bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Nazir Ghazanfar , Rehman Adeela , Lee Jong-Hoon , Kim Choong-Hee , Gautam Jagadis , Heo Kwang , Hussain Sajjad , Ikram Muhammad , AlObaid Abeer A. , Lee Seul-Yi , Park Soo-Jin
Published: February 2024

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are gaining attention as an ideal option for various applications requiring high-capacity batteries, such as portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. ZABs offer advantages such as low environmental impact, enhanced safety compared to Li-ion batteries, and cost-effectiveness due to the abundance of zinc. However, early research faced challenges due to parasitic reactions at the zinc anode and slow oxygen redox kinetics. Recent advancements in restructuring the anode, utilizing alternative electrolytes, and developing bifunctional oxygen catalysts have significantly improved ZABs. Scientists have achieved battery reversibility over thousands of cycles, introduced new electrolytes, and achieved energy efficiency records surpassing 70%. Despite these achievements, there are challenges related to lower power density, shorter lifespan, and air electrode corrosion leading to performance degradation. This review paper discusses different battery configurations, and reaction mechanisms for electrically and mechanically rechargeable ZABs, and proposes remedies to enhance overall battery performance. The paper also explores recent advancements, applications, and the future prospects of electrically/mechanically rechargeable ZABs.
Distracted by Previous Experience: Integrating Selection History, Current Task Demands and Saliency in an Algorithmic Model
Authors: Meibodi Neda , Abbasi Hossein , Schubö Anna , Endres Dominik
Published: February 2024

Attention can be biased by previous learning and experience. We present an algorithmic-level model of this selection history bias in visual attention that predicts quantitatively how stimulus-driven processes, goal-driven control and selection history compete to control attention. In the model, the output of saliency maps as stimulus-driven guidance interacts with a history map that encodes learning effects and a goal-driven task control to prioritize visual features. The model works on coded features rather than image pixels which is common in many traditional saliency models. We test the model on a reaction time (RT) data from a psychophysical experiment. The model accurately predicts parameters of reaction time distributions from an integrated priority map that is comprised of an optimal, weighted combination of separate maps. Analysis of the weights confirms selection history effects on attention guidance. The model is able to capture individual differences between participants’ RTs and response probabilities per group. Moreover, we demonstrate that a model with a reduced set of maps performs worse, indicating that integrating history, saliency and task information are required for a quantitative description of human attention. Besides, we show that adding intertrial effect to the model (as another lingering bias) improves the model’s predictive performance.
Antifungal effect of Aloe barbadensis Miller gel extract on Candida albicans: Development of an eco-friendly herbal antifungal finish on cotton fabric for medical application
Authors: Fernando Anushka , Perera Rangika , Jayawardane M. A. Madura M. , Saavedra Ricardo
Published: February 2024

The application of natural antimicrobial agents has garnered significant interest within the healthcare and medical textile industries because they are functionally active textiles that can inhibit the excessive proliferation of microorganisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal properties of Aloe barbadensis Miller ethanol extract to develop an eco-friendly A. barbadensis Miller ethanolic gel treated cotton fabric against vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. The antifungal activity of A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract against C. albicans was evaluated by the well diffusion method, and the highest concentration (5 mg/ml) showed a maximum mean zone diameter of 24.00 ± 1.00 mm. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded as 3.12 mg/ml by the broth macrodilution method. The cotton fabric (100% cotton) was treated with 4 mg/ml of A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract using the pad-dry-cure method. The treated fabric exhibited a clear zone of inhibition against C. albicans using the agar diffusion method. The wash durability test showed that treated cotton fabric retained antifungal activity up to 15 washing cycles with a fungal growth reduction rate of 15%. In conclusion, A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on C. albicans; furthermore, treated fabric also exhibited effective antifungal activity against vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans in vitro.
Investigations of the recycling of airbag filters from the cement industry into fabric/polymer or fabric/cement composite materials
Authors: El Messiry Magdi , Al-Oufy Affaf , Elmor Marwa
Published: February 2024

The cement industry, an essential contributor to global infrastructure development, generates substantial amounts of airborne pollutants during cement production processes. Bag filters play a crucial role in mitigating these emissions by capturing particulate matter and improving air quality. However, conventional bag filters eventually wear out and need replacement, leading to a significant environmental burden from discarded filter materials. This study explores a sustainable approach to address this issue by investigating the potential of recycling used bag filters from the cement industry. The focus of the investigation is on fabric/polymer or fabric/cement composite materials, which exhibit promising properties for recycling applications. The research begins with an in-depth analysis of the discarded bag filters. This characterization enables the selection and optimization of suitable recycling processes for fabric/polymer or fabric/cement composites. Furthermore, the study evaluates the performance of recycled fabric/polymer or fabric/cement composites as alternatives to conventional methods of bag filters in cement recycling and mechanical parameters of the airbag filter when used as reinforcement in the polyester matrix or cementitious composites. In conclusion, recycling bag filters of the cement industry in fabric/polymer or fabric/cement composite materials offers a promising avenue for reducing waste generation and enhancing resource efficiency. The study underscores the importance of transitioning towards circular economy principles in industrial processes. Recycling bag filters in the cement industry is a sustainable approach that supports environmental responsibility and contributes to the circular economy. It helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize industry’s impact on the environment.
A model based material removal simulation for vacuum suction blasting of composites
Authors: Brieskorn L. , Hintze W. , Doddagopenahallli Rajanna S.
Published: February 2024

Automated scarfing of carbon reinforced plastic (CFRP) layers is on its way to support commercial aircraft repair. In the industry, still, the manual scarfing operation is the qualified method. However, automated techniques as milling, laser removal and water jet cutting are in development and showed already good results. Another promising method is vacuum suction blasting (VSB) that was until now in particular used for the roughening of surfaces before adhesive bonding. To find the right adjustment for the parameters many experiments would be necessary accordingly to different CFRP parts with changing layer thicknesses. Simulation is a way to avoid this and to predict the removal result and the settings for the machining parameters. The VSB model uses a pixel method dividing the simulated part surface into smaller volume elements. Experimental data of VSB static blasting spots are the basic for the source matrix. The simulation feeds the matrix with the blasted depth and removal volume for different blasting times. A shifting of columns of the source matrix in the blasting movement direction simulates the movement of the blasting nozzle on the work piece surface. With this, the model can also predict the nozzle feed to remove exactly one complete layer for each scarfing step. In addition, it visualizes the seamless overlapping distance between two blasted tracks. With further adjustments, the model will predict the dynamic removal for varying input parameters such as negative pressure and nozzle distance or blasting agent.
Use of three-dimensional printing technology for supporting the hip reconstruction surgery in paediatric patients
Authors: Iuppariello L. , Calderone D. , Casaburi A. , Romano G. , Guida P. , Clemente F.
Published: February 2024

The use of three-dimensional (3D) printed patient-specific anatomical models is nowadays a viable strategy for improving surgical outcome in medicine. In adult surgery, 3D printing technology is commonly studied, but its use in paediatric surgery is still under development. This work presents the implementation of 3D printing technology in Orthopaedic department of the paediatric hospital “Santobono-Pausilipon” in Naples by fabricating 3D printed anatomical models of paediatric patients. The 3D printed models fabricated were used for the training of the surgical team during the preoperative planning and for carrying out a surgical simulation. The anatomical models are designed in compliance with the current European Medical Devices regulation and following the already existing guidelines in literature. The impact of the 3D printed anatomical models used, a total of seven printed anatomical models based on four patients, is then evaluated throughout a questionnaire proposed to the surgical team, composed by eight paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Surgeons answered to a total of ten questions, six scale-based questions and four free-text questions. Results obtained from the questionnaires highlighted how 3D printed anatomical models can lead to a better understating of the treated pathologies, carrying relevant improvements in both the surgical team training and the surgical outcome.
Effects of selective laser melting building directions and surface modifications on surface roughness of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Kónya János , Jaber Hassanen , Kovács Tünde Anna , Hargitai Hajnalka
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the effect of building direction relative to the substrate (0°, 45°, and 90°) on the surface roughness of Ti6Al4V samples produced by selective laser melting (SLM) has been investigated. After SLM, the samples were subjected to different surface modifications, including acid etching (E) with HF, sandblasting (S) with Al2O3 and sandblasting + etching (SE). Surface roughness of the prepared samples were investigated by Alicona Infinite Focus optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was found that there is an inverse relationship between surface roughness and building directions. Additionally, the results showed that the acid etching process increases the surface roughness of the samples at 45° and 90°, while the surface roughness decreases at 0°. Furthermore, the results showed that sandblasting and sandblasting followed with acid etching (SE) effectively reduced the surface roughness of the samples at all building directions. In summary, the acid-etched Ti6Al4V surfaces manufactured at 90° showed a superior surface roughness (Ra = 4.25 ± 0.21, Rz = 29.63 ± 2.34 μm) among the specimens, which is encouraged osseointegration of implants.
A low-profile antenna with parasitic elements and a DGS-based partial ground plane for 5G/WMAN applications
Authors: Paul Liton Chandra , Jim Md. Tanvir Rahman , Rani Tithi , Muyeen S. M. , Karaaslan Muharrem , Shezan Sk. A. , Ishraque Md. Fatin , Akdogan Volkan
Published: February 2024

A low-profile antenna with three parasitic elements is designed and presented for fifth-generation (5G) and wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) applications. This prototype covers the frequency range of 2.75–4.94 GHz, which is applicable for the lower 5G (3.33–4.2 GHz), WWAN n48 CBRS (US) (3.55–3.7 GHz), WiMAX rel 2 (3.4–3.6 GHz), n77 (3.3–4.2 GHz, most European and Asian countries), n78 (3.3–3.8 GHz, USA), and n79 (4.4–5.0 GHz, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Russia) bands. The prototype is made of a low-loss, commercially available substrate material known as Rogers RT 5880 (εr = 2.2, tanδ = 0.0009) with a thickness of 0.79 mm. The optimized dimension of the proposed antenna is 35 × 25 × 0.79 mm3 (i.e., 691.25 mm3). The proposed 10-element array antenna is fed by a 50 Ω feeder. The maximum gain and directivity of the prototype antenna are 4.3 dB and 4.75 dBi, respectively. The radiation efficiency of the prototype varies from 86.79 to 92.14% (simulated) and from 86.23 to 91.48% (measured), and it is 89.48% (simulated) and 90.59% (measured) at 3.225 GHz. The impedance profile of the proposed 10-element array is (49.80-j1.72) Ω, which ensures good impedance matching. The VSWR and surface current of the low-profile antenna are 1.036 and 107.931 A/m at the center frequency of 3.225 GHz, respectively. The value of the scattering parameter (S11) is − 36 dB at the resonant frequency. By using a DGS-based partial ground plane and parasitic elements, it enhances bandwidth to 2.19 GHz. Therefore, the tested prototype is an excellent candidate to be deployed for 5G/WMAN applications with respect to the different presented parametric studies.
Dynamic fuzzy learning based hybrid GWO-CSA for optimal planning of PV, BESS and DSTATCOM with network reconfiguration
Authors: Sujatha B. C. , Usha A. , Geetha R. S.
Published: February 2024

The proposed approach is on the optimal planning issue of photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) and DSTATCOM device with integrated battery energy storage systems (BESS) considering network reconfiguration by applying hybrid Grey-Wolf crow-search algorithm (GWO-CSA) encompassing dynamic fuzzy learning (DFL) optimization technique. Considering the stochastic nature of solar irradiance and variations, when solar energy is inadequate, BESS acts as backup energy storage device to meet essential load requirements. Network reconfiguration is to reduce power loss by changing the network tie switches using optimization algorithm. The principal objective of the proposed research work is to reduce the total power loss, enhance the voltage profile, improve the voltage stability index, and perform network reliability analysis. The beneficial effect of the proposed method is validated on Standard IEEE 69 and Standard 118 bus systems. It found that for the IEEE 69 bus system, the overall Real power loss values decreased to 12.82% and overall Reactive power loss increased to 78.18%. The total voltage deviation index (TTVDI), and total voltage stability index (TTVSI) values decreased to 17.94% and − 0.75% respectively. The reliability indices like SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, CAIFI, and AENS values decreased by 56%, 3.54%, − 3.09%, 0.55% and 30% respectively. Similarly, for IEEE 118 bus system overall Real power loss, overall Reactive power loss, TTVDI, and TTVSI decreased to 9.53%, − 0.11%, 24.64%, and 3.87%. The reliability indices like SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, CAIFI, and AENS values decreased by 2.4%, 1.0%, 1.54%, 0.94%, and 10.1% respectively. Further, the proposed approach of DFL-based hybrid GWO-CSA considers the reconfiguration with PV-DG, DSTATCOM and BESS enhances the overall performance compared to other scenarios.
Optimizing energy efficiency and thermal comfort of green envelope applications in hot arid climate
Authors: Lotfi Yomna , Hassan MennatAllah
Published: February 2024

Climate change and unresolved environmental challenges in arid environments negatively affect urban development. Previous literature tackled the significance of ecological approaches and building envelope optimization as main pillars in reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings. This study aims to tackle an environmental simulation of implementing green roofs and green walls as an ecological strategy applied to the building envelope with considerations of the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) in contribution to enhancing the built environment’s energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The main study aimed to define the optimum solutions for applying ecological approaches on a medium office building envelope to investigate the enhancement of thermal comfort and total site energy. Hot arid climatic data was selected for its recent environmental challenges, and building envelope design, relying on experimental simulation research, a model was simulated using Design-builder software using discomfort hours and total site energy as the main objectives. Heating and cooling were added as outputs in the optimization to monitor their effect on the indoors. The two main output parameters were the WWR and envelope construction. Then a percentage decrease in the running cost was addressed. The multi-objective optimization showed an effective positive impact of green roof application on the building in hot arid climate than that of the green wall, which highlights the significance of green wall implementation to environmental and economic sustainable developments in arid environments.
Changes in Sperm Parameters with Time in Men with Normal and Abnormal Baseline Semen Analysis
Authors: Cohen Nir , Ben-Meir Assaf , Harlap Tzuf , Imbar Tal , Karavani Gilad
Published: February 2024

The association between paternal age and sperm quality in the population level has been previously studied. Only limited data exists regarding the intra-personal variations in semen parameters among fertile and infertile men over time. We aimed to assess trends over time in semen parameters among men with normal and abnormal baseline sperm parameters and investigate potential risk factors for sperm quality deterioration. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated medical center in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit. Patients with at least two semen analyses (SA) performed > 1 year apart, with the last SA done between 2017 and 2021, were included. The study consisted of two main analyses—comparison of intra-patient’s sperm parameters changes in men with normal and abnormal baseline SA (BSA) and analysis of risk factors for developing abnormal semen parameters over time in men who had normal BSA parameters. This study included a total of 902 men assessed for infertility with normal and abnormal BSA. The average time interval between tests was 1015 days (range 366–7709 days). Among individuals with normal BSA, there was a mild decline in most parameters—concentration (− 6.53 M/ml), motility (− 7.74%), and total motile count (TMC) (− 21.80 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). In contrast, a slight improvement in most parameters, except for concentration, was noted in men with abnormal BSA—volume (+ 0.21 ml), motility (+ 8.72%), and TMC (+ 14.38 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Focusing on men with normal BSA, 33.5% of individuals developed abnormality in one or more of their sperm parameters over time, within a mean time of 1013 ± 661 days. We also found that only time between tests emerged as an independent prognostic factor for the development of abnormal SA later. Interestingly, sperm deterioration in participants in their third, fourth, and fifth decades of life with normal initial semen analysis was similar. Our study provides evidence of a decline in semen quality over time in individuals with normal BSA, in contrast to men with abnormal BSA. Longer time intervals between tests independently increase the risk of sperm abnormalities.
KMS Dirichlet forms, coercivity and superbounded Markovian semigroups on von Neumann algebras
Authors: Cipriani Fabio E. G. , Zegarlinski Boguslaw
Published: February 2024

We introduce a construction of Dirichlet forms on von Neumann algebras M associated to any eigenvalue of the Araki modular Hamiltonian of a faithful normal non-tracial state, providing also conditions by which the associated Markovian semigroups are GNS symmetric. The structure of these Dirichlet forms is described in terms of spatial derivations. Coercivity bounds are proved and the spectral growth is derived. We introduce a regularizing property of positivity preserving semigroups (superboundedness) stronger than hypercontractivity, in terms of the symmetric embedding of M into its standard space $$L^2(M)$$

L
2

(
M
)

and the associated noncommutative $$L^p(M)$$

L
p

(
M
)

spaces. We prove superboundedness for a special class of positivity preserving semigroups and that some of them are dominated by the Markovian semigroups associated to the Dirichlet forms introduced above, for type I factors M. These tools are applied to a general construction of the quantum Ornstein–Uhlembeck semigroups of the Canonical Commutation Relations CCR and some of their non-perturbative deformations.
Innovation and Networks in the Bioeconomy: A Case Study from the German Coffee Value Chain
Authors: Venus Terese E. , Beale Caroline , Villalba Roberto
Published: February 2024

The transition to a circular bioeconomy requires innovation across many sectors, but social dynamics within a sector’s network may affect innovation potential. We investigate how network dynamics relate to the perceptions and adoption of bioeconomy innovation using a case study from the food processing sector. Our case study of the German coffee value chain represents a technologically advanced sector with a strong sustainability focus and potential for residue valorization, which is an important dimension of a sustainable circular bioeconomy. We identify three distinct views (pioneers, traditional and limited users) related to residue valorization, map linkages between actors using social network analysis, and highlight barriers to innovation. We collected data through an online survey and semi-structured interviews with key actors in the coffee roasting sector. Within the social network analysis, we find that public waste managers are closely linked to the most influential actors, state actors such as the customs and tax offices can quickly interact with others in the network and promote the spread of information (highest closeness centrality) and specific roasters play an important role as intermediaries for efficient communication (highest betweenness centrality). Finally, we identify four main barriers including the structure of the coffee network, inconsistencies in federal waste regulations, economies of scale, and visions of sustainability. To support a sustainable bioeconomy, we recommend that policy makers revise the primary regulatory frameworks for waste (e.g., German Recycling Act) to clarify how to classify food residues, their disposal structures and broaden their use streams.
s2Cloud: a novel cloud-based precision health system for smart and secure IoT big data harnessing
Authors: Stauffer Jake , Zhang Qingxue
Published: February 2024

This study aims to demonstrate a novel cloud big data system, s2Cloud, to enabled both smart and secure transmission and management of patient big data from Internet of Things (IoT), especially in the new common of long covid. More specifically, s2Cloud allows doctors to manage patient records effectively through the interactive web server. It further enables real-time, long-term, and continuous streaming and management of biomechanical dynamics from IoT phones/wearables. The big data can be visualized in both real-time and historical modes. Besides, s2Cloud achieves big data security through secure sign up and log in, as well as data transmission protection. It also allows doctor-patient interactions through instantaneous chat. s2Cloud has been evaluated on the real-world application, in which human IoT biomechanical dynamics are streamed, managed, stored, and visualized to demonstrate the effectiveness. Overall, the proposed system, empowered by smart and secure design innovations, has demonstrated the feasibility and potential for IoT big data-driven precision health.
Nanotechnology and its impact on achieving sustainable architecture in Egypt
Authors: Tohlob Ahmed Al Hussein , Morsi Haitham Emad El-Din
Published: February 2024

Considering the significant growth of the global population, several severe issues have emerged, including pollution, economic challenges, and environmental problems. To tackle these ecological issues, many construction experts are actively seeking new flexible techniques. Among these, Nano-technology stands out as a crucial field aiming to enhance the efficiency of the built environment and play a vital role in addressing future challenges. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of integrating Nano-technology techniques in construction to harness the acquired properties of materials and their impact on the interior thermal environment. The paper is divided into three main parts, each providing a detailed and scientific depiction of the study. The first part begins by shedding light on the concept of sustainability in architecture and the evaluation of sustainable buildings. Additionally, it explores the definition of Nano-technology and its substantial impact on the field of architecture by discussing various architectural terms associated with Nano-technology. The emergence of Nano-architecture is seen as a significant advancement in scientific research, representing a fusion between architecture and Nano-technology. Moving on to the second part of the thesis, it focuses on how Nano-technology techniques influence the work of architects. Nowadays, architects consider the properties of construction materials, construction methods, and energy consumption. These factors are essential in achieving an ideal design that is defined as sustainable. The second part also examines the effect of Nano-technology on the thermal environment, analyzing both national and international projects that have implemented this technique.
Combined peracetic acid: power ultrasound disinfection process enhances bioactive compounds and preserves quality attributes of fresh-cut lettuce (cv. Vera)
Authors: Irazoqui M. , Colazzo M. , Fender E. , Budelli E. , Barrios S. , Pérez N. , Lema P.
Published: February 2024

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most consumed vegetables, being an important source of carotenoids and polyphenols. Sanitization is a crucial step in fresh-cut production to ensure product safety, where non-thermal technologies like ultrasound (US) can enhance disinfectant effects. This study assessed the impact of combining peracetic acid (PAA) and power ultrasound (US) on the disinfection of fresh-cut lettuce and its quality parameters. Lettuce was treated with PAA (80 mg L−1, 5 min) and PAA—US (5 min) at different acoustic power densities (APD) and frequencies: 25 W L−1 at 25 kHz and 45 kHz, and 45 W L−1 at 37 kHz and 80 kHz. Microbial load reduction ranged from 1.6 to 2.1 log CFU g−1 for treated lettuce. While combined technologies generally improved microbial reduction, no clear trend was observed for APD or frequency variations. Wash water quality indicated the need for decontamination to prevent cross-contamination. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and lutein increased compared to untreated lettuce, possibly due to treatment-induced abiotic stress. Total chlorophyll decreased after treatment. Power US showed potential for disinfecting fresh-cut lettuce, inducing positive changes in relevant bioactive compounds with no significant impact on visual quality. Further optimization is needed to enhance microbial inactivation compared to PAA alone.
Human-Agent Team Based on Decision Matrices: Application to Road Traffic Management in Participatory Simulation
Authors: Razakatiana Martial , Kolski Christophe , Mandiau René , Mahatody Thomas
Published: February 2024

The main motivation for this work is the design of context-sensitive systems, involving a human-agent team. More precisely, the participants in the current context, are human beings and software agents, who have to coordinate themselves for the collaborative achievement of a complex task. We propose a model of interaction between these heterogeneous entities (humans, software agents) based on decision matrices inspired from game theory. The case study concerns the traffic management through intersections, involving several groups composed of human operators and software agents (playing the role of assistants), in a participatory simulation. An evaluation of the results obtained is presented in order to show the feasibility of the proposed approach. We show that despite its simplicity, the interaction model is relatively efficient, because it takes into account context characteristics and the potential availability of software agents.
The Art of Uncertainty
Authors: Williams Daniel
Published: February 2024

The Victorian novel developed unique forms of reasoning under uncertainty-of thinking, judging, and acting in the face of partial knowledge and unclear outcome. George Eliot, Wilkie Collins, William Thackeray, Thomas Hardy, and later Joseph Conrad drew on science, mathematics, philosophy, and the law to articulate a phenomenology of uncertainty against emergent models of prediction and decision-making. In imaginative explorations of unsure reasoning, hesitant judgment, and makeshift action, these novelists cultivated distinctive responses to uncertainty as intellectual concern and cultural disposition, participating in the knowledge work of an era shaped by numerical approaches to the future. Reading for uncertainty yields a rich account of the dynamics of thinking and acting, a fresh understanding of realism as a genre of the probable, and a vision of literary-critical judgment as provisional and open-ended. Daniel Williams spotlights the value of literary art in a present marked by models and technologies of prediction.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2022
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: February 2024

These are the WTO's authorized and paginated reports in English. They are an essential addition to the library of all practising trade lawyers and a useful tool for students and academics worldwide working in the field of international economic or trade law. DSR 2022: Volume III contains the arbitration reports on 'United States - Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China' (WT/DS437); 'United States - Countervailing Measures on Supercalendered Paper from Canada' (WT/DS505); 'Turkey - Certain Measures Concerning the Production, Importation and Marketing of Pharmaceutical Products' (WT/DS583); and 'Colombia - Anti-Dumping Duties on Frozen Fries from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands' (WT/DS591).
Chinese Signs
Authors: Zhang Zheng-sheng
Published: February 2024

Highlighting stylistic and rhetorical characteristics, this fully illustrated book explores the written form of Mandarin Chinese in a range of everyday settings. Taking examples from Chinese public writing across a variety of textual genres, such as signs, banners and advertisements, it prepares students for navigating 'real world' Chinese, not only in terms of its linguistic and stylistic characteristics, but also its social and cultural context. Drawing over 500 pictorial examples from the linguistic landscape, it explores the signs from a variety of perspectives, for example by highlighting elements of classical Chinese that are still used in the modern language, showing the most popular rhetorical patterns used in Chinese, and presenting the interactions between both Standard Mandarin and dialect, and Chinese and other languages. Detailed annotations are provided for all signs, in both Chinese and English, to accommodate readers of all proficiency levels in Chinese.
Associations between water insecurity and mental health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons in Bangkok, Thailand and Mumbai, India: Cross-sectional survey findings
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Newman Peter A. , Admassu Zerihun , MacKenzie Frannie , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Tepjan Suchon , Shunmugam Murali , Akkakanjanasupar Pakorn
Published: February 2024

Background

Water insecurity disproportionally affects socially marginalized populations and may harm mental health. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) persons are at the nexus of social marginalization and mental health disparities; however, they are understudied in water insecurity research. Yet LGBTQ persons likely have distinct water needs. We explored associations between water insecurity and mental health outcomes among LGBTQ adults in Mumbai, India and Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey with a sample of LGBTQ adults in Mumbai and Bangkok assessed associations between water insecurity and mental health outcomes, including anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, loneliness, alcohol misuse, COVID-19 stress and resilience. We conducted multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses to examine associations between water insecurity and mental health outcomes.

Results

Water insecurity prevalence was 28.9% in Mumbai and 18.6% in Bangkok samples. In adjusted analyses, in both sites, water insecurity was associated with higher likelihood of depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, COVID-19 stress, alcohol misuse and loneliness. In Mumbai, water insecurity was also associated with reduced resilience.

Conclusion

Water insecurity was common among LGBTQ participants in Bangkok and Mumbai and associated with poorer well-being. Findings signal the importance of assessing water security as a stressor harmful to LGBTQ mental health.
Thomas Aquinas on Non-Theological Faith
Authors: Peters Catherine
Published: February 2024

The majority of studies on ‘faith’ (fides) in the thought of Thomas Aquinas consider it in a religious or theological context: fides as the theological virtue by which one assents to the truths of divine revelation. The focus on theological faith is appropriate, given its central importance as a theological virtue, but this is not the only sense of fides that Thomas identifies. The present study investigates two non-theological senses formulated in his commentary on the De Trinitate of Boethius: first, fides as the proximate cause of assenting to principles within a given science (‘epistemic faith’) and, second, fides as an indispensable element of society (‘societal faith’). These senses have been largely overlooked in secondary literature but, I argue, might help to dispel mischaracterizations of faith as fundamentally unreasonable.
Factors affecting the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis based on the GTWR model in China, 2004–2021
Authors: Yu Hairu , Yang Jiao , Yan Yexin , Zhang Hui , Chen Qiuyuan , Sun Liang
Published: February 2024

Contra-posing panel data on the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) at the provincial level in China through the years of 2004–2021 and introducing a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model were used to explore the effect of various factors on the incidence of PTB from the perspective of spatial heterogeneity. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the main information from twenty-two indexes under six macro-factors. The main influencing factors were determined by the Spearman correlation and multi-collinearity tests. After fitting different models, the GTWR model was used to analyse and obtain the distribution changes of regression coefficients. Six macro-factors and incidence of PTB were both correlated, and there was no collinearity between the variables. The fitting effect of the GTWR model was better than ordinary least-squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. The incidence of PTB in China was mainly affected by six macro-factors, namely medicine and health, transportation, environment, economy, disease, and educational quality. The influence degree showed an unbalanced trend in the spatial and temporal distribution.
Co-producing affordable housing futures: tools for community participation
Authors: Sookhoo Dhruv , Lynam Ava , Buchanan Kyle , Haward Mellis
Published: February 2024

Archio interviewed by Dhruv Sookhoo and Ava Lynam

Kyle Buchanan and Mellis Haward, directors of architectural practice Archio, reflect on their experience developing a toolkit of practices that facilitate co-design of community-led housing.

In this interview, Buchanan and Haward examine the participatory approaches that Archio adopts to negotiate the delivery of enhanced housing outcomes [1]. They describe building trust with residents by interpreting their lived experiences and aspirations through architectural knowledge and practices. Discussion focuses on the co-production of design artefacts as tools that enable community stakeholders to negotiate shared ambitions for their neighbourhood within community-based development and regulatory processes (e.g. development management).

In 2016, Archio was invited by London Community Land Trust and Citizens UK to compete for the opportunity to design and deliver eleven affordable homes on a disused garage site at Brasted Close, in Lewisham, London [2]. Unusually, a “Pick an Architect” workshop was held on the development site, where the public was able to evaluate prospective architectural teams for their ability to engage future residents and neighbouring communities in the collective examination of fundamental socio-spatial aspects of the project. Archio’s successful approach at the pioneering community land trust at Brasted Close anticipated their development of a toolkit of practices that emphasise collaboration during community-led development of affordable housing. These design tools were refine through use across a series of later commissions including a co-housing project at Angel Yard, Norwich and a resident-led estate regeneration scheme at Astley Estate, Southwark.
Impacts of Deforestation on Childhood Malaria Depend on Wealth and Vector Biology
Authors: Estifanos Tafesse Kefyalew , Fisher Brendan , Galford Gillian L. , Ricketts Taylor H.
Published: February 2024

Ecosystem change can profoundly affect human well‐being and health, including through changes in exposure to vector‐borne diseases. Deforestation has increased human exposure to mosquito vectors and malaria risk in Africa, but there is little understanding of how socioeconomic and ecological factors influence the relationship between deforestation and malaria risk. We examined these interrelationships in six sub‐Saharan African countries using demographic and health survey data linked to remotely sensed environmental variables for 11,746 children under 5 years old. We found that the relationship between deforestation and malaria prevalence varies by wealth levels. Deforestation is associated with increased malaria prevalence in the poorest households, but there was not significantly increased malaria prevalence in the richest households, suggesting that deforestation has disproportionate negative health impacts on the poor. In poorer households, malaria prevalence was 27%–33% larger for one standard deviation increase in deforestation across urban and rural populations. Deforestation is also associated with increased malaria prevalence in regions where Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus are dominant vectors, but not in areas of Anopheles arabiensis. These findings indicate that deforestation is an important driver of malaria risk among the world's most vulnerable children, and its impact depends critically on often‐overlooked social and biological factors. An in‐depth understanding of the links between ecosystems and human health is crucial in designing conservation policies that benefit people and the environment.
Sensitivity of Rainfall Extremes to Unprecedented Indian Ocean Dipole Events
Authors: MacLeod David , Kolstad Erik W. , Michaelides Katerina , Singer Michael Bliss
Published: February 2024

Strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) events like those in 1997 and 2019 caused significant flooding in East Africa. While future projections indicate an increase in pIOD events, limited historical data hinders a comprehensive understanding of these extremes, particularly for unprecedented events. To overcome this we utilize a large ensemble of seasonal reforecast simulations, which show that regional rainfall continues to increase with pIOD magnitude, with no apparent limit. In particular we find that extreme rain days are highly sensitive to the pIOD index and their seasonal frequency increases super‐linearly with higher pIOD magnitudes. It is vital that socio‐economic systems and infrastructure are able to handle not only the increasing frequency of events like 1997 and 2019 but also unprecedented seasons of extreme rainfall driven by as‐yet‐unseen pIOD events. Future studies should prioritize understanding the hydrological implications and population exposure to these unprecedented extremes in East Africa.
Dyssegmental dysplasia Rolland–Desbuquois type is caused by pathogenic variants in HSPG2 - a founder haplotype shared in five patients
Authors: Farshadyeganeh Paniz , Yamada Takahiro , Ohashi Hirofumi , Nishimura Gen , Fujita Hiroki , Oishi Yuriko , Nunode Misa , Ishikawa Shuku , Murotsuki Jun , Yamashita Yuri , Ikegawa Shiro , Ogi Tomoo , Arikawa-Hirasawa Eri , Ohno Kinji
Published: February 2024

Dyssegmental dysplasia (DD) is a severe skeletal dysplasia comprised of two subtypes: lethal Silverman–Handmaker type (DDSH) and nonlethal Rolland–Desbuquois type (DDRD). DDSH is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in HSPG2 encoding perlecan, whereas the genetic cause of DDRD remains undetermined. Schwartz–Jampel syndrome (SJS) is also caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in HSPG2 and is an allelic disorder of DDSH. In SJS and DDSH, 44 and 8 pathogenic variants have been reported in HSPG2, respectively. Here, we report that five patients with DDRD carried four pathogenic variants in HSPG2: c.9970 G > A (p.G3324R), c.559 C > T (p.R187X), c7006 + 1 G > A, and c.11562 + 2 T > G. Two patients were homozygous for p.G3324R, and three patients were heterozygous for p.G3324R. Haplotype analysis revealed a founder haplotype spanning 85,973 bp shared in the five patients. SJS, DDRD, and DDSH are allelic disorders with pathogenic variants in HSPG2.
miR-548ag promotes DPP4 expression in hepatocytes through activation of TLR(7/8)/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Xiong Jianyu , Sun Chaoyue , Wen Xin , Hou Yanting , Liang Maodi , Liu Jie , Wei Qianqian , Yuan Fangyuan , Peng Chaoling , Chen Yao , Chang Yongsheng , Wang Cuizhe , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2024

Objective

In our previous study, we identified a notable increase in miR-548ag content after obesity, which contributes to the progression of Type 2 diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) through the up-regulation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4(DPP4) expression within the liver. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the upregulation of DPP4 by miR-548ag remain elusive. Mature miRNAs rich in GU sequences can activate the TLR(7/8)/NF-κB signalling pathway, which transcriptionally activates DPP4 expression. Notably, the proportion of GU sequences in hsa-miR-548ag was found to be 47.6%. The study proposes a hypothesis suggesting that miR-548ag could potentially increase DPP4 expression in hepatocytes by activating the TLR(7/8)/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed normal chow diet (NCD, n = 16) or high-fat diet (HFD, n = 16) for 12 weeks. For a duration of 6 weeks, NCD mice received intraperitoneal injections of a miR-548ag mimic, while HFD mice and db/db mice (n = 16) were administered intraperitoneal injections of a miR-548ag inhibitor. qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression level of miR-548ag, DPP4 and the activation of TLR(7/8)/NF-κB signalling pathway. HepG2 and L02 cells were transfected with miR-548ag mimic, miR-548ag inhibitor, TLR7/8 interfering fragment, and overexpression of miR-548ag while inhibiting TLR7/8, respectively.

Results

(1) We observed elevated levels of miR-548ag in the serum, adipose tissue, and liver of obese mice, accompanied by an upregulation of TLR7/8, pivotal protein in the NF-κB pathway, and DPP4 expression in the liver. (2) miR-548ag promotes DPP4 expression in hepatocytes via the TLR(7/8)/NF-κB signalling pathway, resulting in a reduction in the glucose consumption capacity of hepatocytes. (3) The administration of a miR-548ag inhibitor enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice.

Conclusions

MiR-548ag promotes the expression of DPP4 in hepatocytes by activating the TLR(7/8)/NF-κB signalling pathway. MiR-548ag may be a potential target for the treatment of T2DM.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals cell atlas and identifies cycling tumor cells responsible for recurrence in ameloblastoma
Authors: Xiong Gan , Xie Nan , Nie Min , Ling Rongsong , Yun Bokai , Xie Jiaxiang , Ren Linlin , Huang Yaqi , Wang Wenjin , Yi Chen , Zhang Ming , Xu Xiuyun , Zhang Caihua , Zou Bin , Zhang Leitao , Liu Xiqiang , Huang Hongzhang , Chen Demeng , Cao Wei , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2024

Ameloblastoma is a benign tumor characterized by locally invasive phenotypes, leading to facial bone destruction and a high recurrence rate. However, the mechanisms governing tumor initiation and recurrence are poorly understood. Here, we uncovered cellular landscapes and mechanisms that underlie tumor recurrence in ameloblastoma at single-cell resolution. Our results revealed that ameloblastoma exhibits five tumor subpopulations varying with respect to immune response (IR), bone remodeling (BR), tooth development (TD), epithelial development (ED), and cell cycle (CC) signatures. Of note, we found that CC ameloblastoma cells were endowed with stemness and contributed to tumor recurrence, which was dominated by the EZH2-mediated program. Targeting EZH2 effectively eliminated CC ameloblastoma cells and inhibited tumor growth in ameloblastoma patient-derived organoids. These data described the tumor subpopulation and clarified the identity, function, and regulatory mechanism of CC ameloblastoma cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for ameloblastoma.