bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Pore-Clogging Using a High-Resolution CFD-DEM Colloid Transport Model
Authors: Liu Shitao , Shikhov Igor , Arns Christoph
Published: March 2024

Colloidal transport and clogging in porous media is a phenomenon of critical importance in many branches of applied sciences and engineering. It involves multiple types of interactions that span from the sub-colloid scale (electrochemical interactions) up to the pore-scale (bridging), thus challenging the development of representative modelling. So far published simulation results of colloidal or particulate transport are based on either reduced set of forces or spatial dimensions. Here we present an approach enabling to overcome both computational and physical limitations posed by a problem of 3D colloidal transport in porous media. An adaptive octree mesh is introduced to a coupled CFD and DEM method while enabling tracking of individual colloids. Flow fields are calculated at a coarser scale throughout the domain, and at fine-scale around colloids. The approach accounts for all major interactions in such a system: elastic, electrostatic, and hydrodynamic forces acting between colloids, as well as colloids and the collector surface. The method is demonstrated for a single throat model made of four spherical segments, and the impact of clogging is reported in terms of the evolution of the critical path diameter for percolation and permeability. We identified four stages of clogging development depending on position and time of individual colloid entrapment, which in turn correlates to a cluster evolution and local transport.
Development of New CD38 Targeted Peptides for Cancer Imaging
Authors: Zheleznyak Alexander , Tang Rui , Duncan Kathleen , Manion Brad , Liang Kexian , Xu Baogang , Vanover Alexander , Ghai Anchal , Prior Julie , Lees Stephen , Achilefu Samuel , Kelly Kimberly , Shokeen Monica
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Multiple myeloma (MM) affects over 35,000 patients each year in the US. There remains a need for versatile Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracers for the detection, accurate staging, and monitoring of treatment response of MM that have optimal specificity and translational attributes. CD38 is uniformly overexpressed in MM and thus represents an ideal target to develop CD38-targeted small molecule PET radiopharmaceuticals to address these challenges.

Procedures

Using phage display peptide libraries and pioneering algorithms, we identified novel CD38 specific peptides. Imaging bioconjugates were synthesized using solid phase peptide chemistry, and systematically analyzed in vitro and in vivo in relevant MM systems.

Results

The CD38-targeted bioconjugates were radiolabeled with copper-64 (64Cu) with100% radiochemical purity and an average specific activity of 3.3 – 6.6 MBq/nmol. The analog NODAGA-PEG4-SL022-GGS (SL022: Thr-His-Tyr-Pro-Ile-Val-Ile) had a Kd of 7.55 ± 0.291 nM and was chosen as the lead candidate. 64Cu-NODAGA-PEG4-SL022-GGS demonstrated high binding affinity to CD38 expressing human myeloma MM.1S-CBR-GFP-WT cells, which was blocked by the non-radiolabeled version of the peptide analog and anti-CD38 clinical antibodies, daratumumab and isatuximab, by 58%, 73%, and 78%, respectively. The CD38 positive MM.1S-CBR-GFP-WT cells had > 68% enhanced cellular binding when compared to MM.1S-CBR-GFP-KO cells devoid of CD38. Furthermore, our new CD38-targeted radiopharmaceutical allowed visualization of tumors located in marrow rich bones, remaining there for up to 4 h. Clearance from non-target organs occurred within 60 min. Quantitative PET data from a murine disseminated tumor model showed significantly higher accumulation in the bones of tumor-bearing animals compared to tumor-naïve animals (SUVmax 2.06 ± 0.4 versus 1.24 ± 0.4, P = 0.02). Independently, tumor uptake of the target compound was significantly higher (P = 0.003) compared to the scrambled peptide, 64Cu-NODAGA-PEG4-SL041-GGS (SL041: Thr-Tyr-His-Ile-Pro-Ile-Val). The subcutaneous MM model demonstrated significantly higher accumulation in tumors compared to muscle at 1 and 4 h after tracer administration (SUVmax 0.8 ± 0.2 and 0.14 ± 0.04, P = 0.04 at 1 h; SUVmax 0.89 ± 0.01 and 0.09 ± 0.01, P = 0.0002 at 4 h).

Conclusions

The novel CD38-targeted, radiolabeled bioconjugates were specific and allowed visualization of MM, providing a starting point for the clinical translation of such tracers for the detection of MM.
Deprivation and Its Association with Child Health and Nutrition in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area of Uganda
Authors: Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Waiswa Peter , Wasswa Ronald , Boerma Ties , Blumenberg Cauane , Maiga Abdoulaye
Published: March 2024

African cities are experiencing increasing living standard disparities with limited evidence of intra-urban health disparities. Using data from the 2006–2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys, we employed the UN-Habitat definition to examine slum-like household conditions in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). Subsequently, we developed a slum-like severity index and assessed its association with under-5 common morbidities and healthcare access. We also assessed the characteristics of people in slum-like household conditions. We identified five slum-like conditions: substandard housing conditions, limited water access, overcrowding, unclean cooking fuel, and limited toilet access. By 2016, 67% of GKMA households were classified as slum-like conditions, including 31% in severe conditions. Limited toilet access, overcrowding, and limited water access were the main forms of deprivation.

Living in slum-like household conditions correlated with lower education levels, youth status, unprofessional jobs, and marriage. Compared to neighboring Kampala city urban outskirts, Kampala city households had lower slum-like prevalence. Children in GKMA living in slum-like household conditions were more likely to experience diarrhea (moderate: OR = 1.21[95% CI: 1.05–1.39], severe: OR = 1.47 [95% CI: 1.27–1.7]); fever (moderate: OR = 2.67 [95% CI: 1.23–5.8], severe: OR = 3.09 [95% CI: 1.63–5.85]); anemia (moderate: OR = 1.18 [95% CI: 0.88–1.58], severe: OR = 1.44 [95% CI: 1.11–1.86]); and stunting (moderate: OR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.23–1.25], severe: OR = 1.40 [95% CI: 1.41–1.47]) compared to those living in less slum-like conditions. However, seeking treatment for fever was less likely in slum-like household conditions, and the association of slum-like household conditions with diarrhea was insignificant. These findings underscore the precarious urban living conditions and the need for targeted health interventions addressing the social determinants of health in urban settings.
Ovarian Suppression: Early Menopause and Late Effects
Authors: Molinelli Chiara , Jacobs Flavia , Nader-Marta Guilherme , Borea Roberto , Scavone Graziana , Ottonello Silvia , Fregatti Piero , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Bajpai Jyoti , Kim Hee Jeong , Puglisi Silvia , de Azambuja Evandro , Lambertini Matteo
Published: March 2024

Opinion statement

Around 90% of breast tumours are diagnosed in the early stage, with approximately 70% being hormone receptor-positive. The cornerstone of adjuvant therapy for early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is endocrine therapy, tailored according to disease stage, biological characteristics of the tumour, patient’s comorbidities, preferences and age. In premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, ovarian function suppression is a key component of the adjuvant endocrine treatment in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen. Moreover, it can be used during chemotherapy as a standard strategy for ovarian function preservation in all breast cancer subtypes. In the metastatic setting, ovarian function suppression should be used in all premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to achieve a post-menopausal status. Despite its efficacy, ovarian function suppression may lead to several side effects that can have a major negative impact on patients’ quality of life if not properly managed (e.g. hot flashes, depression, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, weight gain). A deep knowledge of the side effects of ovarian function suppression is necessary for clinicians. A correct counselling in this regard and proactive management should be considered a fundamental part of survivorship care to improve treatment adherence and patients’ quality of life.
Trends of Satellite-Derived Thermal Fronts in the Southeast and Southwest of Australia Between 1993 and 2019
Authors: Yang Kai , Fischer Andrew M. , Govekar Pallavi
Published: March 2024

Oceanic fronts play a significant role in marine ecosystems by enhancing vertical exchange, promoting the aggregation of plankton, and drawdown of organic carbon. Anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the twentieth century has driven global warming, leading to rising ocean temperatures. Specific regions warming faster than the global average—known as ‘ocean warming hotspots’—have been identified, impacting geophysical and biogeochemical dynamics of local ecosystems. Here, we aim to characterize the variability of sea surface temperature (SST) fronts in the southeast and southwest Australia hotspots. Using a histogram frontal detection method, we derived fronts from AVHRR-only and Multi-sensor 6-day SST composites on a 0.02 × 0.02 grid between January 1993 and December 2019. Our results indicate that frontal frequency and frontal density have increased in both regions in the past three decades, by around 0.2–0.3%. In addition, both regions exhibit higher frequency and density of fronts in austral winter and fewer in austral summer. Our calculations show that changes in frontal frequency/density show some relationship to El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole. Changes in frontal activity could strongly impact local ocean biogeochemistry and marine ecosystems. A better understanding changing fronts in hotspots will help predict and manage future changes in regional oceans to warming.
Virtual reality games for 3D multimodal designing and knowledge across the curriculum
Authors: Mills Kathy A. , Brown Alinta , Funnell Patricia
Published: March 2024

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is anticipated to peak in development this decade bringing new opportunities for 3D multimodal designing across all levels of education. The need for students to gain capabilities with multimodal texts—texts that combine two or more modes, such as spoken, written, and visual—is emphasised at all levels of education from P-12 in the Australian Curriculum. Likewise, the use of technology-supported pedagogies is increasing worldwide, rendering multimodal texts ubiquitous across all knowledge domains. This original, qualitative classroom research investigated students’ 3D designing of multimodal texts using an immersive VR head-mounted display. Upper primary students (ages 10–12 years, n = 48) transferred their knowledge of ancient Rome through 2D drawing, writing, speaking, and 3D multimodal designing with VR. The application of multimodal analysis to video data, screen recordings, and think-aloud protocols, and the thematic coding of student and teacher interviews yielded four key findings: (i) VR gaming supported 3D multimodal designing through haptic and embodied experience, (ii) VR improved performance through creative redesigning, (iii) VR-supported knowledge application, consolidation, and transfer, and (iv) pedagogical strengths of VR were situated and transformed practice. This research is timely and significant given the increasing accessibility and affordability of VR and the need to connect research and pedagogical practice to support students’ advanced knowledge and capabilities with multimodal learning across the curriculum.
Towards Sustainable Pest Management: Toxicity, Biochemical Effects, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil on Agrotis ipsilon and Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Awad Mona , Alfuhaid Nawal Abdulaziz , Amer Alia , Hassan Nancy N. , Moustafa Moataz A. M.
Published: March 2024

Over the last decade, essential oils (EOs) have become potential ingredients for insecticide formulations due to their widespread availability and perceived safety. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and biochemical efficacy of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (Lamiaceae) against two destructive pests Noctuidae, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In addition, a molecular docking study was performed to gain insight into the binding pattern between glutathione S-transferase (GST) and linalool, the main component of EO. GC–MS analysis of O. basilicum EO revealed that linalool is the most abundant compound (29.34%). However, the toxicity tests showed no significant difference between the values of LC50 of O. basilicum EO to A. ipsilon and S. littoralis. On the other hand, the sublethal experiments indicated that treating the second instar larvae with LC15 or LC50 values of O. basilicum EO significantly prolonged the larval duration in both insects, compared to the control. Regarding the biochemical effect of O. basilicum EO, the treatments significantly impacted the activity of detoxification enzymes. A notable elevation in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was recorded in A. ipsilon larvae compared with a reduction in S. littoralis larvae. The molecular docking analysis revealed that linalool bonded with the amino acid serine (SER 9) of GST, indicating its binding affinity with the enzyme. The obtained results could offer valuable insights into the mode of action of O. basilicum and can encourage the adoption of sustainable pest control practices that incorporate essential oils.
“Well, that Was Pretty Clever!”—Ethnic Minority Women’s Views on HPV Self-Sampling Devices for Cervical Cancer Screening: Attitudes to Brushes, First-Void Urine, and Menstrual Blood Devices
Authors: Hald Signe Ruby , Tatari Camilla Rahr , Kirkegaard Pia , Tranberg Mette , Andersen Berit , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj
Published: March 2024

Background

Ethnic minority women are less likely to participate in cervical cancer uteri (CCU) screening compared to native women. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits for CCU screening may be a potential strategy to increase participation. This study aimed to explore views and attitudes on four different types of self-sampling kits (two brushes, a first-void urine device, and a menstrual blood device) among non-Western ethnic minority women living in Denmark.

Methods

The study was a social science single case study based on focus group interviews with 30 women aged 32–54 with non-Western background from a deprived area. A phenomenological approach was applied to describe the phenomenon “self-sampling” as seen from the women’s lifeworlds. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

The women expressed significant interest in the possibility of using HPV self-sampling kits as an alternative to being screened by their general practitioner. They were particularly motivated to use the non-invasive self-sampling kits for CCU screening as they were deemed suitable for addressing cultural beliefs related to their bodies and virginity. The women expressed interest in the use of the invasive self-sampling kits but were cautious, primarily due to lack of confidence in correctly performing self-sampling with a brush and due to cultural beliefs.

Conclusion

The use of non-invasive self-sampling kits, such as a first-void urine collection device and menstrual blood pad, represents a promising solution to overcome cultural barriers and promote greater equality in CCU screening participation among non-Western ethnic minority women.
In-situ alloying laser powder bed fusion of Ni-Mn-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy using liquid Ga
Authors: Milleret Anastassia , Laitinen Ville , Ullakko Kari , Fenineche Nouredine , Attallah Moataz M.
Published: March 2024

Ni-Mn-Ga-based magnetic shape memory alloys can exhibit large magnetic field induced strains (MFIS). Recently, additive manufacturing techniques, especially laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), have been successfully used to manufacture functional polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga with complex geometries, such as ‘bamboo-grained’ lattice structures. However, previous approaches of L-PBF of Ni-Mn-Ga have used pre-alloyed powders, which can limit the compositional freedom of the manufactured devices. This study explores, for the first time, the feasibility of an in-situ L-PBF alloying approach using a powder blend of elemental Ni, Mn, and Ga. Promising results were obtained despite the significant differences between the elemental Ni and Mn powders and the liquid Ga. The microstructure of the as-built sample showed distinct stripe patterns from the 14 M structure confirmed by XRD analysis. Heat-treatment significantly improved chemical homogeneity, dissolved the Ni-rich phase but couldn’t dissolve MnO hindering the shape memory effect.
Post-configuration Activation of Hardware Trojans in FPGAs
Authors: Ahmed Qazi Arbab , Wiersema Tobias , Platzner Marco
Published: March 2024

The battle of developing hardware Trojans and corresponding countermeasures has taken adversaries towards ingenious ways of compromising hardware designs by circumventing even advanced testing and verification methods. Besides conventional methods of inserting Trojans into a design by a malicious entity, the design flow for field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can also be surreptitiously compromised to perform successful attacks that result in malfunctions or information leakages. In this paper, we introduce a mechanism for the post-configuration activation of a Trojan that leverages malicious routing so that the attacker can leave the Trojan circuit in an undetectable dormant state even in the generated and transmitted bitstream. The Trojan is designed, for example, by adding an enable signal that is routed to an unused primary input/output of the FPGA or by attaching the payload via one route to the remaining design, and then that new route is disconnected during place-and-route and only re-connected when the FPGA is being programmed. The trigger can thus only be activated once the circuit is on the device, which leaves the Trojan dormant in all verification and pre-silicon testing steps. This Trojan can therefore currently neither be prevented by conventional testing and verification methods nor by bitstream-level verification techniques. Since our method ensures that the malicious circuitry is only active in the field, the approach works also quite well with triggerless (always-on) Trojans that have a negligible impact on the overall area and power consumption of the circuit and can thus easily escape detection by fingerprinting techniques using side-channel analyses.
An integrated approach for understanding global earthquake patterns and enhancing seismic risk assessment
Authors: Ibrahim Mariam , Al-Bander Baidaa
Published: March 2024

Earthquakes, as intricate natural phenomena, profoundly impact lives, infrastructure, and the environment. While previous research has explored earthquake patterns through data analysis methods, there has been a gap in examining the time intervals between consecutive earthquakes across various magnitude categories. Given the complexity and vastness of seismic data, this study aims to provide comprehensive insights into global seismic activity by employing sophisticated data analysis methodologies on a century-long dataset of seismic events. The four-phase methodology encompasses exploratory data analysis (EDA), temporal dynamics exploration, spatial pattern analysis, and cluster analysis. The EDA serves as the foundational step, providing fundamental insights into the dataset's attributes and laying the groundwork for subsequent analyses. Temporal dynamics exploration focuses on discerning variations in earthquake occurrences over time. Spatial analysis identifies geographic regions with heightened earthquake activity and uncovers patterns of seismic clustering. K-means clustering is employed to delineate distinct earthquake occurrence clusters or hotspots based on geographical coordinates. The study's findings reveal a notable increase in recorded earthquakes since the 1960s, peaking in 2018. Distinct patterns in seismic activity are linked to factors such as time, human activities, and plate boundaries. The integrated approach enriches understanding of global earthquake trends and patterns, contributing to improved seismic hazard assessments, early warning systems, and risk mitigation efforts.
Task-Level Checkpointing and Localized Recovery to Tolerate Permanent Node Failures for Nested Fork–Join Programs in Clusters
Authors: Reitz Lukas , Fohry Claudia
Published: March 2024

Exascale supercomputers consist of millions of processing units, and this number is still growing. Therefore, hardware failures, such as permanent node failures, become increasingly frequent. They can be tolerated with system-level Checkpoint/Restart, which saves the whole application state transparently and, if needed, restarts the application from the saved state; or with application-level checkpointing, which saves only relevant data via explicit calls in the program. The former approach requires no additional programming expense, whereas the latter is more efficient and allows to continue program execution after failures on the intact resources (localized shrinking recovery). An increasingly popular programming paradigm is asynchronous many-task (AMT) programming. Here, programmers identify parallel tasks, and a runtime system assigns the tasks to worker threads. Since tasks have clearly defined interfaces, the runtime system can automatically extract and save their interface data. This approach, called task-level checkpointing (TC), combines the respective strengths of system-level and application-level checkpointing. AMTs come in many variants, and so far, TC has only been applied to a few, rather simple variants. This paper considers TC for a different AMT variant: nested fork–join (NFJ) programs that run on clusters of multicore nodes under work stealing. We present the first TC scheme for this setting. It performs a localized shrinking recovery and can handle multiple node failures. In experiments with four benchmarks, we observed execution time overheads of around 44 % at 1536 workers, and negligible recovery costs. Additionally, we developed and experimentally validated a prediction model for the running times of the scheme.
Reliable and Accurate Implicit Neural Representation of Multiple Swept Volumes with Application to Safe Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Lee Ming-Hsiu , Liu Jing-Sin
Published: March 2024

In automated production using collaborative robots in a manufacturing cell, a crucial aspect is to avoid collisions to ensure the safety of workers and robots in human–robot interaction. One approach for detecting collisions is using the swept volume (SV) to identify safe protective space for operation. We learn an accurate and reliable signed distance function (SDF) network from raw point clouds of a pre-computed SV to represent a class of linear joint motion trajectories. The network requires only a set of parameters and constant execution time, thus reducing the computational time and memory of collision checking due to the complexity of explicit geometry during task execution. The distance of collision danger foresaw by the learned SDF is exploited to reduce the frequency of collision detection calls in the dynamic environment and reduce the computational cost further. We assess the relative merits of the implicit neural representation of multiple SVs in terms ofF1-score, error distance from the surface of the truth geometry, and 3D visualization by comparing favorably with a binary voxel network for learning a single SV with similar inference time. All the predicted errors of the geometry lie within a distance of 4 voxels from the surface of the truth geometry, and most reconstruction errors are within 3 voxels. A simulation of pick-and-place task execution in the human–robot interaction scenarios by leveraging the learned SDF as an efficient continuous collision detector is performed. The improvement in execution time and collision detection number is validated in the simulation.
Secretomes from Conventional Insemination and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Derived Embryos Differentially Modulate Endometrial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Jijo Ameya , Munshi Itti , Uppangala Shubhashree , Rajendran Rithika , LakshmiKumar R. Vani Pratap , Kalthur Guruprasad , Kovacic Borut , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Adiga Satish Kumar
Published: March 2024

Conventional Insemination (CI) and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are routinely used insemination methods in clinical Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) settings. However, the existing data on the developmental competence and implantation potential of CI and ICSI derived embryos are not unequivocal. This prospective study on 23 patients undergoing ART treatment explored whether the secretomes of CI- and ICSI-derived embryo differentially alter the expression of integrins (αv and β3 integrin) and MUCIN-1 (MUC-1) in a human endometrial epithelial cell line (Ishikawa). Immunocytochemical data demonstrated that the secretome of CI-derived top quality (GI) embryos induced higher (p < 0.05) expression of ɑv β3 compared to sibling ICSI derived G1 embryos in Ishikawa cells. Though, relative levels of the transcript for MUC-1, anti-adhesion molecule did not show a significant difference between the study groups, immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated significantly (p < 0.0001) higher expression of MUC-1 in cells treated with ICSI-derived embryo secretome, compared to that treated with CI -derived embryo secretome. These results suggest that secretomes from CI and ICSI embryos differentially modulate the endometrial cells in vitro. This hints at differences in the ability of CI- and ICSI- derived embryos to alter endometrial profile.
Ethical implications of AI in the Metaverse
Authors: Zhuk Alesia
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the ethical implications of AI in the Metaverse through the analysis of real-world case studies, including Horizon Worlds, Decentraland, Roblox, Sansar, and Rec Room. The examination reveals recurring concerns related to content moderation, emphasising the need for a human-AI hybrid approach to strike a balance between creative freedom and user safety. Privacy and data protection emerge as crucial considerations, highlighting the importance of transparent communication and user data control for responsible AI implementation. Additionally, promoting inclusivity and diversity is emphasised, calling for transparent governance, diverse representation, and collaboration with ethics experts to ensure equitable AI practices. By addressing these specific ethical challenges, we can pave the way towards a responsible and user-centric Metaverse, maximising its potential while safeguarding user well-being and rights.
Syntheses and determination of activities of some metal(II) complexes with derivatives of a novel vanillin–tryptophan Schiff base ligand
Authors: Abubakar Salisu , Shallangwa G. A. , Ibrahim Abdulkadir
Published: March 2024

In this research, a novel L-tryptophan-vanillin Schiff base and three complexes were synthesised, characterization, and their biological activities were also determined. The physicochemical parameters of the compounds investigated revealed that, Schiff base ligand (SL) melting point = 84–85 °C, Schiff base ligand–Fe2+ complex = 245–246 °C, Schiff base ligand–Co2+complex = 271–272 °C, and Schiff base ligand–Ni2+complex > 350 °C. Molar conductivities was found to be 10,300, 5000, 17,300, and 52,900 Sm2 mol−1 for the Schiff base and the complexes, respectively. It indicates that the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. The magnetic susceptibilities of the complexes were found to be higher than the spin-only values due to unpaired electrons (Fe2+ complex = 5.73 BM, Co2+ complex = 4.52 BM, and Ni2+ complex = 3.46 BM), suggesting octahedral geometries. Electronic absorption (max) for Fe2+  = 480, Co2+  = 520 nm, while Ni2+ shows two bands at 480 and 570 nm, which signifies the n → π* and π → π* transitions, respectively. Their crystallinity index was also assessed using the PXRD and it revealed that complexes are purely crystalline. Antimicrobial test results revealed that Co2+ and Fe2+ complexes have excellent activities against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, F. Shigella, and S. Typhi). They are all effective against MRSA, K. Pneumoniae., and S. Pneumoniae, as well as A. niger and C. albicans. Therefore, based on the findings from the study, it was concluded that the Schiff base is a bidentate ligand, and octahedral geometries and paramagnetic were suggested for the complexes.
Looking across languages: Anglocentrism, cross-linguistic experimental philosophy, and the future of inquiry about truth
Authors: Wyatt Jeremy , Ulatowski Joseph
Published: March 2024

Analytic debates about truth are wide-ranging, but certain key themes tend to crop up time and again. The three themes that we will examine in this paper are (i) the nature and behaviour of the ordinary concept of truth, (ii) the meaning of discourse about truth, and (iii) the nature of the property truth. We will start by offering a brief overview of the debates centring on these themes. We will then argue that cross-linguistic experimental philosophy has an indispensable yet underappreciated role to play in all of these debates. Recognising the indispensability of cross-linguistic experimental philosophy should compel philosophers to significantly revise the ways in which they inquire about truth. It should also prompt analytic philosophers more generally to consider whether similar revisions might be necessary elsewhere in the field.
Assessment of 2% vs 3% Peripheral Hypertonic Sodium Chloride Administration and Its Impact on Safe and Timely Treatment
Authors: Dumont Olivia , Davis Nicole , Radparvar Sara
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Evaluate if peripheral administration of 3% hypertonic saline (HTS) provides timely treatment with a rate of infusion-related adverse events at or below what is reported in the literature.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted in a large academic medical center in New York City. Eligible patients were inpatients receiving either 2% or 3% HTS for severe hyponatremia, elevated intracranial pressure, or cerebral edema. The primary outcome was incidence of infusion-related adverse events. Secondary endpoints included achievement of appropriate sodium correction, incidence of over-correction, length of time from ordering to medication administration, and incidence of osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS).

Main Results

A total of 199 patients were included in analysis (85 in the 3% HTS group and 114 in the 2% HTS group). No difference was found between groups for rate of infusion related adverse events or incidence of sodium overcorrection groups (0 vs 1 [0.9%]; p = 0.39). Significantly more patients in the 3% HTS group received intermittent administration (p < 0.001), whereas more patients in the 2% HTS group received a continuous infusion (p < 0.001). There were no reports of ODS in either group. No difference in length of time to administration was found between groups.

Conclusion

Our study, one of the largest to evaluate peripheral administration of 3% HTS, found that it is not associated with an increase in infusion related adverse events or sodium overcorrection versus 2% HTS. Peripheral administration should be recommended to provide timely treatment for patients requiring HTS.
Impact of a syndrome-based stewardship intervention on antipseudomonal beta-lactam use, antimicrobial resistance, C. difficile rates, and cost in a safety-net community hospital
Authors: Mena Lora Alfredo J. , Burgos Rodrigo , Hunt Aaron E , Wang Yifan , Huber Dylan , Sanchez Lawrence , Ali Mirza , Krill Candice , Takhsh Eden , Bleasdale Susan C.
Published: March 2024

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are commonly used without indication and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We implemented a syndrome-based stewardship intervention in a community hospital that targeted common infectious syndromes and antipseudomonal beta-lactam (APBL) use. Our intervention successfully reduced AMR, C. difficile rates, use of APBLs, and cost.
Business without Management: MacIntyrean Accounting, Management, and Practice-Led Business
Authors: West Andrew
Published: March 2024

Alasdair MacIntyre’s critique of managerial capitalism is well known, with some arguing that MacIntyrean thought is antithetical to contemporary capitalist business. Nevertheless, substantial efforts have been taken to demonstrate how different business activities constitute MacIntyrean practices, which points to an incoherence at the heart of MacIntyrean business ethics scholarship. This article proposes a way of bridging these perspectives, suggesting a reimagined MacIntyrean approach to business that is thoroughly ‘practice-led.’ A detailed comparison of accounting and management shows that while neither are practices in ‘good order,’ they differ in significant ways: where management does not meet the criteria for a MacIntyrean practice, accounting is a ‘distorted’ practice. This leads to a categorisation of practice-led business activity, whereby the traditional tasks of management are subsumed, shared or subordinated to practices and practitioners. Insights on how this can be implemented are drawn from the ‘communities of practice’ literature and a consideration of professions.
Keynes’ Finance Circuit model on banks in Africa
Authors: Tche Jacob
Published: March 2024

Since the publication of Keynes General Theory in 1936 when Keynes developed an original Finance Circuit model which was subsequently enriched by the post-Keynesian theory of endogenous money supply, no study has undertaken Keynes Finance Circuit model complete causality tests. The present paper breaks new ground and aims at filling the above lacuna by employing Granger non-causality test for heterogeneous panel data models to investigate the above model based on a sample of 32 African countries, for the period from 1990 to 2021. Our results lend support to the complete Keynes Finance Circuit model in the short run. In the long run, all causalities are vindicated except the causal relationship running from economic growth to savings which appears insignificant. In terms of policy implication, we are encouraging policymakers to design policies that will stimulate economic growth within a post-Keynesian endogenous money supply framework.
Where Did Hegel Go Wrong on Race?
Authors: Hardimon Michael O.
Published: March 2024

Where exactly did Hegel go wrong on race? Moellendorf helpfully tells us that Hegel's treatment of race begins systematically in the Philosophy of Subjective Spirit and that he went wrong philosophically in the use of the biological category of race. This is basically correct but requires precisification. This article considers why Hegel's category of race is not unambiguously biological. Race's biological status can be problematized from the standpoint of contemporary biology and from the standpoint of Hegel's system. The textual placement of Hegel's systematic discussion of race in the philosophy of spirit makes clear that Hegel conceived of race in spiritual terms. Hegel took race to be a biospiritual category. Hegel was clearly committed to the now-controversial proposition that there is such a thing as human biological race, that there is a plurality of biological human races. He regarded race as a robust natural kind. His preferred list of races includes Caucasians, Negros, Mongolian, Malaysians and Americans. One noteworthy feature of his understanding of race's physical aspect was his focus on the formation of the skull and the face. At the same time, he clearly held that there were other deeper physical differences that accounted for the spiritual differences of race. Hegel was perfectly clear that race has a spiritual as well as physical aspect. He held that that the members of racial groups essentially shared certain fundamental, heritable, moral, intellectual and cultural characteristics with one another that they did not share with members of any other race and that these differences were such as to support an objective ranking. This shows that Hegel took the category of race to be the sort of category we today would characterize as ‘racialist’. Hegel's concept of race was the racialist concept of race.
Asymptotic results for sums and extremes
Authors: Giuliano Rita , Macci Claudio , Pacchiarotti Barbara
Published: March 2024

The term moderate deviations is often used in the literature to mean a class of large deviation principles that, in some sense, fills the gap between a convergence in probability of some random variables to a constant, and a weak convergence to a centered Gaussian distribution (when such random variables are properly centered and rescaled). We talk about noncentral moderate deviations when the weak convergence is towards a non-Gaussian distribution. In this paper we prove a noncentral moderate deviation result for the bivariate sequence of sums and maxima of independent and identically distributed random variables bounded from above. We also prove a result where the random variables are not bounded from above, and the maxima are suitably normalized. Finally, we prove a moderate deviation result for sums of partial minima of independent and identically distributed exponential random variables.
Willingness to pay for female-made wine: Evidence from an online experiment
Authors: Gallais Alicia , Livat Florine
Published: March 2024

The wine industry, considered to be male-dominated, has seen a growing share of women winemakers. Using a randomized online experiment, we investigate how the producer’s gender influences consumers’ willingness to pay for the wine. Gender can be identified either from the first name of the producer or from a gendered group of wine producers. Using a Tobit and a double-hurdle model, our results suggest that consumers’ willingness to pay is lower for wine produced by female winemaker groups. This reduction appears to be particularly pronounced when the consumer is male.
Sites and Ways of Belonging to Diaspora Networks: The Case of the Greek Second Generation in Italy
Authors: Pelliccia Andrea
Published: March 2024

To survive over time, a diaspora must create sites of belonging and micro places in which to concentrate the main elements of its “iconography” that can consolidate social networks. This article analyzes how second-generation Greeks in Italy fit into diaspora networks by investigating the ways in which they define their sense of Greekness and use their ethnic resources. The findings of field research show a weakness of (formal and informal) social network ties and the pre-eminence of the family’s role in the process of sociocultural identification and ethnic identity construction. In fact, the second generation’s “ways of belonging” and the sense of attachment to Greece have an autonomous significance and are expressed more at a familial level and less collectively. Familial socialization plays a mediating role in the process of identification and transmission of Greekness, as well as in guiding ways of employing ethnic resources, contributing to the maintenance of the diaspora.
Programme d’été sur le vieillissement de l’Institut du vieillissement des Instituts de Recherche en Santé du Canada : trois pistes de réflexion de participants du Québec
Authors: Campeau Calfat Alexandre , Roger Élise , Sirois Caroline
Published: March 2024

Chaque année, les Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (IRSC) subventionnent le Programme d’été sur le vieillissement (PEV). Cette année, la semaine de formation qui rassemblait des étudiants canadiens de tous les cycles supérieurs avait pour thème la recherche multidisciplinaire au quatrième âge. Cette note de recherche présente trois éléments de réflexion de deux participants de l’édition 2023 du PEV : 1) les enjeux liés au vieillissement sont des occasions de transformer les paradigmes de la recherche; 2) la recherche collaborative doit être sociétale, et s’étendre au-delà du cercle restreint des milieux universitaires; 3) les critères d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion intégrés aux projets de recherche doivent se refléter au sein des organisations qui mènent la recherche.
Social anxiety moderates the association between adolescent irritability and bully perpetration
Authors: Perino Michael T. , Harper-Lednicky Jennifer C. , Vogel Alecia C. , Sylvester Chad M. , Barch Deanna M. , Luby Joan L.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Preliminary work suggests anxiety moderates the relationship between irritability and bullying. As anxiety increases, the link between irritability and perpetration decreases. We hypothesize that any moderation effect of anxiety is driven by social anxiety symptoms. We sought to explicate the moderating effect of anxiety, while clarifying relations to other aggressive behaviors.

Methods:

A sample of adolescents (n = 169, mean = 12.42 years of age) were assessed using clinician rated assessments of anxiety, parent reports of irritability and bullying behaviors (perpetration, generalized aggression, and victimization). Correlations assessed zero-order relations between variables, and regression-based moderation analyses were used to test interactions. Johnson–Neyman methods were used to represent significant interactions.

Results:

Irritability was significantly related to bullying (r = .403, p < .001). Social, but not generalized, anxiety symptoms significantly moderated the effect of irritability on bully perpetration (t(160) = −2.94, b = −.01, p = .0038, ΔR2 = .0229, F(1, 160) = 8.635). As social anxiety symptoms increase, the link between irritability and perpetration decreases.

Conclusions:

Understanding how psychopathology interacts with social behaviors is of great importance. Higher social anxiety is linked to reduced relations between irritability and bullying; however, the link between irritability and other aggression remains positive. Comprehensively assessing how treatment of psychopathology impacts social behaviors may improve future intervention.
El Coyote, macroregional exchange, and Early Postclassic Mesoamerica
Authors: McFarlane William J.
Published: March 2024

Relative to the centuries preceding and following it, the tenth century a.d. in Mesoamerica is poorly understood by scholars. Although there is some regional variation in the timing of these events, archaeologists commonly ascribe a pattern of political decline, dynastic collapse, or social reorganization to this period. Paradoxically, increasing interregional interactions and emergent market exchange networks are also characteristics of macroregional patterns during the tenth century. These contradictory phenomena contribute to confusion surrounding interpretations of this transitional time. This article contributes a comparative dataset from systematic archaeological investigations of El Coyote, a monumental center in the lower Cacaulapa valley, Department of Santa Barbara, Honduras. The late occupational phase contains evidence for Early Postclassic chronological markers, including Tohil Plumbate pottery; obsidian from Pachuca, Hidalgo; and copper metallurgy. Calibrated radiocarbon assays with a 2σ error place these contexts between a.d. 710 and 1040, with a clustering of intercepts circa a.d. 900. These results are consistent with a pattern described throughout Mesoamerica and demonstrate that despite variation in the use of cultural terminology—Epiclassic, Terminal Classic, or Early Postclassic—there is uniformity in the timing of this macroregional interaction.
Factors affecting the dosimetry of high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Mahapatra Bikash Ranjan , Barik Sandip Kumar , Das Deepak Kumar , Das Majumdar Saroj Kumar , Parida Dillip Kumar , Ramasubbu Mathan Kumar , Badajena Avinash , Barik Bijay Kumar , Mishra Minakshi , Pattanaik Ashutosh , Kanungo Satyabrata , Muraleedharan Anupam , Ahmed Sk Soel , Mukherjee Priyanka , Abdulla Shaha Sheik , Mahajan Ankur , Sarkar Arnab
Published: March 2024

Background:

Intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) is essential in managing locally advanced cervical cancer. Brachytherapy as a modality has the advantage of a higher dose to the tumour with a dose fall off at the periphery as per the inverse square law. The dose per fraction is much higher than external beam radiotherapy. So proper application and dosimetry are of paramount importance to reduce late toxicity.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 69 patients who underwent three ICBT applications of 7 Gray in each fraction was done. The factors under consideration were the type of pain management (spinal anaesthesia (SA) versus conscious sedation (CS)), the initial size of the disease (bulky and non-bulky) and subsequent fractions (first fraction versus third fraction). The dosimetric parameters analysed were the doses received by points A, B and P and that of the critical organs (bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon).

Results:

The dose received by critical organs was comparable concerning all the factors under consideration. The dose to point P on the left side was significantly lower in the CS group than in the SA group (p-value = 0·031). Also, the dose to point P on the right side was significantly lower in the third fraction compared with the first fraction (p-value = 0·016).

Conclusions:

ICBT under spinal anaesthesia resulted in a higher dose to the pelvic wall. The initial size of the tumour or the subsequent fractions does not significantly affect the dose received by critical organs.
Behavior of Amagmatic Orogenic Geothermal Systems: Insights From the Agua Blanca Fault, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Carbajal‐Martínez Daniel , Wanner Christoph , Diamond Larryn W. , Peiffer Loïc , Fletcher John M. , Inguaggiato Claudio , Contreras‐López Manuel
Published: March 2024

Amagmatic geothermal systems within regional‐scale orogenic faults are promising renewable resources for heat and possibly electricity production. However, their behavior needs to be better understood to improve their exploration and assessment of energy potential. To provide more insight, we report geochemical, geological, and geophysical studies from seven hot spring sites strung along a 90 km segment of the Agua Blanca Fault, which traverses a mountainous region of northern Baja California, Mexico. Our results show that topographic heads drive infiltration of meteoric water deep into basement rocks, where it is heated according to the local geothermal gradients. Long paths lead to long water residence times and high 3He/Hetotal fractions. The hot water ascends along preferentially permeable zones within the ABF, discharging at temperatures from 37°C in inland springs to 102°C on the Pacific coast. Higher discharge temperatures correlate positively with the degree of extensional fault displacement (a proxy for fault permeability). Correlations between hydraulic head gradients, residence times, and 3He/Hetotal of the thermal waters show that the hydraulic head gradient controls the length and depth of the flow paths, whereas the magnitudes and locations of the discharge sites are controlled by fault permeability. Optimal conditions at the coast allow the 120°C temperature threshold for electricity production to be reached at relatively shallow depths (<2 km), demonstrating the potential of orogenic geothermal systems not only for exploitation of hot discharging water but also for EGS exploitation of the hot rocks that surround the water upflow zones.