bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical solution of nonlinear diffusion advection Fisher equation by fourth‐order cubic B‐spline collocation method
Authors: Tiwari Shubham Kumar , Ghosh Pradyumna , Chopra Manish , Das Subir
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the effect of diffusion, advection and Fisher terms when nonlinear diffusion occurs in a porous medium. The main advantage of this article is the derivation of a fourth‐order cubic B‐spline collocation method to solve the nonlinear advection‐diffusion Fisher equation, which represents many important natural phenomena. The Crank‐Nicholson method has been used to discretize space and time. The salient feature of the article is the demonstration of the unconditional stability of the proposed method using the Fourier method. While applying on existing problem having an exact solution, it is shown through error analysis that our proposed scheme is very effective. The important feature of the article is the graphical showcasing of the solution profiles for different particular cases.
Introduction
Authors: Hwahng Sel J. , Kaufman Michelle R.
Published: January 2024

This introductory chapter first addresses the need to excavate a new field of global LGBTQ health as an extension of previous LGBTQ health research and scholarship and the importance of encompassing information and research from across the globe, rather than just focusing on the Global North. This chapter then discusses the genesis of the book informed by past course design, pedagogy, and conference programming in which the authors had initiated and engaged. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the editing and authoring process of this edited volume as well as on the overall field of LGBTQ health is next considered. The relevance of history, culture, and religion as well as racial/ethnic stratification and indigeneity are next examined. Intersectionality is then interrogated, especially in studying “inter-categorical” intersectionality utilizing quantitative methods. Finally, paragraph summaries for each of the chapters in the edited volume are presented, which are characterized by the following health issues and outcomes: stigma, mental health, noncommunicable diseases, community and social support, HIV, substance use, and victimization and intentional injury.
If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Count: Elements to Consider in Understanding Global Sexual and Gender Minority Data on Noncommunicable Diseases
Authors: McElroy Jane A. , Gosiker Bennett J.
Published: January 2024

Evaluation and comparison of incidence and prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) to cisgender and/or heterosexual populations rest on the belief that SGM populations have unique characteristics that influence the rates. Several theoretical concepts, briefly discussed in this chapter, have been postulated regarding this disparity. These include minority stress theory, fundamental cause theory, compression of morbidity theory, and cumulative disadvantage hypothesis. In each case, and most clearly articulated by the fundamental cause theory, structural stigma, discrimination, and power structures among disadvantaged populations drive these health disparities. In the analyses evaluating health disparities, numerous methodological issues reduce the generalizability of results. Probabilistic-based sampling design is rarely used because the data do not exist. Among the few examples that use this study design, the SGM sample is small or covers multiple years. Another methodological issue is the consistently younger mean age of the SGM participants compared to cisgender and/or heterosexual groups. Across the globe, country-specific cultural norms determine the visibility and value of SGM populations. Moving forward, a hope is that, in the near future, the SGM population will be described as one important group, among others, in assessing the health of each nation.
HIV/AIDS Among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Globally
Authors: Beckham S. Wilson , Glick Jennifer , Malone Jowanna , Rich Ashleigh J. , Wirtz Andrea , Baral Stefan
Published: January 2024

This chapter describes the impact HIV/AIDS has had on sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities globally, including cisgender men who have sex with cisgender men, transgender and gender-diverse people, and sexual minority women. After highlighting some important methodological and ethical issues in HIV/AIDS research and interventions among SGM globally, it touches on the importance of sensitivity to the wide variety of gender identities and sexual orientations and different conceptualizations cross-culturally. Next, disproportionate risks and vulnerabilities facing certain SGM groups are explored, focusing on intersecting structural, interpersonal, and individual-level risk factors, and highlighting some differences in regional contexts. Promising HIV/AIDS interventions for SGM populations at structural, interpersonal, and individual levels are included. Chronic disease among SGM people living with HIV is also discussed. Finally, major gaps in knowledge about SGM communities are discussed and future directions for HIV research and practice for SGM people globally are explored.
Parity solution to the strong CP problem and a unified framework for inflation, baryogenesis, and dark matter
Authors: Babu K. S. , Mohapatra Rabindra N. , Okada Nobuchika
Published: January 2024

Abstract

It has been known for some time that asymptotic parity invariance of weak interactions can provide a solution to the strong CP problem without the need for the axion. Left-right symmetric theories which employ a minimal Higgs sector consisting of a left-handed and a right-handed doublet is an example of such a theory wherein all fermion masses arise through a generalized seesaw mechanism. In this paper we present a way to understand the origin of matter-antimatter asymmetry as well as the dark matter content of the universe in these theories using the Affleck-Dine (AD) leptogenesis mechanism and inflaton decay, respectively. Three gauge singlet fermions are needed for this purpose, two of which help to implement the Dirac seesaw for neutrino masses while the third one becomes the non-thermal dark matter candidate. A soft lepton number breaking term involving the AD scalar field is used to generate lepton asymmetry which suffers no wash-out effects and maintains the Dirac nature of neutrinos. This framework thus provides a unified description of many of the unresolved puzzles of the standard model that require new physics.
Instantons in sine-Liouville theory
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Mahajan Raghu , Sen Ashoke
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We compute instanton corrections to the partition function of sine-Liouville (SL) theory, which provides a worldsheet description of two-dimensional string theory in a non-trivial tachyon background. We derive these corrections using a matrix model formulation based on a chiral representation of matrix quantum mechanics and using string theory methods. In both cases we restrict to the leading and subleading orders in the string coupling expansion. Then the CFT technique is used to compute two orders of the expansion in the SL perturbation parameter λ, while the matrix model gives results which are non-perturbative in λ. The matrix model results perfectly match those of string theory in the small λ expansion. We also generalize our findings to the case of perturbation by several tachyon vertex operators carrying different momenta, and obtain interesting analytic predictions for the disk two-point and annulus one-point functions with ZZ boundary condition.
Prospects for searches of $$ b\to s\nu \overline{\nu} $$ decays at FCC-ee
Authors: Amhis Yasmine , Kenzie Matthew , Reboud Méril , Wiederhold Aidan R.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We investigate the physics reach and potential for the study of various decays involving a $$ b\to s\nu \overline{\nu} $$
b
→
sν

ν
¯

transition at the Future Circular Collider running electron-positron collisions at the Z-pole (FCC-ee). Signal and background candidates, which involve inclusive Z contributions from $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

, $$ c\overline{c} $$
c

c
¯

and uds final states, are simulated for a proposed multi-purpose detector. Signal candidates are selected using two Boosted Decision Tree algorithms. We determine expected relative sensitivities of 0.53%, 1.20%, 3.37% and 9.86% for the branching fractions of the $$ {B}^0\to {K}^{\ast 0}\nu \overline{\nu} $$

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν
¯

, $$ {B}_s^0\to \phi \nu \overline{\nu} $$

B
s
0

→
ϕν

ν
¯

, $$ {B}^0\to {K}_S^0\nu \overline{\nu} $$

B
0

→

K
S
0

ν

ν
¯

and $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to \Lambda \nu \overline{\nu} $$

Λ
b
0

→
Λ
ν

ν
¯

decays, respectively. In addition, we investigate the impact of detector design choices related to particle-identification and vertex resolution. The phenomenological impact of such measurements on the extraction of Standard Model and new physics parameters is also studied.
Der „Surgical Track“ – innovative Ansätze gegen den Nachwuchsmangel in der Chirurgie
Authors: Datta Rabi R. , Bohle Joana , Schmidt Thomas , Fuchs Hans , Bruns Christiane J.
Published: January 2024

Die Chirurgie steht vor bedeutenden Herausforderungen, die sowohl aus Veränderungen in der medizinischen Ausbildung als auch aus der sinkenden Attraktivität des chirurgischen Berufswegs für angehende Ärzt:innen in der westlichen Welt resultieren. So haben sich die Erwartungen der Studierenden an ihren zukünftigen Arbeitsplatz geändert, wobei Themen wie Unsicherheiten in der beruflichen Planung, eine unausgewogene Work-Life-Balance sowie eine fehlende Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf zunehmend relevant sind. Auch der Eintritt der Generation Z in das Berufsleben wird Auswirkungen auf die Chirurgie haben. Obwohl Frauen den größten Anteil der Absolvent:innen ausmachen, entscheiden sich nur wenige von ihnen für eine chirurgische Laufbahn. Der daraus resultierende Nachwuchsmangel wird die medizinische Versorgung in deutschen chirurgischen Kliniken negativ beeinflussen. Ein intensiver Wettbewerb um Talente zeichnet sich bereits in allen medizinischen Fachgebieten ab. So ergreifen Kliniken verschiedene Maßnahmen gegen den bevorstehenden Personalmangel, wie z. B. „Summer Schools“ oder Stipendien mit Arbeitsverpflichtungen. Darüber hinaus werden regionale Fördergesetze etabliert. Da insbesondere ein abnehmendes Interesse an chirurgischer Weiterbildung im Studienverlauf zu verzeichnen ist, ist zudem eine frühe Integration chirurgischer Fähigkeiten ins Medizinstudium entscheidend, um diesem Trend entgegenzuwirken. Aus diesem Grund haben wir den „Surgical Track“ entwickelt, der gezielt innovative Lehrkonzepte anbieten soll, um Studierende frühzeitig für das Fach Chirurgie zu begeistern. Dieser basiert auf den Säulen der Virtual Reality (VR) und der Robotik. Studierende können durch VR-Simulationen Operationen und Notfallszenarien trainieren sowie praktische Übungen mit Robotersystemen absolvieren. Qualitativ hochwertige Ausbildungskonzepte wie der „Surgical Track“ können dazu beitragen, Begeisterung für die Chirurgie zu fördern und gleichzeitig Wissen zu vermitteln, auch wenn ihr langfristiger Nutzen noch evaluiert werden muss. Durch virtuelle Simulationen, robotische Chirurgie und innovative Lehre erhalten Studierende Einblicke in die Viszeralchirurgie, die theoretisches Verständnis und praktische Erfahrung miteinander vereinen.
Exploring the use of graphene lubricant and TiO2 nanolubricants in micro deep drawing of stainless steel SUS301
Authors: Pan Di , Zhang Guangqing , Jia Fanghui , Wu Hui , Lu Yao , Zhang Tao , Li Lianjie , Lin Fei , Yang Ming , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the effects of different lubrication conditions on drawing force and microcup formation during micro deep drawing (MDD). Results show that graphene lubricant, in combination with TiO2 nanolubricants, has the potential to reduce friction during MDD. The peak drawing force was reduced by 15.39% when both lubricants were used together, while the use of TiO2 nanolubricant and 10.0 mg/ml graphene lubricant reduced it by 6.03% and 14.52%, respectively. The study also reveals that lubricants reduce wrinkling during the formation of microcups by minimising energy consumption during the primary formation. However, the combination of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricant can cause inhomogeneous formation on the upper part of the blank, leading to more apparent wrinkling. Overall, the study highlights the potential of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricant in reducing friction and improving microcup formation during MDD.
Embedding a surface acoustic wave sensor and venting into a metal additively manufactured injection mould tool for targeted temperature monitoring
Authors: Šakalys Rokas , O’Hara Christopher , Kariminejad Mandana , Weinert Albert , Kadivar Mohammadreza , Zluhan Bruno , McAfee Marion , McGranaghan Gerard , Tormey David , Raghavendra Ramesh
Published: January 2024

Injection moulding (IM) tools with embedded sensors can significantly improve the process efficiency and quality of the fabricated parts through real-time monitoring and control of key process parameters such as temperature, pressure and injection speed. However, traditional mould tool fabrication technologies do not enable the fabrication of complex internal geometries. Complex internal geometries are necessary for technical applications such as sensor embedding and conformal cooling which yield benefits for process control and improved cycle times. With traditional fabrication techniques, only simple bore-based sensor embedding or external sensor attachment is possible. Externally attached sensors may compromise the functionality of the injection mould tool, with limitations such as the acquired data not reflecting the processes inside the part. The design freedom of additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of complex internal geometries, making it an excellent candidate for fabricating injection mould tools with such internal geometries. Therefore, embedding sensors in a desired location for targeted monitoring of critical mould tool regions is easier to achieve with AM. This research paper focuses on embedding a wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) temperature sensor into an injection mould tool that was additively manufactured from stainless steel 316L. The laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) “stop-and-go” approach was applied to embed the wireless SAW sensor. After embedding, the sensor demonstrated full functionality by recording real-time temperature data, which can further enhance process control. In addition, the concept of novel print-in-place venting design, applying the same L-PBF stop-and-go approach, for vent embedding was successfully implemented, enabling the IM of defectless parts at faster injection rates, whereas cavities designed and tested without venting resulted in parts with burn marks.
The impact of process parameters and pin-to-shoulder ratio in FSW of polycarbonate: welding forces and critical quality indicators
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , David Constantine , Sagris Dimitrios , Mountakis Nikolaos , Moutsopoulou Amalia
Published: January 2024

Friction stir welding (FSW) as a welding process for polymers is growing steadily, owing to its inheren1t advantages. The developed forces during the joining process are sensitive to the parameters used and affect the quality of the weld in terms of voids and defect formation. This study focuses on the analysis of the effects of four FSW parameters on the developed forces in joining polycarbonate (PC) 4 mm thick sheets. The porosity of the produced seams was investigated with micro-computed tomography. The dimensional deviation (top surface retreat) was also assessed with the same method. The produced seams were further inspected with microscopy. A Taguchi L9 array was formed. Analysis of variances provided prediction models for the developed forces, the porosity, the dimensional deviation, and the welding resistance rate (Fx/Fz), which were the response metrics of the study. The model’s reliability was evaluated with a confirmation run. Low travel and high rotational speeds reduce the forces in the process and lead to higher mechanical performance. Low travel speeds also reduce the porosity of the weld and affect its dimensional accuracy. The overall results offer valuable insights for optimizing the performance of FSW welds in PC sheets, which was the aim of the study (reduced porosity, dimensional deviation, etc.). The developed models ensure their successful application in real-world scenarios. Finally, the findings and the analysis were correlated with the mechanical strength of the welded PC sheets, revealing, and interpreting the mechanisms leading to higher mechanical performance of the samples.

Graphical abstract
Hot-pressed calcium phosphates as a potential bone substitute: structural and mechanical characterization
Authors: Pereira Helena , Carvalho Oscar , Bdikin Igor , Silva Filipe Samuel , Miranda Georgina
Published: January 2024

The compositional similarity of calcium phosphates such as β-TCP and HAp to the inorganic components of human bones makes them excellent candidates for bone substitutes. Regardless of presenting excellent biocompatibility, calcium phosphates present low mechanical strength, which is a major drawback for load-bearing applications. In this sense, achieving Hap or β-TCP with increased density is crucial to enhance their mechanical properties. In the present study, β-TCP and HAp were processed from commercially available powders in order to obtain highly dense specimens aiming to elevate these mechanical properties of calcium phosphates. For this purpose, two sintering strategies were used: in the first, using a single holding time, whereas in the second, two holding times. The obtained phases, their potential degradation, microstructure, porosity, and mechanical strength were investigated. Results revealed that the use of two holding times improved densification, leading to flexural strength improvement, on both materials, but especially on HAp, where a 122% increase was verified.
Large-scale free-piston-driven multi-mode shock expansion tunnel
Authors: Stennett Samuel , Gildfind David , Andrianatos Andreas , Morgan Richard , Jacobs Peter , James Christopher , Toniato Pierpaolo , Chan Wilson , Silvester Todd
Published: January 2024

X3/R is a new large-scale free-piston-driven dual-mode shock expansion tube, developed and operated collaboratively by the University of Queensland (UQ) and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The facility can be converted between a long-duration reflected shock tunnel (RST), a super-orbital expansion tube (X-mode), and a non-reflected shock tube (NRST). In RST mode, the facility is currently capable of producing 600 mm diameter Mach 7 test flows at 25–50 kPa dynamic pressure for more than 10 ms. In expansion tube mode, the facility can reach enthalpies up to 80 MJ/kg for test times on the order of 500–1000 $${\mu }$$
μ
s. This paper presents the new facility, summarizes its current operational capabilities, and discusses key the technical challenges overcome during its development.
Postoperative shunt failure following hemispherectomy in pediatric patients with pre-existing hydrocephalus
Authors: Das Nikita , Sharma Akshay , Mann Michael , Gordillo Alan , Desai Ansh , Serletis Demitre , Moosa Ahsan N. , Rammo Richard , Bingaman William
Published: January 2024

Objective

The risk of hydrocephalus following hemispherectomy for drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) remains high. Patients with pre-existing hydrocephalus pose a postoperative challenge, as maintaining existing shunt patency is necessary but lacks a clearly defined strategy. This study examines the incidence and predictors of shunt failure in pediatric hemispherectomy patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review at our center to identify pediatric patients diagnosed with DRE who were treated with ventricular shunt prior to their first hemispherectomy surgery. Demographic and perioperative data were obtained including shunt history, hydrocephalus etiology, epilepsy duration, surgical technique, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Pearson correlation, with Bonferroni correction to a = 0.00625 and a = 0.01, respectively.

Results

Five of nineteen (26.3%) patients identified with ventriculoperitoneal shunting prior to hemispherectomy experienced postoperative shunt malfunction. All 5 of these patients underwent at least 1 shunt revision prior to hemispherectomy, with a significant association between pre- and post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions. There was no significant association between post-hemispherectomy shunt failure and valve type, intraoperative shunt alteration, postoperative external ventricular drain placement, hemispherectomy revision, lateralization of shunt relative to resection, postoperative complications, or postoperative aseptic meningitis. There was no significant correlation between number of post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions and age at shunt placement, age at hemispherectomy, epilepsy duration, or shunt duration prior to hemispherectomy.

Conclusions

Earlier shunt revision surgery may portend a subsequent need for shunt revision following hemispherectomy. These findings may guide neurosurgeons in counseling patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts prior to hemispherectomy surgery.
An overview of the heat-induced changes of the chemical composition of bone from fresh to calcined
Authors: Shehata Thomas P. , Krap Tristan
Published: January 2024

When bone is exposed to thermal stress, the chemical composition changes. This affects bone tissue regeneration after surgery, and these changes can also aid in reconstructing ante-, peri-, and post-mortem events in forensic investigations and past activities on cremation practices in archaeology. However, to date, no complete overview exists on the chemical composition of both fresh and thermally altered bone. Therefore, we aimed (i) to present the chemical composition of fresh bone and (ii) to present an overview of heat-induced chemical changes in bone under both reducing and oxidizing conditions. From the overview, it became clear that some chemical changes occur at a consistent temperature, independent of exposure duration, meaning there is a temperature threshold. However, the occurrence of other chemical changes appeared to be more inter-experimentally variable, and therefore, it is recommended to further investigate these changes.
Safety and short-term outcomes of a modified valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy versus gastric tube anastomosis after laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Bailong , Wang Yinkui , Wu Zhouqiao , Shan Fei , Li Shuangxi , Jia Yongning , Miao Rulin , Li Zhemin , Xue Kan , Yan Chao , Li Shen , Ji Jiafu , Li Ziyu
Published: January 2024

Background

There is no optimal reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy. The valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy can reduce postoperative reflux esophagitis, but it is technically complex with a long operation time. The gastric tube anastomosis is technically simple, but the incidences of reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stricture are higher.

Methods

We have devised a modified valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy after laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy (LAPG), the arch-bridge anastomosis. After reviewing our prospectively maintained gastric cancer database, 43 patients who underwent LAPG from November 2021 to April 2023 were included in this cohort study, with 25 patients received the arch-bridge anastomosis and 18 patients received gastric tube anastomosis. The short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups to evaluate the efficacy of the arch-bridge anastomosis. Reporting was consistent with the STROCSS 2021 guideline.

Results

The median operation time was 180 min in the arch-bridge group, significantly shorter than the gastric tube group (p = 0.003). In the arch-bridge group, none of the 25 patients experienced anastomotic leakage, while one patient (4%) experienced anastomotic stricture requiring endoscopic balloon dilation. The postoperative length of stay was shorter in the arch-bridge group (9 vs. 11, p = 0.034). None of the patients in the arch-bridge group experienced gastroesophageal reflux and used proton pump inhibitor (PPI), while four (22.2%) patients in the gastric tube group used PPI (p = 0.025). The incidence of reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles grade B or more severe) by endoscopy was lower in the arch-bridge group (0% vs. 25.0%).

Conclusion

The arch-bridge anastomosis is a safe, time-saving, and feasible reconstruction method. It can reduce postoperative reflux and anastomotic stricture incidences in a selected cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy.

Graphical abstract
Zukunftsfähige Agrarlandschaften in Deutschland – praktische Maßnahmen und ihre Wirksamkeit im Vergleich
Authors: Möckel Stefan , Bartkowski Bartosz , Beckmann Michael , Strauch Michael , Stubenrauch Jessica , Volk Martin , Witing Felix , Wolf André , Baaken Marieke Cornelia
Published: January 2024

Mit monatelangen Dürrephasen, Hitzesommern und Hochwasserereignissen ist die globale Klimaerwärmung
auch in Deutschland in den letzten Jahren verstärkt in Erscheinung getreten. Im 2021 novellierten
Klimaschutzgesetz wird daher eine Klimaneutralität bis 2045 angestrebt. Gleichzeitig sind in Agrarlandschaften
trotz entsprechender europarechtlicher Verpflichtungen günstige Erhaltungszustände bei Habitaten,
Arten und Gewässer weiterhin die Ausnahme. Im nachfolgenden Beitrag schätzen wir für verschiedene
landschaftsgestaltende oder produktionsintegrierte Maßnahmen die potenziellen Wirkungen hinsichtlich
Klimaschutz und -anpassung, günstiger Erhaltungszustände sowie für die langfristige Versorgungssicherheit
und die Profitabilität von Landnutzungen ab. Anhand dieser Wirksamkeitsabschätzungen identifizieren
wir anschließend prioritär zu ergreifende Maßnahmen. Die vergleichende Wirksamkeitsabschätzung
soll helfen, in Anbetracht begrenzter finanzieller und personeller Ressourcen die geeignetsten Maßnahmen
vorrangig zu ergreifen.
Being a woman with the “skills of a man”: negotiating gender in the 21st century US Corn Belt
Authors: Nichols Carly E.
Published: January 2024

There has been broad interest in the so-called rise of women farmers in United States (US) agriculture. Researchers have elucidated the diverse ways farmers ‘perform’ gender, while also examining how engaging in a masculine-coded industry like agriculture shapes individuals’ gendered identities as well as their social and mental wellbeing. While illuminating, this work is mostly focused on sustainable or direct-market farmers, with surprisingly little research examining women on conventional row crops operations. This paper works to fill this empirical gap and further theorize gender-agriculture intersections through analyzing interviews with Iowa women row-crop farmers to understand the ways they perceive their gendered identities, and how they see them shaping their farming experience and mental wellbeing. Deploying a conceptual understanding of gender as both discursive and embodied as well as relational and fluid, I find respondents see themselves operating in a somewhat liminal gender identity, where they feel adept at moving between masculinized spaces of agriculture and more feminized domains of homes and office jobs. Critically, while women rarely expressed stress about doing “masculine” coded agricultural labor, they had more complex feelings towards either disliking or imperfectly completing feminized care and reproductive labor. Younger women expressed particular ambivalence about assuming the identity of farmer while also fulfilling gendered norms around (heterosexual) marriage and childbearing. The liminality of women’s gender performance also cut both ways, and while they feel able to access different gendered spaces some feel they are not fully accepted in either. I conclude by reflecting on what these particular forms of gendered subjectivity might mean for women’s mental wellbeing and how agencies might better support gender equity in agriculture.
A survey on neural topic models: methods, applications, and challenges
Authors: Wu Xiaobao , Nguyen Thong , Luu Anh Tuan
Published: January 2024

Topic models have been prevalent for decades to discover latent topics and infer topic proportions of documents in an unsupervised fashion. They have been widely used in various applications like text analysis and context recommendation. Recently, the rise of neural networks has facilitated the emergence of a new research field—neural topic models (NTMs). Different from conventional topic models, NTMs directly optimize parameters without requiring model-specific derivations. This endows NTMs with better scalability and flexibility, resulting in significant research attention and plentiful new methods and applications. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey on neural topic models concerning methods, applications, and challenges. Specifically, we systematically organize current NTM methods according to their network structures and introduce the NTMs for various scenarios like short texts and cross-lingual documents. We also discuss a wide range of popular applications built on NTMs. Finally, we highlight the challenges confronted by NTMs to inspire future research.
Passive acoustic monitoring and automated detection of the American bullfrog
Authors: Bota Gerard , Manzano-Rubio Robert , Fanlo Helena , Franch Nati , Brotons Lluís , Villero Dani , Devisscher Sander , Pavesi Alessandro , Cavaletti Enrico , Pérez-Granados Cristian
Published: January 2024

Biological invasions pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Removal of introduced species is most successful when detected early. We evaluate the effectiveness of passive acoustics combined with automated recognition in detecting the invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). We applied this technique to two real-world monitoring programs aimed at determining the optimal time of day for monitoring the species in Europe, for which we recorded the species in Belgium and Italy; and for evaluating the effectiveness of BirdNET (a free and user-friendly automated recognizer) in analyzing a large dataset collected in Spain. BirdNET was highly effective in automatically detecting the bullfrog presence, with a detection rate (compared to visual inspection of sonograms) of 89.5% using default settings (85 of 95 recordings with known presence), and 95.8% with user-specific settings (91 of 95 recordings detected). The system showed remarkable precision, correctly identifying 99.7% (612 out of 614) of the verified predictions, and with only one mislabelled recording (predicted to be present when it was absent). The species’ vocal activity in Belgium and Italy was higher during the night compared to crepuscular periods. Recording analyses and output verification of the dataset collected in Spain was carried out in 3.8% of the recorded time, and resulted in significantly reduced effort compared to visual inspection. Our study highlights the effectiveness of this technique for remotely surveying the American bullfrog, making it a significantly potential tool for informing management decisions, particularly for the early detection of the species’ arrival in new areas.
The association of PD-L1 expression and CD8-positive T cell infiltration rate with the pathological complete response after neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Çetin Kenan , Kökten Şermin , Sarıkamış Bahar , Yıldırım Sedat , Gökçe Oruç Numan , Barışık Nagehan Özdemir , Kılıç Ülkan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients is the most significant prognostic indicator, suggesting a low risk of recurrence and a survival advantage. This study aims to investigate clinicopathological parameters that can predict the response to neoadjuvant treatment in HER2 + breast cancers and to explore the roles of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8 + T lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study was conducted with 85 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after receiving neoadjuvant therapy between January 2017 and January 2020. Paraffin blocks from these patients were selected for immunohistochemical studies.

Results

A complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment was determined in 39 (45.9%) patients. High Ki-67 index (> 30%), moderate to high TIL infiltration, PD-L1 positivity and high CD8 cell count (≥ 25) were significantly associated with pCR in univariate analyses (p: 0.023, 0.025, 0.017 and 0.003, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis identified high Ki-67 index (> 30%) and CD8 cell infiltration as independent predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Conclusions

High Ki-67 index, and high CD8 cell count are strong predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. Tumours with high Ki-67 index, high TILs and CD8 infiltration may represent a subgroup where standard therapies are adequate. Conversely, those with low TILs and CD8 infiltration may identify a subgroup where use of novel strategies, including those that increase CD8 infiltration could be applied.
Universal Design for the Workplace: Ethical Considerations Regarding the Inclusion of Workers with Disabilities
Authors: Doussard Claire , Garbe Emmanuelle , Morales Jeremy , Billion Julien
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the ethical issues of the inclusion of workers with disabilities in the workplace with a cross-fertilization approach between organization studies, the ethics of care, and a movement from the field of architecture and design that is called Universal Design (UD). It explores how organizations can use UD to develop more inclusive workplaces, first by applying UD principles to workspaces and second by showing how UD implies an integrative understanding of inclusion from the workspace to the workplace. Moreover, this paper discusses the ethical challenges and complexities that this design practice faces in regard to its applicability to diverse organizations and industries. Finally, this paper demonstrates that inclusion requires abandoning any notion of a perfect, productive body and, therefore, recognizing our shared vulnerability and fundamental interdependence in the workplace.
Comparison Between Drug-Coated Balloon and Stents in Large De Novo Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCT Data
Authors: Ma Zhiqiang , Liu Kanling , Hu Yanhui , Hu Xiwen , Wang Binyu , Li Zhengyi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Although a number of studies involving small-vessel de novo coronary disease showed clinical benefits of drug-coated balloons (DCB), the role of DCB in large vessel lesions is still unclear.

Methods

We searched main electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DCB with stents for large vessel de novo coronary artery disease. The primary endpoint was major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE), composite cardiovascular death (CD), myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

This study included 7 RCTs with 770 participants. DCB were associated with a marked risk reduction in MACE [Risk Ratio (RR): 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24 to 0.97; P = 0.04], TLR (RR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.14; P = 0.10), and late lumen loss [standard mean difference (SMD): -0.57; 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.05; P = 0.03] as compared with stents. There is no significant difference in MI (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.54; P = 0.27), CD (RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.78; P = 0.19), and minimal lumen diameter (SMD: -0.34; 95% CI: -0.72 to 0.05; P = 0.08) between groups. In subgroup analyses, the risk reduction of MACE persisted in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (RR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.89; P = 0.03), and patients receiving DCB vs. bare metal stent (RR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.73; P = 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference between the DCB group and the drug eluting stent group for MACE (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.60; P = 0.38).

Conclusion

DCB may be an effective therapeutic option in patients with large vessel de novo coronary artery disease.
Beyond color and pattern: elucidating the factors associated with intraspecific aggression in the mimic poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator)
Authors: Bieri Eli , Rubio Andrew O. , Summers Kyle
Published: January 2024

Assortative or disassortative aggression – when individuals display more aggression towards conspecifics with similar or different phenotypic characteristics – can either maintain polymorphisms or facilitate gene flow between populations depending on which direction the aggression is aimed. Deciphering which factors elicit or prevent aggression is crucial to improving our knowledge of the origin and maintenance of reproductive barriers and subsequent speciation. The Peruvian mimic poison frog, Ranitomeya imitator, is a monogamous and territorial species that has evolved into four distinct color-pattern morphs in a mimetic radiation. Here we use historical landscape genetic data and competition trials between male individuals sourced from different populations and color-pattern morphs to show that the level of aggression between individuals is not associated with color morph or body size but rather with source population. Individuals spent more time in combat with individuals from their own deme (genetically homogeneous population), irrespective of color morph or size. These findings indicate that genotypic similarity is correlated with increased aggression in R. imitator, though the mechanism by which R. imitator males identify conspecifics as territorial threats remains unclear. As body size and color morph were not significantly associated with aggression levels, this study emphasizes the necessity of further research to identify whether other phenotypic traits are influencing territorial behavior between male frogs, and if these factors play a role in increasing gene flow, or conversely, the formation of reproductive barriers between populations.
Repeat Fire Tests of Upholstered Furniture: Variability and Experimental Observations
Authors: Morrisset David , Reep Jonathan , Ojwang Ian , Hadden Rory M. , Law Angus
Published: January 2024

A series of trials were conducted to investigate the repeatability of furniture-scale calorimetry experiments. Twenty-five identical upholstered chairs were ignited under the same experimental conditions. Experimental results of heat release rate (HRR), mass loss rate (MLR), and emission yields (CO, CO2, N2O, NO, CH4, HCN) are presented. Discrepancies were observed between the time resolved evolution of the various recorded data. However the development of each fire was observed to be tied to common events. By accounting for these events, a more consistent representation of the burning behaviour can be expressed. Each experiment displayed distinct burning regimes (i.e., pyrolysis, flaming, and smouldering) which were identified through visual observation and through analysing the emission data. Some species yields were found to be approximately constant over some burning regimes (e.g., CO2 yield over the flaming regime) while others displayed highly transient behaviour (e.g., CO yield was found to be burning regime dependent). Results from upholstered furniture scale experiments, including HRR and emission yields, are commonly used in various engineering applications; this study lends insight into the variability that can be observed for such data and the implications in applying this data in further analysis.
Bridging directed acyclic graphs to linear representations in linear genetic programming: a case study of dynamic scheduling
Authors: Huang Zhixing , Mei Yi , Zhang Fangfang , Zhang Mengjie , Banzhaf Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Linear genetic programming (LGP) is a genetic programming paradigm based on a linear sequence of instructions being executed. An LGP individual can be decoded into a directed acyclic graph. The graph intuitively reflects the primitives and their connection. However, existing studies on LGP miss an important aspect when seeing LGP individuals as graphs, that is, the reverse transformation from graph to LGP genotype. Such reverse transformation is an essential step if one wants to use other graph-based techniques and applications with LGP. Transforming graphs into LGP genotypes is nontrivial since graph information normally does not convey register information, a crucial element in LGP individuals. Here we investigate the effectiveness of four possible transformation methods based on different graph information including frequency of graph primitives, adjacency matrices, adjacency lists, and LGP instructions for sub-graphs. For each transformation method, we design a corresponding graph-based genetic operator to explicitly transform LGP parent’s instructions to graph information, then to the instructions of offspring resulting from breeding on graphs. We hypothesize that the effectiveness of the graph-based operators in evolution reflects the effectiveness of different graph-to-LGP genotype transformations. We conduct the investigation by a case study that applies LGP to design heuristics for dynamic scheduling problems. The results show that highlighting graph information improves LGP average performance for solving dynamic scheduling problems. This shows that reversely transforming graphs into LGP instructions based on adjacency lists is an effective way to maintain both primitive frequency and topological structures of graphs.
Promoting students’ interest through culturally sensitive curricula in higher education
Authors: Quinlan Kathleen M. , Thomas Dave S. P. , Hayton Annette , Astley Jo , Blackwood Leda , Daramy Fatmata K. , Duffin Morag , Haider Muhammad Arslan , Husbands Deborah , Joiner Richard , Kay Helen , Mosoeunyane Mary , Turner Ian J. , Walsh Claire , West Dan
Published: January 2024

Previous studies have emphasized culturally sensitive curricula in the context of enhancing minoritized students’ education. We examined the relationship between second-year higher education students’ perceptions of the cultural sensitivity of their curriculum and both majoritized and minoritized students’ interest in their course. A total of 286 (228 F) students rated the cultural sensitivity of their curriculum on six scales using a revised version of the Culturally Sensitive Curricula Scales (CSCS-R), the perceived quality of their relationships with teachers, and their interest. The CSCS-R widened the construct with two new scales and showed better reliability. Ethnic minority students (n = 99) perceived their curriculum as less culturally sensitive than White students (n = 182), corroborating previous findings. Black students perceived their curriculum as less culturally sensitive than Asian students. There were no significant differences between ethnic minority and White students on interest or perceived quality of relationships with teachers. Five dimensions of cultural sensitivity (Diversity Represented, Positive Depictions, Challenge Power, Inclusive Classroom Interactions, Culturally Sensitive Assessments) and perceived quality of relationships with teachers predicted interest. Ethnicity did not. Ensuring curricula and assessments represent diversity positively, challenge power and are inclusive may support students’ interest while reflecting an increasingly diverse society.
Think Globally, Act Locally? Evaluating Boston Climate Projects’ Community Engagement
Authors: Gallo Ava , Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: January 2024

Successful climate change mitigation, adaptation, and transformation will require a balance of bottom-up, community-led planning and engagement with top-down resource deployment. While many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and local agencies argue that they work closely with residents, especially on plans to manage extreme weather events and climate change, the degree to which local, urban-based climate projects engage with coastal communities remains an open question. Using interviews with nearly 20 project managers, local planners, and decision makers along with site visits to and archival research on three core projects in Boston, we evaluate the degree to which residents participate, plan, and engage. Despite being heralded by some observers as truly participatory, we found that none of the projects achieved the highest levels of participation possible seen in other community led projects. Further, none of the projects achieved consistent scores on the three evaluation criteria: equity, efficacy, and efficiency. This gap between rhetoric and reality must be closed if Boston and other vulnerable, coastal cities wish to build more equitable ways of managing challenges like climate change.
Tracking abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gears of anglers by analyzing magnet fishers’ catch
Authors: Neményi Zsolt , Nagy András , Hagyó Attila , Nagy Jenő , Vitál Zoltán , Lukács Balázs András , Löki Viktor
Published: January 2024

Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gears (ALDFG) are major pollutants in water ecosystems, however, there is a serious lack of estimates on the loss of recreational fishing gears worldwide. To fill this gap, some recreationists like magnet fishers, who use neodymium magnets to retrieve metal items from water, can provide additional information. As they often remove ALDFG, we aimed to carry out the first social media analysis of their online content by searching ALDFG in their posts. During our work, we analyzed Hungarian magnet fishers’ posts, covering a total of 6 years from their initial activities on social media. In total, 2,889 posts were scanned of which 1,039 photos and 84 videos were analyzed. Magnet fishers caught 2,018 fishing gears while a total of 31 types of fishing gear were identified. Significant differences were found between flowing (n = 1,959, mean ± SD = 12.89 ± 16.51) and standing waters (n = 889, mean ± SD = 24.69 ± 31.39) in the numbers of fishing gears. Based on the results, we can conclude that ALDFG is a common freshwater pollutant in the country, and social media activities of magnet fishers can be used in detecting freshwater ALDFG containing metal.