bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring acaricide resistance and the frequency of associated target‐site mutations in Tetranychus urticae populations from rose glasshouses in China
Authors: Zong Xinyu , Song Jiawen , Huang Xingting , Zhu Yuhang , Yu Haiwei , Ning Guogui , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is a serious pest of glasshouse roses. The rapid development of resistance to acaricides has severely impacted rose production. To investigate the resistance status of T. urticae in glasshouse rose cultivation in China, we tested the susceptibility of 10 populations to 12 commonly used acaricides and examined the frequency of target‐site mutations associated with acaricide resistance.

RESULTS

All of the tested populations showed resistance to at least eight types of acaricides and exhibited high levels of resistance to abamectin, diafenthiuron, hexythiazox and spirodiclofen. The JN‐YN and LZ‐GS populations even developed >70 000‐fold resistance to abamectin. Additionally, resistance to the newly applied bifenazate or cyetpyrafen was detected in eight populations. Many glasshouse‐collected populations showed significantly increased activity of detoxifying enzymes and harbored high frequencies of target‐site mutations known to be associated with resistance. A newly discovered I136A mutation in cytb was detected at >85% frequencies in two populations with high levels of bifenazate resistance, and its frequency showed a strong correlation with the median lethal concentration values in all of the populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple‐acaricide resistance exists extensively in all collected populations. The high resistance levels of collected populations to many acaricides, together with multiple target‐site mutations, indicate a serious resistance status of T. urticae in rose glasshouses in China. The role of the newly discovered I136A mutation in bifenazate resistance requires further verification. These results will be essential for implementing a well‐thought‐out resistance management program for rose cultivation in China. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pre‐Posterior Distributions in Drug Development and Their Properties
Authors: Grieve Andrew P.
Published: November 2024

The topic of this article is pre‐posterior distributions of success or failure. These distributions, determined before a study is run and based on all our assumptions, are what we should believe about the treatment effect if we are told only that the study has been successful, or unsuccessful. I show how the pre‐posterior distributions of success and failure can be used during the planning phase of a study to investigate whether the study is able to discriminate between effective and ineffective treatments. I show how these distributions are linked to the probability of success (PoS), or failure, and how they can be determined from simulations if standard asymptotic normality assumptions are inappropriate. I show the link to the concept of the conditional introduced by Temple and Robertson in the context of the planning of multiple studies. Finally, I show that they can also be constructed regardless of whether the analysis of the study is frequentist or fully Bayesian.
Insights into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) achievement: A comprehensive review of factors and methodologies
Authors: Bong Debbie Chien Nyut , Chen Chwen Jen
Published: November 2024

In the past decade, numerous literature reviews have delved into understanding the factors influencing STEM achievement. While prior studies have concentrated on specific associations, a holistic synthesis of diverse factors is crucial for comprehensive comprehension. This review, guided by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, offers an overview of factors associated with secondary school students' STEM achievement by scrutinising literature from 2019 to 2023 through content analysis. Within the myriad associations and subfactors, 15 factors across four ecological levels (i.e., individual characteristics, psychological factors, learning abilities, learning approaches and educational involvement at the self‐level; classroom characteristics and culture, teacher characteristics and instructional practices, family support and influence, and access to resources and technology at the microsystem level; teacher‐parent interaction at the mesosystem level; school characteristics and culture, school leadership and practices, school resources and technology, educational policies, and local environment at the exosystem level) emerged. Methodologically, the reviewed studies predominantly employed quantitative analyses, often utilising statistical and variable‐centred approaches, concentrating on science and mathematics domains of STEM, and employing achievement tests. This review sheds light on the current landscape and provides valuable insights for future policies, practices and research directions.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Numerous reviews have explored specific factors influencing STEM achievement, emphasising the need for a holistic synthesis of available factors to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the complex interaction between these influences and how they collectively impact student outcomes in STEM education.

Why the new findings matter

Students' achievement in STEM is influenced by various factors, suggesting that attributing success solely to minimal number of factors may oversimplify the complex nature of the factors that influence achievement.

Implications for policy makers, practitioners, the public and researchers

A thorough understanding of the factors influencing success in STEM achievement can inform the development of educational policies and investments across different levels, from local schools to national initiatives. Educators can use this knowledge to implement tailored early interventions that enhance student achievement and foster better prospects in STEM careers. Additionally, students and parents can benefit from valuable insights to make informed decisions about educational and career pathways. This review also sheds light on future research directions.
Discover the secrets of supercommunicators
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2024

George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place.” That's why I think that all college and university administrators, including student affairs professionals, could benefit from the advice that Charles Duhigg presented in his book Supercommunicators. Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize‐winning investigative journalist who previously worked as a senior editor at The New York Times.
“Mood features of world leaders' commitments to carbon neutrality in COP28 climate communication”
Authors: Karlson Nsom Nsom , Chowdhari Brinda
Published: November 2024

The world faces a critical era for climate action, and research pinpoints the role of linguistic analysis in enhancing our understanding of climate discourses (Zanaty, 2023; Dormer, 2020). In light of this, examining mood features in world leaders’ commitments to carbon neutrality is timely and essential. Defined as the balance between emitted and absorbed carbon (European Parliament, 2023), carbon neutrality has become a focal point in climate agendas. World leaders frequently use public speeches to shape perceptions and drive engagement on the issue. This study analyzes 85 speeches delivered at COP28, sourced from the official United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) website. A sample of 70 speeches was selected using Yamane's formula (1967), and Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (1985) was applied to examine 2,553 mood features in these speeches. Findings reveal a significant imbalance in mood feature usage, with 84.17% in the indicative mood to assess climate conditions, 9.67% in the imperative mood for directives, 2.50% in the conditional mood for future vision, 3.17% in the substantive mood for contextual framing, and 0.47% in the interrogative mood for audience engagement. This study underscores the importance of balanced mood features in climate discourses to reinforce global commitment toward emission reduction and to promote a more compelling, resonant narrative for climate action.
Do hiring strategies change in successive entrepreneurial stints?
Authors: Rocha Vera , Pozzoli Dario
Published: November 2024

Research Summary

Most key decisions in startups are linked to their founders, but what entrepreneurs do differently as they launch successive ventures remains poorly understood. Using Danish register data, we investigate how hiring strategies change in successive entrepreneurial stints. We compare the employee sourcing practices of serial entrepreneurs running knowledge‐based startups with those of novice founders in similar industries, who later transition into serial entrepreneurship. We find that serial entrepreneurs, particularly after experiencing a prior failure, engage in pipeline hiring practices (i.e., hiring repeatedly from some external sources) more than their novice counterparts. This finding is robust to different sampling, measurement, and estimation choices. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms supports the roles of experiential learning and improved employee‐firm matching quality, while excluding alternative explanations.

Managerial Summary

How do hiring strategies evolve across successive entrepreneurial stints? Using employer–employee linked data from Denmark, we investigate the changes in employee sourcing strategies employed by entrepreneurs as they launch successive ventures. We compare the practices of experienced and first‐time founders of knowledge‐based startups and observe a greater tendency to repeatedly hire from some external source organizations (reflected by an increased concentration of hiring sources) among entrepreneurs who have discontinued an underperforming venture. This hiring strategy—known as pipeline hiring—correlates with both higher‐quality hires and improved venture performance. This change in hiring strategy is suggestive of experiential learning. We rule out several alternative explanations and pave the way for future research to further explore the complex impact of entrepreneurial experience on key entrepreneurial strategies.
Fast Autograft Generation Using Transferable 3D Keratinocyte Cell Sheet on PEDOT:PSS Composite PDMS Membrane for Enhancing Wound Healing
Authors: Jang Yeongseok , Lee Dongwon , Oh Jonghyun
Published: November 2024

The application of cell sheet technology for wound healing preserves dense cell tissue and the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), contributing to disease prevention. Despite the effectiveness of autologous and allograft cell sheets for wound healing, conventional cell sheets, although stable, may experience necrosis in their middle layers due to a lack of nutrients or oxygen. To address these issues, a novel approach is proposed to create cell sheets using mechanical and electrical stimulation. This method not only facilitates the transfer of cell sheets but also enhances cell bioactivity. The performance of the proposed membrane, with a mechanically controlled microstructure under electrical stimulation, is validated in both in vitro and in vivo models. The micro‐structured membrane allows for diverse electrical stimulation compared to flat membranes, which accelerates the detachment of cell sheets and promotes angiogenesis and re‐epithelialization. These findings indicate that the innovative cell sheet technology could significantly enhance rapid wound healing in regenerative medicine.
Favorable Moderate Adsorption of Polysulfide on FeNi3 Intermetallic Compound Accelerating Conversion Kinetics for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Shujun , Guo Tong , Jiang Jun , Qi Zhijie , Zhang Yunfan , Guo Xiangjie , Tang Tian , Bi Min , Wu Zhen , Sun Jingwen , Xiong Pan , Zhang Wenyao , Wang Xin , Zhu Junwu , Fu Yongsheng
Published: November 2024

Sluggish conversion kinetics of polysulfides during discharge and the severe shuttle effect significantly hinder the practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this work, the lattice engineering strategy of Fe hybridization is employed to manipulate the bulk phase spacing of FeNi3 (space group Pm3m) intermetallic compounds to adjust the 3d electronic structure, optimizing the adsorption of polysulfides, thereby accelerating the catalytic conversion. As a result, FeNi2.25@OC achieves favorable moderate adsorption toward polysulfides. Due to the larger number of electrons occupying the lowest occupied molecular orbital of Li2S4, the S−S bonds are weakened and broken. Temperature‐dependent experiments confirm that FeNi2.25@OC exhibits the lowest activation energy and can effectively accelerate the catalytic conversion of polysulfides. The Li−S cell assembled with FeNi2.25@OC modified PP separator delivers a high initial discharge specific capacity of 1219.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. Even at a high sulfur loading of 6.06 mg cm−2 and lean electrolyte conditions (6 µL mg−1), it can cycle stably for 60 cycles.
A Ratiometric Time‐Gated Luminescence Probe for Imaging H2O2 in Endoplasmic Reticulum of Living Cells and Its Application to Smartphone‐Guided Bioimaging
Authors: Huang Yundi , Chen Kaiwen , Kong Deshu , Song Bo , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Qi , Yuan Jingli
Published: November 2024

The significance of H2O2 as a marker of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in living organisms has spurred growing interest in its roles in inflammation and disease progression. In this report, a ratiometric time‐gated luminescence (RTGL) probe is proposed based on mixed lanthanide complexes, ER‐BATTA‐Tb3+/Eu3+, for imaging the H2O2 generation both in vitro and in vivo. Upon exposure to H2O2, the probe undergoes cleavage of the benzyl boric acid group, releasing hydroxyl (─OH) groups, which significantly reduces the emission of the Eu3+ complex while slightly increasing the emission of the Tb3+ complex. This response allows the I540/I610 ratio to be used as an indicator for monitoring the H2O2 level changes. The probes are capable of selectively accumulating in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), allowing effective imaging of H2O2 in the ER of living cells and liver‐injured mice under oxidative stress. Moreover, by integrating ER‐BATTA‐Tb3+/Eu3+ into (polyethylene glycol) PEG hydrogels, the H2O2‐responsive smart sensor films, PEG‐H2O2‐Sensor films, are created, which enable the real‐time monitoring of H2O2 levels in various wounds using a smartphone imaging platform and R/G channel evaluation. The sensor films are also innovatively applied for the in situ monitoring of H2O2 in brains of epileptic rats, facilitating the precise assessment of brain damage. This study provides a valuable tool for the quantitative detection of H2O2 in vitro and in vivo, as well as for the clinical monitoring and treatment of H2O2‐related diseases in multiple scenarios.
Bionanoparticles with In Situ Nitric Oxide Release for Precise Modulation of ER‐TRPV1 Ion Channels in Multimodal Killing of Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Chaoqun , Peng Jinlei , Wang Bing , Gao Dong , Liu Xiaoning , Cheng Guodong , Li Boying , Zhang Ran , Shuai Xintao , Feng Fude , Xing Chengfen
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) with highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is a significant factor contributing to its treatment resistance and low survival rate. The activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel, which is overexpressed on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of GBM cells, governs the control of multi‐organelle stress pathway branches to inhibit GBM expansion. Precise modulation of ER‐TRPV1 is considered an effective strategy for inhibition of GBM. As an effective intracellular and extracellular second messenger, nitric oxide (•NO) activates the TRPV1 ion channel through nitrosylation of cysteine residues. However, the short lifespan and limited effective range of •NO makes it challenging to achieve precise regulation of ER‐TRPV1. Herein, a biomimetic upconversion nanoassembly (M‐UCN‐T) is constructed, which encapsulates an organic •NO donor and is coated with homologous tumor‐targeting cell membrane and ER‐targeting peptide. In response to near‐infrared light and glutathione, M‐UCN‐T releases •NO in situ to activate the ER‐TRPV1 ion channels. This study developed a •NO‐targeted release nanoplatform with stepwise targeting functions, which allow for the precise modulation of ER‐TPRV1 in GBM through in situ release of •NO. This approach induces multi‐organelle stress signaling pathways, ultimately resulting in multi‐modal killing of tumor cells.
Covalent Organic Frameworks with Constrained Palladium Nanoclusters Lock the Enol‐Keto Tautomerism Enhancing Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis
Authors: Zhou Jie , Chen Jinyang , Li Na , Gou Faliang , Yang Zhen , Zeng Minfeng , Shao Mingchao
Published: November 2024

The production of hydrogen peroxide from natural seawater is green and sustainable. However, the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production is low due to the degradation and poisoning of photocatalysts by the abundant ions in natural seawater. Precisely controlling the structure of photocatalysts to enhance their corrosion resistance and minimize the impact of external particles is a challenging task. Here, a novel molecular engineering strategy is reported in which confined Pd nanoclusters locked keto structures to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production. Both experimental and theoretical findings reveals that Pd nanoclusters, when confined within a keto structure, not only bolster the stability of the photocatalyst but also augment the efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers' separation and transport. This dual enhancement significantly boosts the photocatalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide synthesis. One of the photocatalysts, TAPT‐2KtTb Pd COF, exhibits an impressive photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production rate of 2676.3 µmol g−1 h−1, which is one of the highest values reported so far. Integral photocatalyzed H2O2 synthesis using confined Pd nanoclusters locked keto conformation COF provides a new insight for developing innovative photocatalysts for H2O2 synthesis.
Prioritization of Software Bugs Using Entropy‐Based Measures
Authors: Kumari Madhu , Singh Rashmi , Singh V. B.
Published: November 2024

Open‐source software is evolved through the active participation of users. In general, a user request for bug fixing, the addition of new features, and feature enhancements. Due to this, the software repositories are increasing day by day at an enormous rate. Additionally, user distinct requests add uncertainty and irregularity to the reported bug data. The performance of machine learning algorithms drastically gets influenced by the inappropriate handling of uncertainty and irregularity in the bug data. Researchers have used machine learning techniques for assigning priority to the bug without considering the uncertainty and irregularity in reported bug data. In order to capture the uncertainty and irregularity in the reported bug data, the summary entropy–based measure in combination with the severity and summary weight is considered in this study to predict the priority of bugs in the open‐source projects. Accordingly, the classifiers are build using these measures for different machine learning techniques, namely, k‐nearest neighbor (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), J48, random forest (RF), condensed nearest neighbor (CNN), multinomial logistic regression (MLR), decision tree (DT), deep learning (DL), and neural network (NNet) for bug priority prediction This research aims to systematically analyze the summary entropy–based machine learning classifiers from three aspects: type of machine learning technique considered, estimation of various performance measures: Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F‐measure and through existing model comparison. The experimental analysis is carried out using three open‐source projects, namely, Eclipse, Mozilla, and OpenOffice. Out of 145 cases (29 products X 5 priority levels), the J48, RF, DT, CNN, NNet, DL, MLR, and KNN techniques give the maximum F‐measure for 46, 35, 28, 11, 15, 4, 3, and 1 cases, respectively. The result shows that the proposed summary entropy–based approach using different machine learning techniques performs better than without entropy‐based approach and also entropy‐based approach improves the Accuracy and F‐measure as compared with the existing approaches. It can be concluded that the classifier build using summary entropy measure significantly improves the machine learning algorithms' performance with appropriate handling of uncertainty and irregularity. Moreover, the proposed summary entropy–based classifiers outperform the existing models available in the literature for predicting bug priority.
Getting Started 1: Installing and Configuring NVivo
Authors: Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: November 2024

This chapter provides detailed guidance on installing and registering NVivo (including the add-on NCapture for importing social media content). It includes instructions to ensure smooth registration of the program (according to the license bought) and the update of the program to the latest version.
Working with Memos
Authors: Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: November 2024

Memos are personal instruments that a qualitative researcher generally uses for themself or in team research, whereby ideas are written down when they arise during the analytical process. Memos enhance the analytical depth of qualitative research by allowing researchers to record insights, reflect on data, and document the analysis process. NVivo contains two memoing tools discussed in this chapter: memos and annotations. The creation of memos and annotations is demonstrated, and the connection of memos to data is shown with the memo link.
Preventing an Anti-climatic Response to Climate Change
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: November 2024

This book has provided a wide-ranging review (from global health issues to individuals traits of climatic vulnerability) of the key issues surrounding climate change and heart disease. In the process it has argued for a ‘paradigm change’ in how clinicians and the broader health system consider ‘where’ people with antecedent risk factors and established forms of heart disease live and work and also ‘when’ climatic conditions in that location, might provoke a clinical crisis and even death. This requires a new mindset around clinical management (including specific sections/reference to climate factors in expert guidelines) and extends to how disease statistics are reported and presented. However, it would be disingenuous to present all the facts, figures and opinions proffered in this book as the unbridled truth or beyond contest. There is still so much to learn and understand about heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease—especially beyond high-income populations with well-developed health systems. This truism is even more stark when considering our knowledge (and potential response) to the impact of climate change and how it will affect the global burden of heart disease and other common forms of cardiovascular disease sensitive to external factors. Thus, this final chapter will critically reflect on the topics covered in each chapter and then identify what is needed in terms of action (including new research and resources) to ensure that climate-provoked cardiac events don’t overwhelm already capacity constrained health systems worldwide.
Climate-Driven Variations in Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: November 2024

Previous chapters have focussed on the broader picture of global health in the context of climate change, before examining why climatic conditions/acute weather events can influence an individual’s heart and broader cardiovascular health through the lens of ‘vulnerability to resilience’. In doing so, an argument for why and how we should alter our collective thinking around the role of climate and health (essentially embracing a new paradigm in providing clinical care) is urgently needed. However, such a radical change would be pointless, or at least a low priority, if there was little evidence that health outcomes are indeed—(1) Shaped and influenced by the weather/climatic conditions, thereby resulting in clinically significant variations in event rates and, (2) Climate change is likely to exacerbate the problem in terms of provoking more events that might be preventable. Thus, in the context of a growing body of research and published data (much of which is gravitating towards a more simplistic “heat is bad” mindset), this chapter provides hard evidence that the timing and frequency of concrete events such as hospital admissions and deaths linked to cardiovascular disease and the main subtypes of heart disease are not random. Instead, they ebb and flow according to both predictable climatic transitions (seasons) and unpredictable weather conditions (heatwaves and cold spells) in different ways.
From Pollution to Parasites
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: November 2024

This chapter brings together a range of themes covered within the book thus far. It reflects on the diversity of problems different parts of the world are facing as the impact of climate change gathers pace. These problems encompass more cardiac complications arising from the air pollution generated from climate-triggered fires to the proliferation of vector-borne infectious diseases. In doing so, it discusses the complexity of pathways provoked by climatic change that might increase and even extend the burden of heart disease globally. Concurrently, the prospect of some unexpected benefits (in terms of disease reduction due to climate change) are identified. From that global perspective, some important changes in the ‘infectious threats’ posed to people living in the major continents are presented, noting, once again, how the poorest people in the world will likely bear the brunt of any changes in the pattern of disease provoked by climate change.
Introduction: Changing Security, Transforming Governance
Authors: Autero Anniina , Korvela Paul-Erik
Published: November 2024

This introductory chapter sets the theoretical backdrop for the theme of the book and subsequent chapters. The chapter commences from the long pedigree of Western political theory and its focus on the security and safety of citizens. Providing external and internal security for the citizens has been considered the most central task of states and governments at least since Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) onwards. Even the most libertarian branches of political thought agree that catering for this security need justifies the very existence of states. This fundamental framework as such has not changed much over the centuries, one could argue, but the very concept of security has undergone transformations. Research literature refers to the widening of security discourse, where the fulcrum of security shifts from state security to human security and includes issues traditionally considered to be outside of “hard security”. At the same time another trend, the transformation of government into governance, has changed the logic of how this security is provided. The introductory chapter scrutinizes these two transformations and how they manifest themselves in the book’s chapters. The interplay between multi-level governance and the widening of security discourse is addressed in the two parts of the book: first part is the theoretical one, scrutinizing various aspects of widening security discourse and challenges posed by emerging technologies. The second part delves deeper into the practical cases from different cities showing how some of these challenges have been met.
Accounting for Social Value in Urban Security: Social Return on Investment of SURE
Authors: Jashari Alisa , Autero Anniina , de Moraes Batista Simão Marcela
Published: November 2024

The multidimensional benefits of improved urban security have long been under-evidenced. In accounting for socio-economic value, we modeled the potential returns on investment of a holistic urban security solution pioneered in Tampere, Finland. This chapter analyzes the social returns on investment of the Smart Urban Security and Event Resilience (SURE) project using the social return on investment (SROI) methodology. The SROI methodology uses qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods that are quantified as monetary values in order to estimate the socio-economic returns on investmens of SURE in the City of Tampere. The SROI analysis accounted for the value created for several stakeholders, namely, event attenders, event organizers, local municipality, and local urban security actors. The methodology allows for the translation of social outcomes into tangible monetary values, presented in the form of a ratio indicating the value generated in relation to the investments made. The mentioned returns present themselves in savings in the areas of investigative costs, faster incident response, increased security for event attenders and respondents, and increased inter-institutional collaboration.
Crowd Counting in Action: Observations from the SURE Project
Authors: Joutsijoki Henry , Mäenpää Sari
Published: November 2024

Although camera surveillance combined with analytic properties produces great value in tasks like anomaly detection or object detection in general, the reverse is maintaining the privacy of the people. One application of camera surveillance is crowd counting. The purpose of crowd counting is to estimate the number of people in a defined area, and the estimation is performed with a machine learning method. Scientific literature related to crowd counting focuses mainly on the algorithm development. However, when crowd counting solution is implemented in practice, the algorithm is only one part of the whole solution. To fill this gap, we contribute by discussing the whole pipeline from the requirements of camera and space, computing environment, and the categorization of crowd counting methods to the requirements of data. Our approach is qualitative in nature and is based on literature review together with case observations which make the challenges visible. As a result, we enlighten the issues that need to be considered when implementing a crowd counting pipeline.
Toward Designing Ethically Acceptable AI Security Systems Through Agent Modeling
Authors: Hallamaa Jaana , Janhunen Tomi , Nummenmaa Jyrki , Nummenmaa Timo , Saariluoma Pertti , Zimina Elizaveta
Published: November 2024

AI systems are often complex and they have ethical consequences. We propose careful modeling of the related agents and their ethical concerns for the design of acceptable AI systems. We have worked on an example case of shopping mall security, and we will exemplify our ideas with our case study. Our modeling is based on BDI (belief-desire-intention) theory, philosophical theories of social action, and cognitive research on individual minds and ethics. For our empirical part, we have met and interviewed personnel in a real shopping mall. We aim to give a theoretical basis for considering ethical aspects for the use and design of AI in security.
Angular fractals in thermal QFT
Authors: Benjamin Nathan , Lee Jaeha , Pal Sridip , Simmons-Duffin David , Xu Yixin
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We show that thermal effective field theory controls the long-distance expansion of the partition function of a d-dimensional QFT, with an insertion of any finite-order spatial isometry. Consequently, the thermal partition function on a sphere displays a fractal-like structure as a function of angular twist, reminiscent of the behavior of a modular form near the real line. As an example application, we find that for CFTs, the effective free energy of even-spin minus odd-spin operators at high temperature is smaller than the usual free energy by a factor of 1/2d. Near certain rational angles, the partition function receives subleading contributions from “Kaluza-Klein vortex defects” in the thermal EFT, which we classify. We illustrate our results with examples in free and holographic theories, and also discuss nonperturbative corrections from worldline instantons.
Probing large extra dimension at DUNE using beam tunes
Authors: Siyeon Kim , Kim Suhyeon , Masud Mehedi , Park Juseong
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a leading experiment in neutrino physics which is presently under construction. DUNE aims to measure the yet unknown parameters in the three flavor oscillation case which includes discovery of leptonic CP violation, determination of the neutrino mass hierarchy and measuring the octant of θ23. Additionally, the ancillary goals of DUNE include probing the subdominant effects induced by possible physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). One such new physics scenario is the possible presence of Large Extra Dimension (LED) which can naturally give rise to tiny neutrino masses. LED impacts neutrino oscillation through two new parameters, — namely the lightest Dirac mass m0 and the radius of the extra dimension RED (< 2 μm). At the DUNE baseline of 1300 km, the probability seems to be modified more at the higher energy (≳ 4 − 5 GeV) in presence of LED. In this work, we attempt to constrain the parameter space of m0 and RED by performing a statistical analysis of neutrino data simulated at DUNE far detector (FD). We illustrate how a combination of the standard low energy (LE) neutrino beam and a medium energy (ME) neutrino beam can take advantage of the relatively large impact of LED at higher energy and improve the constraints. In the analysis we also show the role of the individual oscillation channels (νμ → νe, νμ → νμ, νμ → ντ), as well as the two neutrino mass hierarchies.
Sparse groups need not be semisparse
Authors: Hubard Isabel , Toledo Micael
Published: November 2024

In 1999 Michael Hartley showed that any abstract polytope can be constructed as a double coset poset, by means of a C-group $$\mathcal {W}$$
W
and a subgroup $$N \le \mathcal {W}$$

N
≤
W

. Subgroups $$N \le \mathcal {W}$$

N
≤
W

that give rise to abstract polytopes through such a construction are called sparse. If, further, the stabilizer of a base flag of the poset is precisely N, then N is said to be semisparse. In [4, Conjecture 5.2] Hartely conjectures that sparse groups are always semisparse. In this paper, we show that this conjecture is in fact false: there exist sparse groups that are not semisparse. In particular, we show that such groups are always obtained from non-faithful maniplexes that give rise to polytopes. Using this, we show that Hartely’s conjecture holds for rank 3, but we construct examples to disprove the conjecture for all ranks $$n\ge 4$$

n
≥
4

.
Rapid and motion-robust pediatric brain imaging: T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo PROPELLER acquisition with compressed sensing
Authors: Wichtmann Barbara Daria , Katemann Christoph , Kadrija Mergim , Layer Yannik C. , Bischoff Leon M. , Scheuver Yvonne , Mezger Madeleine , Weber Oliver M. , Luetkens Julian A. , Attenberger Ulrike I. , Radbruch Alexander , Paech Daniel
Published: November 2024

Background

In pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), reducing the rate of non-diagnostic scans due to artifacts and shortening acquisition time are crucial not only for economic reasons but also to minimize sedation or general anesthesia.

Objective

Enabling faster and motion-robust MRI of the brain in infants and children using a novel, enhanced compressed sensing (CS) algorithm in combination with a turbo-spin-echo T2-weighted sequence utilizing the PROPELLER-technique (periodically rotated overlapping parallel
lines with enhanced reconstruction; T2PROPELLER CS).

Materials and methods

This prospective study included 31 patients (8.0 ± 4.7 years, 15 males) undergoing a clinically indicated MRI examination of the brain on a 3-T scanner. The T2PROPELLER CS sequence was compared to a conventional, CS-accelerated Cartesian turbo-spin-echo T2-weighted sequence (T2Cartesian CS). Apparent contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR) were calculated. Three blinded radiologists independently rated both sequences twice qualitatively on a 5-point Likert-scale from 1–5 (non-diagnostic–excellent) for artifacts, image sharpness, basal ganglia delineation, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired sample t test. Intra- and interrater reliability of qualitative image assessment was evaluated by computing Krippendorff’s

$$\alpha$$

α

reliability estimates.

Results

The average acquisition time of the T2PROPELLER CS (189 ± 27 s) was 31% shorter than that of the T2Cartesian CS sequence (273 ± 21 s; P < 0.001). aCNR (7.7 ± 4.6 vs. 6.2 ± 2.8; P = 0.004) and aSNR (24.8 ± 9.7 vs. 18.8 ± 5.5; P < 0.001) were higher for the T2Cartesian CS compared to the T2PROPELLER CS sequence. The T2PROPELLER CS sequence significantly reduced (motion-)artifacts (P < 0.001) and increased image sharpness (P < 0.001), basal ganglia delineation (P<0.001), lesion conspicuity (raters 1 and 2, P < 0.001; rater 3, P = 0.004), and overall image quality (P < 0.001). Metal artifacts were prominent in both sequences, though slightly more pronounced in the T2PROPELLER CS sequence.

Conclusion

The T2PROPELLER CS sequence enables faster and motion-robust imaging of the brain in infants and children, reducing the rate of non-diagnostic scans and potentially allowing sedation or general anesthesia to be minimized in the future.

Graphical abstract
Copy number alterations in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and their association with patients’ outcome
Authors: Abdelfattah Nesma E. , Elsayed Ghada M. , Soliman Amira H. , Ebeid Emad N. , El Ashry Mona S.
Published: November 2024

Genetic abnormalities provide diagnostic and prognostic information for pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genetic CNAs and RUNX1 gene abnormalities on the outcome of pediatric BCP-ALL patients. This study included 78 de novo-BCP-ALL pediatric patients who presented to the Pediatric Oncology Department of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University. We aimed to study the impact of copy number alteration (CNA) of 8 of the most altered genes in BCP-ALL patients, in addition to RUNX1 gene abnormalities, on patient survival and response to treatment. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect CNA, while RUNX1 gene alterations were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). CNA of the PAX5 gene was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) (P = 0.012 and P = 0.025, respectively). An increase in the CNA of ETV6 was associated with an increase in minimal residual disease (MRD) on day 15 (P = 0.041). Although RUNX1 gene abnormalities were not a predictor of shorter OS or EFS, an interesting significant association was found between PAX5 CNA and RUNX1 gene gain and translocation (P = 0.017 and P = 0.041, respectively). PAX5 CNA is an adverse prognostic factor. ETV6 CNA is associated with high MRD on day 15.
Cross-equatorial extension of the Pacific-South American wave train enabled by Southeastern South American rainfall
Authors: Zhao Siyu , Fu Rong , Zhao Sen , Jin Fei-Fei , Wang Hui
Published: November 2024

The Pacific–South American (PSA) pattern is a key mode of climate variability in the mid-to-high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere, impacting circulation and rainfall anomalies over South America. However, the effect of South American rainfall on the PSA has not been previously explored. This study focuses on the impact of rainfall over southeastern South American (SESA) during the austral summer (December–February). Observational analyses reveal that the PSA pattern remains confined to higher southern latitudes when SESA rainfall anomalies are weak. In contrast, strong SESA rainfall anomalies can generate a quasi-stationary Rossby wave train, which represents a cross-equatorial extension of the PSA. This wave train propagates along a southwest–northeast great circle path from higher latitudes, crosses the equator, and reaches the tropical Atlantic, southern Europe, and northern Africa, inducing a wet and cool weather condition over western and southern Europe. The observed wave train can be reproduced by the linear baroclinic model (LBM) simulations. Given the PSA’s connection to tropical forcing over the central Pacific, we examine differences in the wave response to central Pacific forcing alone versus combined central Pacific and SESA forcings. By incorporating SESA forcing, the wave train originally triggered by central Pacific forcing is amplified and extended. Our findings confirm the significant role of SESA rainfall anomalies in extending the PSA pattern to the Northern Hemisphere and highlight the South American continent as a land bridge that links circulation anomalies across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Impact attribution: exploring the contribution of climate change to recent trends in hydrological processes—an editorial introduction
Authors: Hattermann Fred F. , Krysanova Valentina
Published: November 2024

The world is already in the midst of climate change and, in addition to preventing further climate change, it is of fundamental interest to analyse the existing impacts and implement appropriate adaptation measures. To this end, it is important to distinguish the influences of human management and land use change from the pure effects of climate change. However, the attribution of climate change effects in hydrology is still in its infancy, and the aim of this collection with its in total 9 articles is to contribute to a better understanding of the underlying methods on the one hand, and to quantify the recent consequences of climate change for hydrological processes on the other. The attribution of recent trends in mean annual discharge to climate change was possible in 42% of the 97 selected river basins from three continents investigated, mostly pointing on positive trends in streamflow: in Norway, northern Russia, northern Kazakhstan, western China and in the Lake Victoria basin. Negative trends in streamflow attributable to climate change were detected in the Blue Nile and Main Nile, in three basins of Central and South Asia and in the Selenga river.
Blockchain for securing electronic voting systems: a survey of architectures, trends, solutions, and challenges
Authors: Ohize Henry O. , Onumanyi Adeiza James , Umar Buhari U. , Ajao Lukman A. , Isah Rabiu O. , Dogo Eustace M. , Nuhu Bello K. , Olaniyi Olayemi M. , Ambafi James G. , Sheidu Vincent B. , Ibrahim Muhammad M.
Published: November 2024

Electronic voting (e-voting) systems are gaining increasing attention as a means to modernize electoral processes, enhance transparency, and boost voters’ participation. In recent years, significant developments have occurred in the study of e-voting and blockchain technology systems, hence reshaping many electoral systems globally. For example, real-world implementations of blockchain-based e-voting have been explored in various countries, such as Estonia and Switzerland, which demonstrates the potential of blockchain to enhance the security and transparency of elections. Thus, in this paper, we present a survey of the latest trends in the development of e-voting systems, focusing on the integration of blockchain technology as a promising solution to address various concerns in e-voting, including security, transparency, auditability, and voting integrity. This survey is important because existing survey articles do not cover the latest advancements in blockchain technology for e-voting, particularly as it relates to architecture, global trends, and current concerns in the developmental process. Thus, we address this gap by providing an encompassing overview of architectures, developments, concerns, and solutions in e-voting systems based on the use of blockchain technology. Specifically, a concise summary of the information necessary for implementing blockchain-based e-voting solutions is provided. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in blockchain systems, which aim to enhance scalability and performance in large-scale voting scenarios. We also highlight the fact that the implementation of blockchain-based e-voting systems faces challenges, including cybersecurity risks, resource intensity, and the need for robust infrastructure, which must be addressed to ensure the scalability and reliability of these systems. This survey also points to the ongoing development in the field, highlighting future research directions such as improving the efficiency of blockchain algorithms and integrating advanced cryptographic techniques to further enhance security and trust in e-voting systems. Hence, by analyzing the current state of e-voting systems and blockchain technology, insights have been provided into the opportunities and challenges in the field with opportunities for future research and development efforts aimed at creating more secure, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes.
Real-world effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Japan: the Orbit study
Authors: Muta Tsuyoshi , Masamoto Yosuke , Yamamoto Go , Kurahashi Shingo , Kameoka Yoshihiro , Ota Shuichi , Matsuki Eri , Ozeki Kazutaka , Toyama Takanori , Takahashi Naoki , Kumode Takahiro , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Yoshimura Takuro , Tamura Hideto , Omi Ai , Shibayama Kazuhiro , Watanabe Aki , Isobe Yasushi , Kojima Kensuke , Takizawa Jun , Nagai Hirokazu , Suzumiya Junji , Aoki Sadao
Published: November 2024

Ibrutinib is a first-in-class Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in Japan based on randomized clinical trial data. The aim of the real-world, retrospective Orbit study was to describe long-term clinical outcomes and management in adults (aged ≥ 20 years) with CLL/SLL treated with ibrutinib, either as first-line (1L) treatment or for relapsed or refractory (RR) disease, in routine clinical practice in Japan between July 2018 and December 2020. A total of 246 patients were registered, and the safety and per-protocol sets included 237 and 234 patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 35.7 months, the 36-month progression-free survival rate was 80.9% in the 1L CLL cohort and 67.2% in the RR CLL cohort, and the 36-month overall survival rates were 90.8% and 83.7%, respectively. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade ≥ 3 adverse events of special interest were atrial fibrillation (2.1%), infections (herpesvirus infection, fungal infection, or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia; 1.7%), bleeding (3.8%), and second primary malignancy (2.5%). These findings confirm the long-term, real-world effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib for the treatment of Japanese patients with newly diagnosed or RR CLL/SLL.