bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ views on the adoption of additive manufacturing: findings from a nationwide survey
Authors: Zheng Xuewei , Wang Ruilin , Thor Andreas , Brantnell Anders
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Hospitals in many European countries have implemented Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology for multiple Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) applications. Although the technology is widely implemented, surgeons also play a crucial role in whether a hospital will adopt the technology for surgical procedures. The study has two objectives: (1) to investigate how hospital type (university or non-university hospital) influences surgeons' views on AM, and (2) to explore how previous experience with AM (AM experience or not) influences surgeons' views on AM.

Materials and methods

An online questionnaire to capture surgeons’ views was designed, consisting of 11 Likert scale questions formulated according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The questionnaire was sent to OMF surgeons through the channel provided by the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Sweden. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test to identify significant differences among OMF surgeons in terms of organizational form (i.e., university hospital or non-university hospital) and experience of AM (i.e., AM experience or no-experience).

Results

In total, 31 OMF surgeons responded to the survey. Views of surgeons from universities and non-universities, as well as between surgeons with experience and no-experience, did not show significant differences in the 11 questions captured across five CFIR domains. However, the “individual characteristics” domain in CFIR, consisting of three questions, did show significant differences between surgeons’ experience with AM and no-experience (P-values: P = 0.01, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Surgeons, whether affiliated with university hospitals or non-university hospitals and regardless of their prior experience with AM, generally exhibit a favorable attitude towards AM. However, there were significant differences in terms of individual characteristics between those who had prior experience with AM and those who did not.

Clinical relevance

This investigation facilitates the implementation of AM in OMFS by reporting on the views of OMF surgeons on AM.
Comprehensive investigation on microplastics from source to sink
Authors: Razaviarani Vahid , Saudagar Ayesha , Gallage Sethni , Shrinath Soumya , Arab Golnaz
Published: February 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive review on microplastic from source to sink and reviews the current state of knowledge of the topic by focusing on the articles published within the last five years on identification, quantification, analyses, and effects of microplastics on soil and aqueous environments. Microplastics are materials formed either by the degradation of the plastic into smaller micro sized particles or obtained directly in daily products such as cosmetics, toothpastes, domestic cleaning products, etc. Hence, the origin of microplastics is either a primary or secondary microplastic source. The lack of information and research conducted on microplastics in soil compared to water influenced many disparities. These include variations in defining microplastics to lack of conclusive methodologies in analysis of microplastics in soil which therefore lead to gaps in identification of plastic source and comprehension of plastic pollution in soil. The effect of microplastics on different aquatic vertebrates, mammals, and humans is studied and, in most cases, various negative effects were observed in the organism’s physiology. In addition to innovative control methods, there is a growing focus on exploring bioplastics as a potential substitute for traditional plastics. Numerous studies suggest that the environmental impact is more manageable with the production and use of bioplastics. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to confirm the viability of bioplastics as a potential solution.

Graphical abstract
Skeletal muscle status and survival among patients with advanced biliary tract cancer
Authors: Takaoka Shinya , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Takahara Naminatsu , Saito Kei , Endo Go , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Ishida Kota , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Kanai Sachiko , Kurihara Kohei , Oyama Hiroki , Saito Tomotaka , Sato Tatsuya , Suzuki Tatsunori , Suzuki Yukari , Tange Shuichi , Tokito Yurie , Tateishi Ryosuke , Nakai Yousuke , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies have demonstrated a prognostic role of sarcopenia (i.e., loss of skeletal muscle volume and functionality) in patients with various cancer types. In patients with biliary tract cancer, the quantity and quality of skeletal muscles and their serial changes have not been fully investigated in relation to survival outcomes.

Methods

We identified 386 patients with unresectable or recurrent biliary tract cancer and calculated skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) to estimate muscular quantity and quality, respectively, based on computed tomography images. Using the Cox regression model with adjustment for potential confounders, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to skeletal muscle status and its serial change.

Results

Compared to patients without sarcopenia, patients with sarcopenia were associated with shorter PFS (multivariable HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.15–2.22; P = 0.005), but not with OS (P = 0.027) at the adjusted α level of 0.013. SMD at baseline was associated with OS (multivariable HR comparing the extreme quartiles, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07–2.14; Ptrend = 0.012), but not with PFS (Ptrend = 0.13). A reduction in SMI rather than that in SMD was associated with OS. Progressive disease was a risk factor for reductions in SMI and SMD.

Conclusions

Skeletal muscle quantity and quality and their serial changes were associated with survival outcomes in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. Our data highlight the importance of designing nutritional and physical interventions for improvements in skeletal muscle status.
Trends in airborne grass pollen in Évora City (Portugal)
Authors: Caeiro Elsa Rute Guerra , Camacho Roberto Alexandre Pisa , Ferreira Manuel Branco , Carreiro-Martins Pedro , Camacho Irene Gomes Câmara
Published: February 2024

Aerobiology could be used as complementary data or proxy for studying phenology, especially in species which usually are not long-distance transported, such as grasses. This 21-year aerobiological study took place in Évora (South Portugal), using a seven-day recording volumetric pollen trap with the aim of analysing the temporal trends of grass pollen seasons. To this end, data were statistically tested for correlation and regression to determine the features and temporal trends of pollen seasons. Main results show that Poaceae pollen has a high representation in pollen spectrum, 20% (min: 7%; max: 44%), with a long season starting in March and lasting till August/September or October. There was an overall, but not statistically significant trend, towards an increase in the annual pollen integral and peak values, and also an overall non-statistically significant trend towards an earlier start and later end of the pollen season. Main and high pollen seasons have been lasting longer, and the days with allergenic potential have been rising in line with the local temperature rising trend. It seems that grass pollen production is being aided by warmer temperatures and increased grassland areas in Alentejo region. This could promote the increase in annual pollen levels and in the number of high pollen days over the years. In clinical terms, it means that grass allergic patients are exposed to longer periods of airborne pollen and to higher counts over a longer time. The climate conditions projected for Alentejo region, including rising temperature, and the changes in local grassland areas may help to clarify the trends of grass pollen seasons in the next decades.
Associations Between Negative Body Image and Sexual Health Practices in Emerging Adults from Malaysia
Authors: Goh Pei Hwa , Luginbuehl Tamara , Swami Viren
Published: February 2024

Past findings on the association between negative body image and sexual health behaviors have been mixed and mostly derived from Western samples. The aim of the current study was to examine associations between indices of negative body image and sexual health practices that reduce the risk of disease transmission in emerging adults, and whether these associations are moderated by gender. Using an online survey, a convenience sample of 584 Malaysian adults aged 18–30 years (230 men, 354 women) completed measures of satisfaction with overall appearance, body size dissatisfaction, weight satisfaction, height satisfaction, and genital image evaluation. They also reported if they ever had partnered sex, condomless sex, and been screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as their lifetime number of penetrative sex partners. Hierarchical logistic and ordinal regression analyses indicated that more positive genital image evaluation, but not the other body image indices, was significantly associated with having had partnered sex and fewer lifetime penetrative sex partners. None of the body image indices were significantly associated with condomless sex. All associations were consistent across men and women. For HIV testing, a significant interaction between genital image evaluation and gender emerged. However, this was reduced to non-significance after controlling for the number of penetrative sex partners. Overall, our findings underline the importance of promoting improved genital image in interventions aimed at increasing positive sexual health behaviors.
Does having siblings really protect against childhood atopic diseases? A total population and within-family analysis
Authors: Luukkonen Juha , Moustgaard Heta , Martikainen Pekka , Remes Hanna
Published: February 2024

The association between having older siblings and decreased risk for atopic symptoms is well-established. This has been interpreted as evidence for the microbiota hypothesis, i.e. that increased early-childhood microbial exposure caused by siblings protects from immune hypersensitivities. However, possible confounders of the association have received little attention. We used register data on Finnish cohorts born in 1995–2004 (N = 559,077) to assess medication purchases for atopic diseases: antihistamines, eczema medication, asthma medication and Epinephrine. We modelled the probability of atopic medication purchases at ages 0–15 by birth order controlling for important observed confounders and all unobserved genetic and environmental characteristics shared by siblings in a within-family fixed effects model. We further studied medication purchases among first-borns according to the age difference with younger siblings to assess whether having younger siblings in early childhood is beneficial. Having older siblings was associated with a lower probability of atopic medication purchases. Compared to first-borns, the probability was 10–20% lower among second-borns, 20–40% lower among third-borns, and 30–70% lower among subsequent children, depending on medication type. Confounding accounted for up to 75% of these differences, particularly for asthma and eczema medication, but significant differences by birth order remained across all medication types. Among first-borns, a smaller age difference with younger siblings was related to a lower likelihood of atopic medication use. Our results, based on designs that account for unobserved confounding, show that exposure to siblings in early childhood, protects from atopic diseases, and thus strongly support the microbiota hypothesis.
Towards ICT diffusion and trade liberalisation on inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bello Abdulwahab Ahmad , Hassan Abubakar , Akadiri Seyi Saint , Onuogu Ijeoma Christina , Aliyu Umar Shuaibu
Published: February 2024

While the debate over the nexus between trade liberalization and inclusive growth is progressively reaching some consensus in emerging and developing economies, the empirical findings are mixed for sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Some of the SSA countries experience rapid growth in information and communication technology (ICT) diffusion manifesting in increased green wealth via the invention of new ideas, access to wider markets like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promoting accountability, social inclusion, and e-governance among others. The present study critically assesses how ICT diffusion modulates trade liberalization on inclusive growth throughout the 2005–2020 periods for 48 SSA countries. This study contributes empirically and methodologically to literature, specifically on the construction of the ICT index, inclusive growth index, and adoption of a better befitting econometric model. The study explores the direct impacts of ICT diffusion and trade liberalization, and their indirect impacts using an interaction term on inclusive growth. Contrary to the prior expectations, trade liberalization does not lead to inclusive growth in the SSA region, but ICT diffusion has a positive and significant impact on inclusive growth. However, the interaction term of ICT and trade liberalization improves inclusive growth. Therefore, the study advocates for policies that would build a knowledge-based human capital, stimulate innovation in socio-economic systems, and develop ICT infrastructure and its penetration among others, with the expectation that as AfCFTA takes effect, ICT diffusion will facilitate intra-regional trade, enhancing inclusive growth in the African region among other sound policy suggestions.
Radiological measurements of lacrimal gland in thyroid eye disease
Authors: Caltabiano Carmelo , Rana Khizar , Beecher Mark B. , Selva Dinesh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Lacrimal gland enlargement is a common feature of thyroid eye disease (TED) and has been positively correlated with the clinical activity score. Although lacrimal gland volume is the preferred measure of lacrimal gland size, its calculation is not clinically translatable due to the expertise, time and advanced software required. The aim of our study is to determine whether the lacrimal gland volume in patients with TED undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be estimated using simpler lacrimal gland linear and area measurements.

Methods

A retrospective review of 102 orbits (51 patients) with TED who underwent orbital MRI was conducted. The maximum length, width, and area of the lacrimal gland were measured in axial and coronal sections. Lacrimal gland volume was calculated by using a manual segmentation technique on all consecutive axial slices on commercially available software, OsiriX. All quantitative measurements were correlated with the lacrimal gland volume.

Results

Mean age of participants was 59 ± 16 years, and 67% (n = 34) were females. With multivariate analyses, combined lacrimal gland axial and coronal areas strongly correlated with volume (r = 0.843, p < 0.01). Strong univariate predictors of volume included axial area (r = 0.704, p < 0.01) and coronal area (r = 0.722, p < 0.01), while moderate predictors included axial length (r = 0.523, p < 0.01), axial width (r = 0.521, p < 0.01), coronal length (r = 0.450, p < 0.01), and coronal width (r = 0.649, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In patients with thyroid eye disease, lacrimal gland volume can be estimated using axial and coronal areas, which is simpler and more time efficient than calculating volumes.
Transition from Academic Integrity to Research Integrity: The Use of Checklists in the Supervision of Master and Doctoral Students
Authors: Krásničan Veronika , Gaižauskaitė Inga , Bülow William , Dlabolova Dita Henek , Bjelobaba Sonja
Published: February 2024

Given the prevalence of misconduct in research and among students in higher education, there is a need to create solutions for how best to prevent such behaviour in academia. This paper proceeds on the assumption that one way forward is to prepare students in higher education at an early stage and to encourage a smoother transition from academic integrity to research integrity by incorporating academic integrity training as an ongoing part of the curriculum. To this end, this paper presents three checklists developed as part of the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project Bridging Integrity in Higher Education, Business and Society (BRIDGE, 2020-1-SE01-KA203-077973). The aim of the checklists is to help students and their supervisors to bridge academic integrity and research integrity in research training. The checklists target master students, doctoral students, and their supervisors. This paper presents the theoretical background of the checklists, how they were developed, their content, and how they may be used in supervising thesis/dissertation work to promote a transition from academic integrity to research integrity.
Ethics and Integrity in Research: Why Bridging the Gap Between Ethics and Integrity Matters
Authors: Magalhães Susana
Published: February 2024

Ethics and integrity should be intertwined within the concept of Responsible Research. Integrity Officers should also be Ethics Officers, enforcing compliance with rules and norms, but also raising awareness on the meaning of ethics in researchers’ daily work. Paul Ricoeur’s definition of Ethics – “the aim of living a good life with and for others in just institutions” (Ricoeur in Oneself as Another. University of Chicago Press, 1994) –, points out the relational dimension of Ethics that matters to all the stakeholders in scientific research. The dialogical interaction between Ethics and Integrity can help to prevent researchers from assuming self-regulation as the only possible path to be followed. In this paper, the challenges and the opportunities posed by this approach will be outlined and discussed, mainly, the challenges of building trust bottom up, while setting up restrictions to comply with rules and norms top down. Concerning the opportunities, the focus will be on making better science and building a solid network among the various stakeholders of the research system.
Cross-cultural Differences in Using Nonverbal Behaviors to Identify Indirect Replies
Authors: Pang Hio Tong , Zhou Xiaolin , Chu Mingyuan
Published: February 2024

The ability to decode nonverbal cues is essential for effective cross-cultural communication. Despite the significance of nonverbal communication, research in this area has primarily focused on spoken language. This is particularly problematic during indirect communication, where there is a discrepancy between the surface meaning and the true intention (e.g., “Well, there is still room for improvement in your writing skills”). Misinterpretation of nonverbal cues during indirect communication can impede the decoding of true intention and potentially create hostile situations. The present study investigated cross-cultural differences in the use of nonverbal cues in decoding indirect messages. British and Chinese raters watched silent video clips and identified the types of replies from models of their own and the other culture. Results revealed that British raters were able to recognize indirect replies from British models but not from Chinese models above chance level, whereas Chinese raters were able to recognize indirect replies from models of both cultures above chance level. Furthermore, British raters showed higher accuracy and confidence in identifying indirect replies from British models than Chinese models. In contrast, Chinese raters were equally skilled and confident in identifying indirect replies from both British and Chinese models. Additionally, British and Chinese raters employed different nonverbal cues to recognize indirect replies from models of their respective cultures. These findings underscore the importance of cross-cultural differences in identifying indirect replies through nonverbal communication and provide insights to enhance intercultural communication between British and Chinese individuals.
A novel technique for image steganography based on maximum energy seam
Authors: Shmueli Ron , Mishra Divya , Shmueli Tal , Hadar Ofer
Published: February 2024

Image steganography is the art of hiding information in a cover image in such a way that a third party does not notice the hidden information. This paper presents a novel technique for image steganography in the spatial domain. The new method hides and recovers hidden information of substantial length within digital imagery while maintaining the size and quality of the original image. The image gradient is used to generate a saliency image, which represents the energy of each pixel in the image. Pixels with higher energy are more salient and they are valuable for hiding data since their visual impairment is low. From the saliency image, a cumulative maximum energy matrix is created; this matrix is used to generate horizontal seams that pass over the maximum energy path. By embedding the secret bits of information along the seams, a stego-image is created which contains the hidden message. In the stego-image, we ensure that the hidden data is invisible, with very small perceived image quality degradation. The same algorithms are used to reconstruct the hidden message from the stego-image. Experiments have been conducted using two types of images and two types of hidden data to evaluate the proposed technique. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a high capacity and good invisibility, with a Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of about 70, and a Structural SIMilarity index (SSIM) of about 1.
On $${H}_\infty $$ Finite-Time Boundedness and Finite-Time Stability for Discrete-Time Neural Networks with Leakage Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Tuan Le A.
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the problems of $$H_\infty $$

H
∞

finite-time boundedness (FTB) and finite-time stability (FTS) for discrete-time neural networks (NNs) with both leakage delay and discrete delay, as well as different generalized activation functions. To this end, we construct suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii (L–K) functionals and apply the extended reciprocally convex approach to derive delay-dependent criteria for the addressed problems. The obtained conditions are expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be efficiently solved by the LMI Toolbox in Matlab. The paper also admits of two numerical examples to point up the advantages and reliability of the proposed method.
RII-GAN: Multi-scaled Aligning-Based Reversed Image Interaction Network for Text-to-Image Synthesis
Authors: Yuan Haofei , Zhu Hongqing , Yang Suyi , Wang Ziying , Wang Nan
Published: February 2024

The text-to-image (T2I) model based on a single-stage generative adversarial network (GAN) has significantly succeeded in recent years. However, the generation model based on GAN has two disadvantages: the generator does not introduce any image feature manifold structure, which makes it challenging to align the image and text features. Another is the image’s diversity; the text’s abstraction will prevent the model from learning the actual image distribution. This paper proposes a reversed image interaction generative adversarial network (RII-GAN), which consists of four components: text encoder, reversed image interaction network (RIIN), adaptive affine-based generator, and dual-channel feature alignment discriminator (DFAD). RIIN indirectly introduces the actual image distribution into the generation network, thus overcoming the problem that the network lacks the learning of the actual image feature manifold structure and generating the distribution of text-matching images. Each adaptive affine block (AAB) in the proposed affine-based generator can adaptively enhance text information, establishing an updated relation between original independent fusion blocks and the image feature. Moreover, this study designs a DFAD to capture important feature information of images and text in two channels. Such a dual-channel backbone improves semantic consistency by utilizing a particular synchronized bi-modal information extraction structure. We have performed experiments on publicly available datasets to prove the effectiveness of our model.
Online neuro-fuzzy model learning of dynamic systems with measurement noise
Authors: Gu Wen , Lan Jianglin , Mason Byron
Published: February 2024

Model identification of nonlinear time varying dynamic systems is challenging because the system behaviours may vary significantly in different operational conditions. If the changes are insufficiently captured by training data, the trained model is unable to capture the system response well when the operational condition changes. The model performance may also be deteriorated in real-time implementation due to the noise in sensors or the environment. This paper presents a self-adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy (NF) modelling framework to address these challenges. The NF model, trained offline based on experimental data, combines the Auto-Regressive with eXogenous (ARX) models and Gaussian activation functions to capture the nonlinear system behaviours. During online implementation, the ARX model parameters are updated using new data through a recursive generalised least squares method, which embeds a noise model to eliminate effects of the noise. The online updating algorithm has a provable convergence guarantee and enables the proposed NF model to adapt to changes in system behaviours automatically. Efficacy of the algorithm is verified through two numerical examples and an experiment on a commercial automotive engine.
Rationality, Virtue and Practical Wisdom in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Authors: Holst Jonas
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the paper is to study the interrelatedness of rationality, virtue, and practical wisdom in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics by offering a critical interpretation of the bipartition of the soul presented in Chap. 13 of the first book. Aristotle relies on the partition of the soul into a rational and a non-rational part when he distinguishes between ethical and intellectual virtues. The paper will question the adequacy of these divisions and show that Aristotle himself casts doubt on them while leaving open the possibility of understanding the soul in an alternative way which will prove to fit better with his own exposition of deliberate choice and the integration of virtuous action and practical wisdom.
InterCap: Joint Markerless 3D Tracking of Humans and Objects in Interaction from Multi-view RGB-D Images
Authors: Huang Yinghao , Taheri Omid , Black Michael J. , Tzionas Dimitrios
Published: February 2024

Humans constantly interact with objects to accomplish tasks. To understand such interactions, computers need to reconstruct these in 3D from images of whole bodies manipulating objects, e.g., for grasping, moving and using the latter. This involves key challenges, such as occlusion between the body and objects, motion blur, depth ambiguities, and the low image resolution of hands and graspable object parts. To make the problem tractable, the community has followed a divide-and-conquer approach, focusing either only on interacting hands, ignoring the body, or on interacting bodies, ignoring the hands. However, these are only parts of the problem. On the contrary, recent work focuses on the whole problem. The GRAB dataset addresses whole-body interaction with dexterous hands but captures motion via markers and lacks video, while the BEHAVE dataset captures video of body-object interaction but lacks hand detail. We address the limitations of prior work with InterCap, a novel method that reconstructs interacting whole-bodies and objects from multi-view RGB-D data, using the parametric whole-body SMPL-X model and known object meshes. To tackle the above challenges, InterCap uses two key observations: (i) Contact between the body and object can be used to improve the pose estimation of both. (ii) Consumer-level Azure Kinect cameras let us set up a simple and flexible multi-view RGB-D system for reducing occlusions, with spatially calibrated and temporally synchronized cameras. With our InterCap method we capture the InterCap dataset, which contains 10 subjects (5 males and 5 females) interacting with 10 daily objects of various sizes and affordances, including contact with the hands or feet. To this end, we introduce a new data-driven hand motion prior, as well as explore simple ways for automatic contact detection based on 2D and 3D cues. In total, InterCap has 223 RGB-D videos, resulting in 67,357 multi-view frames, each containing 6  RGB-D images, paired with pseudo ground-truth 3D body and object meshes. Our InterCap method and dataset fill an important gap in the literature and support many research directions. Data and code are available at https://intercap.is.tue.mpg.de.
Trace element accumulation behavior, ability, and propensity of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg (Dandelion)
Authors: Vural Alaaddin
Published: February 2024

The study aims to achieve several objectives: determine background element concentrations in Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg-common dandelion roots, stems, and flowers; clarify T. officinale's ability to accumulate trace elements (TEs) in plant parts; calculate accumulation and translocation factors to identify hyperaccumulator potential; and contribute to practical applications in geochemical prospecting, exploration geochemistry, phytomining, and environmental remediation. To accomplish this, 34 samples of T. officinale and associated soil samples were gathered from the plant's habitat along the roadside for trace element (TE) analysis. The elemental composition of both plants and soils underwent analysis using diverse statistical approaches, including factor analysis, ANOVA tests, and descriptive parameters. Plant element accumulation patterns and tendencies across various plant parts were explored through bioconcentration (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs). Results showed that T. officinale accumulates some TEs in its roots, stems, and flowers, with the highest concentrations found in the roots. The factor analysis of plant element contents indicated a grouping tendency among elements. Specifically, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn exhibited a tendency to co-occur, while Ba, Mo, and Sr formed a separate group. Furthermore, in the flowers of the plant, Al, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Sr showed a similar grouping, while Cu, Pb, and Zn formed a distinct cluster. ANOVA tests demonstrated significant variations in the accumulation of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, and Sr among the roots, flowers, and stems of the plant. Additionally, Ni and Pb exhibited noteworthy differences in accumulation between these plant parts. Furthermore, Mn and Zn showed significant discrepancies in their accumulation capacities across all parts of the plant. T. officinale was identified as a lead hyperaccumulator by the study, with BCFs and concentrations exceeding 1000 mg kg−1. These findings inform strategies for phytoremediation and enhance our understanding of the plant's potential role in exploration studies and environmental management in metal-rich regions.
Investigations of bioinspired soil penetration strategies via a numerical model: Does radial expansion improve soil intruder performances?
Authors: Pirrone Serena R. M. , Del Dottore Emanuela , Sibille Luc , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the performances shown during underground exploration by a plant root-inspired soil intruder. Plant roots are efficient soil explorers, moving by growing at their apical extremities and morphing their bodies in response to mechanical constraints. A three-dimensional (3D) discrete element model (DEM) was developed to mimic selected features of plant roots and verify their usefulness in soil penetration operations. Specifically, the model is used to simulate the penetration of an intruder that grows at the tip into both cohesionless granular and cemented soils. In the former case, dense and loose granular media are considered. The model is adopted to compare penetration performances with purely axial growth and a combination of radial and axial growths. Radial growth is hypothesized to be adopted in roots to facilitate soil penetration. Results from our model suggest that implementing a radial growth preliminary to an axial growth is more advantageous in cohesionless dense granular soil, reducing the soil resistance experienced by the intruder for deeper penetration after radial enlargement. When the penetration occurs in cemented soil, the radial expansion results advantageous over a lower penetration depth, and its beneficial effect drops with increasing inter-particle contact adhesion values. The proposed 3D DEM numerical model provides a methodology for evaluating the intruder penetration efficiency and supports the design of artificial robotic systems for the autonomous exploration of soil by allowing the selection of the most performant penetration strategies for their artificial implementation.
Effects of parallel syntactic training in French plural spelling and German noun capitalization
Authors: Weth Constanze , Dording Carole , Klasen Lisa , Fayol Michel , Funke Reinold , Ugen Sonja
Published: February 2024

French plural markers and German noun capitalization encode syntactic information. Both syntactic markers present the syntactic information needed reliably and saliently, and both are unrelated to phonology. A main difference between both is that French plural spelling is part of inflection morphology and encodes the plural morphemes in written French. German noun capitalization is not a morpheme or a grapheme, but an allograph licensed in a particular function of the sentence, the head of the NP. Although both are substantially different, studies have shown that syntactic training is effective at improving the spelling of these syntactic markers. The current study presents two intervention studies in Grade 4 (N = 176) to examine whether learners who become literate in German and French benefit from a syntactic training in French plural spelling and German noun capitalization. All participants were trained in both languages and tested at four test points. Instruction was provided through learner videos (10 × 10 minutes) shown in a classroom setting. In both languages, the main goal of the training was to raise awareness of the syntactic unit of the NP as well as the syntactic information encoded in spelling. The results show large, short-term and long-term effects of the French training. However, unlike in previous studies, no training effects were found in German when compared with the control group. The paper discusses the results with a focus on the detailed comparison of French plural spelling and German noun capitalization as well as the feedback of the participating teachers in order to provide hypothetical explanations of the mixed training results. The discussed findings have an impact on the conception of syntactic spelling, as well as its teaching and learning.
Imaging biomarkers in cardiac CT: moving beyond simple coronary anatomical assessment
Authors: Cundari Giulia , Marchitelli Livia , Pambianchi Giacomo , Catapano Federica , Conia Luca , Stancanelli Giuseppe , Catalano Carlo , Galea Nicola
Published: February 2024

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is considered the standard non-invasive tool to rule-out obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, several imaging biomarkers have been developed on cardiac-CT imaging to assess global CAD severity and atherosclerotic burden, including coronary calcium scoring, the segment involvement score, segment stenosis score and the Leaman-score. Myocardial perfusion imaging enables the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and microvascular damage, and the CT-based fractional flow reserve quantification allows to evaluate non-invasively hemodynamic impact of the coronary stenosis. The texture and density of the epicardial and perivascular adipose tissue, the hypodense plaque burden, the radiomic phenotyping of coronary plaques or the fat radiomic profile are novel CT imaging features emerging as biomarkers of inflammation and plaque instability, which may implement the risk stratification strategies. The ability to perform myocardial tissue characterization by extracellular volume fraction and radiomic features appears promising in predicting arrhythmogenic risk and cardiovascular events. New imaging biomarkers are expanding the potential of cardiac CT for phenotyping the individual profile of CAD involvement and opening new frontiers for the practice of more personalized medicine.
Improved surgical techniques and outcomes with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty managing B2 glenoids in midterm-follow-up
Authors: Hollo David , Raniga Sumit , Cadosch Dieter , Müller Andreas M. , Bokor Desmond J.
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to study the outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in B2 glenoids before and after the 2012 publication by Walch et al., which recommended the use of reverse TSA (rTSA) for Walch Type B2 glenohumeral joint arthritis.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, publications were identified that reported on the outcomes for aTSA used in the management of B2 glenoids. Only studies with at least 2 years of follow-up were considered.

Results

In the two groups, pre-2012 and post-2012, a total of 779 osteoarthritic B2 shoulders were treated with an aTSA. The average follow-up was 59.32 versus 51.14 months. Over the past 10 years, prosthesis-related complication rates using eccentric reaming have significantly decreased from 13.15% to 3.28% (odds ratio: 3.5; p = 0.0002; confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–8.64). The use of posterior augmented glenoid implants has increased substantially and has maintained a consistently low complication rate of 2.8% (odds ratio: 0.64; p = 0.684, CI: 0.12–3.25), with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months. In the first group (pre-2012), after the implantation of 171 prostheses, 19 complications occurred (11.11%), whereas in the second group (post-2012), 18 complications occurred after 608 operations (2.96%). When combining all surgical options for aTSA in the presence of a B2 glenoid, the results showed that patients after 2012 had significantly lower revision rates compared to patients before 2012 (odds ratio: 3.12; p = 0.0012 CI: 1.56–6.1).

Conclusion

The outcomes of aTSA since 2012 have improved with lower prothesis-related complication rates when eccentric reaming and posterior augmented glenoid components were used.
Pre-treatment fertility preservation and post-treatment reproduction in long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer
Authors: Lehmann Vicky , Vlooswijk Carla , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Bijlsma Rhodé , Kaal Suzanne E. J. , Kerst Jan Martijn , Tromp Jacqueline M. , Bos Monique E. M. M. , van der Hulle Tom , Lalisang Roy I. , Nuver Janine , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C. M. , Lok Christianne A. R. , Beerendonk Catharina C. M. , Dinkelman-Smit Marij , Husson Olga
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To describe recall of fertility-related consultations and cryopreservation and to examine reproductive goals and reproduction post-treatment in long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) (age, 18–39 years) cancer.

Methods

This study included n = 1457 male and n = 2112 female long-term survivors (Mage = 43–45 years; 5–22 years from diagnosis) who provided self-report. Clinical data were supplied by the Netherlands Cancer Registry.

Results

Most male survivors (72.7%) recalled fertility-related consultations and 22.6% completed sperm cryopreservation. Younger age (OR = 2.8; 95%CI [2.2–3.6]), not having children (OR = 5.0; 95%CI [3.2–7.7]), testicular cancer or lymphoma/leukemia (OR = 2.8/2.5 relative to “others”), and more intense treatments (OR = 1.5; 95%CI [1.1–2.0]) were associated with higher cryopreservation rates. Time since diagnosis had no effect. Of men who cryopreserved, 12.1% utilized assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Most men (88.5%) felt their diagnosis did not affect their reproductive goals, but 7.6% wanted no (additional) children due to cancer. Half of female survivors (55.4%; n = 1171) recalled fertility-related consultations. Rates of cryopreservation were very low (3.6%), but increased after 2013 when oocyte cryopreservation became non-experimental. Of women who cryopreserved, 13.2% successfully utilized ART. Most women (74.8%) experienced no effects of cancer on reproductive goals, but 17.8% wanted no (additional) children due to cancer.

Conclusions

Cryopreservation in men varied by patient/clinical factors and was very low in women, but data of more recently treated females are needed. Utilizing cryopreserved material through ART was rare, which questions its cost-effectiveness, but it may enhance survivors’ well-being.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The extent to which cryopreservation positively affects survivors’ well-being remains to be tested. Moreover, effects of cancer on reproductive goals require further attention, especially in women who refrain from having children due to cancer.
From Powder Manufacturing to Perovskite/p-type TCO Thin Film Deposition
Authors: Doumbia Youssouf , Bouich Amal , Touré Abdoulaye , Guaita Júlia Marí , Mari Soucase Bernabé , Soro Donafologo
Published: February 2024

Photovoltaic perovskites are very attractive candidates as absorber layers because of their very interesting properties. In the present work, we have two parts: first, we prepared powders of the perovskites MAPbBr3, MAPbI3, and MAPbCl3, with the aim of maximizing their purity, and then we deposited thin films using these powders previously prepared by the one-step spin-coating method. The anti-solvent used was under the same ambient deposition conditions. We concluded with a series of characterizations such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–visible absorption to better appreciate the quality of the films produced. The crystalline structures of the films, their surface morphology, and their optical properties from the characterizations show that we have succeeded in producing film samples suitable for photovoltaics.
Operationalising employee capabilities post pandemic crisis: a sustainable HR approach
Authors: Maley Jane F.
Published: February 2024

Sustainability scholars argue that sustainable human resource management (HRM) promotes positive financial, social, and human capital outcomes. Sustainability linked with people management creates an enduring business. However, many challenges exist for firms implementing and maintaining a sustainable HRM program. Evidence suggests that these challenges could intensify in economic uncertainty, and firms' sustainable HRM endeavours will likely be abruptly terminated in an uncertain environment. This article explores the adverse outcomes of economic uncertainty and the potential value of a sustainable HRM approach. A model drawing on the Resource-Based View and utilizing Dynamic Capabilities and Absorptive Capacity highlights how the practitioner can operationalize a sustainable approach to HRM in times of uncertainty.
Catalyzing success in equity crowdfunding: trust-building strategies through signaling
Authors: Sendra-Pons Pau , Garzón Dolores , Revilla-Camacho María-Ángeles
Published: February 2024

Building trust is a major challenge in digital crowdfunding environments. The existing information asymmetries between fund-seeking entrepreneurs and potential investors require the implementation of signaling strategies between both economic agents in order to generate trust and incentivize investment. This study performs a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore the interplay of visual content and social networks as information cues signaling trust. The data are sourced from Startupxplore, a Spanish equity crowdfunding platform. Configurational analysis reveals a certain degree of substitutability between traditional visual cues (images, videos) and reporting presence in social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). The results show different information disclosure strategies using traditional visual cues and social networks that lead to crowdfunding success and overfunding: substitute, mixed and unique strategies. The originality of this research lies in identifying such strategies using a configurational approach that addresses the causal complexity behind success and overfunding phenomena in equity crowdfunding, and in targeting visual cues and social networks presence as signals. This entails theoretical contributions to signaling theory in digital financial environments as well as managerial implications for entrepreneurial fundraising.
Khasminskii Approach for $$\psi $$-Caputo Fractional Stochastic Pantograph Problem
Authors: Alqudah Manar A. , Boulares Hamid , Abdalla Bahaaeldin , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: February 2024

In this manuscript, we study an averaging principle for fractional stochastic pantograph differential equations (FSDPEs) in the $$\psi $$
ψ
-sense accompanied by Brownian movement. Under certain assumptions, we are able to approximate solutions for FSPEs by solutions to averaged stochastic systems in the sense of mean square. Analysis of system solutions before and after the average allows extending the classical Khasminskii approach to random fractional differential equations in the sense of $$\psi $$
ψ
-Caputo. For clarity, we present at the end an applied example to facilitate the clarification of the theoretical results obtained
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations are Associated with an Unfavorable Cardio-Metabolic Risk Profile: Findings from Two Population-Based Cohort Studies
Authors: Faquih Tariq O. , Landstra Elvire N. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , Aziz N. Ahmad , Li-Gao Ruifang , de Mutsert Renée , Rosendaal Frits R. , Noordam Raymond , van Heemst Diana , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O. , van Dijk Ko Willems , Breteler Monique M. B.
Published: February 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used and persistent chemicals, leading to ubiquitous exposure. Although high PFAS levels have been associated with an adverse cardiovascular risk profile, the distribution of levels and relations with cardio-metabolic risk markers in the general population have not been fully characterized. We assessed the association between blood levels of perfluorooctaneic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and a range of lipoproteins and metabolites as well as clinical lipid measurements. We used data from participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study (NEO) (n = 584) and the Rhineland Study (n = 1962), jointly spanning an age range of 30 to 89 years. PFAS were measured with the Metabolon HD4 platform, and lipoprotein and metabolite profiles were measured using Nightingale’s nuclear magnetic resonance-spectroscopy platform, and mainly comprised lipoprotein markers. Using linear regression analyses, we quantified age-, sex-, and education-adjusted associations of PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS with clinical lipid measurements and 224 lipoproteins and metabolites. Higher levels of PFAS, particularly PFOS and PFHxS, were associated with higher concentrations of total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipid content in most HDL, IDL, LDL, and VLDL subclasses. The effect sizes were age-dependent for the majority of the associations, with the deleterious effects of PFAS being generally stronger in people below compared to those above median age. Our observation that in the general population even low PFAS concentrations are associated with an unfavorable lipid profile, calls for further critical regulation of PFAS substances.