bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic coefficient of flexural motion of beam experiencing simple support under successive moving loads
Authors: Adeloye Tolulope Olamide 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAnalytic expressions of the dynamic coefficient (DC) factor and vibrational behavior of a uniformly elastic isotropic beam with a simple boundary condition caused by accelerating masses with varying velocities are analyzed. The motion of this problem is described by a fourth‐order partial differential equation, which governs its behavior. The weighted residual method converts the governing equation into a sequence of linked second‐order differential equations to facilitate the analysis. A rewritten version of Struble's asymptotic method further simplifies the transformed governing equation. This modification aids reduction in the complexity of the equation. The closed‐form response is contrasted across three force motions: acceleration, deceleration, and uniform motion. The study thoroughly examines how different velocities and frequencies of the moving force affect the dynamic behavior of the beam. The study also examines the influence of load velocity on the DC of the beam subjected to pinned–pinned boundary conditions.
Safety and Efficacy of Intra‐Prostatic Injection of Betamethasone for Refractory Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis: A Prospective Cohort Clinical Study
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed Yehia , Kishk Mohammed Ali , Meshref Alaa , Elfayomy Hany , Rammah Ahmed , Abozamel Ahmed Hossam 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of TRUS guided betamethasone injections in refractory cases of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.Patients and MethodsForty‐five patients with refractory CNP were included in a prospective cohort clinical trial. Six injections of betamethasone sodium sulfate were guided by TRUS. After injection: assessment of NIH‐CPSI, IPSS, IIEF, GRA and VAS were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after injection. Prostatitis symptoms were measured by NIH‐CPSI. We considered the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as a 25% decrease or a six‐point reduction from baseline. We considered the MCID of the IIEF to be at least an increase of 4 points. We considered the MCID of the IPSS score to be three points and the MCID for the VAS score to be a 25%–35% change of the initial score. Regarding the global response assessment (GRA), scores 5–7 means significant success rate of perceived treatment.ResultsAccording to total NIH CPSI score, the success rate of injected cases was 71% after 1 week, dropping to 55.6% after 4 weeks and 44.4% after 12 weeks. According to IPSS questionnaire, the MD (mean difference) is −4.09 ± 3.5, −3.8 ± 3.83 and −3.47 ± 3.92. According to the IIEF questionnaire, the success rate was 22% and 26.7% after 4 and 12 weeks respectively. According to GRA, successful pain control was reported in 82%, 71% and 64.4% after 1, 4 and 12 weeks, respectively.ConclusionIntraprostatic betamethasone injection is a simple, safe, and feasible procedure in refractory cases with CNP with predominant pain and urinary symptoms.
Deciphering the role of epistemic injustice in school‐based citizen science: Sources, implications, and possible ways for mitigation
Authors: Atias Osnat , Shavit Ayelet , Kali Yael , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet 
Published: November 2024

AbstractParticipation in citizen science, a research approach in which nonscientists take part in performing research, is a growing practice in schools. A main premise in school‐based citizen science is that through their participation, students and teachers make meaningful contributions to the advancement of science. However, such initiatives may encounter difficulties in drawing on students' and teachers' knowledge and incorporating their voice in research processes and outcomes, partly due to established knowledge hierarchies in both science and schools. This research theoretically examines misuses of students' and teachers' knowledge in school‐based citizen science that can be defined as an epistemic injustice. This term describes wrongful evaluations and considerations of people's knowledge or perspectives. Based on existing theoretical work on epistemic injustice, we first map out epistemic justifications for public participation in science and discuss deficiencies in current forms of citizen science that lead to the perseverance of epistemic injustice. Then, we identify and characterize four forms through which epistemic injustice may be manifested in school‐based citizen science. Our theoretical analysis is complemented by illustrative examples from citizen science projects enacted in schools, demonstrating cases where epistemic injustice toward students and teachers was either instigated or mitigated. We discuss implications toward educational goals and the design of school‐based citizen science, suggesting that epistemic injustice can be reduced or avoided by delegating authorities to schools, maximizing teacher and student agency, and leveraging schools' community connections. Overall, this research establishes theoretical grounds for examinations of epistemic injustice in school‐based citizen science.
The Potential of Biocrust-Forming Cyanobacteria to Enhance Seedling Growth of Native Semi-arid Plants Through Seed Biopriming
Authors: Alameda-Martín Aitor , Chamizo Sonia , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Muñoz-Rojas Miriam , Cantón Yolanda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn drylands, extreme environmental conditions pose a challenge for restoration, especially on a large scale. Direct seeding is the most cost-effective approach to restore large areas, but it requires improvements to enhance seedling survival and establishment. For this purpose, biopriming seeds with cyanobacteria is promising due to their plant growth-promoting properties. We evaluated the effect of seed biopriming with native biocrust-forming cyanobacteria on seed germination and radicle length of four native plant species, two perennials (Macrochloa tenacissima and Thymus hyemalis) and two annuals (Plantago ovata and Stipa capensis), chosen for their ubiquity in Mediterranean drylands. Treatments included seed biopriming with cyanobacteria inoculants (biomass + exudate), seed priming only with the cyanobacterial exudate, and controls (BG11 culture medium and distilled water). Biopriming effect was assessed individually for four native biocrust-forming cyanobacteria species: Nostoc commune, Tolypothrix distorta, Trichocoleus desertorum, and Leptolyngbya frigida. Seed biopriming showed no effect on germination with similar rates among treatments (on average, 45 ± 12.6% for M. tenacissima, 38.8 ± 12.4% for T. hyemalis, 91.7 ± 9.8% for P. ovata and 77.6 ± 10.8% for S. capensis). However, biopriming significantly affected radicle length of annual plants. Radicles were significantly increased in P. ovata when treated with cyanobacterial exudates (15–30% increase over control), and in S. capensis when treated with cyanobacterial biomass + exudate (26–42% increase over control). These results indicate that the effect of seed biopriming is species specific, but selecting the appropriate plant species and biopriming treatment can enhance plant survival and establishment in drylands, making restoration efforts more successful.
The Compact Genetic Algorithm Struggles on Cliff Functions
Authors: Neumann Frank , Sudholt Dirk , Witt Carsten 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEstimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) are general-purpose optimizers that maintain a probability distribution over a given search space. This probability distribution is updated through sampling from the distribution and a reinforcement learning process which rewards solution components that have shown to be part of good quality samples. The compact genetic algorithm (cGA) is a non-elitist EDA able to deal with difficult multimodal fitness landscapes that are hard to solve by elitist algorithms. We investigate the cGA on the Cliff function for which it was shown recently that non-elitist evolutionary algorithms and artificial immune systems optimize it in expected polynomial time. We point out that the cGA faces major difficulties when solving the Cliff function and investigate its dynamics both experimentally and theoretically. Our experimental results indicate that the cGA requires exponential time for all values of the update strength 1/K. We show theoretically that, under sensible assumptions, there is a negative drift when sampling around the location of the cliff. Experiments further suggest that there is a phase transition for K where the expected optimization time drops from $$n^{\Theta (n)}$$

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Rising protectionism and foreign direct investment
Authors: Kim Dongin , Steinbach Sandro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of the changing international investment regime on foreign direct investment (FDI). Since the late 2000s, hundreds of international investment agreements (IIAs) have been renegotiated or terminated. We study the impact of these shifts in the global investment regime using a novel FDI dataset based on transaction-level investment data and detailed information on IIA provisions. Relying on a stand-alone partial equilibrium modeling framework, we hypothesize that rising protectionism in IIAs increased investment frictions and harmed FDI. We then use a parsimonious three-way gravity framework to test the hypothesis. The empirical evidence shows that reformed and newly enforced IIAs have no impact on FDI flows. Decreasing investment openness in recently implemented IIAs is the driving mechanism behind these findings. We also show that the effects of IIA termination differ by FDI type, being more pronounced for brownfield than greenfield FDI and larger for horizontal than vertical FDI. Lastly, we show significant treatment heterogeneity across industries, with capital-intensive sectors benefiting more from IIAs than labor-intensive ones. Our findings highlight the need to reconsider the benefits and costs of IIAs under an increasingly protective international investment regime.
Three Problems of Business Addressed by Stakeholder Theory: Insights from the Institutional Economics of John R. Commons
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav 
Published: November 2024

AbstractStakeholder theory is traditionally motivated by the need to reconceptualize three core problems of business: value creation and trade, the ethics of capitalism, and managerial mindsets. We argue that the need for this reconceptualization arises, in part, from the limitations of mainstream economic theory in grasping the evolving business environment. The original institutional economics of John R. Commons offers an alternative body of economic thought that addresses these limitations by replacing the atomistic individualism of mainstream economics with an ontology grounded in collective action. Drawing on Commons’ insights, we demonstrate how the problem of value creation and trade takes on a new meaning of promoting security of expectations through conflict resolution and the maintenance of order. We further reconstruct the problem of the ethics of capitalism by drawing on Commons’ concept of reasonableness, rooted in evolving community standards of morality. Finally, we trace the problem of managerial mindsets to Commons’ category of industrial goodwill, which suggests that managers can deliberately pursue policies that maximize stakeholders’ collaborative attitudes. We conclude that reconstructing these three problems of business through Commons’ categories reveals the deeper institutional economics content embedded within contemporary stakeholder theory.
Computational fluid dynamics and shape analysis enhance aneurysm rupture risk stratification
Authors: Benemerito Ivan , Ewbank Frederick , Narracott Andrew , Villa-Uriol Maria-Cruz , Narata Ana Paula , Patel Umang , Bulters Diederik , Marzo Alberto 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Accurately quantifying the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and remains an unmet clinical challenge. Computational Flow Dynamics and morphological measurements have been shown to differ between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. It is not clear if these provide any additional information above routinely available clinical observations or not. Therefore, this study investigates whether incorporating image-derived features into the established PHASES score can improve the classification of aneurysm rupture status.

Methods
A cross-sectional dataset of 170 patients (78 with ruptured aneurysm) was used. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and shape analysis were performed on patients’ images to extract additional features. These derived features were combined with PHASES variables to develop five ridge constrained logistic regression models for classifying the aneurysm rupture status. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were employed for image-derived feature reduction. The dataset was split into training and validation subsets, and a ten-fold cross validation strategy with grid search optimisation and bootstrap resampling was adopted for determining the models’ coefficients. Models’ performances were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results
The logistic regression model based solely on PHASES achieved AUC of 0.63. All models incorporating derived features from CFD and shape analysis demonstrated improved performance, reaching an AUC of 0.71. Non-sphericity index (shape variable) and maximum oscillatory shear index (CFD variable) were the strongest predictors of a ruptured status.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the benefits of integrating image-based fluid dynamics and shape analysis with clinical data for improving the classification accuracy of aneurysm rupture status. Further evaluation using longitudinal data is needed to assess the potential for clinical integration.
Testing the Feasibility of a Digital Point of Care Solution for the Trusted Near Real-Time Bidirectional Exchange of Novel and Informative Adverse Event Information
Authors: Powell Greg , Kara Vijay , Naranjo Daniel , Kulkarni Mangesh , Best-Sule Kerri , Coster Trinka , Bonafede Machaon , Gangadhar Shruti , Kallenbach Lee , Bate Andrew 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA digital point-of-care solution was implemented to test the feasibility of near-real-time bi-directional communication between pharmacovigilance experts (PVEs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for exchanging unique and informative adverse event (AE) information. The solution was implemented in a commercially available electronic health record (EHR) system/platform, no direct contact between PVEs and the HCPs was possible. The Clinical Affairs team of the EHR vendor was used as an intermediary to ensure appropriate information was exchanged while protecting HCP and patient privacy. The study yielded 9 drug-event pairs of interest (AEI), 2 of which were confirmed as AEs by the HCP. On average it took 20.6 h to receive initial AEI information and 58.8 h to receive follow-up information, which represents a 96% reduction in time compared to current methods. Both interactions provided unique data that would not have been collected otherwise leading to the PVE being able to appropriately determine a potential causal association. This study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using a compliant, bi-directional, digitally enabled clinical communication channel at the point of care to complement existing pharmacovigilance activities.
Study on Acoustic Variability Affected by Upper Ocean Dynamics in South Eastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Srinivasu Kotta , Sanjana M. C. , Latha G. , Udaya Bhaskar T. V. S. , Rahaman Hasibur , Thirunavukkarasu A. , Venkatesan R 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe influence of upper ocean dynamics on the acoustic field in the South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) is studied using in situ oceanographic/acoustic measurements from a moored buoy, along with satellite‐derived and climatological data sets. Upper‐ocean variability at the site is quantified using Mixed Layer Depth (MLD), Isothermal Layer Depth (ILD), Barrier Layer Thickness (BLT), Maximum Spice Depth (MSD), and Sonic Layer Depth (SLD), along with surface variability factors such as Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Salinity, Spice, and Sea Level Anomaly. The mixed layer acoustic duct (MLAD) varies from 2 to 100 m, with BLT varying from 5 to 99 m, and a mean SLD of 43 m. A thick transition layer connects the mixed layer with the thermocline during winter. The observations reveal that maximum SLD, MSD, and BLT occurred during January–March. Unlike other seasons when SLD follows MLD, winter SLD is influenced by BLT, suggesting strong salinity stratification due to low‐salinity water intrusion from the Bay of Bengal by East India Coastal Current. During these months, the SLD varies from 80 to 100 m, with the corresponding minimum cut‐off frequency varying from 300 to 200 Hz. Results are correlated with estimated Sound Pressure Level (SPL) from Ambient Noise Measurements during November 2018 to November 2019. SPL variation follows SLD for low and mid‐frequencies, with the highest SPL noted during January‐February. Acoustic propagation simulations at 250 and 1,000 Hz revealed features like acoustic duct leakage and channeling, indicating energy transfers between the surface acoustic duct and deeper layers.
Standardized Daily High‐Resolution Large‐Eddy Simulations of the Arctic Boundary Layer and Clouds During the Complete MOSAiC Drift
Authors: Schnierstein N. , Chylik J. , Shupe M. D. , Neggers R. A. J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study utilizes the wealth of observational data collected during the recent Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) drift experiment to constrain and evaluate close to two‐hundred daily Large‐Eddy Simulations (LES) of Arctic boundary layers and clouds at high resolutions. A standardized approach is adopted to tightly integrate field measurements into the experimental configuration. Covering the full drift represents a step forward from single‐case LES studies, and allows for a robust assessment of model performance against independent data under a range of atmospheric conditions. A homogeneously forced domain is simulated in a Lagrangian frame of reference, initialized with radiosonde and value‐added cloud profiles. Prescribed boundary conditions include various measured surface characteristics. Time‐constant composite forcing is applied, primarily consisting of subsidence rates sampled from reanalysis data. The simulations run for 3 hours, allowing turbulence and clouds to spin up while still facilitating direct comparison to MOSAiC data. Key aspects such as the vertical thermodynamic structure, cloud properties, and surface energy fluxes are well reproduced and maintained. The model captures the bimodal distribution of atmospheric states that is typical of Arctic climate. Selected days are investigated more closely to assess the model's skill in maintaining the observed boundary layer structure. The sensitivity to various aspects of the experimental configuration and model physics is tested. The model input and output are available to the scientific community, supplementing the MOSAiC data archive. The close agreement with observed meteorology justifies the use of LES for gaining further insight into Arctic boundary layer processes and their role in Arctic climate change.
A Lassa virus live attenuated vaccine candidate that is safe and efficacious in guinea pigs
Authors: Carey Brian D. , Yu Shuiqing , Geiger Jillian , Ye Chengjin , Huzella Louis M. , Reeder Rebecca J. , Mehta Monika , Hirsch Shawn , Bernbaum Rebecca , Cubitt Beatrice , Pahar Bapi , Anthony Scott M. , Marketon Anthony , Bernbaum John G. , Tran Julie P. , Crozier Ian , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , Worwa Gabriella , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Kuhn Jens H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLassa virus (LASV) is a rodent-borne mammarenavirus that causes tens to hundreds of thousands of human infections annually in Western Africa. Approximately 20% of these infections progress to Lassa fever (LF), an acute disease with case–fatality rates from ≈20–70%. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics to prevent or treat LF. The LASV genome consists of a small (S) segment that has two genes, GP and NP, and a large (L) segment that has two genes, L and Z. In both segments, the two genes are separated by non-coding intergenic regions (IGRs). Recombinant LASVs (rLASVs), in which the L segment IGR was replaced with the S segment IGR or in which the GP gene was codon-deoptimized, lost fitness in vitro, were highly attenuated in vivo, and, when used as vaccines, protected domesticated guinea pigs from otherwise lethal LASV exposure. Here, we report the generation of rLASV/IGR-CD, which includes both determinants of attenuation and further enhances the safety of the vaccine compared with its predecessors. rLASV/IGR-CD grew to high titers in Vero cells, which are approved for human vaccine production, but did not cause signs of disease or pathology in guinea pigs. Importantly, guinea pigs vaccinated with rLASV/IGR-CD were completely protected from disease and death after a typically lethal exposure to wild-type LASV. Our data support the development of rLASV/IGR-CD as a live-attenuated LF vaccine with stringent safety features.
Effects of tirzepatide on circulatory overload and end-organ damage in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity: a secondary analysis of the SUMMIT trial
Authors: Borlaug Barry A. , Zile Michael R. , Kramer Christopher M. , Baum Seth J. , Hurt Karla , Litwin Sheldon E. , Murakami Masahiro , Ou Yang , Upadhyay Navneet , Packer Milton 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) display circulatory volume expansion and pressure overload contributing to cardiovascular–kidney end-organ damage. In the SUMMIT trial, patients with HFpEF and obesity were randomized to the long-acting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide (n = 364, 200 women) or placebo (n = 367, 193 women). As reported separately, tirzepatide decreased cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure. Here, in this mechanistic secondary analysis of the SUMMIT trial, tirzepatide treatment at 52 weeks, as compared with placebo, reduced systolic blood pressure (estimated treatment difference (ETD) −5 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) −7 to −3; P < 0.001), decreased estimated blood volume (ETD −0.58 l, 95% CI −0.63 to −0.52; P < 0.001) and reduced C-reactive protein levels (ETD −37.2%, 95% CI −45.7 to −27.3; P < 0.001). These changes were coupled with an increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ETD 2.90 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 yr−1, 95% CI 0.94 to 4.86; P = 0.004), a decrease in urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ETD 24 weeks, −25.0%, 95% CI −36 to −13%; P < 0.001; 52 weeks, −15%, 95% CI −28 to 0.1; P = 0.051), a reduction in N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels (ETD 52 weeks −10.5%, 95% CI −20.7 to 1.0%; P = 0.07) and a reduction in troponin T levels (ETD 52 weeks −10.4%, 95% CI −16.7 to −3.6; P = 0.003). In post hoc exploratory analyses, decreased estimated blood volume with tirzepatide treatment was significantly correlated with decreased blood pressure, reduced microalbuminuria, improved Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score and increased 6-min walk distance. Moreover, decreased C-reactive protein levels were correlated with reduced troponin T levels and improved 6-min walk distance. In conclusion, tirzepatide reduced circulatory volume–pressure overload and systemic inflammation and mitigated cardiovascular–kidney end-organ injury in patients with HFpEF and obesity, providing new insights into the mechanisms of benefit from tirzepatide. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04847557.