bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced performance of environmental resistance and reprocessability of epoxidized natural rubber via incorporating fluorinated short side chains and β‐hydroxyl ester bonds
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Fu Hao , Fu Yaru , Li Wenqi , Zhu Shijiang , Liao Shuangquan , Zhao Fuchun
Published: April 2024

The current challenge of recycling rubber articles beyond the failure time has created an increasingly huge burden on the environment. Therefore, there is a growing focus on enhancing the environmental resistance and reprocessability of rubber materials. In this work, we present a simple way to introduce the fluorinated short‐side chains on the molecular chains of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) via the reaction of epoxy groups and carboxyl groups. The results indicated that the short fluorinated side chains endowed ENR the excellent environmental resistance such as thermal stability, thermal oxygen resistance and solvent resistance. At the same time, the cross‐linking network formed by the thermally reversible β‐hydroxyl ester bonds enables the rubber to a good reprocessability. The second recycled ENR‐DTSA‐F had achieved 90.4% of the retention ratio of the tensile strength and reached 69.9% of the retention ratio of the elongation at break compared to the original sample. This work provides a simple method for preparing ENR materials with good environmental resistance and reprocessability.
Development of single‐stream resin transfer molding using in‐situ anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam with preprocessing on carbon fibers
Authors: Shim Yoon‐Bo , Park Young‐Bin
Published: April 2024

Thermoplastic resin transfer molding (T‐RTM) is one of the composites manufacturing processes using anionic ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactam (CPL). Because of very fast reaction among materials, traditional T‐RTM requires two different channels before transferring resin into the mold cavity. Single‐stream method has been researched for robust and simple process, which has several advantages in aspect of manufacturing process. Carbon fibers were preprocessed including polyamide sizing, plasma treatment and activator sizing for modified single‐channel T‐RTM. Through quantitative calculation of required sizing content, concentration of sizing agent was controlled. Thermal stability of preprocessed carbon fibers during molding was measured by TGA. Crystallinity of anionic‐polyamide 6 (A‐PA6) manufactured by single‐stream T‐RTM was measured by DSC and 3.0% lower than traditional T‐RTM. Mechanical properties were measured, which are short‐beam strength and flexural strength/modulus. The short‐beam strength and flexural strength of the composites fabricated through single‐stream T‐RTM were 29.7% and 17.0% higher than those fabricated through conventional T‐RTM while strain and toughness decreased. Fracture surface of carbon fibers/A‐PA6 composites manufactured by single‐stream T‐RTM showed more adhesive bonding between carbon fiber and matrix.

Highlights

Surface treatment on carbon fibers to develop single‐channel T‐RTM process.

Effects of surface treatment researched by thermal, quantitative, and IR analysis.

Improved interfacial fracture mechanisms due to higher adhesion at the interface.
Strain cartography of bilayer graphene‐PDMS nanocomposites using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sarma Shrutidhara , Srivastava Ritu
Published: April 2024

Effective transmission of stress between fillers and the host matrix is instrumental in enhancing the properties of nanocomposites and optimizing filler reinforcement. This study delves into understanding stress transfer in materials, exploring the impact of synthesis methods and matrix materials through a comprehensive examination of a bilayer graphene (BLG)‐polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite. BLG was synthesized via chemical exfoliation and subjected to various strain conditions within a PDMS matrix. A precisely controlled strain, ranging from 0% to 0.19%, was applied using a meticulous 4‐point bending method, monitored with a standard strain gauge. The study unveiled significant shifts in the Raman spectra's 2D band, indicating a direct linear relationship with applied strain. Utilizing contour mapping techniques on well‐defined Raman spectra and stress‐induced band shifts, we mapped strain distribution within the BLG layer. The results revealed a gradual increase in strain from the lower to the upper end of the BLG structure, resembling strain behaviors observed in differently shaped fibers. These compelling findings advance our understanding of strain dynamics within BLG‐PDMS nanocomposites, highlighting the crucial role of strain mapping methodologies in scrutinizing the material's structural response to deformation.

Highlights

The study reports successful synthesis of high‐quality bilayer graphene (BLG) using a chemical exfoliation method, as evidenced by the sharp 2D and G Raman peaks.

Significant shifts in 2D band exhibited linear correlation between applied strain; observed within precise strain levels of 0% to 0.19%.

Contour maps revealed a gradual increase in strain from the lower to the upper end of the BLG structure, akin to strain behaviors observed in differently shaped fibers.
“The anxiety coming up to every scan—It destroyed me”: A qualitative study of the lived experience of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy
Authors: Tripathi Tanya , Watson Jotara , Skrzypek Hannah , Stump Hanako , Lewis Sharon , Hui Lisa
Published: April 2024

Background

Emerging evidence supporting the use of valaciclovir to reduce fetal infection after maternal primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has stimulated interest in routine CMV serological screening in pregnancy. It is important to understand the healthcare consumer perspective of a CMV infection during pregnancy to minimize unintended harms of screening.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with Australian women who had a lived experience of CMV infection following serological testing during pregnancy. Participants were recruited via social media and healthcare consumer networks, and purposively selected to capture a range of perinatal outcomes. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Twelve participants were interviewed: 6 had a live birth, 4 had terminations of pregnancy, 1 had a neonatal death and 1 was pregnant at the time of interview. Four major categories emerged from the analysis. Women reported a lack of CMV awareness among themselves, their social networks, and among their health care providers. The participants described their experience as “hard” and “stressful”. Uncertainty and variability characterized their clinical decision‐making process. The pregnancy and postpartum periods were marked by ongoing anxiety about the long‐term impacts of CMV. Women supported screening for CMV, decision making and reproductive choice, but acknowledged that routine testing may not be desired by everyone and may increase stress and terminations of pregnancy. Important coping strategies included obtaining support from partners, family, and other families with lived experience of CMV, as well as having access to knowledgeable and sensitive healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Serological diagnosis of maternal CMV infection during pregnancy can have severe and prolonged psychological impacts on parents, regardless of the pregnancy outcome. Improving healthcare professionals' knowledge and public awareness are essential before widespread serological screening can be responsibly introduced. Healthcare administrators that are considering implementing a prenatal screening program for secondary prevention of fetal CMV infection should pay attention to consumer perspectives to minimize unintended harms to women and their families.
Characterization of GaN‐Based Nanopillar Light‐Emitting Diodes on Multicrystalline Si Substrates: Insights into Emitting‐Color Distribution Characteristics
Authors: Xue Houyao , Taniguchi Shingo , Saito Tsubasa , Sato Yuichi
Published: April 2024

In a previous study, GaN‐based nanopillars are grown vertically on a multicrystalline Si substrate by inserting (In)GaN steering crystals. In addition, blue‐green and white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are prepared on this substrate for the first time using a double heterotype p–n junction. Herein, the emission‐color distribution characteristics of this type of LED are analyzed in depth, and a related luminescence principle is proposed. Each nanopillar plus an electrode is considered a nanopillar LED, and the emission color of each nanopillar LED is inferred. The indium distribution in the InGaN active region is predicted based on the luminous color and corresponding spectra. Simultaneously, the morphology of related materials, electrical properties of LEDs, and chromaticity coordinates of luminous colors are analyzed and discussed.
Generalizing minimum safe operating altitudes for fixed‐wing UAVs in real‐time
Authors: Milne Ashford , McConville Alex , Richardson Thomas , Watson Matt , Schellenberg Ben
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses a method of determining the minimum safe altitude of an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) at any point within a designated airspace by conducting a glide reachability analysis. Recently, fixed‐wing UAVs are more regularly deployed near population centers and in extreme environments, requiring increasingly robust emergency systems and planning. The long‐ranges and adverse terrain associated with monitoring the Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala by a team from the University of Bristol (UoB) increases the likelihood that motor failure would result in the aircraft being unable to Return To Home (RTH) and impossible to retrieve. A method for delineating a boundary representing the minimum safe altitude required for the aircraft to safely glide to the airfield in the event of a motor failure was developed within MATLAB, defined by the UAV's minimum glide angle in wind. This model was subsequently compared with flight data from UoB missions around Fuego to better improve its accuracy and analyze the limitations of the missions.
The value added of solidarity economies: Bureaucratic constructions of value for alternative economic policy in Ecuador
Authors: D'Aloia Alexander
Published: April 2024

The National Institute of the Popular Solidarity Economy (IEPS) in Ecuador was created to promote an alternative form of economy—the Popular Solidarity Economy (PSE). As a precarious institute with limited funding, IEPS staff worked hard to find alternative ways to support the PSE. In this article, I examine their work through the lens of valor agregado (added value), a commonly used local term for how economic value is created. Government bureaucrats intervened primarily by creating an audience that was interested in the social aspects of the alternative economy. Because valor agregado ambiguously refers to both monetary and social value, it helped the PSE better integrate with the wider economy. With this approach, I offer a potential new path for analyzing government support for alternative economies. By refocusing our attention on key actors' understandings of value creation, anthropologists can sidestep questions of whether alternative economies have been “co‐opted” by capitalism and instead examine the necessary interfaces between these alternatives and the mainstream.
Syntheses, Crystal Structure and Theoretical Properties of Schiff Bases Obtained from Isoniazid and Pyridine‐2‐, 3‐, 4‐Carboxaldehyde and Their Zinc(II) Complexes
Authors: Aydoğdu Ömer , Uğurlu Güventürk , Necefoğlu Hacali , Öztürkkan Füreya Elif , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: April 2024

The series of Schiff base ligands, N’‐(pyridine‐2‐ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (I), N’‐(pyridine‐3‐ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (II) and N’‐(pyridine‐4‐ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (III), and the Zn(II) complexes of the ligands (I and II), [N’‐(pyridine‐2‐ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide]‐trichlorozincoate (IV) and [N’‐(Pyridin‐3‐ylmethylene) isonicotinohydrazide] trichlorozincoate (V) have been newly synthesized and their structures have been characterized by 1H, 13C NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopies, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. The Hirshfeld surface analyses have been confirmed the importance of H‐atom contacts in establishing the packings. The ground state equilibrium geometries of the synthesized compounds are optimized at DFT/B3LYP/6‐311++G (d, p) and HF/6‐311++G (d, p) levels of theory (for the ligands) and B3LYP/GENECP method is used as the mixed basis sets of LANL2DZ (for Zn) and 6–311G (for other atoms) in the gas‐phase. The structural parameters obtained from the theoretical studies of the compounds are compared with their experimental ones. Their linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties are also calculated by the same methods. In the ground state, the energy band gaps (Eg) of the Schiff bases (I, II and III) have been calculated as 4.38 eV, 4.36 eV and 4.46 eV (at B3LYP) and 9.94 eV, 9.81 eV and 10.20 eV (at HF), respectively.
Competing for attention on digital platforms: The case of news outlets
Authors: Meyer Tim , Kerkhof Anna , Cennamo Carmelo , Kretschmer Tobias
Published: April 2024

Research Summary

Platforms are often assumed to benefit firms, especially smaller ones, by facilitating access to a broader consumer base and increasing visibility. However, this logic relies on platforms” ability to match consumer preferences to complement characteristics. In addition to this matching mechanism, we posit that platforms also broker consumer attention towards complements, which then compete for this attention. We propose that this attention mechanism is particularly prominent in settings where complement characteristics cannot be observed ex‐ante, and argue that complementors' with larger scale and broader scope are better positioned to capture attention than smaller and less broad ones. We formalize and test this intuition in the context of news aggregators, highlighting the significance of complementors' ability to draw attention in evaluating their benefits from platform participation.

Managerial Summary

Small firms are often assumed to benefit most from joining a platform to expand their market reach and visibility. However, this will only be the case if the main function of platforms is to match consumer preferences to product characteristics. We argue that platforms also direct attention towards some products at the expense of others on the platform. This “attention mechanism” is particularly important whenever product characteristics cannot be observed prior to consumption, and we propose that in such settings, larger scale and broader scope of products drive attention towards specific firms on the platform. We test these predictions in the context of online news aggregators, which feature news content by newspapers of different sizes and with different range of articles. We find that indeed large and generalist newspapers benefit most from being on a news aggregators, while small and focused newspapers perform better when they are not featured on the news aggregator at all.
Systematic literature review: Digital twins' role in enhancing security for Industry 4.0 applications
Authors: El‐Hajj Mohammed , Itäpelto Taru , Gebremariam Teklit
Published: April 2024

Connectivity and data exchange are key features of Industry 4.0. In this paradigm, (Industrial) Internet of Things ((I)IoT) devices are a vital component facilitating the collection and transmission of environmental data from the physical system to the central station for processing and analysis (digital twin [DT]). However, although (I)IoT devices play a critical role in this process, they are not inherently equipped to run strong encryption mechanisms to secure the data they transmit over wired or wireless channels. This research aims to explore the potential of DTs in securing Industry 4.0 applications and the security mechanism employed to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication of data communicated between (I)IoT and DT through a systematic literature review (SLR). This SLR, based on the analysis of 67 papers published between 2018 and 2023, underscores the evolving significance of DT technology, particularly within the ambit of Industry 4.0. The findings illuminate the pervasive influence of DT technology across multiple industrial sectors. The result SLR revealed that DT is growing and being widely adopted as a security tool particularly in Industry 4.0 using enabling technology like machine learning, data analytics, blockchain, and 5G networks to provide security solutions such as intrusion detection, vulnerability assessment, cyber range, and threat intelligence.
Comparing the effectiveness of k$$ k $$‐different treatments through the area under the ROC curve
Authors: Martínez‐Camblor Pablo , Pérez‐Fernández Sonia , Dwiel Lucas L. , Doucette Wilder T.
Published: April 2024

The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) has become a popular index not only for measuring the overall prediction capacity of a marker but also the strength of the association between continuous and binary variables. In the current considered study, the AUC was used for comparing the association size of four different interventions involving impulsive decision making, studied through an animal model, in which each animal provides several negative (pretreatment) and positive (posttreatment) measures. The problem of the full comparison of the average AUCs arises therefore in a natural way. We construct an analysis of variance (ANOVA) type test for testing the equality of the impact of these treatments measured through the respective AUCs and considering the random‐effect represented by the animal. The use (and development) of a post hoc Tukey's HSD‐type test is also considered. We explore the finite‐sample behaviour of our proposal via Monte Carlo simulations, and analyse the data generated from the original problem. An R package implementing the procedures is provided in the supporting information.
Protein Engineering of Novel Thermostable Pullulanase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Starch Saccharification Application
Authors: Lin Lin , Li Ruiqi , Wang Ziyu , Yuan Jing , Hu Xiaojun
Published: April 2024

A novel thermostable type I pullulanase gene (named pulGSM) is cloned from Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSMZ456. The purified PulGSM shows optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 65 °C. Protein engineering method (site‐directed mutagenesis and enzyme immobilization) is used to further improve the thermostability and catalytic efficiency of PulGSM. Through site‐directed mutagenesis, three mutants (carrying the mutations L211C, E306I and R471E named PulGSM‐M211, PulGSM‐M306 and PulGSM‐M471) are generated and characterized in detail. As showing the best enzymatic properties, PulGSM‐M471 is directly immobilized on epoxy‐functionalized supports to obtain the immobilized enzyme lx‐PulGSM‐M471. The temperature tolerance results show an enhanced T1/2 of 6.5 h (mutated PulGSM‐M471) and 8.5 h (mutated and immobilized lx‐PulGSM‐M471) at 70 °C in comparison to the wild type (4 h). Compared to the commercial pullulanase from Bacillus acidopullulyticus (PDB:2WAN), PulGSM or PulGSM‐M471 can be used directly in maize starch saccharification process without adjusting the pH, which reduces cost and improves efficiency.
Assessment of potential maladaptive pain in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis using a von Frey aesthesiometer
Authors: Dalla Fontana Maria , Anesi Simone , Czopowicz Michal , Corr Sandra A.
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of maladaptive pain in the thoracic limbs of dogs with elbow osteoarthritis (OA) using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer (eVFA).

Methods

Twenty‐eight client‐ and staff‐owned dogs (OA, n = 14; controls, n = 14) were enrolled in the study. Every dog underwent a full orthopaedic examination, and then five von Frey measurements were obtained from each carpal pad of each dog. A maximum test threshold of 400 g was set and approved by an ethics committee.

Results

eVFA thresholds were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in dogs with OA (median 248 g, range 128–369 g) than in control dogs (median 390 g, range 371–400 g). In the OA group, the sensory threshold was significantly lower (p = 0.048) in the more severely affected limb than the less severely affected limb.

Limitation

The low maximum threshold required for ethical approval may influence the variability in the control group.

Conclusions

Dogs with elbow OA had significantly lower sensory thresholds than control dogs, which is compatible with the presence of maladaptive pain, potentially due to central sensitisation. Further research is required to evaluate the potential use of the eVFA for monitoring clinical progression and treatment response in dogs with elbow OA.
Stoichiometry of long noncoding RNA interactions with other RNAs: Insights from OIP5‐AS1
Authors: Yang Jen‐Hao , Tsitsipatis Dimitrios , Gorospe Myriam
Published: April 2024

Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs modulate gene expression programs in a range of developmental processes in different organs. In skeletal muscle, lncRNAs have been implicated in myogenesis, the process whereby muscle precursor cells form muscle fibers during embryonic development and regenerate muscle fibers in the adult. Here, we discuss OIP5‐AS1, a lncRNA that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and is capable of coordinating protein expression programs during myogenesis. Given that several myogenic functions of OIP5‐AS1 involve interactions with MEF2C mRNA and with the microRNA miR‐7, it was critical to carefully evaluate the precise levels of OIP5‐AS1 during myogenesis. We discuss the approaches used to examine lncRNA copy number using OIP5‐AS1 as an example, focusing on quantification by quantitative PCR analysis with reference to nucleic acids of known abundance, by droplet digital (dd)PCR measurement, and by microscopic visualization of individual lncRNAs in cells. We discuss considerations of RNA stoichiometry in light of developmental processes in which lncRNAs are implicated.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
2‐Pyridylmetallocenes, Part VII. Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Cycloaurated Pyridylmetallocenes
Authors: Weigand Stefan , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: April 2024

Treatment of the 2‐pyridylferrocenes [CpFe(C5H3R{C5H4N})] (R=H, Me) with HAuCl4 or NaAuCl4 in aqueous acetonitrile yields the cycloaurated complexes [CpFe(C5H2R{C5H4N}AuCl2)] (R=H, 2 a; Me, 2 b). Reaction of 2 a,b with phenylacetylene in the presence of CuI and NEt3 produces the monoalkynyl complexes [CpFe(C5H2R{C5H4N}AuI{CCPh})] (R=H, 3 a; Me, 3 b), while the reaction of 2 a with NaCN/ LiCl yields.the bis‐cyanide [CpFe(C5H3{C5H4N}Au{CN}2)] 4 a. The molecular structures of 2 a, 3 a, 3 b and 4 a were determined by X‐ray diffraction.
From Innermost to Full Almost-Sure Termination of Probabilistic Term Rewriting
Authors: Kassing Jan-Christoph , Frohn Florian , Giesl Jürgen
Published: April 2024

There are many evaluation strategies for term rewrite systems, but proving termination automatically is usually easiest for innermost rewriting. Several syntactic criteria exist when innermost termination implies full termination. We adapt these criteria to the probabilistic setting, e.g., we show when it suffices to analyze almost-sure termination (AST) w.r.t. innermost rewriting to prove full AST of probabilistic term rewrite systems. These criteria also apply to other notions of termination like positive AST. We implemented and evaluated our new contributions in the tool .
Logical Predicates in Higher-Order Mathematical Operational Semantics
Authors: Goncharov Sergey , Santamaria Alessio , Schröder Lutz , Tsampas Stelios , Urbat Henning
Published: April 2024

We present a systematic approach to logical predicates based on universal coalgebra and higher-order abstract GSOS, thus making a first step towards a unifying theory of logical relations. We start with the observation that logical predicates are special cases of coalgebraic invariants on mixed-variance functors. We then introduce the notion of a locally maximal logical refinement of a given predicate, with a view to enabling inductive reasoning, and identify sufficient conditions on the overall setup in which locally maximal logical refinements canonically exist. Finally, we develop induction-up-to techniques that simplify inductive proofs via logical predicates on systems encoded as (certain classes of) higher-order GSOS laws by identifying and abstracting away from their boiler-plate part.
Reachability in Fixed VASS: Expressiveness and Lower Bounds
Authors: Draghici Andrei , Haase Christoph , Ryzhikov Andrew
Published: April 2024

The recent years have seen remarkable progress in establishing the complexity of the reachability problem for vector addition systems with states (VASS), equivalently known as Petri nets. Existing work primarily considers the case in which both the VASS as well as the initial and target configurations are part of the input. In this paper, we investigate the reachability problem in the setting where the VASS and the final configuration are fixed and only the initial configuration is variable. We show that fixed VASS fully express arithmetic with counting on initial segments of the natural numbers. It follows that there is a very weak reduction from any fixed such number-theoretic predicate (e.g. square-freeness or “$$N_1$$

N
1

is the number of primes smaller than $$N_2$$

N
2

”) to reachability in fixed VASS where configurations are presented in unary. If configurations are given in binary, we show that there is a fixed VASS with five counters whose reachability problem is PSPACE-hard.
From Mechanized Semantics to Verified Compilation: the Clight Semantics of CompCert
Authors: Blazy Sandrine
Published: April 2024

CompCert is a formally verified compiler for C that is specified, programmed and proved correct with the Coq proof assistant. CompCert was used in industry to compile critical embedded software. Its correctness proof states that the compiler does not introduce bugs. This semantic preservation property involves the formal semantics of the source and target languages of the compiler.

Reasoning on C semantics to prove compiler correctness is challenging, as C is a real language that was not designed with semantics in mind. This paper presents the operational style that was designed for the C semantics of CompCert in order to facilitate the mechanized reasoning on terminating and diverging programs, and details the semantics of the Clight source language of CompCert.
Fizzer: New Gray-Box Fuzzer
Authors: Jonáš Martin , Strejček Jan , Trtík Marek , Urban Lukáš
Published: April 2024

Fizzer is a new gray-box fuzzer. In contrast to common gray-box fuzzers that aim to cover both and branches of branching instructions, Fizzer primarily aims to cover both possible values and of Boolean expressions in the program. When a generated test evaluates a so-called atomic Boolean expression to one of these values, our fuzzer computes the distance to the other value, detects bytes that influence this distance, and applies gradient descent on these bytes to flip the value. In Test-Comp 2024, Fizzer placed third in the category Cover-Branches after FuSeBMC and FuSeBMC-AI.
Foundations for Query-based Runtime Monitoring of Temporal Properties over Runtime Models
Authors: Sakizloglou Lucas , Giese Holger , Lambers Leen
Published: April 2024

In model-driven engineering, runtime monitoring of systems with complex dynamic structures is typically performed via a runtime model capturing a snapshot of the system state: the model is represented as a graph and properties of interest as graph queries which are evaluated over the model online. For temporal properties, history-aware runtime models encode a trace of timestamped snapshots, which is monitored via temporal graph queries. In this case, the query evaluation needs to consider that a trace may be incomplete, thus future changes to the model may affect current answers. So far there is no formal foundation for query-based monitoring over runtime models encoding incomplete traces.

In this paper, we present a systematic and formal treatment of incomplete traces. First, we introduce a new definite semantics for a first-order temporal graph logic which only returns answers if no future change to the model will affect them. Then, we adjust the query evaluation semantics of a querying approach we previously presented, which is based on this logic, to the definite semantics of the logic. Lastly, we enable the approach to keep to its efficient query evaluation technique, while returning (the more costly) definite answers.
Monitoring the Future of Smart Contracts
Authors: Capretto Margarita , Ceresa Martin , Sánchez César
Published: April 2024

Blockchains are decentralized systems that provide trustable execution guarantees through the use of programs called smart contracts. Smart contracts are programs written in domain-specific programming languages running on blockchains that govern how tokens and cryptocurrency are sent and received. Smart contracts can invoke other smart contracts during the execution of transactions initiated by external users.

Once deployed, smart contracts running code cannot be modified, so techniques like runtime verification are very appealing for improving their reliability. Moreover, the conventional model of computation of smart contracts is transactional: once operations commit, their effects are permanent and cannot be undone. Therefore, errors in smart contracts may lead to millionaire losses of money.

In this paper, we present the concept of future monitors which allows monitors to remain waiting for future transactions to occur before committing or aborting. This is inspired by optimistic rollups, which are modern blockchain implementations that increase efficiency (and reduce cost) by delaying transaction effects. We exploit this delay to propose a model of computation that allows bounded future monitors. We show our monitors correct respect with legacy transactions, how they implement bounded future monitors and how they guarantee progress. We illustrate the use of bounded future monitors by implementing correctly multi-transaction flash loans.
AI Upskilling and Digital Twins: A Service Science Perspective on the Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 Shift
Authors: Spohrer Jim
Published: April 2024

To create a more sustainable built-infrastructure for business and society, the shift from industry 4.0 to industry 5.0 broadens beyond primarily technology and economic goals to heighten the priority of lagging environmental and social goals. The industry 5.0 challenge is to take language and communications to a whole new level in human society. Because of the desire to achieve win-win outcomes where possible, the shift to industry 5.0 connects to concerns of the service science community, including: (1) the foundational insight that service system entities exist at multiple scales, and (2) the challenge that local optimization rarely leads to global optimization of systems with goals in an ecology of multi-scale actors that depend on the give and get of service. AI capabilities for service providers (and all stakeholders are service providers) may help to achieve the needed industry 5.0 stakeholder integration (STI). Explorations of service in the AI era from science, logic, and architecture perspectives suggest that AI upskilling and digital twins may be the key as (1) humanity adjusts to increasing AI technological capabilities, including building better models of each other, and (2) with better models of stakeholders, the opportunity to learn to invest more wisely and systematically in improving win-win interaction and change.
The photon content of the neutron
Authors:   The CTEQ-TEA collaboration, Xie Keping , Zhou Bei , Hobbs T. J.
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this work, we complete our CT18qed study with the neutron’s photon parton distribution function (PDF), which is essential for the nucleus scattering phenomenology. Two methods, CT18lux and CT18qed, based on the LUXqed formalism and the DGLAP evolution, respectively, to determine the neutron’s photon PDF have been presented. Various low-Q2 non-perturbative variations have been carefully examined, which are treated as additional uncertainties on top of those induced by quark and gluon PDFs. The impacts of the momentum sum rule as well as isospin symmetry violation have been explored and turned out to be negligible. A detailed comparison with other neutron’s photon PDF sets has been performed, which shows a great improvement in the precision and a reasonable uncertainty estimation. Finally, two phenomenological implications are demonstrated with photon-initiated processes: neutrino-nucleus W-boson production, which is important for the near-future TeV–PeV neutrino observations, and the axion-like particle production at a high-energy muon beam-dump experiment.
Exploring duality symmetries, multicriticality and RG flows at c = 2
Authors: Damia Jeremias Aguilera , Galati Giovanni , Hulik Ondrej , Mancani Salvo
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this work, we study the realization of non-invertible duality symmetries along the toroidal branch of the c = 2 conformal manifold. A systematic procedure to construct symmetry defects is implemented to show that all Rational Conformal Field Theories along this branch enjoy duality symmetries. Furthermore, we delve into an in-depth analysis of two representative cases of multicritical theories, where the toroidal branch meets various orbifold branches. For these particular examples, the categorical data and the defect Hilbert spaces associated with the duality symmetries are obtained by resorting to modular covariance. Finally, we study the interplay between these novel symmetries and the various exactly marginal and relevant deformations, including some representative examples of Renormalization Group flows where the infrared is constrained by the non-invertible symmetries and their anomalies.
Asynchronous fieldwork in cross-country surveys: an application to physical activity
Authors: Poupakis Stavros , Salustri Francesco
Published: April 2024

Multi-country surveys often aim at cross-country comparisons. A common quality standard is conducting these surveys within a common fieldwork period, across all participating countries. However, the rate the target sample is achieved within that fieldwork period in each country varies substantially. Thus, the distribution of the interview month often varies substantially in the final sample. This may lead to biased estimates of cross-country differences if the variable of interest exhibit a non-constant trend over time. We demonstrate the implications of such an asynchronous fieldwork, using physical activity measured in the European Social Survey Round 7 collected between September 2014 and January 2015. Accounting for fieldwork month, we present a set of different post-estimation predictions. Physical activity varies across interview month, with countries with more observations during autumn were upward-biased, compared to countries with more observations during winter. Our results demonstrate how comparisons between countries are affected when interview month is omitted, and how accounting for interview month in the analysis is an easy way to mitigate this problem.
Global, spatially explicit modelling of zenith wet delay with XGBoost
Authors: Crocetti Laura , Schartner Matthias , Zus Florian , Zhang Wenyuan , Moeller Gregor , Navarro Vicente , See Linda , Schindler Konrad , Soja Benedikt
Published: April 2024

Radio signals transmitted by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites experience tropospheric delays. While the hydrostatic part, referred to as zenith hydrostatic delay (ZHD) when mapped to the zenith direction, can be analytically modelled with sufficient accuracy, the wet part, referred to as zenith wet delay (ZWD), is much more difficult to determine and needs to be estimated. Thus, there exist several ZWD models which are used for various applications such as positioning and climate research. In this study, we present a data-driven, global model of the spatial ZWD field, based on the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The model takes the geographical location, the time, and a number of meteorological variables (in particular, specific humidity at several pressure levels) as input, and can predict ZWD anywhere on Earth as long as the input features are available. It was trained on ZWDs at 10718 GNSS stations and tested on ZWDs at 2684 GNSS stations for the year 2019. Across all test stations and all observations, the trained model achieved a mean absolute error of 6.1 mm, respectively, a root mean squared error of 8.1 mm. Comparisons of the XGBoost-based ZWD predictions with independently computed ZWDs and baseline models underline the good performance of the proposed model. Moreover, we analysed regional and monthly models, as well as the seasonal behaviour of the ZWD predictions in different climate zones, and found that the global model exhibits a high predictive skill in all regions and across all months of the year.
Excess conductivity and magnetoresistance analysis for (BSF)x/(Bi, Pb)-2223 composite
Authors: Matar M. , Mohamed I. E. , Abou-Aly A. I. , Awad R. , Anas M. , Hassan M. S.
Published: April 2024

This study examined the impact of adding hard ferrite Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 (BSF) nanoparticles to the Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3.2O10+δ (Bi, Pb)-2223) superconductor phase. The investigation specifically focused on evaluating the critical current density, fluctuation-induced conductivity, and magnetoresistance of nano-(BSF)x/(Bi, Pb)-2223 composite, where 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 wt.%. The results revealed that the critical current density, Jc, increased with the addition of nano-(BSF) up to x = 0.04 wt.%, reaching a value of 441.20 A/cm2. The Aslamazov and Larkin (A–L) approach has been evaluated the fluctuation-induced conductivity. Several superconducting parameters, including coherence length ζc(0), effective layer thickness d, penetration depth λpd(0), and Fermi energy $${E}_{F}$$

E
F

showed improvement as the concentration of nano-(BSF) increased up to x = 0.04 wt.%. In addition to Ginzburg–Landau critical parameters, such as the thermodynamic critical field Bc(0), lower critical magnetic field Bc1(0), upper critical magnetic field Bc2(0), and critical current density Jc(0) demonstrated an increase up to x = 0.04 wt.%, followed by a decrease for higher concentrations. The magnetoresistance measurements were performed at various applied DC magnetic fields, with values ranging from 0.29 to 4.44 kG, and were analyzed using the thermally activated flux creep (TAFC) and Ambegaokar–Halperin (AH) models. The calculated flux pinning energy (U) increased with the addition of nano-(BSF) up to x = 0.04 wt.% and then decreased for x > 0.04 wt.%. Furthermore, the transition width (ΔT), was observed to increase as the applied magnetic field values increased. Moreover, the addition of nano-(BSF) increased the field-independent critical current density, Jc,0(0), up to x = 0.04 wt.%, after which it decreased for higher concentrations.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: time to change traditional practice
Authors: Mohamedahmed Ali Yasen , Zaman Shafquat , Das Niloy , Kakaniaris Georgios , Vakis Stelios , Eccersley James , Thomas Pradeep , Husain Najam
Published: April 2024

Background

To evaluate comparative outcomes of outpatient (OP) versus inpatient (IP) treatment and antibiotics (ABX) versus no antibiotics (NABX) approach in the treatment of uncomplicated (Hinchey grade 1a) acute diverticulitis.

Methods

A systematic online search was conducted using electronic databases. Comparative studies of OP versus IP treatment and ABX versus NABX approach in the treatment of Hinchey grade 1a acute diverticulitis were included. Primary outcome was recurrence of diverticulitis. Emergency and elective surgical resections, development of complicated diverticulitis, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay were the other evaluated secondary outcome parameters.

Results

The literature search identified twelve studies (n = 3,875) comparing NABX (n = 2,008) versus ABX (n = 1,867). The NABX group showed a lower disease recurrence rate and shorter length of hospital stay compared with the ABX group (P = 0.01) and (P = 0.004). No significant difference was observed in emergency resections (P = 0.33), elective resections (P = 0.73), development of complicated diverticulitis (P = 0.65), hospital re-admissions (P = 0.65) and 30-day mortality rate (P = 0.91). Twelve studies (n = 2,286) compared OP (n = 1,021) versus IP (n = 1,265) management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. The two groups were comparable for the following outcomes: treatment failure (P = 0.10), emergency surgical resection (P = 0.40), elective resection (P = 0.30), disease recurrence (P = 0.22), and mortality rate (P = 0.61).

Conclusion

Observation-only treatment is feasible and safe in selected clinically stable patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (Hinchey 1a classification). It may provide better outcomes including decreased length of hospital stay. Moreover, the OP approach in treating patients with Hinchey 1a acute diverticulitis is comparable to IP management. Future high-quality randomised controlled studies are needed to understand the outcomes of the NABX approach used in an OP setting in managing patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 in distal radius fracture detection through wrist radiographs
Authors: Mert Sinan , Stoerzer Patrick , Brauer Johannes , Fuchs Benedikt , Haas-Lützenberger Elisabeth M. , Demmer Wolfram , Giunta Riccardo E. , Nuernberger Tim
Published: April 2024

Distal radius fractures rank among the most prevalent fractures in humans, necessitating accurate radiological imaging and interpretation for optimal diagnosis and treatment. In addition to human radiologists, artificial intelligence systems are increasingly employed for radiological assessments. Since 2023, ChatGPT 4 has offered image analysis capabilities, which can also be used for the analysis of wrist radiographs. This study evaluates the diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 in identifying distal radius fractures, comparing it with a board-certified radiologist, a hand surgery resident, a medical student, and the well-established AI Gleamer BoneView™. Results demonstrate ChatGPT 4’s good diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 0.88, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.93), surpassing the medical student (sensitivity 0.98, specificity 0.72, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.85; p = 0.04) significantly. Nevertheless, the diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 lags behind the hand surgery resident (sensitivity 0.99, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.985; p = 0.014) and Gleamer BoneView™(sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.99; p = 0.006). This study highlights the utility and potential applications of artificial intelligence in modern medicine, emphasizing ChatGPT 4 as a valuable tool for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in the field of medical imaging.
Optokinetic stimulation for the treatment of vestibular and balance disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Sedeño-Vidal Ana , Peinado-Rubia Ana Belén , Cortés-Pérez Irene , Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To analyse the effectiveness of optokinetic stimulation (OKS) for improving symptoms and function in patients with vestibular and balance disorders.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), CINAHL Complete, and PEDro databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included patients with vestibular and balance disorders and compared the effects of OKS versus other interventions or no intervention on subjective or objective functional outcomes. Data were analysed by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 10 studies were selected including 468 patients, 177 of whom received OKS. There were no significant differences in scores on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI − 0.18 to 0.23; p = 0.83) or the visual analogue scale (VAS) for vertigo (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI − 1.25 to 1.58; p = 0.82). However, there were statistically significant differences in the timed up and go (TUG) test, with a large effect (SMD = − 1.13; 95% CI -2 to − 0.28; p = 0.009), and in the sensory organization test (SOT), with a medium effect (SMD = − 0.7; 95% CI − 1.21 to − 0.19; p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed significant effects of OKS on VAS (p = 0.017), TUG (p = 0.009) and SOT (p = 0.001) only in patients with balance disorders without vestibular disease (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

OKS may improve dizziness intensity measured with VAS or dynamic balance measured whit TUG and SOT in patients with balance disorders not due to vestibular disease. The quality of the evidence was low or very low due to the small number of included studies.

PROSPERO Registry number

CRD42023445024.
Keeping prior anticoagulation treatment in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke: the REKOALA study
Authors: Rigual Ricardo , Rodríguez-Pardo Jorge , Lorenzo-Diéguez Manuel , Fernández-Fernández Susana , Torres Iglesias Gabriel , Lastras Clara , Ruiz-Ares Gerardo , de Leciñana María Alonso , de Celis Elena , Casado-Fernández Laura , Hervás Carlos , Alonso Elisa , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , Fuentes Blanca
Published: April 2024

Introduction

A consensus on the management of anticoagulated patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke has not yet been established. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in such patients based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source receiving anticoagulant therapy is done. Patients were classified based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation at admission. Clinical outcomes, haemorrhagic and ischaemic events were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and a sub-analysis of patients with severe ischaemic stroke at admission (NIHSS score ≥ 15) were performed.

Results

Anticoagulation was continued in 147 (78.8%) of 186 patients. Patients continuing anticoagulant had lower NIHSS (median 5 vs 18, p < 0.001). There were no differences in haemorrhagic or ischaemic events. In the multivariate analysis, good functional outcome at discharge was higher in the continuation group, OR (CI95%) 3.77 (1.2–11.2). PSM analysis adjusted for potential confounders such as NIHSS had higher rates of good functional outcomes at discharge (80% vs 36%, p = 0.004) and at 90 days (76% vs 44%, p = 0.042) in the continuation group. Patients with severe stroke in this group had lower 90-day mortality (34.6% vs 62.5%, p = 0.045) and higher rates of good clinical outcome at discharge (33.3% vs 8.3%, p = 0.032). No differences were observed in 90-day haemorrhagic or ischaemic events.

Conclusion

Continuation of anticoagulation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source did not increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage and may be associated with better functional outcomes.