bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLADEnet: A progressive web app for multi-messenger cosmology and electromagnetic follow-ups of gravitational-wave sources
Authors: Brozzetti M. L. , Dálya G. , Greco G. , Bawaj M. , Matcovich T. , Branchesi M. , Boch T. , Baumann M. , Cutini S. , De Pietri R. , Khalouei E. , Fernique P. , Punturo M. , Vocca H.
Published: February 2024

Multi-messenger astronomy is an emerging field of research aimed at unravelling the physics governing astrophysical transients. GW170817 stands out as the first multi-messenger observation of the coalescence of a binary system of neutron stars, detected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave interferometers, along with space- and ground-based electromagnetic telescopes. It is a striking example of how multi-messenger observations significantly enhance our understanding of the physics of compact objects, relativistic outflows, and nucleosynthesis. It shows a new way of making cosmology and has the potential to resolve the tension between different measurements of the expansion rate of the Universe. To optimise multi-messenger observational strategies, to evaluate the efficiency of the searches for counterparts, and to identify the host galaxy of the source in a large sky localisation, information about the volumes of galaxies within the gravitational-wave localisation is of paramount importance. This requires the use of galaxy catalogues and appropriate knowledge of their completeness. Here, we describe a new interactive web tool namedGLADEnetthat allows us to identify catalogued galaxies and to assess the incompleteness of the catalogue of galaxies in real time across the gravitational-wave sky localisation. This measure is of particular importance when using catalogues such as the GLADE catalogue (Galaxy List for the Advanced Detector Era), which includes a collection of various catalogues that make completeness differ across different regions of the sky. We discuss the analysis steps to defining a completeness coefficient and provide a comprehensive guide on how to use the web app, detailing its functionalities. The app is geared towards managing the vast collection of over 22 million objects in GLADE. The completeness coefficient and the GLADE galaxy list will be disseminated in real time viaGLADEnet, powered by the Virtual Observatory (VO) standard and tools.
A3COSMOS and A3GOODSS: Continuum source catalogues and multi-band number counts
Authors: Adscheid Sylvia , Magnelli Benjamin , Liu Daizhong , Bertoldi Frank , Delvecchio Ivan , Gruppioni Carlotta , Schinnerer Eva , Traina Alberto , Béthermin Matthieu , Gkogkou Athanasia
Published: February 2024

Context. Galaxy submillimetre number counts are a fundamental measurement in our understanding of galaxy evolution models. Most early measurements are obtained via single-dish telescopes with substantial source confusion, whereas recent interferometric observations are limited to small areas.

Aims. We used a large database of ALMA continuum observations to accurately measure galaxy number counts in multiple (sub)millimetre bands, thus bridging the flux density range between single-dish surveys and deep interferometric studies.

Methods. We continued the Automated Mining of the ALMA Archive in the COSMOS Field project (A3COSMOS) and extended it with observations from the GOODS-South field (A3GOODSS). The database consists of ∼4000 pipeline-processed continuum images from the public ALMA archive, yielding 2050 unique detected sources, including sources with and without a known optical counterpart. To infer galaxy number counts, we constructed a method to reduce the observational bias inherent to targeted pointings that dominate the database. This method comprises a combination of image selection, masking, and source weighting. The effective area was calculated by accounting for inhomogeneous wavelengths, sensitivities, and resolutions and for the spatial overlap between images. We tested and calibrated our method with simulations.

Results. We derived the number counts in a consistent and homogeneous way in four different ALMA bands covering a relatively large area. The results are consistent with number counts retrieved from the literature within the uncertainties. In Band 7, at the depth of the inferred number counts, ∼40% of the cosmic infrared background is resolved into discrete sources. This fraction, however, decreases with increasing wavelength, reaching ∼4% in Band 3. Finally, we used the number counts to test models of dusty galaxy evolution, and find a good agreement within the uncertainties.

Conclusions. By continuing the A3COSMOS and A3GOODSS archival effort, we obtained the deepest archive-based (sub)millimetre number counts measured to date over such a wide area. This database proves to be a valuable resource that, thanks to its substantial size, can be used for statistical analyses after having applied certain conservative restrictions.
Detectability of stochastic gravitational wave background from weakly hyperbolic encounters
Authors: Kerachian Morteza , Mukherjee Sajal , Lukes-Gerakopoulos Georgios , Mitra Sanjit
Published: February 2024

We compute the stochastic gravitational wave (GW) background generated by black hole–black hole (BH–BH) hyperbolic encounters with eccentricities close to one and compare them with the respective sensitivity curves of planned GW detectors. We use the Keplerian potential to model the orbits of the encounters and the quadrupole formula to compute the emitted GWs. We take into account hyperbolic encounters that take place in clusters up to redshift 5 and with BH masses spanning from 5 M⊙ to 55 M⊙. We assume the clusters to be virialized and study several cluster models with different mass and virial velocity, and finally obtain an accumulative result, displaying the background as an average. Using the maxima and minima of our accumulative result for each frequency, we provide analytical expressions for both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. Our results suggest that the background from these encounters is likely to be detected by the third-generation detectors Cosmic explorer and Einstein telescope, while the tail section at lower frequencies intersects with DECIGO, making it a potential target source for both ground- and space-based future GW detectors.
OGLE-GD-CEP-0516: The most metal-poor lithium-rich Galactic Cepheid
Authors: Catanzaro G. , Ripepi V. , Salaris M. , Trentin E.
Published: February 2024

Context. Classical Cepheids (DCEPs) are important astrophysical objects not only as standard candles for the determination of the cosmic distance ladder but also as a test-bed for stellar evolution theory thanks to the connection between their pulsation (periods, amplitudes) and stellar (luminosity, mass, effective temperature, metallicity) parameters.

Aims. We aim to elucidate the nature of the Galactic DCEP OGLE-GD-CEP-0516 and other DCEPs showing an enhanced abundance of lithium in their atmospheres.

Methods. We collected high-resolution spectra for OGLE-GD-CEP-0516 with UVES at VLT. Accurate stellar parameters, such as effective temperature, gravity, micro- and macro-turbulence, radial velocity, and metal abundances, were measured for this star using spectral synthesis techniques based on the LTE plane-parallel atmospheric model.

Results. We find a chemical pattern, with most elements being under-abundant compared with the Sun; that is [Fe/H] = −0.54 ± 0.16 dex, [C/H] = −0.45 ± 0.05 dex, or [Mg/H] = −0.40 ± 0.16 dex, among others. In particular, we measured a lithium abundance of A(Li) = 3.06 ± 0.10 dex for OGLE-GD-CEP-0516, which makes this object the sixth Li-rich object to be identified among the Milky Way DCEPs.

Conclusions. Our results favour the scenario in which the six Galactic Li-rich DCEPs are crossing the instability strip for the first time having had slowly rotating progenitors during their main sequence phase. This study explores the link between lithium abundance and the pulsation period in classical Cepheids. We find that brighter Cepheids, indicative of higher mass, show enhanced lithium abundance, contrary to predictions from evolutionary models considering rotation. Additionally, our analysis of lithium abundance versus [Fe/H] reveals a lack of significant correlation, contradicting expectations from galactic chemical evolution (GCE) models.
Analyse des Schaumweinmarkts aus Sicht der deutschen Verbraucher – Eine repräsentative Befragung
Authors: Szolnoki Gergely , Kiefer Christoph , Tacer Alexander
Published: February 2024

Abstract (DE)

Der Schaumweinmarkt in Deutschland wird auf ca. 3 Mio. hl pro Jahr geschätzt, was ca. 15% des gesamten Weinmarktes entspricht. Mit dem höchsten Pro-Kopf-Verbrauch an Schaumwein nehmen die Deutschen im weltweiten Vergleich seit Jahren eine Sonderstellung ein. Zum Thema Stillwein liegen ausreichend Forschungsergebnisse und Marktanalysen vor, während Schaumwein in dieser Hinsicht etwas vernachlässigt wird. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, wurde im Oktober 2022 eine repräsentative Studie unter deutschen Verbrauchern zu Häufigkeit, Anlässen und Präferenzen des Schaumweinkonsums durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass bei Schaumwein besondere Anlässe und Marken eine deutlich größere Bedeutung einnehmen als bei Stillwein und dass der Schaumweinkonsum stärker von Gelegenheitstrinkern geprägt ist. Der Anteil der regelmäßigen Verbraucher ist bei Stillwein deutlich höher als bei Schaumwein, aber der Kreis der aktiven Schaumweintrinker ist größer als der von Stillwein. Die Geschmacksrichtungen “trocken” und “halbtrocken” decken ca. 50% der Präferenzen der Konsumenten ab. Frauen präferieren einen höheren Restzuckergehalt, während Männer Schaumweine mit niedrigerem Restzuckergehalt bevorzugen. Mit zunehmendem Alter verschiebt sich die Präferenz in Richtung höherer Restzuckerwerte. Beim Vergleich der Einkaufsstätten und der Konsumhäufigkeit wird deutlich, dass Selten-Trinker eher Spontankäufe tätigen, was die hohe Präferenz für den Lebensmitteleinzelhandel erklärt. Häufig-Trinker suchen gezielter nach Schaumweinen und greifen daher deutlich häufiger auf den Fachhandel (12%) und den Internethandel (7%) zurück.
A study on the influence of media opinion leaders on consumers' brand recognition of wine tourism destinations – the moderating effect of the degree of media informatization
Authors: Shi Yunxia , Zhang Rumeng , Fan Jianbo
Published: February 2024

Based on the extensive influence of opinion leaders in the media field and the prevalence of wine tourism, this study introduces the concept of the degree of media informatization and attempts to reveal the influence mechanism of media opinion leaders' communication contents on consumers' brand recognition of tourism destinations from the perspective of media informatization. Yantai, China, a famous wine grape producing area, was used as the study site for empirical analysis through 382 questionnaires. The results show that the expertise, interactivity and popularity characteristics embodied in opinion leaders' communication content positively influence consumers' flow experience and brand recognition; flow experience significantly and positively influences consumers' brand recognition; the degree of media informatization plays a moderating effect in the relationship between opinion leaders' characteristics and flow experience. The findings enrich and improve the research on the influence of media opinion leaders in the field of wine tourism, and provide insights for wine tourism destination brand building and wine business operators, guiding them to improve their business strategies, enrich wine tourism experiences, and enhance consumer brand recognition.
Protecting the wine value chain through Blockchain
Authors: Balcells Alba , Agell Xavier , Altés Antoni , Altés Miquel , Tirado Victor
Published: February 2024

The project consists of the applicability of blockchain in the relationship between wineries and certifying entities, with the ultimate goal of their relationship with the competent authority. The project, named Localvino 2, has studied the capacity of blockchain to automate the certification of wine products based on the general regulations determined by the European Union and the particular ones of each denomination of origin (DO) included in their specifications. Specifically, the research has focused on wines from a qualified estate, wines with high added value and with the highest recognition granted by the official bodies of Catalonia, with the aim of extrapolating the results obtained to all the wines produced under the protection of the denominations of origin.
Protecting wine names online: Securing first rights over .vin and .wine domain extensions
Authors: Goemaere Charles , McLaughlin Morgen
Published: February 2024

The Internet (along with the mobile apps and social media it has fostered) has greatly benefited the wine sector, changing the way winemakers sell their products and how wine drinkers decipher which bottles to enjoy. In 2021, the global online wine market estimated value was USD 417.9 billion, and it is expected to grow 43% by 2028.1 But, the governance of the Internet has been a major issue over the years for the wine industry. This was particularly apparent back in 2014 when the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was set to release the new domain extensions .wine and .vin.
The Effect of Soil Depth on Pupation of Bactrocera dorsalis Collected from Chilli
Authors: Leksono Amin Setyo , Gama Zulfaidah Penata , Yanuwiadi Bagyo , Rizali Akhmad , Vera Yunita
Published: February 2024

Fruit flies including genus Bactrocera undergo a process of pupation in the soil. The depth of the soil may affect the success of pupation. This study aimed to evaluate soil depth's effect on the success of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) pupae in becoming imago, survival, normality and development time. The experiment in the laboratory consisted of eight treatments of pupation depth (0, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 cm). Pupae were put in mica tubes with a diameter of 5 cm and poured with soil granules. Replications were done four times. The survival of B. dorsalis was significantly affected by soil depth. As the depth of the soil increased, the likelihood of becoming an imago reduced. The survival rate was lowest at a depth of 30 cm (2%±2) and the success rate for becoming an adult was best at a control depth of 0 cm (60%±5.9). Additionally, it was discovered that as pupation depth increased, the imago's survival rate decreased. The control group had a greater imago emergence survival rate (51%±4.1), whereas no pupa survived at a depth of 30 cm in the other groups. All soil depths except for 30 cm had normal imago, however, all other soil depths had anomalous imago. The range of the average development time was 8.02 to 12.57 days. The length of pupal development is influenced by the depth of pupation. At depths between 0 and 4 cm, pupal development took fewer than 10 days on average, but from 10 to 60 cm, it took more than 10 days. The regression analysis's findings point to the equation y = -4.9524x + 35.54. According to prediction results, a depth of 50.4 cm may be the point at which the emergence of adult B. dorsalis is successfully suppressed. This study recommends covering rotten fruit to inhibit the growth of fruit flies or burying it in the ground to a depth of more than 50 cm (in dry conditions) to increase the effectiveness of fruit fly management.
Treatment of Seeds Using Essential Oils of Scented Lemongrass,Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Nutmeg on the Viability of White Corn (Zea mays ceratinaL.)
Authors: Purwanto Purwanto , Nuryanti Ni Siluh Putu , Oktafrina Oktafrina
Published: February 2024

Seed is a determining factor in cultivation. To maintain seed quality, it is necessary to have a new breakthrough in seed treatment, namely, the use of plant essential oils. Essential oils contain compounds that can repel, kill, and inhibit the development of destructive pests, chemical and semi-chemical components in the form of pheromones, and allelochemicals. This research was conducted to obtain the concentration of essential oil, which is most suitable as a seed protector, before planting to avoid damaging pests and seed-borne pathogens. The research was carried out at the Plant Laboratory 1 of the Lampung State Polytechnic using a randomized completely block design (RCBD), and a further test of the difference that is least significant (LSD) was carried out at the five percentiles. The concentration of essential oils K1:2%, K2:4%, K3:6%, and K0 : control. K0: control. Each concentration was repeated three times. The concentration of 2% (K2) can potentially protect the seed compared to lemongrass and nutmeg at all three concentrations. The use of nutmeg and citronella essential oils at three concentration levels directly affects germination, as seen from the observed indicators of root length, hypocotyl length, strong normal sprouts, weak normal sprouts, abnormal sprouts and dead seeds. This is thought to be due to their high allelochemical content. However, the essential oils of nutmeg and citronella can still be used as a seed treatment with low concentrations of seeds. It is necessary to carry out a vigour test to determine its effect directly in the field so that the most appropriate concentration and application method are obtained in an effort to minimize the effect of allelochemical content on seed growth but still able to protect seeds from destructive pests during the germination period in the field.
Selection of Pectinolytic Yeast from Liberica Green Coffee Beans (Coffea liberica)
Authors: Byagsa Yarisina , Sunarharum Wenny Bekti , Mahatmanto Tunjung , Jatmiko Yoga Dwi
Published: February 2024

Liberica coffee has an inferior quality when compared to arabica and robusta coffee. This flavour can be improved through a fermentation process involving indigenous microbes, one of which is a group of pectinolytic yeasts. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain yeast isolates with pectinolytic activity. Green bean samples were used for yeast isolation using YEPD agar media. Selected yeast isolates were screened for their pectinolytic activity semi-quantitatively using the well-diffusion method and quantitatively using the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. A total of six yeast isolates with different colony morphological characters were obtained and referred to as isolates Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, and Y6. The isolates suspected to produce pectinase enzyme due to a clear zone around the well are Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5. Y5 had the highest pectinolytic index, 022 and 0,73 on the second and fifth days of incubation, respectively. The four selected isolates were then screened quantitatively and showed that Y2 had the highest pectinase enzyme activity with a value of 12,66 ± 0,17 U/mL. The results showed that four yeast isolates from Liberica green coffee beans had pectinolytic activity with the highest enzyme activity found in Y2.
Detection of Botnet in the loT Network
Authors: Mumtaz Syeda Lamiya , Syed Hassan Jamil , Al-Ani Ayman , Fatah Salmah , Al-Ani Ahmed K. , Khan Azeem
Published: February 2024

The ubiquity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has prompted security concerns, particularly in the face of evolving botnet attacks. This paper investigates the impact of botnet attacks on IoT devices and proposes a network-based detection and prevention system employing signature and anomaly-based mechanisms. Notably, our methodology extends beyond traditional detection, focusing on proactively impeding bot creation. Leveraging a Linux-based distributed system, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and custom rules, our approach encompasses distinct phases Preprocessing, Network Security Monitoring, Rule-based IDS System, and Analysis. Experimental results with diverse PCAP files demonstrate the efficacy of custom rules, significantly enhancing alert counts for various security aspects, including network trojan detection and privacy violations. The significant finding is the substantial increase in alert counts after the integration of custom rules, exemplified in the 1.1 GB PCAP file scenario. Network trojan detection surged from 585 to 988, emphasizing the heightened efficacy of rule-based measures. Privacy breaches and bad traffic alerts also experienced significant increments, showcasing the system’s improved sensitivity and responsiveness. This finding reinforces the pivotal role of custom rules in fortifying IoT network security comprehensively.
A Survey on Vehicular Traffic Flow Anomaly Detection Using Machine Learning
Authors: Chew Jackel Vui Lung , Asli Mohammad Fadhli
Published: February 2024

Vehicular traffic flow anomaly detection is crucial for traffic management, public safety, and transportation efficiency. It assists experts in responding promptly to abnormal traffic conditions and making decisions to improve the traffic flow. This survey paper offers an overview of the application of machine learning to detect anomalies in the traffic flow. Through an extensive review of the literature from the Scopus database, this paper explores the technical aspects of traffic flow anomaly detection using machine learning, including data sources, data processing approaches, machine learning algorithms, and evaluation metrics. Additionally, the paper highlights the emerging research opportunities for researchers in enhancing traffic flow anomaly detection using machine learning.
Digitalisierung im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie: Chancen und Risiken
digitaler Angebote der Sucht-Selbsthilfe
Authors: Pasdzior Johanna Gabriella , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Bischof Gallus
Published: February 2024

Ziel der Studie Die Sucht-Selbsthilfe ist ein wichtiger, aber unzureichend
untersuchter Bestandteil des Suchthilfesystems. Auch digitale
Selbsthilfe-Angebote, die während der COVID-19-Pandemie an Bedeutung
gewonnen haben, sind kaum erforscht. Ziel der Studie war es, Auswirkungen und
Akzeptanz von Digitalisierungsprozessen in der Sucht-Selbsthilfe vor dem
Hintergrund der Pandemie zu untersuchen.

Methodik Basierend auf Forschungsergebnissen und theoretischen
Überlegungen wurde ein Online-Fragebogen konstruiert, um die
Einschätzungen von Betroffenen und Angehörigen aus
suchtbezogenen Selbsthilfegruppen zu erfassen.

Ergebnisse Die Befragten gaben mehrheitlich an, dass digitale
Selbsthilfe-Angebote bei Jüngeren auf große Akzeptanz
stoßen und den Zugang zur Selbsthilfe für Personen verbessern,
die mobilitätseingeschränkt sind oder in ländlichen
Regionen wohnen. Nach Einschätzung der Befragten können digitale
Alternativen persönliche Selbsthilfe-Treffen jedoch nicht
vollständig ersetzen. Die Befragten aus ambulanten Selbsthilfegruppen
waren zudem der Ansicht, dass nicht genügend finanzielle Mittel
für die Digitalisierung zur Verfügung stehen und viele
Betroffene und Angehörige mit fehlenden technischen Voraussetzungen oder
Computerkenntnissen von digitalen Angeboten ausgeschlossen werden.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass digitale Selbsthilfe-Angebote
ergänzend zu ambulanten Angeboten genutzt werden können, um auch
jüngere Mitglieder zu gewinnen und Personengruppen zu erreichen, die
allein durch ambulante Angebote weniger gut erreichbar sind. Bei Betroffenen und
Angehörigen mit fehlenden technischen Voraussetzungen oder
unzureichenden Computererfahrungen erscheint die Bereitstellung digitaler
Endgeräte sowie die Unterstützung im Umgang mit den
Geräten zielführend. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auch, dass
bedarfsabhängige Finanzierungshilfen für
Digitalisierungsmaßnahmen in der Selbsthilfe notwendig sind.
Substitutionsbehandlung Opioidabhängiger unter den
Bedingungen der COVID-19 Pandemie – Regionale Ergebnisse aus
Nordrhein
Authors: Schecke Henrike , Specka Michael , Deimel Daniel , Scherbaum Norbert
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund Personen mit opioidbezogenen Störungen gehören
zur Risikogruppe für SARS-CoV-2 Infektionen und schwere Verläufe
einer COVID-19 Erkrankung. Zu Beginn der Covid-19 Pandemie war unklar, ob und
unter welchen Bedingungen die Substitutionsbehandlung für Menschen mit
Opioidabhängigkeit aufrechterhalten werden kann. Es war unklar, ob es
durch psychische Dekompensation zu einer verstärkten Nachfrage nach
Substitutionstherapie kommen würde und inwieweit Patient*innen
sich an die Hygienemaßnahmen halten.

Methode Eine Online-Umfrage wurde bei im Bereich der
Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung Nordrhein substituierenden
Ärztinnen und Ärzte durchgeführt. Abgefragt wurde
für das Jahr 2020 die Nachfrage nach Therapieplätzen, das
Ausmaß von Infektionen unter den Patient*innen und im
Behandlungsteam, das Einhalten der Hygieneregeln durch die Patient*innen
und der Einsatz von flexibleren Regeln zur Substitutionsbehandlung unter den
Bedingungen der Pandemie.

Ergebnisse N=48 substituierende Ärzt*inen mit 3339
Patient*innen nahmen teil. Es gaben 22,9% eine etwas oder
deutlich erhöhte Nachfrage nach Behandlungsplätzen aufgrund der
Pandemie an. Vermehrten Beikonsum während der Pandemie hatten
27,1% der Teilnehmenden in ihren Einrichtungen beobachtet, 14,6%
eine Zunahme von stationären Aufnahmen wegen schwerwiegende
Intoxikationen. Die ermöglichte Ausweitung der Zahl der
Behandlungsplätze hatten 22,9% genutzt und 85,4% die
erweiterten Take-Home Regelungen. Die erweiterte Take-Home-Verschreibung betraf
21% aller Patient*innen und verlief mehrheitlich ohne
nachteilige Begleiterscheinungen. Dreiviertel der Befragten gaben an, dass sich
die Substitutionspatienten*innen an die Hygienevorschriften gehalten
hatten. SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen traten insgesamt selten auf und auch nur in etwas
mehr als der Hälfte der Einrichtungen. Es trat kein Todesfall durch
COVID-19 auf.

Schlussfolgerung Die Substitutionsbehandlung konnte im ersten Jahr der
Pandemie stabil aufrechterhalten werden. Es kam weder zu einer deutlich
verstärkten Nachfrage nach Substitutionsplätzen noch zu
massenhaften Infektionen unter den Patient*innen und dem
Behandlungsteam. Nur eine Minderheit der Patient*innen erhielt eine
pandemiebedingte Ausweitung der “take-home” Verschreibung.
Die Duplizität der Ereignisse: Zervikale lymphatische
Malformation bei zwei Neugeborenen
Authors: Schnee Sarah Valerie , Riedmeier Maria , Hübner Theresa , Rehn Monika , Kapp Friedrich Georg , Härtel Christoph , Silwedel Christine
Published: February 2024

Wir berichten über zwei reife Neugeborene, die am selben Tag mit einer
isolierten zervikalen lymphatischen Malformation geboren wurden. Die
Verdachtsdiagnose war sonographisch jeweils spät im dritten Trimenon
gestellt worden. Nach interdisziplinären Fallkonferenzen wurde in beiden
Fällen die Sectio caesarea in Anwesenheit eines neonatologischen Teams
als Geburtsmodus gewählt. Sectio, Erstversorgung und Transition der
Neugeborenen gestalteten sich problemlos. Die Verdachtsdiagnose wurde postnatal
in der MRT bestätigt. Bei beiden Neugeborenen fanden sich keine
Begleitfehlbildungen oder Hinweise auf eine Kompression vitaler Strukturen.
Aufgrund der Größe des Befundes mit konsekutiver Fehlhaltung
wurde bei einem der Neugeborenen in der zweiten Lebenswoche eine
Sklerosierungstherapie eingeleitet. Für das andere Neugeborene wurde ein
abwartendes Vorgehen gewählt. Dieser Fallbericht verdeutlicht die
Herausforderungen, die eine seltene konnatale Fehlbildung mit sich bringt.
Häufig fehlen Leitlinien. Individuelle Entscheidungen, den Geburtsmodus,
die Diagnostik und die Therapie betreffend, müssen
fachübergreifend vorgenommen und Patienten wie Eltern oft über
einen langen Zeitraum beraten und begleitet werden. Umso mehr Bedeutung kommt
einer guten, interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit der betreuenden
Fachdisziplinen zu.
Early and Late Results after Surgical Mitral Valve Repair: A High-Volume Center Experience
Authors: Götte Julia , Zittermann Armin , Deutsch Marcus-Andre , Schramm Rene , Bleiziffer Sabine , Renner Andre , Gummert Jan F.
Published: February 2024

Background Surgical mitral valve repair is the gold standard treatment of severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR). In the light of rapidly evolving percutaneous technologies, current surgical outcome data are essential to support heart-team-based decision-making.

Methods This retrospective, high-volume, single-center study analyzed in 1779 patients with primary MR early morbidity and mortality, postoperative valve function, and long-term survival after mitral valve (MV) repair. Surgeries were performed between 2009 and 2022. Surgical approaches included full sternotomy (FS) and right-sided minithoracotomy (minimally invasive cardiac [MIC] surgery).

Results Of the surgeries (mean age: 59.9 [standard deviation:11.4] years; 71.5% males), 85.6% (n = 1,527) were minithoracotomies. Concomitant procedures were performed in 849 patients (47.7%), including tricuspid valve and/or atrial septal defect repair, cryoablation, and atrial appendage closure. The majority of patients did not need erythrocyte concentrates. Mediastinitis and rethoracotomy for bleeding rates were 0.1 and 4.3%, respectively. Reoperation before discharge for failed repair was necessary in 12 patients (0.7%). Freedom from more than moderate MR was > 99%. Thirty-day mortality was 0.2% and did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.37). Median follow-up was 48.2 months with a completeness of 95.9%. Long-term survival was similar between groups (p = 0.21). In the FS and MIC groups, 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 98.8 and 98.8%, 92.9 and 94.4%, and 87.4 and 83.1%, respectively.

Conclusion MV surgery, both minimally invasive and via sternotomy, is associated with high repair rates, excellent perioperative outcomes, and long-term survival. Data underscore the effectiveness of surgical repair in managing MR, even in the era of advancing interventional techniques.
A Method of Immobilisation for the Cross-Leg Flap
Authors: Daver B. M.
Published: February 2024

A method for immobilisation of the cross-leg flap is described. Its advantages over conventional methods are discussed. Pre and post-operative photographs of patients treated in the ‘box’ are shown to emphasize its efficiency.
Diagnostic Strategies in Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Glazier Margaret Mary , Glazier James J.
Published: February 2024

Key to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is a careful bedside evaluation. After this, there are three further diagnostic steps. In all patients, estimation of the clinical probability of PE is performed. The other two steps are measurement of D-dimer when indicated and chest imaging when indicated. The clinical probability of PE is estimated at low, moderate, or high. The prevalence of PE is less than 15% among patients with low clinical probability, 15 to 40% with moderate clinical probability, and >40% in patients with high clinical probability. Clinical gestalt has been found to be very useful in estimating probability of PE. However, clinical prediction rules, such as Wells criteria, the modified Geneva score, and the PE rule out criteria have been advocated as adjuncts. In patients with high clinical probability, the high prevalence of PE can lower the D-dimer negative predictive value, which could increase the risk of diagnostic failure. Consequently, patients with high probability for PE need to proceed directly to chest imaging, without prior measurement of D-dimer level. Key studies in determining which low to moderate probability patients require chest imaging are the Age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff levels to rule out pulmonary embolism (ADJUST-PE), the Simplified diagnostic management of suspected pulmonary embolism (YEARS), and the Pulmonary Embolism Graduated D-Dimer trials. In patients with low clinical probability, PE can be excluded without imaging studies if D-dimer is less than 1,000 ng/mL. In patients in whom there is not a low likelihood for PE, this can be excluded without imaging studies if the D-dimer is below the age-adjusted threshold.
Identification of Novel Risk Variants of Inflammatory Factors Related to Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Ting , Chen Jia , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Epidemiological and experimental evidence has linked chronic inflammation to the etiology of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). However, it remains unclear whether genetic associations with specific inflammatory biomarkers are causal or due to bias. This study aimed to assess the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP) and systemic inflammatory regulators on MPN within a bidirectional Mendelian randomization design. Genetic associations with MPN were derived from a publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 1,086 cases and 407,155 controls of European ancestry. Additionally, data on inflammation were extracted from two GWASs focusing on CRP and cytokines. The causal relationships between exposure and outcome were explored using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. To confirm the final results, multiple sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), were simultaneously employed. Our results suggest that lower levels of macrophage-migration inhibitory factor (IVW estimate odds ratio [OR IVW] per SD genetic cytokines change: 0.641; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.427–0.964; p = 0.032) and higher levels of interleukin-2 receptor α (lL2Rα, 1.377, 95% CI: 1.006–1.883; p = 0.046) are associated with an increased risk of MPN. Genetically predicted MPN is related to increased levels of RANTES (IVW estimate β: 0.043, 95% CI: 0.002–0.084; p = 0.039) and interleukin-10 (IVW estimate β: 0.030, 95% CI: 0.001–0.060; p = 0.041). This study provides evidence for a causal relationship between CRP, systemic inflammatory regulators, and MPN, and new insights into the etiology, prevention, and prognosis of MPN.
Small Non-Coding RNAs in Male Reproduction
Authors: Olotu Opeyemi , Ahmedani Ammar , Kotaja Noora
Published: February 2024

Male reproductive functions are strictly regulated in order to maintain sperm production and fertility. All processes are controlled by precise regulation of gene expression, which creates specific gene expression programs for different developmental stages and cell types, and forms the functional basis for the reproductive system. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are involved in gene regulation by targeting mRNAs for translational repression and degradation through complementary base pairing to recognize their targets. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the function of different classes of sncRNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), during male germ cell differentiation, with the focus on sncRNAs expressed in the germline. Although transcriptionally inactive, mature spermatozoa contain a complex population of sncRNAs, and we also discuss the recently identified role of sperm sncRNAs in the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic information on father's environmental and lifestyle exposures to offspring. Finally, we summarize the current information on the utility of sncRNAs as potential biomarkers of infertility that may aid in the diagnosis and prediction of outcomes of medically assisted reproduction.
Unpacking women’s power on corporate boards: gender reward in board composition
Authors: Rahi ABM Fazle
Published: February 2024

Participation of women on corporate boards has long been a topic of debate in academia and practice. Yet, the threshold of women's participation in a corporate board to obtain a synergetic impact on corporate  sustainability performance remains to be examined. Data from 19 European countries, having 2640 firm-year of observation, this study revealed that women on boards positively affect corporate sustainability performance in the European context, with an approximately 30% participation of women on boards (WoB) ensuring synergetic impact. This study further revealed that after the threshold of WoB participation, the market value of companies tends to be negative in the European setting. An indication of investors' reactions. The issue was first examined through the lens of the resource-based view, social role, agency and critical mass theories and then empirically tested. To reach a conclusion, this study employs both static and dynamic econometric models; thus, the finding is consistent and empirically robust. The research findings contribute to the current discussion on corporate governance and corporate sustainability performances issues, especially in the European context, and have implications for researchers, business practitioners, and policymakers.
Nonlinear Landau resonant interaction between whistler waves and electrons: Excitation of electron-acoustic waves
Authors: Ma Donglai , An Xin , Artemyev Anton , Bortnik Jacob , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Zhang Xiao-Jia
Published: February 2024

Electron-acoustic waves (EAWs) as well as electron-acoustic solitary structures play a crucial role in thermalization and acceleration of electron populations in Earth's magnetosphere. These waves are often observed in association with whistler-mode waves, but the detailed mechanism of EAW and whistler wave coupling is not yet revealed. We investigate the excitation mechanism of EAWs and their potential relation to whistler waves using particle-in-cell simulations. Whistler waves are first excited by electrons with a temperature anisotropy perpendicular to the background magnetic field. Electrons trapped by these whistler waves through nonlinear Landau resonance form localized field-aligned beams, which subsequently excite EAWs. By comparing the growth rate of EAWs and the phase mixing rate of trapped electron beams, we obtain the critical condition for EAW excitation, which is consistent with our simulation results across a wide region in parameter space. These results are expected to be useful in the interpretation of concurrent observations of whistler-mode waves and nonlinear solitary structures and may also have important implications for investigation of cross-scale energy transfer in the near-Earth space environment.
Nitrogen admixture-driven electron cooling and plasma bullet dynamics in atmospheric-pressure dc nanosecond-pulsed argon jet plasmas
Authors: Lee Dongho , Suazo Betancourt Jean Luis , Lev Dan , Walker Mitchell L. R.
Published: February 2024

We present experimental measurements of the electron temperature and density profiles and analyze the dynamics of a plasma bullet at volumetric concentrations of nitrogen admixture, 0%–3%, in an atmospheric-pressure nanosecond-pulsed argon jet plasma. Time-resolved Thomson scattering measurements taken 2.5 mm from the exit plane reveal that the temporal maximum of electron temperature and density reduced by as much as 55% and 29%, respectively, when mixing only 3% nitrogen to pure argon. These trends were consistent across axial locations from 2.5 to 14 mm from the exit plane for both electron temperature and density at nitrogen admixture plasmas. Moreover, the propagation velocity and length of the plasma bullet decreased by 13% while the radius by 23% at 3%-nitrogen admixture when compared to the pure argon jet case. The analysis suggests that the nitrogen admixture causes electron cooling due to inelastic energy losses, which results in a reduced electron density and propagation velocity due to a decrease in the electron-impact ionization rate. It is therefore inferred that the electron cooling mechanism and reduced density at nitrogen admixture will significantly impact the electron-impact excitation rate coefficient of nitrogen as well as the concentration of the precursor species such as N2(A3Σu+).
An ensemble of excited molecules collectively emits multiple-frequency real and virtual photons
Authors: Cederbaum Lorenz S. , Kuleff Alexander I.
Published: February 2024

The interplay of molecules gives rise to collective phenomena absent in a single molecule. Many examples of collective phenomena have been reported as their knowledge is essential for understanding the behavior of matter. Here, we consider molecules sufficiently separated from each other to not form chemical bonds. If these molecules are excited, e.g., by a weak laser, can they concertedly relax by emitting a single high-energy photon possessing the total energy of all the relaxing molecules? We show that this concerted emission process is indeed possible. We estimate its probability and analyze its dependence on molecular properties, intermolecular distances, and relative orientations of the molecules. A numerical example on two pyridine molecules is given. The concerted emission found is a fundamental process expected to be operative in gas phase and clusters. Its true relevance lies in its intimate relationship to concerted emission of virtual photons and thus to collective energy transfer ionizing neighboring systems. The estimated rates and examples discussed of this collective intermolecular Coulombic decay shed much light on recent puzzling experiments.
Measurement of binary diffusion at elevated Knudsen numbers using laser absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Munusamy Kannan , Kleine Harald , O'Byrne Sean
Published: February 2024

Mass diffusion coefficients of gas mixtures have been measured for more than 100 years. However, the experimental data for the mass diffusion coefficient of gas mixtures in the rarefied gas regimes at Knudsen numbers (Kn) above 0.01 are few and remain uncertain due to the inherent precision limitations of the available state-of-the-art measurement techniques. The increased frequency of gas-wall collision, wall-friction, and surface-diffusion over the wall surface at Kn > 0.01 increases the uncertainty of the diffusive mass transport processes for internal gas flow in microcapillaries. Due to the growing interest in microfluidic applications at rarefied gas conditions, accurate diffusion coefficient measurements are needed to inform theoretical predictions and empirical relations in rarefied gas regimes. Thus, this article introduces a new experiment methodology consisting of a two-bulb (TB) diffusion configuration accompanied by a tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) detection technique that uses the measured time history of path-integrated absorbance to provide a non-intrusive, species-specific, in situ measurement of mass diffusion for a He–CO2 binary gas mixture at Kn > 0.01. To demonstrate the TB-TDLAS method's capability, the effective diffusion coefficient for a He–CO2 binary gas mixture was measured in the transition gas regime at Knudsen numbers relative to the tube radius in the range 0.1 < Kn < 5.4, and the results are compared against the Bosanquet empirical relation.
COMPASS: Double-ended saddle point search as a constrained optimization problem
Authors: Sommer-Jörgensen Martin , Goedecker Stefan
Published: February 2024

We present an algorithm to find first order saddle points on the potential energy surface (PES). The algorithm is formulated as a constrained optimization problem that involves two sets of atomic coordinates (images), a time-varying distance constraint and a constraint on the energy difference. Both images start in different valleys of the PES and are pulled toward each other by gradually reducing the distance. The search space is restricted to the pairs of configurations that share the same potential energy. By minimizing the energy while the distance shrinks, a minimum of the constrained search space is tracked. In simple cases, the two images are confined to their respective sides of the barrier until they finally converge near the saddle point. If one image accidentally crosses the barrier, the path is split at suitable locations and the algorithm is repeated recursively. The optimization is implemented as a combination of a quasi-Newton optimization and a linear constraint. The method was tested on a set of Lennard-Jones-38 cluster transitions and a set of 121 molecular reactions using density functional theory calculations. The efficiency in terms of energy and force evaluation is better than with competing methods as long as they do not switch to single-ended methods. The construction of a continuous search path with small steps and the ability to focus on arbitrary subsegments of the path provide an additional value in terms of robustness and flexibility.
Droplet–jet collision following the monodispersedly dripping of coaxial binary droplets above a pool surface
Authors: Mulbah Christian , Kang Can , Song Huanfeng , Yin Jin
Published: February 2024

In the present study, the collision between a falling droplet and a rising Worthington jet was experimentally studied. The event is followed by the monodispersedly dripping of coaxial binary droplets into a quiescent pool of glycerol solution. Different concentrations of the solution are considered. Unique droplet–jet collision characteristics are observed when the dripping flow rate is manipulated to release binary droplets. When the first droplet impacts the pool, a significant disturbance is imposed onto the pool, forming a deep crater followed by a Worthington jet. The second droplet is timed to collide with the rising jet to create a unique mushroom-shaped droplet–jet collision. Two jet pinch-off modes (tip pinch-off and no pinch-off) and four distinct collision regimes (partial rebounding, end-pinching, elongated, and clotted central jet collision) are recognized. Liquid viscosity and jetting mode significantly influence the collision dynamics and splattering characteristics. To achieve partial rebounding collision at low Weber number, a high-impact coefficient incorporating characteristic dimensions of the droplets and the Worthington jet is required, whereas a low-impact coefficient is required at high Weber number to attain clotted jet collision. The overall end-pinching phenomenon occurs due to the interaction between liquid flow toward the jet tip and the retraction of the tip, which causes the jet neck diameter to decrease on a capillary timescale. As the impact parameter decreases, the Worthington jet is inhibited, and the mushroom-shaped collision splash spreading is suppressed.
Study on inhomogeneous hydrogen–air mixture flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition
Authors: Yang Guogang , Sheng Zhonghua , Li Shian , Shen Qiuwan , Sun Han , Xu Zhuangzhuang
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses the effect of obstacle spacing on flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) in inhomogeneous hydrogen–air mixture using the OpenFOAM open-source code and large eddy simulation technology based on the unsteady compressible reacting flow Navier–Stokes equation and the detailed chemical reaction mechanism of 9 species and 21 steps. The results show that the obstacle spacing has a more significant impact on the rapid deflagration state, manifested as an inverse relationship between the flame propagation speed and the obstacle spacing due to the negative correlation between the interference intensity of obstacles to the flow within a unit channel length and the obstacle spacing. In addition, under all conditions considered in this paper, the main mechanisms of FA and DDT are the same. Further analysis reveals that the detonation initiation dynamics portrayed in this study seem more aligned with the mechanisms proposed by Liberman and akin to the shock wave amplification mechanism of coherent energy release models. As the obstacle spacing increases, the run-up distance and the acceleration time of supersonic flames and DDT also increase. This paper also observes that the flame structure during explosion flame propagation has typical self-similarity, and the turbulence level in the obstacle area is higher, resulting in a larger fractal dimension. During flame acceleration, there is a mode transition from the “thin reaction zone” to the “broken reaction zone.”