bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DLK1 and DLK2, two non-canonical ligands of NOTCH receptors, differentially modulate the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Cano María-Milagros , González-Gómez María-Julia , Monsalve Eva-María , Díaz-Guerra María-José M. , Kassem Moustapha , Laborda Jorge , Nueda María-Luisa , Baladrón Victoriano
Published: October 2024

Background

C3H10T1/2 is a mesenchymal cell line capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. The differentiation of these cells into osteoblasts is modulated by various transcription factors, such as RUNX2. Additionally, several interconnected signaling pathways, including the NOTCH pathway, play a crucial role in modulating their differentiation into mature bone cells. We have investigated the roles of DLK1 and DLK2, two non-canonical inhibitory ligands of NOTCH receptors, in the osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Results

Our results corroborate existing evidence that DLK1 acts as an inhibitor of osteogenesis. In contrast, we demonstrate for the first time that DLK2 enhances this differentiation process. Additionally, our data suggest that NOTCH2, 3 and 4 receptors may promote osteogenesis, as indicated by their increased expression during this process, whereas NOTCH1 expression, which decreases during cell differentiation, might inhibit osteogenesis. Moreover, treatment with DAPT, a NOTCH signaling inhibitor, impeded osteogenic differentiation. We have confirmed the increase in ERK1/2 MAPK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in C3H10T1/2 cells induced to differentiate to osteoblasts. Our new findings reveal increased ERK1/2 MAPK phosphorylation in differentiated C3H10T1/2 cells with a decrease in DLK1 expression or an overexpression of DLK2, which is coincident with the behavior of those transfectants where we have detected an increase in osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, p38 MAPK phosphorylation increases in differentiated C3H10T1/2 cells with reduced DLK1 levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DLK1 may inhibit osteogenesis, while DLK2 may promote it, by modulating NOTCH signaling and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways. Given the established inhibitory effect of DLK proteins on NOTCH signaling, these new insights could pave the way for developing future therapeutic strategies aimed at treating bone diseases.
Comment on: Fetal femur length and risk of diabetes in adolescence: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fatima Zainab , Kakar Arifa Inayatullah , Idrees Usama , Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Nwadinigwe Uzodinma
Published: October 2024

We read the article "Fetal Femur Length and Risk of Diabetes in Adolescence: A Prospective Cohort Study" by Sayeed et al. with great interest. The authors present compelling evidence linking mid-trimester impaired femur growth with elevated prediabetic biomarkers in Bangladeshi adolescents. However, we believe the study would benefit from considering additional factors. Maternal gestational diabetes, a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in offspring, and family history of diabetes, which reflects genetic predisposition, should be included. Socioeconomic factors, which influence health outcomes, also warrant attention. Including these variables would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between fetal femur length and T2DM risk in adolescents.
An anthropomorphic phantom for atrial transseptal puncture simulation training
Authors: Zeidan Aya Mutaz , Xu Zhouyang , Leung Lisa , Byrne Calum , Sabu Sachin , Zhou Yijia , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo , Whitaker John , Williams Steven E. , Behar Jonathan , Arujuna Aruna , Housden R. James , Rhode Kawal
Published: October 2024

Background

Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical prerequisite for left-sided cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific, anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.

Methods

The TSP phantom was developed using additive manufacturing techniques and features a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component to allow for multiple punctures without replacing the entire model. Four cardiologists and one cardiology trainee performed TSP on the simulator, and their performance was assessed using four metrics: global isotropy index, distance from the centroid, time taken to perform TSP, and a set of 5-point Likert scale questions to evaluate the clinicians’ perception of the phantom’s realism and utility.

Results

The results demonstrate the simulator’s potential as a training tool for interventional cardiology, providing a realistic and controllable environment for clinicians to refine their TSP skills. Experienced cardiologists tended to cluster their puncture points closer to regions of the FO associated with higher global isotropy index scores, indicating a relationship between experience and optimal puncture localization. The questionnaire analysis revealed that participants generally agreed on the phantom’s realistic anatomical representation and ability to accurately visualize the TSP site under fluoroscopic guidance.

Conclusions

The TSP simulator can be incorporated into training programs, offering trainees the opportunity to improve tool handling, spatial coordination, and manual dexterity prior to performing the procedure on patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments are needed to establish the simulator’s impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.
Seven-year overview of antimicrobial resistance in diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from sporadic human diarrhea cases in 20 Chinese provinces
Authors: Han Haihong , Li Weiwei , Liu Jikai , Zhang Xiaoai , Huo Xiang , Sun Yong , Chen Jiancai , Fan Ruyue , Zhang Jing , Chen Yong , Yang Hongxia , Chen Shuai , Li Yanfen , Tan Dongmei , Ma Xuemin , Fan Penghui , Yan Shaofei , Guo Yunchang
Published: October 2024

DiarrheagenicEscherichia coliis one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogens and poses significant clinical challenges due to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance. In this study, 9,068 diarrheagenicE. coliisolates from sporadic diarrhea cases across 20 provinces of China from 2016 to 2022 were systematically analyzed to determine the prevalence and distribution of resistance. A total of 14 antibiotics were included in the antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that the majority of the isolates (89.3%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, with a significant proportion (60.3%) demonstrating multidrug resistance. Isolates showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (68.2%) and high sensitivity to imipenem (97.0%). Over the 7 years, an increasing trend in resistance to cefoxitin and chloramphenicol among the isolates was found. EnteroaggregativeE. coliwas identified as the predominant pathotype. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance rates were higher among the isolates from infants under 1 year of age compared to other populations and resistance levels differed among pathotypes. In summary, our findings revealed the detailed resistance characteristics of diarrheagenicE. colistrains isolated from human sporadic diarrhea cases in China, offering valuable insights that can inform clinical antibiotic treatment strategies and priorities.
The crucial role of bioimage analysts in scientific research and publication
Authors: Cimini Beth A. , Bankhead Peter , D'Antuono Rocco , Fazeli Elnaz , Fernandez-Rodriguez Julia , Fuster-Barceló Caterina , Haase Robert , Jambor Helena Klara , Jones Martin L. , Jug Florian , Klemm Anna H. , Kreshuk Anna , Marcotti Stefania , Martins Gabriel G. , McArdle Sara , Miura Kota , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate , Murphy Laura C. , Nelson Michael S. , Nørrelykke Simon F. , Paul-Gilloteaux Perrine , Pengo Thomas , Pylvänäinen Joanna W. , Pytowski Lior , Ravera Arianna , Reinke Annika , Rekik Yousr , Strambio-De-Castillia Caterina , Thédié Daniel , Uhlmann Virginie , Umney Oliver , Wiggins Laura , Eliceiri Kevin W.
Published: October 2024

Bioimage analysis (BIA), a crucial discipline in biological research, overcomes the limitations of subjective analysis in microscopy through the creation and application of quantitative and reproducible methods. The establishment of dedicated BIA support within academic institutions is vital to improving research quality and efficiency and can significantly advance scientific discovery. However, a lack of training resources, limited career paths and insufficient recognition of the contributions made by bioimage analysts prevent the full realization of this potential. This Perspective – the result of the recent The Company of Biologists Workshop ‘Effectively Communicating Bioimage Analysis’, which aimed to summarize the global BIA landscape, categorize obstacles and offer possible solutions – proposes strategies to bring about a cultural shift towards recognizing the value of BIA by standardizing tools, improving training and encouraging formal credit for contributions. We also advocate for increased funding, standardized practices and enhanced collaboration, and we conclude with a call to action for all stakeholders to join efforts in advancing BIA.
Shift in distribution of division of labour in chronically stressed honeybee colonies after perturbation
Authors: Ulgezen Zeynep N. , van Dooremalen Coby , van Langevelde Frank
Published: October 2024

Division of labour (DOL) in eusocial insects plays an important role in colony fitness. Honeybees face a variety of stressors that compromise the homeostasis of the colony and reduce survival and reproduction. Considering the significance of DOL in colony homeostasis, it is important to understand whether and how DOL may be altered as a result of chronic stress. Therefore, we tested whether honeybee colonies shift DOL in response to high infestation with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. For this, we monitored chronically stressed and presumably low-stress colonies from April till December 2022. During the experiment, we applied a cold shock to test whether a perturbation resulted in a larger alteration in DOL in chronically stressed colonies. We found that after cold shock, there was a lower proportion of nurses in the chronically stressed colonies. For foragers, we found higher activity post-cold shock in chronically stressed colonies, but no difference between treatments in nectar inflow, suggesting less efficient foragers. Furthermore, we found that there was an accelerated task switch in chronically stressed colonies after the cold shock. The large changes after the perturbation may indicate inefficient task allocation due to chronic stress. Our study contributes to the understanding of social resilience and chronic stress responses in eusocial animals.
A Technology-Gap Model of ‘Premature’ Deindustrialization
Authors: Fujiwara Ippei , Matsuyama Kiminori
Published: October 2024

We propose a parsimonious mechanism for generating premature deindustrialization (PD). In the baseline model, the Baumol effect drives the hump-shaped path of the manufacturing share. Countries follow different paths due to the difference in the sector-specific adoption lags. The condition for PD under which countries differ only in technology gap implies that the cross-country productivity dispersion is the largest in agriculture. Moreover, when calibrated to match Rodrik’s (2016) findings, it is the smallest in manufacturing. In three extensions, we add the Engel effect, international trade, and catching up by late industrializers, to demonstrate the robustness of the mechanism. (JEL F11, L16, L60, O14, O33)
Comparison of the efficacy of aescin and diclofenac sodium in the management of postoperative sequelae and their effect on salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C–reactive protein levels after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Singhai Anuroop , Kambala Rajanikanth , Bhola Nitin
Published: October 2024

Introduction Surgical removal of an impacted third molar is one of the most common oral surgical procedures performed in dental offices. The postoperative phase is often associated with severe inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to manage postoperative discomfort. NSAIDs have been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, renal function disturbances, and platelet count reductions. Thus, the present study demonstrates the utility of aescin in managing postoperative discomfort after the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. This study aimed to correlate and compare the impact of aescin and diclofenac on salivary PGE2 levels and serum C-reactive protein levels after surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar. The study will also evaluate and compare the effectiveness of individual drug therapy in managing postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening. Methods The planned study is a single-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel, prospective clinical trial. Each patient will be prescribed either diclofenac sodium 150 mg/day or aescin (escin) 120 mg/day to be taken orally in divided doses for five days after surgically removing the impacted mandibular third molar. Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale. Facial swelling and mouth opening will be recorded using a metric scale with standardized reference points. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be employed to measure salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C–reactive protein levels. All parameters will be recorded preoperatively (T0) on the second postoperative day (T1) and fifth postoperative day (T2). Conclusion The proposed study is expected to show a clinically acceptable response to the administration of aescin for the management of postoperative discomfort compared to diclofenac sodium after third molar surgery. The proposed study is expected to positively manipulate the levels of salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C–reactive protein, which are reliable inflammatory markers. The outcome of this study may provide an efficacious and safe alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for managing postoperative discomfort following third molar surgery.
Data on selfـــefficacy and its sources during the COVID-19 crisis: A Saudi auditor’s perspective
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Al-Ansi Ali Ali , Mgammal Mahfoudh Hussein
Published: October 2024

Background Auditors during COVID-19 experienced an unprecedented situation, in which normal audit activities were difficult to conduct. Moreover, COVID-19 forced auditors to introduce a new audit approach, “remote auditing,” which was not common in most audit firms and required the adoption of more advanced technologies. Overall, auditors during the COVID-19 pandemic needed both cognitive and technical factors to deliver high-quality audits. Despite these challenges, research on how auditors deal with these issues is limited, presenting an intriguing area of study. Methods This dataset provides insights into Saudi auditors’ experience and beliefs regarding audit activities during COVID-19. Through an online survey, researchers collected data from 193 of 417 registered auditors with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA). The survey assessed auditors’ self-efficacy in conducting audits during the pandemic and explored its sources and potential moderating factors. Specifically, the dataset includes responses to eight items related to self-efficacy, 19 items covering four common sources of self-efficacy (mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological/emotional states), and six items assessing virtual audit competency. Additionally, the dataset contains demographic information that is valuable for researchers analyzing the relationship between auditor self-efficacy, its sources, and other influencing factors. Conclusions Overall, the dataset included in this study may serve a broader audience and be useful in improving several stakeholders’ understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on auditors and how auditors assess their ability to adapt to COVID-19 consequences. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the need for auditors to adapt to new circumstances and adopt innovative approaches during challenging times, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality audits.
Spectrum and Antifungal Drug Resistance among Fungal Pathogens Isolated from Prison Inmates in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Afundi Jackson Larry , Njerawana Sally , Chebon Samson , Bii Christine
Published: October 2024

Background The emergence of antifungal resistance in fungal pathogens highlights the need for local epidemiological data to guide empirical therapy in clinical settings. Fungal research and anti-fungal drug resistance studies are limited in developing countries; hence, there is a need for burden estimation in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of fungal pathogens and the anti-fungal resistance profile of fungal pathogens isolated from the respiratory and urinary tracts of prison inmates in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in which sputum and urine samples were obtained from inmates presenting with symptoms of respiratory and urogenital infections at a prison outpatient clinic. One hundred and sixty-two samples were collected and subjected to fungal investigation using standard protocols. Susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole was assessed using standard broth microdilution. Clinical and sociodemographic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results From the 162, 94 samples were positive for fungal pathogens, with an overall prevalence of 58%. Seventeen (18%) of the isolated fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Histoplasma. There was a statistically significant difference between fungal pathogens isolated from the respiratory and urogenital tracts in both sexes (p<0.05). Antifungal susceptibility testing against itraconazole showed 2 of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus were resistant. Conclusion Mycological agents are significant causes of respiratory and UTI infections among prison inmates, which could be attributed to prison conditions and misdiagnosis as bacterial infections. This highlights the need for specific control measures to reduce exposure to fungal infections in prisons and in the general population.
A causality investigation into stock prices and macroeconomic indicators in the Indian stock market
Authors: Singh Chauhan Sanjay , Suri Pradeep , Nag Debapriyo , Ali Farman
Published: October 2024

Background of the study The systematic impact of macroeconomic variables on stock market returns makes it crucial to comprehend the link between macroeconomic variables and the stock market. Stock prices are closely linked to macroeconomic indicators, a crucial aspect for investors, policymakers, and researchers in emerging markets like India, influencing investment decisions and policy formulation. Methods The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was used in this study to examine the causal links between specific macroeconomic factors and Indian stock prices from April 2009 to March 2023. Results The outcomes of the research suggest that macroeconomic variables exert influence on the Indian stock market, across the short and long term. Moreover, the results of the paired Granger causality test suggest that the domestic macroeconomic variables possess predictive significance for stock prices in the Indian stock market. Conclusion The study reveals that macroeconomic variables significantly impact the Indian stock market, highlighting the need for investors and portfolio managers to monitor these conditions to optimize returns and mitigate risks. The Reserve Bank of India should maintain an optimal money supply to prevent inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, while bolstering the export sector and facilitating imports through initiatives like Atma-nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India. Policies focusing on productivity, infrastructure, and a favourable business environment are also crucial. Therefore, it is crucial for investors and portfolio managers to consistently analyse the current macroeconomic conditions in order to maximize their profits and minimize risks. This research has extensive significance for comprehending the intricate connections between the stock market and macroeconomic issues.
Case Report: Unmasked: Deceptive pediatric spinal meningioma
Authors: Slouma Maroua , Achoura Sameh , Zarati Samar , Bouzouita Kais , Chekili Ridha , Tlili Karima , Gharsallah Imen
Published: October 2024

Introduction Pediatric meningiomas are rare tumors originating from the meninges’ arachnoid cap cells, representing a small fraction of all meningiomas. The clinical presentation of pediatric meningiomas varies widely depending on their location within the central nervous system. We report a case of pediatric spinal meningioma revealed by gait disturbance. We emphasize clinical and imaging features, as well as therapeutic management of spinal meningiomas. Case presentation We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with a one-year history of chronic thoracic back pain, worsening gait disturbances, and difficulty walking. Neurological examination revealed a spastic gait with increased muscle tone and bilateral pyramidal syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a posterior intradural extramedullary mass at the T6-T7 level, causing dorsal spinal cord compression. The patient underwent complete resection of the tumor, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a WHO grade I psammomatous spinal meningioma. Conclusion This case highlights the clinical and imaging characteristics of spinal meningiomas in pediatric patients. MRI remains the gold standard for diagnostic imaging, effectively narrowing down differential diagnoses. However, a definitive diagnosis requires histological examination. The primary therapeutic approach for pediatric meningiomas is surgical resection.
An Empirical View of the Extent of Exercising the Education Exception to Copyright in Cultural Heritage Institutions
Authors: Kelli Aleksei , Pedaste Margus , Leijen Äli
Published: October 2024

The article presents findings from a study funded by the Estonian Ministry of Justice titled ‘Extent of Use of Educational Exceptions of Copyright in Cultural Heritage Institutions’. The impetus for this work came from the fact that rights-holders, who are not compensated for the use of copyrighted works and material covered by related rights under the educational exception, desire compensation for such use yet data pertaining to the practices of educators conducting education programmes in cultural heritage institutions are scarce. The study’s results are important for the holders of the rights but also for policymakers and for those providing professional-development courses to the educators such that their practices could be fully aligned with the education exception to copyright. A 105-respondent questionnaire – adapted from an instrument used in a similar study that focused on educators in pre-school education, basic schools, upper secondary schools, vocational-education institutions, institutions for professional higher education, universities, ‘hobby schools’, and continuing-education institutions – among educators who are not copyright experts helped answer the question ‘What is the extent of exercising the education exception to copyright in cultural heritage institutions in Estonia?’. The paper explains the quantitative results further in light of focus-group interviews with seven representatives of cultural heritage institutions, of several types. Also, the results of this study are compared with the findings from the earlier one. The results, which shed light on copyright awareness, the form and extent of copying, etc. in relation to literary and reference works, photographs, musical works, and audiovisual works, indicate that Estonian cultural heritage institutions’ reliance on the education exception is in accordance with copyright law and, therefore, significant changes in related policy are unnecessary. However, responses to the survey and interview questions revealed aspects that could be addressed in designing guidelines and professional-development activities for educators in cultural heritage institutions.
Protection of Human Rights in the Global Garment Industry
Authors: Lusti Stina-Maria
Published: October 2024

Considerable expansion of the global garment industry, which in recent decades has become one of the largest employment sectors worldwide, has intensified scrutiny of states’ and businesses’ responsibilities, especially as production increasingly shifts to countries with less strict labour regulations. Analysis of the landscape reveals that, significant progress notwithstanding, world dialogue on business responsibilities has still not arrived at a solution. The complex network of stakeholders in the garment industry brings particular challenges to enforcing human-rights protection in this domain. The article explores the intersection of business practices and human rights within the garment sector, focusing on Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, three countries which play a pivotal role in global fashion exports. Examining the legal obligations of state and non-state actors under various UN instruments by analysing the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and the concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it identifies critical issues in protecting human rights in these countries and briefly also reviews recent advances in the EU in the realm of business and human rights. The paper presents evidence that the growing influence of non-state actors calls for extending the obligations from traditional approaches’, which have focused on state responsibilities. Among the solutions proposed are reforming wage systems and imposing direct human-rights requirements on corporations, supported by more vigorous enforcement.
Time of Signing: Legal Requirements and Technical Options for Hand-written and Electronic Signatures
Authors: Kask Laura
Published: October 2024

The article examines the legal and technical aspects of determining the time of signing for both hand-written and electronic signatures. Of particular relevance in light of the widespread utilisation of electronic signatures in Estonia, involving both government-issued and private-sector e-signatures, it explores how signatures are linked to the time of transactions and whether the time of signing affects the validity of signatures under Estonian and European Union law. The paper discusses the general principle of freedom of form in transactions, highlighting the formal requirements imposed by law for certain transactions and wills, with special focus on comparing the traditional analogue world with the digital environment. Additionally, a review of recent amendments to the eIDAS Regulation examines their impact on the union’s electronic-signature ecosystem. Discussion addresses technical challenges also, with specific regard to linking a signature to the time of the transaction and the legal implications of timestamping in the domain of electronic signatures. For broader context, the insight is informed by comparison with Norway, another member of the European Economic Area. The research reported upon contributes to awareness of the importance of understanding both the legislative framework and technical practices involved in identifying the time of signing for ensuring the legal validity and reliability of electronic signatures.
The Effect of European Union Law on the Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Liability of Legal Persons in Estonia
Authors: Pikamäe Priit , Kärner Markus
Published: October 2024

The punitive competence of the European Union encompasses both criminal law and, in the form of administrative sanctions, quasi-criminal law. Now undergoing vast changes amid rapid development, the latter field of Union legislation is anything but systematic. The sporadic evolution of EU punitive law recently led to the European Court of Justice judgement in the case Deutsche Wohnen, wherein the substantive provisions for liability of legal persons in Germany were found to be in contradiction with European Union law. The article gives an overview of the European Union’s legislation on criminal and quasi-criminal liability of legal persons, presents reflections on the Estonian experience, and articulates conclusions from the Deutsche Wohnen case.
Life after Irgita (C-285/18) – More Questions Than Answers
Authors: Peedosk Pilleriin
Published: October 2024

The principles governing public procurement – equal treatment, non-discrimination, transparency, proportionality, etc. – serve upholding the fair use of public resources and ensuring compliance with EU‑level law. Sometimes, the open market is not the most efficient option, particularly when the public sector possesses the necessary resources. To address this, the EU’s procurement directives permit deviations from established public procurement rules for in-house transactions or horizontal co‑operation within the public sector. These involve determining whether to utilise internal resources or external ones, however, recent European Court of Justice cases have revealed uncertainties with regard to the process of this ‘make or buy?’ decision. While Member States retain freedom in evaluating how to meet their needs, that freedom is not unlimited and must be balanced with adherence to general principles of EU law. The article addresses the doubts that persist notwithstanding the Court’s analysis, most notably in Irgita (C-285/18). In light of a clear need for clarity related to the addressees of the key rule, its applicability, and the impact of general principles of EU law on the make-or-buy decision, the discussion tackles these matters as pressing questions.
The Author’s Right of Integrity in Public Contracts in Estonia Based on Architectural Work
Authors: Gritsenko Gerli Helene
Published: October 2024

The paper presents analysis of whether an author’s moral rights are transferable or licensable in public contracts. At present, the European Union lacks a unified approach to regulating intellectual-property rights in public procurement: its public-procurement directives leave open the option of assigning these rights to a particular contracting entity and do not set minimal or default conditions for handling them in case the public contract does not specify intellectual-property rights’ allocation. The paper delves into the question of whether moral rights are transferable/licensable and of how moral rights should be regulated in public contracts in Estonia through the lens of analysis based on legal literature. Specific attention is given to case law on moral rights in Germany, France, and Spain, in aims finding a mechanism for moral rights’ regulation that is suitable for the Estonian setting. These first steps of examination reveal that the essence of moral rights precludes them being transferable since moral rights are bound to the personality of the author. Initial analysis shows also that moral rights in Estonia are only partly licensable, with only those moral rights that overlap the author’s economic rights proving licensable, while the rights connected to the author’s personality are not subject to licensing. For these reasons, courts need to weigh how authors might exercise their moral rights such that any transfer of their those rights cannot enable authors to interfere with the exercise of the economic rights. This entails limiting the exercise of moral rights, a matter that merits deeper examination.
Tomasz z Akwinu. Wykład Pierwszego i Drugiego Listu do Tesaloniczan
Authors: Roszak Piotr
Published: October 2024

Translation and introduction – Piotr Roszak Editing – Piotr Roszak, Enrique Alarcón The exegesis we encounter while reading the Commentary on the First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians is Aquinas' theological "alphabet", as for him, the exegesis is not an end in itself, but it is supposed to lead to further theological reflection. Therefore, one can clearly see in St. Thomas' practice a strong emphasis on the analysis of the content conveyed by Scripture, and not a simple reading of the external tone of the text, considered by many to be the literal meaning. This is an attentive exegesis focused on discovering reason and meaning; it is the result of the conviction that theology in the service of divine Wisdom can be based on certain reasons or arguments that do not weaken faith but, on the contrary, strengthen it. Since God created the world in his wisdom (omnia in sapientia fecisti, St. Thomas often repeats this biblical quote from Ps 103), and this is transmitted to creation, it is reasonable to ask about arguments and justifications also in what is considered the natural order. This is one of those theological assumptions that have undoubtedly contributed to the development of science. In this way of interpreting the biblical text, which we can observe in the Exposition of the First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians, a certain style, which integrates Scripture, Tradition and speculation, resonates. This type of theological work method, which can be observed in St. Thomas, has earned the name of "biblical Thomism": fidelity to the reading of the text of Holy Scripture is not intellectual slavery, or freezing of thinking, but an avalanche that triggers subsequent meanings. This is the art of integration, for which St. Thomas was famous. Rev. Prof. dr hab. Piotr Roszak, an excerpt from the introduction to the book
Improving the Security of United States Elections with Robust Optimization
Authors: Crimmins Braden L. , Halderman J. Alex , Sturt Bradley
Published: October 2024

The preservation of democracy hinges on the reality and perception that votes in elections are counted properly. In the paper “Improving the Security of United States Elections with Robust Optimization,” Crimmins, Halderman, and Sturt provide a low-cost approach to reducing the security risks of voting machines that are used to scan ballots and count votes. Their approach consists of applying robust optimization to a century-old testing procedure called logic and accuracy testing (LAT), which is performed by election officials on each voting machine before each election. The authors show that their robust optimization approach is guaranteed to detect any misconfiguration of voting machines that would cause votes to be swapped across candidates. Applying their approach to Michigan’s November 2022 election, the authors show that their approach to LAT would have only required a 1.2% increase in cost to election officials compared with current practice. Their approach, which is forthcoming in the Societal Impact section, has been successfully piloted in real-world elections by the Michigan Bureau of Elections since Summer 2023 as a cost-efficient way to enhance election security and public trust in election outcomes.
USUFRUTO COMO FATO GERADOR TRIBUTÁRIO
Authors: Lustosa João Paulo Pessôa Pereira , Campos Hélio Silvio Ourém
Published: October 2024

Como interpretar o usufruto à luz dos fatos geradores do Imposto de Transmissão Causa Mortis e Doação (ITCMD)? Com base neste problema, pretende-se analisar a (in)constitucionalidade da incidência do ITCMD sobre o usufruto enquanto fato gerador tributário. A problemática emergiu da insuficiência normativa positivada em estabelecer um critério claro de materialidade para incidência do ITCMD, possibilitando que os Estados e Distrito Federal instituíssem a cobrança tributária indiscriminada sobre o usufruto, sendo a hipótese central a aparente inconstitucionalidade da incidência do ITCMD sobre o instituto civil. Para isso, foi necessária: (i) revisão de literatura sobre o usufruto; (ii) investigação dos limites estabelecidos nas normas nacionais sobre os fatos geradores do ITCMD; (iii) definir o critério de (in)constitucionalidade do ITCMD sobre o usufruto; (iv) mapear e catalogar as legislações estaduais e distrital federal que previssem o usufruto como fato gerador tributário do ITCMD; e (v) apresentar os resultados encontrados. A metodologia foi mista - dogmática e empírica-qualitativa. Ao final, verificou-se que o critério da (in)constitucionalidade do usufruto como fato gerador tributário do ITCMD deve ser verificado a partir da caracterização ou não da transmissão patrimonial, apurando-se que todos os entes federativos possuem ao menos uma hipótese de incidência do tributo sem que haja necessidade de transmissão patrimonial.
Safety and efficacy of posterior approach for resection of spinal meningioma: Impact of dural attachment location
Authors: Chen Hong , Fu Ya-Ni , Fu Chu-Di
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Spinal meningiomas (SMs) are common benign tumors that are typically treated with surgical resection. The choice of surgical approach may vary depending on the location of dural attachment of the SM, with a posterior approach being the traditional preference. However, there is limited research available on the impact of dural attachment location on outcomes following posterior approach for SM resection.

AIM

To investigate the outcomes of posterior approach for SM resection, and compare the results among different dural attachment location subgroups.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and February 2023, a total of 34 SM patients were included in the study. Various clinical and radiologic features, functional states before and after surgery, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, tumor recurrence, and perioperative complications were assessed and compared.

RESULTS

The average age of the included 34 patients’ (10 males and 24 females) age was 62.09 years. Mean follow-up duration was 22.65 months. The location of SM was the thoracic spine in 32 cases, with only 2 in the cervical spine. On average, intraoperative blood loss was 520.59 mL, and operating time was 176.76 minutes. Thirty three cases had successful outcomes while only 1 experienced an unexpected outcome. The tumor recurrence rate was 2.9%. After surgery, there were 3 cases of cerebral spinal fluid leakage, 1 case of pneumonia, and 1 case of urinary tract infection. Dural attachments were predominantly found dorsal or dorsolateral (13 cases), followed by ventral or ventrolateral (14 cases), and lateral (7 cases). The outcomes among these subgroups were similar.

CONCLUSION

The posterior approach for SM resection is safe and effective, yielding comparable surgical and neurological outcomes regardless of the dural attachment location.
An Improved Crop Yield Prediction Using CNN-BiLSTM Model with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Jia Zhaohong , Wu Kunming , Wang Haitao , Zeng Weihui , Guo YangYang , Liang Dong
Published: October 2024

Highlights

A yield prediction model based on the CNN-BiLSTM fusion attention mechanism is constructed.

The superiority of BiLSTM over the traditional LSTM model in the field of yield prediction is verified.

The yield prediction effect of the proposed model is better than that of the existing yield prediction research.

Abstract. Food is an important source of nutrients for people, and food production is an important basis for food reserves. In this study, a convolutional neural network-bidirectional long short-term memory (CNN-BiLSTM) model combined with an attention mechanism is proposed to predict crop yield. Firstly, the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and rainfall data of 9 states in the rainfed corn belt of the United States are adopted as the original data, which are converted into cumulative climate parameters to reflect the growth process of corn. Then, the cumulative climate parameters are used as the input of the proposed model. The proposed model mainly consists of 4 parts: CNN module, BiLSTM module, attention module, and fully connected layer, which makes full use of the advantages of CNN in feature extraction and BiLSTM in processing time series. In addition, to ensure the relevance of time series data, the attention mechanism is used to allocate weights and calculate the correlation degrees between data. The experimental results show that BiLSTM exhibits better convergence ability than the standard one-way LSTM, and the crop yield prediction results obtained by the proposed model are better than those of the exponentially weighted average method, DeepCropNet, and CNN-RNN comparative algorithm. Keywords: Attention mechanism, Bidirectional long short memory network, Convolutional neural network, Crop yield prediction.
Short-Term Performance Evaluation of Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System Receivers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authors: Ladino Karla S. , Sama Michael Patrick
Published: October 2024

Highlights

An evaluation of relative GNSS receiver accuracy was performed using a UAS-based GNSS accuracy testing system.

RTK receivers displayed minimal mean error and consistent standard deviations across deployment strategies and error directions.

Non-RTK receivers exhibited significantly greater mean error and variability across deployment strategies, particularly in elevation error.

UAS deployment strategy did not have a meaningful impact on RTK receiver positioning performance.

Abstract. Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers commonly integrated into small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) generally function in standard or differential fix configurations, providing horizontal and vertical accuracies of approximately ±5 meters and ±15 meters, respectively. The accuracy of GNSS positioning is an important factor with widespread implications, affecting domains such as precision agriculture, meteorology, and photogrammetry. In the context of atmospheric observations, spatial accuracy plays a critical role, particularly in applications related to barometric pressure and precipitable water vapor. Similarly, UAS-based photogrammetry applications rely on high geospatial precision for tasks including topographic mapping and environmental monitoring. As such, this study aimed to improve our understanding of GNSS positioning accuracy in UAS-based observations. The main objectives included (1) deploying a UAS-based GNSS accuracy testing system and (2) evaluating the static and dynamic short-term accuracy of L1 and L1/L2 GNSS receivers in RTK and non-RTK fix modes. Results indicated significant differences across receiver configurations and deployment strategies. RTK receivers displayed minimal mean error and consistent standard deviations, while non-RTK receivers exhibited greater mean error and variability, especially in elevation. Though the study did not conclusively confirm a consistent reduction in accuracy due to UAS deployment, findings suggest that RTK receivers substantially enhance accuracy by reducing position measurement error by two orders of magnitude (1–6 cm for RTK; 50–315 cm for non-RTK), thereby mitigating measurement variability attributable to timing or deployment strategy. In conclusion, this research contributed insights into GNSS accuracy for UAS-based observations and underscored the importance of considering receiver configurations and deployment strategies for position measurement during atmospheric and photogrammetric observations. Keywords: Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), Meteorology, Photogrammetry, Positioning accuracy, Precision agriculture, Real-time kinematic (RTK), Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Identifying retinal pigment epithelium cells in adaptive optics-optical coherence tomography images with partial annotations and superhuman accuracy
Authors: Soltanian-Zadeh Somayyeh , Kovalick Katherine , Aghayee Samira , Miller Donald T. , Liu Zhuolin , Hammer Daniel X. , Farsiu Sina
Published: October 2024

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are essential for normal retinal function. Morphological defects in these cells are associated with a number of retinal neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to the cellular resolution and depth-sectioning capabilities, individual RPE cells can be visualized in vivo with adaptive optics-optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT). Rapid, cost-efficient, and objective quantification of the RPE mosaic’s structural properties necessitates the development of an automated cell segmentation algorithm. This paper presents a deep learning-based method with partial annotation training for detecting RPE cells in AO-OCT images with accuracy better than human performance. We have made the code, imaging datasets, and the manual expert labels available online.
BreakNet: discontinuity-resilient multi-scale transformer segmentation of retinal layers
Authors: Ganjee Razieh , Wang Bingjie , Wang Lingyun , Zhao Chengcheng , Sahel José-Alain , Pi Shaohua
Published: October 2024

Visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) is gaining traction for retinal imaging due to its high resolution and functional capabilities. However, the significant absorption of hemoglobin in the visible light range leads to pronounced shadow artifacts from retinal blood vessels, posing challenges for accurate layer segmentation. In this study, we present BreakNet, a multi-scale Transformer-based segmentation model designed to address boundary discontinuities caused by these shadow artifacts. BreakNet utilizes hierarchical Transformer and convolutional blocks to extract multi-scale global and local feature maps, capturing essential contextual, textural, and edge characteristics. The model incorporates decoder blocks that expand pathways to enhance the extraction of fine details and semantic information, ensuring precise segmentation. Evaluated on rodent retinal images acquired with prototype vis-OCT, BreakNet demonstrated superior performance over state-of-the-art segmentation models, such as TCCT-BP and U-Net, even when faced with limited-quality ground truth data. Our findings indicate that BreakNet has the potential to significantly improve retinal quantification and analysis.
Numerical investigation of divided-pulse amplification assisted by a hollow core anti-resonant fiber
Authors: Ren Hang , Luo Xing , Wang Jiachen , Dong Fanlong , Yang Ying , Yan Peiguang , Wang Jinzhang , Ruan Shuangchen , Lue Qitao , Guo Chunyu
Published: October 2024

An all-fiber structure laser based on divided-pulse amplification technology and a hollow core anti-resonant fiber (HC-ARF) is proposed. We numerically investigate the process of divided-pulse amplification in the structure based on the vectorial nonlinear Schrödinger equations. By changing the splicing angle of the HC-ARF, a conventional soliton with 703 fs can be divided into two sub-pulses with orthogonal polarization states. After amplification and compression, the two sub-pulses are recombined into one pulse in an identical HC-ARF. The combining efficiency and limitations that originate from cross-phase modulation, self-phase modulation, fiber dispersion, and splicing angle are analyzed. Moreover, the number of sub-pulses can increase from two to eight to greatly suppress the accumulation of the nonlinear phase shifts, by using three segments HC-ARF with splicing angles of 45°. The simulation result indicates that the pulse peak power and average power can be greatly improved after amplifying and combining the eight sub-pulses. The work can provide what we believe to be a new method for achieving all-fiber high-peak and high-average power femtosecond lasers.