bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting transient response using data-driven models for ball-impact simulations
Authors: Pivovar Ross , Chen Fei , Katragadda Raghunath , Ananthan Vidyasagar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML) models for predicting transient responses in ball-impact elastodynamics simulations. We focus on the canonical problem of ball impact on laminated structures, which captures essential physics while maintaining computational tractability. Novel contributions include: (1) development of a temporal multi-resolution strategy for stable long-time predictions, (2) systematic comparison of U-Nets and Fourier Neural Operators as spatial ML kernels, and (3) demonstration of accurate non-local metric predictions across full time-horizons. Using a synthetic dataset of 6500 impact scenarios, we achieve 3.5–8% prediction accuracy while providing 10,000x speedup compared to traditional FEM simulations. The proposed methodology enables rapid virtual prototyping for impact-resistant design optimization.
Investigating resource productivity: the ecological potential of printed electronics as alternative to PCB
Authors: van Diemen Marieke , Brusselaers Jan , Rentrop Corné 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Printed electronics are gaining momentum as an alternative to etched electronics. Production of printed electronics requires less energy, water and raw materials and its flexible, transparent, stretchable and breathable potential allows for numerous new applications. While still in its infancy, printed electronics have the potential to become a permanent low-cost and efficient substitute for conventional production methods. However, despite promising assets of the printed electronics technology, few quantitative environmental analysis have been performed comparing printed electronics to the conventional printed circuit board (PCB). To fill this gap in the literature, this research evaluates and compares PCB circuitry production to that of a common printing technology; screen printing. A combination of a resource productivity and pollution intensity evaluation and a material input and output analysis is performed. Performance is evaluated by gathering data from existing literature, expert consultancy and own calculations on production data and product weight. Printed electronics were evaluated according to a worst-case scenario and PCB to a best-case scenario in terms of resource consumption. The findings reveal substantial disparities in resource productivity and pollution intensity between printed electronics and PCB. Printed electronics demonstrate superiority across all indicator ratios in comparison to PCB as a consequence of - for example - a zero-water production process, or a printed solution which is 16.14 times lighter in terms of weight. This research thereby contributes to informing the electronics sector about a promising alternative to PCB from the perspective of resource efficiency and pollution intensity. As such, our research results provide a lever for future research investigating the scalability and profitability of the implementation of this technology.
Post-planting management enhanced the survival and growth of Acacia decurrens in the northern Ethiopia drylands
Authors: Hagazi Niguse , Brhan Abrha , Birhane Emiru , Gebrekirstos Aster , Bräuning Achim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The survival and growth performance of tree seedlings in degraded drylands can be improved by applying moisture and fertility-enhancing management interventions. This study evaluated the survival and growth responses of Acacia decurrens seedlings to different management practices, pit sizes, and niches in Tigray, Ethiopia. A factorial experiment was conducted with Watering (W), Watering + Mulching (WM), and Watering + Mulching + Compost (WMC) treatments planted in 30*30 cm and 50*50 cm planting pit sizes arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. We measured the survival count, diameter, and height of planted seedlings on a monthly basis for two years. Root parameters, biomass, and relative growth rate measurements were undertaken using destructive sampling after two years of planting. Planting A. decurrens under WMC treatment and in a 50*50 cm pit size revealed better survival and growth performance of planted seedlings. A. decurrens seedlings planted on farmland had significantly higher survival rates compared to planting on a nearby sloppy land (ch2 = 8.33, p = 0.004). The WMC treatment yielded impressive results after two years, with seedlings reaching 7.6 m in height, 7.6 cm in diameter, 17.2 kg in dry biomass, and 1.5 m in root depth. The height relative growth rate of A. decurrens under the WMC treatment increased by 19% compared to the other treatments, with WM showed a 7% increase, and both W and C revealed a 5% increase each. Planting seedlings on farmland and adding WMC makes them grow faster and yields higher biomass. Therefore, applying moisture, mulching, and compost during and after planting ensures optimal survival and growth rates of A. decurrens and other trees in drylands.
Realizing linear synaptic plasticity in electric double layer-gated transistors for improved predictive accuracy and efficiency in neuromorphic computing
Authors: Manimaran Nithil Harris , Sutton Cori Lee Mathew , Streamer Jake W , Merkel Cory , Xu Ke 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Neuromorphic computing offers a low-power, parallel alternative to traditional von Neumann architectures by addressing the sequential data processing bottlenecks. Electric double layer-gated transistors (EDLTs) resemble biological synapses with their ionic response and offer low power operations, making them suitable for neuromorphic applications. A critical consideration for artificial neural networks (ANNs) is achieving linear and symmetric plasticity (i.e. weight updates) during training, as this directly affects accuracy and efficiency. This study uses finite element modeling to explore EDLTs as artificial synapses in ANNs and investigates the underlying mechanisms behind the nonlinear weight updates observed experimentally in previous studies. By solving modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations, we examined ion dynamics within an EDL capacitor and their effects on plasticity, revealing that the rates of EDL formation and dissipation are concentration-dependent. Fixed-magnitude pulse inputs result in decreased formation and increased dissipation rates, leading to nonlinear weight updates. For a pulse magnitude of 1 V, both 1 ms 500 Hz and 5 ms 100 Hz pulse inputs saturated at less than half of the steady state EDL concentration, limiting the number of accessible states and operating range of devices. To address this, we developed a predictive linear ionic weight update solver (LIWUS) in Python to predict voltage pulse inputs that achieve linear plasticity. We then evaluated an ANN with linear and nonlinear weight updates on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology classification task. The ANN with LIWUS-provided linear weight updates required 19% fewer (i.e. 5) epochs in both training and validation than the network with nonlinear weight updates to reach optimal performance. It achieved a 97.6% recognition accuracy, 1.5–4.2% higher than with nonlinear updates, and a low standard deviation of 0.02%. The network model is amenable to future spiking neural network applications, and the performance with linear weight updates is expected to improve for complex networks with multiple hidden layers.
Fine-scale landscape characteristics, vegetation composition, and snowmelt timing control phenological heterogeneity across low-Arctic tundra landscapes in Western Alaska
Authors: Yang Dedi , Hantson Wouter , Hayes Daniel J , Wu Jin , Serbin Shawn P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Arctic is warming at over twice the rate of the rest of the Earth, resulting in significant changes in vegetation seasonality that regulates annual carbon, water, and energy fluxes. However, a crucial knowledge gap exists regarding the intricate interplay among climate, permafrost, and vegetation that generates high phenology variability across extensive tundra landscapes. This oversight has led to significant discrepancies in phenological patterns observed across warming experiments, long-term ecological observations, and satellite and modeling studies, undermining our ability to understand and forecast plant responses to climate change in the Arctic. To address this problem, we assessed plant phenology across three low-Arctic tundra landscapes on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, using a combination of in-situ phenocam observations and high-resolution PlanetScope CubeSat data. We examined the patterns and drivers of phenological diversity across the landscape by (1) quantifying phenological diversity among dominant plant function types (PFTs) and (2) modeling the interrelations between plant phenology and fine-scale landscape features, such as topography, snowmelt, and vegetation. Our findings reveal that both spring and fall phenology varied significantly across Arctic PFTs, accounting for about 25%–44% and 34%–59% of the landscape-scale variation in the start of spring [SOS] and start of fall [SOF], respectively. Deciduous tall shrubs (e.g. alder and willow) had a later SOS (∼7 d behind the mean of other PFTs), but completed leaf expansion (within 2 weeks) considerably faster compared to other PFTs. We modeled the landscape-scale variation in SOS and SOF using Random Forest, which showed that plant phenology can be accurately captured by a suite of variables related to vegetation composition, topographic characteristics, and snowmelt timing (variance explained: 53%–68% for SOS and 59%–82% for SOF). Notably, snowmelt timing was a crucial determinant of SOS, a factor often neglected in most spring phenology models. Our study highlights the impact of fine-scale vegetation composition, snow seasonality, and landscape features on tundra phenological heterogeneity. Improved understanding of such considerable intra-site phenological variability and associated proximate controls across extensive Arctic landscapes offers critical insights for representation of tundra phenology in process models and associated impact assessments with climate change.
Organized Crime and Illicit Firearms in Europe
Authors: Grip Lina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Criminal groups are widely recognized as the primary force behind the illicit firearms market in Europe. Firearms are used to protect and advance the interests of organized criminal groups (OCGs), particularly in the drug trade. Based on open-source data, this chapter provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the nexus of organized crime and illicit firearms in Europe. It finds that there are large differences in the effects of the firearms and OCGs’ nexus, with most countries having experienced positive developments—a reduction of violence—since the 1990s. The chapter details the types of firearms and trafficking modus operandi used by OCGs. Previously stable for twenty years, due to weapons from the Balkans and former communist countries, there has been a shift in recent years to modified pistols and a rapid emergence of 3D-printed weapons. This shift is lowering the bar for accessing weapons, resulting in increased gang violence, most notably in Sweden.
Illicit Firearms, Organized Crime, and Illegal Economies in South-east Asia
Authors: Picard Michael E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
South-east Asia is host to a broad range of illicit economies as well as a dynamic and varied stockpile of illicit firearms. Yet little research has been carried out examining how illicit firearms enable organized crime and associated illicit economies. This chapter examines a set of recent firearms seizures and trafficking incidents as well as existing literature on illicit economies in South-east Asia to illuminate this interplay. It provides ‘snapshots’ of illicit firearms in the region’s ten states based on the case data. It also provides a brief scoping of the basic elements—the who, what, when, where, and how—of illicit firearms in South-east Asia, with a specific focus on organized crime. These basic elements help frame a deeper analysis of the interplay of illicit firearms, organized crime, and illicit economies in the region.
Illicit Firearms Markets and Organized Crime in Eastern Europe
Authors: Chlebowicz Piotr 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The chapter attempts to identify the most important issues relating to illicit firearms trade in Eastern Europe. Phenomena such as drug-related crime, human trafficking, money laundering, and illicit firearms trade were new to this part of Europe, expanding in the 1990s. The mechanisms of arms trafficking in Eastern Europe in the 1990s were based on fierce competition in the criminal world, which rapidly underwent the processes of professionalization and brutalization. Organized criminal groups created a demand for weapons and ensured supply by organizing smuggling, among other activities. Nonetheless, illicit firearms trafficking is not the main focus of organized criminal groups because the trade in illicit firearms does not generate high income, especially when compared to drug or human trafficking. The scarce available data allowed us to conclude that organized criminal groups have firearms at their disposal but have not created illegal arsenals. In Eastern Europe, excavation of World War I and World War II battlefields is a specific source of illicit weapons. The chapter also deals with the war in Ukraine, a by-product of which is a potentially large firearms black market. In the future, it may constitute a factor that will continue to destabilize public order and security in the region. It will be necessary to develop strategies to fight the illicit trade in firearms originating in Ukraine, with a particular focus on combatting the smuggling of illicit firearms.
Illicit Firearms Markets Accessible Through the Dark Web
Authors: Décary-Hétu David , Chainé Arielle , Blais Étienne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter explores the illicit firearms market on the dark web. It begins with an overview of firearms categorization, emphasizing the importance of components like barrels and triggers in firearms identification. The chapter also reviews the literature on illicit firearms acquisition, noting the shift towards online channels during the Covid-19 pandemic. The dark web’s anonymity and its inherent challenges to regulation are highlighted as factors that enable international firearms trafficking. The chapter presents a study that indexes firearms markets on the dark web, revealing a variety of products, including handguns, long guns, and ammunition. The findings suggest that the dark web firearms market is small and stagnant, with prices and availability remaining relatively unchanged over time. The dark web is presented as a niche platform for illicit firearms transactions, with parcel mail being a common method of delivery. The chapter concludes with policy implications, suggesting that the dark web may not be the primary focus for enforcement agencies, and emphasizes the need for more parcel inspections to intercept illegal shipments.
Introduction
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter describes how the quest for military superiority is often intertwined with a drive for scientific superiority. It explains how war alters the moral landscape of how we think about science, ethics, law, and society. Just as war is an engine of innovation that propels scientific advancements, war also transcends conventional boundaries, blurring the line between moral and immoral, ethical and unethical, legal and illegal. The chapter reflects on the history of war and science and offers proposals that seek to better harmonize contemporary scientific and national security concerns with fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity.
Recalibrating Regulatory Review and Strengthening the Medical Autonomy of Service Members
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter applies the doctrine of jus in praeparatione bellum—introduced in the previous chapter—and proposes amendments to the regulatory regime governing medical countermeasure. It advocates for bolstering data requirements within the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization and Animal Rule, and recalibrating legal shields available to pharmaceutical companies to permit lawsuits if a company fails to exercise reasonable care during countermeasure research and development. It proposes that products approved via the FDA’s expedited mechanisms be deemed “conditionally approved” until the FDA’s standard protocols for safety and efficacy are satisfied. For conditionally approved products, the chapter contends that service members should maintain the autonomy to refuse administration, and this decision should be private health information that does not impact a service member’s career or duty assignments. The chapter further advocates for revocation of the informed consent waiver rule, which allows the president to waive informed consent in military exigencies.
Associations of nonoccupational sedentary behaviors with cardiometabolic outcomes: coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA)
Authors: Zieff Gabriel , Bancks Michael P , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Moore Justin B , Reis Jared P , Stone Keeron , Stoner Lee 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between sedentary behavior (SB) and cardiometabolic risk may differ by SB domain and context. Nonoccupational SB is particularly important because it is discretionary and more amenable to change. This study estimated associations of nonoccupational SB contexts with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods
A total of 3370 middle-aged adults (50.1 ± 3.6 years; 56% F) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study were included. Cross-sectional and 5-year prospective associations between self-report total SB and 6 context-specific SBs (television—TV, computer, transportation, phone, music, and paperwork) with HTN and DM were tested using logistic regression. Fully adjusted models controlled for sociodemographic variables, body mass index, and self-report moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity.

Results
Prevalences of HTN and DM at baseline were 48% (1618 cases) and 10% (320 cases), respectively. Each hour per day of total-SB was cross-sectionally associated with HTN (OR: 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) but not DM, with nonsignificant prospective associations for HTN and DM. Of the context-specific SBs, only TV-SB was significantly associated with HTN or DM. Each hour of TV-SB was cross-sectionally associated with HTN (OR: 1.09, 95% CI, 1.03-1.15) and DM (OR: 1.18, 95% CI, 1.09-1.29), and prospectively with HTN (OR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.04-1.26) but not DM.

Conclusion
When comparing total-SB and the 6 context-specific SBs, TV-SB was most robustly associated with HTN. The findings were less clear for DM. Behavior change strategies that target TV-SB reduction may be effective at reducing HTN risk in middle-aged adults.
Assessing alcohol consumption across phosphatidylethanol levels using HDL-cholesterol as a predictor
Authors: Årving Alexander , Hilberg Thor , Vigerust Elisabeth Wiik , Jørgenrud Benedicte , Bogstrand Stig Tore , Mørland Jørg , Høiseth Gudrun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
Prior research has established a correlation between increases of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and alcohol consumption. This study aimed to explore the association between phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels and the amount of consumed ethanol, utilizing HDL-C as a surrogate marker on a population level. This endeavor offers an adjunct to other studies.

Methods
PEth and HDL-C levels in 50 751 samples from 29 899 patients in Norway were measured simultaneously in whole blood and serum, respectively. Linear mixed model analyses were employed to assess HDL-C levels within different PEth intervals. Drawing on previous research indicating an increase of .0035 mmol/L in HDL-C per gram of pure ethanol consumed per day, and assuming no alcohol intake in the zero PEth group, we estimated mean daily ethanol intake at the group level for males in each PEth interval.

Results
Results revealed a significant correlation between PEth and HDL-C levels (Spearman’s rho = .385 for women, .420 for men, P &lt; .001). Estimated mean HDL-C levels indicated higher alcohol consumption with increasing PEth. Specifically, men with PEth values in the .031–0.100 μmol/L (22–70 ng/ml) interval were estimated to consume approximately mean 20 grams of ethanol daily, while those in the .301–0.500 μmol/L (212–351 ng/ml) PEth interval had an estimated mean daily ethanol intake of 51 grams.

Conclusions
The results from this study suggest an approximate estimation of mean daily amounts of consumed ethanol at group levels in different PEth intervals, based on previously shown correlation of ethanol consumption and HDL-C increase.
The Ubiquity of Cognitive Impairment in Human Illness: a Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Schretlen David J , Finley John-Christopher A , Del Bene Victor A , Varvaris Mark 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Cognitive dysfunction occurs in many neurological, psychiatric, and other health conditions. This review aimed to characterize the breadth and degree of cognitive morbidity associated with varied health conditions.

Method
We systematically reviewed Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for meta-analyses of cognitive dysfunction associated with any health condition. Meta-analyses were eligible if they reviewed studies that compared patients with health conditions to healthy controls on cognitive testing and provided effect sizes.

Results
We found 91 meta-analyses for 94 health conditions. Among &gt;800,297 participants, healthy controls out-performed clinical participants in every condition on cognitive testing. Mean effect sizes ranged from −2.02 to −0.00 across conditions and were ≤ −0.5 on average, denoting moderate to very severe dysfunction for 41% of them.

Conclusions
Cognitive dysfunction is ubiquitous in medicine. Both primary care and specialist physicians likely treat patients with cognitive dysfunction. Depending on its severity, cognitive dysfunction can affect treatment adherence, everyday functioning, quality of life, and the capacity to provide informed consent for treatment. These findings highlight the transdiagnostic nature of cognitive symptoms and the potential value of establishing collaborations between physicians and clinical neuropsychologists to integrate cognitive assessment into patient care. Even brief assessments can identify cognitive deficits that likely affect treatment adherence and functional outcomes.