bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifactorial Determinants of Adolescent Stunting in West Java, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among Students Aged 13–15 Years
Authors: Farera Gita , Karo Marni Br , Manullang Riyen Sari
Published: December 2024

Stunting in adolescents remains a significant public health concern, with far-reaching implications for physical and cognitive development that extend into adulthood. This condition, characterized by a height below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the WHO median growth standard, stems from chronic malnutrition and inadequate growth during critical developmental periods. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the incidence of stunting among adolescents aged 13–15 years at SMP Negeri 2 Cikarang Barat in 2022. A descriptive analytical study using a cross-sectional approach was conducted from March to June 2022. This study employed total sampling and recruited 34 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected via validated questionnaires and standardized anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis included univariate descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis via the chi-square test (α = 0.05). The analysis revealed significant associations between the incidence of stunting and several factors, including nutritional patterns (P = 0.027), birth weight (P = 0.046), birth length (P = 0.048), breastfeeding history (P = 0.048), immunization status (P = 0.050), and family income (P = 0.027). The predominant characteristics of the study population were female sex (67.6%), unfulfilled nutritional patterns (70.6%), low birth weight (64.7%), and short birth length (67.6%). Additionally, 67.6% reported a nonexclusive breastfeeding history, and 70.6% came from low-income families. This study identified multiple significant factors associated with adolescent stunting, emphasizing the complex interplay between early-life factors, nutritional patterns, and socioeconomic conditions. Maternal age at delivery, height, education, and employment status were not significantly associated. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive interventions targeting both nutritional and socioeconomic factors to address adolescent stunting effectively.
Artificial Intelligence Identifies Cancer and Viral Infections with Nanoscale
Authors:   Anatomical Researches and Skills Centre, Tbilisi, Georgia, Svanishvili Giorgi
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing modern medicine, providing novel diagnostic capabilities that improve accuracy and efficiency in disease detection. Current applications include enhancing imaging techniques and identifying minor cellular changes associated with cancer and viral infections. However, the detection of such conditions, especially at early stages, remains challenging. This research introduces AI of the NUcleus (AINU), a groundbreaking AI tool that utilizes super-resolution microscopy and deep learning to detect cellular heterogeneity with nanoscale accuracy. AINU combines convolutional neural networks with single-molecule localization microscopy data, analyzing nuclear features such as RNA polymerase II (Pol II) localization, histone modifications, and DNA density to distinguish between cell types. The tool demonstrated almost 100% accuracy in identifying different human cell states, including somatic cells, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, and herpes simplex virus type 1-infected cells, even at extremely early infection stages. By focusing on chromatin structure changes, such as Pol II organization in nucleoli and nuclear-edge DNA density, the AINU provides insights into cellular phenotypic heterogeneity that are beyond the capabilities of conventional imaging. The review highlights AINU’s potential as a powerful diagnostic tool, enabling the identification of high-pluripotency stem cell clones and early detection of viral infections and cancer cells. This novel approach offers a significant advancement in the application of AI for conservative diagnostic methods, with broad implications for improving precision medicine in oncology, virology, and regenerative medicine
An Outcome Evaluation of a Medically Tailored Meal Intervention for Older Adults with Diabetes
Authors: Rodriguez de Lisenko Norma , Kiring Denise , Scott Monique , Scheuer Tara , Tobiasson Wendy
Published: December 2024

Background: Due to social conditions, older adults in Solano County have been affected by high rates of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and have found it challenging to manage their conditions effectively. The Medically Tailored Meal (MTM) intervention was developed to evaluate whether a nutrition-focused intervention would help to control diabetes.
Method: The intervention involved 50 older adults living in Solano County. To improve T2D control in this population, participants received 12 weeks of 10 prepared meals, a weekly grocery bag, health education, and exercise classes.
Results: Data were collected using pre- and post-surveys, an intervention satisfaction survey, and recorded health data. Almost all participants reported improved blood sugar and glucose levels, among other health factors.
Discussion: These findings underscore the potential of the MTM interventions to improve the health outcomes of older adults with T2D and the need for further implementation and support for other social health conditions.
Income Diversification, Credit Risk and Profitability of Ethiopian Commercial Banks
Authors: Getinet Bisrat , Dereja Berhanu , Akinida Tafesse , Yohannes Desta , Mengistu Sisay
Published: December 2024

This study examined the impact of income diversification on credit risk-taking and profitability of commercial banks in Ethiopia. Additionally, it investigated how bank-specific and macroeconomic factors influence diversification, risk-taking and profitability of these banks. The analysis was based on unbalanced panel data of 19 banks over the period of 1997-2022.  The empirical estimation relies on a two-step Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) technique.  The results indicate that commercial banks in Ethiopia tend to enhance their profitability by assuming greater credit risk. The findings also indicate that diversifying income sources toward non-traditional banking activities has a significant risk reducing and profit enhancing effect for Ethiopian commercial banks. This study further suggests that bank specific characteristics, such as bank size, capitalization and liquidity; macroeconomic conditions, and the structure of the banking industry play important role in determining income diversification, credit risk-taking and profitability of banks in Ethiopia. Finally, the paper concluded by recommending the importance of promoting diversification into non-traditional businesses so as to ensure more profitable and more stable commercial banking system in Ethiopia.
Four new years of Nomad – a time of growth
Authors: Editors The
Published: December 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Developing practice through research into university mathematics education
Authors: Goodchild Simon , Jaworski Barbara
Published: December 2024

The paper provides a very brief outline review of research into some key issues that affect students’ performance in mathematics in higher education. Community of practice theory is used to frame and focus the discussion. Policies regarding the recruitment of students, institutional practices for grouping students and the cultures of teaching and learning mathematics are considered. The research reviewed provides a context for examining the contributions of the research reports included within this thematic issue of NOMAD. The reports address three themes: regular approaches adopted in teaching mathematics in higher education, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with emphasis on student participation in the educational process, and the characteristics of mathematical knowledge students appropriate. The paper endorses calls for large scale studies, especially those which relate teaching approaches, both regular and innovative, to the qualities and characteristics of students’ learning. The absence of a single overarching theoretical framework that embraces all the studies is also perceived as an obstacle that interferes with scientific developments in the field of researching university mathematics education. However, the value of teachers researching their own practice and their students’ learning is argued to be crucial for developing knowledge ”in practice” and this underscores the value of the papers included in this issue of NOMAD, both for the authors and the inspiration of other higher education mathematics teachers who, it is hoped, will be inspired to engage in similar studies.
USING MACHINE LEARNING AND AGENT-BASED SIMULATION TO PREDICT LEARNER PROGRESS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION SYSTEM
Authors: Van Den Heever Maymarie , Becker Esranel , Venter Lieschen , Bekker James
Published: December 2024

The South African high school education system faces numerous challenges, including high dropout rates and unequal educational outcomes, which call for innovative methods to analyse and address these problems. This study uses an integrated approach that merges machine learning and agent-based modelling to simulate learner progression in public high schools, illuminating the critical factors that influence educational outcomes. Using data from the 2019 General Household Survey in South Africa, factor analysis is first conducted to identify and quantify the principal characteristics that define learners. These identified features then train an XGBoost machine-learning model, which is integrated with an agent-based framework to simulate learner progression from Grades 8 to Grade 12. Validating the model against the learner unit record information and tracking system dataset results in a root square error of 2.94%, which is indicative of the model’s ability to predict learner progression. As a result, the simulation model functions as a strategic platform for evaluating and refining educational interventions.
IMPACT OF QUALITY 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION IN INDUSTRIES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Magodi Aluwani , Mashamba Takalani , Mokgohloa Kgabo
Published: December 2024

The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires that the personalisation of processes for mass production evolve towards flexible, interconnected cloud production with greater automation in machines and operations. Despite its being one of the popular strategies for continuous improvement, many plants are struggling to turn Industry 4.0 into a success. This study focuses on the impact of Quality 4.0 implementation in industries. This paper reviews the published literature from 2014 to 2024. It involved a review of papers related to the impact of Quality 4.0 implementation in industries using a search of databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus Library, and Springer Link. The literature review contains the results from a variety of different perspectives, including the distributions by country, year of publication, and number of publishers. The results reveal an increasing interest in Quality 4.0 implementation in industries with a positive impact on process improvement; however, suggestions are made for the continuous refinement of the newly implemented concept.
Composition sociale du public scolaire et différenciation des contenus enseignés. L’exemple de l’enseignement moral et civique à l’école élémentaire en France
Authors: Combaz Gilles , Nakas Raffi
Published: December 2024

Centrée sur l’enseignement moral et civique (EMC) à l’école élémentaire en France, notre recherche s’efforce d’analyser les relations pouvant exister entre la composition sociale interne du public scolaire et la nature des savoirs transmis. Cent-vingt entretiens ont été menés en vue de recueillir des récits de pratique retraçant les actions réalisées dans le cadre de l’EMC. Les catégories socioprofessionnelles des parents ont été relevées pour caractériser la composition sociale de chaque école. L’étude montre que les enseignants mettent principalement l’accent sur des actions destinées à parfaire la socialisation des élèves en particulier dans les écoles qui scolarisent des élèves de milieux très défavorisés.
Grandir dans un monde complexe et s’indigner pour le transformer : commentaire critique sur trois ouvrages de Susan Neiman
Authors: Robichaud Arianne
Published: December 2024

Ce texte s’intéresse à une question commune qui traverse trois livres de Susan Neiman, philosophe spécialiste des Lumières : Grandir. Éloge de l’âge adulte à une époque qui nous infantilise (2021), Penser le mal. Une autre histoire de la philosophie (2022) et Left is not woke (2023a). Il cherche à d’abord à mettre en lumière, puis à critiquer la réponse que propose Neiman à cette question : de quelle manière pouvons-nous ou devons-nous négocier, en grandissant et en vieillissant, l’écart qui sépare une vision réaliste du monde (ce que le monde est) et une vision transformatrice de ce dernier (ce que le monde devrait être) ?
Le bien-être au travail des intervenant·e·s communautaires en temps de pandémie : des activités interventionnelles coconstruites pour répondre aux besoins des milieux
Authors: Béland Marie-Pascale , Gautier Lara , Pappas Catherine , Laforce Hugues , Delisle William , Stan Ancuta , Patrice Jean-Sébastien , Bentayeb Naïma
Published: December 2024

Le contexte pandémique a exacerbé les inégalités et les problèmes de santé mentale, transformant profondément le travail des intervenant·e·s communautaires et augmentant leur vulnérabilité et épuisement, malgré le rôle essentiel des organismes communautaires. Cette contribution expose une initiative montréalaise de coconstruction d’activités pour les intervenant·e·s, favorisant leur bien-être et offrant un espace de parole et de soutien. Les données indiquent une réponse positive des intervenant·e·s, soulignant la nécessité de pérenniser et d’étendre ces activités, affirmant l’importance de leur déploiement étendu pour un soutien durable.
Qu’est-ce qu’une intervention culturelle ?
Authors: Lussier Martin
Published: December 2024

Au Québec, plusieurs animatrices et animateurs utilisent, dans leur discours quotidien, le vocabulaire de l’intervention. Partant d’entrevues menées auprès de personnes travaillant dans des organismes culturels, cette contribution vise à explorer les caractéristiques de l’intervention culturelle qui émergent des propos recueillis. L’intervention culturelle y apparaît comme une action visant à mettre en oeuvre un changement ou à affecter des personnes, des contextes ou des collectifs, à partir d’un regard discriminant et de régimes de valeurs qui permettent de juger des orientations à prendre. Elle propose une première exploration de la diversité des formes d’intervention culturelle telle qu’exprimée par celles et ceux qui l’incarnent.
Pharyngeal mechanosensory neurons control food swallow in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Qin Jierui , Yang Tingting , Li Kexin , Liu Ting , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

As the early step of food ingestion, the swallow is under rigorous sensorimotor control. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying swallow control at a molecular and circuitry level remain largely unknown. Here, we find that mutation of the mechanotransduction channel genes nompC, Tmc, or piezo impairs the regular pumping rhythm of the cibarium during feeding of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. A group of multi-dendritic mechanosensory neurons, which co-express the three channels, wrap the cibarium and are crucial for coordinating the filling and emptying of the cibarium. Inhibition of them causes difficulty in food emptying in the cibarium, while their activation leads to difficulty in cibarium filling. Synaptic and functional connections are detected between the pharyngeal mechanosensory neurons and the motor circuit that controls swallow. This study elucidates the role of mechanosensation in swallow, and provides insights for a better understanding of the neural basis of food swallow.
Habitat fragmentation mediates the mechanisms underlying long-term climate-driven thermophilization in birds
Authors: Liu Juan , Tingley Morgan W , Wu Qiang , Ren Peng , Jin Tinghao , Ding Ping , Si Xingfeng
Published: December 2024

Climatic warming can shift community composition driven by the colonization-extinction dynamics of species with different thermal preferences; but simultaneously, habitat fragmentation can mediate species’ responses to warming. As this potential interactive effect has proven difficult to test empirically, we collected data on birds over 10 years of climate warming in a reservoir subtropical island system that was formed 65 years ago. We investigated how the mechanisms underlying climate-driven directional change in community composition were mediated by habitat fragmentation. We found thermophilization driven by increasing warm-adapted species and decreasing cold-adapted species in terms of trends in colonization rate, extinction rate, occupancy rate and population size. Critically, colonization rates of warm-adapted species increased faster temporally on smaller or less isolated islands; cold-adapted species generally were lost more quickly temporally on closer islands. This provides support for dispersal limitation and microclimate buffering as primary proxies by which habitat fragmentation mediates species range shift. Overall, this study advances our understanding of biodiversity responses to interacting global change drivers.
The transformation of sensory to perceptual braille letter representations in the visually deprived brain
Authors: Haupt Marleen , Graumann Monika , Teng Santani , Kaltenbach Carina , Cichy Radoslaw
Published: December 2024

Experience-based plasticity of the human cortex mediates the influence of individual experience on cognition and behavior. The complete loss of a sensory modality is among the most extreme such experiences. Investigating such a selective, yet extreme change in experience allows for the characterization of experience-based plasticity at its boundaries. Here, we investigated information processing in individuals who lost vision at birth or early in life by probing the processing of braille letter information. We characterized the transformation of braille letter information from sensory representations depending on the reading hand to perceptual representations that are independent of the reading hand. Using a multivariate analysis framework in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and behavioral assessment, we tracked cortical braille representations in space and time, and probed their behavioral relevance. We located sensory representations in tactile processing areas and perceptual representations in sighted reading areas, with the lateral occipital complex as a connecting ‘hinge’ region. This elucidates the plasticity of the visually deprived brain in terms of information processing. Regarding information processing in time, we found that sensory representations emerge before perceptual representations. This indicates that even extreme cases of brain plasticity adhere to a common temporal scheme in the progression from sensory to perceptual transformations. Ascertaining behavioral relevance through perceived similarity ratings, we found that perceptual representations in sighted reading areas, but not sensory representations in tactile processing areas are suitably formatted to guide behavior. Together, our results reveal a nuanced picture of both the potentials and limits of experience-dependent plasticity in the visually deprived brain.
PDGFRα signaling regulates Srsf3 transcript binding to affect PI3K signaling and endosomal trafficking
Authors: Forman Thomas E , Sajek Marcin P , Larson Eric D , Mukherjee Neelanjan , Fantauzzo Katherine A
Published: December 2024

Signaling through the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) plays a critical role in craniofacial development. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt is the primary effector of PDGFRα signaling during mouse skeletal development. We previously demonstrated that Akt phosphorylates the RNA-binding protein serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (Srsf3) downstream of PI3K-mediated PDGFRα signaling in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells, leading to its nuclear translocation. We further showed that ablation of Srsf3 in the murine neural crest lineage results in severe midline facial clefting and widespread alternative RNA splicing (AS) changes. Here, we demonstrated via enhanced UV-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation of MEPM cells that PDGF-AA stimulation leads to preferential binding of Srsf3 to exons and loss of binding to canonical Srsf3 CA-rich motifs. Through the analysis of complementary RNA-seq data, we showed that Srsf3 activity results in the preferential inclusion of exons with increased GC content and lower intron to exon length ratio. We found that Srsf3 activity downstream of PDGFRα signaling leads to retention of the receptor in early endosomes and increases in downstream PI3K-mediated Akt signaling. Taken together, our findings reveal that growth factor-mediated phosphorylation of an RNA-binding protein underlies gene expression regulation necessary for mammalian craniofacial development.
Vjatka-taguste udmurtide rituaalne roog tšek-tšegei
Authors:   Department of Philological Studies, Udmurt Institute of History, Language and Literature  of the Udmurt Federal Research Centre, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, Russia, Kornilov Denis
Published: December 2024

The article deals with the ritual dish chek-chegey / shesheri common among Zavyatsky Udmurts. Chek-chegey is a pastry in the form of small dough balls, which are baked for the spring holiday Akashka (in local tradition it coincides with Easter). The dish is analyzed in comparison with similar dishes of neighboring peoples (Tatars, Kryashens). Local legends about the connection of the dish chek-chegey with the Akashka ritual are given. The article contains memories of informants about the peculiarities of cooking the dish and its microlocal differences. For the first time, materials from field research conducted by the author in 2021–2022 have been introduced into scientific circulation. In addition, the author cites his childhood memories associated with this holiday treat.
Kaasaegse udmurdi pulmatseremoonia eripära ja kultuuriline tähendus
Authors:   Department of Research in Philology, Udmurt Institute of History, Language and Literature, UdmFRC UB RAS, Izhevsk, Russia, Korobova Tatjana
Published: December 2024

This article aims to analyze the current state of Udmurt weddings. While remaining a vital tradition, their structure is undergoing changes. Customs and rituals that were originally intended to help participants adjust to new social roles are losing their symbolic significance. Many of these rituals are now seen as mere entertainment or have even disappeared altogether. At the same time, new customs and traditions are emerging, becoming an integral part of modern Udmurt weddings and forming a new type of celebration with its own unique characteristics. These new customs are becoming increasingly popular and are now considered traditional in modern society.
Baškortostani udmurtide folkloor: žanriline iseloomustus, kogumislugu, käibimise iseärasused tänapäeval
Authors:   Department of Ethnography, R.G. Kuzeev Institute for Ethnological Research, Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Sadikov Ranus
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the peculiarities of the folklore genres of the Udmurts living in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, the history of the collection, publication and research of folklore, as well as its modern circulation. The folklore traditions of this ethnic group, separated from the motherland, have been subjected to Turkish influence, yet at the same time have preserved many archaic features. Loyalty to traditional folk beliefs adds uniqueness to their folklore. The folklore of this ethnic group has not been widely studied, and no collections or monographs have been published. Recently research into their folk prayers and ritual songs has started. Today, due to the shrinking of the authentic environment necessary for keeping it alive, folklore (mainly songs) has moved to the stage. Amateur ensembles, teachers of the Udmurt language and literature, staff of community centres, librarians, and local lore researchers play a significant role in the preservation of local folklore specimens.
Coping e saúde mental de aupairs: um estudo descritivo
Authors: Righi Letícia Martins , Santos Maria Eduarda Gregório dos , Furcin Henrique Cabral , Souza Felipe Maciel dos Santos
Published: December 2024

A experiência de Aupair na Alemanha traz desafios inéditos que podem gerar estresse, demandando estratégias de coping eficazes em um novo contexto cultural e linguístico.  Identificar e aplicar coping adaptativo é crucial para o bem-estar psicológico. Este estudo descritivo explorou as estratégias de coping de Aupairs brasileiros, focando no trabalho, na situação econômica, e no domínio do idioma, além de sua influência na saúde mental e física pós-imigração. Por meio de uma abordagem quantitativa, aplicou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e o Inventário de Estratégias de Coping de Folkman e Lazarus. Os dados indicaram que os desafios de adaptação ao trabalho, questões financeiras e aprendizado do idioma são significativos. Apesar da preferência por estratégias de coping centradas na emoção, como a reavaliação positiva, observou-se que indivíduos com melhor saúde mental tendem a usar menos essas estratégias, preferindo as focadas na resolução de problemas. Isso sugere que estratégias direcionadas à resolução de desafios são mais eficazes neste contexto de adaptação cultural e linguística. A pesquisa realça a complexidade da adaptação cultural dos Aupairs e a necessidade de intervenções que promovam estratégias de coping diversificadas. Contudo, limitações como o pequeno tamanho da amostra e a falta de instrumentos validados para uma análise psicológica mais profunda destacam a importância de estudos futuros mais abrangentes para compreender essas dinâmicas e apoiar os imigrantes nesse processo de transição.
Blockchain Technology and Quality of Accounting Information: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Marselita Octa
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the scholarly literature regarding the impact of blockchain technology on the quality of accounting information. ⁠The research methodology is a bibliometrically mapped Systematic Literature Review (SLR) comprising 36 reputable resources. The findings demonstrate numerous advantages of blockchain technology, particularly for accountants. One of the important advantages is distributed recordkeeping, which enhances information transparency and reduces information asymmetry. As a result, it significantly improves the quality of accounting information. ⁠The implication of this research is to provide comprehensive insights into the potential paradigm shift in accounting facilitated by blockchain adoption. Furthermore, the study serves as a foundational platform for future research on the implementation and impact of blockchain in accounting information quality.
Cloud-Dienste im Regelungsgeflecht von CRA und NIS2-Richtlinie — Warum Cloud-Dienste den Compliance-Anforderungen von CRA und NIS2-Richtlinie unterfallen
Authors: Scheibenpflug Andreas , Monschke Julian , Hildebrandt Tim
Published: December 2024

Der zeitnah in Kraft tretende Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) wird neue Cybersicherheitsrechtliche Anforderungen an Hard- und Softwareprodukte stellen, die - vereinfacht ausgedrückt - mit IT-Netzen wie dem Internet verbunden sind. Der auf Produktebene geltende CRA wird neben die NIS2-Richtlinie treten, welche dort näher definierte Unternehmen in Gänze zur Schaffung eines erhöhten Cybersicherheitsniveaus verpflichtet. Cloud-Angebote könnten bereits auf den ersten Blick von beiden Rechtsakten umfasst sein. Zunächst setzt sich dieser Beitrag ausführlich mit den in beiden Rechtakten unklar definierten Cloud-Diensten auseinander. Sodann wird herausgearbeitet, dass Cloud-Dienste tatsächlich sowohl dem CRA als auch der NIS2-Richtlinie unterfallen. Abschließend werden die Konsequenzen dieser Mehrfachregulierung beleuchtet.
Generative KI, urheberrechtliche Vervielfältigung und öffentliche Zugänglichmachung – Teil 1: Das Modellinnere
Authors: Dornis Tim W.
Published: December 2024

Bei generativem KI-Training werden in großem Umfang urheberrechtlich geschützte Werke verwertet. Bislang kaum erörtert ist die Frage, ob während des KI-Trainings „im Innern“ der Modelle Vervielfältigungen dieser Werke entstehen können. Diese Vervielfältigungen wären bei Angebot modellbasierter Dienstleistungen im Internet (z.B. ChatGPT) dem öffentlichen Zugriff ausgesetzt. Wollte man darin eine Urheberrechtsverletzung sehen, käme wohl auch nationales Urheberrecht zur Anwendung; außerdem wären nationale Gerichte international zuständig. Die verbreitete Vorstellung, die außereuropäischen KI-Entwickler seien dem europäischen Urheberrecht nicht unterworfen, wäre dann in Zweifel zu ziehen. Dieser Beitrag analysiert die Frage der Vervielfältigung „im Innern“ von KI-Modellen. Der Folgebeitrag im nächsten Heft (Teil 2) wird sich mit der Frage der öffentlichen Zugänglichmachung der trainierten Modelle und der Rechtsdurchsetzung befassen.
Verteidigungsstrategien bei ärztlichem Abrechnungsbetrug in der Praxis
Authors: Arconada Valbuena Dario
Published: December 2024

Der Vorwurf eines Abrechnungsbetrugs gegen Ärzte und Zahnärzte ist ein ernstzunehmendes und weit verbreitetes Problem, das erhebliche strafrechtliche und berufsrechtliche Konsequenzen für die betroffenen Heilberufler mit sich bringen kann. In diesem Beitrag werden die verschiedenen Aspekte des Abrechnungsbetrugs untersucht und erklärt, warum eine professionelle Strafverteidigung von Anfang an entscheidend ist, um sich gegen häufig unberechtigte Vorwürfe effektiv zu verteidigen.
Die Rechtsprechung zum Erbrecht im 2. Halbjahr 2023
Authors: Große-Wilde Franz M.
Published: December 2024

Der Bericht schließt an den Bericht über die 1. Hälfte des Jahres 2023 (Große-Wilde, MDR 2024, 609) an. Er umfasst die wichtigsten Entscheidungen vom 1.7.2023 bis zum 31.12.2023 nebst einigen Nachzüglern. Maßgeblich ist jeweils das Datum der Entscheidung. Die Entwicklung wird im Wesentlichen geprägt durch die Fortentwicklung auf bestehender rechtlicher Grundlage. Gesetzliche Neuregelungen im Kernbereich des Erbrechts sind im Berichtszeitraum nicht erfolgt.
Die neuen Rechtsprechungsgrundsätze zum Reemtsma- Anspruch
Authors: Gomes Cristian Esteves , Sanden Philipp von
Published: December 2024

Der EuGH setzt mit seinen Urteilen vom 7.9.2023 (C-453/22) in der Rechtssache „Schütte“ und vom 5.9.2024 (C-83/23) in der Rechtssache „H-GmbH“ neue Maßstäbe zum sog. „Reemtsma- Anspruch“ und erweitert somit dessen Anwendungsbereich in der Umsatzsteuer nebst Zinsansprüchen. Beim BFH sind weitere Verfahren anhängig, die das voraussichtlich zementieren werden. Berater sollten daher in der Praxis besonders im Blick haben, wann ein solcher Direktanspruch gegen den Fiskus zugunsten des Steuerpflichtigen in Betracht kommt. Der Beitrag gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über die aktuelle Rechtslage, die bevorstehenden Gerichtsentscheidungen und die Diskussionen zu den Voraussetzungen und Grenzen des „Reemtsma-Anspruchs“ sowie zu damit korrelierenden Rechnungsberichtigungen nach § 14c UStG.
Ion‐Conductive, Viscosity‐Tunable Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheet Inks
Authors: de Moraes Ana C. M. , Hyun Woo Jin , Seo Jung‐Woo T. , Downing Julia R. , Lim Jin‐Myoung , Hersam Mark C.
Published: August 2019

Liquid‐phase exfoliation of layered solids holds promise for the scalable production of 2D nanosheets. When combined with suitable solvents and stabilizing polymers, the rheology of the resulting nanosheet dispersions can be tuned for a variety of additive manufacturing methods. While significant progress is made in the development of electrically conductive nanosheet inks, minimal effort is applied to ion‐conductive nanosheet inks despite their central role in energy storage applications. Here, the formulation of viscosity‐tunable hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) inks compatible with a wide range of printing methods that span the spectrum from low‐viscosity inkjet printing to high‐viscosity blade coating is demonstrated. The inks are prepared by liquid‐phase exfoliation with ethyl cellulose as the polymer dispersant and stabilizer. Thermal annealing of the printed structures volatilizes the polymer, resulting in a porous microstructure and the formation of a nanoscale carbonaceous coating on the hBN nanosheets, which promotes high wettability to battery electrolytes. The final result is a printed hBN nanosheet film that possesses high ionic conductivity, chemical and thermal stability, and electrically insulating character, which are ideal characteristics for printable battery components such as separators. Indeed, lithium‐ion battery cells based on printed hBN separators reveal enhanced electrochemical performance that exceeds commercial polymer separators.
In Situ and Operando Characterization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Meyer Quentin , Zeng Yachao , Zhao Chuan
Published: August 2019

For proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to become a mainstream energy source, significant improvements in their performance, durability, and efficiency are necessary. To improve their durability, there must be a solid understanding of how the structural and electrochemical processes are affected during operation to propose mitigation strategies. To this aim, in situ and operando characterization techniques can locally identify structural and electrochemical processes, which cannot be captured using conventional techniques. Linking these properties in the same geometric area has been challenging due to its inherent limitations, such as sample size and imaging resolution. This has created a knowledge gap in structure‐to‐electrochemical performance relationships as operation and degradation unevenly affect different areas of the cell. In the recent past, catalyst layer degradation, hot spots, and water management have been structurally and electrochemically visualized in the same geometric area, revealing new interactions. To further the research in this direction, these interconnected fields are reviewed, followed by a roadmap for in situ characterization of PEMFCs, treating structural and electrochemical processes as a unified subject. With this approach, the knowledge of the degradation of PEMFCs will be significantly improved.
“Top‐Down” Li Deposition Pathway Enabled by an Asymmetric Design for Li Composite Electrode
Authors: Yue Xin‐Yang , Li Xun‐Lu , Bao Jian , Qiu Qi‐Qi , Liu Tongchao , Chen Dong , Yuan Shan‐Shan , Wu Xiao‐Jing , Lu Jun , Zhou Yong‐Ning
Published: August 2019

Designing Li composite electrodes with host frameworks for accommodating Li metal has been considered to be an effective approach to suppress Li dendrites. Herein, an asymmetric design of a Mo net/Li metal film (MLF) composite electrode is developed by an inverted thermal infusion method. The asymmetric MLF electrode has a dense oxide passivated layer on the top side, a porous Mo net matrix on the back side, and active Li layer in between. The back side has a larger specific area and higher electric field than the top side, which contacts with the separator upon cycling, triggering the preferred Li deposition and stripping of the porous back side of the electrode far from the separator. The surface passivation layer on the top side of the electrode as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase ensures the stable contact with the electrolyte and separator. Meanwhile, the porous structure of the supporting Mo net provides enough space for accommodating the volume change during Li deposition and stripping. This asymmetry design enables a unique “top down” growth pathway for Li deposition in the MLF electrode, suppressing the dendrite growth effectively. The design strategy provides a new direction for high‐energy dendrite‐free Li metal anodes.
Koopman Lyapunov‐based model predictive control of nonlinear chemical process systems
Authors: Narasingam Abhinav , Kwon Joseph Sang‐Il
Published: August 2019

In this work, we propose the integration of Koopman operator methodology with Lyapunov‐based model predictive control (LMPC) for stabilization of nonlinear systems. The Koopman operator enables global linear representations of nonlinear dynamical systems. The basic idea is to transform the nonlinear dynamics into a higher dimensional space using a set of observable functions whose evolution is governed by the linear but infinite dimensional Koopman operator. In practice, it is numerically approximated and therefore the tightness of these linear representations cannot be guaranteed which may lead to unstable closed‐loop designs. To address this issue, we integrate the Koopman linear predictors in an LMPC framework which guarantees controller feasibility and closed‐loop stability. Moreover, the proposed design results in a standard convex optimization problem which is computationally attractive compared to a nonconvex problem encountered when the original nonlinear model is used. We illustrate the application of this methodology on a chemical process example.
Examining Correctional Staff Members’ Engagement in Rehabilitation as Part of Their Everyday Practices in Short‐term Juvenile Detention
Authors: Walden Angela L. , Allen Nicole E.
Published: August 2019

Highlights

The experiences of detained youth may rest predominantly in their interactions with detention staff.

This study examined rehabilitative practices infused within the daily activities of detention staff.

We found evidence for three categories of rehabilitative practices embedded in staff activities.

Our findings can be used to build staff members’ capacity to bridge service gaps in detention.
Unexpected hard‐object feeding in Western lowland gorillas
Authors: van Casteren Adam , Wright Edward , Kupczik Kornelius , Robbins Martha M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Gorilla diets are characterized by large amounts of fruit and tough fibrous plant material. Hard‐object feeding is not generally associated with this genus as the high crests on their molar teeth would be at risk of damage from the mechanically challenging woody endocarp. This study aims to demonstrate that at least one population of western lowland gorillas are seasonal hard‐object feeders, orally processing the seeds ofCoula edulis.

Materials and methods

Feeding behavior of habituated western lowland gorillas and phenology of fruiting trees was observed over a 4‐year period to determine the extent they exploited the seeds ofC. edulis. Additionally, the endocarps ofC. eduliswere subjected to testing to determine their mechanical properties.

Results

Our results demonstrate that during the fruiting season (January, February, and December) gorillas consistently opened the seeds ofC. edulisusing their postcanine dentition. The protective endocarp is composed of a very stiff material, presenting a substantial mechanical challenge to a gorilla. However, the high ratio between elastic modulus and toughness will facilitate brittle, cataclysmic fracture of the seed shell given a high enough load.

Discussion

Although a rich energy source,C. edulislikely tax gorilla dentitions to their upper limit. The rarity of such behavior at sites where it could be observed may indicate a degree of social learning or culture driving its occurrence. This shows a greater breadth of gorilla diets than previously described and suggests gorillas may be a useful model for interpreting the dietary mechanics that necessitated robust craniodental morphology in australopiths.
Photothermal Welding, Melting, and Patterned Expansion of Nonwoven Mats of Polymer Nanofibers for Biomedical and Printing Applications
Authors: Wu Tong , Li Haoxuan , Xue Jiajia , Mo Xiumei , Xia Younan
Published: August 2019

We report a simple method for the photothermal welding of nonwoven mats of electrospun nanofibers by introducing a near‐infrared (NIR) dye such as indocyanine green. By leveraging the strong photothermal effect of the dye, the nanofibers can be readily welded at their cross points or even over‐welded (i.e., melted and/or fused together) to transform the porous mat into a solid film upon exposure to a NIR laser. While welding at the cross points greatly improves the mechanical strength of a nonwoven mat of nanofibers, melting and fusion of the nanofibers can be employed to fabricate a novel class of photothermal papers for laser writing or printing without chemicals or toner particles. By using a photomask, we can integrate photothermal welding with the gas foaming technique to pattern and then expand nonwoven mats into 3D scaffolds with well‐defined structures. This method can be applied to different combinations of polymers and dyes, if they can be co‐dissolved in a suitable solvent for electrospinning.
Single‐Molecule Measurement of Adsorption Free Energy at the Solid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Zhan Chao , Wang Gan , Zhang Xia‐Guang , Li Zhi‐Hao , Wei Jun‐Ying , Si Yu , Yang Yang , Hong Wenjing , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: August 2019

Adsorption plays a critical role in surface and interface processes. Fractional surface coverage and adsorption free energy are two essential parameters of molecular adsorption. However, although adsorption at the solid–gas interface has been well‐studied, and some adsorption models were proposed more than a century ago, challenges remain for the experimental investigation of molecular adsorption at the solid–liquid interface. Herein, we report the statistical and quantitative single‐molecule measurement of adsorption at the solid–liquid interface by using the single‐molecule break junction technique. The fractional surface coverage was extracted from the analysis of junction formation probability so that the adsorption free energy could be calculated by referring to the Langmuir isotherm. In the case of three prototypical molecules with terminal methylthio, pyridyl, and amino groups, the adsorption free energies were found to be 32.5, 33.9, and 28.3 kJ mol−1, respectively, which are consistent with DFT calculations.
Application of a one‐dimensional spray model to teach diffusion flame fundamentals for engineering students
Authors: García‐Oliver José M. , García Antonio , De la Morena Joaquin , Monsalve‐Serrano Javier
Published: August 2019

This study presents the application of an existing interactive application for teaching spray dynamics in engineering degrees. The model is based on spray momentum conservation and can be used to evaluate both fuel‐air mixing characteristics in inert conditions as well as diffusion flame performance once combustion takes place. During a dedicated computer‐lab session, the students perform parametric studies regarding the influence of the nozzle outlet diameter, the combustion chamber density and the spray cone opening angle on the mixing process, characterized by the maximum stoichiometric length. Later on, the effect of the combustion reaction on the mixing field is evaluated. The results are analyzed taking as a reference to the theoretical development made by Spalding and Schlichting for diffusion gas jets. The outcomes of several years using this technique are reported.
A “learning by design” application for modeling, implementing, and evaluating hardware architectures for artificial neural networks at undergraduate level
Authors: Guzmán‐Ramírez Enrique , Garcia Ivan , García‐Juárez Magdiel
Published: August 2019

Artificial intelligence is currently playing an important role in engineering education. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), for example, are one of the most important topics in computer science and computer engineering curricula. The teaching of ANNs, however, is challenging and current efforts are mainly focused on providing computer systems and/or software simulators to enhance results. In the present study, we introduce a field programmable gate array‐based educational system focused on the modeling, implementation, and evaluation of hardware architectures of ANNs type Multilayer Perceptron. The system was designed by taking into account the learning by design approach to creating a modular proposal, which is composed of a set of predefined modules that describe the behavior of each element of an ANN. This feature allows various neural architectures to be easily defined and to be applied to different specific problems. The system helps the teaching‐learning process by providing a design environment where undergraduate students can apply the knowledge acquired in lecture‐based courses related to areas, such as pattern recognition and neural networks. The experimental results present the design and implementation of an ANN hardware architecture that solves the iris‐plant problem.
Maximum Spreading of Urea Water Solution during Drop Impingement
Authors: Börnhorst Marion , Cai Xuan , Wörner Martin , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: August 2019

Droplet impingement of urea water solution (UWS) is a common source for liquid film and solid deposits formed in the tailpipe of diesel engines. In order to better understand and predict wetting phenomena on the tailpipe wall, this study focuses on droplet spreading dynamics of urea water solution. Impingement of single droplets is investigated under defined conditions by high‐speed imaging using shadowgraphy technique. The experimental studies are complemented by numerical simulations with a phase‐field method. Computational results are in good agreement with experimental data for the advancing phase of spreading and the maximum and terminal spreading radius, whereas for the receding phase notable differences occur. For the maximum spreading radius, an empirical correlation derived for glycerol‐water‐ethanol mixtures is found to be valid for millimeter‐sized UWS droplets as well. A numerical simulation for a much smaller droplet however indicates that this correlation is not valid for the tiny droplets of UWS sprays in technical applications.
Gender policies on board of directors and sustainable development
Authors: Valls Martínez María del Carmen , Cruz Rambaud Salvador , Parra Oller Isabel María
Published: August 2019

Gender policies concerning the composition of board of directors are included in the legislation of many countries, especially promoted by the European Commission to reach gender equality in the processes of decision making. On the other hand, in the last decades, sustainable development problems caused by economic progress have enhanced the interest in environmental policies. Using the data from top Spanish listed companies, from 2003 to 2017, we test if the higher number of women on their board influences corporate social responsibility (CSR), through the disclosure of reports following the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and the inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. By using probit models and instrumental variable estimation to address endogeneity and reverse causality problems, we find that the female presence in management positions is positively linked to a voluntary disclosure of CSR reports and the inclusion in a sustainability index, which supports gender legislation.