bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of superficial endometriosis on transvaginal ultrasound by visualization of peritoneum of pouch of Douglas
Authors: Bailey F. , Gaughran J. , Mitchell S. , Ovadia C. , Holland T. K. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveAround 80% of women with endometriosis have superficial endometriosis (SE) rather than ovarian or deep endometriosis (DE). However, to date, advances in non‐invasive, imaging‐based diagnosis have been limited to DE or ovarian disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether we can detect SE on transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) by assessing the peritoneum of the pouch of Douglas (POD).MethodsThis was a retrospective diagnostic test study following a change in practice to include POD peritoneum assessment for SE during TVS at a tertiary London hospital. Eligible patients underwent TVS by a single clinician trained in endometriosis scanning and a subsequent surgical procedure (laparoscopy) between April 2018 and September 2021. Participants formed a consecutive series. The TVS findings were compared with those of laparoscopy as the gold standard. Comparison of TVS findings with intraoperative findings was performed by calculating the diagnostic test performance measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and positive and negative likelihood ratios).ResultsThe study included a total of 100 patients. We found that 43/100 (43.0%) patients had no endometriosis, 33/100 (33.0%) had SE and 24/100 (24.0%) had DE on laparoscopy. SE was correctly detected on TVS in 17/33 patients, with a sensitivity of 51.5% (95% CI, 33.5–69.2%), specificity of 94.0% (95% CI, 85.4–98.4%), PPV of 81.0% (95% CI, 60.8–92.1%) and NPV of 79.7% (95% CI, 73.4–84.9%). DE was correctly diagnosed in 20/24 cases, including all ovarian cases, with a sensitivity of 83.3% (95% CI, 62.3–95.3%), specificity of 97.4% (95% CI, 90.8–99.7%), PPV of 90.9% (95% CI, 71.6–97.5%) and NPV of 94.9% (95% CI, 88.3–97.8%). The detection of SE on TVS was most accurate in the POD (sensitivity, 50.0%; specificity, 96.4%; PPV, 76.9%; NPV, 88.9%).ConclusionsThis study shows that the detection of SE in the POD is possible using routine TVS. While negative TVS does not reliably confirm the absence of disease or replace diagnostic laparoscopy, positive TVS facilitates non‐invasive diagnosis for a much larger group of women than was previously possible. This should help to reduce the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis and enable initiation of medical treatment without the risk, cost and delay associated with a surgical diagnosis. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Large time behavior of signed fractional porous media equations on bounded domains
Authors: Franzina Giovanni , Volzone Bruno 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFollowing the methodology of Brasco (Adv Math 394:108029, 2022), we study the long-time behavior for the signed fractional porous medium equation in open bounded sets with smooth boundary. Homogeneous exterior Dirichlet boundary conditions are considered. We prove that if the initial datum has sufficiently small energy, then the solution, once suitably rescaled, converges to a nontrivial constant sign solution of a sublinear fractional Lane–Emden equation. Furthermore, we give a nonlocal sufficient energetic criterion on the initial datum, which is important to identify the exact limit profile, namely the positive solution or the negative one.
Longitudinal structuring of stream-fish assemblages: is niche partitioning observed in two-species systems applicable to three-species systems?
Authors: Morita Kentaro , Tsuboi Jun-ichi , Sahashi Genki , Futamura Ryo , Ueda Kazutoshi , Kuroki Mari 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLongitudinal distribution and niche partitioning phenomena have been extensively reported for streams containing two salmonid species but remain poorly understood for streams containing three or more salmonid species. Herein, we examined the abiotic environmental variables and population densities of fishes, including three salmonids, in 30 reaches of the Setose River, Hokkaido, Japan, across altitudes (120–450 m) and maximum water temperature (15–26 °C) gradients to determine the distribution of major fish species in this system. The densities of white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis, southern Asian Dolly Varden Salvelinus curilus, masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou, fluvial sculpin Cottus nozawae, and stone loach Barbatula oreas varied along environmental gradients despite their wide distribution sympatrically. We further investigated the interspecific interactions between three potentially competitive salmonids, white-spotted charr, Dolly Varden, and masu salmon. We observed that in the three-species system, including upstream Dolly Varden, salmon occupied upstream areas colder than those inhabited by charr, which is contrary to the pattern reported for charr and salmon two-species systems, wherein charr are found in the colder upstream areas. In underwater observations, salmon preferred faster water velocities than charr and Dolly Varden. Dolly Varden were found exclusively on the riverbed, followed by charr, whereas salmon occurred further away from the riverbed. Analysis of the stomach contents revealed that all three salmonids depended on terrestrial insects, but only Dolly Varden consumed benthic aquatic insects. In our three-species system that included Dolly Varden (preadapted to benthos foraging), no difference was observed in the degree of terrestrial insect consumption between charr and salmon. These results are in striking contrast to the reports of charr preying on relatively more aquatic insects than those consumed by salmon in charr and salmon two-species systems. Therefore, we speculate that Dolly Varden and salmon influence interspecific interactions between charr and salmon and between charr and Dolly Varden, respectively, explaining the distinct longitudinal distribution and feeding habits observed in two- vs. three-species systems. These variant interspecific interactions among the three competing species may have driven the expansion of their sympatric zones.
On the benefits of knowledge compilation for feature-model analyses
Authors: Sundermann Chico , Kuiter Elias , Heß Tobias , Raab Heiko , Krieter Sebastian , Thüm Thomas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFeature models are commonly used to specify the valid configurations of product lines. As industrial feature models are typically complex, researchers and practitioners employ various automated analyses to study the configuration spaces. Many of these automated analyses require that numerous complex computations are executed on the same feature model, for example by querying a SAT or SATsolver. With knowledge compilation, feature models can be compiled in a one-time effort to a target language that enables polynomial-time queries for otherwise more complex problems. In this work, we elaborate on the potential of employing knowledge compilation on feature models. First, we gather various feature-model analyses and study their computational complexity with regard to the underlying computational problem and the number of solver queries required for the respective analysis. Second, we collect knowledge-compilation target languages and map feature-model analyses to the languages that make the analysis tractable. Third, we empirically evaluate publicly available knowledge compilers to further inspect the potential benefits of knowledge-compilation target languages.
Patterns of Prunus cerasifera early invasion stages into a temperate primeval forest
Authors: Czortek Patryk , Adamowski Wojciech , Kamionka-Kanclerska Katarzyna , Karpińska Oliwia , Zalewski Andrzej , Dyderski Marcin K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) is considered an invasive plant species in numerous areas of the temperate climate zones around the world. Although this exotic tree can naturalize in a wide spectrum of forest ecosystems, its invasion mechanisms remain totally unknown. This study is the first approach aiming to investigate potential drivers shaping the ecological success of P. cerasifera invasion, with an example of the temperate primeval forest as a model recipient ecosystem. Using generalized linear models, we suggest that the distance to the propagule source may shape considerably this exotic species occurrence in primeval forest’s understory, expressed by the presumably high role of birds and small mammals in short-, and large ungulates in long-distance seed dispersion. The probability of this invader occurrence decreased with decreasing functional and phylogenetic diversity of understory vegetation. This suggests the importance of habitat filtering generated in small tree-fall gaps in shaping the P. cerasifera success. Thus, interactions between natural disturbances, characteristics of recipient vegetation, as well as traits of various animal dispersers, may be identified as key drivers promoting the occurrence of P. cerasifera in the primeval forest ecosystem. However, further studies on the patterns of P. cerasifera invasion are needed to identify drivers promoting invasion, as well as the effects of this exotic plant on biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.
Simulated Data in Empirical Science
Authors: Lehtinen Aki , Raerinne Jani 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper provides the first systematic epistemological account of simulated data in empirical science. We focus on the epistemic issues modelers face when they generate simulated data to solve problems with empirical datasets, research tools, or experiments. We argue that for simulated data to count as epistemically reliable, a simulation model does not have to mimic its target. Instead, some models take empirical data as a target, and simulated data may successfully mimic such a target even if the model does not. We show how to distinguish between simulated and empirical data, and we also offer a definition of simulation that can accommodate Monte Carlo models. We shed light on the epistemology of simulated data by providing a taxonomy of four different mimicking relations that differ concerning the nature of the relation or relata. We illustrate mimicking relations with examples from different sciences. Our main claim is that the epistemic evaluation of simulated data should start with recognizing the diversity of mimicking relations rather than presuming that only one relation existed.
Work Motivation Is Not Generational but Depends on Age and Period
Authors: Schröder Martin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMany argue that work motivation varies with year of birth, suggesting the utility of generational labels such as Z, Y, X, or Baby Boomer. This article tests this generational hypothesis by using multilevel regressions with data from 584,217 individuals sampled by the Integrated Values Survey in 113 countries over more than 30 years. The results show that the importance of work first increases and then decreases with an individual’s age and that the importance of work tends to decrease for everyone with the passing of historical time. These age and period effects make later-born generations seem work averse, while birth year and thus generational membership hardly explain work motivation after accounting for age and period effects. The article also tests whether ten other work-related attitudes can be explained through generational membership. The results suggest that the historical time period and an individual’s life course explain work motivation and work attitudes better than generational membership. This life course and historical explanation is suggested as an alternative to the generational hypothesis of work motivation and attitudes that prevails in much of the literature.
Innovative chaotic dragon fractal (ChDrFr) shapes for efficient encryption applications: a new highly secure image encryption algorithm
Authors: Mohammed Amira G. , El-Khamy Said E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the generation of new dragon fractal shapes with chaotic iteration parameters is introduced as the main component of a new efficient approach for different cryptographic applications. This process involves applying a chaotic map, which is considered the initiator pattern, to generate different chaotic dragon fractal (ChDrFr) shapes in lieu of lines (which are classically used to generate dragon fractals). This is the new concept of this paper. The used chaotic maps are sensitive to their initial conditions and are characterized by randomness; hence, the resulting scheme is highly secure. As the resulting ChDrFr shapes have sparse structures, the spaces are packed with random values generated from another 5D hyper chaotic map. For encryption applications based on the substitution approach, one of the five generated ChFrDr shapes can be used to construct a chaotic fractal (ChFr) S-Box, while the other four ChDrFr shapes can be used for diffusion purposes. As an application to these new ChDrFr shapes and the ChFr S-Box, we introduce in this paper a new highly secure image encryption algorithm. A Henon chaotic map is used as the initiator of the ChDrFr shapes. The integer wavelet transform (IWT) is used to generate an approximation and three detail sub-bands for the original image. As the approximation sub-band contains a considerable amount of information about the original image, the above-described ChFr S-Box is used as a replacement for each pixel’s value in this sub-band. Then, the resultant substituted image is diffused with one of the generated ChFrDr shapes. The other three ChDrFr shapes are XORed with the details sub-images. Numerical simulation is applied to ensure the efficacy of encrypted images against different attacks. In particular, the correlation coefficient between the initial and the generated images is shown to be nearly zero. Moreover, tests reveal that the information entropy of the encrypted images and UACI were close to their optimum values. The properties of the newly proposed ChDrFr-based encryption algorithm are compared to the ones obtained by other encryption algorithms, and the results prove the superiority of this newly proposed algorithm to other types of encryption methods.
Is digitalization a source of innovation? Exploring the role of digital diffusion in SME innovation performance
Authors: Hassan Sohaib S. , Meisner Konrad , Krause Kevin , Bzhalava Levan , Moog Petra 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDrawing on strategic management theory, this study examines the relationship between digitalization and innovation performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We hypothesize that SMEs with higher levels of digital diffusion have higher innovation performance, and that absorptive capacity moderates this relationship. To test this relationship, we use a sample of 1100 German SMEs from the Mannheim Innovation Panel of the Centre for European Economic Research. The results of the multinomial and multivariate probit estimations show that digital diffusion is a significant positive trigger of innovation in SMEs. We also find that absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between digital diffusion and innovation only in the case of product innovation and not for any other type of innovation. Finally, we discuss the implications of our study for research and practice.
Characterization of direct oral anticoagulants use in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Yang Claire , Khan Fatima , MacDonald Courtney , Guglielmo Julie , Lo Mimi , Young Rebecca , Banez Marisela Tan , Huang Lily , Nguyen Rosalyn , Kang Stephen , Saunders Ila M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment are of interest in oncology due to ease of administration and lack of need for therapeutic monitoring compared to other anticoagulants. Data supporting their use in patients with hematologic malignancies post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) are limited. The purpose of the study is to characterize DOAC use in HCT patients. This multicenter, retrospective cohort analysis included allogeneic and autologous HCT recipients. The primary outcome was major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB)/minor bleeding and VTE recurrence. Of 126 patients, 91 (72.2%) patients received an autologous HCT, and 35 (27.8%) patients received an allo-HCT. No major bleeding occurred in either transplant recipient groups. In autologous HCT recipients, CRNMB/minor bleeding occurred in four (4.4%) patients and VTE recurrence occurred in one (1.1%) patient. For allogeneic HCT recipients, CRNMB/minor bleeding occurred in five (14.3%) patients and VTE recurrence occurred in two (5.7%) patients. For patients that experienced a CRNMB, five (100%) of the allogeneic HCT and two (50%) of the autologous HCT recipients were thrombocytopenic at the time of bleeding. Only 38.5% of patients who experienced a drug-drug interaction requiring DOAC dose adjustment received the appropriate dose adjustment. DOACs were associated with low rates of recurrent VTE and no major bleeding events, similar to published data on DOAC use in the general cancer patient population. This suggests that DOACs may be safe therapeutic options with proactive management of drug interactions and careful monitoring for bleeding events, especially in the allogeneic HCT population where minor bleeding rates were slightly higher.
Managing Digital Transformation for Social Good in Non-Profit Organizations: The Case of The Felix Project Zeroing Hunger in London
Authors: Jong Cindy Li Ken , Ganzaroli Andrea 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe societal value of non-profit organizations (NPOs) and the enabling aspect of digital transformations (DTs) pinpoint these as cornerstones in our running after sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, applying DT to NPOs foreshadows outstanding but untapped opportunities to enhance our capacity to meet those goals. This paper shed light on those opportunities by exploring the DT of a food redistribution charity which commits to reach zero hunger in London, the United Kingdom. Our results not only highlight the importance of studying DT in the setting of sustainable-oriented NPOs but also reveal the key role of leadership, entrepreneurship, agile management, co-creation, user-friendliness, and building a data-driven learning culture to strengthen its impact.
Key CT and MRI findings of drug-associated hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Goshima Satoshi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObtaining an imaging diagnosis of various hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders caused by certain drugs can often be challenging. Familiarity with these conditions may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management. This review aimed to describe the imaging findings of drug-associated hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders and identify suggestions for obtaining a correct diagnosis. We focused on relatively common disorders or those that can present with characteristic imaging findings, such as drug-induced acute hepatitis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, focal nodular hyperplasia-like lesions, hepatocellular adenoma, pseudocirrhosis, chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis, amiodarone deposition in the liver, secondary iron overload, drug-induced pancreatitis, pancreatic enlargement after epoprostenol therapy, ceftriaxone-associated gallbladder pseudolithiasis, immune-related adverse events, and methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders.
Evaluation of Geosites from the Perspective of Geopark Management: the Example of Proposed Zemplín Geopark
Authors: Molokáč Mário , Babicová Zdenka , Pachinger Patrik , Kornecká Enikő 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecently, geotourism has enriched the range of tourism products with its relatively new attraction—geoparks. In addition to high-quality management, geoparks must also offer excellent geological attractions (geosites). Several scientific works dealt with the geoheritage management and geosite evaluation procedure. The paper evaluates geosites from the geopark management point of view while considering the needs of such geoparks. Using newly created methodology, we have selected the limiting criteria that indicate the usability of geosites in the geopark. The management and the methodology above were tested at the proposed Zemplín geopark. The results indicate the importance of such an evaluation throughout all the phases of the geopark creation process.
Trend of Developing Aqueous Liquid and Gel Electrolytes for Sustainable, Safe, and High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ji Donghwan , Kim Jaeyun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCurrent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) rely on organic liquid electrolytes that pose significant risks due to their flammability and toxicity. The potential for environmental pollution and explosions resulting from battery damage or fracture is a critical concern. Water-based (aqueous) electrolytes have been receiving attention as an alternative to organic electrolytes. However, a narrow electrochemical-stability window, water decomposition, and the consequent low battery operating voltage and energy density hinder the practical use of aqueous electrolytes. Therefore, developing novel aqueous electrolytes for sustainable, safe, high-performance LIBs remains challenging. This Review first commences by summarizing the roles and requirements of electrolytes–separators and then delineates the progression of aqueous electrolytes for LIBs, encompassing aqueous liquid and gel electrolyte development trends along with detailed principles of the electrolytes. These aqueous electrolytes are progressed based on strategies using superconcentrated salts, concentrated diluents, polymer additives, polymer networks, and artificial passivation layers, which are used for suppressing water decomposition and widening the electrochemical stability window of water of the electrolytes. In addition, this Review discusses potential strategies for the implementation of aqueous Li-metal batteries with improved electrolyte–electrode interfaces. A comprehensive understanding of each strategy in the aqueous system will assist in the design of an aqueous electrolyte and the development of sustainable and safe high-performance batteries.
Statistical decision theory respecting stochastic dominance
Authors: Manski Charles F. , Tetenov Aleksey 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe statistical decision theory pioneered by (Wald, Statistical decision functions, Wiley, 1950) has used state-dependent mean loss (risk) to measure the performance of statistical decision functions across potential samples. We think it evident that evaluation of performance should respect stochastic dominance, but we do not see a compelling reason to focus exclusively on mean loss. We think it instructive to also measure performance by other functionals that respect stochastic dominance, such as quantiles of the distribution of loss. This paper develops general principles and illustrative applications for statistical decision theory respecting stochastic dominance. We modify the Wald definition of admissibility to an analogous concept of stochastic dominance (SD) admissibility, which uses stochastic dominance rather than mean sampling performance to compare alternative decision rules. We study SD admissibility in two relatively simple classes of decision problems that arise in treatment choice. We reevaluate the relationship between the MLE, James–Stein, and James–Stein positive part estimators from the perspective of SD admissibility. We consider alternative criteria for choice among SD-admissible rules. We juxtapose traditional criteria based on risk, regret, or Bayes risk with analogous ones based on quantiles of state-dependent sampling distributions or the Bayes distribution of loss.