bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional characterization of the cytotoxic protein ledodin, an atypical ribosome‐inactivating protein from shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
Authors: Citores Lucía , Ragucci Sara , Russo Rosita , Gay Claudia C. , Chambery Angela , Di Maro Antimo , Iglesias Rosario , Ferreras José M.
Published: March 2023

We have purified ledodin, a cytotoxic 22‐kDa protein from shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) consisting of a 197 amino acid chain. Ledodin possessed N‐glycosylase activity on the sarcin‐ricin loop of mammalian 28S rRNA and inhibited protein synthesis. However, it was not active against insect, fungal, and bacterial ribosomes. In vitro and in silico studies suggested that ledodin exhibits a catalytic mechanism like that of DNA glycosylases and plant ribosome‐inactivating proteins. Moreover, the sequence and structure of ledodin was not related to any protein of known function, although ledodin‐homologous sequences were found in the genome of several species of fungi, some edible, belonging to different orders of the class Agaricomycetes. Therefore, ledodin could be the first of a new family of enzymes widely distributed among this class of basidiomycetes. The interest of these proteins lies both, in the fact that they can be a toxic agent of some edible mushrooms and in their application in medicine and biotechnology.
High‐Resolution Investigation of a Grating‐Stabilized Laser with a Fabry–Pérot Interferometer
Authors: Kunzmann Dominic J. , Kohlstedt Raphael , Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: March 2023

A diode‐based external cavity diode laser (ECDL) is built in Littrow configuration and its modal behavior as well as its current and temperature‐induced wavelength shift is investigated. The ECDL is based on a laser diode (LD) in the blue spectral range with a straight ridge and low‐reflectivity front facet. A high‐resolution grating spectrometer (SPEX 1404 0.85 m double spectrometer) as well as a scanning Fabry–Pérot Interferometer (FPI, Burleigh RC‐110 with RG‐93 ramp generator) are used for spectral characterization. With the high resolution of the FPI, an upper bound of the ECDL linewidth of about 50 fm is found, which is 75 MHz in terms of frequency. The spectral shifts with temperature and with driving current are determined. The shift of 1.15 pm mA−1of the individual mode of the external cavity is caused by a change of the group refractive index and corresponding change of the effective cavity length. The shift of 2.7 pm mA−1of the spectral center of gravity can be explained by the faster shift of the internal modes. The single‐mode shift with temperature of 16.71 pm K−1is consistently measured both by the spectrometer and the FPI.
A New Development in the Thermodynamic Theory by Considering the Fractal Structure of Substances
Authors: Çopuroğlu Ebru , Mamedov Bahtiyar A.
Published: March 2023

Fractal structure investigations of materials have a recent tradition in physics with applications to the natural sciences and technology. A new approach of fractal geometry in solids is analyzed, which allows the accurate evaluation of thermodynamic quantities for various values of fractional dimensions. Based on a fractal concept, the modified Einstein–Debye model and its application of thermodynamics are presented, which contribute to the evaluation of thermal properties as well as many materials. The reliable modified analytical expressions of the energy, heat capacities, entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy are established on the basis of modified Einstein–Debye approximation. This shows the perspective of the utilizing the fractal, describing quantities and parameters that analyze properties of nature.
Advances and critical assessment of machine learning techniques for prediction of docking scores
Authors: Bucinsky Lukas , Gall Marián , Matúška Ján , Pitoňák Michal , Štekláč Marek
Published: March 2023

Here we present three distinct machine learning (ML) approaches (TensorFlow, XGBoost, and SchNetPack) for docking score prediction. AutoDock Vina is used to evaluate the inhibitory potential of ZINC15 in‐vivo and in‐vitro‐only sets towards the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease. The in‐vivo set (59 884 compounds) is used for ML training (max. 80%), validation (5%), and testing (15%). The in‐vitro‐only set (174 014 compounds) is used for the evaluation of prediction capability of the trained ML models. Contributions to the prediction error are analyzed with respect to compounds' charge, number of atoms, and expected inhibitory potential (docking score). Methods for the prediction error estimation of new compounds are considered, yet critically rejected. The ML input weighted with respect to the desired property (i.e., low docking score) in the machine learning models shows to be a promising option to improve the ML performance. Proposed models provide significant reduction in number of intriguing compounds that need to be investigated.
Efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with severe COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Diab Rehab Adel , Elsaeidy Khaled Saad , Albakri Khaled , El‐Samahy Mohamed , Ramadan Omar , Negida Ahmed , Seif Ali Mohamed , Al‐Alfy Mohamed N.
Published: March 2023

We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the existing evidence and to quantitatively synthesise evidence on the impact of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on severe COVID‐19 patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022316331). We systemically searched six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, clinicaltrial.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 1 June 2022. We included studies comparing patients who received TPE versus those who received the standard treatment. For risk of bias assessment, we used the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, the ROBINS1 tool, and the Newcastle Ottawa scale for RCTs, non‐RCTs, and observational studies, respectively. Continuous data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD), and dichotomous data were pooled as risk ratio in the random effect model with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Thirteen studies (one randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 12 non‐RCTs) were included in the meta‐analysis, with a total of 829 patients. There is a moderate‐quality evidence from one RCT that TPE reduces the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (SMD −1.09, 95% CI [−1.59 to −0.60]), D‐dimer (SMD −0.86, 95% CI [−1.34 to −0.37]), and ferritin (SMD −0.70, 95% CI [−1.18 to −0.23]), and increases the absolute lymphocyte count (SMD 0.54, 95% CI [0.07–1.01]), There is low‐quality evidence from mixed‐design studies that TPE was associated with lower mortality (relative risk 0.51, 95% CI [0.35–0.74]), lower IL‐6 (SMD −0.91, 95% CI [−1.19 to −0.63]), and lower ferritin (SMD −0.51, 95% CI [−0.80 to −0.22]) compared to the standard control. Among severely affected COVID‐19 patients, TPE might provide benefits such as decreasing the mortality rate, LDH, D‐dimer, IL‐6, and ferritin, in addition to increasing the higher absolute lymphocyte count. Further well‐designed RCTs are needed.
Assessment on sustainable development of three major urban agglomerations in China based on sustainability‐differentiation‐combined weighting method
Authors: Li Weiwei , Yi Pingtao , Yu Haiting , Lin Weichao , Wu Xinyang
Published: March 2023

Sustainability is an important topic in the development process of urban agglomerations. Sustainability assessment is an effective way to monitor the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Based on the three‐pillars model, the paper assessed the sustainability of the three major urban agglomerations in China by selecting 18 indicators from economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A new sustainability‐differentiation‐combined weighting method was proposed, which considers the sustainability at indicator level as well as highlights the difference at urban agglomeration level. The assessment results show that the Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration performed best, followed by the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration and the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. However, the sustainability level of the three urban agglomerations was not high. It primarily caused by the downward development trend of economic sustainability of the three urban agglomerations. And the YRD and PRD urban agglomerations had lower performances on social sustainability. The spatial sustainability of the urban agglomerations was also analyzed, and the results show the spatial linkage development within the urban agglomerations was poor. Based on these findings, some valuable suggestions were provided as reference for the sustainability construction of the urban agglomerations.
Modeling distribution parameters in system dynamics: an application in childhood obesity
Authors: Chiu Simon K , Freebairn Louise , Baur Louise A , Kreuger L. Kurt , Skinner Adam , Occhipinti Jo‐An
Published: March 2023

System dynamics models are increasingly being used to understand the underlying dynamics of populations and hypothesize causal system structures that can account for changes in a population's disease burden. A considerable challenge for public health modeling is understanding how changes in underlying determinants of a problem impact a population's measure of public health, such as the prevalence of a disease. Additionally, it is common to have limited insights and data for the dynamics of these determinants. This article presents an analytical method of estimating underlying distributions using model‐generated prevalence relying on a minimum number of model stratum. This method models the evolution of the underlying distribution parameters by combining statistical distribution theory and system dynamics models. This article provides general equations for various applications and an in‐depth example using body mass index. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
When opportunity meets ability: The moderating effects of prolific inventors on novel drug innovation following product development failure in biotechnology
Authors: Tzabbar Daniel , Lahiri Amrita , Seo Donghwi Josh , Boeker Warren
Published: March 2023

Research Summary

Through a longitudinal study of the product development portfolios of 457 US‐based firms in the biotechnology industry, we investigate how prolific inventors shape a firm's innovative direction following product development failure. Contrary to received wisdom, we argue and demonstrate that an increase in the number of prolific inventors is associated with a decrease in firm propensity to pursue novel product innovation following such failure. We further find that the presence of prolific inventors with greater collaborative strength and longer tenure negatively moderate the positive relationship between failure and the pursuit of novel product development. We discuss the implications of our results for research on learning from failure and strategic human capital.

Managerial Summary

In case of adverse events such as product development failure, managers often rely on the firm's prolific inventors to help the firm learn from failure. Our study shows that there are limits to this approach. While prolific inventors increase firm propensity for novel product development, such propensity is significantly decreased following product failure. We further establish that the presence of prolific inventors with greater collaborative strength and long tenures is especially likely to reduce firms' pursuit of novel products, while the presence of those with low collaborative strength and tenure tend to increase this propensity.
A Strategic Approach to Design Multi‐Functional RGB Luminescent Security Pigment Based Golden Ink with Myriad Security Features to Curb Counterfeiting of Passport
Authors: Kanika  , Kedawat Garima , Srivastava Shubhda , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: March 2023

Authentication and verification of the most important government issued identity proof, i.e. passport has become more complex and challenging in the last few decades due to various innovations in ways of counterfeiting by fraudsters. Here, the aim is to provide more secured ink without altering its golden appearance in visible light. In this panorama, a novel advanced multi‐functional luminescent security pigment (MLSP) based golden ink (MLSI) is developed that provides an optical authentication and information encryption features to protect the legitimacy of the passport. The advanced MLSP is derived from the ratiometric combination of different luminescent materials to form a single pigment which emits red (620 nm), green (523 nm) and blue (474 nm), when irradiated via 254, 365 and 980 nm NIR wavelengths, respectively. It also includes magnetic nanoparticles to generate magnetic character recognition feature. The MLSI has been fabricated to examine its printing feasibility and stability over different substrates using the conventional screen‐printing technique against harsh chemicals and under different atmospheric conditions. Hence, these advantageous multi‐level security features with golden appearance in visible light is a new breakthrough toward curbing the counterfeiting of passport as well as bank cheques, government documents, pharmaceuticals, military equipment, and many more.
Stimulus‐Responsive Drug Delivery Nanoplatforms for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zhang Shufang
Published: March 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent age‐related degenerative diseases. With an increasingly aging global population, greater numbers of OA patients are providing clear economic and societal burdens. Surgical and pharmacological treatments are the most common and conventional therapeutic strategies for OA, but often fall considerably short of desired or optimal outcomes. With the development of stimulus‐responsive nanoplatforms has come the potential for improved therapeutic strategies for OA. Enhanced control, longer retention time, higher loading rates, and increased sensitivity are among the potential benefits. This review summarizes the advanced application of stimulus‐responsive drug delivery nanoplatforms for OA, categorized by either those that depend on endogenous stimulus (reactive oxygen species, pH, enzyme, and temperature), or those that depend on exogenous stimulus (near‐infrared ray, ultrasound, magnetic fields). The opportunities, restrictions, and limitations related to these various drug delivery systems, or their combinations, are discussed in areas such as multi‐functionality, image guidance, and multi‐stimulus response. The remaining constraints and potential solutions that are represented by the clinical application of stimulus‐responsive drug delivery nanoplatforms are finally summarized.
Nano‐Econazole Enhanced PD‐L1 Checkpoint Blockade for Synergistic Antitumor Immunotherapy against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Qiong , Qin Siyuan , Tian Hailong , Liu Ruolan , Qiao Ling , Liu Shanshan , Li Bowen , Yang Mei , Shi Jiayan , Nice Edouard C. , Li Jingquan , Lang Tingyuan , Huang Canhua
Published: March 2023

Insufficienct T lymphocyte infiltration and unresponsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade therapy are still major difficulties for the clinical treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although econazole has shown promise in inhibiting PDAC growth, its poor bioavailability and water solubility limit its potential as a clinical therapy for PDAC. Furthermore, the synergistic role of econazole and biliverdin in immune checkpoint blockade therapy in PDAC remains elusive and challenging. Herein, a chemo‐phototherapy nanoplatform is designed by which econazole and biliverdin can be co‐assembled (defined as FBE NPs), which significantly improve the poor water solubility of econazole and enhance the efficacy of PD‐L1 checkpoint blockade therapy against PDAC. Mechanistically, econazole and biliverdin are directly released into the acidic cancer microenvironment, to activate immunogenic cell death via biliverdin‐induced PTT/PDT and boost the immunotherapeutic response of PD‐L1 blockade. In addition, econazole simultaneously enhances PD‐L1 expression to sensitize anti‐PD‐L1 therapy, leading to suppression of distant tumors, long‐term immune memory effects, improved dendritic cell maturation, and tumor infiltration of CD8+T lymphocytes. The combined FBE NPs and α‐PDL1 show synergistic antitumor efficacy. Collectively, FBE NPs show excellent biosafety and antitumor efficacy by combining chemo‐phototherapy with PD‐L1 blockade, which has promising potential in a precision medicine approach as a PDAC treatment strategy.
Can thermal refuges save salmonids? Simulation of cold-pool benefits to salmonid populations
Authors: Railsback Steven F. , Harvey Bret C.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The literature on thermal refuges has focused on when fish use what kinds of refuge, but we address how refuge availability and characteristics affect population abundance and persistence under warming.

Methods

Population benefits of thermal refuges are very difficult to assess empirically, so we used InSTREAM, an individual-based trout population model. InSTREAM represents several ways temperature affects survival and growth, as mediated by behaviors such as deciding when and where to feed. The model’s credibility was established by showing that it closely reproduced 10 observed patterns in how refuge use varied with temperature, time of day, and trout size and in how refuge availability affects populations. We then simulated four levels of refuge availability in four increasingly warm temperature regimes, examining (1) survival and growth over summer periods of prolonged high temperatures and (2) population abundance and persistence over 22 years.

Result

In the simulation experiments, summer refuge use acted as a population bottleneck: the number of surviving trout increased with refuge area and decreased with temperature. During prolonged summer high temperatures, mortality was high until abundance dropped to a level sustainable by the refuges. The model predicted reduced but persistent populations under high warming when thermal refuges made up 2% or more of stream area.

Conclusion

The concept of salmonids “hanging on” in refuges, losing weight but surviving peak temperatures, was not supported by our experiment. The value of potential refuges to salmonid populations appears determined not just by temperature and area, but also by other characteristics that affect growth and survival, such as the availability of food and habitat for feeding and predator avoidance.
Regioselective C−H Trifluoromethylation and Its Related Reactions of (Hetero)aromatic Compounds
Authors: Kuninobu Yoichiro
Published: March 2023

Fluorinated functional groups, including trifluoromethyl group, play important roles in the development of drugs, agrochemicals, and organic functional materials. Therefore, the development of highly effective and practical reactions to introduce fluorinated functional groups into (hetero)aromatic compounds is highly desirable. We have achieved several regioselective C−H trifluoromethylation and related reactions by electrophilic and nucleophilic activation of six‐membered heteroaromatic compounds and steric protection of aromatic compounds. These reactions proceed in good to excellent yields, even on a gram scale, with high functional group tolerance, and are applicable to the regioselective trifluoromethylation of drug molecules. In this personal account, the background of the introduction reactions of fluorinated functional groups, our reaction designs to achieve regioselective C−H trifluoromethylation and the related reactions of (hetero)aromatic compounds are explained.
Postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolisation improves survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion: A multicenter retrospective cohort
Authors: Luo Laihui , Shan Renfeng , Cui Lifeng , Wu Zhao , Qian Junlin , Tu Shuju , Zhang WenJian , Xiong Yuanpeng , Lin Wei , Tang Hongtao , Zhang Yang , Zhu Jisheng , Huang Zeyu , Li Zhigang , Mao Shengping , Li Hui , Hu Zemin , Peng Peng , He Kun , Li Yong , Liu Liping , Shen Wei , He Yongzhu
Published: March 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolisation (PA‐TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated by microvascular invasion (MVI).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1505 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy at four medical centers, including 782 patients who received PA‐TACE and 723 patients who did not receive adjuvant PA‐TACE, has been conducted. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed on the data to minimise selection bias, which resulted in a balanced clinical profile between groups.

Results

After PSM, 620 patients who received PA‐TACE and 620 patients who did not receive PA‐TACE were included. Disease‐free survival (DFS, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year: 88%‐68%‐61% vs. 70%‐58%‐51%, p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year: 96%‐89%‐82% vs. 89%‐77%‐67%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients who received PA‐TACE than in those who did not. Patients with MVI who received PA‐TACE had significantly higher DFS (1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year: 68%‐57%‐48% vs. 46%‐31%‐27%, p < 0.001) and OS (1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year: 96%‐84%‐77% vs. 79%‐58%‐40%, p < 0.001) than those who did not receive PA‐TACE. Among the six different liver cancer stages, MVI‐negative patients did not have significant survival outcomes from PA‐TACE (p > 0.05), whereas MVI‐positive patients achieved higher DFS and OS from it (p < 0.05). Liver dysfunction, fever, and nausea/vomiting were the most common adverse events in patients receiving PA‐TACE. There was no significant difference in grade 3 or 4 adverse events between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolisation has a good safety profile and may be a potentially beneficial treatment modality for survival outcomes in patients with HCC, especially those with concomitant MVI.
Development of highly conductive hybrid Ni‐biocarbon‐based polyvinyl alcohol composites for microwave shielding properties
Authors: Hymlin Rose S. G. , Kuppusamy P. G. , Tapas Bapu B. R. , Ponnusamy Muruganantham
Published: March 2023

In this study a highly flexible microwave shielding material was fabricated by solution casting method utilizing Nickel and biocarbon particles in PVA matrix and characterized for mechanical, magnetic, and microwave shielding properties. The main aim of this study was to prove the significant role of magnetic particles in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding along with conductive particles. The results show that the addition of Ni‐biocarbon hybrid particle increases the shielding properties up to 56.5 dB at 20 GHz. The magnetic permeability increased gradually with the inclusion of Ni particles with a highest magnetization, coercivity, and retentivity of 1250 E−6 emu, −9000 G, and 1100 E−6 emu. Similarly the mechanical results show that adding biocarbon enhances the composite's mechanical properties. A highest tensile strength, tear strength, elongation, and hardness are noted as 38, 168 MPa, 18.4%, and 36 Shore‐D. Comparatively, the hardness and elongation% of composite designations contains 3 and 5 vol% of hybrid particles have increased by 9% and 26%, respectively, in comparison to composite containing only 5 vol% of biocarbon with PVA. Scanning electron microscope fractography indicates biocarbon particles reduce voids and improve adhesion. These flexible EMI shielding composites could be used in telecommunication and other wave transmitting devices in engineering applications.
Electroosmotically augmented peristaltic flow of carbon nanotubes based nanofluid through asymmetrical channel
Authors: Khan Zafar Hayat , Akbar Noreen Sher , Akram Javaria , Hamid Muhammad , Wei Yangjiang
Published: March 2023

The peristaltic flow of nanofluids is an emerging area of scientific research due to its vital industrial and medical applications. Herein, a model study is conducted to numerically investigate, the electroosmotically augmented peristaltic pumping of electrically conducting aqueous ionic nanofluid through an inclined asymmetric channel. The behavior of the model for various involved parameters is expressed through a set of graphs. The velocity profile gained a significant increment for Joule heating and electroosmotic velocity parameters. The velocity dropped for the Hartmann number, while a dual behavior is noted for the thermal Grashof number. However, the magnetic number enhances the temperature, while a lower temperature is perceived for the electroosmotic velocity and Debye length parameters. The streamline pattern for the fluid flow subject to multiple values of the electroosmotic velocity parameter can be seen to indicate that for negative values of the parameter, a larger number of streamlines are circulated compared to the case when the electric field is absent, that is, . However, in the case of an opposing electric field, that is, for the positive values of the parameter, the streamline bolus occurs across the centerline of the channel.
Sexual dimorphism in Louisiana pine snakes (Pituophis ruthveni)
Authors: Mayer C. , Russell L. , McKinney M. , Litton M. , Mendyk R. W. , Cutler D. , Liu C. , Nevarez J. G.
Published: March 2023

The Louisiana pine snake, Pituophis ruthveni, is a cryptic, federally threatened snake species with several fragmented populations in Louisiana and Texas, USA. There are currently four captive breeding populations in zoos in the USA; however, little scientific data exists on their life history and anatomy. Accurate sex determination and identification of normal reproductive anatomy are an essential part of a veterinary exam and conservation programs. The authors had encountered various cases of sex misidentification in this species that were attributed to lack of lubrication of the sexing probes and enlarged musk glands. Anecdotal observation led to a hypothesis of sexual dimorphism based on body and tail shape. To test this hypothesis, we measured body length, tail length and width, and body to tail taper angle in 15 P. ruthveni (9 males and 6 females). We also obtained tail radiographs of all animals to document the presence of mineralized hemipenes. Significant dimorphism was identified in relative tail length, width, and taper angle; females consistently exhibited a more acute taper angle. Contrary to previous studies in other Pituophis species, a male‐biased sexual size dimorphism was not identified. Mineralized hemipenes were confirmed in all males (a newly described trait in this species), and we found that the lateral view was consistently more reliable for identification of hemipenes compared to the ventrodorsal view. This information contributes to the scientific community's understanding of this species and is of use to biologists and veterinarians working toward conservation of this threatened species.
What’s God Got to Do with It? Debating Religion and Forced Migration Entanglements
Authors: Goździak Elżbieta M. , Main Izabella
Published: March 2023

This introductory chapter sets up the stage for the subsequent contributions to this volume by presenting theoretical frameworks within which religion, including religious pluralism and religious tolerance, and forced migration are currently debated. It shows how political and policy debates on reception of refugees and asylum seekers intersect with the role religion and spirituality play in the lives of forced migrants. The chapter ends with a road map for the rest of the volume.
Contesting Flexible Solidarity: Secular and Religious Support for Refugees in Hungary
Authors: Goździak Elżbieta M.
Published: March 2023

In this chapter, I discuss the Hungarian government’s call for “flexible solidarity.” I juxtapose flexible solidarity with grassroots efforts undertaken by different actors to welcome asylum seekers and facilitate their onward journey to European countries, where opportunities for more permanent settlement existed. I show how the flexible and effective solidarity promoted by the Hungarian government created deserving and undeserving refugees. I also present the position of religious leaders toward refugees to show how some attempted to welcome the Stranger, while others sided with the Orbán administration to advocate for solidarity abroad. I also demonstrate how different solidarians representing civil society organizations and informal community networks contested the government’s anti-refugee policies. While the civil society actors provided invaluable assistance to asylum seekers, they were not able to affect major policy changes.
Thou Shalt Not Deport? Religious Ethical Discourse and the Politics of Asylum in Poland and Israel
Authors: Bielewska Agnieszka , Cohen Nir
Published: March 2023

The chapter explores the use of religious ethical discourse to support more or less restrictionist state policies toward asylum seekers. Drawing on the cases of Israel and Poland, it examines how religion-based ethical narratives are mobilized instrumentally by political actors to advocate pro/anti-asylum policies. In recent years, both countries experienced a large inflow—or threat thereof—of asylum seekers from developing, Muslim-majority countries in Western Asia or Africa, which elicited a heated public debate. In addition, they both have relatively homogenous populations, and maintain an ethnicity-based citizenship regime (jus sanguinis), as well as strong relations between state and (institutionalized) religion, either Catholicism or (Orthodox) Judaism. Finally, a dominant narrative of national victimization is salient in both countries, which is critical for understanding the political debate over asylum policies. In light of these similarities, we analyze the political discourse in each country during the peak years of the crisis in order to show how religious arguments were employed to support pro/anti-asylum policies. We use secondary data obtained through the written and electronic media, showing that in both countries, the “otherness” of newcomers intersected with historical narratives of ethno-religious and national victimization, shaping a binary political discourse concerning the desired national policy toward asylum seekers. The paper concludes by drawing lessons about the ways in which ethical religious arguments shape contemporary migration discourse and policy.
We Shall Overcome: A Case Study of the LGBT Asylum Task Force, a Parish Ministry
Authors: Niedzwiecki Max
Published: March 2023

This is a case study of the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Task Force is a ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC. It is the only program in the U.S. dedicated to providing wrap-around services, including housing, to LGBT asylum seekers. Since its inception in 2008, it has provided services to over 219 people from 24 countries. The discussion of the Task Force makes extensive use of interviews with its leadership and membership to showcase lived experiences of asylum seekers and those who assist them.
New Concepts for OCAC in Other Applications
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Li Lin
Published: March 2023

In this chapter, some new concepts like OCAC with oxy-pressurized fluidized bed oxy-fuel combustion, OCAC coupled with staged conversion of fuel, OCAC application beyond fluidized bed and multi-functional OCAC, are proposed, and the basic principles and technical advantages of these new technologies are introduced in detail. We are confident that there will be more and more beneficial applications of OCAC in the future, We also look forward to providing new ideas for the diversified development of OCAC technology through the proposal of related new concepts.
Worldsheet computation of heavy-light correlators
Authors: Bufalini Davide , Iguri Sergio , Kovensky Nicolas , Turton David
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We compute a large collection of string worldsheet correlators describing light probes interacting with heavy black hole microstates. The heavy states consist of NS5 branes carrying momentum and/or fundamental string charge. In the fivebrane decoupling limit, worldsheet string theory on a family of such backgrounds is given by exactly solvable null-gauged WZW models. We construct physical vertex operators in these cosets, including all massless fluctuations. We compute a large class of novel heavy-light-light-heavy correlators in the AdS3 limit, where the light operators include those dual to chiral primaries of the holographically dual CFT. We compare a subset of these correlators to the holographic CFT at the symmetric product orbifold point, and find precise agreement in all cases, including for light operators in twisted sectors of the orbifold CFT. The agreement is highly non-trivial, and includes amplitudes that describe the analogue of Hawking radiation for these microstates. We further derive a formula for worldsheet correlators consisting of n light insertions on these backgrounds, and discuss which subset of these correlators are likely to be protected. As a test, we compute a heavy-light five-point function, obtaining precisely the same result both from the worldsheet and the symmetric orbifold CFT. This paper is a companion to and extension of [1].
RG flows and symmetry enhancement in five-dimensional Lifshitz gauge theories
Authors: Lambert Neil , Smith Joseph
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Lagrangian gauge theories with a z = 2 Lifshitz scaling provide a family of interacting, asymptotically free five-dimensional field theories. We examine a broad class of these theories, including some of their quantum properties, extending previous results to include matter. We present no-go theorems that, in the absence of constraints, the class of theories we consider cannot admit a spinorial supersymmetry or Galilean boost symmetry. However, we argue that there exist renormalization group flows whose fixed points can admit supersymmetry and boosts, i.e. super-Schrödinger symmetry. We also present examples of Lifshitz gauge theories with a scalar supersymmetry.
Sulfide anatexis during high-grade metamorphism: a case study from the Bodenmais SEDEX deposit, Germany
Authors: Staude Sebastian , Raisch Dominic , Markl Gregor
Published: March 2023

Many sedimentary-exhalative (SEDEX) sulfide deposits have been subject to regional metamorphism and, if the metamorphic grade was high enough, this could have resulted in sulfide anatexis. Although experiments and textures indeed showed that some deposits were partially molten, there is an ongoing debate as to the extent to which metamorphosed ore deposits were molten. Since some SEDEX deposits underwent amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism, not only sulfides but also the host silicate rocks should have reached anatectic conditions. Due to the two immiscible silicate and sulfide melts, the formation of typical mingling and emulsion textures, as already known from magmatic sulfide deposits, should form. To test this hypothesis, we investigate sulfide-silicate textures from the granulite-facies Bodenmais SEDEX deposit (Germany). Textures from Bodenmais are similar to magmatic sulfide deposits including sulfide-matrix breccia, emulsion textures, pegmatitic leucosomes, and massive sulfides overlain by net-textured intergrowths of refractory quartz, which is interpreted to be a relic of silicate anatexis. Minerals crystallized during the interaction of both immiscible melts differ in their chemistry compared to the same minerals found in the adjacent migmatitic host rocks: for example, garnet in sulfides is Mn-rich (spessartine), but Fe-rich (almandine) in the migmatites and sulfide-enclosed cordierite is more enriched in Mg (Mg/(Mg + Fe): 0.84) than migmatitic cordierite (Mg/(Mg + Fe): 0.54). The textures themselves, their spatial arrangement within the deposit, the differences in mineral chemistry, and the observed crystallization sequence provide unequivocal evidence that the sulfides at Bodenmais were molten to a large extent under granulite facies conditions.
Ladle pouring process parameter and quality estimation using Mask R-CNN and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalisation
Authors: O’Donovan Callum , Popov Ivan , Todeschini Grazia , Giannetti Cinzia
Published: March 2023

Deep learning in computer vision is becoming increasingly popular and useful for tracking object movement in many application areas, due to data collection burgeoning from the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data. So far, computer vision has been used in industry predominantly for quality inspection purposes such as surface defect detection; however, an emergent research area is the application for process monitoring involving tracking moving machinery in real time. In steelmaking, the deployment of computer vision for process monitoring is hindered by harsh environments, poor lighting conditions and fume presence. Therefore, application of computer vision remains unplumbed. This paper proposes a novel method for tracking hot metal ladles during pouring in poor lighting. The proposed method uses contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalisation (CLAHE) for contrast enhancement, Mask R-CNN for segmentation prediction and Kalman filters for improving predictions. Pixel-level tracking enables pouring height and rotation angle estimation which are controllable parameters. Flame severity is also estimated to indicate process quality. The method has been validated with real data collected from ladle pours. Currently, no publications presenting a method for tracking ladle pours exist. The model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.61 by the Microsoft Common Objects in Context (MSCOCO) standard. It measures key process parameters and process quality in processes with high variability, which significantly contributes to process enhancement through root-cause analysis, process optimisation and predictive maintenance. With real-time tracking, predictions could automate ladle controls for closed-loop control to minimise emissions and eliminate variability from human error.
Additive manufacturing of recycled plastics: a ‘techno-eco-efficiency’ assessment
Authors: Jayawardane Heshan , Davies Ian J. , Gamage J. R. , John Michele , Biswas Wahidul K.
Published: March 2023

Plastic materials have been widely used to replace metals in functional parts due to their lower cost and comparable technical properties. However, the increasing use of virgin plastic material in consumer and industrial applications has placed a significant burden on waste management due to the volume of waste created and the potential negative effects of its end-of-life processing. There is a need to adopt circular economy strategies such as plastic recycling within industrial applications in order to reduce this significant waste management pressure. The present study used recycled polylactic acid (PLA) material as a feedstock for the 3D printing of a centrifugal semi-open pump impeller. The technical performance of 3D printed recycled PLA material and virgin PLA material was compared in this study. The environmental impacts for technically feasible impellers were assessed through the environmental life cycle assessment, while costs were evaluated by life cycle costing. The results were incorporated into a techno-eco-efficiency framework to compare the technical properties, environmental impacts, and costs. The social impacts of additive manufacturing and recycled feedstock material were also explored. The technical assessment results indicated that tensile strength, fatigue strength, density, and hardness decreased with recycled material content compared to virgin material. Microscopy of the fracture surfaces revealed the presence of slightly higher porosity and defects in recycled specimens, which could result in slightly lower technical properties. However, the recycled material was accepted for further ecological analysis as it offered higher pumping performance when compared to the original component and could reduce the burden on virgin material-based production and waste material disposal. Importantly, the results showed that 3D printed recycled PLA impellers are more eco-efficient when compared to 3D printed virgin PLA impellers.
Vaginal and laparoscopic sub-urethral sling explantation
Authors: Collin-Bund Virginie , Gabriele Victor , Minella Chris , Lecointre Lise , Boisramé Thomas , Faller Emilie , Host Aline , Akladios Chérif , Saussine Christian , Garbin Olivier
Published: March 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to describe the different laparoscopic and vaginal steps of sub-urethral infected mesh explantation as well as an unexpected and unusual complication: a sub-mucosal calcification on the sub-urethral segment of the sling that was not infiltrating the urethra.

Methods

This was carried out at our University Teaching Hospital of Strasbourg.

Results

We show the complete removal of an infected retropubic sling in a patient who had already undergone three previous surgeries without resolution of symptoms. This is a difficult case requiring a laparoscopic approach of the space of Retzius, which has been less familiar to surgeons since the advent of the midurethral sling. We show how to approach this space in an inflammatory environment by specifying its anatomical limits. Moreover, a great deal can be learned from the occurrence of an infectious complication after the surgery and the presence of a large calcification on the prosthesis. In this context, we advise a systematic antibiotic treatment to avoid this kind of complication.

Conclusions

Knowing the guidelines and the different surgical steps will help urogynecological surgeons to perform similar procedures in patients requiring removal of retropubic slings for complications such as infection and pain, where conservative management has not been successful. These cases must be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, as recommended by the French National Authority for Health, and managed in an expert establishment.
An improved bilinear restriction estimate for the paraboloid in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$
Authors: Oh Changkeun
Published: March 2023

We obtain a sharp bilinear restriction estimate for the paraboloid in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

for $$q>13/4.$$

q
>
13
/
4
.
Electrochemical and thermal detection of allergenic substance lysozyme with molecularly imprinted nanoparticles
Authors: Singla Pankaj , Kaur Sarbjeet , Jamieson Oliver , Dann Amy , Garg Saweta , Mahon Clare , Crapnell Robert D. , Banks Craig E. , Kaur Inderpreet , Peeters Marloes
Published: March 2023

Lysozyme (LYZ) is a small cationic protein which is widely used for medical treatment and in the food industry to act as an anti-bacterial agent; however, it can trigger allergic reactions. In this study, high-affinity molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) were synthesized for LYZ using a solid-phase approach. The produced nanoMIPs were electrografted to screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), disposable electrodes with high commercial potential, to enable electrochemical and thermal sensing. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) facilitated fast measurement (5–10 min) and is able to determine trace levels of LYZ (pM) and can discriminate between LYZ and structurally similar proteins (bovine serum albumin, troponin-I). In tandem, thermal analysis was conducted with the heat transfer method (HTM), which is based on monitoring the heat transfer resistance at the solid–liquid interface of the functionalized SPE. HTM as detection technique guaranteed trace-level (fM) detection of LYZ but needed longer analysis time compared to EIS measurement (30 min vs 5–10 min). Considering the versatility of the nanoMIPs which can be adapted to virtually any target of interest, these low-cost point-of-care sensors hold great potential to improve food safety.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of Global trigger tool as a medication safety tool for adverse drug event detection—a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Valkonen Ville , Haatainen Kaisa , Saano Susanna , Tiihonen Miia
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to describe and analyze adverse drug events (ADE) identified using the Global trigger tool (GTT) in a Finnish tertiary hospital during a 5-year period and also to evaluate whether the medication module of the GTT is a useful tool for ADE detection and management or if modification of the medication module is needed. A cross-sectional study of retrospective record review in a 450-bed tertiary hospital in Finland. Ten randomly selected patients from electronic medical records were reviewed bimonthly from 2017 to 2021. The GTT team reviewed a total of 834 records with modified GTT method, which includes the evaluation of possible polypharmacy, National Early Warning Score (NEWS), highest nursing intensity raw score (NI), and pain triggers. The data set contained 366 records with triggers in medication module and 601 records with the polypharmacy trigger that were analyzed in this study. With the GTT, a total of 53 ADEs were detected in the 834 medical records, which corresponds to 13 ADEs/1000 patient-days and 6% of the patients. Altogether, 44% of the patients had at least one trigger found with the GTT medication module. As the number of medication module triggers increased per patient, it was more likely that the patient had also experienced an ADE. The number of triggers found with the GTT medication module in patients’ records seems to correlate with the risk of ADEs. Modification of the GTT could provide even more reliable data for ADE prevention.
Wave field measurements of regular wave–monopile interaction using Free-Surface Synthetic Schlieren
Authors: Oldenziel G. , Moreno-Rodenas A. , Bruinsma N. , Bakker W.
Published: March 2023

Spatio-temporal wave patterns due to wave field–structure interaction can be very complex to measure and analyze when using (intrusive) point probes. Free-surface field measurements can offer much needed insight in this domain. Nevertheless, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, these methods are rarely used in experimental offshore engineering and research. In these fields, typical domain sizes are at least in the order of several m2, whereas (optical) free-surface field measurements are often not performed in domains with dimensions larger than roughly 0.5 × 0.5 m2. In the current work, the optical free-surface measurement technique named Free-Surface Synthetic Schlieren (FS-SS) is applied to measure the interaction between an incident wave field and a surface piercing cylinder, or monopile, in a domain of several m2 for the first time. The FS-SS method is validated for wave fields with wavelengths $$\uplambda \ll L$$

λ
≪
L

to $$\uplambda \gg L$$

λ
≫
L

, where $$L$$
L
is the domain size in the direction of wave propagation. It is found that the incorporation of an additional water level measurement improves the agreement between intrusive wave height meters and the FS-SS measurement for large wavelengths $$(\uplambda /L >0.5)$$

(
λ
/
L
>
0.5
)

as compared to assuming a zero-mean free-surface. Wave field–monopile interaction is measured for two values of $$D/\lambda$$

D
/
λ

: $$D/\lambda = 0.1$$

D
/
λ
=
0.1

and $$D/\lambda = 0.2$$

D
/
λ
=
0.2

, where $$D$$
D
is the monopile diameter. For the case $$D/\lambda = 0.2$$

D
/
λ
=
0.2

the interaction wave field is analyzed by subtracting the measured wave field in the absence of a structure, from the measured interaction wave fields. The measured difference wave field reveals many interaction phenomena such as locations of amplification, both near the monopile and further away, a wake that has certain similarities with a Kelvin wake, and a circular small wavelength diffraction pattern. Additionally, the embedding of the measurements in a wave breaking regime map is presented. In this map, the applicability for certain wave conditions can be clearly visualized. It is concluded that the FS-SS method, including the proposed improvement using additional sensor data, is a useful addition to the toolbox of hydraulic engineers and researchers, and that especially the measured locations of wave amplification in the far field will not be easily detected using (arrays of) point probes.