both the simulation and the analysis phase: In the HPC environment, simulation data are compressed and indexed. In the analysis phase, search engine-like capabilities allow, e.g., for focused visualizations of filter regions that meet the search queries of the analyst. Building on the LITE-QA framework, a virtual prototyping study involving 84 new filter designs for metal melt filtration is conducted. Statistical analyses and comparative visualizations provide insights into the effects of geometric modifications of a reference design. Promising filter designs are identified where simulation results indicate an improved filtration efficiency, while only having a moderate effect on melt flow pressure. These virtual prototypes are proposed as candidates for further testing as physical prototypes.
Analysis of Detrimental Inclusions in Steel and Aluminum
Authors: Weidner Anja , Wagner Ruben , Seleznev Mikhail , Biermann Horst
Published: May 2024

This chapter presents results on the analysis of nonmetallic as well as intermetallic inclusions within a metal matrix. In both, steel and aluminum matrix these impurities cause detrimental effects during production as well as in service, e.g. under mechanical load. In steel, nonmetallic inclusions originate from the steelmaking process and range in the magnitude of ppm. In recycled aluminum alloys, iron-rich intermetallic phases exhibit a volume fraction in the range of percent caused by insufficient scrap separation. Both types of detrimental inclusions/precipitates were investigated within different materials such as case hardening steel, quenched and tempered steel as well as Al-Si cast alloy. In order to reduce the amount of impurities, the effects of appropriate crucible materials, reactive and active melt filtration and chemical composition of the used materials were studied. Therefore, extensive metallographic investigations on sections were conducted with optical microscopy, manual and automated scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam preparation and transmission electron microscopy aiming to determine the compositions of inclusions and intermetallic phases. Focusing on the morphology of inclusions and intermetallic phases, experiments with electrolytic and chemical extraction as well as X-ray micro tomography were performed. The gained knowledge can be utilized to improve filtration and reduce volume fraction and size of nonmetallic inclusions and intermetallic phases. This enables the design of long-lasting and safe materials.
A Numerical Investigation of Heat Generation Due to Dissipation in Ultrasonic Fatigue Testing of 42CrMo4 Steel Employing Thermography Data
Authors: Koster Michael , Schmiedel Alexander , Wagner Ruben , Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst , Budnitzki Michael , Sandfeld Stefan
Published: May 2024

In ultrasonic fatigue testing of steels one can observe rapid local heating due to crack initiation and propagation caused by non-metallic inclusions and in addition also an overall heating of the gauge length portion of samples which is attributed to dissipational effects. The computations performed in this study are based on a three-dimensional, fully-coupled linear thermoelastic continuum model, where dissipation is included by employing a volumetric heat source. In the numerical computation the temperature distribution evolution in the geometry of interest is the result of a combination of initial conditions, boundary conditions and the heat source contribution. The heat source function's geometry and intensity are deduced by comparing computed temperature profiles to data obtained experimentally using a thermo-camera. It turns out that the modeling approach, making extensive use of thermography data, yields computational results that are in agreement with the experimental heat evolution, and additionally the amount of heat generated is in agreement with results found in literature.
Fatigue Lives and Damage Mechanisms at Elevated Temperatures of Steel 42CrMo4 in the HCF and VHCF Regime
Authors: Schmiedel Alexander , Kirste Thomas , Morgenstern Roman , Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst
Published: May 2024

This chapter is focused on the fatigue life and damage mechanisms of steel 42CrMo4 in the high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regimes at temperatures up to 773 K. For this purpose, resonance fatigue testing was used at different test frequencies (90 Hz and 20 kHz). The influences of the manufacturing process (wrought or cast condition), as well as the core hardness (various heat treatment conditions), were investigated. Fractographic examinations of the fracture surfaces allowed the analysis of crack-initiating defects. Together with light microscopic observations of the defect distribution, the fatigue mechanisms of the steel 42CrMo4 were investigated at different temperatures (RT, 473 K and 773 K). A short crack model according to Chapetti applied to the present results was used to describe the change in the fatigue damage mechanisms operating at RT/473 K and 773 K, respectively. It is shown that high-temperature fatigue at 773 K was dominated by crack growth, whereas fatigue at RT and 473 K was dominated by crack initiation. These investigations complete the work presented in Chap. 24, in which the influence of nonmetallic inclusions on the ultrasonic fatigue behaviour of steel 42CrMo4 is being analysed at room temperature. The present results provide important insights into the crack-initiating defects and their distributions as they are relevant in typical industrial applications.
Interface Reactions Between the Metal Melt and the Filter Surface Activated by a Spark Plasma Sintering Process
Authors: Salomon Anton , Motylenko Mykhaylo , Thümmler Martin , Rafaja David
Published: May 2024

The reactions between newly developed filter materials and metal melts containing various inclusions were analyzed under laboratory conditions. For the melt production, a Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) apparatus was utilized. The SPS process provides very high heating rates, which emulate the thermo-shock during a real filtration process, and variable reaction times, which allows to simulate both, short and long filtration processes. The short-time filtration processes are relevant for die-casting, where one ton of a steel passes the filter in approx. 15 s, the long-term ones for continuous casting taking several hours. In the SPS process, the convection of the steel melt is suspended, which makes the interpretation of the interfacial reactions and reaction kinetics more straightforward and trustworthy. Furthermore, the SPS process allows speeding up the reaction diffusion kinetics by using tiny diffusion couples having the form of powder mixtures that contain the metal or alloy and the functional filter material under study. In such samples, the equilibrium state that is suitable for a direct comparison with the results of thermodynamic simulations can be achieved very quickly.
Influence of Reactive Filter Materials on Casting’s Quality in Aluminum Casting
Authors: Fankhänel Beate , Schmid Ekaterina , Stelter Michael
Published: May 2024

This chapter presents the most important results of investigations on reactive filter materials for the purification of aluminum melts. Reactive filter materials were developed with the aim to remove impurities dissolved in the melt, such as hydrogen from liquid aluminum, by means of specific chemical interactions between the molten metal and the filter material. Selected ceramic foam filters, consisting of carbon-free and carbon-bonded ceramics, were used in their uncoated state as well as treated with various coatings. Numerous fundamental studies were carried out to evaluate the applicability of the new filter materials: sessile-drop-experiments, immersion and filtration tests, the metallographic evaluation of the used filters and the metal samples retrieved from these experiments. Interfacial reactions and the purity of the treated melts were determined with the help of these experiments, following microstructural analyses to obtain indications for the filtration properties and the potential chemical reactions between the filter material and the melt. As a result, it was possible to determine that spodumene, LiAl(Si2O6), positively influences the hydrogen porosity of aluminum castings when applied as a reactive filter material. Filtration alone already helps to prevent areas of increased macroporosity by calming the melt flow, but filter materials containing spodumene further affect microporosity in the castings in positive ways.
Applying Design Thinking to Improve Students’ Experience in Online Hospitality Courses
Authors: Berezina Katerina , Mahdavi Rasoul , Talebi Mahsa
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this article is to introduce the design thinking approach and illustrate how it may be used to facilitate an online course redesign by providing a specific example. This article builds on the theoretical foundation of the design thinking literature. It reviews the stages of the design thinking process, namely empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. The paper also presents an example of design thinking steps being applied to a graduate online hospitality course. The paper used a survey with both qualitative and quantitative questions to understand student experiences in this course, to identify students’ goals and challenges, and to build student personas. This research presents one of the personas developed for the redesigned course and offers an approach to redesigning the class to improve the learning experience for this persona. The approach presented in this paper may be useful to other instructors, program directors, hospitality and tourism training professionals, and instructional designers.
Glamping as a Bourgeoisie Fantasy: The Symbolic Meaning Behind Ritualized Scenes
Authors: Li Qin , Ma Shihan
Published: May 2024

Cultivating a luxurious ambiance and kindling a bourgeois fantasy of a high-quality lifestyle, glamping has increasingly been viewed a consumption ritual. The purpose of this study is to dig deeper into the composition of ritual scenes in glamping and the symbolic meaning behind them. We obtained 3,176 text reviews and 22,379 photos from Ctrip. Utilizing visual identification and textual mining, this study revealed three categories of ritual scenes in glamping (environmental, activity, and equipment), and four types of ritual symbolism (self-renewal, self-participation, self-presentation, and social connection). The findings highlight that glamping goes beyond simple enjoyment and becomes a way for customers to build social networks and claim a bourgeoisie-lifestyle identity.
How Distinct and Aligned with UGC is European Capitals’ DMO Branding on Instagram?
Authors: Nixon Lyndon J. B.
Published: May 2024

Destination positioning refers to destinations identifying their most distinct attributes and focusing on these in their marketing activities in order to distinguish themselves from competitors, develop a brand identity and highlight uniqueness. In this paper, we consider 9 European capitals and analyse their visual marketing on Instagram to identify how truly distinct their destinations are being presented online. By comparing between them as well as comparing to the perceived destination image measured from visitor photos on the same platform, we present a methodology for identifying each destinations distinct attributes and measuring how well DMOs are positioning themselves with respect to competing destinations, with recommendations for improving their positioning.
ChatGPT as a Travel Itinerary Planner
Authors: Volchek Katerina , Ivanov Stanislav
Published: May 2024

Generative AI has become a disruptive force for the Tourism industry. While its potential for generating unique content has been acknowledged, its feasibility for tourists remains unclear. This paper analyses ChatGPT as an itinerary planner. It compares ChatGPT-generated itineraries for 3 destinations with those developed by tourism experts. The evaluation of 11 quality criteria demonstrates that ChatGPT creates easy-to-understand and accessible but less accurate and less specific itineraries. It is a good starting point for travel inspiration. However, it currently cannot serve as an exclusive tool for trip planning.
The Complex World of Online Reviews: Criteria for Establishing a Global Index for Accommodation
Authors: Mellinas Juan Pedro , Martin-Fuentes Eva
Published: May 2024

Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping consumer decisions, particularly in the hospitality industry where the intangibility of services creates uncertainty. The lack of a standardized approach to measure the quality of hotels based on online reviews poses challenges for consumers and businesses alike. In the past, there have been various attempts to create a global index of average accommodation scores. However, all of them presented serious deficiencies in terms of transparency and level of dissemination, failing to achieve the expected success. To address these challenges, the study proposes the establishment of a rational reputation standard for accommodation services through online reviews. A Delphi method is proposed to seek consensus among academic experts and hotel managers, aiming to prioritize criteria for creating a transparent algorithm and a reliable global index for comparing accommodation establishments. The proposed rational reputation standard aims to empower consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions, while benefiting the hospitality industry by promoting transparency and credibility, as well as to allow public authorities with knowledge to establish a quality standard based on online reviews.
Authentication of SMIs by Culturally Different Audiences: Investigation with Chat GPT-3 Prompt Engineering
Authors: Stepchenkova Svetlana , Kirilenko Andrei , Yang Jing
Published: May 2024

This study investigates how online users from culturally different audiences authenticate social media influencers (SMIs) and their creative products which promote destination culture, traditions, and heritage. We specifically examined the theme of existential authenticity focusing on an elevated sense of being, self-reflection, personal discovery, and a sense of community. The context of the study was Chinese influencer Li Ziqi and her videos that depict domestic, day-to-day life in rural areas of the Sichuan province of China. The videos indirectly and organically promote tourism by contributing to more developed perceptions of China’s destinations, people, and the country's brand through building positive associations, which potentially can be leveraged by the DMOs in their marketing efforts.
Varying Roles of Destination Management Organizations in the Digital Business Ecosystem of Tourist Destinations
Authors: Herasimovich Volha , Alzua-Sorzabal Aurkene , Guereño-Omil Basagaitz , Thiel-Ellul Daniela
Published: May 2024

Understanding the varying roles of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in shaping the digital ecosystem is needed in the management and governance of tourist destinations. However, the evaluation is intricate, needing extensive resources to analyze data from numerous stakeholders. This research uses the Digital Business Ecosystem (DBE) framework, hyperlink network analysis, and webometrics to address the complexities. The study examines DMOs’ roles in Gipuzkoa province, Spain, spotlighting its capital San Sebastian recognized as a Smart Destination. It scrutinizes connections of DMOs’ websites alongside websites of other tourism actors (N = 670) and more than 36,000 websites connected to the destination stakeholders’ network. DMOs have distinct roles in the DBE compared to other tourism sectors, with differences evident among DMO types. DMOs play connecting and mediating roles in destination, strengthening network ties and bridging various stakeholders. The study emphasizes the value of varying DMO connections for attracting website visitors. Future research should explore destinations with diverse tech adoption levels and digital transition strategies, while further categorizing stakeholders in the DBE and identifying various ICT actors and their network ties.
Teacher Judgement Accuracy—Measurements, Causes and Effects
Authors: Karing Constance , Rausch Tobias , Artelt Cordula
Published: May 2024

The formation of accurate judgements on students’ performance is often considered as part of teachers’ professional competence. Moreover, inaccurate judgements are seen as determinants of social inequality. Using data of BiKS-8-18 on teacher ratings and student performance, the paper gives an overview on different theoretical approaches and operationalization of judgement accuracy as well as their results in terms of homogeneity, stability over time, inter-individual differences and the effects of judgement accuracy on students’ further achievement. Primary school teachers outperform secondary school teachers in accurately assessing student performance. Furthermore, judgement accuracy did not show to be a general ability. Applying to different student characteristics, however, related to subject areas/domains it proofed to be a relatively time persistent teacher ability. Teacher judgements are somewhat sensitive to characteristics at the class and student level, although bias related to students’ gender and social status was not found for teachers at secondary level. We found positive effects of teacher judgements on students’ achievement gains, particularly in the domain of reading. Finally, by taking into account an add-on study of teachers’ content related knowledge related to judgements on reading performance, we discuss the findings and further highlight the need to take into account judgement purposes and demands in future research.
Developmental Dynamics and Social Disparities in Early Education-Related Child Development: Results from the BiKS-3-18 Study
Authors: Weinert Sabine , Ebert Susanne
Published: May 2024

The development of domain-specific competencies and the emergence of social disparities start well before school entry. These early developments have been suggested to be highly relevant to later developments, educational pathways, and participation in society. Longitudinal large-scale studies, in particular, provide important insights into relevant individual preconditions, developmental trajectories, and their relation to learning opportunities in different learning environments. Against this background, this paper presents selected results of the longitudinal and interdisciplinary study BiKS-3-18 with a special focus on education-related facets of child development at preschool age, their interrelations, predictive impact, and connection to environmental conditions. In particular, we (1) present results on early emerging individual differences between children, their stability over time, and their relation to children’s socioeconomic family background (SES). (2) With a special focus on language development, we address the impact of child characteristics and the dynamics of early child development by presenting findings (a) on changing developmental relations between working memory and language acquisition and (b) on the interrelations between early child language and children’s social-cognitive, metacognitive, and social-emotional development. (3) Finally, we report findings on the importance of individual differences and SES-related disparities, particularly in the language domain, for later school-related language competencies and school performance.
Competence, Motivation and Interest Development Between Primary School and Tertiary Education—a Summary of Findings from the BiKS-8-18 Study
Authors: Pfost Maximilian , Becker Sarah , Artelt Cordula
Published: May 2024

Within the BiKS-8-18 study (“Educational Processes, Competence Development, and Formation of Educational Decisions in Preschool and School Age”), the academic career of more than three thousand students from primary school up to tertiary education was observed. The longitudinal study design encompasses ten years of data collection on students, teachers and parents using a wide range of instruments. In this article, we summarize research findings on three major research questions. First, we discuss the development of reading comprehension in primary and secondary school, focusing on the exploration individual differences and the Matthew-effect. Second, we present research on students’ academic interests in secondary school and the role of social and dimensional comparisons for the development of individual differences. And third, we illustrate findings on the development of students’ goals at the transition from secondary school to tertiary education. Finally, a comprehensive outlook is provided.
N-jettiness soft function at next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative QCD
Authors: Agarwal Prem , Melnikov Kirill , Pedron Ivan
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We derive a compact representation of the renormalized N-jettiness soft function that is free of infrared and collinear divergences through next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative QCD. The number of hard partons N is a parameter in the formula for the finite remainder. Cancellation of all infrared and collinear singularities between the bare soft function and its renormalization matrix in color space is demonstrated analytically.
Akzeptanz digitaler Apps in der Nachsorge von Patient*innen mit Kopf-Hals-Tumoren
Authors: Weusthof Christopher , Zhu Zhaojun , Ruck Anne , Bolooki Amir , Schöffski Oliver , Wollenberg Barbara , Wirth Markus
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

„Patient-reported outcome measures“ führen bei Tumorpatient*innen sowohl zu einer verbesserten Lebensqualität als auch möglicherweise zu einer früheren Erkennung von Tumorrezidiven.

Fragestellung

Erfragt wurde das Interesse der Patient*innen an einer Ergänzung der Tumornachsorge durch Apps zur Erfassung der Lebensqualität (patient-reported outcome [PRO]).

Material und Methode

Dazu erfolgte die Auswertung eines selbstständig erstellten Fragebogens zur Erfassung des Interesses von Tumorpatient*innen an einer digitalisierten Form der Tumornachsorge (n = 110)

Ergebnisse

In der Studie zeigten sich Tumorpatient*innen zum Großteil interessiert an einer App-Nutzung zur Tumorerkrankung. Unter Einbeziehung des Alters stieg die Anzahl erwartungsgemäß bei Patient*innen < 60 Jahren noch weiter. Dazu passend zeigten für humanes Papillomavirus (HPV-)positive Patient*innen ein signifikant größeres Interesse (p = 0,021).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Einführung einer App wird vom Großteil der Tumorpatient*innen befürwortet. Neben der Erfassung des PRO könnten hier weitere Anwendungen (Terminerinnerung, Patientenakte, Sport‑/Ernährungsprogramme) integriert werden.
Disruptions to early childhood preschool services during a pandemic: Evidence from India
Authors: Ravindran Saravana , Shah Manisha
Published: May 2024

Much less is known about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of early childhood preschool services relative to research on school closures. We conducted surveys of more than 5000 early childhood service providers and leverage temporal and spatial variation in India’s intensity of lockdowns to quantify disruptions to preschool services under the world’s largest early childhood development program between areas with different strictness of lockdown measures. We document a 23 percentage point reduction in the provision of preschool services in red zone lockdown areas (strictest measures) relative to green zone lockdown areas (least strict measures). We find that pre-COVID measures of high worker locus of control and public service motivation offset the reduction in differential preschool service provision by 27–37%.
A Pediatric Interprofessional Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Intervention: CICU Teams and Loved Ones Communicating (CICU TALC) is Feasible, Acceptable, and Improves Clinician Communication Behaviors in Family Meetings
Authors: Walter Jennifer , Hill Douglas L. , Cetin Arzu , DeWitt Aaron , Kellom Katie , Quarshie William , Griffis Heather , Shults Justine , Arnold Robert , Tjia Jennifer , Puopolo Karen , Curley Martha A. Q. , Feudtner Chris
Published: May 2024

Parents of children in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) are often unprepared for family meetings (FM). Clinicians often do not follow best practices for communicating with families, adding to distress. An interprofessional team intervention for FM is feasible, acceptable, and positively impacts family preparation and conduct of FM in the CICU. We implemented a family- and team-support intervention for conducting FM and conducted a pretest–posttest study with parents of patients selected for a FM and clinicians. We measured feasibility, fidelity to intervention protocol, and parent acceptability via questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Clinician behavior in meetings was assessed through semantic content analyses of meeting transcripts tracking elicitation of parental concerns, questions asked of parents, and responses to parental empathic opportunities. Logistic and ordinal logistic regression assessed intervention impact on clinician communication behaviors in meetings comparing pre- and post-intervention data. Sixty parents (95% of approached) were enrolled, with collection of 97% FM and 98% questionnaire data. We accomplished > 85% fidelity to intervention protocol. Most parents (80%) said the preparation worksheet had the right amount of information and felt positive about families receiving this worksheet. Clinicians were more likely to elicit parental concerns (adjusted odds ratio = 3.42; 95%CI [1.13, 11.0]) in post-intervention FM. There were no significant differences in remaining measures. Implementing an interprofessional team intervention to improve family preparation and conduct of FM is locally feasible, acceptable, and changes clinician behaviors. Future research should assess broader impact of training on clinicians, patients, and families.
Photon-counting computed tomography for paediatric congenital heart defects yields images of high diagnostic quality with low radiation doses at both 70 kV and 90 kV
Authors: Stålhammar Fredrik , Aurumskjöld Marie-Louise , Meyer Sofie , Wiklund Marie , Wingren Pär , Liuba Petru , Hedström Erik
Published: May 2024

Background

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a new clinical method that may show better diagnostic quality at lower radiation doses than conventional CT.

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic quality and radiation dose of paediatric cardiovascular PCCT for diagnosis of congenital heart defects at 70 kV and 90 kV.

Materials and methods

This retrospective assessment included clinical non-gated paediatric PCCT examinations for assessment of congenital heart defects. Radiation doses were recorded, and overall and specific diagnostic quality (1–4) were scored by four paediatric radiologists. Agreement, differences, and trends were assessed by percent rater agreement, intraclass correlation, Mann–Whitney tests, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

Results

Seventy children with congenital heart defects were examined at 70 kV (n = 35; age 2 days–16 years; 63% boys) or 90 kV (n = 35; age 2 days–17 years; 51% boys). All observers gave a median score of 4 (high diagnostic quality) for both 70 kV and 90 kV, with no difference in median values between tube voltages (all P > 0.06). Agreement for overall scores was 66–94% for 70 kV and 60–77% for 90 kV. Agreement for specific scores was 80–97% for 70 kV and 83–89% for 90 kV. Size-dependent dose estimate was 0.68 mGy (0.25–2.02 mGy) for 70 kV and 1.10 mGy (0.58–2.71 mGy;P < 0.001) for 90 kV. Effective dose was 0.30 mSv (0.15–0.82 mSv) for 70 kV and 0.39 mSv (0.22–1.51 mSv;P = 0.01) for 90 kV.

Conclusion

Paediatric cardiovascular PCCT yields images for congenital heart defects of high diagnostic quality with low radiation dose at both 70 kV and 90 kV.
Superior Medial-Based Breast Reduction with Inverted T Incision: A Precise Description of Our Refined Preoperative Marking and Operative Technique
Authors: Lanthaler Monika , Haim Alexander , Steinkellner Theresia , Harasser Carina , Tasch Christoph , Nitto Agnese , Schwabegger Anton , Wolfram Dolores
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this paper was to compile a thoroughly elaborated step-by-step guide for the preoperative marking and operative technique for superior medial pedicle inverted T breast reduction based on our long experience and technical refinements.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Identification of rare earth elements in synthetic and natural monazite and xenotime by visible-to-shortwave infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Dijkstra A. H. , Bakker W. H. , Deon F. , Marcatelli C. , Plokker M. P. , Hintzen H. T.
Published: May 2024

To support the role of proximal and remote sensing in geological rare earth element (REE) resource exploration, we studied the reflectance spectroscopy of synthetic single- and mixed-REE phosphate phases. Synthesis yielded monazite for the elements La to Gd, and xenotime for Dy to Lu and Y. Visible-to-shortwave infrared (350–2500 nm) reflectance spectra of synthetic single-REE monazites and xenotimes can be used to identify the ions responsible for the absorption features in natural monazites and xenotimes. Nd3+, Pr3+ and Sm3+ produce the main absorption features in monazites. In natural xenotime, Dy3+, Er3+, Ho3+ and Tb3+ ions cause the prevalent absorptions. The majority of the REE-related absorption features are due to photons exciting electrons within the 4f subshell of the trivalent lanthanide ions to elevated energy levels resulting from spin-orbit coupling. There are small (< 20 nm) shifts in the wavelengths of these absorptions depending on the nature of the ligands. The energy levels are further split by crystal field effects, manifested in the reflectance spectra as closely spaced (∼ 5–20 nm) multiplets within the larger absorption features. Superimposed on the electronic absorptions are vibrational absorptions in the H2O molecule or within [OH]−, [CO3]2− and [PO4]3− functional groups, but so far only the carbonate-related spectral features seem usable as a diagnostic tool in REE-bearing minerals. Altogether, our study creates a strengthened knowledge base for detection of REE using reflectance spectroscopy and provides a starting point for the identification of REE and their host minerals in mineral resources by means of hyperspectral methods.
Nemabiome metabarcoding shows a high prevalence of Haemonchus contortus and predominance of Camelostrongylus mentulatus in alpaca herds in the northern UK
Authors: Zahid Osama , Butler Meghan , Hopker Andy , Freeman Emily , Costa Júnior Livio M. , Chaudhry Umer , Sargison Neil
Published: May 2024

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been cograzed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to describe their GIN species composition. A total of 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified representing eight known GIN species. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the northern UK, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly in herds with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the value of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving cograzing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.
Building datasets to support information extraction and structure parsing from electronic theses and dissertations
Authors: Ingram William A. , Wu Jian , Kahu Sampanna Yashwant , Manzoor Javaid Akbar , Banerjee Bipasha , Ahuja Aman , Choudhury Muntabir Hasan , Salsabil Lamia , Shields Winston , Fox Edward A.
Published: May 2024

Despite the millions of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) publicly available online, digital library services for ETDs have not evolved past simple search and browse at the metadata level. We need better digital library services that allow users to discover and explore the content buried in these long documents. Recent advances in machine learning have shown promising results for decomposing documents into their constituent parts, but these models and techniques require data for training and evaluation. In this article, we present high-quality datasets to train, evaluate, and compare machine learning methods in tasks that are specifically suited to identify and extract key elements of ETD documents. We explain how we construct the datasets by manual labeling the data or by deriving labeled data through synthetic processes. We demonstrate how our datasets can be used to develop downstream applications and to evaluate, retrain, or fine-tune pre-trained machine learning models. We describe our ongoing work to compile benchmark datasets and exploit machine learning techniques to build intelligent digital libraries for ETDs.
Project ‘‘Mass Movements in Germany’’ and its implications for nationwide landslide susceptibility assessment
Authors: Torizin Jewgenij , Fuchs Michael , Balzer Dirk , Kuhn Dirk , Glaser Stefan , Ehret Dominik , Wiedenmann Johannes , Dommaschk Peter , Henscheid Stefan , Strauß Roland
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the framework and discusses the outcomes of the "Mass Movements in Germany" project—a collaboration of five State Geological Surveys (SGSs) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) to conduct a feasibility study for a nationwide landslide susceptibility map in Germany using harmonized datasets. Therefore, distinct methods representing heuristic, physically-based, and data-driven approaches were employed. In 14 consecutive modeling cases, we investigated parameter selection and preparation, model building, evaluation, and transferability issues. The results show that nationally harmonized datasets, deemed high-quality, exhibited data generalization at regional scales, affecting the reliability of the landslide susceptibility patterns. While using regional datasets on larger scales mitigated some generalization effects, heterogeneities in inventory datasets among distinct federal states pose challenges in creating a nationwide applicable model. Heterogeneous data require locally adjusted model designs affecting the model's transferability and comparability of data-driven models across large regions. Heuristic methods operate without observational data but require in-depth knowledge of the regional-geological conditions by involving expert groups rather than single experts. The physically-based model shows promising results with parametrization based on the pedotransfer functions and soil database supplementing the national soil map. However, this approach is limited to shallow translational landslides. Thus, considering all mass movement types, a single comprehensive approach for creating a nationwide landslide susceptibility map for Germany is currently not feasible. Close collaboration and further harmonization of datasets and methods involving all SGSs are needed.
A systematic review to explore patients’ MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge
Authors: Smith Edward , Langdon Dawn
Published: May 2024

Living with a chronic illness poses particular challenges, including maintaining current disease knowledge to optimise self-management and interaction with health professionals. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are increasingly encouraged to participate in shared decision making. Making informed decisions is likely to rely on adequate knowledge about the condition and its associated risks. The aim of this systematic review is to explore patients’ existing MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge, and how these relate to demographic and disease variables. A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were published peer-reviewed reporting quantitative measures of MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge in adult MS patients. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria comprising a total sample of 4,420 patients. A narrative synthesis was undertaken because studies employed various measures. Suboptimal levels of MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge were generally identified across studies. Greater self-reported adherence and a willingness to take medication were related to higher MS knowledge, while educational level was a significant predictor of both MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge. Associations with other demographic and disease-related variables were mixed for both knowledge domains. Direct comparison of results across studies were limited by methodological, sampling and contextual heterogeneity. The review’s findings and implications for future research and clinical practice are considered from this perspective.
Insights into Bitcoin and energy nexus. A Bitcoin price prediction in bull and bear markets using a complex meta model and SQL analytical functions
Authors: Bâra Adela , Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Panait Mirela
Published: May 2024

Cryptocurrencies are in the center of attention of investors, public authorities and researchers, but the interest has shifted from purely financial aspects regarding the way of trading, lack of regulation and supervision of transactions, volatility, correlation with other assets to aspects related to sustainability taking in account the high energy consumption generated by the mining process and the impact on environmental pollution. Bitcoin was chosen for the research considering the dominance that this financial asset has on the cryptocurrency market and its position as alpha currency.The article focuses on the relationship between Bitcoin transactions and energy consumption, for period 1st January 2019—31st of May 2022, this interval having significant price movements. The authors made a prediction of the Bitcoin price using a complex meta-model and SQL analytical functions. The analysis is based on 15 fundamental variables in order to forecast the price: Bitcoin data (prices and volume), electricity price and traded quantity on day-ahead market (DAM), gas price and traded quantity on DAM, inflation in EU, EU-ETS emissions certificates and oil prices. The study reveals the importance of the relationship Bitcoin—energy—carbon emissions, elements that capture the impact of the mining process on the environment from the perspective of energy consumption. Investors on the Bitcoin market must be aware not only of the importance of financial aspects on the price of cryptocurrencies (inflation, demand, offer), but also of other elements related to the evolution of energy prices (electricity, oil, gas, renewable energy) and the evolution of emissions certificates prices. Considering the promotion of the principles of sustainable development on the capital market, portfolio investors have become increasingly attentive to the social and environmental performance of financial assets. This study aims to make financial market players aware of the non-financial implications of their transactions. In addition, the energy transition and the reconfiguration of the energy mix are elements of impact on the cryptocurrency market through the technical levers involved in the mining process.
Artificial intelligence in coronary artery calcium score: rationale, different approaches, and outcomes
Authors: Gennari Antonio G. , Rossi Alexia , De Cecco Carlo N. , van Assen Marly , Sartoretti Thomas , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Schwyzer Moritz , Huellner Martin W. , Messerli Michael
Published: May 2024

Almost 35 years after its introduction, coronary artery calcium score (CACS) not only survived technological advances but became one of the cornerstones of contemporary cardiovascular imaging. Its simplicity and quantitative nature established it as one of the most robust approaches for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk stratification in primary prevention and a powerful tool to guide therapeutic choices. Groundbreaking advances in computational models and computer power translated into a surge of artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches directly or indirectly linked to CACS analysis. This review aims to provide essential knowledge on the AI-based techniques currently applied to CACS, setting the stage for a holistic analysis of the use of these techniques in coronary artery calcium imaging. While the focus of the review will be detailing the evidence, strengths, and limitations of end-to-end CACS algorithms in electrocardiography-gated and non-gated scans, the current role of deep-learning image reconstructions, segmentation techniques, and combined applications such as simultaneous coronary artery calcium and pulmonary nodule segmentation, will also be discussed.
The Link Between Digital Skills and Financial Inclusion—Evidence from Consumers Survey Data from Low-Income Areas
Authors: Vik P. M. , Kamerāde D. , Dayson K. T.
Published: May 2024

Financial and digital inclusion are key consumer policy agendas for governments globally. Yet, despite the importance of online interfaces to manage finances and make payments, the link between financial and digital inclusion remains under-researched. This study analyses the link between digital and financial inclusion drawing on data from a survey conducted of 922 adults in UK in 2018. The results suggest that the active use of banking services depends on digital skills. The level of self-rated internet proficiency predicts a variety of ways in which consumers use financial services in the management of their finances, including contactless payments, bank transfers, and the use of multiple banking services. This holds even when controlling for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Conversely, household income is more important as a determinant than digital skills in checking account balance online. This possibly reflects that liquidity constrained consumers generally prefer to monitor their spending using cash as this provides more precise information on their spending and remaining balance.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ecosystems in Education: A Review
Authors: Rojas Milena Patricia , Chiappe Andrés
Published: May 2024

Digital ecosystems are a set of interconnected elements that enable an integrated and seamless digital experience. In education, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has great potential to improve teaching and learning. However, for the expectations placed on the educational use of AI to be met, it is necessary to develop adequate digital ecosystems that allow its effective implementation. Therefore, it is of great importance to deepen the understanding of these ecosystems and their key elements for such implementation. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature on this subject was conducted, which included the analysis of 76 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. The main results of the review highlight the current focus of research in that matter, which relates digital ecosystems and artificial intelligence around the personalization of learning. Also, some aspects related to this relationship are analyzed from four categories: networks, applications, services, and users.