bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening Among Arab Females in the Middle East: A Literature Review
Authors: Alduraidi Hamza , Tarazi Alaa , Theeb Laith , AlKasaji Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in Arab countries. Lack of knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer screening has increased the breast cancer‐related morbidity and mortality.

Purpose

This literature review aimed to assess published research papers with a focus on the levels of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers of women in Arab countries of the Middle East toward breast cancer and its screening.

Method

SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched using specific terms for relevant, quantitative, original studies published between 2017 and 2022. All English articles that matched the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Fourteen studies focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and barriers regarding breast cancer were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening and extraction.

Results

Among the reviewed studies, a range from 19.6% in Oman to 67% in Saudi Arabia had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Past personal or family history was a well‐recognized risk factor (n = 5), and being worried about the results was the most common barrier to screening. Although most women were aware of screening methods, the majority did not practice screening. Social media and the internet were the most used sources of information used by women to obtain knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening (n = 6).

Conclusion

Most of the Arab female population had low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer and its screening. Programs designed to raise awareness are necessary, and more policy changes must take place on the national level in Arab, Middle Eastern countries to address the low knowledge, the negative attitudes, and the limited access to breast cancer screening.
Sensitive outcome measures to detect the association between PM2.5 and lung function impairment
Authors: Stanojevic Sanja
Published: October 2024

See related article
Earnings management before mergers and acquisitions: Evidence from the U.S. property‐casualty insurance industry
Authors: Che Xin , He Enya , Sommer David W. , Xie Xiaoying
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the earnings management behavior of target insurers before mergers and acquisitions by investigating their reserving conservatism compared to control insurers. Contrary to the expectation that acquisition targets would manipulate their earnings to increase acquisition premiums, we find that target insurers are generally more conservative in their loss reserving practices before acquisitions than control firms. This finding provides support for the effectiveness of due diligence and the contractual risk shifting arguments, and the result holds regardless of whether acquirers are insurers or non‐insurers. Furthermore, we discover that target loss reserve conservatism is negatively associated with target CEO turnover post‐acquisition. In line with existing literature, we also find evidence suggesting that targets involved in stock acquisitions tend to adopt a less conservative reserving strategy than in deals that do not include stock payments.
Bringing the state back in: Populism and economic nationalism in Europe
Authors: Ganga Paula D.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Economic nationalism has been on the rise for the past two decades. Scholars have also noted the shift away from globalization and deregulation toward a more prominent role of the state in the economy. I explore the role played by populist governments in the increased adoption of economic nationalism and in this return of the state. I argue that the populist worldview lends itself naturally to a consolidation of power—not just political, but also economic. This consolidation of economic power results in a more prominent state even in countries where the populist regime is a right‐leaning one.

Methods

I test this argument quantitatively by analyzing governments in 30 European countries since 1990, levels of state ownership in the economy, and a battery of economic and political controls.

Results

The election of a populist government is associated with a strengthening of state ownership in the economy.

Conclusion

I conclude with a discussion of the prospects for the future study of this populist economic agenda both domestically and internationally.
Firearms, families, and financial distress: Economic instability and increased gun desire
Authors: Sola Justin L. , Warner Tara D.
Published: October 2024

The United States is a global leader in estimated rates of civilian gun ownership, and over the past few years—as the country grappled with a struggling economy exacerbated by a global pandemic—gun‐buying surged. We argue that the COVID‐19 pandemic's economic impact has implications for gun purchasing interest, and this intersects with gendered expectations about familial roles. Integrating sociological scholarship on gender and families with consumer behavior research, and using a preregistered online survey of over 8000 American adults collected in the early months of the pandemic's emergence in the United States (May 2020–June 2020), we hypothesize that men in familial roles may express greater gun interest in response to financial instability, and theorize why such a process may also be observed among women. Analyses show that men's gun interest is unaffected by family roles or financial distress. Women in family roles—mothers, in particular—who experience financial stress, however, are significantly more amenable toward guns than other women and express interest at levels approaching those of men. We discuss how such findings increase our understanding of the heterogeneity of gun owners.
Necessitarianism in Leibniz with a view to contingency in natural science and theology
Authors: Carus Clara
Published: October 2024

Leibniz distinguishes between contingent truths and necessary truths, but many commentators worry that Leibniz's contingent truths are not truly contingent. While scholars who consider Leibniz in the context of his work in the natural sciences often view Leibniz as a forerunner of the theory of contingent truths, scholars who consider his theological views tend to be considerably more concerned about the space for contingent truths in his system. This paper examines Leibniz's theory of contingent truths and shows that there are two distinct and initially unrelated dilemmas that forced the young Leibniz of the 1670s to recognize that not all things are necessary and prompted him to develop an idea of contingency: the first concerned natural laws in natural science and the other his idea of the theodicy. The present paper argues that Leibniz's theory of contingent truths based on the principle of sufficient reason is a solution to the question of the validity of natural laws and does not lead to necessitarianism. However, Leibniz maintains a series of commitments in theology, which push him towards necessitarianism throughout his lifetime.
A Matter of Memory? Age‐Invariant Relative Clause Disambiguation and Memory Interference in Older Adults
Authors: van Boxtel Willem S. , Lawyer Laurel A.
Published: October 2024

Past research suggests that Working Memory plays a role in determining relative clause attachment bias. Disambiguation preferences may further depend on Processing Speed and explicit memory demands in linguistic tasks. Given that Working Memory and Processing Speed decline with age, older adults offer a way of investigating the factors underlying disambiguation preferences. Additionally, older adults might be subject to more severe similarity‐based memory interference given their larger vocabularies and slower lexical access. Nevertheless, memory interference and sentence disambiguation have not been combined in studies on older adults before. We used a self‐paced reading paradigm under memory load interference conditions. Older (n = 30) and Younger (n = 35) readers took part in the study online; reading times were recorded and measures of comprehension accuracy and load recall were collected. This setup allowed for the implicit measurement of attachment biases and memory interference effects interactively. Results show that similarity‐based interference affected both age groups equally, but was more pronounced in NP2‐biased structures, which took participants generally longer to read. Attachment preferences did not differ by group and were unaffected by Working Memory span. However, accuracy on recall prompts was predicted by Working Memory span in both groups. Findings of greater interference in syntactically dispreferred structures support unified processing models where parsing constraints naturally interact. The lack of age differences on our measures further aligns with research finding age‐invariant implicit language processing.
Tomographic and ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland in pet guinea pigs
Authors: Pelligra Tina , Puccinelli Caterina , Petrini Daniele , Mattolini Mirko , Citi Simonetta
Published: October 2024

There has been increasing interest in the literature on primary thyroid diseases in guinea pigs, which are believed to be underdiagnosed. This study describes the size and characteristics of the thyroid gland on ultrasound (US) and CT examinations in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) without evidence of thyroid pathology and examines the possible use of US as a routine examination for thyroid diseases. This prospective and anatomical study included 20 guinea pigs that underwent CT for dental pathologies and US for thyroid gland (TG) examination. Based on US and CT images, this study evaluated the thyroid lobe dimensions (length, height, and width) and shape. Echogenicity and homogeneity were assessed on US images, and attenuation values (HU) and homogeneity were evaluated on CT images. All animals underwent CT and US examinations under anesthesia. Thyroid lobes appeared more frequently as fusiform on CT (65%) and oval on US scans (67.5%). The attenuation values on CT scans were homogeneous. On the US scans, the TG was more frequently hypoechoic. No statistically significant differences were found between the size of the right and left thyroid lobes, both with CT and US. A statistically significant difference was found between the length values on CT and US. The US and CT thyroid gland dimensions, shape, and appearance were described. Both CT and US are useful techniques for evaluating the TG in guinea pigs.
Gastrointestinal permeability and kidney injury risk during hyperthermia in young and older adults
Authors: McKenna Zachary J. , Atkins Whitley C. , Wallace Taysom , Jarrard Caitlin P. , Crandall Craig G. , Foster Josh
Published: October 2024

We tested whether older adults, compared with young adults, exhibit greater gastrointestinal permeability and kidney injury during heat stress. Nine young (32 ± 3 years) and nine older (72 ± 3 years) participants were heated using a model of controlled hyperthermia (increasing core temperature by 2°C via a water‐perfused suit). Gastrointestinal permeability was assessed using a multi‐sugar drink test containing lactulose, sucrose and rhamnose. Blood and urine samples were assayed for markers of intestinal barrier injury [plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and plasma soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14)], inflammation (serum cytokines), kidney function (plasma creatinine and cystatin C) and kidney injury [urine arithmetic product of IGFBP7 and TIMP‐2 (TIMP‐2 × IGFBP7), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1]. The lactulose‐to‐rhamnose ratio was increased in both young and older adults (group‐wide: Δ0.11 ± 0.11), but the excretion of sucrose was increased only in older adults (Δ1.7 ± 1.5). Young and older adults showed similar increases in plasma LBP (group‐wide: Δ0.65 ± 0.89 µg/mL), but no changes were observed for I‐FABP or sCD14. Heat stress caused similar increases in plasma creatinine (group‐wide: Δ0.08 ± 0.07 mg/dL), cystatin C (group‐wide: Δ0.16 ± 0.18 mg/L) and urinary IGFBP7 × TIMP‐2 [group‐wide: Δ0.64 ± 0.95 (pg/min)2] in young and older adults. Thus, the level of heat stress used herein caused modest increases in gastrointestinal permeability, resulting in a mild inflammatory response in young and older adults. Furthermore, our data indicate that older adults might be more at risk for increases in gastroduodenal permeability, as evidenced by the larger increases in sucrose excretion in response to heat stress. Finally, our findings show that heat stress impairs kidney function and elevates markers of kidney injury; however, these responses are not modulated by age.
Restoring CFTR function with Orkambi decreases the severity of alcohol‐induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Venglovecz Viktória , Grassalkovich Anna , Tóth Emese , Ébert Attila , Gál Eleonóra , Korsós Marietta Margaréta , Maléth József , Rakonczay Zoltán , Galla Zsolt , Monostori Péter , Hegyi Péter
Published: October 2024

Heavy alcohol intake is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis (AP). We have previously shown that ethanol (EtOH) decreases the expression and activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which plays a key role in alcohol‐induced AP development. The prescription drug, Orkambi (a combination of ivacaftor and lumacaftor) can correct impaired CFTR function and expression in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether Orkambi can mitigate alcohol‐induced AP. Intact guinea‐pig pancreatic ducts were pre‐treated with different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH; 30, 50 and 100 mm) for 12 h alone or in combination with ivacaftor (VX770) and/or lumacaftor (VX‐809), and CFTR expression and activity were evaluated by immunostaining and by the patch clamp technique, respectively. Alcoholic AP was induced in Orkambi‐treated guinea‐pigs, and standard laboratory and histological parameters were measured. Ivacaftor and lumacaftor alone or in combination dose‐dependently restored the apical expression and activity of CFTR after EtOH treatment in vitro. Oral administration of Orkambi reduced the severity of alcohol‐induced AP and restored impaired CFTR activity and expression. Orkambi is able to restore the CFTR defect caused by EtOH and decreases the severity of alcohol‐induced pancreatitis. This is the first in vivo pre‐clinical evidence of Orkambi efficacy in the treatment of alcohol‐induced AP.

image

Key points

Acute pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of hospital admission among gastrointestinal diseases in which the lack of a specific drug therapy plays a crucial role.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays an essential role in pancreatic ductal HCO3– secretion; inappropriate CFTR function, as seen in heavy alcohol consumption, increases the risk of pancreatitis development.

CFTR modulators are able to prevent the inhibitory effect of ethanol and reduce pancreatic ductal injury and the severity of alcohol‐induced pancreatitis.

CFTR modulators present a novel option in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol‐induced pancreatitis by enhancing pancreatic functions or preventing recurrence.
Spatial Distribution Assay of Active Neutron Counting
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Xu Xiaoming , Cheng Yimei , He Lixia , Fan Xiao , Zhao Haocheng
Published: October 2024

In response to the nuclear material accounting and control system, uranium or plutonium mass and also the isotope abundance should be quantified comprehensively. Commonly, in nuclear safeguards and nuclear security field, active mode is most reasonable for nuclides with low spontaneous rates like uranium measuring for neutron accounting equipment. The spatial detection efficiency and the number of induced fission neutrons are researched in the paper by Monte Carlo simulation and laboratory experiments. A geometric model is built for Monte Carlo simulation to symbolize the measurement of neutrons. The data are assayed with the fission time randomly generated by matlab that conforms to the Poisson distribution to obtain the neutron pulse sequence. The multiplicity shift register (MSR) simulation program performs statistical analysis on the neutron pulse sequence to obtain the corresponding count rates. After that, U3O8 standard source was placed at more than 50 positions, and the comprehensive simulations were conducted. Spatial detection efficiency is practically consistent in the measurement cavity, which proves that the main influencing factors of the neutron measurement results are the spatial distribution of the induction source and the sample. The spatial distribution curves obtained in the fitting results can be used to correct the spatial effect of neutron measurement in the active mode of this device and provide a reference for the subsequent optimization of active neutron measurement equipment and the application of different measurement scenarios.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Riemann–Liouville Fractional-Order Damping Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator
Authors: Yan Hongbo , Huang Haitao , Wang Jianxin , Ma Qingzhen
Published: October 2024

In view of the large errors in the integer-order prediction model of the current giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA), existing studies have shown that the fractional-order theory can improve the classical integer-order error situation. To this end, the Riemann–Liouville (R–L) fractional-order calculus theory is applied to the damping part of the GMA system; based on the averaging method and the power series method, the analytical and numerical solutions of the system are obtained, respectively, the motion of the GMA system is obtained through simulation, the parameters affecting the main resonance response of the system are analyzed as well as the motion characteristics of the system under the parameters, and the bifurcation and chaotic characteristics of the system are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. It is shown that the fractional-order model can improve the prediction accuracy of the system, the fractional order has a significant effect on the motion of the system, and the interval of the periodical motion parameter is less than an integer when the order of the damping term is (0,1), and the system can be induced to shift to periodic motion by changing the parameters.
The Impact of Pad Elasticity on Frequency-Dependent Linear Dynamic Coefficients of Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings
Authors: Vetter Daniel , Zemella Philipp , Hagemann Thomas , Schwarze Hubert
Published: October 2024

The frequency-dependent dynamic coefficients of tilting-pad bearings are significantly influenced by the pad pivot elasticity. In addition to the elasticity of the pivot, there is also the flexibility of the structure that predominantly leads to a bending of the pad. For the calculation of the dynamic coefficients, it is common to describe the structural stiffness by a support stiffness in series with the lubricant film. For this purpose, the stiffness according to Hertz's theory is widely used. This approach only allows the rigid body motion of the pad in the theoretical model. However, the elasticity of the pad leads to a film thickness characteristic, which cannot be represented with a pure rigid body motion. Additionally, the structural elasticity already includes the stiffness of the contact between the pad and the support, and therefore the elasticity according to Hertz cannot simply be added. This paper investigates the influence of dynamic pad deformation on dynamic bearing coefficients considering the contact boundary conditions and examines whether it can be replaced by a suitable support stiffness. A three-dimensional finite element model provides the eigenmodes for calculating the dynamic coefficients by perturbed Reynolds equations within a thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic bearing analysis. The model is validated with measurement data.
Effects of the Geometric Uncertainties of Bladed Disks Through the Analytical Derivatives of the Finite Element Matrices
Authors: Bouras Abdelhakim , Carassale Luigi
Published: October 2024

Manufacturing processes and wear are known to create imperfections in mechanical components that may result in a significant deviation of the modal properties from their predicted values. This is especially true for periodic structures such as bladed disks, where even small variations in the blade geometry can cause mistuning. The effect of parameter variations on the model is commonly assessed through sensitivity analysis within the framework of uncertainty propagation or structural optimization. Different formulations are available when dealing with the variation of a single scalar parameter. The problem becomes more complicated when the source of the variation is the whole component geometry. To deal with this case, it is necessary to define a representation able to describe the shift from the nominal geometry through a finite set of parameters and compute the derivatives of the system matrices with respect to those parameters. This paper proposes to compute analytically the derivatives of the system matrices with respect to the geometric variations. The derivatives are calculated at the finite element (FE) level and are then assembled into global derivative matrices. Using directional derivatives, the sensitivities of the system matrices are computed with standard FE numerical schemes based on the nominal geometry.
Modeling and Analysis of Inter-Panel Slipping for the Design of Rolled Gossamer Arrays
Authors: Coleman Nathan , Sutton Jacob , Running Ivy , Magleby Spencer , Howell Larry L.
Published: October 2024

Many deployable satellite systems benefit from having low mass and high surface area, which has led to the proliferation of gossamer structures in space-based applications. Gossamer structures are characterized by lightweight, low-stiffness membranes, which can flex and roll to compactly stow. An effect of rolling a gossamer structure is that there is a tangential separation along adjacent panels as they roll, resulting in relative motion between panels. To aid designers in predicting and accommodating this motion, a method for modeling the slippage between adjacent panels that occurs while rolling is presented. This analytical slippage model and algorithm is a function of (1) the number of panels, (2) the thickness of each panel, (3) the length of each panel, and (4) the minimum bend radius of the material. It is shown that the thickness and length have a positive correlation with increased slippage, whereas the number of panels and minimum bend radius have a negative correlation with increased slippage. This model allows designers to predict both the magnitude of slippage that occurs where panels meet, as well as the relative range of slippage that occurs within the whole pattern. With these predictions, an appropriate strategy can be selected for accommodating this motion.
Synthesis and Analysis of Stephenson III Six-Bar Motion Generators With an Instantaneous Stop Link
Authors: Figliolini Giorgio , Lanni Chiara , Tomassi Luciano
Published: October 2024

This article deals with the synthesis and analysis of Stephenson III six-bar motion generators with, a coupler link instantaneous stop of the five-bar loop and a crank-driven four-bar loop. The proposed design procedure consists of adding a dyad of RRR or PRR types to a crank-driven four-bar mechanism, which can include a prismatic pair, thus giving the slider-crank or swinging-block mechanisms. In particular, starting with a suitable configuration of the crank-driven four-bar mechanism, a ternary coupler link is designed in such a way to have the third vertex as coincident with its instant center of rotation (IC). Then, the first revolute joint R of the dyad is installed on this IC and the last R or P joints of the RRR or PRR dyads are positioned freely on the fixed plane. Thus, the kinematic analysis of two types of the synthesized Stephenson III six-bar motion generators with an instantaneous stop, as derived by a swinging-block mechanism and a four-bar mechanism, respectively, is formulated and implemented in a Matlab program with the aim to validate the proposed design procedure and analyze the main geometric and kinematic characteristics of this particular rigid body motion, which can find novel practical applications in complex mechanical systems, such as conveying systems, instantaneous dwell mechanisms, mixing machines, and moving platform for amusement parks.
Motion Planning for Nonprehensile Object Manipulation Using Novel 5-Bar Linkage
Authors: Yeldan Alper , Arora Abhimanyu , Soh Gim Song
Published: October 2024

Nonprehensile manipulation is a concept of performing a manipulation task without the need for grasping and is a common mechanism found in nature, such as the dung beetle, to manipulate large and heavy objects across an environment. This concept, when applied to a robot, allows objects that are normally too large or heavy to be grasped, to be manipulated by exploiting a robot’s inherent locomotion unit through motion planning. This article presents a nonprehensile manipulation planning method for QuadRunner, a robot that utilizes a modified 5-bar mechanism to achieve hybrid locomotion and latching. When QuadRunner’s leg is in its latching configuration, it can securely connect to an object and complete a desired manipulation task. When the object’s height exceeds its leg workspace, QuadRunner is capable of leaping into the air and transiting into the latching mode to attach to an object to complete a manipulation task. Here, we introduce a motion planning model for QuadRunner to push and its 5-bar leg to realize the various necessary modes. Next, the system constraints are described, and how it was used to generate feasible robot motion paths to perform a desired nonprehensile manipulation. Finally, the leaping mode of QuadRunner is explained in detail. Experimental results show that QuadRunner can reliably leap to attach to an object of 43 cm in height, under the constraint that its most extended leg length is 22 cm.
Unique High-Resolution Temperature Mapping of Stage 1 Turbine Vane in a Long-Term Engine Test
Authors: Hickey Jim , Counte Joseph , Lee Jaebin , Araguás Rodríguez Silvia , Rai Kieron , Lee Kidon , Mun Younggi , Karagiannopoulos Solon , Hong Giwon , Feist Jörg P.
Published: October 2024

In this study, surface temperature maps resulting from a long-term engine test were evaluated on a stage 1 turbine vane using thermal history coatings (THCs). THCs are ceramic-type sensor coatings doped with a lanthanide ion, giving the coating photoluminescent properties. The THC's structure permanently changes when exposed to high temperatures, which in turn alters its photoluminescent properties. Therefore, historic maximum temperature maps are evaluated by optically probing the THC point-by-point across the vane's surface. The vane was exposed to a non-dedicated (multi-cycle, multi temperature-level) engine test lasting over 8 months. Two passes of THC measurements were taken, termed low resolution (LR) and high resolution (HR), each, respectively, with point pitches of 5 mm and 1 mm. The latter provided a unique insight into the historic maximum temperature profile of the vane, particularly around high-temperature gradient regions, such as those close to effusion cooling holes. The THC temperatures were compared to the engine manufacturer's (Doosan Enerbility) heat transfer code (Doosan Integrated Thermal Analysis for Cooling System (DiTACS)) for validation. The THC temperature mapping was successful with good coverage across the vane. The leading edge and pressure side trailing edge regions were typically the hottest. The HR measurements clearly show sharp thermal gradients around the effusion cooling holes on the vane's airfoil and platforms. Critically, the THC measurements were compared very well to the DiTACS measurements, validating THCs as a credible temperature measurement technique for long-term, non-dedicated engine tests for components operating in some of the most extreme environments of an engine.
Fan Non-Synchronous Forced Vibration Under Crosswind
Authors: Chennuru Venkata Y. T. , Corral Roque , Rodríguez-Blanco Salvador , Vahdati Mehdi , Zhao Fanzhou
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a new aeroelastic phenomena for fans, referred to as non-synchronous forced vibration (NSFV), is presented. This type of aeroelastic instability can occur at high crosswind conditions when the flow at the intake lip separates and the disturbances caused by flow separation become unsteady. The results show that in the presence of unsteady separation in the intake, the fan can experience non-synchronous frequency excitations, which can result in resonant response in modes that are not identified by the Campbell diagram. The findings are corroborated by aeroacoustic theories. To the best of authors knowledge, this is the first time that fan forced response due to unsteady distortion is studied and the findings can unlock some of unexplained and unexpected vibrations experienced by engines.
The Development of Machine Learning Models for Radial Compressor Monitoring With Instability Detection
Authors: Carrattieri Lorenzo , Cravero Carlo , Marsano Davide , Valenti Emiliano , Sishtla Vishnu , Halbe Chaitanya
Published: October 2024

Modern radial compressors are designed to operate with high performance and a wide range of applications while minimizing their environmental impact. It is necessary to study the machine near the stability limit and gain a comprehensive understanding of the fluid dynamic mechanisms that trigger the instability in the system to extend the operating range at high efficiency. Machine learning aids in developing pattern identification models for detecting compressor instability. In a prior study, a two-stage radial compressor for refrigerant gas underwent extensive simulation, capturing unsteady RANS conditions and generating a substantial dataset of pressure signals from multiple probes. Selected signals, coupled with detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) post-processing, revealed fluid dynamic structures near surge conditions. This study utilizes all pressure signals to assess the stage's operational state (stable, transient, or unstable/surge). An additional goal is to develop an algorithm predicting flow patterns in different stage sections with minimal pressure signals at the rotor inlet. This is a preliminary step toward the development of a smart monitoring and diagnostic model for the compressor installed in a plant. The developed model consists of three submodels, trained with CFD results obtained from unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations. The three submodels are a regression submodule, a classification submodule, and a forecasting algorithm. The regression submodule predicts diffuser static pressure fields, the classification submodule categorizes whether the compressor is in a critical condition or not, and the forecasting algorithm predicts the inducer pressure signals in the future impeller rotations according to the actual operation history. These sub-modules work together to forecast whether the compressor, according to the operation strategy, is going into instability conditions.
Experimental Performance Investigation of Double-Slope Solar Still With Splitter Plate and Hollow Circular Fins
Authors: Prasad Vivek , Verma Vikas , Tarodiya Rahul , Choudhary Tushar , Ravi Ravi Kant , Kumar Mukesh
Published: October 2024

The present work aims to experimentally study the output production and cost analysis of conventional double-slope solar still (CSS), double-slope solar still with hollow circular fins (SSHCF), and double-slope solar still with hollow circular fins and splitter plate (SSHCFS). The motivation behind the use of fins and fins with a splitter in the existing conventional system is to elevate the area for heat transfer rate and increase the overall efficiency. The experimental results established that using splitter plate along with the fin inside the double-slope solar still (SSHCFS) increases the output yield of freshwater compared to that of the CSS and SSHCF. The average accumulated freshwater yield of 2.05 L/m2/day is achieved in the case of SSHCFS, which is 9.62% and 21.30% higher compared to SSHCF and CSS, respectively. The measured hourly efficiency for SSHCFS is 50.59%, more than 4.2% and 2.3% compared to SSHCF and CSS, respectively. Furthermore, a comparative cost analysis of distilled water for different designs is also presented.
The Effect of Additive “Depositional” Reprofiling of Compressor Blade Leading Edges on Engine Performance
Authors: Mullaney Drew , Jones Merren , Bojdo Nicholas , Covey-Crump Stephen , Pawley Alison
Published: October 2024

A common problem for gas turbine engines after ingesting atmospheric dust is compressor fouling, where small particles adhere to component surfaces. By sampling components from both a test engine and a service engine, deposits that are hard and sintered were observed to have formed on the leading edges of compressor blades and stators reprofiling their leading-edge geometry. Sectioning of the components showed that the deposits consist of layers of different chemical compositions and that new minerals have crystallized within the deposits. The change in geometry caused by the deposits suggests that they negatively affect the operating incidence range, surface pressure distribution, and profile losses from the design intent of the original component, changing the compressor working line and reducing surge margin, efficiency, and pressure ratio.
Acute Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Maximal Fat Oxidation and FATmax in Recreational Endurance Runners: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, and Triple-Blinded Study
Authors: Ghazzagh Abdolrahman , Naderi Alireza , Agha-Alinejad Hamid , Livani Ali , Sarlak Mohsen , Aghamohammadi Samaneh , Saunders Bryan
Published: October 2024

Taurine (TAU) has been shown to improve time to exhaustion (TTE) and fat oxidation during exercise; however, no studies have examined the effect of acute TAU supplementation on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and related intensity to MFO (FATmax). Our study aimed to investigate the effect of acute TAU supplementation on MFO, FATmax, VO2peak, and TTE. Eleven recreationally trained male endurance runners performed three incremental running tests. The first visit included a familiarization to the test, followed by two subsequent visits in which exercise was performed 90 min after ingestion of either 6-g TAU or placebo (PLA) using a triple-blind randomized crossover design. There was no effect of TAU on MFO (p = .89, d = −0.07, TAU: 0.48 ± 0.22 g/min; PLA: 0.49 ± 0.15 g/min or FATmax (p = .26, d = −0.66; TAU: 49.17 ± 15.86 ; PLA: 56.00 ± 13.27 ). TTE was not significantly altered (TAU: 1,444.8 ± 88.6 s; PLA: 1,447.6 ± 87.34 s; p = .65, d = −0.04). TAU did not show any effect on in comparison with PLA (TAU: 58.9 ± 8.4 ml·kg−1·min−1; PLA: 56.5 ± 5.7 ml·kg−1·min−1, p = .47, d = 0.48). However, was increased with TAU at most stages of exercise with large effect sizes. The acute ingestion of 6 g of TAU before exercise did not enhance MFO, FATmax, or TTE. However, it did increase the oxygen cost of running fixed intensities in recreationally trained endurance runners.
“. . . Without It I Would Not Have Thought I Had Changed”: Phenomenological Case Study Research as a Methodology for Change
Authors: Whewell Emma
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This paper discusses how phenomenological research can be used as a tool to support reflection. It draws upon the methodology of a study exploring the lived experiences of eight primary physical education specialists in their first year of teaching in England and their teacher identity. Method: The study used interviews and participants’ visual representations of themselves as a discussion focus. Participants engaged in a reflective activity at the end of the study, which analyzed their experiences of the research study. Results: Results are presented as an example vignette produced from the interviews, written in the first person to represent the participants’ accounts alongside their visual representations and a thematic analysis of the interviews. Discussion/Conclusion: This paper will present both the methodological considerations and a summary of the findings from the original study. This paper advocates phenomenological research as an impetus for reflection and empowerment for participants.
Comparing Workplace Experiences of Physical Education Teachers and Physical Education Teacher Education Faculty Members
Authors: Kim Youngjoon , Simonton Kelly , Richards Kevin Andrew
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to understand differences in workplace experiences based on occupation (i.e., physical education, physical education teacher education) and gender (i.e., male, female). Methods: Survey data were used to evaluate perceptions of mattering, resilience, marginalization, isolation, role stressors, and emotional exhaustion among physical educators (n = 421) and teacher educators (n = 286). Results: Factorial analyses of variance showed that teacher educators reported higher perceived mattering and less marginality and isolation than in-service teachers. Teachers reported higher role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion, and teacher educators reported more role conflict and overload. Female faculty members reported the highest role overload among the groups, and male physical education teachers felt more overloaded than did female teachers. Women reported less resilience. Discussion: The results provide initial empirical evidence that higher education contexts may be perceived as less stressful, which supports the implied notion of in-service teachers’ washing up to higher education roles.
Description and functional validation of human enteroendocrine cell sensors
Authors: Beumer Joep , Geurts Maarten H. , Geurts Veerle , Andersson-Rolf Amanda , Akkerman Ninouk , Völlmy Franziska , Krueger Daniel , Busslinger Georg A. , Martínez-Silgado Adriana , Boot Charelle , Yousef Yengej Fjodor A. , Puschhof Jens , Van de Wetering Wiline J. , Knoops Kevin , López-Iglesias Carmen , Peters Peter J. , Vivié Judith A. , Mooijman Dylan , van Es Johan H. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2024

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are gut epithelial cells that respond to intestinal contents by secreting hormones, including the incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory protein (GIP), which regulate multiple physiological processes. Hormone release is controlled through metabolite-sensing proteins. Low expression, interspecies differences, and the existence of multiple EEC subtypes have posed challenges to the study of these sensors. We describe differentiation of stomach EECs to complement existing intestinal organoid protocols. CD200 emerged as a pan-EEC surface marker, allowing deep transcriptomic profiling from primary human tissue along the stomach-intestinal tract. We generated loss-of-function mutations in 22 receptors and subjected organoids to ligand-induced secretion experiments. We delineate the role of individual human EEC sensors in the secretion of hormones, including GLP-1. These represent potential pharmacological targets to influence appetite, bowel movement, insulin sensitivity, and mucosal immunity.
Advice for academic authors
Academic Writing as if Readers Matter
Leonard Cassuto
Princeton University Press, 2024. 224 pp.
Authors: Wai Jonathan
Published: October 2024

A new guide teaches scholars how to write with readers in mind
Reprogramming tumor cells to fight cancer
Authors: Zhou Haibo , Wu Li
Published: October 2024

Cancer cells reprogrammed into dendritic cells in vivo promote antitumor immunity
Same but different
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: October 2024

In some ways, not much has changed from 4 years ago. Donald Trump is running for US president and saying outrageous things: This year’s standout is that magnets don’t work under water, which sent scientists into a tizzy and no doubt spawned many home experiments. Democrats are talking more sensibly about science but also avoiding a discussion of their disappointing record on backing up promises to increase funding for US science and technology. But many things are different with this November’s election. Four years ago, COVID-19 was the top issue, which made science the centerpiece of discussion. Now, the top issue is the economy, and science has been left once again on the back burner with only an occasional foray into climate science or social science studies on issues like abortion and gun control.
Why does COVID-19 vaccine protection quickly wane?
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2024

New insights on cells behind long-lived antibody production could spur better vaccines
Exploration of North American Quaternary geology at the La Brea Tar Pits (California, USA)
Authors: Taormina* Rebecca A. , Murphy Laura
Published: October 2024

On this one-day field trip, we will explore the profound scientific discoveries offered by the well-preserved fossil deposits in La Brea Tar Pits, California, USA. We will examine the complex late Quaternary ecosystems of southern California. Predators, like the saber-toothed cat, and large megafauna, like the Columbian mammoth, have provided ample data about mammal behavior over the last 50 thousand years. During the trip, we will explore the ongoing excavation and discuss various methodologies. Among other topics, we will decipher biodiversity, extinction patterns, and ecological interdependencies during prehistoric eras. We will also look at the significance and the implications for future scientific discovery.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon provenance links between outcrop and subsurface, Rocas Verdes and Magallanes-Austral Basins, Patagonia
Authors: Almonte N. Gross , al. et
Published: October 2024

Data Set 1: U-Pb detrital zircon data table results from LA-ICP-MS. Data Set 2: U-Pb data inputs for IsoplotR weighted mean average (WMA) calculations. Data Set 3: Raw and normalized point-count data. 
Empyema complicated with nephropleural fistula and perinephric abscess
Authors: Ahmed Omer , See Xin Ya , Eid Fahad , Zambon Margaret
Published: October 2024

The coexistence of empyema, nephropleural fistula and perinephric abscess is rare and presents diagnostic challenges, especially when patients exhibit atypical or mild symptoms. This case report details a female in her early 90s who presented with 3 weeks of chest pain and was found to have a left-sided pleural effusion. Further imaging revealed additional findings of a left-sided nephropleural fistula and left perinephric collection. The patient underwent thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with cultures growingStreptococcus Anginosus. Subsequently, she underwent a left nephrectomy, with pathology findings consistent with chronic pyelonephritis and a fistulous tract. The patient was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. Follow-up imaging showed improvement. The patient completed the antibiotic course and reported symptom resolution 2 weeks after discharge.
Peritoneal dialysis-relatedListeria monocytogenesperitonitis treated with both intravenous and intraperitoneal ampicillin
Authors: MacKay Scott , Ewanchuk Benjamin W , McIsaac Mark
Published: October 2024

Listeria monocytogenesis a ubiquitous bacterium and opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised patients. Peritoneal dialysis-relatedL. monocytogenesperitonitis is a rare clinical presentation, with a total of 23 cases reported to date and an overall mortality rate of 17.3%. The current report describes a case of peritoneal dialysis-relatedL. monocytogenesperitonitis in a woman in her 60s on long-term immunosuppressive therapies for a prior renal transplant. We treated this patient successfully with intraperitoneal ampicillin (125 mg/L in dialysate), in addition to intravenous ampicillin (1 g every 12 hours) for 10 days and subsequent oral amoxicillin 500 mg every 12 hours to complete a total 21-day course of therapy. This treatment regimen was informed by a literature review of pre-existing case studies, which demonstrated considerable variability in recommended antimicrobial dosing and frequency. A summary of this literature review is included in the current case report.
Peritonitis following caesarean section in a low-resource setting
Authors: Onrust Marthe , Mtaya Gabriel , Phiri Priscilla , Riches Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Maternal sepsis is the third-leading cause of maternal death worldwide, and caesarean section is an important risk factor for developing maternal infection. In this case, we present a patient with peritonitis following a caesarean section in a low-resource setting. Severe infections are familiar to medical staff in such settings; however, there is insufficient evidence regarding their incidence and optimal management. The case highlights the problem of limited access to microbiological testing and antibiotic availability, restricting management options. Furthermore, suboptimal quality of care in healthcare facilities and delays in presentation hamper early detection and efficient treatment of maternal infections. These issues must be addressed to reduce cases of maternal infection following caesarean section in low-resource settings, and subsequent maternal morbidity and mortality.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock due to hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Hwang Erica , Namburar Sathvik , Siegel Mark , Sanchez Andrew
Published: October 2024

A woman with a history of chronic idiopathic constipation and remote eating disorders presented to our hospital with generalised weakness and confusion due to severe hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis. Her initial ECG showed down-sloping ST segment elevations consistent with the ‘shark fin’ sign, and initial echocardiography was consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). She later developed hypotension, hypoxaemia and low central venous oxygen saturation consistent with cardiogenic shock. A repeat ECG demonstrated the ‘spiked helmet’ sign, and repeat echocardiography showed new global hypokinesis. She was successfully supported with dobutamine on recognition of her worsening cardiomyopathy. This case highlights how the combination of recognised triggers of TCM such as hypokalaemia and rhabdomyolysis may predispose patients to a more morbid cardiac course and how the severity of such triggers may also influence cardiac morbidity. We additionally highlight the prognostic significance of two ECG patterns associated with TCM.