bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing weakly and strongly solvating polymer electrolytes: Systematically boosting high‐voltage lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Zhang Yimeng , Huang Xueyan , Su Peifeng , Xiao Min , Wang Shuanjin , Huang Sheng , Han Dongmei , Meng Yuezhong
Published: July 2024

Practical high‐voltage lithium metal batteries hold promise for high energy density applications, but face stability challenges in electrolytes for both 4 V‐class cathodes and lithium anode. To address this, we delve into the positive impacts of two crucial moieties in electrolyte chemistry: fluorine atom (‐F) and cyano group (‐CN) on the electrochemical performance of polyether electrolytes and lithium metal batteries. Cyano‐bearing polyether electrolytes possess strong solvation, accelerating Li+ desolvation with minimal SEI impact. Fluorinated polyether electrolytes possess weak solvation, and stabilize the lithium anode via preferential decomposition of F‐segment, exhibiting nearly 6000‐h stable cycling of lithium symmetric cell. Furthermore, the electron‐withdrawing properties of ‐F and ‐CN groups significantly bolster the high‐voltage tolerance of copolymer electrolyte, extending its operational range up to 5 V. This advancement enables the development of 4 V‐class lithium metal batteries compatible with various cathodes, including 4.45 V LiCoO2, 4.5 V LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, and 4.2 V LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2. These findings provide insights into design principles centered around polymer components for high‐performance polymer electrolytes.
Folio thinking and digital literacy: Integrating social media and ePortfolios
Authors: Reynolds Candyce , Pirie Melissa Shaquid , Taylor Sonja
Published: July 2024

This chapter invites instructors to consider practices to help students explore the intersection of social media and academic digital spaces. It argues that doing so increases digital literacy and digital citizenship in students.
A new cytotoxic saponin from the ethyl acetate extract of Myrsine semiserrata Wall
Authors: Nguyen Thi Binh Yen , Nguyen Thuy Linh , Vu Van Nam , Trieu Quy Hung , Doan Thi Mai Huong , Pham Van Cuong
Published: July 2024

Myrsine semiserrata Wall. (Primulaceae) is an evergreen shrub found in some Asian regions including Northern Vietnam, Southern China, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Its bark and leaves are utilized in leather tanning while the fruit serves as a commonly used antiseptic agent. Phytochemical study on the ethyl acetate extract from the aerial parts of this plant led to the isolation of a new saponin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl juglangenin A (1) and four known triterpenes, lupeol acetate (2), taraxerone (3), cucurbitacin D (4), and cucurbitacin H (5). Their structures were proven by analyzing 1D, 2D NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS spectroscopic techniques. All isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity on human cancer cell lines: HepG2, KB, MCF7, and A549. Compounds 4 and 5 exhibited potent activity against HepG2 and KB cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 1.06 to 5.99 µm. Saponin substance 1 demonstrated action against all cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 74.26, 42.83, 40.65, and 70.82 µm, respectively.
The effects of drought on biodiversity in UK river ecosystems: Drying rivers in a wet country
Authors: Stubbington Rachel , England Judy , Sarremejane Romain , Watts Glenn , Wood Paul J.
Published: July 2024

Climate change is interacting with water resource pressures to alter the frequency, severity and spatial extent of drought, which can thus no longer be considered a purely natural hazard. Although particularly severe ecological impacts of drought have occurred in drylands, its effects on temperate ecosystems, including rivers, are also considerable. Extensive research spanning a diverse range of UK rivers offers an opportunity to place the effects of past drought in the context of intensifying climate change and to examine the likely effects of future drought in a typically cool, wet country. Here, drought manifests instream as deficits in surface water, modified flow velocities, and—increasingly—partial or complete drying of previously perennial and naturally non‐perennial reaches. As a result, drought causes declines in the taxonomic and functional biodiversity of freshwater communities including microorganisms, algae, plants, invertebrates and fish, altering ecological processes and associated benefits to people. Although freshwater communities have typically recovered quickly after previous UK droughts, an increase in drought extremity may compromise recovery following future events. The risk of droughts that push ecosystems beyond thresholds to persistent, species‐poor, functionally simplified states is increasing. Research and monitoring are needed to enable timely identification of rivers approaching such thresholds and thus to inform interventions that pull these ecosystems back from the brink. Management actions that support natural flow regimes and promote natural processes that diversify instream habitats, including drought refuges, are also crucial to support biodiversity within functional river ecosystems as they adapt to a changing world.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
The ethics of climate change loss and damage
Authors: Düvel Eike , García‐Portela Laura
Published: July 2024

In the last decade, the international community has become increasingly aware that some negative impacts of climate change cannot be prevented. During the COP19 in Warsaw in 2013, the parties who agreed to the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) acknowledged that there were already greater climate impacts than could be reduced by adaptation (UNFCCC, 2014). These impacts have been called “loss and damage”, and the policies and measures that deal with them are usually referred to as L&D, or L&D measures or policies. Since then, examples of loss and damage have unfortunately become abundant, but we lack a systematic approach to the ethical issues surrounding loss and damage. This article provides an overview of some of the ethical issues surrounding loss and damage in the context of climate change. We discuss what should count as loss and damage, how access to justice for loss and damage should be granted and their different rationale, as well as issues of noneconomic and nonanthropocentric loss and damage.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change
Research on the relation between hydro‐chemical and geological characteristics in karst area: Case study in Zhong Liang Mountain, Southwest China
Authors: Jing Zhang , Ping Yang Lu , Qing Xie , Hang Guo , Xing Bing , Jun Wu Meng , Peng Cao
Published: July 2024

Karst groundwater, which is one of most important drinking water sources, is vulnerable to be polluted as its closed hydraulic relation with surface water. Thus, it is very important to identify the groundwater source to control groundwater pollution. The Pearson correlation coefficient among major ions (Na + K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, SO42−, and Cl−) was employed to deduce the groundwater types in Zhong Liang Mountain, Southwest China. Then, the combined method of principal component analysis and cluster analysis were employed to identify the groundwater sources in a typical karst region of southwest China. The results shown that (1) the high positive correlation between cations and anions indicated the water–rock reaction of Ca‐HCO3, Ca‐SO4, (Na + K)‐Cl, and Mg‐SO4. (2) The major two principal components that would represent water–rock reaction of CaSO4 and Ca‐HCO3 would, respectively, explain 60.41% and 31.80% of groundwater information. (3) Based on the two principal components, 33 groundwater samples were clustered into eight groups through hierarchical clustering, each group has similar water–rock reaction. The findings would be employed to forecast the surge water, that was an important work for tunnel construction and operation.

Practitioner Points

The components of groundwater was highly correlated with water–rock reaction.

The principal component analysis screens the types of groundwater.

The cluster analysis identifies the groundwater sources.
Analyzing the 3D Deformation Induced by Non-tidal Loading in GNSS Time Series in Finland
Authors: Ejigu Yohannes Getachew , Boy Jean-Paul , Raja-Halli Arttu , Khorrami Fatemeh , Naranen Jyri , Nordman Maaria
Published: July 2024

Improving our understanding of non-tidal loading (NTL) in geodetic time series, especially at regional and local scales, holds paramount importance. This deeper comprehension enables accurate modeling and effective removal of NTL effects from the time series, consequently enhancing the overall stability and reliability of geodetic observations. In this study, we compared the performance of different loading products and investigated their impact on the 20-year time series of four permanent GNSS stations within the Finnish permanent GNSS network (FinnRef). We employed original GNSS time series data products generated by four different analysing centers. We qualitatively compared NTL corrections involving ten different combinations of different hydrological, non-tidal atmospheric, and non-tidal oceanic loading models to see how various loading configurations operate and how they affect the noise characteristics of GNSS 3D time series, and ultimately to figure out which models are the most realistic in Finland. We observed weighted RMS reduction rates of up to 20% for the vertical coordinate and up to 10% for the horizontal coordinate. Additionally, we identified a maximum annual amplitude reduction rate of 87.2%. The results demonstrate a substantial improvement through the integration of hydrological loading products derived from GRACE satellites in our study conducted over Finland.
Diversity, Equity und Inclusion Management – Umsetzung in der Praxis
Authors: Becker Martina , Gurtner Andrea
Published: July 2024

Eine inklusive Organisationskultur hat sich als wichtige Impulsgeberin für die Transformation von Unternehmen erwiesen und führt zu gesteigerter Innovation und Kreativität. Um eine solche zu schaffen, müssen Organisationen den vielfältigen Bedürfnissen ihrer Mitarbeitenden gerecht werden. Diversity, Equity und Inclusion Management (DEI-Management) ist ein strategischer Ansatz, der die Inklusion einer vielfältigen Belegschaft anstrebt. Während DEI-Management besonders in größeren Organisationen oft im strategischen Personalmanagement verankert ist, sind solche Ansätze seltener bei kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen (KMU) anzutreffen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Implementierung von DEI-Konzepten in Unternehmen unterschiedlicher Größe. Basierend darauf wird ein sechsstufiger Prozess vorgestellt, der Organisationen bei der Implementierung eines DEI-Managements unterstützen kann.
Personalentwicklung in der hybriden Arbeitswelt
Authors: Breny-Müller Christa , Gurtner Andrea
Published: July 2024

Personalentwicklung mittels traditioneller, betrieblicher und schulischer Angebote muss vor dem Hintergrund der Transformation zu einer zunehmend hybriden Arbeitswelt auf den Prüfstand gestellt und gegebenenfalls angepasst werden. Dabei werden neue Kriterien für die Gestaltung der Personalentwicklung relevant. Führungskräfte sind gefordert neben der Vielfalt von Mitarbeitenden auch ergänzende Aspekte wie Transparenz, Coaching und verfügbare Zeitfenster zu berücksichtigen. In der hybriden Arbeitsweise verändern sich Weiterbildungsformen, kürzere und virtuelle Weiterbildungen gewinnen an Bedeutung. Die Personalentwicklung wird mit neuen Aspekten angereichert und bleibt aber eine gemeinsame Aufgabe von Führungskraft und Mitarbeiter:in.
Digitale Transformation = mehr Nachhaltigkeit in der Logistik?
Authors: Grunder Nils Lorenz , Pešková Marie , Gees Thomas
Published: July 2024

Im Zuge der Corona-Pandemie wurde ersichtlich, dass das Konzept der „Green Logistics“ an Bedeutung gewinnen wird, weil im E-Commerce Just-in-time-Bestellungen anhaltend bedeutend sein werden. Die Forderung nach Nachhaltigkeit setzt die Wirtschaft generell aber speziell die Logistikbranche vor die Herausforderung, ressourceneffizient zu produzieren oder Dienstleistungen zu erbringen. Kann mit dem Einsatz von digitalen Technologien die erforderliche Ressourceneffizienz verbessert werden? Der Beitrag geht am Beispiel der Transport- und Lagerungslogistik dem Zusammenhang von digitaler Transformation und Nachhaltigkeit nach und zeigt mit einer empirischen Untersuchung in der Schweizer Logistik auf, wie man den Effekt messen kann. Erste Erhebungen weisen auf Branchenebene darauf hin, dass es einen positiven Effekt vom Einsatz digitaler Technologien auf die die ökologische und ökonomische Nachhaltigkeit gibt.
Erratum to: An explicit expression of generating function for one-loop tensor reduction
Authors: Hu Chang , Li Tingfei , Shen Jiyuan , Xu Yongqun
Published: July 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP02(2024)158
Higher order corrections to KPV: The nonabelian brane stack perspective
Authors: Schreyer Simon
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this work, we study the decay of $$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

-branes in the setup of Kachru, Pearson, and Verlinde (KPV) at higher order in α′ from the perspective of a nonabelian $$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

-brane stack. We extend the leading order analysis of KPV by including higher order commutators as well as higher derivative corrections. Recently, the KPV setup has been studied at higher order in α′ from the NS5-brane perspective. It was found that in order to control α′ corrections the quantity gsM2 determining the amount of warping in the Klebanov-Strassler throat has to be much larger than expected. This leads to serious issues when using the $$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

-branes as an uplift to dS. The benefit of the analysis in this work is that the $$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

-brane perspective is controlled when the distance between the branes inside the brane stack is substringy which is a regime not controlled on the NS5-brane side. As a main result, we find that the strong bound gsM2 ~ $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(100) obtained on the NS5-brane also holds in the regime accessible from the $$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

-brane perspective. We also show that the novel way of uplifting proposed in the recent work on α′ corrections to the KPV setup can only work for small warped throats.
Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures
Authors: Dankelman Lente H. M. , Barvelink Britt , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Wijffels Mathieu M. E. , Colaris Joost W.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study compares computed tomography (CT) with plain radiography in its ability to assess distal radius fracture (DRF) malalignment after closed reduction and cast immobilization.

Methods

Malalignment is defined as radiographic fracture alignment beyond threshold values according to the Dutch guideline encompassing angulation, inclination, positive ulnar variance and intra-articular step-off or gap. After identifying 96 patients with correct alignment on initial post-reduction radiographs, we re-assessed alignment on post-reduction CT scans.

Results

Significant discrepancies were found between radiographs and CT scans in all measurement parameters. Notably, intra-articular step-off and gap variations on CT scans led to the reclassification of the majority of cases from correct alignment to malalignment. CT scans showed malalignment in 53% of cases, of which 73% underwent surgery.

Conclusion

When there is doubt about post-reduction alignment based on radiograph imaging, additional CT scanning often reveals malalignment, primarily due to intra-articular incongruency.
Continual learning approaches to hand–eye calibration in robots
Authors: Bahadir Ozan , Siebert Jan Paul , Aragon-Camarasa Gerardo
Published: July 2024

This study addresses the problem of hand–eye calibration in robotic systems by developing Continual Learning (CL)-based approaches. Traditionally, robots require explicit models to transfer knowledge from camera observations to their hands or base. However, this poses limitations, as the hand–eye calibration parameters are typically valid only for the current camera configuration. We, therefore, propose a flexible and autonomous hand–eye calibration system that can adapt to changes in camera pose over time. Three CL-based approaches are introduced: the naive CL approach, the reservoir rehearsal approach, and the hybrid approach combining reservoir sampling with new data evaluation. The naive CL approach suffers from catastrophic forgetting, while the reservoir rehearsal approach mitigates this issue by sampling uniformly from past data. The hybrid approach further enhances performance by incorporating reservoir sampling and assessing new data for novelty. Experiments conducted in simulated and real-world environments demonstrate that the CL-based approaches, except for the naive approach, achieve competitive performance compared to traditional batch learning-based methods. This suggests that treating hand–eye calibration as a time sequence problem enables the extension of the learned space without complete retraining. The adaptability of the CL-based approaches facilitates accommodating changes in camera pose, leading to an improved hand–eye calibration system.
Mitigating implicit and explicit bias in structured data without sacrificing accuracy in pattern classification
Authors: Hoitsma Fabian , Nápoles Gonzalo , Güven Çiçek , Salgueiro Yamisleydi
Published: July 2024

Using biased data to train Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms will lead to biased decisions, discriminating against certain groups or individuals. Bias can be explicit (one or several protected features directly influence the decisions) or implicit (one or several protected features indirectly influence the decisions). Unsurprisingly, biased patterns are difficult to detect and mitigate. This paper investigates the extent to which explicit and implicit against one or more protected features in structured classification data sets can be mitigated simultaneously while retaining the data’s discriminatory power. The main contribution of this paper concerns an optimization-based bias mitigation method that reweights the training instances. The algorithm operates with numerical and nominal data and can mitigate implicit and explicit bias against several protected features simultaneously. The trade-off between bias mitigation and accuracy loss can be controlled using parameters in the objective function. The numerical simulations using real-world data sets show a reduction of up to 77% of implicit bias and a complete removal of explicit bias against protected features at no cost of accuracy of a wrapper classifier trained on the data. Overall, the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art bias mitigation methods for the selected data sets.
Efficacy of cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of Tourette syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Serag Ibrahim , Elsakka Mona Mahmoud , Moawad Mostafa Hossam El din , Ali Hossam Tharwat , Sarhan Khalid , Shayeb Sally , Nadim Islam , Abouzid Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. It is a condition that affects between 0.3% and 0.7% of children, and its pathophysiology remains largely elusive. TS is associated with structural and functional alterations in corticostriatal circuits and neurochemical imbalances. Even though TS is currently incurable, there are established treatment options available, including behavioral therapy and neuroleptics. The use of cannabis-based medicine for tic management is an emerging therapeutic strategy, although its efficacy is still under investigation. It is hypothesized to interact with the endogenous cannabinoid system, but further research is required to ascertain its safety and effectiveness in TS.

Aim

In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to assess the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of TS.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Sciences until February 2024. We included clinical trials and cohort studies investigating the efficacy of cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of TS. Data extraction focused on baseline characteristics of the included studies and efficacy outcomes, including scores on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS), and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). We conducted the meta-analysis using Review Manager version 5.4. software. We compared the measurements before and after drug intake using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In total, 357 articles were identified for screening, with nine studies included in the systematic review and 3 in the meta-analysis. These studies involved 401 adult patients with TS treated with cannabis. YGTSS revealed a significant reduction in total scores (MD = -23.71, 95% CI [-43.86 to -3.55], P = 0.02), PUTS revealed a significant decrease in scores (MD = -5.36, 95% CI [-8.46 to -2.27], P = 0.0007), and Y-BOCS revealed no significant difference in score reduction (MD = -6.22, 95% CI [-12.68 to 0.23], P = 0.06).

Conclusion

The current study indicates promising and potentially effective outcomes with the use of cannabis-based medicine in mitigating the severity of tics and premonitory urges. However, there is a need for larger, placebo-controlled studies with more representative samples to validate these findings.
Deep learning in pulmonary nodule detection and segmentation: a systematic review
Authors: Gao Chuan , Wu Linyu , Wu Wei , Huang Yichao , Wang Xinyue , Sun Zhichao , Xu Maosheng , Gao Chen
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The accurate detection and precise segmentation of lung nodules on computed tomography are key prerequisites for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of lung cancer. This study was designed to compare detection and segmentation methods for pulmonary nodules using deep-learning techniques to fill methodological gaps and biases in the existing literature.

Methods

This study utilized a systematic review with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Library databases up to May 10, 2023. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria was used to assess the risk of bias and was adjusted with the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging. The study analyzed and extracted model performance, data sources, and task-focus information.

Results

After screening, we included nine studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 2019 and 2023 and predominantly used public datasets, with the Lung Image Database Consortium Image Collection and Image Database Resource Initiative and Lung Nodule Analysis 2016 being the most common. The studies focused on detection, segmentation, and other tasks, primarily utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks for model development. Performance evaluation covered multiple metrics, including sensitivity and the Dice coefficient.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential power of deep learning in lung nodule detection and segmentation. It underscores the importance of standardized data processing, code and data sharing, the value of external test datasets, and the need to balance model complexity and efficiency in future research.

Clinical relevance statement

Deep learning demonstrates significant promise in autonomously detecting and segmenting pulmonary nodules. Future research should address methodological shortcomings and variability to enhance its clinical utility.

Key Points

Deep learning shows potential in the detection and segmentation of pulmonary nodules.

There are methodological gaps and biases present in the existing literature.

Factors such as external validation and transparency affect the clinical application.
External validation of the barcelona magnetic resonance imaging predictive model for detecting significant prostate cancer including men receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Authors: Morote Juan , Borque-Fernando Ángel , Esteban Luis M. , Picola Natàlia , Muñoz-Rodriguez Jesús , Paesano Nahuel , Ruiz-Plazas Xavier , Muñoz-Rivero Marta V. , Celma Ana , Manuel Gemma García-de , Miró Berta , Abascal José M. , Servian Pol
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To validate the Barcelona-magnetic resonance imaging predictive model (BCN-MRI PM) for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in Catalonia, a Spanish region with 7.9 million inhabitants. Additionally, the BCN-MRI PM is validated in men receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI).

Materials and methods

A population of 2,212 men with prostate-specific antigen serum level > 3.0 ng/ml and/or a suspicious digital rectal examination who underwent multiparametric MRI and targeted and/or systematic biopsies in the year 2022, at ten participant centers of the Catalonian csPCa early detection program, were selected. 120 individuals (5.7%) were identified as receiving 5-ARI treatment for longer than a year. The risk of csPCa was retrospectively assessed with the Barcelona-risk calculator 2 (BCN-RC 2). Men undergoing 5-ARI treatment for less than a year were excluded. CsPCa was defined when the grade group was ≥ 2.

Results

The area under the curve of the BCN-MRI PM in 5-ARI naïve men was 0.824 (95% CI 0.783–0.842) and 0.849 (0.806–0.916) in those receiving 5-ARI treatment, p 0.475. Specificities at 100, 97.5, and 95% sensitivity thresholds were to 2.7, 29.3, and 39% in 5-ARI naïve men, while 43.5, 46.4, and 47.8%, respectively in 5-ARI users. The application of BCN-MRI PM would result in a reduction of 23.8% of prostate biopsies missing 5% of csPCa in 5-ARI naïve men, while reducing 25% of prostate biopsies without missing csPCa in 5-ARI users.

Conclusions

The BCN-MRI PM has achieved successful validation in Catalonia and, notably, for the first time, in men undergoing 5-ARI treatment.
Contraceptive counselling and uptake of contraception among women with cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feyissa Tesfaye Regassa , Akter Shahinoor , Harris Melissa L.
Published: July 2024

To address the lack of clarity regarding contraceptive counselling and uptake of contraception among women with cardiovascular disease (CVD), this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on contraceptive counselling and the subsequent uptake of contraception among women with CVD. A search across six databases identified 1228 articles, with 11 studies (2580 participants) included. The pooled prevalence of contraceptive counselling was 63%, varying from 36 to 94% in individual studies. Inconsistent delivery and documentation of counselling were noted, along with a lack of knowledge about pregnancy complications and misconceptions regarding CVD severity. For contraceptive uptake (n = 5), the pooled prevalence was 64% (95% confidence interval, 45 to 82%). Women with CVD were also found to use less effective methods as well as methods not recommended for their condition (e.g., combined hormonal methods among participants with absolute or relative contraindications). Improving contraceptive counselling and choices for women with CVD can not only enhance knowledge and decision-making for women with CVD in line with their reproductive goals and preferences but reduce high-risk unintended pregnancies and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
A morphoscopic exploration of cranial sexual dimorphism among modern South Africans using computed tomography scans
Authors: Krüger Gabriele Christa , Jantz Richard L. , van der Walt Elizabeth , Lockhat Zarina I. , L’Abbé Ericka N.
Published: July 2024

Continual re-evaluation of standards for forensic anthropological analyses are necessary, particularly as new methods are explored or as populations change. Indian South Africans are not a new addition to the South African population; however, a paucity of skeletal material is available for analysis from medical school collections, which has resulted in a lack of information on the sexual dimorphism in the crania. For comparable data, computed tomography scans of modern Black, Coloured and White South Africans were included in addition to Indian South Africans. Four cranial morphoscopic traits, were assessed on 408 modern South Africans (equal sex and population distribution). Frequencies, Chi-squared tests, binary logistic regression and random forest modelling were used to assess the data. Males were more robust than females for all populations, while White South African males were the most robust, and Black South African females were the most gracile. Population differences were noted among most groups for at least two variables, necessitating the creation of populations-specific binary logistic regression equations. Only White and Coloured South Africans were not significantly different. Indian South Africans obtained the highest correct classifications for binary logistic regression (94.1%) and random forest modelling (95.7%) and Coloured South Africans had the lowest correct classifications (88.8% and 88.0%, respectively). This study provides a description of the patterns of sexual dimorphism in four cranial morphoscopic traits in the current South African population, as well as binary logistic regression functions for sex estimation of Black, Coloured, Indian and White South Africans.
Influence of sustained mild dehydration on thermoregulatory and cognitive functions during prolonged moderate exercise
Authors: Watanabe Hironori , Kadokura Yuma , Sugi Taisuke , Saito Kiyoshi , Nagashima Kei
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The current study investigated whether sustained mild dehydration affects thermoregulatory function and cognitive performance during prolonged exercise.

Methods

Twelve young adults performed a test consisting of three sets of 20-min exercise with 2-min intervals under euhydrated (control, CON) and mildly dehydrated conditions (MDEH) at an ambient temperature of 30 °C and 60% relative humidity. MDEH was established by restricting water intake for 24 h, resulting in urine specific gravity of ≥ 1.020. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), skin blood flow (SkBF), sweat rate (SR) on the chest and forearm, and ear canal and mean skin surface temperatures (Tear and mean Tskin, respectively) were continuously recorded. For each exercise set, thermal and humid sensations and thermal discomfort were assessed using visual analog scales (VAS), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was estimated. Cognitive performance on the Go/No-Go (easy) and incongruent Stroop (difficult) tasks was assessed before and after the test.

Results

No differences were observed in HR, MAP, SkBF, SR, Tear, and mean Tskin between the CON and MDEH. Thermal and humidity sensations, thermal discomfort, and RPE were higher in MDEH than in CON. Moreover, response time to the Stroop task was prolonged in MDEH.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that sustained mild dehydration does not affect autonomic thermoregulation during exercise. Augmented thermal perception and perceived exertion, which are necessary for behavioral thermoregulation, were noted; however, cognitive function may be attenuated under MDEH.
Hospitalization- and death-related financial and employment effects in parents of children with life-limiting conditions: a fixed-effects analysis
Authors: Mitterer Stefan , Zimmermann Karin , Fink Günther , Simon Michael , Gerber Anne-Kathrin , Bergsträsser Eva
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate out-of-pocket non-medical expenses and employment-related outcomes in families of children with life-limiting conditions, specifically, to quantify the financial and employment implications of two events: a child’s hospitalization and death. This cohort study used panel data collected prospectively for a larger study investigating the effectiveness of specialized pediatric palliative care. Participants were recruited by medical professionals between November 2019 and May 2022 at four Swiss children’s hospitals. The care follow-up and bereavement follow-up assessments were 330 and 300 days, respectively. We measured out-of-pocket non-medical expenses, individual full-time equivalent units, and personal income, as well as sick leave and vacation days taken. Analyses included descriptive statistics and two-way linear fixed-effects regressions. The analysis included 110 parents (mothers n = 59, fathers n = 51) of 61 children. Children were hospitalized for a median of 7 days (interquartile range 0–21, range 0–227). The fixed-effects models found a positive association between hospitalization, i.e., length of stay, and travel and accommodation expenses (coefficient 4.18, 95% confidence interval 2.20–6.16). On average, for each week of hospitalization, parents spent an additional 29 Swiss francs on travel and accommodation. During the 300-day bereavement follow-up, six (26%) of 23 parents increased their work commitments, while one reported a decrease.

Conclusions: Families incur higher travel and accommodation expenses during hospitalization than during non-hospitalized periods. Instrumental support, e.g., parking vouchers, can help families minimize these costs. Future studies should investigate whether early return to work during bereavement is driven by economic considerations or a desire for distraction.

Clinical trial registration: Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a clinical trial, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT04236180, 15 March 2019

What Is Known:• Families of children with life-limiting conditions are at risk of substantial financial burden from high out-of-pocket medical expenses.• It is also known that parents often have to incur out-of-pocket non-medical expenses and reduce their work commitments. Little is known about the economic consequences of losing a child to a life-limiting condition.What Is New:• We provide new longitudinal evidence on the hospitalization- and death-related financial and employment implications for families of children with life-limiting conditions.• Child hospitalizations add to families’ financial burden through increased travel and accommodation expenses. Work commitments rose during early bereavement.
Volcanic jets to commercial jets: synopsis and diagnosis
Authors: Aydar Erkan , Çubukçu H. Evren , Bal Çağatay , Cluzel Nicolas , Aladağ Çağdas Hakan , Ersoy Orkun , Laporte Didier
Published: July 2024

Aircraft encounters with volcanic ash have caused significant damage over the past 40 years, resulting in particular attention being given to the issue. We analyzed the volcanic ash-aircraft encounter database published by the USGS. We added new volcanic eruptions and parameters such as eruption types, and dry–wet. Then, we applied standard and advanced statistical methods.

Over 130 encounters have been documented in the mentioned database, with volcanic ash causing severe abrasions to the windshield, airframe, wings, and engine components. In nine cases, aircraft engines failed. We applied the binary regression analysis and some laboratory melting experiments on volcanic ash. Besides phreatomagmatism, we use the term external water in this work to describe meteoric water that enters volcanic plumes through precipitation or melting ice on ice-capped volcanoes. We demonstrated that engine failure occurs when our regression analyses undergo dry-to-wet conditions. In other words, statistically, there is a positive correlation between wet ash encounters with aircraft and engine failure incidents. Moreover, experiments conducted at 900 °C and under 40 bar pressure showed increased sintering in the dry sample, while melting textures were more prevalent in hydrated samples. We concluded that despite the various eruptive dynamics of volcanic ash, the introduction of external water into the volcanic plumes, probably causing instantaneous hydration of volcanic ash, is a common factor in engine failure incidents. Thus, we have identified the reasons behind engine failures during encounters between aircraft and volcanic ash and the specific damage that can occur depending on the type of eruption involved.
Adopting a systems-thinking approach to optimise dietary and exercise referral practices for cancer survivors
Authors: Joseph Ria , Hart Nicolas H. , Bradford Natalie , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Wallen Matthew P. , Knowles Reegan , Han Chad Y. , Milch Vivienne , Holland Justin J. , Chan Raymond J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Service referrals are required for cancer survivors to access specialist dietary and exercise support. Many system-level factors influence referral practices within the healthcare system. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify system-level factors and their interconnectedness, as well as strategies for optimising dietary and exercise referral practices in Australia.

Methods

A full-day workshop involving national multidisciplinary key stakeholders explored system-level factors impacting dietary and exercise referral practices. Facilitated group discussions using the nominal group technique identified barriers and facilitators to referral practices based on the six World Health Organisation (WHO) building blocks. The systems-thinking approach generated six cognitive maps, each representing a building block. A causal loop diagram was developed to visualise factors that influence referral practices. Additionally, each group identified their top five strategies by leveraging facilitators and addressing barriers relevant to their WHO building block.

Results

Twenty-seven stakeholders participated in the workshop, including consumers (n = 2), cancer specialists (n = 4), nursing (n = 6) and allied health professionals (n = 10), and researchers, representatives of peak bodies, not-for-profit organisations, and government agencies (n = 5). Common system-level factors impacting on referral practices included funding, accessibility, knowledge and education, workforce capacity, and infrastructure. Fifteen system-level strategies were identified to improve referral practices.

Conclusion

This study identified system-level factors and strategies that can be applied to policy planning and practice in Australia.
Long-term efficacy of fractional microneedle radiofrequency versus botulinum toxin-A in primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eid Reem O. , Shaarawi Eman , Hegazy Rehab A. , Hafez Vanessa
Published: July 2024

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic disorder that creates severe psycho-social burden due to excessive uncontrolled sweating. Various therapeutic agents have been described, but each has its own limitations. The use of fractional microneedling radiofrequency has emerged lately with promising results. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of fractional microneedle radiofrequency in comparison to Botulinum toxin-A (BT-A) in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 20 patients (40 sides) were randomized to either fractional microneedle radiofrequency (4 sessions at 3-week intervals) or BT-A (single session), where each side received one of the treatment modalities. Efficacy was measured at 3, 6 and 12 months using Minor’s starch iodine test, HDSS score, Hqol questionnaire, and patient satisfaction. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency, although showed moderate efficacy, is inferior to BT-A regarding longitudinal efficacy at 12 months, as well as patients’ satisfaction. Both treatment modalities showed to be equally safe, but fractional microneedle radiofrequency procedure was substantially more painful. In conclusion, fractional microneedle radiofrequency does not offer a better substitute to BT-A in primary axillary hyperhidrosis. BT-A shows higher efficacy, is less painful, less expensive, and needs a smaller number of sessions.
The life care annuity: enhancing product features and refining pricing methods
Authors: Apicella Giovanna , Gaudenzi Marcellino , Molent Andrea
Published: July 2024

The state-of-the-art proposes life care annuities, that have been recently designed as variable annuity contracts with Long-Term Care payouts and Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefits. In this paper, we propose more general features for these insurance products and refine their pricing methods. We name our proposed product “GLWB-LTC”. In particular, as to the product features, we allow dynamic withdrawal strategies, including the surrender option. Furthermore, we consider stochastic interest rates, described by a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process. As to the numerical methods, we solve the stochastic control problem involved by the selection of the optimal withdrawal strategy through a robust tree method, which outperforms the Monte Carlo approach. We name this method “Tree-LTC”, and we use it to estimate the fair price of the product, as some relevant parameters vary, such as, for instance, the entry age of the policyholder. Furthermore, our numerical results show how the optimal withdrawal strategy varies over time with the health status of the policyholder. Our findings stress the important advantage of flexible withdrawal strategies in relation to insurance policies offering protection from health risks. Indeed, the policyholder is given more choice about how much to save for protection from the possible disability states at future times.
Survey-based analysis of cybersecurity awareness of Turkish seafarers
Authors: Moen Ivar , Oruc Aybars , Amro Ahmed , Gkioulos Vasileios , Kavallieratos Georgios
Published: July 2024

In recent years, vessels have become increasingly digitized, reflecting broader societal trends. As a result, maritime operations have become an attractive target for cyber threat actors. Despite the limited cybersecurity training seafarers receive, they are expected to operate within technologically advanced environments. The importance of cybersecurity awareness is evident, but the extent of seafarers’ knowledge in this area remains uncertain. This article investigates three primary aspects: (1) the current state of cybersecurity onboard cargo vessels, (2) seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness, and (3) potential improvements in seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness. To accomplish this, a literature review is conducted to collect and analyze current research, supplemented by a questionnaire survey targeting Turkish seafarers. Our findings support increased investment in awareness and training programs, including organizational-wide cybersecurity awareness efforts, more frequent training, mandatory training for all seafarers through the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), and the appointment of a cybersecurity Officer (CySO) to ensure satisfactory cybersecurity levels onboard. Since this article focuses on high-level topics by assessing the general state of maritime cybersecurity and seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness, it does not delve into detailed considerations of awareness and training programs. Nevertheless, it lays the foundation for future research in this area.
The sensitivity of tidal asymmetry descriptors in the Ems estuary
Authors: Wünsche Anna , Becker Marius , Fritzsch Ralf , Kelln Jessica , Winter Christian
Published: July 2024

Tidal asymmetry in estuaries and other tidally dominated coastal systems is commonly evaluated to assess system states or their development. Based on different methods, local states are classified as either flood or ebb dominant. An increasing number of descriptors for deriving tidal asymmetry in recent years calls for a comparison and discussion of their sensitivity on input data and its quality. We compared tidal asymmetry from water level and current velocity using various descriptors that deduce from harmonic, ratio, and skewness methods. Computed from one-year measurements at different stations along the Ems estuary, their comparability was enabled by a new approach of scaling. Our results on the variation of sampling intervals demonstrated a highly site-specific sensitivity of the descriptors that led up to changes in the asymmetry direction in tidal duration asymmetry and phase lag. The slack water asymmetry appeared most sensitive to the studied parameter settings. As expected, variability of tidal asymmetry reduced with an increasing number of analyzed tides. At the same time, uncertainty from the asymmetry during spring or neap phases compared to spring-neap periods remained in all analyzed descriptors. Hence, the characterization of the estuary in terms of flood- or ebb-dominance depends critically on the quality and extent of the input data. For all parameter settings, the impact of river discharge on tidal asymmetry was pronounced but varied depending on the location in the estuary. The actual characterization of the effect of asymmetry, e.g., on sediment transport, is not conducted in this study. We propose that this requires a more comprehensive dataset, such as depth and cross-sectional variability of currents and sediment concentrations.
Semilattice Base Hierarchy for Frames and Its Topological Ramifications
Authors: Bezhanishvili G. , Dashiell F. , Razafindrakoto A. , Walters-Wayland J.
Published: July 2024

We develop a hierarchy of semilattice bases (S-bases) for frames. For a given (unbounded) meet-semilattice A, we analyze the interval in the coframe of sublocales of the frame of downsets of A formed by all frames with the S-base A. We study various degrees of completeness of A, which generalize the concepts of extremally disconnected and basically disconnected frames. We introduce the concepts of D-bases and L-bases, as well as their bounded counterparts, and show how our results specialize and sharpen in these cases. Classic examples that are covered by our approach include zero-dimensional, completely regular, and coherent frames, allowing us to provide a new perspective on these well-studied classes of frames, as well as their spatial counterparts.
Interplay of the heart, spleen, and bone marrow in heart failure: the role of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Yura Yoshimitsu , Okumura Takahiro , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2024

Improvements in therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Although HFpEF is the predominant heart failure type among older individuals, its prognosis is often poor owing to the lack of effective therapies. The roles of the spleen and bone marrow are often overlooked in the context of HFpEF. Recent studies suggest that the spleen and bone marrow could play key roles in HFpEF, especially in relation to inflammation and immune responses. The bone marrow can increase production of certain immune cells that can migrate to the heart and contribute to disease. The spleen can contribute to immune responses that either protect or exacerbate heart failure. Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen could play a crucial role in HFpEF. Increased metabolic activity in the spleen, immune cell production and mobilization to the heart, and concomitant cytokine production may occur in heart failure. This leads to systemic chronic inflammation, along with an imbalance of immune cells (macrophages) in the heart, resulting in chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis, potentially leading to decreased cardiac function. The bone marrow and spleen are involved in altered iron metabolism and anemia, which also contribute to HFpEF. This review presents the concept of an interplay between the heart, spleen, and bone marrow in the setting of HFpEF, with a particular focus on extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen. The aim of this review is to discern whether the spleen can serve as a new therapeutic target for HFpEF.