bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solutes in water affect the primary cavitation bubble generated by a pulsed erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser
Authors: Meire Maarten , van Aelst Ben , Sehovic Aldin , Deari Shengjile , Zehnder Matthias 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) of root canal systems depends on the generation of cavitation bubbles in the endodontic irrigant. Physical studies thus far focused on pulse energy, pulse length, frequency, and fiber tip shape, mostly in plain water. This study investigated the effect of endodontically relevant molecules (sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), and their combination) in water on physical properties of the resulting solution, and their impact on primary cavitation bubble features. A commercially available 3% NaOCl irrigant was used, as well as an etidronate powder (Dual Rinse HEDP) to be admixed. Physical parameters (density, surface tension, and viscosity) of these solutions were assessed, including HEDP effects in an ascending concentration series of up to 20%. Primary cavitation bubble features (dimensional and temporal) in conjunction with a pulsed erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er: YAG) laser equipped with a flat or conical fiber tip were studied in these liquids using a high-speed camera. Solutes increased the solution’s density, surface tension, and viscosity, with an almost linear response to HEDP dosage (Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.95). This reduced the speed of the primary cavitation bubble, and increased its size and lifetime. Increased HEDP concentrations had a pronounced effect on the shape of bubbles generated at the flat tip. NaOCl and HEDP alter the physical properties of water, which, in turn, affect its cavitation behavior.
Neighborhood persistency of the linear optimization relaxation of integer linear optimization
Authors: Kimura Kei , Nakayama Kotaro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFor an integer linear optimization (ILO) problem, persistency of its linear optimization (LO) relaxation is a property that for every optimal solution of the relaxation that assigns integer values to some variables, there exists an optimal solution of the ILO problem in which these variables retain the same values. Although persistency has been used to develop heuristic, approximation, and fixed-parameter algorithms for special cases of ILO, its applicability remains unknown in the literature. In this paper, we reveal a maximal subclass of ILO such that its LO relaxation has persistency. Specifically, we show that the LO relaxation of ILO on unit-two-variable-per-inequality (UTVPI) systems has persistency and is (in a certain sense) maximal among such ILO. Our result generalizes the persistency results by Nemhauser and Trotter, Hochbaum et al., and Fiorini et al. Even more, we propose a stronger property called neighborhood persistency and show that the LO relaxation of ILO on UTVPI systems in general has this property. Using this stronger result, we obtain a fixed-parameter algorithm (where the parameter is the optimal value) and another proof of 2-approximability for ILO on UTVPI systems where objective functions and variables are non-negative.
Racial Disparities in Cesarean Section Rates Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Populations in the United States
Authors: Yang Yanchao , Mullen Margaret , Zhang Guangda 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study uses national natality data from the National Vital Statistics System, provided by the National Center for Health Statistics, covering the years 2011 to 2018 (N = 23,810,031) to investigate racial disparities in cesarean section (C-section) rates between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White mothers in the United States. This analysis offers a comprehensive perspective on the factors contributing to C-section disparities by considering mothers' demographic characteristics, health conditions, and infant health status. Using multivariable logistic regression, the findings reveal consistently higher C-section rates for non-Hispanic Black mothers compared to non-Hispanic White mothers, with the gap widening over time. Even after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors, non-Hispanic Black mothers remained more likely to undergo C-sections. Using Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition methods, key factors contributing to this C-section rates disparity include maternal age, the source of delivery payment, and fetal presentation. This study highlights the pressing need for further investigation into healthcare system factors and racial inequities driving these disparities, alongside the growing urgency for policy and practical interventions to reduce unnecessary C-sections.
Biomarkers of cellular senescence and major health outcomes in older adults
Authors: Cummings Steven R. , Lui Li-Yung , Zaira Aversa , Mau Theresa , Fielding Roger A. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Patel Sheena , LeBrasseur Nathan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe geroscience hypothesis proposes that underlying biological processes, such as the accumulation of senescent cells, have deleterious effects on multiple tissues and increase the risk of many chronic conditions with aging. Senescent cells produce heterogenous biomarkers, also called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Circulating concentrations of senescence biomarkers may reflect an underlying burden of senescent cells in various tissues. Plasma levels of these proteins have been associated with increased mortality and poorer physical function. The associations of them with the incidence of major age-related conditions including heart failure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia, have not been studied. We measured 35 senescence biomarkers in baseline plasma samples from 1678 participants aged 70–79 years old in the longitudinal Health ABC cohort study. Clinical outcomes were ascertained and validated over an average 11.5 year follow-up. In models adjusted for age, sex, and race, higher levels of most of senescence biomarkers were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, mobility limitation, and heart failure. Several were also associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Very few were associated with the risk of cancer. Proteins that were selected by Lasso regression for each outcome that commonly included GDF15 and IL6, significantly improved the prediction of mortality, mobility limitation, and heart failure compared with age, sex, and race alone. These results indicate that levels of senescence biomarkers predict an increased risk of several age-related clinical outcomes and may identify individuals most likely to benefit from senotherapeutics.
Hybrid intelligence – systematic approach and framework to determine the level of Human-AI collaboration for production management use cases
Authors: Sauer Carl René , Burggräf Peter 
Published: December 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as transformative technologies in production management, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency across a range of use cases. The challenge of determining the optimal level of Human-AI collaboration in decision-making processes persists for many organizations, despite the potential benefits of such integration. However, the current systematic approaches frequently lack a structured approach to determine the level of Human-AI collaboration in production management use cases. This results in inconsistent applications and suboptimal outcomes. This study presents a first and superior systematic approach for the systematic evaluation, development and implementation of AI in production management and introduces a structured framework that can be employed to assess and determine the optimal level of Human-AI collaboration for a range of production use cases. The framework classifies use cases based on critical factors such as data availability, process variability, error susceptibility, and decision complexity. This classification assists managers in calibrating the balance between automation and human intervention. The application of this framework could enhance the efficacy, productivity, and accuracy of Human-AI collaboration in production management. Furthermore, the systematic approach incorporates continuous evaluation and adaptation, ensuring long-term success in dynamic production environments. These findings provide a practical tool for managers to strategically implement AI, improving decision-making processes and operational outcomes. The proposed framework offers immediate opportunities to enhance production management through a structured, scalable, and human-centered approach to AI integration.
Allee pits in metapopulations: critical dispersal rates for connectivity to be beneficial
Authors: Grumbach Carolin , Hilker Frank M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHabitat fragmentation divides populations into smaller subpopulations. At the same time, the Allee effect reduces the growth and thereby the viability of small populations. Hence, habitat fragmentation and the Allee effect can synergistically amplify negative impacts on spatially distributed populations. To support endangered populations, management and conservation strategies aim to improve connectivity between subpopulations by creating corridors and stepping stones, for instance. This study investigates how enhanced connectivity (strength of connections between subpopulations in terms of dispersal rate) influences a fragmented population subject to the Allee effect. Using a generic two-patch discrete-time model with a positively density-dependent growth function, we study the impact of connectivity on the asymptotic total population size through simulations. Due to the Allee effect, low connectivity can lead to a decline in the asymptotic total population size, which we call the Allee pit. However, increased connectivity facilitates the rescue effect, wherein a persistent subpopulation in one patch can save an extinction-prone subpopulation in another patch. We find that for connectivity to benefit the asymptotic total population size, dispersal must be sufficiently large to push the smaller subpopulation above its Allee threshold. If dispersal is below this critical dispersal rate, there remains a detrimental effect on the asymptotic total population size. Therefore, this study implies that conservation strategies should not only aim to increase connectivity in fragmented populations subject to Allee effects but also ensure that the critical dispersal rate is surpassed.
Personalized decision making of neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs. upfront surgery in pancreatic cancer by a simple blood collection?
Authors: Kirchweger Patrick , Doleschal Bernhard , Rumpold Holger , Wundsam Helwig , Biebl Matthias 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Pancreatic cancer still has dismal survival rates and high rates of early recurrence despite improvements of multimodal treatment options and more and more aggressive surgical approaches in recent years. Thus, precise and personalized management strategies to improve patient outcomes are needed. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a component of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in body fluids, harbors genetic and epigenetic signatures of tumors and can be detected noninvasively for example through simple blood collections or peritoneal fluid during staging laparoscopy (liquid biopsies). This biomarker provides real-time insights into systemic tumor burden, heterogeneity, and genetic profile and has been proven to be of significant prognostic relevance for several gastrointestinal malignancies. Furthermore, the testing of ctDNA has emerged as a pivotal prognostic biomarker to indicate patients with high biological risk for recurrence and worse overall survival. Especially in pancreatic cancer, it has been shown that preoperative ctDNA detectability in peripheral blood is associated with systemic tumor burden (even volumetric). This indicates potential micrometastatic or subclinical disseminated disease, suggesting a benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy to address the systemic component of the disease prior to surgery. Furthermore, dynamic changes in ctDNA during systemic treatment can predict therapeutic response and guide adjustments in treatment regimens. Postoperatively, ctDNA presence could assist in detecting minimal residual disease which also predicts early relapse, facilitating timely intervention (or immediate adjuvant chemotherapy as already shown in colorectal cancer, e.g., Dynamic trial). Therefore, perioperative ctDNA detection has the potential to refine the management of pancreatic cancer, enhancing decision-making processes and optimizing personalized treatment approaches in serving as an additional highly sensitive biomarker for guiding treatment decisions between upfront surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. The first ever personalized change of treatment decision from upfront surgery (by current gold standard staging) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on additional liquid biopsy results was documented in March 2024 (Linz, Austria).
COVID-19, food insecurity and panic buying behavior: Evidence from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Malek Mohammad Abdul , Truong Hoa Thi , Sonobe Tetsushi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The uncertainties, such as the pandemic (COVID-19), natural calamities, and war, disrupt agricultural production and supply chains, leading to concerns about food access in developing countries. Therefore, this study uses panel data collected through three survey rounds in June and September 2020 and January 2021 to analyze changes in household food expenditure and consumption behaviors and to investigate the association between household characteristics and food insecurity. The results show that households with diverse income sources, including multiple farm products, non-farm businesses, and remittances from absent members, are less likely to reduce food consumption quality and quantity, and be in the lower tail of food expenditure distribution. -However, households in the upper tail of the food expenditure distribution aggressively stock up on food in the second quarter of the year, fearing that lockdown measures would interrupt the food supply. These households tend to have an urban way of living characterized by salaried jobs, small family size, high educational attainment, and proximity to the capital city. The levels of food expenditure remain high even after the lifting of lockdown and movement restrictions, and the reason might be possible uncertainty about crop harvests, despite the eventual good harvests in the year. Overall, these findings suggest that diversification of income sources for rural households in developing countries can help households cope with disruptions to food production and supply chains. The findings also suggest that policies to ensure food access during the pandemic should target households with limited income sources and those in the lower tail of the food expenditure distribution.
Measuring the Connection Between Open Innovation, Dynamic Capabilities, and LinkedIn in Tech-Based Companies
Authors: Franco-Riquelme José N. , Tejero Alberto , Rubalcaba Luis , Ordieres-Meré Joaquín B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOrganizations face challenges in acquiring the necessary expertise and dynamic capabilities (DCs) to rapidly develop products and services due to the current technological environment. Open innovation (OI) offers greater flexibility by enabling cooperation with external partners and motivating personnel to adopt new business approaches. Social media can play a crucial role in this strategy, providing valuable information that can enhance the performance of innovation projects by accessing market insights and innovative technical solutions. The article aims to analyze how social media and OI strategy, integrated with DCs, can enhance business opportunities and challenges. This research proposes an analytical framework contributing to literature and theory on using social media analysis to gauge innovation strategy implementation and contrast it with DC theory. It provides a comprehensive framework addressing essential characteristics to navigate changing scenarios by using an innovative method (netnography) to understand and measure companies’ interaction on social media, utilizing primary data (surveys on openness to innovation) and secondary data (LinkedIn data analyzed through machine learning and natural language processing). The empirical section of the paper quantifies the strategic advantages of OI and DCs with a focus on eight innovative multinational tech-based corporations, analyzing their “degree of openness” and adaptability. Organizations that are more open and accumulate integrated knowledge gain competitive advantages, enhancing their ability to innovate, coordinate, rapidly market, and respond to market changes, demonstrating the development of DC alongside OI. Managerial implications relate to the need to match OI strategy with DCs associated with social media.
Quasiclassical approximation does not have to be applied to all degrees of freedom: the solution for the S-states of singular attractive potentials
Authors: Oks Eugene 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFor the spherically symmetric potentials V(r), the quasiclassical approximation (QA) usually is applied as follows. For the $$\upvarphi $$
φ
-motion, the QA is not applied: instead, the exact solution is used. The QA is then applied to both the $$\uptheta $$
θ
-motion and the r-motion. The resulting QA wave function for the $$\uptheta $$
θ
-motion is valid for some, but not all values of $$\uptheta $$
θ
. Besides, the resulting QA wave function for the $$\uptheta $$
θ
-motion is valid only with the substitution of L(L$$+$$
+
1) by (L$$+$$
+
1/$$2)^{\textrm{2}}$$

2
)

2

, where L is the angular momentum quantum number. Then the QA is applied to the r-motion, but again with the substitution of L(L$$+$$
+
1) by (L$$+$$
+
1/$$2)^{\textrm{2}}$$

2
)

2

in the centrifugal energy term. As a result of the above standard procedure, the obtained QA wave functions are valid only for (L $$+$$
+
1/2) greater or of the order of $$\hbox {N}^{\mathrm {1/2}}$$

N

1
/
2

, where N is the principal quantum number. Besides, for potentials having the pole of the order 3 or higher at r $$=$$
=
0 or for relatively large r, it would be preferable to have L(L $$+$$
+
1) without the substitution by (L$$+$$
+
1/$$2)^{\textrm{2}}$$

2
)

2

. This is yet another restriction of the QA validity in this procedure. In the first part of the present paper, we provide a better alternative. This alternative can also be applied to some potentials whose geometrical symmetry is not spherical. In the second part of the present paper, we focus on the attractive singular spherically-symmetric potentials V(r) $$= -\hbox {a}_{\textrm{n}}$$

=
-

a
n

/$$\hbox {r}^{\textrm{n}}$$

r
n

, where $$\hbox {a}_{\textrm{n}}$$

a
n

> 0 and the integer n > 2. They are encountered in many physical systems. There exists a paradigm that “singular attractive potentials do not lead to physically reasonable results” because eigenfunctions depend on the chosen cutoff at small r. In the present paper we disprove this paradigm. We demonstrate that while the unnormalized eigenfunctions of singular attractive potentials do depend on the cutoff at small r, there is no such problem for the corresponding normalized eigenfunctions. Namely, the normalized eigenfunctions, corresponding to any two different sufficiently small cutoffs (all other parameters being the same), are equal to each other or differ just by the sign. The sign difference does not affect the probability density: the latter is invariant to the variations of the cutoff. Thus, we prove that singular attractive potentials actually do lead to physically reasonable results. In doing so, we also demonstrated that a divergent integral can lead to physically meaningful results independent of the cutoff. This is a counterintuitive result of the importance from the fundamental point of view both for physics and mathematics.
Performance of computer scientists in the assessment of thyroid nodules using TIRADS lexicons
Authors: Trimboli P. , Colombo A. , Gamarra E. , Ruinelli L. , Leoncini A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Ultrasound (US) evaluation is recognized as pivotal in assessing the risk of malignancy (RoM) of thyroid nodules (TNs). Recently, various US-based risk-classification systems (Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data Systems [TIRADSs] have been developed. An important ongoing project concerns the creation of an international system (I-TIRADS) using unique terminology. Since online tool allow clinicians and patients to stratify the RoM of any TN, the role of computer scientist (CS) should be relevant. This study explored the performance of CS in assessing TNs across the TIRADS categories.

Methods
The most diffused TIRADSs (i.e., ACR, EU, and K) were considered. Three-hundred scenarios were created. A CS was asked to assess the 300 TNs according to ACR-, EU-, and K-TIRADS. These data were compared with that of clinicians. The inter-observer agreement was estimated with Cohen kappa (κ). Word-cloud plots were used to graph the US descriptors with disagreement.

Results
The correspondence of the CS’s assessment with the physicians was 100%, 81%, and 43%, using ACR-, EU-, and K-TIRADS, respectively. The CS was unable to classify 19/100 TNs according to EU-TIRADS and 15/100 TNs according to K-TIRADS. The inter-observer agreement between CS and physicians was excellent for ACR-TIRADS (κ = 1), moderate for EU-TIRADS (κ = 0.56), and fair for K-TIRADS (κ = 0.22). Among the non-concordant cases, 16/22 descriptors for EU-TIRADS and 18/18 descriptors for K-TIRADS were found.

Conclusion
CSs are confident with the ACR-TIRADS lexicon and structure while not with EU- and K-TIRADS, probably because they are pattern-based systems requiring medical training.
Position paper dupilumab and vaccination
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian M. , Ankermann Tobias , Bauer Carl-Peter , Fischer Peter , Gappa Monika , Gerstlauer Michael , Kopp Matthias V. , Lau Susanne , Lex Christiane , Mischo Bernd , Schaub Bianca , Spindler Thomas , Vogelberg Christian 
Published: December 2024

Summary
The extension of the approval of dupilumab for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis in children 6 months of age and older in Germany creates a potential conflict with the administration of live attenuated vaccines. According to the product information, the administration of live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated during ongoing dupilumab therapy. This position paper, written by specialists in pediatric immunology and allergology from Germany and Switzerland, aims to support pediatricians to provide their patients with the best possible treatment with dupilumab and appropriate vaccinations based on the currently available evidence, including statements and advice for clinical situations. The practical implementation of these statements requires a differentiated approach. The position paper covers the situation in Germany, with special attention to the recommendations of the STIKO (Standing Committee on Vaccination) and the Robert Koch Institute for German-speaking countries and the legal situation here.