bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of carotenoids against blue light induced-cellular damage in human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Won Jong Hoon , Sitnikov Dmitri , Hong Jina
Published: January 2025

The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is constantly exposed to visible light, including blue light (BL) that creates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful to DNA and induce cellular senescence. Carotenoids are recognized for their antioxidant properties, but their protective effect on DNA repair and cellular senescence under BL induced oxidative stress has not been evaluated. After BL irradiation, the positive senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and gene expression of p16

INK4a
and p21

Waf/Cip1
were upregulated in ARPE-19 cells. Pretreatment with carotenoids reduced ROS, p-H2A.X nuclear foci, and SA-β-gal positive cells induced by BL irradiation. Furthermore, pretreatment with carotenoids reduced the secretion of IL-6 and VEGF triggered by BL. Since increased senescent cells and secretion of IL-6 and VEGF are involved in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis, our results support that carotenoid supplementation has a potential role in protecting the eyes from the deleterious effects of excessive BL exposure.
The influence of tooth shade on near-infrared light transmission through human dentine and enamel: an in-vitro study
Authors: Kulkarni Sachin , Walsh Laurence J. , McEntyre Monte James , George Roy
Published: January 2025

This in-vitro study assessed the influence of the shade of human teeth on the transmission of near-infrared light. A total of 40 teeth were used. After cleaning the root surface and removing cementum, the teeth were sectioned into slices 3 mm thick, with each comprising a portion of the crown (enamel-dentine (ED)) and of the root (dentine only). The shade of the crown and the root was measured using a digital spectrophotometer. All samples were irradiated using 660, 808, or 904 nm diode lasers, and a multi-wavelength LED light source (700–1100 nm, Nuralyte®). Using a laser power meter, the percent transmission was calculated. Differences between Vita shade groups A, B, and C were analysed using ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Overall, dentine samples showed approximately 40% greater transmission than samples of enamel and dentine. There were significant influences for shade group and for sample thickness on the transmission of 660 nm light (P < 0.01), but not for other light sources. There was a statistically significant influence of light source on transmission. Across both crown and root samples, the ranking for light transmission from greatest to least was LED (700–1100 nm) > (904 nm = 808 nm) > 660 nm. Within the range from 660 to 1100 nm, the longer wavelengths are transmitted better by both enamel and dentine. The transmission of visible red light (660 nm) was affected by Vita tooth shade, while the transmission of near infrared light (700–1100 nm) was not affected by Vita shade.
Antisymmetric maximum principles and Hopf’s lemmas for the Logarithmic Laplacian, with applications to symmetry results
Authors: Pollastro Luigi , Soave Nicola
Published: January 2025

We prove antisymmetric maximum principles and Hopf-type lemmas for linear problems described by the Logarithmic Laplacian. As application, we prove the symmetry of solutions for semilinear problems in symmetric sets, and a rigidity result for the parallel surface problem for the Logarithmic Laplacian.
Disagree and commit: degrees of argumentation-based agreements
Authors: Kampik Timotheus , Nieves Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

In cooperative human decision-making, agreements are often not total; a partial degree of agreement is sufficient to commit to a decision and move on, as long as one is somewhat confident that the involved parties are likely to stand by their commitment in the future, given no drastic unexpected changes. In this paper, we introduce the notion of agreement scenarios that allow artificial autonomous agents to reach such agreements, using formal models of argumentation, in particular abstract argumentation and value-based argumentation. We introduce the notions of degrees of satisfaction and (minimum, mean, and median) agreement, as well as a measure of the impact a value in a value-based argumentation framework has on these notions. We then analyze how degrees of agreement are affected when agreement scenarios are expanded with new information, to shed light on the reliability of partial agreements in dynamic scenarios. An implementation of the introduced concepts is provided as part of an argumentation-based reasoning software library.
Conceptual Mediation in Technomoral Change: Reply to Danaher and Sætra
Authors: Hopster Jeroen K.G. , Rueda Jon , Hillenbrink Robin
Published: January 2025

Philosophers of technology have identified various mechanisms through which technology can change moral norms, values, beliefs and practices. Danaher and Sætra (2023) offer a useful systematization of these mechanisms, with no claim to being exhaustive. We contribute to their work by analyzing how the mediating role of moral concepts fits into this scheme. First, we point out that concepts mediate the moral effects of technological changes, a process we call conceptual mediation. We illustrate this with the concepts of ‘brain death’ and ‘reproductive autonomy’, whose moral implications crystallized in the interplay with new medical technologies. Subsequently, we argue that conceptual mediation is best understood as a type of second-order mediation, which channels the moral implications of the first-order technological mediations identified by Danaher and Sætra (decisional, relational, perceptual). We conclude that second-order mediation plays a central and underappreciated role in processes of technomoral change.
Stakeholder motivations for participation in partnerships for the SDGS: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Enechi Okechukwu , Pattberg Philipp
Published: January 2025

Multi-stakeholder Partnership (MSP) as a policy instrument is institutionalised in SDG 17 as a participatory mechanism which, ideally, aims to realize participation of diverse stakeholders in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the underlying 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While there is a growing body of literature on overall success factors for MSPs, research on MSPs implementing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is lagging, particularly, when it comes to questions around participation and inclusiveness. The voluntary nature of MSPs suggest that stakeholders are motivated to participate due to overlapping interests and values. However, in the context of sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of comparable studies on stakeholder participation, particularly on the factors that motivate participation and the conditions under which stakeholders engage in MSPs within the domestic context. Therefore, this paper analyses the motivations behind stakeholder participation in MSPs within the context of SSA, using Nigeria as a case study. To achieve this, the study surveyed stakeholders who self-reported participation in 134 MSPs that were registered on the SDG Action platform and self-indicated project implementation in Nigeria. In addition, we conducted expert interviews and facilitated an expert workshop to gather further data on stakeholder motivations. The survey results are analysed using a relational values model. Based on the analysis, the study concludes with policy recommendations and suggestions for future research.
Does Executive Functioning Moderate the Association Between Psychopathic Traits and Antisocial Behavior in Youth?
Authors: Joseph Justin J. , Waschbusch Dan A.
Published: January 2025

This study examined the interplay of psychopathic traits, executive functioning, and antisocial behavior among adjudicated youth, with a focus on the potential moderating role of executive function. The current study uses data from the Pathways to Desistance dataset was examined, utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL-YV) and the Stroop Color-Word Task to measure psychopathic traits and executive functioning, respectively. Violent and property offending frequencies were self-reported. Both psychopathic traits and lower executive functioning were initially associated with higher frequencies of both violent and property offending. Crucially, a significant interaction emerged: Youth exhibiting higher socially deviant/lifestyle psychopathic traits and weaker executive function were most likely to engage in property offenses. These findings offer insights into specific risk profiles for offending behaviors and underscore the importance of interventions promoting executive function, especially for youth with these characteristics. This study highlights the complex ways in which individual differences contribute to antisocial outcomes.
Social Network Types in Autistic Adults and Its Associations with Mastery, Quality of Life, and Autism Characteristics
Authors: van den Heuvel Rinske M. , Teunisse Jan-Pieter , Radhoe Tulsi A. , van der Putten Wikke J. , Torenvliet Carolien , Wen Si , Wensing Michel , Geurts Hilde M.
Published: January 2025

Research shows heterogeneity in experiences of social contact and social networks in autistic adults. In this study, we aim to identify clusters of social support networks and investigate associations of clusters with mastery, quality of life, and autism characteristics. Autistic adults (N = 381; 45.7% female) aged between 30 and 90 years completed questionnaires on social support characteristics, mastery, autism characteristics, and quality of life. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify clusters based on social support network items. The cluster analysis revealed three clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 238) with two or more close persons, sometimes including a romantic partner; Cluster 2 (n = 102) with solely a romantic partner as close person; and Cluster 3 (n = 41) without any close persons. Level of emotional support was the most important clustering indicator. People in Cluster 3 reported lower quality of life regarding social relationships and mastery, autism characteristics, and other quality of life scales were similar across clusters. Absence or presence of close persons significantly impacts quality of life regarding social relationships in autistic adults, which highlights the importance of addressing (satisfaction with) social support. In order to enhance quality of life, offering social network interventions to increase social support seems especially relevant for autistic people belonging to Cluster 3.
Hidden champions and knowledge spillovers: innovation-enhancing agglomeration effects and niche technology specificity
Authors: Lehmann Erik E. , Schenkenhofer Julian , Vismara Silvio
Published: January 2025

To achieve market and technology leadership, innovation is essential for niche market leaders. While research suggests that regions benefit economically from a high concentration of niche market leaders, it is still unclear which role locating close to one another plays for their innovation performance. Therefore, we contribute to existing literature that studies external factors of firm-level innovation. We analyze 1372 German niche market leaders and study whether (1) being located in a cluster improves their innovation performance and (2) if the impact of locating in a cluster varies depending on the diversity of industries within the cluster. We measured the spatial agglomeration using the location quotient. Our findings show that being located in a cluster increases the patenting rate by 1.49 times. This effect is more pronounced in clusters with more diverse industries, indicating a lower level of technology specificity. This suggests that technology specificity has an impact on a company’s ability to take advantage of positive knowledge from other companies in the same cluster. Finally, we conducted several tests to ensure the robustness of our analysis. The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) refers to the discretionary choice of the spatial unit, and we tested different spatial unit levels to account for this. Additionally, we used entropy balancing to confirm the positive effect of cluster location on innovation, comparing with a control set of mass-market firms. Our study concludes with implications for both corporate management and public policy.
Does Religion Buffer the Negative Effects of Economic and Subjective Poverty on Life Satisfaction? Longitudinal Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Shi Songyun , Peng Chenhong , Zhang Qian , Wen Ming , Chen Yu-Chih , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: January 2025

Researchers have long been interested in the impact of poverty on life satisfaction, as well as in the buffering role of religion within this association. However, longitudinal evidence is limited, leaving uncertainties about how religion buffers this association, especially concerning the subjective aspect of poverty and in non-Christian-dominant societies. This study used two-wave panel data from Hong Kong (N = 1,006), where more than half of the population identifies as having no religion and all major world faiths coexist peacefully. We employed the cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to examine the longitudinal associations between economic poverty, subjective poverty, and life satisfaction while exploring the buffering effect of religion. The results of CLPM showed that subjective poverty had a long-term negative impact on life satisfaction, highlighting the pivotal role of social comparison in influencing individuals’ life satisfaction. Furthermore, religion was found to buffer the temporal association between subjective poverty and life satisfaction; this buffering effect persists within religious groups, regardless of religious attendance. This paper highlights the significance of subjective poverty in influencing life satisfaction and contributes to our understanding of whether and how religion matters to people’s life satisfaction among those experiencing poverty.
Investigating the effect of marigold flower extract on bioactive compounds, antioxidants and postharvest quality and shelf life of peach during storage
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Azam Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Arslan , Zahid Tayebulah , Ali Basharat , Akram Muhammad Tahir , Naveed Khalid , Ilahy Riadh , Hussain Imtiaz , Liu Hongru , Khan Zia Ullah , Hashem Abeer , Al-Mohaimeed Amal M. , Almutairi Khalid F. , Abd-Allah Elsayed Fathi
Published: January 2025

Peaches are a climacteric and highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life under ambient storage conditions which hampers further marketing and leads often to economic losses. Consequently, searching for pre-storage treatments to maintain shelf life and preserve the quality of peach fruit is an important task. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the efficiency of marigold flower extract (MFE) application on the shelf life and some quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient storage conditions. Peach fruit of cv. Early grand was treated with different concentrations of MFE (control, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and stored at 25 ± 2 °C for 8 days. The results revealed that at the end of the storage period, MFE (30%) suppressed the decrease of weight loss (21.51%), decay incidence (10.74%), solid-acid ratio (20.91%), pH (4.57), MDA (2.23 nmol/g FW) and H2O2 (3.01 nmol/g FW) compared to the control. Moreover, MFE (30%) increased the fruit firmness (93.93 N), soluble solid content (11.97 Brix), titratable acidity (0.57%), total sugar (10.01%), reducing sugars (5.15%), ascorbic acid (29.53 mg/100 mL), the total phenolic content (130.26 mg GAE/100 g FW) as well as the superoxide dismutase (309.79 U/mg), peroxidase (42.65 U/mg) and catalase (56.30 U/mg) enzyme activity compared to the untreated peach fruits. The results of our study suggested that the application of MFE particularly at 30% might be employed commercially as an environment-friendly approach to delay postharvest senescence and maintain quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient conditions.
A rare complication of a thoracic wound: the pneumopericardium?
Authors: Poulain C. , Prigent T. , Guibourg B. , Le Flahec G. , Martin E. , Salem D. Ben
Published: January 2025

Pneumopericardium (PPC) is defined by the presence of gas in the pericardial cavity, often leading to cardiac tamponade and a high mortality rate. This report describes a case involving a 33-year-old man found deceased a few meters from a knife, his clothes intact, with no resuscitation attempt made. A knotted scarf was tightly fastened around his neck, without ligature mark. Post-mortem CT revealed 271 ml of gas in the pericardial cavity, with “flattened heart”. The forensic examination revealed two thoracic stab wounds, one penetrated the pericardium without penetrating the heart chamber, while the second remained superficial. In the absence of resuscitation or exsanguination, and in the presence of some non-specific signs observed in the context of asphyxia, the hypothesis of death by compressive PPC was supported. This first French case report of PPC highlights the rarity of this entity in forensic settings, and comparison with other cases described in the literature which did not present the same characteristics points out the diagnostic difficulties it presents and the importance of post-mortem CT in diagnosis.
Beyond symptoms: the usefulness of early recollections in Adlerian treatment of panic attacks- a case study
Authors: Ibrahim-Dwairy Camelia , Shifron Rachel
Published: January 2025

This study explores the usefulness of Adlerian psychotherapy, specifically the use of early recollections (ERs), in treating panic attacks. The research is based on a case study involving 50 sessions with a patient presenting panic disorder. The paper is structured in three parts: (1) a literature review examining panic attacks, the Adlerian approach to psychological symptoms, and the use of ERs; (2) a case formulation including patient information and symptomatology, followed by an analysis of the therapeutic process centered on 12 ERs that emerged during therapy; and (3) a critical discussion of the Adlerian interpretation of symptoms and principal treatment outcomes. This case study contributes to the understanding of treatment for panic attacks, offering insights into the potential effectiveness of Adlerian psychotherapy and the role of ERs in addressing panic symptoms. The findings suggest that Adlerian therapy, particularly the use of ERs, may be a valuable approach in treating panic attacks.
Italian validation and network analysis of SHAME (SHAME-I) and its associations with perceived dysfunctional parenting
Authors: Veneziani Giorgio , Reho Matteo , Luciani Federica , Anaclerico Lucia , Pileri Jessica , Campedelli Virginia , Nardella Claudia , Lai Carlo
Published: January 2025

Shame is a self-conscious emotion influenced by the quality of the parent-child relationship. Although much research has assessed shame as a one-dimensional construct, shame is characterized by multiple dimensions. Considering the need to measure different aspects of shame, the present study aimed to confirm the three-factor structure of SHAME questionnaire and to analyze the network structure in Italian population. The second aim was to assess associations between shame dimensions and perceived dysfunctional parenting styles. Four-hundred-sixty-four participants responded to an online survey that contained the Italian version of the SHAME (SHAME-I), the Other as Shame Scale, to assess the convergent validity of the SHAME-I with an Italian-validated measure, and the Measure Of Parental Style to assess dysfunctional parenting. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the three-factor model, and items were arranged in the network consistently with the dimensions to which they belonged. Correlations showed good convergent validity for the SHAME-I. In addition, SHAME-I dimensions showed positive associations with perceived dysfunctional parenting. The SHAME-I seems to be a valid instrument that considers shame in its multidimensionality. Items with erotic, social exclusion, and disvalue cues had higher importance in the network. Lastly, specific SHAME-I dimensions were differently associated with dysfunctional parenting.
On Multi Order Nonlinear Langevin Type of $$\mathbb {FDE}$$ Subject to Multi-Point Boundary Conditions
Authors: Berhail Amel , Alzabut Jehad , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: January 2025

This research paper is about studying complicated equations called multi-order nonlinear fractional Langevin differential equations. These equations are analyzed when they have specific conditions at multiple points. The paper uses two mathematical tools, the Banach contraction principle and Schaefer’s fixed point theorem, to show that there is only one solution for the given equation. Moreover, we thoroughly study and analyze the stability of the solutions. To help understand the ideas we talked about, we will give related examples.
Emergence of flocking behaviors transferring previously evolved alignment robot controllers
Authors: Sendra-Arranz Rafael , Gutiérrez Álvaro
Published: January 2025

Flocking is a crucial collective behavior in swarm robotics. Reynolds introduced the boids model as a means to imitate flocking behaviors in artificial agents. This model relies on three fundamental local rules: separation, cohesion, and alignment. This paper examines the development of flocking behaviors only through the evolution of the alignment rule. Initially, we employ a genetic algorithm to develop the alignment behavior inside a group of stationary robots. The advanced alignment robot controller is a continuous-time recurrent neural network (CTRNN). Afterwards, we include the developed controller into a three-layered subsumption architecture in order to accomplish flocking behavior. Aside from the advanced alignment behavior, the architecture also incorporates a rudimentary manually designed obstacle avoidance behavior and a subroutine for moving forward. The initial experiment centers on the progression of alignment among the robots. Advanced communication techniques result in a scalable and precise alignment, where both the message content and its related context are very pertinent. The second experiment investigates the development of flocking behavior. The results indicate that the suggested subsumption architecture is capable of achieving efficient flocking behaviors. In addition, the robot swarm has the ability to navigate around barriers and continue to exhibit flocking behavior once the impediments have been bypassed. Our research indicates that the formation of a cohesive group can occur by implementing a single developed rule, complemented with well designed actions for avoiding obstacles and navigating the environment.
A Methodology Simplifying River Habitat Quality Assessment through Regression Analysis: Application in Slovakia
Authors: Čistý Milan , Doláková Gréta , Štefunková Zuzana
Published: January 2025

In the past, river restoration mainly focused on flood protection and somewhat ignored the degradation of river ecosystems, e.g., the habitats of river organisms. In recent decades, however, there has been an increased effort to carefully assess the quality of aquatic habitats as well. The authors have collected data from mountain and sub-mountain streams, including the habitat preferences of fish, topographic surveys, hydrometric measurements, and hydraulic modelling. These data were used to model the quality of stream habitats using the System of Environmental Flow Analysis (SEFA). SEFA, however, may be perceived as impractical for routine usage since the data it requires are extensive and time-consuming to obtain. For simplification, a regression analysis was conducted using only part of SEFA’s input data to balance reliability and data requirements of the computations. The general contribution of the paper is a demonstration of working with small datasets, addressing the challenges of analyzing the quality of river habitat through techniques such as boosting and regularization in regression analyses. The study confirmed a satisfactory agreement between the SEFA model’s results and the proposed regression methods, especially when using the boosting machine learning algorithm for the regression analysis (with a correlation of 0.9). The regression method significantly reduced the input data necessary to evaluate the quality of a habitat compared to the SEFA model. This permits an assessment of the ecological state of streams not only in a scientific context, but also in standard engineering practice.
Molecular Mechanism Behind the Capture of Fluorinated Gases by Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Qian , Hu Yong , Gu Yifan
Published: January 2025

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) play a vital role in the chemical industry and in the fields of air conditioning, refrigeration, health care, and organic synthesis. However, the direct emission of waste gases containing F-gases into the atmosphere contributes to greenhouse effects and generates toxic substances. Developing porous materials for the energy-efficient capture, separation, and recovery of F-gases is highly desired. Recently, as a highly designable porous adsorbents, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit excellent selective sorption performance toward F-gases, especially for the recognition and separation of different F-gases with highly similar properties, showing their great potential in F-gases control and recovery. In this review, we discuss the capture and separation of F-gases and their azeotropic, near-azeotropic, and isomeric mixtures in various application scenarios by MOFs, specifically classify and analyze molecular interaction between F-gases and MOFs, and interpret the mechanisms underlying their high performance regarding both adsorption capacity and selectivity, providing a repertoire for future materials design. Challenges faced in the transformation research roadmap of MOFs adsorbent separation technologies toward F-gases are also discussed, and areas for future research endeavors are highlighted.
Tailoring Wear Properties of Nodular Cast Iron through Induction Hardening Optimization
Authors: Karamanli Ismail Aykut , Unal Okan
Published: January 2025

The current study investigated the wear performances of GGG60 nodular cast iron under different loads after induction hardening at different powers and durations. The background of this study is the optimization of induction hardening parameters applied to increase the wear resistance of GGG60 nodular cast iron, which is the raw material of parts subjected to high wear loads such as crankshafts, gear systems and flywheels. With the obtained wear results, the induction parameters were optimized by RSM. Induction hardening was treated at four induction powers and two induction durations. Wear tests were conducted using the ball-on-disc method under dry wear conditions for 60 min. Three different wear loads of 10, 20, and 30 N were used. The samples were analyzed in terms of microstructure, hardness, and wear characterization. Subsequently, a RSM model was constructed using the wear results Untreated specimens have significantly lower performance characteristics than treated ones. The hardness, penetration depth, and wear performance indicated a strong relationship with the increase in both induction power and duration. The optimization model presented that the most critical parameter of volume loss is the wear load. In addition, induction power and wear load were found to be significant in the wear rate. The model's prediction capacity for volume loss is satisfactory. Nevertheless, the model's prediction capacity for the wear rate experienced a slight decrease. Conclusions indicate the model can estimate the induction hardening parameters.
Flow distribution of supercritical hydrocarbon fuel in parallel regenerative cooling channels under non-uniform heat flux
Authors: Zhu Renshuo , Pei Xinyan , Zou Sihan , Hou Lingyun
Published: January 2025

Regenerative cooling technology is an important approach for thermal protection in scramjet engines. Non-uniform axial and circumferential heat flow distribution on the combustor leads to improper flow distribution, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency and localized overheating, potentially causing thermal protection failure. To effectively utilize the fuel heat sink and enhance cooling efficiency, it is necessary to investigate the mechanism of flow distribution in the channels under different heat flow conditions. This study investigates the flow and heat transfer characteristics in single cooling and parallel channels under various heat flux. The heat transfer characteristics, flow resistance changes, and the influence of heat flux on heat transfer deterioration are analyzed. There are two types of heat transfer deterioration in channels, caused by the inlet effect and the mutation of fuel supercritical properties. Furthermore, the mechanism behind flow deviation induced by non-uniform heat flux in parallel channels is investigated. When a supercritical process occurs, non-uniform heat flux induces temperature deviations, resulting in density distribution variations. This, in turn, influences velocity distribution and leads to disparities in flow resistance distribution. Consequently, flow deviation occurs, and the cracking reaction amplifies flow deviation while reducing temperature deviation.
The Importance of Laboratory Parameters in the Differential Diagnosis of Graves' Disease and Subacute Thyroiditis
Authors: Çağlayan Kenan , Karataş Savaş , Özsarı Levent , Kıran Özge , Oğuz İsra , Gökçel Adnan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Graves' disease and subacute thyroiditis (SAT) are two of the most common causes of thyrotoxicosis. free T3 to free T4 ratio (fT3/fT4), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) have not been analysed in detail for diagnosis in previous studies.

Materials and Methods

A total of 141 patients with subacute thyroiditis, 133 with Graves' disease and 126 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), fT3, fT4, C-reactive protein (CRP), MPV, NLR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) levels were recorded. The laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate fT3/fT4 ratio, ft4/TSH ratio, NLR and MPV to aid diagnosis, as well as cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The fT3/fT4 ratio was significantly different between the subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves' disease groups (2.45 ± 0.68 vs. 3.48 ± 1.8, p < 0.01). The MPV was lowest in the SAT group (8.83 ± 1.29). The NLR ratio was highest in the SAT group (2.84 ± 1.48 p < 0.01). The fT4/TSH ratio was highest in the Graves group (461.85 ± 536.2 p < 0.01).The AUC of ft3/ft4 ratio for estimating Graves' disease was 0.773, the specificity was 77.9%, the sensitivity was 66.2% (p < 0.01), and the cut-off value was 2.95. The AUC of the NLR ratio for the assessment of SAT was 0.742, the specificity was 80% and the sensitivity was 50% (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The ratio of fT3 to fT4, fT4/TSH ratio, MPV and NLR differ significantly between SAT and Graves’ disease and can provide helpful information in the differential diagnosis.
Optimal scheduling for many-to-many on-orbit service manoeuvers considering variances in target accessibility
Authors: Zhang J. , Xia H. , Li L.
Published: January 2025

In this article, we delve into the optimal scheduling challenge for many-to-many on-orbit services, taking into account variations in target accessibility. The scenario assumes that each servicing satellite is equipped with singular or multiple service capabilities, tasked with providing on-orbit services to multiple targets, each characterised by distinct service requirements. The mission’s primary objective is to determine the optimal service sequence, orbital transfer duration and on-orbit service time for each servicing satellite, with the ultimate goal of minimising the overall cost. We frame the optimal scheduling dilemma as a time-related colored travelling salesman problem (TRCTSP) and propose an enhanced firefly algorithm (EFA) to address it. Finally, experimental results across various scenarios validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm. The principal contribution of this work lies in the modeling and resolution of the many-to-many on-orbit service challenge, considering accessibility variations — a domain that has, until now, remained unexplored.
On the performance of highly aggressive inter compressor ducts
Authors: Fritz S. , Hergt A. , Bresemann D. , Eck M. , Peitsch D.
Published: January 2025

The enhancement of jet engine components may result in the expansion of the established design space. In particular, the trend towards short and therefore highly aggressive inter compressor ducts (ICD) extends the traditional design space. The potential for fuel savings resulting from a reduction in engine weight is in contrast to the emergence of a more complex flow field. Many studies consider the secondary flow system of highly aggressive ICDs at the design point, but there is a lack of off-design considerations. To fill this gap, the present study investigates in detail the off-design performance of the new German Aerospace Center (DLR) test case. Firstly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of different typical operating points allow detailed considerations of the flow field under off-design conditions. Secondly, a variation of the inlet conditions describes the sensitivity of highly aggressive ICDs to different low-pressure compressor operating points. Finally, the comparison of the CFD stagnation pressure loss with the loss predicted by a preliminary off-design method validates the use of traditional off-design prediction during the preliminary design of highly aggressive ICDs.
Assessing equity in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections and surgical site infections in pediatric patients
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Levey Deena , Cheng Jenhao Jacob , Monteon Monica , Lee Annette , Harik Nada , Cora-Bramble Denice , Shah Rahul K.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs) are major healthcare-associated infections that can be prevented by consistently applying evidence-based infection prevention practices.

Objective:

To assess equity in preventing CLABSIs and SSIs in pediatric patients at a free-standing pediatric hospital, where evidence-based infection prevention practices are consistently implemented.

Methods:

This observational study evaluated 2 cohorts of pediatric patients under 18 years. The CLABSI cohort included inpatients with a central line between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2022, and the SSI cohort included patients undergoing colon, ventricular shunt, or spinal fusion surgeries between 1/1/2016 and 10/31/2022. The CLABSI rate per 1000 central line days and SSI rate per 100 surgeries were compared across different racial, ethnic, and gender groups.

Results:

In the CLABSI cohort of 8575 patients, encompassing 243,803 central line days, there were 156 CLABSIs. There was no statistical difference in CLABSI rate across race, ethnicity, and/or gender groups. The SSI cohort included 68 SSIs among 1710 patients who underwent 2230 procedures, including 714 colon, 749 ventricular shunt, and 767 spinal fusion procedures. The SSI rate was statistically higher in multiracial (9.9) and Asian (8.6) groups, compared to Caucasian (2.4) and Black (2.2) groups. A nested case-control study of the SSI cohort showed a higher SSI rate in Asians, compared to Caucasians (Odds Ratio: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.3–8.3).

Conclusions:

Equity in preventing CLABSIs is achievable through standardized central-line care. Further study is warranted to assess if improvement opportunities exist for achieving equity in preventing SSIs.
Benchmarking antimicrobial use to antimicrobial resistance: a comparative study of two hospitals using current National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) metrics
Authors: Santos Carlos A.Q. , Won Sarah Y. , Dwyer Ryan , Perez Caren , Trick William E. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: January 2025

Objective:

We aimed to determine whether benchmarking antimicrobial use (AU) to antimicrobial resistance (AR) using select AU/AR ratios is more informative than AU metrics in isolation.

Design:

We retrospectively measured AU (antimicrobial therapy days per 1,000 days present) and AU/AR ratios (specific antimicrobial therapy days per corresponding AR event) in two hospitals during 2020 through 2022. We then had antimicrobial stewardship committee members evaluate each AU and corresponding AU/AR value and indicate whether they believed it represented potential overuse, appropriate use, or potential underuse of the antimicrobials, or whether they could not provide an assessment.

Setting:

Two acute-care hospitals.

Patients:

Hospitalized patients.

Results:

In semi-annual facility-wide analyses, echinocandins had a median AU/AR ratio of 658.5 therapy days per fluconazole-resistant Candida event in Hospital A, IV vancomycin had a median AU/AR ratio of 114.9 and 108.2 therapy days per methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus event in Hospital A and B, respectively, and linezolid had a median AU/AR ratio of 33.8 and 88.0 therapy days per vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus event in Hospital A and B, respectively. When AU and AU/AR values were evaluated by stewardship committees, more respondents were able to assess antimicrobial use based on AU/AR values compared to AU values. Based on AU/AR ratios, most respondents identified potential overuse of echinocandins and IV vancomycin in Hospital A, and potential overuse of linezolid and IV vancomycin in Hospital B.

Conclusion:

Select AU/AR ratios provided informative metrics to antimicrobial stewardship personnel, which can be used to motivate audits of antimicrobial administration to determine appropriateness.
On the bounce: developing reduced models for air–liquid interactions in droplet rebounds
Authors: Moore Madeleine R.
Published: January 2025

Impact dynamics have long fascinated due to their ubiquity in everyday phenomena, from rain droplets splashing on windscreens to stone-skimming on the surface of the ocean. Impacts are characterized by rapid changes over disparate length scales, which make them expensive or sensitive to capture experimentally and computationally. Here, reduced mathematical models come to the fore, offering a way to get significant physical insight at reduced cost. In this volume, Phillips & Milewski (J. Fluid Mech., 2024) develop a mathematical model allowing for air–water interactions in the low-impact speed regime, in which an impactor bounces or rebounds rather than splashes. Their model offers a reliable way to capture air effects in bouncing, with a range of potential applications including hydrodynamic-quantum analogues and biomimetic water walkers.
Investigating the psychology of eating after exercise — a scoping review
Authors: Porter Alice , Jago Russell , Robles Luke A , Cawley Elin , Rogers Peter J. , Ferriday Danielle , Brunstrom Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2025

Increasing food intake or eating unhealthily after exercise may undermine attempts to manage weight, thereby contributing to poor population-level health. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the evidence on the psychology of changes to eating after exercise and explore why changes to eating after exercise occur. A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Search terms relating to exercise, eating behaviour, and compensatory eating were used. All study designs were included. Research in children, athletes, or animals was excluded. No country or date restrictions were applied. Twenty-three studies were identified. Ten experimental studies (nine acute, one chronic) manipulated the psychological experience of exercise, one intervention study directly targeted compensatory eating, seven studies used observational methods (e.g. diet diaries, 24-h recall) to directly measure compensatory eating after exercise, and five questionnaire studies measured beliefs about eating after exercise. Outcomes varied and included energy intake (kcal/kJ), portion size, food intake, food choice, food preference, dietary lapse, and self-reported compensatory eating. We found that increased consumption of energy-dense foods occurred after exercise when exercise was perceived as less enjoyable, less autonomous, or hard work. Personal beliefs, exercise motivation, and exercise enjoyment were key psychological determinants of changes to eating after exercise. Individuals may consume additional food to refuel their energy stores after exercise (psychological compensatory eating), or consume unhealthy or energy dense foods to reward themselves after exercise, especially if exercise is experienced negatively (post-exercise licensing), however the population-level prevalence of these behaviours is unknown.
$\Pi ^0_4$
CONSERVATION OF THE ORDERED VARIABLE WORD THEOREM
Authors: LE HOUÉROU QUENTIN , LEVY PATEY LUDOVIC
Published: January 2025

A left-variable word over an alphabet A is a word over

$A \cup \{\star \}$

whose first letter is the distinguished symbol

$\star $

standing for a placeholder. The ordered variable word theorem (

$\mathsf {OVW}$

), also known as Carlson–Simpson’s theorem, is a tree partition theorem, stating that for every finite alphabet A and every finite coloring of the words over A, there exists a word

$c_0$

and an infinite sequence of left-variable words

$w_1, w_2, \dots $

such that

$\{ c_0 \cdot w_1[a_1] \cdot \dots \cdot w_k[a_k] : k \in \mathbb {N}, a_1, \dots , a_k \in A \}$

is monochromatic.

In this article, we prove that

$\mathsf {OVW}$

is

$\Pi ^0_4$

-conservative over

$\mathsf {RCA}_0 + \mathsf {B}\Sigma ^0_2$

. This implies in particular that

$\mathsf {OVW}$

does not imply

$\mathsf {ACA}_0$

over

$\mathsf {RCA}_0$

. This is the first principle for which the only known separation from

$\mathsf {ACA}_0$

involves non-standard models.
PARAMETER-FREE SCHEMES IN SECOND-ORDER ARITHMETIC
Authors: GITMAN VICTORIA
Published: January 2025

Lyubetsky and Kanovei showed in [8] that there is a second-order arithmetic model of

$\mathrm {Z}_2^{-p}$

, (comprehension for all second-order formulas without parameters), in which

$\Sigma ^1_2$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

(comprehension for all

$\Sigma ^1_2$

-formulas with parameters) holds, but

$\Sigma ^1_4$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

fails. They asked whether there is a model of

$\mathrm {Z}_2^{-p}+\Sigma ^1_2$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

with the optimal failure of

$\Sigma ^1_3$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

. We answer the question positively by constructing such a model in a forcing extension by a tree iteration of Jensen’s forcing. Let

$\mathrm {Coll}^{-p}$

be the parameter-free collection scheme for second-order formulas and let

$\mathrm {AC}^{-p}$

be the parameter-free choice scheme. We show that there is a model of

$\mathrm {Z}_2^{-p}+\mathrm { AC}^{-p}+\Sigma ^1_2$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

with a failure of

$\Sigma ^1_4$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

. We also show that there is a model of

$\mathrm {Z}_2^{-p}+\mathrm {Coll}^{-p}+\Sigma ^1_2$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

with a failure of

$\Sigma ^1_4$

-

$\mathrm {CA}$

and a failure of

$\mathrm {AC}^{-p}$

, so that, in particular, the schemes

$\mathrm {Coll}^{-p}$

and

$\mathrm {AC}^{-p}$

are not equivalent over

$\mathrm {Z}_2^{-p}$

.
The Probability of Casting a Pivotal Vote in an Instant Runoff Voting Election
Authors: Baltz Samuel
Published: January 2025

If instant runoff voting (IRV) mitigates strategic voting, is that because the rules of the system mechanically reduce strategic opportunities, or because of other more indirect effects? In single-vote plurality elections, a voter can be pivotal if adding one vote to a candidate would cause that candidate to win. In IRV, it is more complicated to identify when one voter can be pivotal. This letter derives all the ways that a single ballot can change the result of an IRV election, for any number of candidates and voters. I obtain an expression for the probability of casting a pivotal vote in IRV by phrasing the probability that any pivotal event occurs as a function of all the rankings cast by other voters. This expression facilitates modeling vote choice in IRV, and enables the estimation of voters’ strategic opportunities in IRV contests between any number of candidates. I present some illustrative simulations estimating pivotal probabilities in both IRV and Single-Member District Plurality for stylized electorates with identical preference structures. These simulations produce similar estimated pivotal probabilities in the two systems, suggesting that these systems may provide similar opportunities to strategically cast a decisive vote.
Fishing with Stationary Wooden Structures in Stone Age Denmark: New Evidence from Syltholm Fjord, Southern Lolland
Authors: KOIVISTO SATU , ROBSON HARRY K. , PHILIPPSEN BENTE , STAFSETH TERJE , BRINCH MARIE , SCHMÖLCKE ULRICH , ASTRUP PETER MOE , CASATI CLAUDIO , HENRIKSEN MOGENS BO , ULDUM OTTO , LUNDBYE MORTEN , MARING RIKKE , KANSTRUP MARIE , MÅGE BJØRNAR TVED , GROß DANIEL
Published: January 2025

An abundance and diverse range of prehistoric fishing practices was revealed during excavations between 2012 and 2022 at the construction site of the Femern Belt Tunnel, linking the islands of Lolland (Denmark) and Femern (Germany). The waterlogged parts of the prehistoric Syltholm Fjord yielded well preserved organic materials, including the remains of wooden fish traps and weirs, and numerous vertical stakes and posts driven into the former seabed – evidence of long term fishing practices using stationary wooden structures from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age (c. 4700–900 cal BC). Here, we present the results of a detailed study on these stationary wooden fishing structures, making this the most comprehensive and detailed description of prehistoric passive fishing practices in Syltholm Fjord to date. The exceptional scale of the excavated area (57 ha) and abundance of organic materials encountered during excavations provides us with a rare opportunity to identify individual weir systems and information on their construction, maintenance, and use. To contextualise further, we provide an up-to-date compilation of comparable finds in the Danish archaeological record, including a dataset of directly dated specimens, based on both published and unpublished sources. Our results show that stationary wooden fishing structures are an invaluable archaeological resource, and their study, combining landscape reconstruction, ethnographic analogy, and fishing technology, together with artefactual evidence and radiocarbon dating, allows us to reconstruct prehistoric fishing strategies in depth. Due to the long chronology and diversity of the study materials, our results complement previous research on the many nuances and regional specificities of the persistence of fishing practices in the western Baltic Sea over time, despite introductions of new cultures, populations, and livelihoods. Finally, we emphasise that the Neolithisation process in Northern Europe was not as straightforward and uniform in terms of subsistence as commonly assumed.