bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Vulnerabilities: Contestations and Unintended Effects
Authors: Nakueira Sophie
Published: October 2024

Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa and uses a whole-of-society (WoS) approach to refugee protection. This means that diverse state agencies and humanitarian aid organisations provide complementary humanitarian services and assistance within their respective mandates with the common goal of providing holistic refugee protection services. Within this model, refugees seeking humanitarian assistance are assessed and classified according to UNHCR’s universal vulnerability categories, and depending on the vulnerability criteria, their eligibility for humanitarian intervention is determined. This chapter argues that although the humanitarian system was designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable refugees holistically, implementation of programs using the WoS approach is fragmented in practice, and results in unintended effects that enhance existing vulnerabilities or produces new ones. The chapter relies on ethnographic data to provide empirically grounded explanations for the factors that impede the attainment of protection goals through an examination of the structure of humanitarian governance. It highlights the protection gaps that result the structure’s weaknesses and what this means for refugee protection.
A Place to Live: Views from Protection Seekers and Social Workers on Accommodation Issues in the Italian System
Authors: Carnassale Dany , Marchetti Sabrina
Published: October 2024

In this chapter we look at the issue of accommodation in government-run shelters for asylum seekers to contend that the management and organization of accommodations have important consequences on asylum seekers’ vulnerability. The opportunity/lack of such accommodation can shape their narratives about the asylum and migration experience, it can define their journeys, and can influence their relationships with other actors.

Asylum seekers’ everyday narratives about accommodation provision powerfully illustrate the way in which institutional settings can have a double effect on vulnerable migrants, oscillating between a protective and harmful one. In this respect, the asylum system shows its capacity to tackle some vulnerabilities, whilst overlooking or even fostering other ‘situations of vulnerability’.

In conclusion, this chapter will discuss accommodation provision as a key element in both a humanitarian and a restrictive perspective on asylum policies. This will be done thanks to research carried out in Italian reception centers, including interviews with migrants and social workers and 6-months ethnographic observations.
Time(S), Space(S) and Shapes of Vulnerabilities in the Belgian Asylum System
Authors: Crine Zoé , Flamand Christine , Raimondo Francesca
Published: October 2024

This Chapter examines asylum seekers’ subjective experiences of time and temporalities in the Belgian asylum procedure. Based on a field study of the experiences of 39 asylum seekers, complemented by those of social workers, lawyers and, more generally, decision-makers, this Chapter argues that time is not a simple (trivial) parameter in the asylum procedure, but acts as a vector of vulnerability. Indeed, this work highlights that time here establishes a temporal order that is created by certain practices in various time-spaces connected to asylum (e.g., reception centres) leading to asylum seekers being exposed to certain risks that generate situations of vulnerability. These situations are articulated through different temporalities of asylum to which asylum seekers are subjected through their process in Belgium: temporalities of the road, administrative temporalities and more generally “imposed” temporalities. Those show that time has a real political dimension, in its dispossessing effects in the asylum system, that creates lack of predictability, and as a result, great uncertainty and disempowerment. Because it seeks to reflect on the effects of time and the vulnerabilities resulting from political practices, this Chapter is also an attempt to integrate the issue of vulnerability into existing work on time and migration.

In this perspective, this work combines a legal approach (which legally clarifies the issue of vulnerability and the principle of reasonable deadlines) and a ethnographic one based on fieldwork with asylum seekers and more generally, “asylum stakeholders”. All in all, it aims to demonstrate how asylum practices over time characterize the experiences of asylum seekers by shaping their vulnerabilities in their daily interactions with asylum bodies in Belgium.
Accommodating Vulnerable Claimants in the Refugee Hearing: The Canadian Example
Authors: Purkey Anna , Nakache Delphine , Yousuf Biftu , Sagay Christiana
Published: October 2024

The Canadian protection regime has made many positive steps towards the recognition of migrant vulnerability. For example, Chairperson’s Guideline 8 from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) was developed in 2006 (and subsequently revised over the years) to assist Canadian decision-makers to provide procedural accommodation(s) (e.g., priority processing of application, allowing a support person, or varying the order of questioning—accommodations that impact the process of the hearing, not the substantive outcome) for vulnerable individuals who are going through Canada’s inland refugee determination process. However, as is discussed in this chapter, our research found that practitioners, and even civil servants, have mixed perspectives on the success of translating this awareness into effective action. Despite these developments, refugee claimants are facing several challenges in asserting or ‘proving’ vulnerability and thus eligibility for procedural accommodation. Of particular concern is the difficulty with accessing psychological assessments for psychologically vulnerable asylum seekers and their inconsistent consideration by decision makers. Another key concern is the discretion exercised by decision-makers, both in terms of acknowledging vulnerability and in terms of determining what, if any, procedural accommodations are appropriate. While recent changes to Guideline 8 suggest a desire to address some of the challenges presented here, it remains to be seen whether this effort will be successful.
Ghost Distributions on Supersymmetric Spaces I: Koszul Induced Superspaces, Branching, and the Full Ghost Centre
Authors: Sherman Alexander
Published: October 2024

Given a Lie superalgebra $$\mathfrak {g}$$
g
, Gorelik defined the anticentre $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
of its enveloping algebra, which consists of certain elements that square to the center. We seek to generalize and enrich the anticentre to the context of supersymmetric pairs $$(\mathfrak {g},\mathfrak {k})$$

(
g
,
k
)

, or more generally supersymmetric spaces G/K. We define certain invariant distributions on G/K, which we call ghost distributions, and which in some sense are induced from invariant distributions on $$G_0/K_0$$

G
0

/

K
0

. Ghost distributions, and in particular their Harish-Chandra polynomials, give information about branching from G to a symmetric subgroup $$K'$$

K
′

which is related (and sometimes conjugate) to K. We discuss the case of $$G\times G/G$$

G
×
G
/
G

for an arbitrary quasireductive supergroup G, where our results prove the existence of a polynomial which determines projectivity of irreducible G-modules. Finally, a generalization of Gorelik’s ghost centre is defined which we call the full ghost centre, $$\mathcal {Z}_{full}$$

Z

full

. For type I basic Lie superalgebras $$\mathfrak {g}$$
g
we fully describe $$\mathcal {Z}_{full}$$

Z

full

, and prove that if $$\mathfrak {g}$$
g
contains an internal grading operator, $$\mathcal {Z}_{full}$$

Z

full

consists exactly of those elements in $$\mathcal {U}\mathfrak {g}$$

U
g

acting by $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
-graded constants on every finite-dimensional irreducible representation.
Gromov-Witten Invariants in Complex and Morava-Local K-Theories
Authors: Abouzaid Mohammed , McLean Mark , Smith Ivan
Published: October 2024

Given a closed symplectic manifold X, we construct Gromov-Witten-type invariants valued both in (complex) K-theory and in any complex-oriented cohomology theory $\mathbb{K}$ which is Kp(n)-local for some Morava K-theory Kp(n). We show that these invariants satisfy a version of the Kontsevich-Manin axioms, extending Givental and Lee’s work for the quantum K-theory of complex projective algebraic varieties. In particular, we prove a Gromov-Witten type splitting axiom, and hence define quantum K-theory and quantum $\mathbb{K}$-theory as commutative deformations of the corresponding (generalised) cohomology rings of X; the definition of the quantum product involves the formal group of the underlying cohomology theory. The key geometric input of these results is a construction of global Kuranishi charts for moduli spaces of stable maps of arbitrary genus to X. On the algebraic side, in order to establish a common framework covering both ordinary K-theory and Kp(n)-local theories, we introduce a formalism of ‘counting theories’ for enumerative invariants on a category of global Kuranishi charts.
Human life expectancy and season of birth in Taiwan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nishimura Tsutomu , Nakatani Eiji , Lin Mei-Chen , Yamauchi Hiroyuki , Fukushima Masanori , Hsu Chung Y.
Published: October 2024

Prior research has indicated a correlation between the birth season and life expectancy; however, many of these studies did not sufficiently account for comorbidities. In this comprehensive investigation, we aimed to meticulously explore the association between the birth month and life expectancy, giving due consideration to comorbidities. We used a robust dataset derived from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (2000–2013), which allowed us to conduct a thorough examination. We divided our participants into four groups based on their season of birth: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Propensity score matching was used to ensure an equitable distribution of demographic and clinical characteristics across the groups. Propensity scores were computed using logistic regression. Our model incorporated a broad range of demographic factors and comorbidities, providing rigorous adjustment for potential confounders. Our findings revealed a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality among individuals born in spring, even after stringent adjustment for demographic factors and comorbidities. People born in spring demonstrated a 1.05-fold increase in the risk of all-cause mortality, with a hazard ratio of 1.05 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.01–1.09. Our study provides compelling evidence that helps understand the potential long-term impacts of a person’s birth season, which acts as a proxy for pregnancy / early-life environmental exposure, on life expectancy. These findings underscore the crucial need for additional research to illuminate the underlying biological and environmental mechanisms linking the birth season and lifespan of a person. The elucidation of these links could guide the development of innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies that are tailored to an individual’s birth season.
Topology optimisation of fibre-reinforced composites accounting for buckling resistance and manufacturability
Authors: Luo Yi-Rong , Hewson Robert , Santer Matthew
Published: October 2024

A topology optimisation approach that accounts for buckling resistance and manufacturability using fibre-reinforced composites is presented. This approach combines topology optimisation and fibre orientation optimisation to achieve a design with maximum buckling resistance. To ensure the optimal designs can be manufactured using 3D printing, constraints based on the continuity of fibre orientation and fibre path generation are applied. A compressed column, a stubby cantilever and an MBB beam are designed to demonstrate the response of the topology and fibre orientation when accounting for buckling resistance, as well as the compromise due to the inclusion of manufacturing constraints. The results show that the presented approach successfully guarantees manufacturability with a significant increase in buckling resistance.
A novel underactuated smart surface for parts feeding and sorting
Authors: Bianchi Edoardo , Fantoni Gualtiero , Dueso Francisco Javier Brosed , Yagüe-Fabra José A.
Published: October 2024

In material handling, numerous solutions have been proposed to enhance the flexibility and adaptability of transport systems. Among these solutions, smart surfaces stand out as one of the most interesting responses, utilizing an array of actuators for common feeding tasks. The current paper focuses on a novel system within this category, notable for its distinguishing factor of being underactuated. With this characteristic, the concept leads to a simplified cost-effective design and a not actively driven functioning, leveraging gravity or object own velocity to manipulate the material flow maintaining top class performances, as the sorting rate reaches 4000 pcs/h. Specifically, the article begins with an introduction of the concept design and its digital model, followed by a description of the experimental setup built to test the surface’s functionality and evaluate the predictions of the virtual counterpart. On top of that, a method to determine the essential parameters for the surface simulation is proposed and applied. As a result, the prototype successfully completed the three main intralogistic tasks experimented, i.e., sorting, slowing, and stopping of packages. Lastly, the digital model outcomes of the same operations were computed and compared with the measured results, demonstrating an accuracy of prediction with displacements and time errors below 7%.
Quantum Duality Maps, Skein Algebras and their Ensemble Compatibility
Authors: Ishibashi Tsukasa , Karuo Hiroaki
Published: October 2024

We generalize the quantum duality map $$\mathbb {I}_{\mathcal {A}}$$

I
A

of Allegretti–Kim (Adv Math 306:1164–1208, 2017) for punctured closed surfaces to general marked surfaces. When the marked surface has no interior marked points, we investigate its compatibility with the quantum duality map $$\mathbb {I}_{\mathcal {X}}$$

I
X

on the dual side based on the quantum bracelets basis (Mandel and Qin in arXiv:2301.11101; Thurston in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 111(27):9725–9732, 2014). Our construction factors through reduced stated skein algebras, based on the quantum trace maps (Lê in Quantum Topol 9(3):591–632, 2018) together with an appropriate way of skein lifting of integral $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
-laminations. We also give skein theoretic proofs for some expected properties of Laurent expressions, and positivity of structure constants for marked disks and a marked annulus.
Comparative Analysis of Transradial and Transfemoral Approaches in Transarterial Radioembolization for Liver Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Eldeeb Hatem Abdelmoneim , Shaaban Abdelgalil Mahmoud , Ghalwash Asem Ahmed , Elganady Asmaa , Qafesha Ruaa Mustafa , alkhawaldeh Ibraheem M. , Hindawi Mahmoud Diaa , Jaradat Jaber H. , Abduljalil Shabaan Mohamed , Abdelgawad Hussien Ahmed H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a minimally invasive therapy combining embolization and radiation for cancer treatment. This meta-analysis compares radiation exposure, quality of life, and safety of the transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) approaches in TARE for liver tumors.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies comparing TRA versus TFA in TARE for liver tumors. Our primary outcomes focused on various measures of patient radiation exposure, including procedure time, fluoroscopy time, air kerma, and dose-area product (DAP). For secondary outcomes, we evaluated safety parameters, such as overall pain experienced during the procedure, pain in the recovery room post-procedure, the incidence of adverse events, and the impact on quality of life. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane’s ROB 2 tool for RCTs and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for observational studies. Data analysis was conducted with REVMAN 5.4.1 software.

Results

Six studies, comprising one RCT and five cohort studies with 1,209 patients, underwent comprehensive analysis. The aggregated findings revealed a significant reduction in procedure duration associated with TRA (MD =− 6.30, 95% CI [− 9.88, − 2.73], P = 0.005). However, no statistically significant differences were found between TRA and TFA groups concerning fluoroscopy time, recovery time, air kerma, DAP, pain in the recovery room, overall pain during the procedure, quality of life measuring mental health and physical function or adverse events.

Conclusion

TRA and TFA showed comparable results in TARE for liver tumors, but TRA offered a shorter procedure time. Further RCTs with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should assess long-term efficacy for a more complete evaluation.

Graphical Abstract
Developing high-performance oxygen electrodes for intermediate solid oxide cells (SOC) prepared by Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ backbone infiltration
Authors: Aksoy Ömer Faruk , Lemieszek Bartłomiej , Murutoğlu Murat , Karczewski Jakub , Jasiński Piotr , Molin Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Gd0.2Ce0.8O 2−δ (GDC) porous backbone infiltration with La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC), PrOx and LSC: PrOx as a composite oxygen electrode for intermediate solid oxide cells are conducted within the scope of this work. Samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A uniform distribution of the infiltrated material inside the backbone and at the electrolyte-backbone interface was achieved. EIS measurements on the prepared symmetrical samples showed electrode polarization resistance (Rp) values of 0.029 Ω.cm², 0.23 Ω.cm², and 0.44 Ω.cm² for LSC, LSC: PrOx, and PrOx at 600 °C, respectively. Long-term stability measurements at 600 °C for 100 h showed a slight increase in polarization resistance during the measurement period. Fuel cell measurements of commercial cells (Elcogen) with porous oxygen electrode consisting of GDC infiltrated with LSC showed an increase in power density compared to the reference cell with a value of 0.53 W.cm− 2 obtained at 600 °C. It is proven that infiltration via polymeric precursor into porous scaffolds as backbone oxygen electrode layer is effective and convenient method to develop high performance and stable solid oxide cells.
Magma recharge at Manam volcano, Papua New Guinea, identified through thermal and SO2 satellite remote sensing of open-vent emissions
Authors: Cotterill Adam S. , Nicholson Emma J. , Hayer Catherine S. L. , Kilburn Christopher R. J.
Published: October 2024

Manam is one of the most frequently active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea and is a top contributor to global volcanic volatile emissions due to its persistent open-vent degassing. Here, we present a multi-year time series (2018–2021) of thermal and SO2 emissions for Manam from satellite remote sensing, which we interpret in the context of open-vent feedback between magma supply, reservoir pressure, and outgassing. We classify the time series into four phases based on the varying SO2 flux and observe a transient, yet substantial, increase in time-averaged SO2 flux from background levels of ~ 0.6 to ~ 4.72 kt day−1 between March and July 2019. We also identify a transition from temporally coupled to decoupled gas and thermal emissions during this period which we explain in the context of a magma recharge event that supplied new, volatile-rich magma to the shallow plumbing system beneath Manam. We infer that the arrival of this recharge magma triggered the series of eruptions between August 2018 and March 2019. These explosive events collectively removed 0.18 km3 of degassed residual magma and signalled the onset of a renewed period of unrest that ultimately culminated in a major eruption on 28 June 2019. We quantify the magnitude of “excess” degassing at Manam after the removal of the inferred residual magma. SO2 emissions reveal that ~ 0.18 km3 of magma was supplied, but only ~ 0.08 km3 was erupted between April 2019 and December 2021. We highlight how multi-parameter remote sensing observations over months to years enable the interpretation of open-vent processes that may be missed by short-duration campaign measurements.
Translational strategies to uncover the etiology of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract
Authors: Vendrig Lisanne M. , ten Hoor Mayke A. C. , König Benthe H. , Lekkerkerker Iris , Renkema Kirsten Y. , Schreuder Michiel F. , van der Zanden Loes F. M. , van Eerde Albertien M. , Groen in ’t Woud Sander , Mulder Jaap , Westland Rik ,   on behalf of the ArtDECO consortium, Klomp L. S. , Mak-Nienhuis L. M. , Marsman R. F. J. , Groen L. A. , Bourjouane D. , Tanck M. W. T. , Groothoff J. W. , Levtchenko E. , Brooks A. S. , Scheepe J. R. , Knoers V. V. A. M. , Deelen P. , Franke L. H. , van Rooij R. W. G. , Spijker H. S. , van den Berg C. W. , Bijkerk R. , Hohenstein P. , Rabelink A. J. , Feitz W. F. J. , Roeleveld N. , van Rooij I. A. L. M. , Schijven G. , Teuben S. , van de Geer-de Jong E. , Schulp J. A. , Klijn A. J. , Lichtenbelt K. D. , Bekker M. N. , Haaften G. van , Lilien M. R.
Published: October 2024

While up to 50% of children requiring kidney replacement therapy have congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), they represent only a fraction of the total patient population with CAKUT. The extreme variability in clinical outcome underlines the fundamental need to devise personalized clinical management strategies for individuals with CAKUT. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of abnormal kidney and urinary tract development provides a framework for precise diagnoses and prognostication of patients, the identification of biomarkers and disease modifiers, and, thus, the development of personalized strategies for treatment. In this review, we provide a state-of-the-art overview of the currently known genetic causes, including rare variants in kidney and urinary tract development genes, genomic disorders, and common variants that have been attributed to CAKUT. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of environmental factors and their interactions with developmental genes in kidney and urinary tract malformations. Finally, we present multi-angle translational modalities to validate candidate genes and environmental factors and shed light on future strategies to better understand the molecular underpinnings of CAKUT.

Graphical abstract
Prevention of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Pollack Shirley , Plonsky Moran , Tibi Rami , Libinson-Zebegret Irina , Yakobov Renata , Eisenstein Israel , Magen Daniella
Published: October 2024

Background

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a devastating complication of immunosuppressive treatment in both solid organ transplantations (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection precedes PTLD in 90% of patients. Rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, depletes B-lymphocytes, which are the ultimate reservoir for EBV. Although rituximab therapy is commonly used as a preventive measure for PTLD in high-risk HSCT, it is not established in SOT.

Methods

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients (PKTR) underwent routine EBV-PCR surveillance. Patients with increasing viral loads, despite immunosuppressive dose reduction, were managed with preventive rituximab therapy.

Results

Between 2012 and 2023, we identified eight episodes of asymptomatic EBV-PCR-positive blood tests in seven out of 65 PKTR (11%) under our care. EBV DNAemia emerged 120–720 days post-transplantation. Five of seven patients with EBV DNAemia (71%) were EBV-seronegative prior to transplantation. All five patients did not respond to MMF dose reduction and were therefore treated with preventive rituximab therapy. Following this treatment, EBV PCR clearance was observed in all patients with only minimal complications.

Conclusions

PKTR who are EBV-naïve prior to transplantation are expected to have a higher prevalence of EBV DNAemia. We found that PKTR who were EBV seronegative prior to transplantation were less likely to achieve EBV clearance in response to immunosuppression dose reduction. We suggest that rituximab therapy in PKTR may be safe and effective in EBV clearance and PTLD prevention.

Graphical abstract
Der European Mining Course – Bergbaulehre international gedacht
Authors: Feldmann Yannick , Lottermoser Bernd , Sifferlinger Nikolaus , Rinne Mikael , Guerrero Rodrigo Serna , Bender Niklas
Published: October 2024

Der European Mining Course (EMC) ist ein internationales dreifach‑M.Sc.-Programm, welches Experten für den Bergbau und angrenzende Industrien ausbildet. Der EMC wird von drei international angesehenen Universitäten, der Aalto University aus Finnland, der RWTH Aachen University aus Deutschland und seit 2023 auch der Montanuniversität Leoben (Österreich) ausgerichtet. Die Studierenden durchlaufen im Rahmen des EMCs jeweils ein Semester an den drei Partneruniversitäten, bevor sie im vierten Semester ihre Masterarbeit zumeist in Kooperation mit der Industrie anfertigen. Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss des EMCs erhalten die Studierenden insgesamt drei M.Sc.-Abschlüsse, einen von jeder Partnerhochschule.

Schon seit seiner Gründung 1996 zeichnet sich der EMC durch eine enge Kooperation mit der europäischen Bergbauindustrie aus und stellt so die Relevanz der Ausbildung sicher. Industrievorträge, Exkursionen und Praktika sowie die Möglichkeiten für Abschlussarbeiten bieten praxisnahe Einblicke für die Studierenden. Die Unterstützung der Industriepartner ist zentral durch die Federation of European Mineral Programs (FEMP) organisiert, die als gemeinnützige Stiftung Spenden aus der Industrie einsammelt und verwaltet. Aus den Beiträgen der Industrie werden beispielsweise Stipendien und extra-curriculare Aktivitäten finanziert. Im Gegenzug haben die Unternehmen Zugang zu dem Alumninetzwerk mit mehr als 800 Alumni und die Möglichkeit, sich selbst als attraktiver Arbeitgeber den Studierenden zu präsentieren.

Als zweijähriges internationales Masterprogramm mit der Möglichkeit, in drei verschiedenen europäischen Ländern zu studieren, ist der EMC für Studierende äußerst attraktiv und konnte in den Jahren 2023 und 2024 jeweils Rekordbewerberzahlen verzeichnen. Das internationale, integrierte Curriculum des EMCs baut auf die sich ergänzende Expertise seiner Partneruniversitäten. Der EMC umfasst dabei Fächer zu Gebirgsmechanik, Geologie, Aufbereitungstechnik, Bergbaukunde, Maschinentechnik, Betriebswirtschaftslehre, Projektmanagement und diverse bergbauspezifische Fächer zu Wettertechnik, Abbauplanung und Umweltaspekten.

Die bisherige Erfolgsgeschichte des EMC ist nur mit der Unterstützung aus der Industrie möglich gewesen. Um auch weiterhin hochqualifizierte Bergbauingenieure auszubilden, sind wir auf neue Kooperationen angewiesen.

Weiterführende Informationen unter www.emc-master.eu,

Möglichkeiten für Kooperationen unter www.femp.org.
Stability of optimal spherical codes
Authors: Böröczky Károly J. , Glazyrin Alexey
Published: October 2024

For many extremal configurations of points on a sphere, the linear programming approach can be used to show their optimality. In this paper we establish the general framework for showing stability of such configurations and use this framework to prove the stability of the two spherical codes formed by minimal vectors of the lattice

$$E_8$$

E
8

and of the Leech lattice.
Exo- and endoscopic two-step approach for meningeal tumours invading the lateral wall of large dural venous sinuses: how I do it
Authors: Iwami Kenichiro , Watanabe Tadashi , Takeuchi Kazuhito , Saito Ryuta
Published: October 2024

Background

Treating meningeal tumours invading the large dural venous sinuses is a subject of debate regarding the approach for removing the intra-sinus components. Additionally, directly observing the invasion site of tumours invading the lateral wall of the sinus is difficult.

Method

We describe our exo- and endoscopic two-step approach (EETA): an exoscope is used to remove the extra-sinus component, while an endoscope is used to observe the invaded lateral wall and remove the intra-sinus component.

Conclusion

EETA can be a viable option for treating meningeal tumours invading the venous sinus owing to its high resection rate and low invasiveness.
Entwicklungen in der Katathym Imaginativen Psychotherapie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung neuerer körperbezogener Konzepte
Authors: Pichler Mathilde
Published: October 2024

Nach einer kurzen allgemeinen Beschreibung der Katathym Imaginativen Psychotherapie nach H. C. Leuner werden neuere Entwicklungen in der Methode nachgezeichnet. Aufbauend auf verschiedenen Weiterentwicklungen allgemeiner psychodynamischer Konzepte im Bereich des therapeutischen Beziehungsverständnisses und der Bedeutung des Körpers in der frühen Selbstentwicklung sollen die Auswirkungen auf das Verständnis und die Behandlungstechnik in der Katathym imaginativen Psychotherapie dargestellt werden. Sowohl die Implikationen für das imaginative Geschehen selbst als auch für die Phasen der verbalen Nachbearbeitung der Imaginationen und des therapeutischen Gesprächs werden ausgeführt und anhand von entsprechenden methodenspezifischen Publikationen und Fallbeispielen dargestellt.
Disulfiram ameliorates bone loss in ovariectomized mice by suppressing osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Fukui Tatsuyuki , Terashima Asuka , Omata Yasunori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Okamoto Kazuo , Tsukasaki Masayuki , Fukuda Yukiko , Hayata Tadayoshi , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Toda Etsuko , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Tanaka Sakae , Terashima Yuya , Saito Taku
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Disulfiram (DSF), known as an anti-alcoholism drug, has been reported to suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro; however, it remains uncertain whether DSF is effective in preventing osteoclastogenesis in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DSF administration in osteoporotic mice and its contribution to osteoclastogenesis in vivo.

Materials and methods

The bone phenotype of ovariectomized mice, both treated and untreated with DSF, was examined using microcomputed tomography analysis. Osteoclastic and osteoblastic parameters were assessed through bone morphometric analysis. The direct effect of DSF on osteoblastogenesis in vitro was evaluated via a primary osteoblast culture experiment. The expression of genes related to DSF targets (Nup85, Ccr2, and Ccr5) in osteoclast-lineage cells was examined using scRNA-seq analysis and flow cytometry analysis using the bone marrow cells from ovariectomized mice. The impact of DSF on osteoclast-lineage cells was assessed using primary cultures of osteoclasts.

Results

DSF administration ameliorated ovariectomy-induced bone loss and mitigated the increase of osteoclasts without affecting osteoblastogenesis. The scRNA-seq data revealed that osteoclast precursor cells expressed Nup85, Ccr2, and Ccr5. CCR2 and CCR5-positive cells in osteoclast precursor cells within bone marrow increased following ovariectomy, and this increase was canceled by DSF administration. Finally, we found that DSF had a significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in the early stage by suppressing Tnfrsf11a expression.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that DSF could be a candidate for osteoporosis therapies because it suppresses osteoclastogenesis from an early stage in vivo.
Individual child factors affecting the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Tam Lok Yee Chloe , Taechameekietichai Yanisa , Allen Jennifer L.
Published: October 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This systematic literature review aims to identify the child clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the detection and diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents, given concerns about delays or failures in identifying ADHD as well as over-diagnosis, hindering appropriate and timely support for children and families. Through electronic and manual searches of peer-reviewed and grey literature, 5852 articles were identified and subjected to two stages of screening by independent reviewers. Due to the heterogeneity in study methods, a narrative approach was used to summarise study findings. Forty-one studies meeting eligibility criteria revealed sixteen child-related factors influencing the ADHD diagnostic process. These factors include ADHD subtype, ADHD symptom severity, comorbid mental disorders, behavior problems, internalizing symptoms, functional impairment, social and cognitive functioning, physical health, gender, age, relative age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, residence urbanicity, and family structure. While the impact of many of these factors on ADHD diagnosis was inconsistent due to the substantial diversity in study designs and context, certain patterns emerged. Meeting the criteria for the inattentive subtype, lower functional impairment, female gender, Black or Latinx ethnicity, and being relatively young for their grade were consistently found to be associated with a delayed or absent ADHD diagnosis. Further research is needed to explore the intricate relationships between these child-level variables and their implications for ADHD recognition, referral, and evaluation, especially outside the USA.
Characterization of municipal solid waste with the perspective of biofuels and bioproducts recovery in Northeast Mexico
Authors: Martínez Rodolfo Daniel Silva , Jiménez Lourdes Díaz , Juárez Oscar Aguilar , Hernández Salvador Carlos
Published: October 2024

This work focuses on analyzing the physical composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the physicochemical characterization of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in a city in Northeast Mexico to propose an adequate treatment and valorization system. Diverse samples were analyzed over 5 months at the city of Saltillo landfill, where the daily discarded MSW was classified into household (HW), central market waste (CMW), and public areas and parks waste (PPW). For the HW and CMW, the fraction with the highest proportion was the organic residues from food products, with 22.15 and 25.78%, followed by other organic wastes (manure, yard waste, leaves, etc.) at 12.58 and 10.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the organic fraction was segregated from the rest of the MSW and classified into four subtypes, and their physical composition and physicochemical characteristics were determined. The results contribute to laying the foundations for the proper treatment of the OFMSW not just in the studied region but also in cities with similar conditions. Moreover, the OFMSW’s feasibility in treating via bioenergy technologies is revealed, and this research proposes a biorefinery treatment pathway through dark fermentation followed by high solids anaerobic digestion generating bioenergy and diverse bioproducts.
Determinism in Current Physics. Is It Possible?
Authors: González Daniel Heredia , Gomboso Marco
Published: October 2024

We discuss the possibilities of determinism in reality, taking under consideration both quantum and classical physics. We present this firstly by questioning the supposed nature of quantum physics as non-deterministic, following the proposal of Penrose: the collapse of the wavefunction interpreted as particular measurements which seem to indicate certain contingency does not actually give the full picture of the reality of the former. In addition to what Penrose suggests, we consider this collapse as part of a bigger deterministic picture. Secondly, we analyse the distinction between this microphysical scenario and our macrophysical experience, in the light of determinism as well. We suggest that this experience can be understood as particular “measurements” similar to what happens in quantum mechanics. For instance, the image of a person with certain identity features is a highlight or particularization of all the possibilities the identity of this person experienced, experiences and will experience through time. The “collapse” is thus linked to individuation, not less real, but incomplete of reality. By linking the domain of quantum physics in a deterministic fashion to the phenomenological or macrophysical realm, we aim to show that a non-contingent character of reality is possible when accepting measurements or particular instances of things as forms of comprehension given by the physical world (thus not just mere subjective interventions). We argue that the complete picture (closer to the wavefunction) cannot give distinctive information (understanding this as differentiation of elements, such as particles in the microphysical domain and a certain colour in the macrophysical one).
A stochastic moving ball approximation method for smooth convex constrained minimization
Authors: Singh Nitesh Kumar , Necoara Ion
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider constrained optimization problems with convex objective and smooth convex functional constraints. We propose a new stochastic gradient algorithm, called the Stochastic Moving Ball Approximation (SMBA) method, to solve this class of problems, where at each iteration we first take a (sub)gradient step for the objective function and then perform a projection step onto one ball approximation of a randomly chosen constraint. The computational simplicity of SMBA, which uses first-order information and considers only one constraint at a time, makes it suitable for large-scale problems with many functional constraints. We provide a convergence analysis for the SMBA algorithm using basic assumptions on the problem, that yields new convergence rates in both optimality and feasibility criteria evaluated at some average point. Our convergence proofs are novel since we need to deal properly with infeasible iterates and with quadratic upper approximations of constraints that may yield empty balls. We derive convergence rates of order $${\mathcal {O}} (k^{-1/2})$$

O
(

k

-
1
/
2

)

when the objective function is convex, and $${\mathcal {O}} (k^{-1})$$

O
(

k

-
1

)

when the objective function is strongly convex. Preliminary numerical experiments on quadratically constrained quadratic problems demonstrate the viability and performance of our method when compared to some existing state-of-the-art optimization methods and software.
Global optimization: a machine learning approach
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Margaritis Georgios
Published: October 2024

Many approaches for addressing global optimization problems typically rely on relaxations of nonlinear constraints over specific mathematical primitives. This is restricting in applications with constraints that are implicit or consist of more general primitives. Trying to address such limitations, Bertsimas and Ozturk (2023) proposed OCTHaGOn as a way of solving very general global optimization problems by approximating the nonlinear constraints using hyperplane-based decision-trees and then using those trees to construct a unified MIO approximation of the original problem. We provide extensions to this approach, by (i) approximating the original problem using other MIO-representable ML models besides decision trees, such as gradient boosted trees, multi layer perceptrons and suport vector machines (ii) proposing adaptive sampling procedures for more accurate ML-based constraint approximations, (iii) utilizing robust optimization to account for the uncertainty of the sample-dependent training of the ML models, (iv) leveraging a family of relaxations to address the infeasibilities of the final MIO approximation. We then test the enhanced framework in 81 global optimization instances. We show improvements in solution feasibility and optimality in the majority of instances. We also compare against BARON, showing improved optimality gaps and solution times in more than 9 instances.
Copper-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation for the Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Moyo Pamela S. , Mehlana Gift , Matsinha Leah C. , Makhubela Banothile C. E.
Published: October 2024

A novel Cu-MOF was synthesized at room temperature from commercially available and inexpensive reagents. The pre-catalyst was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Cu-MOF was characterized as microporous material with BET surface area and pore volume of 7.47 m2/g and 0.27 cm3/g, respectively, and is stable in most solvents. The MOF was evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA). Cu-MOF exhibited a high conversion of FF (76%) with selectivity towards FA (100%) at 140 °C, 50 bar for 24 h. The MOF was reused four consecutive times with a loss in catalytic performance. The decrease in catalytic activity could be attributed to the formation of inactive Cu(0) as revealed by HR-TEM and XPS studies. The HR-TEM of spent Cu-MOF showed a uniform particle size diameter of 3.5 nm. This work is significant in providing new strategies for the design and fabrication of highly selective MOF catalysts for the FF upgrading.
Transfer function adaptation for effective feature selection with the side-blotched lizard algorithm
Authors: Eisa Mohamed , Abdel-lah Marwa , Farouk Fifi , Abdel-aal Amr
Published: October 2024

Feature selection is a crucial preprocessing step in data mining and machine learning, enhancing model performance and computational efficiency. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Side-Blotched Lizard Optimization Algorithm (SBLA) for feature selection by developing six novel variants: Sbla-s1, Sbla-s2, Sbla-s3, Sbla-v1, Sbla-v2, and Sbla-v3, each employing distinct S-shaped or V-shaped transfer functions to convert the continuous search space to a binary format. These variants were rigorously evaluated on nineteen benchmark datasets from the UCI repository, comparing their performance based on average classification accuracy, average number of selected features, and average fitness value. The results demonstrated the superiority of Sbla-s3, achieving an average classification accuracy of 92.8% across all datasets, a mean number of selected features of 20, and an average fitness value of 0.08. Furthermore, Sbla-s3 consistently outperformed six other state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms, achieving the highest average accuracy on sixteen out of nineteen datasets. These findings establish Sbla-s3 as a promising and effective approach for feature selection, capable of identifying relevant features while maintaining high classification accuracy, potentially leading to improved model performance in various machine learning applications.
Root anatomical adaptations of contrasting ectomycorrhizal exploration types in Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea across soil horizons
Authors: Mucha Joanna , Zadworny Marcin , Bułaj Bartosz , Rutkowski Paweł , Szuba Agnieszka , Mąderek Ewa , Łakomy Piotr , Trocha Lidia Katarzyna
Published: October 2024

Aims

The anatomical characteristics of ectomycorrhizal exploration types in response to soil variability remain insufficiently understood. We examined the root anatomy of contact and long-distance exploration types in Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea, species with distinct ecological needs, across different soil horizons.

Methods

The diameter of ectomycorrhizal roots, the root absorptive traits i.e. proportion of cortex and mantle area, the percentage stele in the diameter, and the weighted average diameter of vessels (Ra) in the ectomycorrhizas were measured within ectomycorrhizas collected from organic and mineral soils across the soil profile.

Results

The absorptive traits varied along soil horizons, in which water and nutrient availability changed inversely. The proportion of cortex was associated with exploration type, but was not specific to tree species. However, the ectomycorrhizal diameter and the percentage of mantle within the root forming contact exploration type of P. sylvestris showed no variation among soil horizons. In contrast, the soil horizon significantly influenced all root anatomical traits in the contact exploration type of Q. petraea by enhancing the contribution of the absorption area of the root area, mainly in the illuvial horizon, but reaching the smallest value in the organic horizon. The Ra and the cell wall thickness of the vessels were strongly dependent on tree species. With increasing soil depth, Ra in Q. petraea increased, and stele proportion in root diameter decreased.

Conclusion

The results suggest that water acquisition traits differ among tree species, but traits associated with nutrient absorption (proportion of cortex and mantle area) within specific soil horizons are closely related to the ectomycorrhizal exploration type.
Modeling the response of crop emergence to sowing depth and soil water deficit in direct-seeded rice
Authors: Kanno Noriko , Kumar Virender , Kato Yoichiro
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Dry direct seeding of rice in the tropics often suffers from poor crop establishment owing to soil water deficit. A potential solution is sowing deeply to utilize residual soil moisture farther below the surface. We evaluated rice emergence under various sowing depths and soil moisture conditions and tested a model framework of it as a simultaneous function of sowing depth and soil moisture.

Methods

We combined data from three field experiments and one growth chamber experiment to collect emergence data for four rice cultivars (Dontokoi, Dular, Rc222 and Rc420). We independently parameterized the relationships between emergence and sowing depth or soil water tension using logistic functions. We expressed the final emergence as the product of the two functions.

Results

Emergence responses to sowing depth and soil moisture fitted the cultivar-specific logistic functions well. For Dular, a cultivar that tolerates deep sowing, emergence was greatest when sown at 4 to 5 cm below the surface under soil water deficit, versus 1 to 2 cm under wet conditions, and our combined model successfully reproduced this result.

Conclusion

Our emergence model framework supports adjustment of sowing depth to account for available soil water, making the model a powerful new tool for drought adaptation in direct-seeded rice.
Does performance pay increase the risk of marital instability?
Authors: Baktash Mehrzad B. , Heywood John S. , Jirjahn Uwe
Published: October 2024

This study is the first to systematically examine the association between performance pay and marital instability. Using German survey data on married couples and including an extensive set of controls, we show that performance pay is associated with an increased probability of subsequent separation or divorce. Yet, the results are entirely gender specific. When husbands earn performance pay, no association with marital instability is found. When wives earn performance pay, the association is large and robust. This pattern persists across a variety of modeling choices and holds in instrumental variable estimations accounting for the endogeneity of performance pay. We argue that the pattern fits theoretical expectations and discuss the implications.