bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mode shape area difference method for sparse damage detection in beam‐like structures
Authors: Pajan Jurica , Duvnjak Ivan , Bartolac Marko , Ereiz Suzana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article develops the mode shape area difference (MSAD) method for detecting sparse damage in beam‐like structures under serviceability conditions. MSAD enhances the static deformation area difference (DAD) damage detection method by extending its application to the modal domain. MSAD leverages the sensitivity of mode shapes to the damage, enabling damage detection and localization through the quantification of area differences between functions of modal displacements and their derivatives. To test the applicability of the method to real modal data that is affected by measurement noise resulting in different accuracies on which the modal displacements are estimated, method is evaluated under different levels of artificial noise added to the theoretical mode shapes derived from numerical model of a simply supported reinforced concrete beam. The noise level is defined by a maximum noise amplitude representing the maximal permutation in each component of normalized mode shape. Additionally, the threshold value of noise level from within the reliable estimation of damage based on MSAD method is determined. It is confirmed that MSAD method requires mode shapes with exceptionally low noise levels and demands precise estimation of all mode shape components, thereby reducing its applicability to real experimental data.
Towards a microRNA‐based Johne's disease diagnostic predictive system: Preliminary results
Authors: Capewell Paul , Lowe Arianne , Athanasiadou Spiridoula , Wilson David , Hanks Eve , Coultous Robert , Hutchings Michael , Palarea‐Albaladejo Javier 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundJohne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic enteritis that adversely affects welfare and productivity in cattle. Screening and subsequent removal of affected animals is a common approach for disease management, but efforts are hindered by low diagnostic sensitivity. Expression levels of small non‐coding RNA molecules involved in gene regulation (microRNAs), which may be altered during mycobacterial infection, may present an alternative diagnostic method.MethodsThe expression levels of 24 microRNAs affected by mycobacterial infection were measured in sera from MAP‐positive (n = 66) and MAP‐negative cattle (n = 65). They were then used within a machine learning approach to build an optimal classifier for MAP diagnosis.ResultsThe method provided 72% accuracy, 73% sensitivity and 71% specificity on average, with an area under the curve of 78%.LimitationsAlthough control samples were collected from farms nominally MAP‐free, the low sensitivity of current diagnostics means some animals may have been misclassified.ConclusionMicroRNA profiling combined with advanced predictive modelling enables rapid and accurate diagnosis of Johne's disease in cattle.
Introduction
Authors: Santilli Cecilia , Scaramuzzino Roberto 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis introductory chapter explores the development of the civil society sector in Europe, emphasising the processes of professionalisation and NGOisation that result in the concentration of power and resources among a few key actors. By integrating insights from civil society studies and elite studies, the book addresses a significant research gap concerning power stratification within civil society. The concept of a “civil society elite” is central, focusing on individuals in leading positions within major organisations. The Italian context is highlighted, underscoring the third sector’s dual role in providing social services and advocacy. Key terms like “Third Sector” and “Ruling Class” are introduced, with the term “elite” being justified with reference to C. Wright Mills’ perspective on power elites. This chapter outlines the book’s structure, which includes an in-depth analysis of the Italian context, the organisational landscape, and leader composition, comparisons with professionalisation processes within the UK, career trajectories at the EU level, and subjective perspectives on elites in Sweden. This comprehensive framework sets the stage for a detailed examination of power dynamics and elitisation within the civil society sector in Italy, offering comparative insights from other European contexts and discussing the implications for civil society’s role in democracy.
Professionalisation and Elitisation
Authors: Santilli Cecilia , Scaramuzzino Roberto 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis chapter investigates the process of professionalisation within civil society elites, defined as the shift from unpaid voluntary engagement to paid employment within CSOs. Comparing Italy’s corporatist civil society tradition with the UK’s liberal model reveals contrasting dynamics. Italy exhibits lower levels of professionalisation, with a predominance of unpaid leaders and minimal reliance on salaried staff roles. In contrast, the UK’s civil society landscape demonstrates advanced professionalisation, marked by a higher proportion of remunerated positions and greater dependence on state funding. Leadership composition reflects these divergent trajectories. Italy’s elite predominantly comprises presidents aligned with political advocacy, while the UK’s leadership cadre features a stronger presence of directors embodying managerial expertise. Demographic analyses reveal greater diversity among the UK’s elite regarding gender, age, and education, suggesting inclusive yet socioeconomically stratified leadership pathways influenced by professionalisation. Qualitative insights from Italian leaders illuminate tensions between the merits of professionalisation in fostering meritocracy and apprehension about compromising the sector’s historical identity. This dichotomy underscores the delicate equilibrium between tradition and innovation within civil society’s evolving governance structures. Ultimately, this comparative exploration elucidates how professionalisation intersects with elitisation processes, power dynamics, and institutional biases, offering a nuanced perspective on civil society’s transformative role in championing inclusive leadership and equitable social progress.
Decay and non-decay for the massless Vlasov equation on subextremal and extremal Reissner–Nordström black holes
Authors: Weissenbacher Max 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe study the massless Vlasov equation on the exterior of the subextremal and extremal Reissner–Nordström spacetimes. We prove that moments decay at an exponential rate in the subextremal case and at a polynomial rate in the extremal case. This polynomial rate is shown to be sharp along the event horizon. In the extremal case we show that transversal derivatives of certain components of the energy momentum tensor do not decay along the event horizon if the solution and its first time derivative are initially supported on a neighbourhood of the event horizon. The non-decay of transversal derivatives in the extremal case is compared to the work of Aretakis on instability for the wave equation. Unlike Aretakis’ results for the wave equation, which exploit a hierarchy of conservation laws, our proof is based entirely on a quantitative analysis of the geodesic flow and conservation laws do not feature in the present work.
A novel approach to authentication of highbush and lowbush blueberry cultivars using image analysis, traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Koniarski Michał 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to classify blueberry cultivars based on image texture parameters using models built using traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The blueberries belonging to highbush cultivars (‘Bluecrop’, ‘Herbert’, ‘Jersey’, and ‘Nelson’) and lowbush cultivars (‘Emil’ and ‘Putte’) were subjected to imaging using a digital camera. The texture parameters from blueberry images in color channels R, G, B, L, a, b, X, Y, Z, U, V, and S were determined. After selection image textures were used to build models for the classification of all highbush and lowbush blueberry cultivars, and highbush blueberry cultivars and lowbush blueberry cultivars, separately. In the case of distinguishing all cultivars, such as ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Herbert’, ‘Jersey’, and ‘Nelson’, ‘Emil’ and ‘Putte’, the classification accuracy reached 92.33% for a model built using a deep learning algorithm. Models built to distinguish only highbush cultivars provided an average accuracy of up to 91.25% (WiSARD). For models developed to classify two lowbush cultivars, an average accuracy reaching 96% (WiSARD) was found. The applied procedure can be used in practice to distinguish blueberry cultivars before their consumption or processing.
Biological Nitrification Inhibitors with Antagonistic and Synergistic Effects on Growth of Ammonia Oxidisers and Soil Nitrification
Authors: Issifu Sulemana , Acharya Prashamsha , Kaur-Bhambra Jasmeet , Gubry-Rangin Cecile , Rasche Frank 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiological nitrification inhibition (BNI) refers to the plant-mediated process in which nitrification is inhibited through rhizospheric release of diverse metabolites. While it has been assumed that interactive effects of these metabolites shape rhizosphere processes, including BNI, there is scant evidence supporting this claim. Hence, it was a primary objective to assess the interactive effects of selected metabolites, including caffeic acid (CA), vanillic acid (VA), vanillin (VAN), syringic acid (SA), and phenylalanine (PHE), applied as single and combined compounds, against pure cultures of various ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB, Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrosospira multiformis, Nitrosospira tenuis, Nitrosospira briensis) and archaea (AOA, Nitrososphaera viennensis), as well as soil nitrification. Additionally, benzoic acid (BA) was examined as a novel biological nitrification inhibitor. All metabolites, except SA, tested as single compounds, achieved varied levels of inhibition of microbial growth, with CA exhibiting the highest inhibitory potential. Similarly, all metabolites applied as single compounds, except PHE, inhibited soil nitrification by up to 62%, with BA being the most potent. Inhibition of tested nitrifying microbes was also observed when compounds were assessed in combination. The combinations VA + PH, VA + CA, and VA + VAN exhibited synergism against N. tenuis and N. briensis, while others showed antagonism against N. europaea, N. multiformis, and N. viennensis. Although all combinations suppressed soil nitrification, their interactions against soil nitrification revealed antagonism. Our findings indicate that both antagonism and synergism are possible in rhizospheric interactions involving BNI metabolites, resulting in growth inhibition of nitrifiers and suppression of soil nitrification.
Bioprospecting a Natural Antioxidant Peptide for Tomato Biostimulation Under Water Limitations: Physiological Approach
Authors: Silva Sónia , Teixeira Cátia , Dias Maria Celeste , Pereira Renato B. , Gomes Paula , Silva Artur M. S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDrought causes major agricultural losses, threatening food security worldwide. Thus, innovative strategies have been explored to improve crop tolerance to drought. This work focused on one natural peptide (PpT-2) with antioxidant activity, unexplored in plant applications, to evaluate its effectiveness in mitigating drought effect on Solanum lycopersicum L. plants. For that, tomato plants were foliar sprayed with different doses of PpT-2 (0, 15 or 150 mg L−1) and exposed to water Stressed and UnStressed conditions. The plant growth, photosynthesis and oxidative stress-related parameters were evaluated. Plant treatment with PpT-2, mostly at the highest concentration, alleviated diverse effects induced by water restriction: stimulated CO2 assimilation; improved ΦPSII, Fv/Fm and Fv’/Fm’; amended net CO2 assimilation rate and water use efficiency; restricted H2O2 accumulation and lipid peroxidation; stimulated SOD activity. Under UnStressed conditions, PpT-2 induced some degree of stomatal closure, nevertheless without restricting CO2 availability for the non-photochemical processes of photosynthesis, besides of decreasing H2O2 content and CAT activity. Overall, PpT-2 application controlled H2O2 accumulation, and under water limitations improved both photochemical and non-photochemical processes of photosynthesis and promoted drought tolerance, underscoring its potential for managing drought stress in crop species.
RV-PA uncoupling is associated with increased mortality in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with tafamidis
Authors: Schwarting Stéphanie K. , Poledniczek Michael , Metodiev Yuliyan , Stolz Lukas , Hofmann Eva , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan , Kääb Stefan , Massberg Steffen , Frey Norbert , aus dem Siepen Fabian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PAc) describes the right ventricle’s ability to adjust to an increased afterload. In case of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), impaired RV-PAc can result from increased left ventricular diastolic stiffness due to fibril deposition.

Objectives
While RV-PAc is a validated prognostic parameter in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), its prognostic relevance in ATTR-CM remains unknown. We sought to evaluate the prognostic implications of impaired RV-PAc on survival in ATTR-CM.

Methods
In this multicentre study, RV-PAc was investigated by the echocardiographic surrogate of ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) in 418 ATTR-CM patients, all treated with a TTR stabilizer. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results
Within a median time of 1.52 [IQR 0.72–2.56] years after diagnosis, 49 (11.7%) patients died. In multivariate Cox regression analysis impaired RV-PAc was a strong independent predictor of mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.14–4.07, p = 0.018). RV-PAc ratio at first presentation emerged as a robust marker for risk stratification with a determined optimal cut-off of 0.382 mm/mmHg (area under the curve (AUC) 0.73, 95% CI 0.65–0.81). Patients with RV-PAc ratio ≤ 0.382 mm/mmHg exhibited significantly lower survival (HR 4.17, 95% CI 2.21–7.87, p < 0.001) within 3 years of follow up than those with RV-PAc ratio above the cut-off (Graphical Abstract).

Conclusion
Impaired adaptation of the RV to increased afterload is associated with worse outcome in ATTR-CM patients. RV-PAc ratio can serve as an echocardiographic predictor for all-cause mortality. Therefore, the determination of RV-PAc could improve risk stratification for ATTR-CM patients.

Graphical Abstract
RV-PA coupling in ATTR-CM patients. This two-center study included patients with transthyretin cardiomyopathy, all treated with specific stabilizer. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, green arrow) to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP, light purple arrows) ratio was investigated retrospectively as correlate for rightventricle to pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PAc). Impaired RV-PAc was associated with higher risk for all-cause mortality, reduced left ventricular function and advanced stages of disease.
Production of the antimalarial drug precursor amorphadiene by microbial terpene synthase-like from the moss Sanionia uncinata
Authors: Kim Hyeonjin , Lee Yelim , Yu Jihyeon , Park Jong-Yoon , Lee Jungeun , Kim Sang-Gyu , Hyun Youbong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
The microbial terpene synthase-like of the moss Sanionia uncinata displays the convergent evolution of a rare plant metabolite amorpha-4,11-diene synthesis.

Abstract
Despite increasing demand for the exploration of biological resources, the diversity of natural compounds synthesized by organisms inhabiting various climates remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on the moss Sanionia uncinata, known as a predominant species within the polar climates of the Antarctic Peninsula, to systematically explore its metabolic profile both in-field and in controlled environments. We here report a diverse array of moss-derived terpene volatiles, including the identification of amorpha-4,11-diene, a rare sesquiterpene compound that is a precursor for antimalarial drugs. Phylogenetic reconstruction and functional validation in planta and in vitro identified a moss terpene synthase, S. uncinata microbial terpene synthase-like 2 (SuMTPSL2), which is associated with amorpha-4,11-diene production. We demonstrate that expressing SuMTPSL2 in various heterologous systems is sufficient to produce amorpha-4,11-diene. These results highlight the metabolic diversity in Antarctica, but also provide insights into the convergent evolution leading to the synthesis of a rare plant metabolite.
Proximal Galerkin: A Structure-Preserving Finite Element Method for Pointwise Bound Constraints
Authors: Keith Brendan , Surowiec Thomas M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe proximal Galerkin finite element method is a high-order, low iteration complexity, nonlinear numerical method that preserves the geometric and algebraic structure of pointwise bound constraints in infinite-dimensional function spaces. This paper introduces the proximal Galerkin method and applies it to solve free boundary problems, enforce discrete maximum principles, and develop a scalable, mesh-independent algorithm for optimal design with pointwise bound constraints. This paper also introduces the latent variable proximal point (LVPP) algorithm, from which the proximal Galerkin method derives. When analyzing the classical obstacle problem, we discover that the underlying variational inequality can be replaced by a sequence of second-order partial differential equations (PDEs) that are readily discretized and solved with, e.g., the proximal Galerkin method. Throughout this work, we arrive at several contributions that may be of independent interest. These include (1) a semilinear PDE we refer to as the entropic Poisson equation; (2) an algebraic/geometric connection between high-order positivity-preserving discretizations and certain infinite-dimensional Lie groups; and (3) a gradient-based, bound-preserving algorithm for two-field, density-based topology optimization. The complete proximal Galerkin methodology combines ideas from nonlinear programming, functional analysis, tropical algebra, and differential geometry and can potentially lead to new synergies among these areas as well as within variational and numerical analysis. Open-source implementations of our methods accompany this work to facilitate reproduction and broader adoption.
MSME/SME Financial Literacy: A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: IS Rekha , KV Sriram , Hungund Sumukh 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlthough there has been an increase in publications in the field of financial literacy in recent years, the articles related to financial literacy in connection to MSMEs/SMEs are limited. Hence, the purpose of this article is to analyze the trend in publication (for long-term, medium-term, and short-term) and literature review of key empirical studies to understand the definition, dimensions, and common variables that are influenced by financial literacy of MSME/SME owner/manager/CFO, etc. The descriptive bibliometric analysis reveals that overall business, management, and accounting is the leading subject area (in all three timelines) in which the articles are published, and the focus seems to be shifting to economics, econometrics, and finance in the short term with increase in percentage contribution in top 3 subject area list. The findings of our literature review reveal four aspects i.e., (i) The common dimensions of financial literacy were knowledge, awareness, and skill; (ii) There is no standardized scale for measuring the financial literacy of owner-managers of MSMEs; and (iii) Financial literacy is a common and significant antecedent to access to finance and enterprise performance. Financial literacy and access to finance are the challenges faced by MSMEs, these findings are of significance to both MSMEs and policymakers. Training and development programs to create awareness on policies related to MSMEs, sources of finance, and knowledge on basic financial aspects will not only improve the access to finance but also will improve the financial health and performance of MSMEs which are backbone of many developing economies. Further, academicians/researchers can work can developing a suitable scale measuring FL of owner-managers of MSMEs.
Evaluation of physical and chemical modifications to drug reservoirs for stimuli-responsive microneedles
Authors: Li Luchi , Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Hutton Aaron R. J. , Li Mingshan , Sabri Akmal Hidayat Bin , Vora Lalitkumar , Naser Yara A. , Tao Yushi , McCarthy Helen O. , Donnelly Ryan F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHydrogel-forming microneedle (MN) arrays are minimally-invasive devices that can penetrate the stratum corneum, the main barrier to topical drug application, without causing pain. However, drug delivery using hydrogel-forming MN arrays tends to be relatively slow compared to rapid drug delivery using conventional needles and syringes. Therefore, in this work, for the first time, different physical and chemical delivery enhancement methods were employed in combination with PVA-based hydrogel-forming MN arrays. Using a model drug, ibuprofen (IBU) sodium, the designed systems were assessed in terms of the extent of transdermal delivery. Iontophoresis (ITP) and heat-assisted drug delivery technology were investigated as physical permeation enhancement techniques. Ex vivo studies demonstrated that the ITP (0.5 mA/cm2)-mediated combination strategy significantly enhanced the transdermal permeation of IBU sodium over the first 6 h (~ 5.11 mg) when compared to MN alone (~ 1.63 mg) (p < 0.05). In contrast, heat-assisted technology showed almost no promoting effect on transdermal delivery. Furthermore, IBU sodium-containing rapidly dissolving lyophilised and effervescent reservoirs, classified as chemical modification methods, were prepared. Both strategies achieved rapid and effective ex vivo IBU sodium permeation, equating to ~ 78% (30.66 mg) and ~ 71% (28.43 mg) from lyophilised and effervescent reservoirs, respectively. Moreover, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the IBU sodium plasma concentration within lyophilised and effervescent groups reached a maximum concentration (Cmax) at 4 h (~ 282.15 µg/mL) and 6 h (~ 140.81 µg/mL), respectively. These strategies not only provided rapid achievement of therapeutic levels (10–15 µg/ml), but also resulted in sustained release of IBU sodium for at least 48 h, which could effectively reduce the frequency of administration, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing side effects of IBU sodium.
Graphical Abstract