bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of financial risk protection indicators in Sri Lanka for pediatric surgery
Authors: Comella Assia , Wijekoon Naveen , Samarasinghe Mailk , Karim Md Nazmul , Pacilli Maurizio , Nataraja Ramesh Mark 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the incidence of the Sri Lankan pediatric population who seek emergency surgical services and who are subsequently at risk of impoverishment and catastrophic expenditure.MethodsProspective data collection at a tertiary pediatric Sri Lankan hospital of direct out‐of‐pocket (OOP) medical and nonmedical expenses related to pediatric surgical interventions. Catastrophic expenditure and risk of impoverishment were respectively described as expenses superior to 10% of household income and falling below the impoverishment line due to income drop. PPP = purchasing power parity: I$ 3.65, I$ 2.15, and national poverty line (NPL). Distribution of income were estimated using a gamma distribution.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty pediatric patient surveys completed by carers were collected. Two hundred had complete data for analysis. Ninety‐six patients required emergency procedures; the others underwent elective surgeries. The overall direct medical and nonmedical expenses (total direct = TD) mean per patient was I$116.6 and the overall indirect expenses mean per patient was I$94.9. 53.2% were affected by catastrophic expense. 85% (n = 170) of the study population was below the NPL. Receiving surgical care would impact up to 74.1% at the NPL threshold and up to 87.1% at the I$3.65 PPP/day limit.ConclusionsIf pediatric surgery care is required, 25.9% of the Sri Lankan population is at risk of impoverishment or catastrophic expenditure. There is need for financial aid.
A New Characterization of C-Complete Riesz Spaces
Authors: Krasikova Iryna , Mykhaylyuk Volodymyr , Popov Mikhail 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the present paper, we expose a deep analogy of some recently discovered objects of the Riesz space theory with classical notions of Analysis such as order ideals, bands, order projections and properties like Dedekind completeness, principal projection property. A Riesz space E is said to be C-complete if every nonempty subset of fragments of an element

$$e \in E^+$$

e
∈

E
+

has a supremum. One of our results asserts that, a Riesz space E is C-complete if and only if every lateral band of E is a projection lateral band. Another result characterizes projective lateral bands in an arbitrary Riesz space and provides an explicit formula for the corresponding lateral band projection, which was previously known for C-complete Riesz spaces. Our characterization of a projective lateral band consists of two conditions, one of which is actually a property of the space, which we call relative C-completeness, and the other one is a property of bands, which we call relative lateral bands. A similar characterization is obtained for the relative C-completeness. We describe the lateral disjoint complement

$$A^\dag $$

A
†

to any subset A of E, show that

$$A^{\dag \dag }$$

A

†
†

equals the relative lateral closure of the lateral ideal generated by A and prove that

$$A^\dag = A^{\dag \dag \dag }$$

A
†

=

A

†
†
†

. Then we obtain some corollaries on the extension of orthogonally additive operators. We also provide many examples confirming the sharpness of our results.
Schwangerschaftsabbrüche in Deutschland – Ergebnisse der Bundesstatistik
Authors: Pfaff Heiko 
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung
Nach einem Rückgang der Zahl der Schwangerschaftsabbrüche von ungefähr 130.000 jährlichen Abbrüchen in den Jahren von 1996 bis 2004 auf ca. 100.000 Fälle ab 2013/2014 gab es zuletzt wieder einen gewissen Anstieg auf 106.000 Abbrüche in 2023. Der Rückgang von 2004 bis 2013 war getragen von einer Abnahme der Zahl der Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter und auch von einer niedrigeren Wahrscheinlichkeit in den zentralen Altersgruppen, einen Abbruch durchzuführen. Bei einem Zeitvergleich der Ergebnisstrukturen ist bei der Art des Eingriffs insbesondere die stetige Entwicklung hin zum Einsatz von Mifegyne® auffällig. Bei der Dauer der abgebrochenen Schwangerschaft ist der Anteil der eher früh durchgeführten Abbrüche in den letzten Jahren gestiegen.
Zwischen den Bundesländern zeigen sich Unterschiede in den Strukturen. Die altersabhängige Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Abbruchs ist im Süden der Republik relativ niedrig, in den Stadtstaaten und in den neuen Ländern hingegen eher überdurchschnittlich. Weitere Unterschiede zwischen den Bundesländern hinsichtlich der genutzten Eingriffsart oder des Anbieters sind feststellbar. Auch der Anteil der in einem vom Wohnsitz der Frau abweichenden Bundesland durchgeführten Abbrüche variiert. Über die Angebotsseite kann die Anzahl der Meldestellen zusätzlich eine Basisinformation aus der Statistik bieten. Rechtliche Weiterentwicklungen insbesondere für eine verbesserte Regionalisierung der Daten – unter Achtung der statistischen Geheimhaltung – sind eingeleitet.
On the individuation of complex computational models: Gilbert Simondon and the technicity of AI
Authors: Aires Susana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of AI systems across all domains of life as well as the complexification and opacity of algorithmic techniques, epitomised by the bourgeoning field of Deep Learning (DL), call for new methods in the Humanities for reflecting on the techno-human relation in a way that places the technical operation at its core. Grounded on the work of the philosopher of technology Gilbert Simondon, this paper puts forward individuation theory as a valuable approach to reflect on contemporary information technologies, offering an analysis of the functioning of deep neural networks (DNNs), a type of data-driven computational models at the core of major breakthroughs in AI. The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to demonstrate how a joint reading of Simondon’s mechanology and individuation theory, foregrounded in the Simondonian concept of information, can cast new light on contemporary algorithmic techniques by considering their situated emergence as opposed to technical lineage; (2) to suspend a predictive framing of AI systems, particularly DL techniques, so as to probe into their technical operation, accounting for the data-driven individuation of these models and the integration of potentials as functionality; and finally, (3) to argue that individuation theory might in fact de-individuate AI, in the sense of disassembling the already-there, the constituted, paving the way for questioning the potentialities for data and their algorithmic relationality to articulate the unfolding of everyday life.
Tailor-made strategies through different weight simulation of factor-based investing
Authors: Ramos Catarina A. , Marques Nuno C. , Faias Marta , Santos Hugo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study explores the implementation and factor integration of diverse factor-based investment strategies in the European market. Specifically, we investigate a contrarian strategy, two value strategies, and a momentum strategy from 2015 to June 2024. Utilising the Python framework Qrumble for efficient experimentation, we integrate evaluation metrics and we consider beyond the commonly used portfolios, equally weighted and value-weighted, two theoretically efficient portfolios - minimum variance and market portfolio. While certain strategies yielded outcomes not entirely in line with state-of-the-art standards, both value strategies showed promising returns with manageable risk. Notably, the combination of factors in a multi-type strategy, named Magical Bambu, demonstrated interesting results, suggesting the potential for effective collaboration between different investment methodologies. This study underscores the nuanced outcomes within theoretically efficient portfolios under specific conditions, prompting further exploration.
Neuropilin-1 controls vascular permeability through juxtacrine regulation of endothelial adherens junctions
Authors: Pal Sagnik , Su Yangyang , Nwadozi Emmanuel , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Richards Mark 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) regulates endothelial cell (EC) biology through modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signalling by presenting VEGFA to VEGFR2. How NRP1 impacts VEGFA-mediated vascular hyperpermeability has however remained unresolved, described as exerting either a positive or a passive function. Using EC-specific Nrp1 knock-out mice, we discover that EC-expressed NRP1 exerts an organotypic role. In the ear skin, VEGFA/VEGFR2-mediated vascular leakage was increased following loss of EC NRP1, implicating NRP1 in negative regulation of VEGFR2 signalling. In contrast, in the back skin and trachea, loss of EC NRP1 decreased vascular leakage. In accordance, phosphorylation of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin was increased in the ear skin but suppressed in the back skin of Nrp1 iECKO mice. NRP1 expressed on perivascular cells has been shown to impact VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 signalling. Importantly, expression of NRP1 on perivascular cells was more abundant in the ear skin than in the back skin. Global loss of NRP1 resulted in suppressed VEGFA-induced vascular leakage in the ear skin, implicating perivascular NRP1 as a juxtacrine co-receptor of VEGFA in this compartment. Altogether, we demonstrate that perivascular NRP1 is an active participant in EC VEGFA/VEGFR2 signalling and acts as an organotypic modifier of EC biology.
On the formation of super-Jupiters: core accretion or gravitational instability?
Authors: Nguyen Max , Adibekyan Vardan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Core Accretion model is widely accepted as the primary mechanism for forming planets up to a few Jupiter masses. However, the formation of super-massive planets remains a subject of debate, as their formation via the Core Accretion model requires super-solar metallicities. Assuming stellar atmospheric abundances reflect the composition of protoplanetary disks, and that disk mass scales linearly with stellar mass, we calculated the total amount of metals in planet-building materials that could contribute to the formation of massive planets. In this work, we studied a sample of 172 Jupiter-mass planets and 93 planets with masses exceeding 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

. Our results consistently demonstrate that planets with masses above 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

form in disks with at least as much metal content as those hosting planets with masses between 1 and 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

, often with slightly higher metallicity, typically exceeding that of the proto-solar disk. We interpret this as strong evidence that the formation of very massive Jupiters is feasible through Core Accretion and encourage planet formation modelers to test our observational conclusions.
Dealing with Divisiveness: Ignatian Principles for Better Relationships
Authors: Plante Thomas G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInterpersonal and intergroup relationships seem to have steadily deteriorated in recent years, with an increase in the lack of civility and decency along with a greater willingness to attack and cancel anyone who does not agree with one’s cherished perspective on numerous matters. New popular phrases such as cancel culture, public shaming, air rage, and gaslighting have entered the common vernacular. Ignatian spirituality offers several helpful strategies for dealing with these contemporary divisive conflicts in a productive manner. These include (1) seeing God (or the sacred) in all things, (2) striving towards kinship with others through the pathway of civility, hospitality, and solidarity, and (3) managing conflict with accommodation, humility, and the expectation of goodness in mind. This article introduces and provides examples of these three Ignatian principles that can be employed in all challenging relationships, including both personal and professional as well as psychotherapeutic ones. They can be utilized in a secular or spiritually minded manner as well. Having more tools to improve relationships is especially needed now.
Structured Generative Models for Scene Understanding
Authors: Williams Christopher K. I. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis position paper argues for the use of structured generative models (SGMs) for the understanding of static scenes. This requires the reconstruction of a 3D scene from an input image (or a set of multi-view images), whereby the contents of the image(s) are causally explained in terms of models of instantiated objects, each with their own type, shape, appearance and pose, along with global variables like scene lighting and camera parameters. This approach also requires scene models which account for the co-occurrences and inter-relationships of objects in a scene. The SGM approach has the merits that it is compositional and generative, which lead to interpretability and editability. To pursue the SGM agenda, we need models for objects and scenes, and approaches to carry out inference. We first review models for objects, which include “things” (object categories that have a well defined shape), and “stuff” (categories which have amorphous spatial extent). We then move on to review scene models which describe the inter-relationships of objects. Perhaps the most challenging problem for SGMs is inference of the objects, lighting and camera parameters, and scene inter-relationships from input consisting of a single or multiple images. We conclude with a discussion of issues that need addressing to advance the SGM agenda.
Contribution of nocturnal moth pollination to buckwheat seed set
Authors: Nagano Yuta , Miyashita Tadashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Although diverse wild pollinators contribute to crop pollination, nocturnal pollinators have been largely overlooked. In this study, we focused on buckwheat, which relies on various insect species for pollination. Since buckwheat flowers are believed to close in the evening, earlier studies have exclusively examined the role of diurnal pollinators. However, some buckwheat flowers have been observed opening at night; thus, we can assume that nocturnal insects play a role in buckwheat pollination. Our field observations showed that 80% of buckwheat flowers that opened in the morning remained open at night. The insects visiting buckwheat flowers at night belonged to the moth families of Noctuidae, Crambidae, and Pyralidae. These moths were all found to have buckwheat pollen on their bodies. To quantify the contribution of nocturnal pollinators to seed set, we conducted a pollinator exclusion experiment using the following bagging treatments: no pollinators (bagging for 24 h), only diurnal pollinators (bagging from 18:00 to 06:00), only nocturnal pollinators (bagging from 06:00 to 18:00), and natural pollination (no bagging). The results showed that the seed set decreased in the following order: natural pollination, diurnal pollinators only, nocturnal pollinators only, and no pollinators, with one-fourth of the buckwheat seed sets resulting from nocturnal pollinators. However, the proportion of flowers open at night decreased as the flowering period progress, and the role of nocturnal pollinators appeared to decline over time. Our findings suggests that nocturnal pollinators may complementarily increase buckwheat seed sets, emphasizing the need to investigate overlooked nocturnal pollinators in crop pollination services.
Many-body Stark resonances by the complex absorbing potential method
Authors: Kameoka Kentaro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe resonances of many-body Stark Hamiltonians are characterized by the complex absorbing potential method. Namely, the resonances are shown to be the limit points of complex discrete eigenvalues of many-body Stark Hamiltonians with quadratic complex potential when the coefficient of the complex potential tends to zero. The proof is based on the complex distortion outside a cone. Pseudodifferential operators are used in the proof of the main estimate.
The mutual impacts of individual building design and local microclimate in high-density cities and the major influential parameters
Authors: Zhao Zeming , Li Hangxin , Wang Shengwei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Development of individual building in existing district is common in high-density cities due to the limited space. Such development affects the local microclimate naturally, but the interaction is ignored in current building design practices. In this study, a comprehensive and systematic analysis is conducted to investigate the mutual impacts between new individual building design and local microclimate considering the interaction, and to identify the major influential building parameters on both local microclimate and building energy performance in subtropical urban area. A large number of high-resolution microclimate and building simulations are performed based on advanced GIS spatial analysis techniques under different building designs for the assessment of mutual impacts. A global sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the major influential building parameters. The results show that different building designs lead to significant variation of local wind velocity (i.e., −0.95 to +4.51 m/s) and air temperature (i.e., −0.60 to +1.17 K), while the local microclimate results in a change in the building energy consumption from −41.75 to 291.54 kJ/m2. The major influential parameters on both pedestrian thermal discomfort and building energy performance are building height and overall heat transfer coefficient of the building envelope. This study provides valuable references for new building or rebuilding design in order to facilitate carbon neutrality and enhance thermal comfort in urban area.
Conodont stratigraphy and biodiversity of the Middle Devonian Kačák Episode at the Pic de Bissous (Montagne Noire, S-France)
Authors: Narkiewicz Katarzyna , Narkiewicz Marek 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPic de Bissous belongs to classic sections of the latest Eifelian Kačák Episode (KE) interval, uniquely developed in hemipelagic carbonate facies. The present conodont study is based on dense sampling of the section, yielding rich and diverse assemblages dominated by Polygnathus. The position of the lower and upper KE boundaries is here documented within the upper Eifelian kockelianus Zone and at the base of the lowermost Givetian hemiansatus Zone, respectively. Both boundaries are marked by an increase of P1 elements diversity, the phenomenon reported also from other palaeogeographic setting, and accompanied by an appearance of several new taxa. This suggests a global two-step conodont biodiversity rise around the KE interval, presumably caused by the eustatic If and earliest Givetian sealevel rises, respectively. These events were accompanied by increased juvenile conodont mortality probably due to some local/regional adverse conditions of either abiotic or biotic nature.
COVID-19 and Business Digitalization: Unveiling the Effects of Concurrent Strategies
Authors: Holl Adelheid , Rama Ruth , Hammond Hannah 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn today’s fast-paced and globally interconnected business environment, digitalization has emerged as a cornerstone of competitiveness. In this paper, we study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adoption of digital technologies among German industrial and service sector firms. Our findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for the integration of digital technologies and that the adoption triggered by the pandemic has had a sustained, rather than transitory, impact. Furthermore, a firm’s size and available resources, coupled with its market characteristics, play pivotal roles in shaping its response. Most notably, however, digital technology adoption is closely linked to the concurrent strategies deployed by the firm to mitigate a crisis’s impact.
Fatal visceral disseminated varicella zoster virus infection during initial remission induction therapy in a patient with lupus nephritis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Takehara Runa , Ebihara Itaru , Honda Yoshifumi , Ooba Norimasa , Kurosawa Hiromi , Sato Chihiro , Ohtani Haruo , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Nose Masato , Kobayashi Masaki 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVisceral disseminated varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is a severe complication, characterized by a notably high mortality rate. Herein, we present a case of a 36-year-old-man involving visceral disseminated VZV infection that emerged during remission induction therapy involving high-dose prednisolone (PSL), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and hydroxychloroquine for lupus nephritis. Two months after starting the immunosuppressive therapy, he experienced a rapid onset of severe upper abdominal pain. The following day, clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities rapidly deteriorated. Hyperferritinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, indicative of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), emerged, along with escalating liver and renal impairment and newly appeared disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiple organ failure is suggested. The patient developed widespread blistering predominantly on the trunk and face, patient’s condition failed to ameliorate, ultimately culminating in his demise a few hours later. At autopsy, the cutaneous lesions with blisters revealed positive immunostaining with anti-VZV antibody, and similar findings were detected in multiple organs. HLH was confirmed in lymph nodes. It is crucial to emphasize the awareness of visceral disseminated VZV, particularly in cases patients are undergoing concurrent PSL therapy alongside MMF for SLE. The progression of this fatal condition usually begins with abdominal pain, followed by a skin rash a few days later. The present case is the first to show evidence of HLH occurring as a result of visceral disseminated VZV infection. This disease is extremely rare but extremely serious, therefore, VZV-DNA should be measured in cases where you suspect this disease for early diagnosis and treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Thoracic Herpes Zoster-Related Pain: A Study Protocol
Authors: Wang Liu , Lei Xinyu , Lan Zhixuan , He Ruilin , Jiang Zongbin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Herpes zoster (HZ), triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, manifests as a painful rash known as zoster-associated pain (ZAP), which can progress to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in managing acute ZAP and preventing PHN.

Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, endpoint-blinded, single-center trial involving 128 participants suffering from zoster-associated pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to the PRP treatment in combination with antiviral therapy group or the antiviral therapy group at a 1:1 ratio. Pain intensity (NRS-11), quality of life (SF-12), sleep quality (PSQI), pain characteristics, skin lesion recovery, average weekly consumption of rescue analgesics, and adverse events will be assessed. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention to evaluate the incidence rate of PHN, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, and safety.

Ethics and Dissemination
Adhering to the 2013 SPIRIT statement and the Declaration of Helsinki, this study has received ethical approval from the relevant committee. Results will be disseminated through scientific journals and conferences, contributing to global data on managing ZAP.

Conclusions
By comparing PRP with antiviral therapy, this trial seeks to establish a more effective treatment paradigm for reducing acute zoster-associated pain and the incidence of PHN, potentially setting a new standard in therapeutic strategies for HZ.

Trial Registration
This clinical trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) at https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html (Registration Number: ChiCTR2400087248, Registration Date: 2024–07-23).