bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PETER DRUCKER: MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER FOR TODAY’S LEADERS
Authors: Linkletter Karen E.
Published: September 2024

The author, Research Director of the Management as a Liberal Art Research Institute, has studied directly under Peter Drucker and has written books about him. In assessing Drucker’s work and legacy in a context for today’s leaders, she notes that he “was shaped by the disruptions of World War I, the rise of Nazi Germany, the Great Depression, World War II, and the growth of the United States as a post‐war industrial powerhouse. Given the degree of uncertainty he experienced in the first 35 years of his life, it is not surprising that Drucker sought a path to navigate the rough waters of instability and change.” Regarding his personal/career longevity, “his devotion to lifelong learning and his genuine interest in the lives of so many people helped him produce timely and important work well into his eighties and nineties.” She further discusses Drucker’s work as a social theorist, in management as a human activity, evolving views on leadership, the knowledge society, innovation, the public sector, technology, and the future. Regarding the latter, “decisions regarding advancement must be made with an eye on social costs and benefits, the limitations of technological innovations, and the historical, social, and cultural context of technological innovation.”
Quality of Life after Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: Does the Target Matter?
Authors: Murcia Carretero Sandra , Petermann Katrin , Debove Ines , Amstutz Deborah , Sousa Mário , Waskönig Julia , Diamantaras Andreas Antonios , Tinkhauser Gerd , Nowacki Andreas , Pollo Claudio , Schuepbach Michael , Krack Paul , Lachenmayer Martin Lenard
Published: September 2024

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) is an accepted therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) with disabling motor complications. For elderly patients with poorer cognition and postural instability, GPi has been proposed as the preferable DBS target based on expert opinion, arguing GPi‐DBS may be less complicated by depression, apathy, worsened verbal fluency, and executive dysfunction, resulting in greater improvement in quality of life (QoL). However, data supporting such patient‐tailored approach are lacking.

Objectives

The aims were to analyze whether the DBS target influences QoL in a PD cohort and a matched subgroup of frail patients with poor cognitive status and reduced postural stability, and whether other factors affect the QoL outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed a single‐center cohort of 138 PD patients who received bilateral STN‐DBS (117) or GPi‐DBS (21) using the mentioned approach for target selection. All patients underwent standardized clinical evaluations of motor‐ and nonmotor signs as well as QoL before and 1 year after surgery.

Results

DBS of both targets improved motor signs, dyskinesias, and pain. QoL improved without significant difference between the targets, but with a trend for greater improvement across all QoL domains in favor of the STN, even in an STN subgroup matched to the GPi group.

Conclusion

Our results contradict the prevailing belief that GPi‐DBS is superior in frail PD patients with cognitive decline and postural instability, questioning the proposed patient‐tailored approach of DBS target selection. Further studies are needed for a data‐driven approach.
High‐resolution incoherent interference imaging without phase measurement
Authors: Yao Mulin , Liu Shengjie , Li Junwei , Li Min , Wang Shengqian , Wei Kai , Cui Hao
Published: September 2024

Aiming for long‐distance, high‐resolution, passive imaging, we use fiber coupling to replace the spatial coupling of the segmented planar imaging detector for electro‐optical reconnaissance imaging system and propose a novel incoherent interference imaging method, which avoids the problem that the resolution of the imaging system is limited by the size of the silicon wafer. The method uses a phase retrieval algorithm and does not need to measure the phase in the system, effectively avoiding the intrinsic jitter problem of fiber optics. The feasibility of the method in achieving target image reconstruction was verified through simulation; furthermore, an indoor two‐dimensional discrete sampling imaging experiment for a simple four‐rod target was conducted, and an outdoor one‐dimensional feature identification experiment for a two‐rod target was also performed. The results showed that the resolution exceeds the diffraction limit and the reconstruction error of target size is less than 3.5%.
Design and application of D‐band bandpass filter based on 0.18 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor process
Authors: Chung Ming‐An , Lin Chia‐Wei , Yang Chih‐Wei , Meiy Ing‐Peng
Published: September 2024

This paper designs a bandpass filter for D‐band and 0.18 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The bandpass filter is composed of an inverted L‐shaped coupling microstrip line and a cross‐coupled resonator, and is coupled to produce two controlled transmission zeros. A defected ground structure is used to make a good impedance match. The designed filter has a 3 dB impedance bandwidth of 52 GHz (149–201 GHz) with a center frequency of 175 GHz and an insertion loss of 3.23 dB. The design of this paper is a CMOS 0.18 μm process capable of applying the D‐band bandpass filter with the advantages of lower insertion loss, broadband, and compact size.
Recent Developments in Sustainable Bio‐Based Wax Nanoemulsions as Edible Coatings for Food Commodities: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Islam Rayees Ul , Khan Tariq , Junaid Pir Mohammad , Naseem Swaleha
Published: September 2024

Waxes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are characterised by their hydrophobic nature. They are typically derived from long‐chain fatty acids and alcohols. Waxes serve various purposes in nature and industry due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Waxes find applications in diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and textiles, for purposes such as coating, lubrication and insulation. The rising emphasis on sustainable and eco‐friendly approaches in the food sector has generated increasing attention towards the advancement of edible coatings for food products. Within this array of coatings, sustainable waxes have surfaced as a prospective approach to improve storage stability, safety and quality of diverse food items. Bio‐based wax nanoemulsions serve as effective nanocarriers in edible food coatings, enhancing their antimicrobial efficacy and preserving food quality. The incorporation of bio‐based nanoemulsion waxes as edible coatings signifies a substantial advancement towards establishing more environmentally sustainable and ecologically responsible systems of food packaging and preservation. The review examines recent advancements in the field of sustainable nanoemulsion waxes as edible coatings, focusing on their applications, formulation strategies and impact on food commodities. The review also discusses the influence of sustainable nanoemulsion wax coatings on the physicochemical properties of coated foods, including moisture barrier, gas permeability and mechanical strength.
Erratum to: Keeping matter in the loop in dS3 quantum gravity
Authors: Castro Alejandra , Coman Ioana , Fliss Jackson R. , Zukowski Claire
Published: September 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2023)120
Early autologous and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation for adult patients with advanced stage T- lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma or Burkitt lymphoma. A retrospective single-centre analysis
Authors: Steiner N. , Baier K. , Ritter D. , Rudzki J. , Hetzenauer G. , Köck S. , Kircher B. , Gunsilius E. , Wolf D. , Nachbaur D.
Published: September 2024

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) are uncommon, highly aggressive diseases originating either from immature precursor T cells or from mature B cells in BL. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of an early autologous and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) concept in 28 patients with advanced stage T-ALL/LBL and BL after three to four remission induction/consolidation chemotherapy cycles. Considering only patients in first complete remission (CR), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) was 91% in patients with BL and 73% in patients with T-ALL/LBL with a 5-year relapse incidence (RI) of 9% in patients with BL and 27% in patients with T-ALL/LBL. All relapsing patients finally succumbed to the disease (n = 10) or complications/toxicity after having received a salvage allogeneic transplant (n = 5). Despite the low patient number our retrospective single-centre analysis by incorporating an early intensive high-dose chemo-/radiotherapy strategy with either autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, although preliminary, show promising long-term outcome. Further studies are highly warranted to better define those patients who might benefit most from such a treatment approach.
"Evaluation of spinel ferrites magnetic nanoparticles based hyperthermia: in-vitro study"
Authors: Abdelrahman Ahmed A. , Raboh Ahmed S. Abd , Ismail Mahmoud M. , El-Bahnasawy H. H. , Rayan Diaa A.
Published: September 2024

This study is an attempt to compare the hyperthermia and antimicrobial activity of three members of the family of spinel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (XFe2O4, where X = Mg, Cu, and CO) MNPs. Spinell ferrite of MgFe2O4, CuFe2O4, and CoFe2O4 were prepared via sol–gel method. Structural and morphological shapes were investigated by different techniques X-ray diffraction X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and (Transmission electron microscope) TEM. Magnetic properties were examined by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The in vitro test was conducted on cervical Hela cells using an MTT assay. Finally, the antimicrobial activity was tested on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtlus, and Escherichia coli using a clearing inhibition zone. XRD results confirmed the crystalline nature of MgFe2O4, CuFe2O4, and CoFe2O4. VSM results showed a high maximum saturation (Ms = 44.87 emu/g) of CuFe2O4 which is greater than that of CoFe2O4 and MgFe2O4 (18.221 and 18.669) emu/g, respectively. MTT assay revealed that high cell death was detected on Hela cells of CuFe2O4 compared to that of MgFe2O4 and CoFe2O4. The anti-microbial study showed that the prepared spinel magnetic nanoparticles possessed antimicrobial activity due to the release of Mg, Cu, Co, and Fe ions. Results showed that the CuFe2O4 could be a good spinel ferrite for medical application with antimicrobial activity and generate heat (hyperthermia, anti-cancer material).
Comparison of different telerehabilitation protocols for urogenital symptoms in females with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deodato Manuela , Fornasaro Mia , Martini Miriam , Zelesnich Francesca , Sartori Arianna , Galmonte Alessandra , Buoite Stella Alex , Manganotti Paolo
Published: September 2024

Telerehabilitation has been suggested to be equally effective than in-person rehabilitation, and could be helpful to increase participation and reduce barriers. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often present urogenital dysfunctions, impairing independence and quality of life (QoL). Since the different available telerehabilitation protocols, the present study aimed to compare a live video urogenital rehabilitation intervention protocol (REMOTE) with a home-based pre-recorded video protocol (SELF). A randomized-controlled trial was performed, with 14 females with MS being allocated in the REMOTE group (36 ± 9 y) and 14 females in the SELF group (37 ± 7 y). Both telerehabilitation protocols were identical in terms of contents (including pelvic floor training and relaxation exercises), frequency and duration, consisting of 10 sessions of 45 min each, every 5 days. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning and the end of the study: Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) symptoms and related QoL, the main outcome being ICIQ incontinence score. Despite most of the outcomes improved in both groups, REMOTE was found to be more effective than SELF in most of the SF-36 domains (from p < 0.001 pη2 0.555 to p = 0.044 pη2 0.147), FSFI (p = 0.001 pη2 0.373), ICIQ (p = 0.003 pη2 0.291). Despite the home-based pre-recorded videos could be effective in improving urogenital symptoms, live video urogenital rehabilitation results in larger improvements. Telerehabilitation should be encouraged for urogenital dysfunctions in females with MS, and pre-recorded videos could represent an alternative when live sessions are not available.

Clinical trial registration This randomized controlled trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the number NCT05984095.
Metal(loid)s Removal Response to the Seasonal Freeze–Thaw Cycle in Semi-passive Pilot Scale Bioreactors
Authors: Desmau Morgane , Simister Rachel , Baldwin Susan A. , Nielsen Guillaume
Published: September 2024

There is an increasing demand for cost-effective semi-passive water treatment that can withstand challenging climatic conditions and effectively and sustainably manage mine-impacted water in (sub)arctic regions. This study investigated the ability of four pilot-scale bioreactors inoculated with locally sourced bacteria and affected by a freeze–thaw cycle to remove selenium and antimony. The bioreactors were operated at a Canadian (sub)arctic mine for a year. Two duplicate bioreactors were installed in a heated shed that was maintained at 5 °C over the winter, while two other duplicates were installed outdoors and left to freeze. The removal rate of selenium and antimony was monitored weekly, while a genomic characterization of the microbial populations in the bioreactors was performed monthly. The overall percentage of selenium and antimony removal was similar in the outside (10–93% Se, 20–96% Sb) and inside (35–94% Se, 10–95% Sb) bioreactors, apart from the spring thawing period when removal in the outdoor bioreactors was slightly lower for Se. The dominant taxonomic groups of microbial populations in all bioreactors were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota and Proteobacteria. The microbial population composition was consistent and re-established quickly after spring thaw in the outside bioreactors. This demonstrated that the removal capacity of bioreactors inoculated with locally sourced bacteria was mostly unaffected by a freeze–thaw cycle, highlighting the strength of using local resources to design bioreactors in extreme climatic conditions.
Towards Standardized benchmarks of LLMs in software modeling tasks: a conceptual framework
Authors: Cámara Javier , Burgueño Lola , Troya Javier
Published: September 2024

The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) in software modeling tasks presents both opportunities and challenges. This Expert Voice addresses a significant gap in the evaluation of these models, advocating for the need for standardized benchmarking frameworks. Recognizing the potential variability in prompt strategies, LLM outputs, and solution space, we propose a conceptual framework to assess their quality in software model generation. This framework aims to pave the way for standardization of the benchmarking process, ensuring consistent and objective evaluation of LLMs in software modeling. Our conceptual framework is illustrated using UML class diagrams as a running example.
The effects of a risk-based approach to tax examinations: evidence from a tax pilot programme in Tanzania
Authors: Ebrahim Amina , Kisanga Elineema , Swema Ezekiel , Leyaro Vincent , Mhede Edwin P. , Mdee Ephraim , Palviainen Heikki , Pirttilä Jukka
Published: September 2024

Technical assistance and increased use of ICT in tax administrations hold promise for greater revenue collection. Yet, the evidence on how these activities work in the real-world circumstances of developing countries is scant. The paper attempts to fill this gap by evaluating an intervention undertaken jointly by the Finnish and Tanzanian revenue administrations. The programme introduced a new risk-based case selection method for enhancing the effectiveness of firm tax examinations in Tanzania complemented by supplementary staff training and developing management practices. Our results, stemming from a difference-in-differences analysis and administrative data from the Tanzanian Revenue Authority, indicate that the intervention increased the corrected amount of taxable income by approximately 20% during the first year of the new approach.
Three-dimensional printed calcium phosphate scaffolds emulate bone microstructure to promote bone regrowth and repair
Authors: Takase Kyohei , Niikura Takahiro , Fukui Tomoaki , Kumabe Yohei , Sawauchi Kenichi , Yoshikawa Ryo , Yamamoto Yuya , Nishida Ryota , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Oe Keisuke
Published: September 2024

The interconnected structures in a 3D scaffold allows the movement of cells and nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the in-vivo bioactivity of 3D-printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) scaffolds that replicate biological bone. This study included 24-week-old male New Zealand white rabbits. A cylindrical bone defect with a diameter of 4.5 mm and a depth of 8 mm was created in the lateral aspect of the distal femur. A 3D-printed scaffold was implanted in the right femur (experimental side), whereas the left femur was kept free of implantation (control side). Micro-CT analysis and histological observations of the bone defect site were conducted at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively to track the bone repair progress. No evidence of new bone tissue formation was found in the medullary cavity of the bone defect on the control side. In contrast, on the experimental side, the 3D scaffold demonstrated sufficient bioactivity, leading to the growth of new bone tissue. Over time, new bone tissue gradually extended from the periphery toward the center, a phenomenon evident in both micro-CT images and biopsy staining. In the current study, we observed that the cells involved in bone metabolism adhered, spread, and proliferated on our newly designed 3D-printed scaffold with a bone microstructure. Therefore, it is suggested that this scaffold has sufficient bioactivity to induce new bone formation and could be expected to be a more useful artificial bone than the existing version.

Graphical Abstract
Interpersonal Processes in the Duration of Sick Leave of Workers with Chronic Diseases: A Dyadic Analysis
Authors: de Vries Haitze J. , Snippen Nicole C. , Roelen Corné A. M. , Hagedoorn Mariët , Brouwer Sandra
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although there is increasing awareness that significant others’ perceptions and behavior can affect health outcomes, the role of interpersonal processes between sick-listed workers and significant others in sick leave and return to work (RTW) has hardly been studied. This study aims to examine the associations between illness perceptions, RTW expectations, and behaviors of significant others (engagement, buffering and overprotection) with sick leave duration within dyads of sick-listed workers with chronic diseases and their significant others.

Methods

We used survey data linked with sick leave registry data of 90 dyads. Pearson correlations were used to study the interdependence within dyads. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between survey data of both dyad members and sick leave duration.

Results

We found moderate to strong correlations between workers and significant others, indicating interdependence within dyads regarding illness perceptions, RTW expectations and perceived significant other behaviors. Dyad members’ illness perceptions (R2 = .204, p = .001) and RTW expectations (R2 = .326, p =  < .001) were associated with sick leave duration, explaining respectively 12.3% and 24.5% of the variance. We found no associations between sick leave duration and active engagement, protective buffering and overprotection.

Conclusions

This study indicates that negative illness perceptions and RTW expectations of both workers and their significant others are associated with a longer sick leave duration. Considering the interdependence within dyads, involving significant others when intervening on maladaptive illness perceptions and RTW expectations may be more effective than solely focusing on the worker’s perceptions and expectations.
Commuting in dual-earner households: international gender differences with time use surveys
Authors: Echeverría Lucía , Gimenez-Nadal J. Ignacio , Molina José Alberto
Published: September 2024

Prior studies show men commute longer than women, often due to household responsibilities. However, research on commuting differences within couples is limited. This study examines gender gaps in commuting times and mode choices among dual-earner couples in Spain, Italy, South Korea, and the UK. Using Ordinary Least Squares regressions, we find that the presence of children significantly increases gender gaps in commuting times in Italy and the UK, supporting the household responsibility hypothesis. Conversely, no significant link between children and gender gaps is observed in Spain and Korea. Additionally, children’s presence affects commuting mode choices in Italy across all modes, and in Korea for public transit only, with Italian women showing the most changes in commuting mode when children are present.
On the Relations Between Non-Verbal Signs and Norms
Authors: Bacchini Fabio
Published: September 2024

Although the presumption that norms are necessarily expressed by words has traditionally prevailed in the scientific community, some scholars are challenging verbal-centrism in the normative domain. While sympathising with this cause, this paper argues that not every case in which a norm is expressible by a non-verbal sign is a case in which that norm is genetically or ontologically word-free. After mapping the different relations that can exist between a sign and a norm, the paper shows that the holding of many of them should not be taken per se as evidence for the thesis that some norms are genetically or ontologically word-independent, no matter that the sign is non-verbal. In particular, the paper analyses why some eminent examples of normative non-verbal signs like red traffic lights, traffic warden’s outstretched arms, referee’s whistles, and word-free no smoking signs, are not good evidence for the claim that some norms are not produced by or do not consist of verbal signs.
Experimental Verification of Low-Pressure Kinetics Model for Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate Over CeO2 Catalyst
Authors: Ibrahim G. , Abdelbar A. , Choudhury H. A. , Challiwala M. S. , Prakash A. , Mondal K. , Solim S. , Elbashir Nimir O.
Published: September 2024

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) has emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable chemical processes due to its remarkable versatility and low toxicity. From a green chemistry perspective, the direct synthesis of DMC has been considered the most promising route, as water is the only byproduct generated in the reaction between CO2 and methanol. However, this synthetic route has faced significant thermodynamic limitations, even at elevated pressure conditions. Therefore, a two-part study explored low-pressure synthesis of DMC via the direct route, and a low-pressure kinetic model for the CeO2 catalyst was developed based on the results. Proposed Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanisms were verified using experimental data generated in our labs. The investigation suggests that DMC formation in the direct synthetic route is a surface reaction of CO2 and methanol on the catalyst. The kinetic model predictions closely aligned with experimental data, demonstrating a 17% mean absolute percentage error and indicating a high level of predictability. Additionally, a rigorous assessment was conducted on CO2 fixations in DMC synthesis, quantifying CO2 capture and its conversion into stable or high-value products, formally designated as CO2 Fixation (CO2Fix). The CO2Fix analysis revealed that, at a conversion rate of 27%, the process can achieve a "net zero" state when operated at an approximate pressure of 30 bar, thereby supporting the viability of low-pressure synthesis. Increasing the conversion rate to levels exceeding 95% significantly enhances the CO2Fix metric, potentially surpassing 3.5 or higher.
A Tale of Two Tributaries: Source Delineation of Chloride in a Distressed Watershed (Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio)
Authors: Kane Douglas D. , Manning Nathan F. , Jacquemin Stephen J. , Johnson Laura T.
Published: September 2024

Various sources of pollution have been assigned as contributing to the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS), by which water bodies are undergoing concurrent salinization and alkalinization. In many urban areas that receive substantial snowfall, road salt application has been ascribed as the main source of chloride driving the FSS. In rural areas, however, inorganic (e.g. chemical) and organic (e.g. manure) fertilizer applications have been found to be the most important sources of chloride. Herein, we compared daily mean concentrations of chloride over the past decade of time between Coldwater Creek and Chickasaw Creek, two tributaries of Grand Lake St. Marys, the largest reservoir in Ohio. We also used Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS) analyses to visualize trends in chloride data and compared chloride vs. nitrate levels to delineate likely sources of chloride for the two streams. We found that road salt application increased over time in both subwatersheds and that 37% and 25% of the chloride could be apportioned to road salt as a source in Coldwater Creek and Chickasaw Creek, respectively. Additionally, in Coldwater Creek, 37% of the chloride was apportioned to animal or septic sources, while 25% was apportioned to inorganic fertilizers, in comparison with 30% and 42% for Chickasaw Creek. Monitoring and assessing salinized streams for both chemical and biological water quality is important, particularly since the FSS has become increasingly linked to declines in water quality (e.g. harmful algal blooms, including recent upticks in Prymnesium parvum blooms) and is expected to be exacerbated with global climate change (e.g. increased precipitation causing increased runoff of chloride from the land).
Seasonal and spatial variations of arsenic and its species in particulate matter in an urban environment of Brno, Czech Republic
Authors: Michalicová Romana , Hegrová Jitka , Svoboda Josef , Ličbinský Roman
Published: September 2024

The present paper deals with an analysis of total arsenic concentration using ICP-MS/MS and an analysis of concentration of several arsenic species, arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonate (MMA), dimethylarsenite (DMA), and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), using HPLC-ICP-MS/MS in the PM10 fraction of airborne urban aerosol. The samples were collected during two campaigns, in the autumn of 2022 and in the winter of 2023, at three locations within the central European city of Brno, with the aim to evaluate the seasonal and spatial variations in the PM10 composition. The results confirmed only the seasonal variability in the content of the methylated arsenic species in PM10 influenced by biomethylation processes. To gain better understanding of the possible arsenic origin, a supplementary analysis of the total arsenic concentrations was performed in samples of different size fractions of particulate matter collected using ELPI + . Local emissions, including industrial activities and heating during the winter season, were suggested as the most likely predominant source contributing to the total As content in PM10.

Graphical abstract
The effect of cumulative eye movements’ guidance of experts on transition from novice to expert
Authors: Yondemir Çalişkan Neslihan , Şendurur Emine
Published: September 2024

Based on the assumptions of cognitive load theory, this study aims to utilize the eye movement data collected from multiple experts to scaffold novice graphic designers. The study has two main stages. In the first stage, eye tracking was used to record the eye movements of 7 experts, who covered eight topics explaining how to use Photoshop. The areas of interest and fixation durations were analyzed for each topic to extract the common patterns. Instructional videos were produced with the guidance of both eye movement patterns and multimedia design principles. In the second stage of this study, those videos were delivered to 30 university students. The experiment group watched the guided videos, whereas the control group watched straight videos, i.e., content without guidance. The guidance elements were reduced (faded) as students got familiar with the interface. All participants were assigned to perform tasks as soon as they completed the videos. The findings showed that the knowledge scores did not significantly differ between groups. Still, the average performance scores of the experiment group were considerably higher than that of the control group. Considering the transition process, the experiment group outperformed the others. The topics in which experts’ eye movements highly matched each other resulted in high-performance gaps among groups.
A Framework for Measuring Neighborhood Walkability for Older Adults—A Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Koller Daniela , Bödeker Malte , Dapp Ulrike , Grill Eva , Fuchs Judith , Maier Werner , Strobl Ralf
Published: September 2024

While mobility in older age is of crucial importance for health and well-being, it is worth noting that currently, there is no German language framework for measuring walkability for older adults that also considers the functional status of a person. Therefore, we combined the results of an expert workshop, a literature review, and a Delphi consensus survey. Through this, we identified and rated indicators relevant for walkability for older adults, additionally focusing on their functional status. The expert workshop and the review led to an extensive list of potential indicators, which we hope will be useful in future research. Those indicators were then adapted and rated in a three-stage Delphi expert survey. A fourth additional Delphi round was conducted to assess the relevance of each indicator for the different frailty levels, namely “robust,” “pre-frail,” and “frail.” Between 20 and 28 experts participated in each round of the Delphi survey. The Delphi process resulted in a list of 72 indicators deemed relevant for walkability in older age groups, grouped into three main categories: “Built environment and transport infrastructure,” “Accessibility and meeting places,” and “Attractiveness and sense of security.” For 35 of those indicators, it was suggested that functional status should be additionally considered. This framework represents a significant step forward in comprehensively covering indicators for subjective and objective walkability in older age, while also incorporating aspects of functioning relevant to older adults. It would be beneficial to test and apply the indicator set in a community setting.
An artificial neural network based deep collocation method for the solution of transient linear and nonlinear partial differential equations
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Anitescu Cosmin , Budarapu Pattabhi Ramaiah , Natarajan Sundararajan , Vundavilli Pandu Ranga , Rabczuk Timon
Published: September 2024

A combined deep machine learning (DML) and collocation based approach to solve the partial differential equations using artificial neural networks is proposed. The developed method is applied to solve problems governed by the Sine–Gordon equation (SGE), the scalar wave equation and elasto-dynamics. Two methods are studied: one is a space-time formulation and the other is a semi-discrete method based on an implicit Runge–Kutta (RK) time integration. The methodology is implemented using the Tensorflow framework and it is tested on several numerical examples. Based on the results, the relative normalized error was observed to be less than 5% in all cases.
ResGAT: Residual Graph Attention Networks for molecular property prediction
Authors: Nguyen-Vo Thanh-Hoang , Do Trang T. T. , Nguyen Binh P.
Published: September 2024

Molecular property prediction is an important step in the drug discovery pipeline. Numerous computational methods have been developed to predict a wide range of molecular properties. While recent approaches have shown promising results, no single architecture can comprehensively address all tasks, making this area persistently challenging and requiring substantial time and effort. Beyond traditional machine learning and deep learning architectures for regular data, several deep learning architectures have been designed for graph-structured data to overcome the limitations of conventional methods. Utilizing graph-structured data in quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling allows models to effectively extract unique features, especially where connectivity information is crucial. In our study, we developed residual graph attention networks (ResGAT), a deep learning architecture for molecular graph-structured data. This architecture is a combination of graph attention networks and shortcut connections to address both regression and classification problems. It is also customizable to adapt to various dataset sizes, enhancing the learning process based on molecular patterns. When tested multiple times with both random and scaffold sampling strategies on nine benchmark molecular datasets, QSAR models developed using ResGAT demonstrated stability and competitive performance compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Clustered Automated Machine Learning (CAML) model for clinical coding multi-label classification
Authors: Mustafa Akram , Rahimi Azghadi Mostafa
Published: September 2024

Clinical coding is a time-consuming task that involves manually identifying and classifying patients’ diseases. This task becomes even more challenging when classifying across multiple diagnoses and performing multi-label classification. Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) techniques can improve this classification process. However, no previous study has developed an AutoML-based approach for multi-label clinical coding. To address this gap, a novel approach, called Clustered Automated Machine Learning (CAML), is introduced in this paper. CAML utilizes the AutoML library Auto-Sklearn and cTAKES feature extraction method. CAML clusters binary diagnosis labels using Hamming distance and employs the AutoML library to select the best algorithm for each cluster. The effectiveness of CAML is evaluated by comparing its performance with that of the Auto-Sklearn model on five different datasets from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC III) database of reports. These datasets vary in size, label set, and related diseases. The results demonstrate that CAML outperforms Auto-Sklearn in terms of Micro F1-score and Weighted F1-score, with an overall improvement ratio of 35.15% and 40.56%, respectively. The CAML approach offers the potential to improve healthcare quality by facilitating more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Revisited convexity notions for $$L^\infty $$ variational problems
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Margarida , Zappale Elvira
Published: September 2024

We address a detailed study of the convexity notions that arise in the study of weak* lower semicontinuity of supremal functionals, as well as those arising by the $$L^p$$

L
p

-approximation, as $$p \rightarrow +\infty $$

p
→
+
∞

of such functionals. Our quest is motivated by the knowledge we have on the analogous integral functionals and aims at establishing a solid groundwork underlying further research in the $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

context.
EASY: Energy-Efficient Analysis and Control Processes in the Dynamic Edge-Cloud Continuum for Industrial Manufacturing
Authors: Schultheis Alexander , Alt Benjamin , Bast Sebastian , Guldner Achim , Jilg David , Katic Darko , Mundorf Johannes , Schlagenhauf Tobias , Weber Sebastian , Bergmann Ralph , Bergweiler Simon , Creutz Lars , Dartmann Guido , Malburg Lukas , Naumann Stefan , Rezapour Mahdi , Ruskowski Martin
Published: September 2024

According to the guiding principles of Industry 4.0, edge computing enables the data-sovereign and near-real-time processing of data directly at the point of origin. Using these edge devices in manufacturing organization will drive the use of industrial analysis, control, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications close to production. The goal of the EASY project is to make the added value of edge computing available by providing an easily usable Edge-Cloud Continuum with a runtime environment and services for the execution of AI-based Analysis and Control processes. Within this continuum, a dynamic, distributed, and optimized execution of services is automated across the entire spectrum from centralized cloud to decentralized edge instances to increase productivity and resource efficiency.
Analysis of the watershed social–ecological system trajectory in Copalita-Huatulco, Mexico: The impact of drivers on hydrological ecosystem services
Authors: Merlo-Galeazzi Angel , Avila-Foucat Véronique Sophie , Perevochtchikova María
Published: September 2024

In watersheds, which function as social–ecological systems (SESs), hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) are crucial flows connecting natural and social components. The internal and external drivers that shape HESs and watershed SES trajectories create complexities in watershed management. In this study, the adaptive cycle framework was adopted, and a qualitative method is proposed to analyze the impacts of drivers on the HES and the watershed SES trajectory. Empirical evidence from the Copalita-Huatulco watershed in Mexico was used to study the relationships between drivers and HESs. The results reveal changes in regional hydrodynamics due to natural shocks, cumulative social stressors, and SES-related human trajectories. The SES trajectory was in a growth phase when stressors dominated, a collapse when shocks occurred, and a conservation phase when human agency was strong. Understanding the impact of drivers on HESs and their integration into SES trajectories is a key element of HES resilience.
Will the football agents’ service fee cap survive the current legal attacks?
Authors: Heermann Peter W.
Published: September 2024

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has set a service fee cap for football agents in its new FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR). The respective regulations came into force on 1 October 2023. The article examines the question—in the negative—of whether this service fee cap is compatible with EU antitrust law. Following an overview of the relevant case law of various German state courts and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the legal issues associated with the initial problem are analysed in detail.
Towards a Fracture Mechanics-Based Assessment for Fatigue Life Prediction of Ni–Ti Stents
Authors: Brambilla Alma , Berti Francesca , Patriarca Luca , Petrini Lorenza
Published: September 2024

The fatigue failure of Ni–Ti peripheral stents still represents an open issue of major concern due to the non-linear material behavior, the complex loads acting in vivo, and the manufacturing process. The fatigue assessment currently exploits total-life methodologies devoted to preventing crack nucleation. This work investigates a complementary fracture mechanics-based approach accounting for crack propagation from pre-existing manufacturing defects. Fatigue crack growth tests were performed on rolled Ni–Ti samples with a thickness and microstructure comparable to that of stents. A fracture mechanics-based assessment was implemented to predict the fatigue durability of surrogate samples tested at different mean and alternate strains. The fracture surfaces of the samples were inspected to determine a statistical distribution of defect size at the fracture origin. The cyclic J-integral was adopted as the crack driving force parameter, and it allowed to account for the complex response of the material, undergoing energy dissipations during phase transformation. Encouraging fatigue life predictions conforming to experimental data were obtained in the finite-life regime, whereas conservative estimates were computed below the fatigue threshold. This approach can be reverted to determine the maximum acceptable material defects for specific applications, providing a useful tool to manufacturing companies.
Plotinus on the Contemplation of the Intelligible World
Authors: Stróżyński Mateusz
Published: September 2024

In this study, Mateusz Stróżyński offers an experiential and practical way of understanding Plotinus' thought and philosophy through a focus on the act of contemplation. He argues that contemplation, or direct seeing of the principles of reality, is not merely a part of Plotinus' thought, but rather a significant dimension of it. Moreover, he argues that Plotinus understands metaphysics as a conceptual and propositional description of reality from a third-person perspective, as well as an expression of an experience of that reality from a first-person perspective. Stróżyński focuses on the first phase of the journey to the Good, namely, on the contemplation of the intelligible world: Nature, Soul, and Intellect. He describes the fall of the soul and her return through the lens of the so-called “Great Kinds”: Being, Movement, Rest, Difference, and Identity. Stróżyński also shows how this concept, derived from Plato's Sophist, is creatively used by Plotinus to explain both the loss and the restoration of our ability to contemplate through philosophical practice.
A Predicted Pause in the Rapid Warming of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf in the Coming Decade
Authors: Koul Vimal , Ross Andrew C. , Stock Charles , Zhang Liping , Delworth Thomas , Wittenberg Andrew
Published: September 2024

The capability to anticipate the exceptionally rapid warming of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf and its evolution over the next decade could enable effective mitigation for coastal communities and marine resources. However, global climate models have struggled to accurately predict this warming due to limited resolution; and past regional downscaling efforts focused on multi‐decadal projections, neglecting predictive skill associated with internal variability. We address these gaps with a high resolution (1/12°) ensemble of dynamically downscaled decadal predictions. The downscaled simulations accurately predicted past oceanic variability at scales relevant to marine resource management, with skill typically exceeding global coarse‐resolution predictions. Over the long term, warming of the Shelf is projected to continue; however, we forecast a temporary warming pause in the next decade. This predicted pause is attributed to internal variability associated with a transient, moderate strengthening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and a southward shift of the Gulf Stream.
Targeting POLRMT by IMT1 inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Yuxin , Lu Xing-sheng , Wu Yongyou , Gu Wen , Yin Guojian
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the potential anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity of IMT1, a novel specific inhibitor of mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT). Single-cell RNA sequencing data reveal that POLRMT is overexpressed in CRC cells. Additionally, elevated POLRMT expression was observed in local CRC tissues and cells, while its expression remained relatively low in colon epithelial tissues and cells. IMT1 significantly inhibited colony formation, cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in both primary and immortalized CRC cells. Furthermore, IMT1 induced apoptosis and cell death in CRC cells. The inhibition of POLRMT by IMT1 disrupted mitochondrial functions in CRC cells, leading to mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative damage, and decreased ATP levels. Using targeted shRNA to silence POLRMT closely mirrored the effects of IMT1, showing robust anti-CRC cell activity. Crucially, the efficacy of IMT1 was diminished in CRC cells with silenced POLRMT. Contrarily, boosting POLRMT expression externally by a lentiviral construct promoted the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Importantly, treatment with IMT1 or silencing POLRMT in primary colon cancer cells decreased the phosphorylation of Akt1-S6K1, whereas overexpression of POLRMT had the opposite effect. In nude mice, orally administering IMT1 potently restrained primary colon cancer xenograft growth. IMT1 suppressed POLRMT activity, disrupted mitochondrial function, hindered Akt-mTOR activation, and prompted apoptosis within the xenograft tissues. In addition, IMT1 administration suppressed lung metastasis of primary colon cancer cells in nude mice. These combined results highlight the robust anti-CRC activity of IMT1 by specifically targeting POLRMT.
PILRB potentiates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and reprograms cholesterol metabolism to drive gastric tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Wang Xing , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhao Qiuyan , Wang Xin , Chen Xinyi , Hou Li , Tian Shaodan , Peng Zi-Mei , Han Xiao-Jian , Wang Tao , Zhang Zhen , Tou Fang-Fang , Huang Shan , Rao Jun , Chen Lixiao , Zheng Zhi
Published: September 2024

Paired immunoglobin-like type 2 receptor beta (PILRB) mainly plays a crucial role in regulating innate immunity, but whether PILRB is involved in cancer is poorly understood. Here, we report that PILRB potentiates the PI3K/AKT pathway to drive gastric tumorigenesis by binding and stabilizing IRS4, which could hyperactivate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Firstly, the levels of PILRB are upregulated in human gastric cancer (GC) specimens and associated with poor prognosis in patients with GC. In addition, our data show that PILRB promotes cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration and invasion in GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PILRB recruits the deubiquitination enzymes OTUB1 to IRS4 and relieves K48-linked ubiquitination of IRS4, protecting IRS4 protein from proteasomal-mediated degradation and subsequent activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Importantly, the levels of PILRB are positively correlated with IRS4 in GC specimens. Meanwhile, we also found that PILRB reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism by altering ABCA1 and SCARB1 expression levels, and PILRB-expression confers GC cell resistance to statin treatment. Taken together, our findings illustrate that the oncogenic role of PILRB in gastric tumorigenesis, providing new insights into the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling in GC and establishing PILRB as a biomarker for simvastatin therapy resistance in GC.