bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood Characteristics Related to Changes in Anthropometrics During a Lifestyle Intervention for Persons with Obesity
Authors: Brouwer Boëlle J. , Kuckuck Susanne , Meeusen Renate E. H. , Mohseni Mostafa , Lengton Robin , van Lenthe Frank J. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Since obesity has emerged as a major public health concern, there is an urgent need to better understand factors related to weight gain and treatment success.

Methods
This study included 118 persons with obesity who participated in a multidisciplinary combined lifestyle intervention with cognitive-behavioral therapy at the outpatient clinic of the Obesity Center CGG at Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed using a 13-item questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the association between perceived safety, social cohesion, and the availability of facilities on relative changes in body mass index and waist circumference changes, adjusted for corresponding neighborhood socioeconomic status scores.

Results
Higher total scores, indicating more unfavorable neighborhood perceptions, were associated with less relative improvements in BMI and waist circumference after 1.5 years (β = 3.2, 95%CI 0.3–6.0; β = 3.4, 95%CI 0.3–6.6, respectively). Also, more neighborhood unsafety was associated with less relative improvements in BMI and waist circumference on the long term (β = 3.1, 95%CI 1.1–5.1; β = 2.8, 95%CI 0.6–5.1, respectively).

Conclusion
The results indicate that living in a neighborhood perceived as less favorable may lower the chances of successful weight loss in response to combined lifestyle interventions in persons with obesity.
Distribution of moniliformin in industrial maize milling and flaking process
Authors: Terenzio Bertuzzi , Alessio Abate , Paola Giorni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMoniliformin (MON) is a widespread emerging mycotoxin often occurring in maize at significant levels. Few published studies investigated MON redistribution in maize-derived products for human consumption; to better understand this issue, 5 maize lots with different levels of MON contamination were processed following an industrial milling process to evaluate the redistribution of the mycotoxin in final products (grits), by-products destined to feed (bran and flour) and cleaning waste. MON was quantified by LC–MS/MS after the purification step through the SPE column; moreover, a confirmatory method based on MON derivatization with 1,2-diamino-4,5-dichlorobenzene was developed. Relevant MON reduction was obtained after sieve cleaning, scourer process, and optical sorting, achieving a decrement of the concentration level close to 70%. The following other milling procedures showed a limited reduction from cleaned maize to small and large grits; considering the entire industrial process, the reduction percentage of MON contamination in the final products was 80.9 ± 9.3% and 81.0 ± 6.7% for small and large grits, respectively. The flaking process showed a very limited reduction of MON, close to 10%. Considering the widespread of MON occurrence in maize, the study highlights the importance of cleaning steps to achieve a low risk of exposure for the consumer.
Microalgal and Cyanobacterial Biomasses Modified the Activity of Extracellular Products from Bacillus pumilus: An In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment
Authors: García-Márquez Jorge , Díaz Alba Galafat , Molina-Roque Luis , Domínguez-Maqueda Marta , de las Heras Verónica , Simó-Mirabet Paula , Vizcaíno Antonio J. , Martos-Sitcha Juan Antonio , Alarcón-López Francisco Javier , Moriñigo Miguel Ángel , Balebona María Carmen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the postbiotic potential of extracellular products (ECPs) from Bacillus pumilus strains cultivated on microalgae-supplemented media. We assessed enzymatic and antimicrobial activities to select ECPs that enhance the digestive processes in gilthead seabream. Additionally, we explored the in vitro enzymatic capacity of the chosen postbiotics to hydrolyze macromolecules in microalgae. Finally, a feeding trial was conducted to determine the in vivo effects of the ECPs on Sparus aurata. In vitro enzymatic assays demonstrated diverse hydrolytic capacities among ECPs. All conditions exhibited antimicrobial activity against Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, with variation in inhibitory effects against Vibrio harveyi and Tenacibaculum maritimum. Furthermore, in vitro assays revealed differences in protein hydrolysis and soluble protein concentration, influencing amino acid and reducing sugar release from microalgal biomass. These analyses facilitated a selection to test ECPs in vivo. Lastly, the in vivo experiment revealed no differences in the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and general metabolism of S. aurata fed the experimental diets. Dietary inclusion of postbiotics increased the activity of key digestive enzymes in fish compared to the control group, and particularly, values increased significantly when the fish were fed with the ECP-nanoparticulate-supplemented diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of microalgae in the culture media significantly influences the activity of extracellular products from B. pumilus strains, as evidenced in both in vitro and in vivo assays.
Transitive Inference over Affective Representations in Non-Human Animals
Authors: Srećković Sanja 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The mainstream philosophical approach to inference, which insists on sentence-like representations and a linguistic capability, excludes non-human animals as possible agents capable of making inferences. However, an abundance of studies show that many animal species exhibit behaviors that seem to rely on some kind of reasoning. My focus here are the transitive inference tasks, which most species solve quite successfully. These findings put pressure on the mainstream views, and still lack a convincing explanation. I introduce the concept of affective representations, which satisfy the semantic and structural requirements for participating in inferences. I also argue for a broader conception of inference, and show how we can apply this view to explain the results of the transitive inference studies. Finally, I suggest it is more useful to think of flexibility of thought in terms of a continuous range, rather than a dichotomy of flexible vs. inflexible.
Skew two-sided bracoids
Authors: Malinowska Izabela Agata 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIsabel Martin-Lyons and Paul J.Truman generalised the definition of a skew brace to give a new algebraic object, which they termed a skew bracoid. Their construction involves two groups interacting in a manner analogous to the compatibility condition found in the definition of a skew brace. They formulated tools for characterizing and classifying skew bracoids, and studied substructures and quotients of skew bracoids. As an application, they proved that finite skew bracoids correspond with Hopf-Galois structures on finite separable extensions of fields, generalizing the existing connection between finite skew braces and Hopf-Galois structures on finite Galois extensions. In this paper we study two-sided bracoids. Rump showed that if a left brace $$(B, \star ,\cdot )$$

(
B
,
⋆
,
·
)

is a two-sided brace and the operation $$*: B \times B \longrightarrow B$$

∗
:
B
×
B
⟶
B

is defined by $$a *b = a\cdot b \star \overline{a} \star \overline{b}$$

a

∗
b
=
a
·
b
⋆

a
¯

⋆

b
¯

for all $$a, b \in B$$

a
,
b
∈
B

then $$(B, \star ,*)$$

(
B
,
⋆
,

∗
)

is a Jacobson radical ring. Lau showed that if $$(B, \star ,\cdot )$$

(
B
,
⋆
,
·
)

is a left brace and the operation is asssociative, then $$(B, \star ,\cdot )$$

(
B
,
⋆
,
·
)

is a two-sided brace. We will prove bracoid versions of this results.
Material Studies on Decorative Buttons from the Hallstatt Period Tumuli in Mitterkirchen, Marchland, Upper Austria
Authors: Haubner Roland , Strobl Susanne , Leskovar Jutta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe burial ground at Mitterkirchen belongs to the Early Iron Age, respectively, to the Hallstatt culture. A remarkable find from Mitterkirchen is approximately 3,000 buttons that were attached to a magnificent coat. Five of these buttons were provided for nondestructive material examinations using computed tomography (CT). Two of these buttons could be examined by metallography, light optical microscope (LOM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray fluorescence examination (XRF). Based on the results of the investigation, it can be assumed that the bronze buttons were manufactured by a casting process. The bronze alloys are very different, which suggests the use of various starting materials including recycled copper alloys. The microstructure of the bronzes is uniform and, depending on their compositions, contains precipitates like Pb and the intermetallic phase Cu41Sn11. The corrosion layers exhibit a pronounced Sn enrichment and contain malachite.
Development of functional materials based on new high content electron withdrawing groups terpolymer composites for potential applications
Authors: Al-Hussaini A. S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNovel polymer composites with unique characteristics as new materials are essentially needed to meet future demands. Terpoly(anthranilic acid, m-aminobenzoic acid, and o-nitroaniline) emeraldine base (EB)/macro-microcomposites were generated from equimolar ratios of the corresponding molecules and different ratios of bentonite via in situ oxidative terpolymerization. Their spectral properties upon joining the m-aminobenzoic acid and the o-nitroaniline moieties in the skeleton of polyanthranilic acid were inspected. The spectral analyses were utilized to emphasize the results of both terpoly(o, m-aminobenzoic acid, and o-nitroaniline) (EB) and poly(o, m-aminobenzoic acid, and o-nitroaniline)/bentonite composites. The TGA analyses of the purified terpolymer with and without bentonite in the N2 atmosphere were investigated. Furthermore, the terpolymer composite morphology was investigated by the SEM technique with the micro-macrometric particle sizes 0.470–2.780 μm at different magnifications.
Graphical Abstract
Study on the estimation method for the mean stress effect on the fatigue strength of welded joints with various failure modes and joint types
Authors: Yoshihara Yukihide , Osawa Naoki , Murakawa Hidekazu , Dai Peiyuan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn compact box-shaped steel structures, partial penetration welds are frequently selected as the welding technique, and root fatigue failure might manifest in these joints. In order to ensure the structural integrity of steel structures, it is necessary to develop an assessment approach for evaluating the efficacy of post-weld heat treatment (stress relief) in enhancing the fatigue strength of root-failed welded joints. In this study, bending fatigue experiments employing stress ratios of R = 0 and − 1 have been carried out on as-welded and stress-relieved welded joint specimens. The test objects include root-failed plug weld specimens, as well as toe-failed out-of-plane gusset weld joint and T-joint specimens. The welding residual stresses near the root notch and weld toe are measured by X-ray diffraction technique. The assessment of the mean stress effect on fatigue strength has been examined through the utilization of the modified MIL-HandBook-5D equivalent stress range. The equivalent stress range is evaluated by using two fatigue assessment stresses: structural stress and elastic–plastic local stress. It has been confirmed that all fatigue test results, irrespective of the failure mode or the joint type, whether from the as-welded or stress-relieved specimens, can be closely approximated using a single S–N curve with either definition of the equivalent stress. This outcome indicates the accomplishment of assessing the mean stress effect on the fatigue strength of welded joints with various failure modes and joint types.
Association between pre-stroke frailty status and stroke risk and impact on outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,660,328 participants
Authors: Chen Shu-Fan , Li Hai-Han , Guo Zi-Ning , Ling Ke-Yu , Yu Xiao-Li , Liu Fei , Zhu Xiao-Ping , Zhu Xiaoping 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of frailty is increasing, and it is associated with increased risk of diseases and adverse outcomes. Although substantial research has focused on post-stroke frailty, understanding of pre-stroke frailty remains limited. Our aim was to synthesize literature on pre-stroke frailty and stroke risk to explore their relationship and impact on prognosis. A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted to identify cohort studies published until October 28, 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test. Finally, we included 11 studies (n = 1,660,328 participants). The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke risk associated with pre-stroke frailty compared to non-frail individuals was 1.72 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.46–2.02, p = 0.002, I2 = 69.2%, Begg’s test: p = 0.536). The pooled HRs for mortality and the pooled relative risk (RRs) modified Rankin Scale (mRs) associated with pre-stroke frailty were 1.68 (95% CI: 1.10–2.56, p = 0.136, I2 = 49.9%, Begg’s test: p = 0.296) and 3.11 (95% CI: 1.77–5.46, p = 0.192, I2 = 39.4%, Begg’s test: p = 1.000), respectively. In conclusion, pre-stroke frailty is strongly associated with stroke risk and impacts its prognosis, irrespective of the measurement method. Future research should focus on prospective studies to assess the effects of early intervention for frailty. This has significant implications for primary healthcare services and frailty management.
The association between physical activity and delayed neurocognitive recovery in elderly patients: a mediation analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Niu Junfang , Li Yanan , Zhou Qi , Liu Xiang , Yu Peixia , Gao Fang , Gao Xia , Wang Qiujun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) can result in unfavorable outcomes in elderly surgical patients. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve cognitive function, potentially by reducing systemic inflammatory responses. However, there is a lack of supportive data indicating whether PA has a protective effect against dNCR.

Aims
To examine the correlation between dNCR and PA, and to further analyze if pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate this relationship.

Methods
This study is a prospective nested case-control investigation of elderly patients who had knee replacement surgery. dNCR was defined as a decline in cognitive function compared with baseline by using a battery of neuropsychological tests. PA was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between PA and dNCR. Mediation analysis was employed to evaluate whether pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate the relationship between them.

Results
A cohort of 152 patients was included, resulting in an incidence rate of dNCR of 23.68%. PA was associated with dNCR after full adjustment [OR = 0.199, (95% CI, 0.061; 0.649), P = 0.007]. Mediation analysis showed that the IL-6 mediated the statistical association between PA and dNCR, with mediation proportions (%) of 77.68 (postoperative concentration of IL-6) or 27.58 (the absolute change in IL-6 before and after surgery).

Conclusions
PA serves as a protective factor against dNCR, possibly through the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations.

The Chinese Clinical Trail Registry
: www.http://chictr.org.cn, Registration No. ChiCTR2300070834, Registration date: April 24, 2023.
Identification of full-sibling families from natural single-tree ash progenies based on SSR markers and genome-wide SNPs
Authors: Krautwurst Melina , Past Franziska , Kersten Birgit , Bubner Ben , Müller Niels A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCommon ash, Fraxinus excelsior, is threatened by the invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which causes ash dieback. The pathogen is rapidly spreading throughout Europe with severe ecological and economic consequences. Multiple studies have presented evidence for the existence of a small fraction of genotypes with low susceptibility. Such genotypes can be targets for natural and artificial selection to conserve F. excelsior and associated ecosystems. To resolve the genetic architecture of variation in susceptibility it is necessary to analyze segregating populations. Here we employed about 1000 individuals of each of four single-tree progenies from potentially tolerant mother trees to identify full-sibling (full-sib) families. To this end, we first genotyped all 4000 individuals and the four mothers with eight SSR markers. We then used the program COLONY to predict full-sibs without knowledge of the paternal genotypes. For each single-tree progeny, COLONY predicted dozens of full-sib families, ranging from 3–166 individuals. In the next step, 910 individuals assigned to full-sib families with more than 28 individuals were subjected to high-resolution genotyping using over one million genome-wide SNPs which were identified with Illumina low-coverage resequencing. Using these SNP genotyping data in principal component analyses we were able to assign individuals to full-sib families with high confidence. Together the analyses revealed five large families with 73–212 individuals. These can be used to generate genetic linkage maps and to perform quantitative trait locus analyses for ash dieback susceptibility. The elucidation of the genetic basis of natural variation in ash may support breeding and conservation efforts and may contribute to more robust forest ecosystems.
Human-centered AI development in practice—insights from a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Friedrich Julia , Brückner Anja , Mayan Jasmin , Schumann Sandra , Kirschenbaum Amit , Zinke-Wehlmann Christian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndustry 5.0 will focus on human-centered digitalization and put people at the center of manufacturing. To achieve this, it is necessary to consider employees throughout the transformation process. For this purpose, a practical approach to human-centered AI integration based on the Design Science Research method is presented in this article. The main requirements of the approach were evaluated in interviews with ten pilot companies, especially SMEs. The practical procedure was then examined in more detail for three application examples. The results show that there is still a lack of a uniform approach regarding the involvement of employees. Information on AI projects often reach those affected only during implementation. Even though the interdisciplinary approach is understood as a feasible approach for holistic AI development and implementation, there is still a lack of practical guidelines for adopting this multi-perspective approach. This work provides an initial starting point for a practice-oriented approach to the introduction of human-centered AI.Practical Relevance: As a result of exponential digitalization and the associated in-depth use of partially to fully automated technologies such as AI, collaboration between humans and machines is becoming increasingly important. It is essential for companies to work according to human-centered approaches to consider motivation and satisfaction as well as aspects of data protection and personal protection for employees. The necessity for companies to adopt a human-centric and sustainable approach to digitalization will intensify in coming years. The work addresses the needs for operationalization of research findings for companies. Thus, the proposed guidelines can be understood as an approach to practical knowledge transfer from science to industry.
Pathway to work with AI: Testing the clAIr role development method in an industrial work environment
Authors: Langholf Valentin , Wilkens Uta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work processes requires the anticipatory change of work roles because areas of activity are shifting within job profiles, resulting in new interaction patterns between humans and AI and between employees. In order to avoid role conflicts, rejection of the AI system and other undesirable side effects of AI integration, organizations must support human-AI role development with suitable measures. This article presents a methodologically sound approach to role development (clarifying AI Augmented individual roles—clAIr) using the example of service technicians in a mechanical engineering company before and during the introduction of AI-based services. It illustrates how role clarity can be achieved in the interaction with AI when job profiles shift and how role development also includes collaboration with other departments and goal-oriented external communication with customers. The method results in six basic roles that are rooted in role theory in terms of role identity, role innovation, and role clarity. clAIr allows the anticipatory examination of human-AI work roles as a process-based approach.Practical Relevance: Due to the rapidly advancing development of AI in work processes, there is a need in organizations for scientifically validated findings and examples of good practice for successful work with AI. A socio-technical approach with a focus on the changes in role identities of professionals is promising, as the anticipated development of tasks and professions resulting from AI use can only be countered with a comprehensive approach. Previous work refers to human-centered job designs but neglects the preceding process of role identification as a key challenge of implementation. This process support is made possible by the clAIr method for determining roles for working with AI. Its use requires an understanding of role theory and expertise in organizational development.
Productivity drivers and pro-productivity policies: G20 economies, India and South Korea
Authors: van Ark Bart , Pilat Dirk 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this article we look at productivity trends, drivers of productivity growth and pro-productivity policies across the G20 economies since 1970. We distinguish between three sub-groups of G20 economies: a “leading but slowing” group of the most developed economies, a “lagging but growing” group of economies that have shown rapid growth and a “muddling through” group of economies with no sustained improvement in productivity performance. We find distinctly different dynamics between the sub-groups regarding the contributions of capital deepening and total factor productivity (TFP) to labour productivity growth. The slowdown in labour productivity growth since the 2010s has been underpinned by lower TFP growth. India is the only G20 economy which has experienced a significant improvement in TFP growth over the past few decades. We develop a typology distinguishing five domains of pro-productivity policies (accumulation of the factors of production, markets and resource allocation, technological and structural change, internationalisation, and foundational policies) and explore how these have been applied across countries and over time. We also provide a more detailed analysis of productivity and related policies for two G20 countries: India and South Korea. We argue that a revival of productivity growth in the G20 requires a greater focus on policies which balance technological progress with knowledge diffusion; more investment in intangibles and public assets; and improvements in the quality of human capital.