bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Analysis and Fire Property Quantification of Crumb Rubber and Plastic Eco‐Aggregates for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Shewalul Yohannes Werkina , Flores Quiroz Natalia , Walls Richard
Published: November 2024

With a drive for sustainable construction, various products are being introduced to promote recycling, but often their properties relation to behaviour in fire are not known. In this paper, the fire performance of crumb rubber and a plastic eco‐aggregate, called RESIN8, were assessed. Various tests, including cone calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were conducted. These are supplemented by numerical calculations and the Coats–Redfern kinetic model to quantify the thermal and fire properties of these materials. Cone calorimeter tests were conducted at 35 and 50 kW m−2, while the critical heat flux (CHF) values were determined using a range of irradiance levels. Time to ignition (TTI), heat release rate (HRR), peak heat release rate (pHRR), and thermal fire hazard parameters were quantified. Both materials were classified under the high thermal fire hazard class. The peak thermal decomposition rates occurred at 365°C (single peak) for CR and at 435°C and 550°C (two peaks) for RESIN8. The calculated activation energy values were 66.7 kJ mol−1 for crumb rubber and 55.1 and 43.9 kJ mol−1 for RESIN8 in the first and second stages, respectively. These eco‐aggregates could pose a significant thermal fire hazard, in the recycling facility during and after the recycling process, as well as when stored in bulk and when incorporated in large quantities in construction systems. Further investigation is crucial for understanding the effect of incorporating these eco‐aggregates within masonry and concrete systems from a fire safety perspective.
Ritonavir may prolong sedation but is unlikely to increase the risk of respiratory arrest in patients requiring intravenous midazolam for procedural sedation
Authors: Arsanious Jason , Rowland Angela , Sorich Michael J. , Hopkins Ashley M. , Alfred Sam , Rowland Andrew
Published: November 2024

Intravenous midazolam is frequently used for procedural sedation. Use of ritonavir containing antivirals in patients requiring procedural sedation with intravenous midazolam is postulated to increase the risk or prolong the consequences of exposure related adverse events. The primary objective of this study was to characterize interaction of ritonavir with IV midazolam. The secondary objective was to define the time course over with the interaction of ritonavir with IV midazolam resolves following cessation of ritonavir. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling was used to conduct clinical trials with a parallel group design defining exposure to a single 5 mg IV dose of midazolam in the presence and absence of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir dosed twice daily for 5 days. Simulations comprised 50 virtual healthy subjects aged 20 to 50 years (50% female). Based on FDA criteria, a moderate/strong interaction between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and intravenous midazolam (area under the curve [AUC] ratio >2) was observed when intravenous midazolam was administered up to 72 h following cessation of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. The geometric mean (90% CI) midazolam AUC ratio was 9.21 (5.44 to 16.43) when coadministered on the final day of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir dosing. Importantly, there was no change in peak exposure; the geometric mean (90% CI) midazolam maximum concentration ratio was 0.99 (0.99 to 1.00). Use of ritonavir containing antivirals is unlikely to increase a patient's risk of experiencing an exposure related adverse event following administration of intravenous midazolam but may prolong complications in patients who experience an event. A meaningful interaction persists for 72 h following cessation of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.
The Demand for Industry—Oscillation of the Agrarian Question in Rural West Bengal
Authors: Das Suchismita
Published: November 2024

The movement against land acquisition for industrialization in Singur (2006–2008) became emblematic of the defeat of CPI(M) in West Bengal—the longest democratically elected communist regime in the world. A decade later, in 2018, CPI(M) organized a farmers' rally from Singur, demanding industrialization and jobs. This article engages with this narrative of ‘demand for industrialization’ and asks why farmers who had opposed land acquisition for industry a decade ago have started supporting industry now. Amid an ongoing wave of political change, the demand for industry emerges as a hope for the future rising from its own ashes. This article also engages with the classical agrarian question to argue that today, the transition to industrialization occurs not due to agricultural surplus but due to agricultural economic insecurities. This article critically explores the relationship between industrialization and agricultural productivity.
Fluorescent nanoparticles from roast duck induce cell damage and physiological dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Cui Guoxin , Cong Shuang , Tan Mingqian
Published: November 2024

Background

The safety of fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs) that enter the human body through food consumption is uncertain. In this study, the biocompatibility of FNPs derived from roast duck was investigated using pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Results

Fluorescent nanoparticles, at concentrations of 1 and 4 mg mL−1, caused an increase in early apoptosis, altered the cell cycle, elevated reactive oxygen species levels, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in PC12 cells. Both acute and prolonged exposure to the FNPs enabled them to permeate C. elegans via its food source, accumulating predominantly in the intestine. At concentrations ranging between 0 and 15 mg mL−1, FNPs did not induce mortality in C. elegans but they did affect its growth, reproductive ability, and motor behavior.

Conclusion

This study advances the understanding of FNP safety significantly, facilitates risk assessment for foods containing FNPs, and provides valuable guidance to ensure food safety. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Churg‐Strauss Syndrome: A Case of Laryngeal Presentation
Authors: Serafini Edoardo , Basso Margherita , Lupi Massimo , Marchioni Daniele , Mattioli Francesco
Published: November 2024

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), among various organs and systems, can affect the upper respiratory tract. The otolaryngologist must be able to suspect the pathology with the appearance of the first signs and recognize its late complications. Laryngeal involvement is rare and difficult to diagnose. A patient suffering from Churg‐Strauss syndrome developed posterior glottic stenosis 5 years after diagnosis. A biopsy of the lesion confirmed the localized recurrence of EGPA. Rituximab therapy prevented further relapse after 12 months of follow‐up. In the current literature, only two case reports, both pediatric, deal with laryngeal organic manifestation of the disease. Nonspecific findings, such as corditis or dysphonia, may be found in patients with EGPA in up to 25% of cases. Thus, even though primary laryngeal manifestation is rare, inflammation can be a common finding. The case herein reported appears to be the first organic Churg Strauss syndrome laryngeal manifestation in an adult patient. Laryngoscope, 2024
Characterizing Hand Function in Parkinson's Disease Patients with a Self‐Administered Electronic Manual Dexterity Test
Authors: Jansen A. Elizabeth , Rosenfeldt Anson B. , Lopez‐Lennon Cielita , Fernandez Hubert , Zimmerman Eric , Imrey Peter B. , Dibble Leland E. , Alberts Jay L.
Published: November 2024

Background

Dexterous dysfunction is a bothersome patient‐reported symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Current clinical assessments do not directly evaluate goal‐directed hand function. This project sought to determine the capability of the electronic Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) to characterize dexterity across a range of PD patients.

Objectives

To objectively quantify manual dexterity in individuals with PD using a self‐administered manual dexterity test.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐nine PD patients completed trials of the MDT with each upper extremity (UE) both while ON and OFF antiparkinsonian medication. Differences in MDT by medication state, more vs less affected UE, and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage were evaluated using linear mixed models. The relationships of trial duration to MDS‐UPDRS II patient quality of life (QoL) questions for eating, dressing and hygiene were also evaluated.

Results

MDT duration was significantly shorter ON medication (26.3 seconds) compared to OFF medication (27.2 seconds) (P < 0.001). Similarly, MDT duration was significantly shorter for less (25.8 seconds) compared to more (27.6 seconds) affected limb (P < 0.001). Trial durations increased with H&Y stage (P < 0.001 for trend). MDT performance was related to MDS‐UPDRS II questions for eating, dressing, and hygiene performance (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The MDT provides an objective and quantitative assessment of dexterity. The time to complete the MDT was sensitive to changes in medication state, more and less affected UE, disease severity, and important activities of daily living. The MDT has potential for utilization in precise tracking of manual dexterity over the course of PD.
Cross Border Costs: Efficiency Losses of Manufacturing Firms Involved in Housing
Authors: Wu Youmeng , Kuang Zuxin , Sun Hongliang , Wang Kai , Zhang Tiesheng
Published: November 2024

The boom in China's real estate market in the past 20 years has attracted a large number of manufacturing firms to make real estate investments (REI), and it is unclear whether this behavior is conducive to the high‐quality development of firms. This study theoretically elucidates the mechanism by which manufacturing firms' real estate investment behavior affects their factor efficiency and empirically examines it using data from listed Chinese manufacturing firms from 2007 to 2021. We find that real estate investment by manufacturing firms significantly inhibits firms' total factor productivity (TFP). The robustness of the findings is further confirmed by constructing a differences‐in‐differences (DID) model using a purchase restriction policy as an exogenous shock. Heterogeneity analysis shows that those more significantly negatively affected are technology‐ and labor‐intensive non‐state‐owned firms, which are located in the central‐eastern region of China and are in the growth or maturity stage. Exploring the mechanism of action reveals that firms' real estate investment behavior may reduce the level of firms' TFP by crowding out inputs in the research and development (R&D) sector and reducing organizational management effectiveness. This study provides new empirical evidence for identifying the impact of real estate investment on firms' TFP and deepens the understanding of firms' resource allocation effects.
Taming the dominator: How to create harmony in team dynamics
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: November 2024

In every team, there's a delicate balance of personalities and behaviors that can make or break group cohesion. While we all occasionally slip into less‐than‐ideal roles, some behaviors can be particularly disruptive. In this issue, focus on one of the most challenging: the dominator.
The relationship between falls and hip bone mineral density of paretic and nonparetic limbs after stroke
Authors: Atan Tugba , Ekinci Umay , Uran San Ayca , Demir Yasin , Guzelkucuk Umut , Kesikburun Serdar , Uyar Koylu Sinem , Tan Arif Kenan
Published: November 2024

Background

Poststroke osteoporosis, particularly of the hip, and an increased risk of fractures due to accidental falls are well known in people with stroke. Only a few of the current stroke guidelines recommend bone mineral density (BMD) measurements during follow‐up in this population and measurements are often performed unilaterally.

Objectives

To compare femoral hip BMD between fallers and nonfallers among patients with stroke, while also assessing differences in balance, mobility, fear of falling, and exploring discrepancies between paretic and nonparetic sides within each group.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit of a tertiary university hospital.

Patients

Patients with unilateral hemiplegia hospitalized as a result of stroke.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the femoral neck BMD measurement. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. Secondary outcomes included Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up‐and‐go test (TUGT), functional ambulation classification (FAC), and falls efficacy scale‐international (FES‐I).

Results

A total of 44 patients were enrolled. Twenty‐two participants (50%) reported falling. There were no statistically significant differences in BMD (p = .504, p = .197, p = .667, respectively) and T‐scores (p = .457, p = .194, p = .693, respectively) of paretic, nonparetic femoral neck, and lumbar spine between nonfallers and fallers. The BBS (p = .033, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17–19.05) was significantly lower in the fallers. The FES‐I was statistically significantly higher in the fallers (p = .001, 95% CI −22.40 to −6.50). The BMD and T‐scores of femoral neck between the paretic and the nonparetic limbs did not differ significantly in the nonfallers (n = 22) (p = .908, 95% CI −0.03–0.03; p = .886, 95% CI −0.27–0.24) but did differ in the fallers (n = 22) (p = .007, 95% CI −0.06 to −0.01; p = .006, 95% CI −0.51 to −0.09).

Conclusions

This study emphasizes that hip BMD may differ on paretic and nonparetic sides, especially in patients with stroke and a history of falls and balance problems. Fall‐related self‐efficacy and balance may be determinants of falls in these patients.
Nitrogen Fixation by Simple Gling Arc Plasma Reactor at Elevated Pressure for Synthesis of Aqueous Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Angineni Jyothsna , Reddy P. Manoj Kumar , Anga Srinivas , Somaiah P. Veera
Published: November 2024

Plasma technology for nitrogen fixation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel‐based methods for fertilizer production. A novel gliding arc plasma reactor is studied for its potential in nitrate fertilizer production, examining its performance across varying gas flow rates, compositions, and pressures (0–2 bar). Results show increased nitric acid (HNO3) production with higher pressure. The reactor achieves a NOx production rate of 10.2 g/h and an HNO3 production rate of 8.83 g/h, with an energy cost of 2.9 MJ/mol of nitrogen. A selectivity of 84% toward NO2 at 2 bar pressure highlights the reactor's efficiency in nitrogen utilization, enhancing its potential for practical applications.
‘It can Feel Like They've Forgotten you’: Enhancing Older Adult Participation in Urban Regeneration
Authors: Hill Kimberley M. , Woodbridge‐Dodd Kim , Horton John , Graham Laura , Taylor Jane
Published: November 2024

We present two innovative and impactful interdisciplinary participatory projects highlighting interconnected older adult meanings in relation to UK town centre spaces. We argue older people occupy paradoxical positions within urban policies and planning discourses, highly visibilised as objects of concern, but profoundly marginalised and excluded. Utilising a relational functional significance framework, our findings capture valuable emplaced narratives and embodied lived experiences often wholly underrepresented by 16 older adults (aged 70–88 years). Through live qualitative participatory interview approaches, we identify functionally rich local high street characteristics interconnected with urban histories, memories and identities impacting belonging and well‐being, or underpinning participation, exclusions and vulnerabilities. Reflecting on vividly detailed stories and participatory methods within these empirics, we call for an expanded sense of older people's presence and agency, providing their own implications for enhancing urban settings alongside recommendations for increasing their participation within urban regeneration and related research.
Optimization of Type III Resistant Cornstarch Preparation by TK‐PUL Enzymatic Hydrolysis Synergistic Dual Autoclaving–Cooling Treatment Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zeng Jing , Guo Jianjun , Yuan Lin
Published: November 2024

The thermoacidophilic type III pullulan hydrolase derived from Thermococcus kodakarensis (TK‐PUL) can function as both α‐amylase and pullulanase. Here, TK‐PUL is used to prepare resistant starch type III (RS3), and reaction conditions were controlled to facilitate preparation and improve preparation efficiency. RS3‐type cornstarch is prepared by TK‐PUL enzymatic hydrolysis synergistic dual autoclaving‐cooling treatment. The optimum conditions for preparing RS3‐type cornstarch were as follows: treatment of 15.55% cornstarch slurry (pH 4.99) with 13.83 U/g (cornstarch) TK‐PUL at 90 °C for 11.55 h, followed by high‐pressure heat treatment (110 °C, 30 min)/retrogradation (4 °C, 24 h) for two cycles. The RS3 yield is 40.70% under optimal processing conditions. RS3 comprised irregular and rough surface contour block‐like structures, as well as block‐like structures created by adhesion and accumulation of granules. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallinity type of RS3 transformed from B+V‐ to V‐type, in contrast to the initial A‐type of cornstarch. This novel RS3 preparation process using TK‐PUL enzymatic hydrolysis synergistic dual autoclaving‐cooling treatment lays the foundation for using TK‐PUL in RS preparation.
Machine learning approach for predicting fire resistance of FRP‐strengthened concrete beams
Authors: Bhatt P. P. , Sharma N. , Kodur V. K. R. , Naser M. Z.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a data‐driven machine learning (ML)‐based approach for predicting the fire resistance of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP)‐strengthened reinforced concrete beams. To this end, a comprehensive database of fire tests on FRP‐strengthened concrete beams reported in literature was compiled. The database comprised of varying geometric and material properties, sectional dimensions, steel reinforcement, FRP layers, and thermal insulation, as well as the load level. The compiled database was analyzed using three different ML algorithms including, support vector regression, random forest regressor, and deep neural network. The outcome of the analysis is a computational‐based ML approach for predicting fire resistance of FRP‐strengthened concrete beams. The results predicted from the ML approach were compared with those measured in fire tests to show reliability of the proposed approach. The results infer that the proposed ML approach can effectively predict the fire resistance of FRP‐strengthened concrete beams with varying cross sections, properties of constituent materials, and applied loading.
An investigation of punching shear in flat slabs with spherical voids using the finite element method
Authors: Schimanowski Eric Renã Zavitzki , Campos Filho Américo , Lazzari Bruna Manica , Lazzari Paula Manica
Published: November 2024

Flat slabs with voids allow for the reduction of the structure's self‐weight by removing concrete from regions of the cross‐section subjected to low stresses. However, the presence of voids impacts the behavior of these structures, especially under punching loads, and few studies have assessed the impact of different parameters on voided slabs. Thus, this study validated numerical modeling developed in the ANSYS software, using the finite element method, based on 17 experimental slabs from the literature. The numerical simulation indicated a good approximation of the deformation behavior of the structure, as well as a similar mode of failure. Once validated, the model evaluated different parameters in spherical voided slabs. The results showed significant impacts on the rupture load, ductility, or stiffness when varying the void's presence, position, diameter, concrete properties, slab thickness, flexural reinforcement ratio, and shear reinforcement. In voided slabs, the critical situation occurred when inserting the spheres in a region very close to the column, which reduced the rupture load by about half, when compared to a solid slab.
Data, Aesthetics, and Visualizations of Deep Time
Authors: Tamborini Marco
Published: November 2024

This chapter accomplishes a phenomenology of deep time visualizations. It examines the power and limits of a series of visual devices used in paleontology and geology to access, and eventually work with the earth’s deep past. First, I discuss how paleontologists visualize and sort data in the field; second, I examine the practices used to illustrate and validate knowledge about extinct animals; third, I explore what function visualizations play in supporting the transition between data collection and the possible explanation of global biological phenomena such as the estimation of diversity through geological time; fourth, I inquire into the role of the computer; and fifth, I discuss the recent intersection between paleontology and different kinds of new technologies such as augmented and visual reality and robotics, both to shed light on some aspects of the past and to generate new research questions. In conclusion, I reflect on the intersection between earth science visual cultures and knowledge production. In particular, I point out the function of knowledge circulation and in between scientists in the production of visual devices as well as the importance of aesthetics for cooperative research projects and knowledge production in the earth sciences.
Closing the gap in domain adaptation for semantic segmentation: a time-aware method
Authors: Serrat Joan , Gómez Jose Luis , López Antonio M.
Published: November 2024

Semantic segmentation models need a large number of images to be effectively trained but manual annotation of such images has a high cost. Active domain adaptation addresses this problem by pretraining the model with a synthetically generated dataset and then fine-tuning it with a few selected label annotations (the “budget”) on real images to account for the domain shift. Previous works annotate a percentage of either individual pixels or whole target images. We argue that the first is infeasible in practice, and the second spends part of the budget on classes that the pretrained model may have already learned well. We propose a method based on the annotation of regions computed by Segment Anything, a recently introduced foundation model for class-agnostic image segmentation. The key idea is to assign a ground truth label to each of a tiny subset of regions, those for which the model is more uncertain. In order to increase the number of annotated regions we propagate the ground truth labels to most similar regions according to a hierarchical clustering algorithm that uses the features learned by the pretrained model. Our method outperforms the state-of-the-art on the GTA5 to Cityscapes benchmark by using fewer annotations, almost closing the gap between the synthetically pre-trained model and that obtained with full supervision of the real images. Furthermore, we present competitive results for budgets less than 1% of samples and also for a larger and more challenging target dataset, Mapillary Vistas.
Oka tubes in holomorphic line bundles
Authors: Forstnerič Franc , Kusakabe Yuta
Published: November 2024

Let (E, h) be a semipositive hermitian holomorphic line bundle on a compact complex manifold X with $$\dim X>1$$

dim
X
>
1

. Assume that for each point $$x\in X$$

x
∈
X

there exists a divisor $$D\in |E|$$

D
∈
|
E
|

in the complete linear system determined by E whose complement $$X\setminus D$$

X
\
D

is a Stein neighbourhood of x with the density property. Then, the disc bundle $$\Delta _h(E)=\{e\in E:|e|_h<1\}$$

Δ
h

(
E
)

=

{
e
∈
E
:
|
e
|

h

<
1
}

is an Oka manifold while $$D_h(E)=\{e\in E:|e|_h>1\}$$

D
h

(
E
)

=

{
e
∈
E
:
|
e
|

h

>
1
}

is a Kobayashi hyperbolic domain. In particular, the zero section of E admits a basis of Oka neighbourhoods $$\{|e|_h<c\}$$

{
|
e

|
h

<
c
}

with $$c>0$$

c
>
0

. We show that this holds if X is a rational homogeneous manifold of dimension $$>1$$

>
1

. This class of manifolds includes complex projective spaces, Grassmannians, and flag manifolds. This phenomenon contributes to the heuristic principle that Oka properties are related to metric positivity of complex manifolds.
Impact of intensity standardisation and ComBat batch size on clinical-radiomic prognostic models performance in a multi-centre study of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Fatania Kavi , Frood Russell , Mistry Hitesh , Short Susan C. , O’Connor James , Scarsbrook Andrew F. , Currie Stuart
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To assess the effect of different intensity standardisation techniques (ISTs) and ComBat batch sizes on radiomics survival model performance and stability in a heterogenous, multi-centre cohort of patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

Multi-centre pre-operative MRI acquired between 2014 and 2020 in patients with IDH-wildtype unifocal WHO grade 4 GBM were retrospectively evaluated. WhiteStripe (WS), Nyul histogram matching (HM), and Z-score (ZS) ISTs were applied before radiomic feature (RF) extraction. RFs were realigned using ComBat and minimum batch size (MBS) of 5, 10, or 15 patients. Cox proportional hazards models for overall survival (OS) prediction were produced using five different selection strategies and the impact of IST and MBS was evaluated using bootstrapping. Calibration, discrimination, relative explained variation, and model fit were assessed. Instability was evaluated using 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), feature selection frequency and calibration curves across the bootstrap resamples.

Results

One hundred ninety-five patients were included. Median OS = 13 (95% CI: 12–14) months. Twelve to fourteen unique MRI protocols were used per MRI sequence. HM and WS produced the highest relative increase in model discrimination, explained variation and model fit but IST choice did not greatly impact on stability, nor calibration. Larger ComBat batches improved discrimination, model fit, and explained variation but higher MBS (reduced sample size) reduced stability (across all performance metrics) and reduced calibration accuracy.

Conclusion

Heterogenous, real-world GBM data poses a challenge to the reproducibility of radiomics. ComBat generally improved model performance as MBS increased but reduced stability and calibration. HM and WS tended to improve model performance.

Key Points

QuestionComBat harmonisation of RFs and intensity standardisation of MRI have not been thoroughly evaluated in multicentre, heterogeneous GBM data.

Findings The addition of ComBat and ISTs can improve discrimination, relative model fit, and explained variance but degrades the calibration and stability of survival models.

Clinical relevanceRadiomics risk prediction models in real-world, multicentre contexts could be improved by ComBat and ISTs, however, this degrades calibration and prediction stability and this must be thoroughly investigated before patients can be accurately separated into different risk groups.
Scar endometriosis, a form of abdominal wall endometriosis–a neglected obstetrical complication?
Authors: Gruber T. M. , Lange K. , Ebeling G. S. , Henrich W. , Mechsner S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Scar endometriosis (EM) is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity within the scar region after abdominal or pelvic surgery. It is a form of abdominal wall EM.

This systematic review addresses the question of whether women after cesarean delivery (CD) are more frequently affected by scar EM than women after other pelvic surgical procedures. The primary aim is to analyze the distribution of previous operations in patients with scar EM. Secondarily, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are described.

Methods

A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (Pubmed) was performed. Twelve studies were included.

Results

The terminology of scar EM is unspecific and the descriptions are, therefore, of limited comparability among authors. In 64–96%, patients with scar EM had a history of CD, followed by laparoscopy, laparotomy, and episiotomy. The main symptoms were pain, often cyclical, and the presence of local swelling. For diagnosis ultrasound, CT scan and MR imaging were used. All patients had undergone surgical resection and the diagnosis was confirmed.

Conclusion

Most often scar EM develops after CD. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. As an objective classifications system is missing, we propose a simple objective descriptive tool for abdominal wall EM.
Lower semicontinuity of monotone functionals in the mixed topology on $C_{b}$
Authors: Nendel Max
Published: November 2024

The main result of this paper characterises the continuity from below of monotone functionals on the space $C_{b}$

C
b

of bounded continuous functions on an arbitrary Polish space as lower semicontinuity in the mixed topology. In this particular situation, the mixed topology coincides with the Mackey topology for the dual pair $(C_{b},\mathrm{ca})$
(

C
b

,
ca
)
, where $\mathrm{ca}$
ca
denotes the space of all countably additive signed Borel measures of finite variation. Hence lower semicontinuity in the mixed topology is for convex monotone maps $C_{b}\to \mathbb{R}$

C
b

→
R
equivalent to a dual representation in terms of countably additive measures. Such representations are of fundamental importance in finance, e.g. in the context of risk measures and superhedging problems. Based on the main result, regularity properties of capacities and dual representations of Choquet integrals in terms of countably additive measures for 2-alternating capacities are studied. Moreover, a well-known characterisation of star-shaped risk measures on $L^{\infty }$

L
∞

is transferred to risk measures on $C_{b}$

C
b

. In a second step, the paper provides a characterisation of equicontinuity in the mixed topology for families of convex monotone maps. As a consequence, for every convex monotone map on $C_{b}$

C
b

taking values in a locally convex vector lattice, continuity in the mixed topology is equivalent to continuity on norm-bounded sets.
Electrodeposition of metals into nano/micropores of templates: a type of electrochemistry under confinement (review)
Authors: Bograchev D. A. , Kabanova T. B. , Davydov A. D.
Published: November 2024

Electrodeposition of metals into nanopores of templates represents a crucial area of study within the field of confinement-controlled electrochemistry. This review addresses the templated synthesis of nanocomposites (nonmetallic hard templates with one-dimensional cylindrical nanopores filled with metal or semiconductor) and single nanowires and nanotubes obtained by template dissolution. The focus is on the influence of electrochemical conditions such as electrolyte composition, electrodeposition regimes, and template characteristics on the morphological and physical properties of the resulting nanostructures. Additionally, this review introduces the theoretical modeling of mass transfer in templated electrodeposition, which is critical for understanding and optimizing the pore-filling processes and the uniformity of nanostructure formation. The potential applications of these nanostructures in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis are also discussed, highlighting their significant implications for advancing nanotechnology and materials science.
Estimation of 3-D hydraulic conductivity fields from fictive grain-size distributions derived from 3-D geological modeling
Authors: Albarrán-Ordás Alberto , Zosseder Kai
Published: November 2024

Hydraulic conductivity (K) is a crucial parameter in hydrogeology but is highly heterogeneous and anisotropic due to variations in sediment texture, making its large-scale estimation challenging. Traditional laboratory and empirical methods based on grain-size distribution (GSD) analysis from limited data provide local K measurements, resulting in a poor representation of aquifer heterogeneity. In contrast, pumping tests estimate an integrated K value over a section of the aquifer within the cone of depression but still lack the spatial resolution needed to reveal detailed variations in K across larger aquifer extents. In this study, the Di models method was used to simulate local GSD in three-dimensional (3-D) detrital systems. The focus was to explore the potential to estimate K through simulated particle-size fractions derived from a 3-D geological model of the City of Munich. By employing log-cubic interpolation, a complete and accurate representation of the fictive GSD enabled the application of multiple empirical relationships for K estimation. The resulting 3-D K fields preserved the variability in K within each aquifer system. When averaged for each separate aquifer system across different lateral extents, i.e., 50–150 and 550 m, the predicted K values showed success rates of 44–47% with deviations of at least one order of magnitude in 15–19% of cases when compared to 364 K values derived from pumping-test data. The results highlight the ability of the approach to successfully estimate K while accounting for spatial heterogeneity, suggesting its potential for groundwater modeling, aquifer yield assessments and groundwater heat pump system design.
Quantifying low rank approximations of third order symmetric tensors
Authors: Hu Shenglong , Sun Defeng , Toh Kim-Chuan
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a method to certify the approximation quality of a low rank tensor to a given third order symmetric tensor. Under mild assumptions, best low rank approximation is attained if a control parameter is zero or quantified quasi-optimal low rank approximation is obtained if the control parameter is positive. This is based on a primal-dual method for computing a low rank approximation for a given tensor. The certification is derived from the global optimality of the primal and dual problems, and is characterized by easily checkable relations between the primal and the dual solutions together with another rank condition. The theory is verified theoretically for orthogonally decomposable tensors as well as numerically through examples in the general case.
Co-production of sustainability indicators in a vulnerable South American agricultural frontier
Authors: Piquer-Rodríguez María , Aragón Roxana , Pacheco Silvia , Malizia Sebastián , Zunino Hernán
Published: November 2024

Deforestation linked to agricultural activities is a major sustainability concern. Planning towards sustainable agricultural landscapes in the (sub-)tropics requires indicators that capture the many aspects of social-ecological cost and benefit of agriculture. Agricultural production strategies are developed using the best available data and knowledge such as high-yield locations, distance to storage facilities, or certification bonuses. However, there is often a divide between sustainable production data generated by the scientific community and current data that are of interest to actors, such as those in the agribusiness sector. Here, we describe how the harmonization of crop production, conservation, and social data used by scientists and agribusiness is possible using a participatory exercise based on knowledge co-production (i.e., generation of knowledge in a collaborative way) of socio-economic and environmental indicators (such as agricultural production, logistics, or the location of indigenous communities). This was made available through an online decision support platform that facilitated the generation of sustainable entrepreneurial strategies. We tested this exercise for the social-environmentally vulnerable Argentine Chaco dry forest, subject to some of the highest rates of deforestation globally, mainly due to soybean production. The cooperation between participants of this exercise built a knowledge exchange network that was key for informing decision-makers and highlighted information gaps including agricultural productivity, accessibility of regions, and the vulnerability of rural communities. Our exercise may be applicable to other agricultural commodity frontiers and showcases the value of including actors’ priorities in the design of indicators to ensure their policy impact and to achieve food systems’ sustainability.
Occurrence of selected Covid-19 drugs in surface water resources: a review of their sources, pathways, receptors, fate, ecotoxicity, and possible interactions with heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Maremane S. R. , Belle G. N. , Oberholster P. J. , Omotola E. O.
Published: November 2024

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) led to the high consumption of antibiotics such as azithromycin as well as corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone used to treat the disease. Seemingly, the concentrations of these four Covid-19 drugs increased in wastewater effluents and surface water resources. This is due to the failure of traditional wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) to eliminate pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to review the present state of literature on the occurrence of four Covid-19 drugs in water resources, the associated risks and toxicity, their fate, as well as the emergence of combined pollutants of Covid-19 drugs and heavy metals. From late 2019 to date, azithromycin was observed at concentrations of 935 ng/L, prednisone at 433 ng/L, prednisolone at 0.66 ng/L, and dexamethasone at 360 ng/L, respectively, in surface water resources. These concentrations had increased substantially in water resources and were all attributed to pollution by wastewater effluents and the rise in Covid-?19 infections. This phenomenon was also exacerbated by the observation of the pseudo-persistence of Covid-19 drugs, long half-life periods, as well as the excretion of Covid-19 drugs from the human body with about 30?90% of the parent drug. Nonetheless, the aquatic and human health toxicity and risks of Covid-19 drugs in water resources are unknown as the concentrations are deemed too low; thus, neglecting the possible long-term effects. Also, the accumulation of Covid-19 drugs in water resources presents the possible development of combined pollutants of Covid-19 drugs and heavy metals that are yet to be investigated. The risks and toxicity of the combined pollutants, including the fate of the Covid-19 drugs in water resources remains a research gap that undoubtably needs to be investigated.
A Helmholtz Energy Equation of State for Calculations of Thermodynamic Properties of trans-1,2-Difluoroethene [R-1132(E)]
Authors: Akasaka Ryo , Lemmon Eric W.
Published: November 2024

This work presents a fundamental equation of state for calculations of the thermodynamic properties of R-1132(E), which is a potential refrigerant for residential or mobile air conditioners. The equation of state has a functional form expressed explicitly in the Helmholtz energy with temperature and density as the independent variables, and the form is fitted to consistent experimental datasets, including the critical parameters, vapor pressure, saturated liquid and vapor densities, $$(p, \rho , T)$$

(
p
,
ρ
,
T
)

behavior, vapor-phase sound speed, and ideal gas isobaric heat capacity. The equation of state is valid between temperatures from 240 K and 400 K, with pressures up to 6.5 MPa. In this range, expected relative uncertainties at the 95 % confidence interval ($$k=2$$

k
=
2

) are 0.1 % for liquid densities, 0.4 % for vapor densities, and 0.1 % for vapor-phase sound speeds, except at the saturation states and in the critical region where larger deviations of up to 2 % are possible in densities due to higher experimental uncertainties. The uncertainty in calculated vapor pressures is 0.15 % above 275 K, which is larger at lower temperatures due to their small values. Various plots of derived properties from the equation of state show that the equation exhibits qualitatively correct behavior over wide ranges of temperature and pressure.
Pointlessness of average period of production: A critique of Lewin and Cachanosky
Authors: Rapka Przemysław
Published: November 2024

Peter Lewin and Nicolas Cachanosky seek to rehabilitate the concept of the average period of production (APP) introduced into Austrian capital theory by Böhm-Bawerk (1930). In their works, they argue that the financial concepts of Macauley’s Duration and Modified Duration are appropriate measures of the average period of production. For this reason, the most relevant aspects of the Austrian Business Cycle Theory (ABCT), i.e. the lengthening and shortening of the production structure, can be captured by them. In fact, the introduction of this concept into ABCT is pointless, since it only shows the sensitivity of the economy to changes in interest rates. Meanwhile, it does not help us understand a number of other phenomena that can be observed over the business cycle. By focusing on APP as represented by duration and modified duration, we are only referring to how the average value of all investments in the economy changes under the influence of a change in interest rates, ignoring other important phenomena that take place over the course of the business cycle.
Digitally extended knowledge
Authors: Kallestrup Jesper
Published: November 2024

The hypothesis of extended cognition says that cognitive processes and mental states extend to include extra-organismic parts of the external world, provided certain conditions on cognitive integration are satisfied. Moreover, if knowledge is assumed to be a mental state, knowledge is, by a similar line of reasoning, equally extended. However, extended knowledge presents an additional challenge to do with cognitive bloat, given that knowledge is widely regarded as a distinctive cognitive achievement. This paper explores the idea that different types of software systems, rather than specific external devices, may serve to extend knowledge beyond our bodily boundaries, and if so whether this new hypothesis of digitally extended knowledge leads to any untoward expansion of knowledge.
Taming the frame problem: an automated approach for robust UML class diagram specification and verification
Authors: Rosales Viesca Antonio , Al Lail Mustafa
Published: November 2024

It is vital to have precise specifications and verification of UML class diagrams to ensure the correctness of complex software systems. However, current specification and verification methods often face a challenge known as the frame problem. This problem occurs due to incomplete operation specifications that can lead to unintended system behavior. To tackle this issue, we have developed an automated solution to autonomously identify and define frame conditions, effectively minimizing the frame problem’s impact on class diagram verification. Frame conditions are explicit contracts that meticulously outline the permissible effects of operations within the system. Our approach carefully analyzes the behavioral blueprint of a class diagram and extracts crucial information to create these conditions. Through rigorous evaluations encompassing diverse UML diagrams and simulated execution scenarios, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach in preventing unintended system behavior caused by the frame problem. We have integrated the approach into the Temporal Property Validator tool, empowering practitioners to leverage its benefits for practical class diagram specification and verification.
Performing Legality: When and Why Chinese Government Leaders Show Up in Court
Authors: Stern Rachel E. , Kim Jieun , Liebman Benjamin L.
Published: November 2024

Since 2015, Chinese government leaders have been required by law to appear in court when citizens sue their unit or to designate an employee to take their place. We frame this policy as a demand on leaders to “perform legality,” sacrificing their time to demonstrate how seriously the government takes legal proceedings. Drawing on an original dataset of 127,529 administrative lawsuits decided between 2015 and 2018, we investigate how often government leaders appear in Chinese courtrooms, and for which kinds of cases. Overall, leaders attended 24.72% of hearings. Contrary to the State Council's instructions to prioritize attendance in lawsuits that may spiral into protest or draw public attention, leaders are no more likely to attend cases involving multiple plaintiffs or repeat litigants. Instead, they appear more often in cases where plaintiffs are represented by lawyers. These findings demonstrate that leaders tend to sidestep the most contentious cases in the legal system, complicating the conventional wisdom that stability maintenance is the overriding concern driving officials’ behavior. Yet despite leaders’ conflict avoidance, China has continued to ask leaders to personally appear in court in contentious cases. This policy is unusual in comparative perspective, and highlights the key role played by courts in General Secretary Xi Jinping’s drive to re-train the bureaucracy to take law more seriously.
A Phase 1/2 study of teclistamab, a humanized BCMA × CD3 bispecific Ab in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory MM
Authors: Ishida Tadao , Kuroda Yoshiaki , Matsue Kosei , Komeno Takuya , Ishiguro Takuro , Ishikawa Jun , Ito Toshiro , Kosugi Hiroshi , Sunami Kazutaka , Nishikawa Kazuko , Shibayama Kazuhiro , Aida Kensuke , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Inagaki Mitsuo , Kobayashi Hisanori , Iida Shinsuke
Published: November 2024

We characterized the safety and efficacy of the bispecific antibody teclistamab in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Patients were pretreated with a proteasome inhibitor (PI), immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The primary endpoint was frequency and type of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in phase 1, and overall response rate (ORR; ≥ partial response [PR]) in phase 2. In phase 1, 14 patients received once-weekly (QW) subcutaneous teclistamab (0.72 mg/kg [n = 5]; 1.5 mg/kg [n = 5]; 3 mg/kg [n = 4]). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. As of April 2024, 26 phase-2 patients received the recommended phase-2 dose (QW) (RP2D: 1.5 mg/kg) of teclistamab. Biweekly (Q2W) dosing was allowed after maintaining response for ≥ 6 months. At a median follow-up of 14.32 months, ORR was 76.9% (≥ very good PR: 76.9%; ≥ complete response: 65.4%). Median duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival were not reached. Common TEAEs included CRS (grade ≤ 2), neutropenia, and infections. No patient had immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) and dose reductions. Teclistamab demonstrated deep and durable responses in Japanese patients with RRMM, consistent with the global pivotal MajesTEC-1 study, supporting the potential for a new standard of care for Japanese RRMM patients.
Degree-based function index of trees and unicyclic graphs
Authors: Vetrík Tomáš
Published: November 2024

We use functions of two variables satisfying certain conditions to obtain graphs having the smallest value of the degree-based function index among trees and unicyclic graphs with given number of vertices. We show that those extremal results on trees and unicyclic graphs hold for many general degree-based indices such as the general reduced second Zagreb index $$GRM_{a}$$

G
R

M
a

for $$a \ge 0$$

a
≥
0

, general Randić index $$R_{a}$$

R
a

for $$a > 0$$

a
>
0

, first general Gourava index $$FGO_{a}$$

F
G

O
a

for $$a \ge 1$$

a
≥
1

, general Z-type index $$Z_{a,b}$$

Z

a
,
b

for $$a \ge 1$$

a
≥
1

, $$b \ge - 2$$

b
≥
-
2

, general Sombor index $$SO_{a,b}$$

S

O

a
,
b

and one other generalization $$M_{a,b}$$

M

a
,
b

for $$a \ge 1$$

a
≥
1

, $$b > 0$$

b
>
0

. In the study of the maximum value for degree-based indices of trees with given number of vertices, we cover general indices such as $$SO_{a,b}$$

S

O

a
,
b

for $$a > 0$$

a
>
0

, $$b \ge 1$$

b
≥
1

, and $$Z_{a,b}$$

Z

a
,
b

for $$a > 0$$

a
>
0

, $$b \ge - 2$$

b
≥
-
2

.