bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The meaningfulness gap in AI ethics: a guide on how to think through a complex challenge
Authors: Rüther Markus
Published: July 2024

Technological outsourcing is increasingly prevalent, with AI systems taking over many tasks once performed by humans. This shift has led to various discussions within AI ethics. A question that was largely ignored until recently, but is now increasingly being discussed, concerns the meaningfulness of such a lifestyle. The literature largely features skeptical views, raising several challenges. Many of these challenges can be grouped under what I identify as the “meaningfulness gap”. Although this gap is widely acknowledged, there is a notable absence of systematic exploration in the literature. This paper aims to fill this void by offering a detailed, step-by-step guide for systematically exploring the different instances of the meaningfulness gap and aids in navigating their complexities. More specifically, it proposes differentiating the gaps according to their realms and objects, normative nature, scope, and severity. To make these areas manageable, the paper takes several taxonomies and distinctions on board. Finally, the guide is summarized, and some skeptical replies are anticipated and countered by clarificatory remarks.
Remote work and location preferences: a study of post-pandemic trends in Italy
Authors: Jansen Thea , Ascani Andrea , Faggian Alessandra , Palma Alessandro
Published: July 2024

This study investigates how working remotely, by reducing workplace commuting, weakens the limitations connected to residential mobility and enables Tiebout sorting. We focus on the Italian context, where a strong culture of in-person workplace attendance limits workers’ ability to live farther from their workplace. We leverage the natural experiment of COVID-19 containment measures to shed light on the spatial implications of an increased remote work adoption. We overcome the unavailability of official data by collecting primary data in early 2022 through an original survey of our design on a sample of workers in 12 metropolitan areas. To address the challenges of analyzing the phenomenon in a still-developing context, we ask questions on both their actual and intended moving behavior in relation to remote work availability. Using a case–control study design, we find significant evidence that expecting to work remotely more frequently in the long term increases the likelihood of being interested in moving, or having done so already since the pandemic outbreak.
The effect of the interlayer time and deposition speed on the tensile properties of material extrusion components
Authors: Lambiase Francesco , Pace Francesco , Andreucci Elena , Paoletti Alfonso
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the influence of the substrate temperature in material extrusion (MEX) on tensile behavior of PLA samples. A full factorial experimental plan was conducted by varying the deposition speed and the interlayer time. Infrared thermography was conducted to determine the influence of the deposition conditions on the temperature of the substrate just before the deposition of the next layer. Tensile tests were conducted along the “upright direction” to determine the influence of the thermal history on the interlayer adhesion. The results indicate the strong influence of the interlayer time on the thermal history and the mechanical behavior. The temperature of the substrate before subsequent overlying deposition was mainly influenced by the interlayer time, while it was less affected by the deposition speed. The Young modulus of the samples was poorly affected by the adopted process conditions; on the other hand, the maximum strength and the elongation at rupture were strongly affected by the interlayer time. The identified variances in mechanical behavior underscore the pivotal significance of sample dimensions in dictating the ultimate mechanical characteristics of vertically oriented samples. These outcomes illuminate the intricate interaction between deposition speed and interlayer duration, highlighting their substantial influence on mechanical performance.
Sensitivity of GNSS to vertical land motion over Europe: effects of geophysical loadings and common-mode errors
Authors: Hohensinn Roland , Ruttner Pia , Bock Yehuda
Published: July 2024

We perform a statistical sensitivity analysis on a parametric fit to vertical daily displacement time series of 244 European Permanent GNSS stations, with a focus on linear vertical land motion (VLM), i.e., station velocity. We compare two independent corrections to the raw (uncorrected) observed displacements. The first correction is physical and accounts for non-tidal atmospheric, non-tidal oceanic and hydrological loading displacements, while the second approach is an empirical correction for the common-mode errors. For the uncorrected case, we show that combining power-law and white noise stochastic models with autoregressive models yields adequate noise approximations. With this as a realistic baseline, we report improvement rates of about 14% to 24% in station velocity sensitivity, after corrections are applied. We analyze the choice of the stochastic models in detail and outline potential discrepancies between the GNSS-observed displacements and those predicted by the loading models. Furthermore, we apply restricted maximum likelihood estimation (RMLE), to remove low-frequency noise biases, which yields more reliable velocity uncertainty estimates. RMLE reveals that for a number of stations noise is best modeled by a combination of random walk, flicker noise, and white noise. The sensitivity analysis yields minimum detectable VLM parameters (linear velocities, seasonal periodic motions, and offsets), which are of interest for geophysical applications of GNSS, such as tectonic or hydrological studies.
Consumers’ knowledge and experiences of adverse drug reaction reporting in Australia: a national survey
Authors: Dedefo Mohammed Gebre , Lim Renly , Kassie Gizat M. , Roughead Elizabeth , Ellett Lisa Kalisch
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the current knowledge and experiences of consumers in Australia on adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and their reasons for reporting or not reporting ADRs, with a focus on the use of digital tools for ADR reporting.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults who had taken medicine in Australia. A structured questionnaire with multiple choice or Likert scale responses with an option for participants to provide free-text responses and pretested for face validity was used. Consumer characteristics, knowledge, and ADR reporting practices were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 544 survey responses were included in the analysis. The majority of respondents were women (68%), and 22% were aged between 65 and 74 years. Fifty-eight percent (n = 317) of respondents knew that they could report ADRs to either the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), state or territory government health department, or healthcare professionals. Three-quarters (n = 405) of respondents stated that they had experienced an ADR; of these, 36% reported an ADR to either the TGA, state or territory government health department, or healthcare professionals. Among those who reported ADRs, 58% were unaware that they could use digital tools to report ADRs. The main reason for not reporting was that they did not think the ADR was serious enough to report (39%).

Conclusion

Over half of consumers knew that they could report ADR; however, improved consumer awareness about using digital tools for ADR reporting and increased ADR reporting is needed.
Soft tissue hemangioma of the right upper extremity with intraosseous extension and secondary intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia
Authors: Bass Rachel , Siegal Gene , Kotha Apoorva , Melenevksy Yulia
Published: July 2024

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson’s tumor, is an uncommon exuberant form of organizing thrombus that may occur within a vessel, vascular tumor, or hematoma and may change the imaging appearance to mimic an aggressive process. It must be distinguished pathologically from angiosarcoma. They have been most commonly reported within superficial soft tissue tumors, and rapid growth and effect on bone are rarely described. We present a case of a patient with a soft tissue hemangioma with IPEH with intraosseous extension that presented with a pathologic fracture of her right humerus with an aggressive appearing osseous lesion. CT and MRI demonstrated a multifocal ill-defined soft tissue mass throughout the right upper extremity with underlying cortical tunneling and scalloping of the proximal humerus. Similar imaging findings were also present in the distal humerus and ipsilateral scapula and evolved during her hospitalization. Following percutaneous biopsy revealing hemangioma with features of papillary endothelial hyperplasia with intraosseous extension, the patient died in the ICU secondary to unrelated septic shock. Diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy. Primary and secondary IPEH have been generally characterized as well-defined solitary masses, most often in the superficial soft tissues. This case of a deep soft tissue hemangioma with type II IPEH, intraosseous extension, and imaging findings of regional multicompartmental involvement is very unusual. Reporting of this case in the literature should be beneficial for pathologic correlation with similar confounding masses as well as propose a possible mechanism for intraosseous extension of soft tissue hemangiomas.
Urologic prosthetics: an imaging review of short- and long-term complications
Authors: Raikin Jared , Woodruff Mary , Meshekow Gabriel , Debski Nicole D. , Germaine Pauline , Gor Ronak
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Urologic prosthetics offer significant quality of life enhancements for patients with stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Artificial urinary sphincter and penile prosthesis are the most commonly used prosthetics for these patients. Radiographic imaging offers important insight, guiding treatment when patients present with complications. Herein, we pictorialize normal radiographic findings and complications alike.

Methods

We reviewed our IRB-approved prosthetics database, highlighting patients with prosthetic complications with available imaging. We collected imaging from patients without complications for baseline reference.

Results

The radiographic appearance of orthotopic genitourinary prosthetics and a review of short- and long-term complications including hematoma, infection, malpositioning, leak and erosion are pictorialized.

Conclusion

Radiologic imaging serves as a vital complement to history and physical examination, aiding in the identification of complications and potentially streamlining surgical preparations. It is important for radiologists to familiarize themselves with standard prosthetic nomenclature, normal positioning and appearance, along with imaging findings of common complications.

Graphical abstract
ChatGPT’s diagnostic performance based on textual vs. visual information compared to radiologists’ diagnostic performance in musculoskeletal radiology
Authors: Horiuchi Daisuke , Tatekawa Hiroyuki , Oura Tatsushi , Shimono Taro , Walston Shannon L. , Takita Hirotaka , Matsushita Shu , Mitsuyama Yasuhito , Miki Yukio , Ueda Daiju
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4 with vision (GPT-4V) based ChatGPT, and radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology.

Materials and methods

We included 106 “Test Yourself” cases from Skeletal Radiology between January 2014 and September 2023. We input the medical history and imaging findings into GPT-4-based ChatGPT and the medical history and images into GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, then both generated a diagnosis for each case. Two radiologists (a radiology resident and a board-certified radiologist) independently provided diagnoses for all cases. The diagnostic accuracy rates were determined based on the published ground truth. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and radiologists.

Results

GPT-4-based ChatGPT significantly outperformed GPT-4V-based ChatGPT (p < 0.001) with accuracy rates of 43% (46/106) and 8% (9/106), respectively. The radiology resident and the board-certified radiologist achieved accuracy rates of 41% (43/106) and 53% (56/106). The diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4-based ChatGPT was comparable to that of the radiology resident, but was lower than that of the board-certified radiologist although the differences were not significant (p = 0.78 and 0.22, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4V-based ChatGPT was significantly lower than those of both radiologists (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

GPT-4-based ChatGPT demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than GPT-4V-based ChatGPT. While GPT-4-based ChatGPT’s diagnostic performance was comparable to radiology residents, it did not reach the performance level of board-certified radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology.

Clinical relevance statement

GPT-4-based ChatGPT outperformed GPT-4V-based ChatGPT and was comparable to radiology residents, but it did not reach the level of board-certified radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology. Radiologists should comprehend ChatGPT’s current performance as a diagnostic tool for optimal utilization.

Key Points

This study compared the diagnostic performance of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology.

GPT-4-based ChatGPT was comparable to radiology residents, but did not reach the level of board-certified radiologists.

When utilizing ChatGPT, it is crucial to input appropriate descriptions of imaging findings rather than the images.

Graphical Abstract
The value of deep learning-based X-ray techniques in detecting and classifying K-L grades of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Haoming , Ou Liang , Zhang Ziming , Zhang Le , Liu Ke , Kuang Jianjun
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a prevalent degenerative joint disease, is primarily diagnosed through X-ray imaging. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading system (K-L) is the gold standard for evaluating KOA severity through X-ray analysis. However, this method is highly subjective and non-quantifiable, limiting its effectiveness in detecting subtle joint changes on X-rays. Recent researchers have been directed towards developing deep-learning (DL) techniques for a more accurate diagnosis of KOA using X-ray images. Despite advancements in these intelligent methods, the debate over their diagnostic sensitivity continues. Hence, we conducted the current meta-analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and IEEE up to July 11, 2023. The QUADAS-2 tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Given the multi-classification nature of DL tasks, the sensitivity of DL across different K-L grades was meta-analyzed.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included, encompassing 62,158 images. These images consisted of 22,388 for K-L0, 13,415 for K-L1, 15,597 for K-L2, 7768 for K-L3, and 2990 for K-L4. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity of DL was 86.74% for K-L0 (95% CI: 80.01%–92.28%), 64.00% for K-L1 (95% CI: 51.81%–75.35%), 75.03% for K-L2 (95% CI: 66.00%–83.09%), 84.76% for K-L3 (95% CI: 78.34%–90.25%), and 90.32% for K-L4 (95% CI: 85.39%–94.40%).

Conclusions

The DL multi-classification methods based on X-ray imaging generally demonstrate a favorable sensitivity rate (over 50%) in distinguishing between K-L0-K-L4. Specifically, for K-L4, the sensitivity is highly satisfactory at 90.32%. In contrast, the sensitivity rates for K-L1-2 still need improvement.

Clinical relevance statement

Deep-learning methods have been useful to some extent in assessing the effectiveness of X-rays for osteoarthritis of the knee. However, this requires further research and reliable data to provide specific recommendations for clinical practice.

Key Points

X-ray deep-learning (DL) methods are debatable for evaluating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) under The Kellgren-Lawrence system (K-L).

Multi-classification deep-learning methods are more clinically relevant for assessing K-L grading than dichotomous results.

For K-L3 and K-L4, X-ray-based DL has high diagnostic performance; early KOA needs to be further improved.
Mammographic features differ with body composition in women with breast cancer
Authors: Sartor Hanna , Sturesdotter Li , Larsson Anna-Maria , Rosendahl Ann H. , Zackrisson Sophia
Published: July 2024

Objectives

There are several breast cancer (BC) risk factors—many related to body composition, hormonal status, and fertility patterns. However, it is not known if risk factors in healthy women are associated with specific mammographic features at the time of BC diagnosis. Our aim was to assess the potential association between pre-diagnostic body composition and mammographic features in the diagnostic BC image.

Materials and methods

The prospective Malmö Diet and Cancer Study includes women with invasive BC from 1991 to 2014 (n = 1116). BC risk factors at baseline were registered (anthropometric measures, menopausal status, and parity) along with mammography data from BC diagnosis (breast density, mammographic tumor appearance, and mode of detection). We investigated associations between anthropometric measures and mammographic features via logistic regression analyses, yielding odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

There was an association between high body mass index (BMI) (≥ 30) at baseline and spiculated tumor appearance (OR 1.370 (95% CI: 0.941–2.010)), primarily in women with clinically detected cancers (OR 2.240 (95% CI: 1.280–3.940)), and in postmenopausal women (OR 1.580 (95% CI: 1.030–2.440)). Furthermore, an inverse association between high BMI (≥ 30) and high breast density (OR 0.270 (95% CI: 0.166–0.438)) was found.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated an association between obesity and a spiculated mass on mammography—especially in women with clinically detected cancers and in postmenopausal women. These findings offer insights on the relationship between risk factors in healthy women and related mammographic features in subsequent BC.

Clinical relevance statement

With increasing numbers of both BC incidence and women with obesity, it is important to highlight mammographic findings in women with an unhealthy weight.

Key Points

Women with obesity and BC may present with certain mammographic features.

Spiculated masses were more common in women with obesity, especially postmenopausal women, and those with clinically detected BCs.

Insights on the relationship between obesity and related mammographic features will aid mammographic interpretation.
Clinical relevance of the 3-cm threshold in sigmoid diverticulitis with abscess: consensus or quandary?
Authors: Vaghiri Sascha , David Stephan Oliver , Sultani Ahmad Baktash , Safi Sami Alexander , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Prassas Dimitrios
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Diverticular abscess is a common manifestation of acute complicated diverticulitis. We aimed to analyze the clinical course of patients with diverticular abscess initially treated conservatively.

Methods

All patients with diverticular abscess undergoing elective or urgent/emergency surgery from October 2004 to October 2022 were identified from our institutional database. Depending on the abscess size, patients were divided into group A (≤ 3 cm) and group B (> 3 cm). Conservative treatment failure was defined as clinical deterioration, persistent or recurrent abscess, or urgent/emergency surgery. Baseline characteristics and short-term perioperative outcomes were recorded and compared between both groups. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify determinants of conservative treatment failure and overall ostomy formation.

Results

A total of 105 patients were enrolled into group A (n = 73) and group B (n = 32). Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed abscess size as the only significant factor of conservative therapy failure [OR 9.904; p < 0.0001], while overall ostomy formation was significantly affected by an increased body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.366; p = 0.026]. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome with the exception of a longer total hospital stay in patients managed with abscess drainage compared to antibiotics alone prior surgery in group B (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Abscess diameter > 3 cm is not just an arbitrary chosen cut-off value for drainage placement but has a prognostic impact on medical treatment failure in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis. In this subgroup, the choice between primary drainage and antibiotics does not appear to influence outcome at the cost of prolonged hospital stay after drainage insertion.
Disparities in glaucoma and macular degeneration healthcare utilization among persons living with dementia in the United States
Authors: Hamedani Ali G. , Chang Angela Y. , Chen Yineng , VanderBeek Brian L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Dementia is common among patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study compares visit frequency, diagnostic test utilization, and treatment patterns for POAG and nAMD among persons with vs. without dementia.

Methods

Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (January 1, 2000-June 30, 2022) was used for this study. Two cohorts were created from newly diagnosed POAG or nAMD patients. Within each cohort, an exposure cohort was created of newly diagnosed dementia patients. The primary outcome was the number of visits to an eye care provider. Secondary analyses for the POAG cohort assessed the number of visual field tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and glaucoma medication prescription coverage. The secondary analysis for the nAMD cohort included the number of injections performed. Poisson regression was used to determine the relative rates of outcomes.

Results

POAG patients with dementia had reduced rates of eye care visits (RR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.75–0.77), lower rates of testing utilization for visual fields (RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.63–0.68) and OCT (RR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.64–0.69), and a lower rate of glaucoma prescription medication coverage (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.83–0.83). nAMD patients with dementia had reduced rates of eye care visits (RR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.70–0.79) and received fewer intravitreal injections (RR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.58–0.69) than those without dementia.

Conclusions

POAG and nAMD patients with dementia obtained less eye care and less monitoring and treatment of their disease. These findings suggest that this population may be vulnerable to gaps in ophthalmic care.
Effects of air pollution on global health: evidence from the global burden of disease study in the BRICS countries
Authors: Behera Deepak Kumar , Viswanathan Pozhamkandath Karthiayani , Mishra Sanghamitra
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Considering the dynamic influence of environmental, social, economic, and political factors in the emergence and growth of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) over the years and pre-existing differences, the adverse effects of air pollution on the health and well-being of the people have remained major areas of academic inquiry and policy interventions. The present study examines the global trend of deaths and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution with particular reference to the BRICS countries for the period 1990 to 2019.

Methods

This study has used the global burden of disease estimates by using different rounds of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study report published by the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation. This study has calculated the cause of death and DALYs due to environmental risk factors (i.e. Air pollution). Data analysis has been done by using the standard formula for the calculation of death (mortality) rate and DALYs rate. Similarly, we calculated the age and gender-wise death and DALYs rate by using the appropriate numerator and denominator.

Results

The study discovered a significant shift in disease patterns over this period, as communicable diseases like respiratory infections and tuberculosis were replaced by non-communicable diseases such as ischemic heart disease (17.2 million), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.59 million), and stroke (17.02 million) as the primary causes of air pollution-related deaths in 2019 at the global level. Additionally, the study identified a worrying increase in deaths linked to neonatal disorders and respiratory infections caused by ambient particulate matter pollution in South Africa, India, and Brazil. The impact of air pollution on public health is evident across different age groups and genders, with people aged 50-69 years, those aged 70 and above, and children under 5 years being more vulnerable. Furthermore, the male population is disproportionately affected by communicable and noncommunicable diseases caused by air pollution.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for policymakers to implement evidence-based interventions to tackle this global health problem. The interventions should aim to reduce the emerging crisis of non-communicable diseases related to air pollution, particularly among vulnerable age groups and the male population, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
Patient attitudes and experiences towards exercise during oncological treatment. A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Finch Alice , Benham Alex
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Exercise and physical activity (PA) during oncological treatment have many benefits. However, PA levels and adherence are often low. This systematic review of qualitative literature aims to explore the experience and the perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity during treatment.

Methods

A systematic search of the published literature was carried out in the Embase and Medline databases; full details for the protocol can be found in the Prospero database (CRD42022371206). Studies eligible for inclusion were qualitative and included participants that were either currently undergoing oncological treatment or had finished treatment within the last 6 months. The findings from each study were tabulated and synthesised into analytical themes.

Results

Eighteen full texts from 309 studies met inclusion criteria with a total of 420 participants including both curative and palliative treatment intents. Four overarching themes were generated: (1) Facilitators; (2) Barriers; (3) Experience of PA/exercise and (4) Transforming attitudes. Sub-themes that showed perceptions of PA or exercise during treatment were positive, and seeing personal positive change was highly motivating, especially in a group class setting. Barriers included lack of support or guidance from healthcare professionals (HCPs), environmental challenges and disease burden/fear or worsening symptoms.

Conclusions

Despite having positive perceptions of exercise and PA during oncological treatment, there are significant barriers impacting participation. Lack of support from HCPs and fear of worsening symptoms were significant barriers. Future research should focus on impacting these barriers to ultimately improve PA and exercise levels in those undergoing oncological treatment.
A note on structural mode transitions in buckling of radially stretched annular plates
Authors: Rammerstorfer Franz G.
Published: July 2024

The different approximating assumptions used in deriving models for structural analysis by dimensional reduction of a 3d continuum to structural components like beams and plates or shells limit the applicability of these models by geometrical constraints. Hence, caution should be exercised when transitioning from the application range of one type of structure model to another one. This should be taken into account especially when stability analyses are performed. In order to demonstrate this, in this note, buckling of annular plates under tensile loading at the inner edge is treated as an example. The ratio between inner and outer radius is varied. For ratios approaching 1.0, plate buckling turns into buckling of circular beams. This is not only a question of accuracy of the solution but can lead to a substantial qualitative change of the character of buckling. Such considerations might be interesting from a theoretical point of view; in any case they are important from the engineering point of view.
Comparative genomics of Vibrio toranzoniae strains
Authors: Barcia-Cruz Rubén , Balboa Sabela , Lema Alberto , Romalde Jesús L.
Published: July 2024

Vibrio toranzoniae is a marine bacterium belonging to the Splendidus clade that was originally isolated from healthy clams in Galicia (NW Spain). Its isolation from different hosts and seawater indicated two lifestyles and wide geographical distribution. The aim of the present study was to determine the differences at the genomic level among six strains (4 isolated from clam and 2 from seawater) and to determine their phylogeny. For this purpose, whole genomes of the six strains were sequenced by different technologies including Illumina and PacBio, and the resulting sequences were corrected. Genomes were annotated and compared using different online tools. Furthermore, the study of core- and pan-genomes were examined, and the phylogeny was inferred. The content of the core genome ranged from 2953 to 2766 genes and that of the pangenome ranged from 6278 to 6132, depending on the tool used. Although the strains shared certain homology, with DDH values ranging from 77.10 to 82.30 and values of OrthoANI values higher than 97%, some differences were found related to motility, capsule synthesis, iron acquisition systems or mobile genetic elements. Phylogenetic analysis of the core genome did not reveal a differentiation of the strains according to their lifestyle (commensal or free-living), but that of the pangenome indicated certain geographical isolation in the same growing area. This study led to the reclassification of some isolates formerly described as V. toranzoniae and demonstrated the importance of cured deposited sequences to proper phylogenetic assignment.
A sparse spectral method for fractional differential equations in one-spatial dimension
Authors: Papadopoulos Ioannis P. A. , Olver Sheehan
Published: July 2024

We develop a sparse spectral method for a class of fractional differential equations, posed on $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
, in one dimension. These equations may include sqrt-Laplacian, Hilbert, derivative, and identity terms. The numerical method utilizes a basis consisting of weighted Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind in conjunction with their Hilbert transforms. The former functions are supported on $$[-1,1]$$

[
-
1
,
1
]

whereas the latter have global support. The global approximation space may contain different affine transformations of the basis, mapping $$[-1,1]$$

[
-
1
,
1
]

to other intervals. Remarkably, not only are the induced linear systems sparse, but the operator decouples across the different affine transformations. Hence, the solve reduces to solving K independent sparse linear systems of size $$\mathcal {O}(n)\times \mathcal {O}(n)$$

O
(
n
)
×
O
(
n
)

, with $$\mathcal {O}(n)$$

O
(
n
)

nonzero entries, where K is the number of different intervals and n is the highest polynomial degree contained in the sum space. This results in an $$\mathcal {O}(n)$$

O
(
n
)

complexity solve. Applications to fractional heat and wave equations are considered.
A review of digital twins and their application in cybersecurity based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Homaei Mohammadhossein , Mogollón-Gutiérrez Óscar , Sancho José Carlos , Ávila Mar , Caro Andrés
Published: July 2024

The potential of digital twin technology is yet to be fully realised due to its diversity and untapped potential. Digital twins enable systems’ analysis, design, optimisation, and evolution to be performed digitally or in conjunction with a cyber-physical approach to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency over traditional engineering methods. Industry 4.0, factories of the future, and digital twins continue to benefit from the technology and provide enhanced efficiency within existing systems. Due to the lack of information and security standards associated with the transition to cyber digitisation, cybercriminals have been able to take advantage of the situation. Access to a digital twin of a product or service is equivalent to threatening the entire collection. There is a robust interaction between digital twins and artificial intelligence tools, which leads to strong interaction between these technologies, so it can be used to improve the cybersecurity of these digital platforms based on their integration with these technologies. This study aims to investigate the role of artificial intelligence in providing cybersecurity for digital twin versions of various industries, as well as the risks associated with these versions. In addition, this research serves as a road map for researchers and others interested in cybersecurity and digital security.
Physiological responses of invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to environmental stressors across a latitudinal span
Authors: Błońska Dagmara , Janic Bartosz , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Piria Marina , Bănăduc Doru , Švolíková Kristína Slovák , Števove Barbora , Lappalainen Jyrki , Pyrzanowski Kacper , Tszydel Mariusz , Bukowska Bożena
Published: July 2024

Ecosystems worldwide are struggling with increasingly high levels of human-induced stressors, impacting their ecological health at local, regional, and global scales. Among the factors affecting freshwater organisms, temperature stands out, especially given the recent escalation of global warming, with possible adverse effects. In this study, we examined the basal levels of oxidative stress parameters in the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, spanning its native and non-native ranges of occurrence. We aimed to assess five populations across transcontinental scale (Turkey, Croatia, Slovakia, Poland, Finland) to determine whether individuals already experiencing conditions other than their thermal optimum (such as those in Turkey and Finland) would display elevated non-enzymatic indicators (level of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels) and enzymatic indicators (activity of glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity) of oxidative stress compared to those inhabiting milder ecosystems. The results obtained did not align with our initial predictions. The native Turkish population exhibited the lowest values for both antioxidants and oxidative damage, indicating an efficient redox system in this species. All tested parameters showed variation among populations, as well as between tissues and sexes. Temperature did not emerge as significant factor in any of the parameters tested, while for glutathione peroxidase, our analysis indicated a positive relationship with enzyme activity and salinity. The lack of a continuous latitudinal pattern in the non-native populations suggests the species’ potential for adaptive shifts, indicating superior adaptive abilities, especially in human affected ecosystems, rather than strictly adhering to environmental gradients.
Variation in ecological scorecards and their potential for wider use
Authors: Gorman Thomas , Kindermann Gesche , Healy Kevin , Morley Terry R.
Published: July 2024

Ecological monitoring is a vital tool to help us assess habitat condition and understand the mechanism(s) for habitat change. Yet many countries struggle to meet their monitoring requirements in part due to the high assessment workload. Rapid ecological assessment methods may have an important role to play in this regard. Following their success within several European habitats (e.g., semi-natural grasslands), they are now being developed for additional habitats such as heathlands, peatlands, and other agri-associated areas. Whilst some rapid assessments using ecological scorecards have been shown to be accurate compared to traditional ecological monitoring, less is known about the functionality of these scorecards in heterogenous landscapes. In this study, we selected four existing scorecards to test alongside a prototype. We assessed how these different scorecards measured habitat condition on the same heathland sites. We found that the choice of metrics, their score weighting, and the thresholds used for categorical scores cause scorecards to assess the same site with substantial variation (37%). Vegetation metrics were the primary cause of score variation, with vegetation structure and positive indicator species being the leading causes. Our study indicates that whilst current scorecards may be representative of project-specific goals, they may not be suitable for wider monitoring uses in their current form. Ecological scorecards have great potential to drastically increase the extent of monitoring, but caution is needed before adapting existing scorecards beyond the purposes from which they were designed.
Who is Mobilized to Vote by Short Text Messages? Evidence from a Nationwide Field Experiment with Young Voters
Authors: Hirvonen Salomo , Lassander Maarit , Sääksvuori Lauri , Tukiainen Janne
Published: July 2024

Using a large randomized controlled trial and rich individual-level data on eligible voters and their household members, we evaluate how get-out-the-vote (GOTV) appeals affect inequalities in voting, transmit from treated to untreated individuals within households, and how the transmission of voting decisions through family networks influences inequalities in voting. We find that receiving a text message reminder before the Finnish county elections in 2022 mobilized mainly low-propensity voters. As a result, the GOTV intervention reduced existing social inequalities in voting within the target group of young voters. We remarkably find that over 100% of the direct treatment effect spilled over to untreated household members. These spillovers reduced inequality in political participation among the older voters who were not part of the target group. Overall, our results exemplify how randomized controlled trials with a limited focus on the analysis of individuals in the treatment and control groups alone may lead to misestimating the compositional effects of get-out-the-vote interventions.
Carbon emission reduction and hydrogen production maximization from carbon emission-based hydrogen sources
Authors: Abifarin Johnson Kehinde , Abifarin Fredah Batale
Published: July 2024

This study aims to optimize hydrogen (H2) production via ethanol steam reforming (ESR) and water gas shift reaction (WGSR) pathways, focusing on minimizing CO, CO2, and CH4 emissions while maximizing H2 yield. Employing Taguchi grey relational analysis, we investigate the intricate balance between production conditions and multi-response gas generation. Utilizing Origin Pro software, regression modeling forecasts individual and overall gas generation. Our analysis identifies optimal conditions: a feed liquid flow rate of 2 mL/min, water-to-carbon ratio of 3, ESR temperature of 300 °C, and WGSR temperature of 350 °C. These conditions promise clean, efficient H2 production. Key results show the water-to-carbon ratio and ESR temperature contributing 59.22% and 32.69% to production conditions’ impact, respectively. Graphical and mathematical models validate these findings. Moving forward, further experimental validation of optimal conditions for multi-response gas generation is recommended. This study pioneers a transformative approach towards sustainable, environmentally friendly H2 production.
Multi-layer Bundling as a New Approach for Determining Multi-scale Correlations Within a High-Dimensional Dataset
Authors: Fazli Mehran , Bertram Richard , Striegel Deborah A.
Published: July 2024

The growing complexity of biological data has spurred the development of innovative computational techniques to extract meaningful information and uncover hidden patterns within vast datasets. Biological networks, such as gene regulatory networks and protein-protein interaction networks, hold critical insights into biological features’ connections and functions. Integrating and analyzing high-dimensional data, particularly in gene expression studies, stands prominent among the challenges in deciphering these networks. Clustering methods play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, with spectral clustering emerging as a potent unsupervised technique considering intrinsic geometric structures. However, spectral clustering’s user-defined cluster number can lead to inconsistent and sometimes orthogonal clustering regimes. We propose the Multi-layer Bundling (MLB) method to address this limitation, combining multiple prominent clustering regimes to offer a comprehensive data view. We call the outcome clusters “bundles”. This approach refines clustering outcomes, unravels hierarchical organization, and identifies bridge elements mediating communication between network components. By layering clustering results, MLB provides a global-to-local view of biological feature clusters enabling insights into intricate biological systems. Furthermore, the method enhances bundle network predictions by integrating the bundle co-cluster matrix with the affinity matrix. The versatility of MLB extends beyond biological networks, making it applicable to various domains where understanding complex relationships and patterns is needed.
Re-territorialising skills? Insights from ethnography on solidarity-economy food activism
Authors: Grasseni Cristina
Published: July 2024

The article addresses the role of citizens in setting up short food chains in the framework of the solidarity economy movement in Lombardy, Italy. On the basis of ethnographic fieldwork with solidarity economy activists and longitudinal ethnography (2009–2023), the article critically analyses solidarity-driven experimentations with local food systems, including direct bulk-buying from farmers and setting up a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) to self-certify organic agriculture quality standards as attempts at (re)territorialising the food chain. This implies innovative relationships and practices connecting farmers and consumers in a role for citizens as ‘co-producers’. Hurdles and dilemmas about trust, skill, and transparency question which role citizens can take as levers of change. Addressing one of the questions posed in this special issue (“what is the place of citizens and collectives in innovative supply chains?”), the article reflects on what kind of skills are required, and perhaps lacking, for a more active involvement of citizens in ‘co-production’. The article focusses on (1) how trust between producer and consumer is supposed to be engendered in relations of proximity, (2) the reciprocal performance of expected roles among consumers and farmers, (3) the difficulties of evidencing reciprocal transparency without negotiating mutual reskilling.
Production of novel bio-transfer films composed from polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate enhanced with bonded anthocyanins from poinsettia for minced meat preservation in double sheet system
Authors: Abdin Mohamed , Saleh Mohamed N. , Sakr Hazem , El-Bana Mohamed , Kamel Reham M. , El-kholy Mohamed M. , Fadly Enas El. , Salama Mohamed Abdelbaset
Published: July 2024

This research explored the creation of new bio-transfer films composed of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium caseinate (SC), and purified anthocyanin extract from poinsettia leaves (PAE). The films underwent evaluation to assess their color, physical characteristics, surface texture, crystalline structure, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Incorporating up to 0.8% of purified anthocyanin extract (PAE) into the film matrix resulted in an opaque red color (a* = 43.96) and increased the opacity to 3.42 A/mm. This addition also made the films less permeable to water vapor, with a permeability rating of 1.021 (× 10− 10 g.m− 1 s− 1 pa− 1). The film surfaces remained smooth and crack-free at lower concentrations, but became rougher when the PAE concentration reached 1.2%. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated physical interactions between the PAE extract and the Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium caseinate (SC) matrix. These films demonstrated strong thermal stability. Furthermore, the inclusion of PAE effectively stabilized the pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and peroxide value (PV) of minced meat during cold storage compared with polypropylene (PP) and un covered samples (UC), showcasing its potential as an exceptional bio-transfer medium for anthocyanins. It was recommended that the utilization of anthocyanin-based bio-transfer films not only reduce minced meat loss during storage but also promotes sustainability efforts in food preservation.
Sonological predictors of complications of percutaneous renal biopsy—a prospective observational study
Authors: Bhattacharya Shruti , Nagaraju Shankar Prasad , Prabhu Ravindra Attur , Rangaswamy Dharshan , Rao Indu Ramachandra , Bhojaraja Mohan V. , Shenoy Srinivas Vinayak
Published: July 2024

Percutaneous renal biopsy, although essential for renal disease diagnosis, is associated with a number of post-biopsy complications ranging from gross haematuria to AV fistula to death. In this study, we carried out an active haematoma surveillance and attempted to correlate renal sonological parameters—kidney length, renal parenchymal changes, renal cortical and parenchymal thickness for their potential use in prediction of post-renal biopsy complications.

Methods

This was a prospective study done from April 2022 to April 2023 on all adult patients undergoing native or transplant kidney biopsy. Baseline clinical, laboratory and renal sonological parameters were noted prior to biopsy. USG-guided renal biopsy was done and any haematoma at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h post-biopsy noted. Biopsy complications including need for any interventions were noted.

Results

Out of the 240 patients enrolled in the study, 58.3% experienced post-biopsy complications. Among these, 5% of patients encountered major complications, with 3.33% necessitating medical intervention following renal biopsy procedures. A high percentage, 98.89%, exhibited hematoma formation within 12 h post-biopsy. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that a hematoma size exceeding 1.2 cm at the 12-h mark exhibited a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71% in predicting the need for blood transfusion. Renal parenchymal changes were the most reliable sonological parameters for predicting post-biopsy complication on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The incidence of major complications requiring interventions following renal biopsy is notably low. Our study highlights the significance of renal sonological characteristics, including parenchymal thickness, cortical thickness and parenchymal changes, in predicting these complications. Furthermore, we emphasize the utility of hematoma surveillance immediately post-biopsy and at the 12 h, as a valuable tool for predicting the necessity of post-biopsy interventions. This approach can aid in efficiently triaging patients and determining the need for further observation post-renal biopsy.