bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of the effects of bacteria on asphaltene adsorption and wettability alteration of dolomite and quartz
Authors: Soleimani Younes , Mohammadi Mohammad-Reza , Schaffie Mahin , Zabihi Reza , Ranjbar Mohammad
Published: December 2023

The adsorption of asphaltene on the rock surface and the changes in its wettability are very relevant issues in flow assurance and oil recovery studies, and for carbonate reservoirs, they are even more important. During microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) processes, wettability alteration is considered a crucial mechanism leading to improved oil recovery. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of surface wettability changes by bacteria and biosurfactants and find new and reliable methods to prevent asphaltene adsorption. Hence, the main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of a mixture of thiobacillus thiooxidans and thiobacillus ferooxidans microorganisms with an optimum effective temperature of around 30 °C (referred to as mesophilic bacteria), as well as a mixture of two moderate thermophiles Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans for operating temperatures around 50 °C (referred to as moderately thermophilic bacteria) on the adsorption of asphaltene samples isolated from two different crude oils onto main reservoir minerals (i.e., quartz and dolomite). The results indicated that after two weeks of mineral aging in moderate thermophilic bacteria, the adsorption of asphaltene on both minerals increased between 180 and 290%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis for quartz and dolomite samples demonstrated that after aging in bacterial solution, bonds related to the adsorption of bacterial cells and biosurfactant production appear, which are the main factors of change in wettability. Alteration in wettability towards hydrophilicity expands hydrogen bonds on the surface, thus improving asphaltene adsorption due to polar interaction. Asphaltene 1 changed the contact angle of dolomite from 53.85° to 90.51° and asphaltene 2 from 53.85° to 100.41°. However, both strains of bacteria caused a strong water-wetting effect on the dolomite rock samples. The influence of moderate thermophilic bacteria on surface wettability is more significant than that of mesophilic bacteria, which may be caused by the high protein content of these bacteria, which expands hydrogen bonding with the surface. Adsorption of asphaltenes on dolomite rocks previously aged with bacteria showed that the wetted rock samples retained their water-wet state. This study highlights the dual impact of the used microorganisms. On one hand, they significantly reduce contact angles and shift wettability towards a strongly water-wet condition, a crucial positive factor for MEOR. On the other hand, these microorganisms can elevate the adsorption of asphaltenes on reservoir rock minerals, posing a potential challenge in the form of formation damage, particularly in low-permeability reservoirs.
Vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS) could predict the survival of bladder-cancer patients who received radical cystectomy
Authors: Zhuang Juntao , Cai Lingkai , Sun Huanyou , Wu Qikai , Li Kai , Yu Ruixi , Cao Qiang , Li Pengchao , Yang Xiao , Lu Qiang
Published: December 2023

Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) shows good potential in determining muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. However, whether VI-RADS could predict the prognosis of radical cystectomy (RC) patients has not been reported. Our purpose is to determine whether VI-RADS contributed to predict oncologic outcomes. In this retrospective study, we analysed the information of bladder cancer patients who admitted to our centre from June 2012 to June 2022. All patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and underwent RC were included. VI-RADS scoring was performed by two radiologists blinded to the clinical data. Patients’ clinical features, pathology data, and imaging information were recorded. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate patients' overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Log-rank test was used to assess statistical differences. COX regression analysis was used to estimate risk factors. Ultimately, we included 219 patients, with 188 males and 31 females. The median age was 66 (IQR = 61–74.5) years. The VI-RADS scores were as follows: VI-RADS 1, 4 (1.8%); VI-RADS 2, 68 (31.1%); VI-RADS 3, 40 (18.3%); VI-RADS 4, 69 (31.5%); and VI-RADS 5, 38 (17.4%). Patients with VI-RADS ≥ 3 had poorer OS and PFS than those with VI-RADS < 3. The AUC of VI-RADS predicting 3-year OS was 0.804, with sensitivity of 0.824 and negative predictive value of 0.942. Multivariate COX analysis showed that VI-RADS ≥ 3 was risk factors for OS (HR = 3.517, P = 0.003) and PFS (HR = 4.175, P < 0.001). In the MIBC subgroup, patients with VI-RADS ≥ 4 had poorer OS and PFS. In the non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) subgroup, the prognosis of patients with VI-RADS ≥ 3 remained poorer. VI-RADS scores could effectively predict the survival of patients after RC.
Mutational spectrum and phenotypic variability of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and related disorders in a Bangladeshi population
Authors: Sarker Shaoli , Eshaque Tamannyat Binte , Soorajkumar Anjana , Nassir Nasna , Zehra Binte , Kanta Shayla Imam , Rahaman Md Atikur , Islam Amirul , Akter Shimu , Ali Mohammad Kawsar , Mim Rabeya Akter , Uddin K. M. Furkan , Chowdhury Mohammod Shah Jahan , Shams Nusrat , Baqui Md. Abdul , Lim Elaine T. , Akter Hosneara , Woodbury-Smith Marc , Uddin Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe rare neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked dystrophin gene. Several mutations have been identified, yet the full mutational spectrum, and their phenotypic consequences, will require genotyping across different populations. To this end, we undertook the first detailed genotype and phenotype characterization of DMD in the Bangladeshi population. We investigated the rare mutational and phenotypic spectrum of the DMD gene in 36 DMD-suspected Bangladeshi participants using an economically affordable diagnostic strategy involving initial screening for exonic deletions in the DMD gene via multiplex PCR, followed by testing PCR-negative patients for mutations using whole exome sequencing. The deletion mapping identified two critical DMD gene hotspot regions (near proximal and distal ends, spanning exons 8–17 and exons 45–53, respectively) that comprised 95% (21/22) of the deletions for this population cohort. From our exome analysis, we detected two novel pathogenic hemizygous mutations in exons 21 and 42 of the DMD gene, and novel pathogenic recessive and loss of function variants in four additional genes: SGCD, DYSF, COL6A3, and DOK7. Our phenotypic analysis showed that DMD suspected participants presented diverse phenotypes according to the location of the mutation and which gene was impacted. Our study provides ethnicity specific new insights into both clinical and genetic aspects of DMD.
Based on metabolomics, the optimum wind speed process parameters of flue-cured tobacco in heat pump bulk curing barn were explored
Authors: Sun Cheng Lin , Zhang Hui Lin , Zhou Dong Bo , Cheng Zhi Jun , Xie You , Rang Zhong Wen , Dai Lin Jian
Published: December 2023

To explore the influence of wind speed on the quality of tobacco in this study, we employed a heat pump-powered intensive curing barn and a three-stage curing process. By evaluating the influence of fan parameters on the quality of tobacco leaves at different curing stages, the optimal wind speed was determined. After adopting the optimized wind speed process, the degradation of macromolecular substances was faster, the accumulation of aroma substances was delayed to 55 °C, and the accumulation was more complete. Among them, the contents of reducing sugar and total sugar in flue-cured tobacco leaves were 22.25% and 29.2%, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group. The sugar was converted into more aroma substances, and the total amount of neutral aroma substances was 48.82% higher than that of the control group. The content of related aroma substances increased significantly. The content of petroleum ether extract related to aroma substances increased by 0.93% compared with the control group. The macromolecular substances were degraded more fully than the control group, such as the starch content decreased to 1.56%. The results of metabolomics showed that the contents of aldehydes, heterocyclic compounds, alcohols, ketones and esters increased significantly in different degrees after this process. These results show that the optimization of wind speed parameters can significantly improve the baking quality of tobacco leaves. This study provides a reference for the optimization of the flue-cured tobacco baking process.
An OrthoBoXY-method for various alternative box geometries
Authors: Busch Johanna , Paschek Dietmar
Published: December 2023

A simple new technique is proposed to compute shear viscosities and true self-diffusion data from MD simulations by employing direction-dependent self-diffusion coefficients from simulations of orthorhombic periodic systems of arbitrary shape.
Soybean oil derived-process oil prepared via recyclable organocatalysis for eco-friendly styrene–butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Kim Geunho , Kim Woong , Yuk Jeong Suk , Jeong Haemin , Jeon Hee Geom , Yoo Youngjae , Shin Jihoon , Park Sae Hume
Published: December 2023

A new eco-friendly process oil which could manufacture excellent tire tread have been designed. Through the introduction of bio-based materials and recyclable organocatalyst, various acid esterified soybean oils have been synthesized for process oil.
A corundum reference material for oxygen isotope analysis by secondary ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian , Hertwig Andreas , Schmitt Axel Karl , Cionoiu Katharina , McKeegan Kevin D. , Bindeman Ilya , Di Rocco Tommaso , Pack Andreas
Published: December 2023

A synthetic laser ruby crystal (HD-LR1) is introduced as a new matrix-matched reference material for secondary ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis of oxygen isotopes in corundum.
Silver(i)-catalyzed stereoselective Meyer–Schuster-type rearrangement: synthesis of densely substituted α-iodo α,β-unsaturated thioesters
Authors: Lopes José L. , Baldassari Lucas L. , Lüdtke Diogo S.
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report our approach for a Meyer–Schuster type rearrangement to access α-iodo α,β-unsaturated thioesters from propargyl thioalkynes using a silver(i) catalyst and N-iodosuccinimide as an electrophilic iodine source.
A Word-Learning Intervention Pilot Study Utilizing Principles of Retrieval- and Criterion-Based Learning for Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Gordon Katherine R. , Storkel Holly L. , Lowry Stephanie L. , Sultani Mollee J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Vocabulary knowledge at school entry provides an essential foundation for academic and literacy learning. Thus, school entry is an important timepoint to support word learning by children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Retrieval-based training strategies support both learning and retention of words for individuals with DLD in lab-based research. Additionally, lab-based research with adults with typical development demonstrates that pairing retrieval- and criterion-based training strategies supports learning efficiency. Currently, it is unclear if retrieval- and criterion-based training in word-learning interventions is feasible and effective for children with DLD.

Method:

In this pilot study, we taught preschool- and kindergarten-age children with DLD (
N
= 7) words in an intervention format. We implemented retrieval-based training in that children were asked to retrieve and produce the forms and meanings of words. We also implemented a criterion-based approach. Words were targeted until the child retrieved the form and meaning of a word at the beginning of two sessions. We assessed learning at the end of training and retention after 2- and 8-week post-training delays.

Results:

The retrieval- and criterion-based approach was effective to support word learning for six of the seven children. Children demonstrated better learning and retention of forms than meanings. Additionally, achieving criterion with a word during training was positively related to post-training retention.

Conclusions:

A retrieval- and criterion-based approach is likely to support word learning during interventions for children with DLD. We include suggestions for future research to improve the effective and efficient implementation of these approaches.
Fully time-dependent cloud formation from a non-equilibrium gas-phase in exoplanetary atmospheres
Authors: Kiefer S. , Lecoq-Molinos H. , Helling Ch. , Bangera N. , Decin L.
Published: December 2023

Context. Recent observations suggest the presence of clouds in exoplanet atmospheres, but they have also shown that certain chemical species in the upper atmosphere might not be in chemical equilibrium. Present and future interpretation of data from, for example, CHEOPS, JWST, PLATO, and Ariel require a combined understanding of the gas-phase and the cloud chemistry.

Aims. The goal of this work is to calculate the two main cloud formation processes, nucleation, and bulk growth consistently from a non-equilibrium gas phase. The aim is also to explore the interaction between a kinetic gas-phase and cloud microphysics.

Methods. The cloud formation is modelled using the moment method and kinetic nucleation, which are coupled to a gas-phase kinetic rate network. Specifically, the formation of cloud condensation nuclei is derived from cluster rates that include the thermochemical data of (TiO2)N from N = 1 to 15. The surface growth of nine bulk Al, Fe, Mg, O, Si, S, and Ti binding materials considers the respective gas-phase species through condensation and surface reactions as derived from kinetic disequilibrium. The effect of the completeness of rate networks and the time evolution of the cloud particle formation is studied for an example exoplanet, HD 209458 b.

Results. A consistent, fully time-dependent cloud formation model in chemical disequilibrium with respect to nucleation, bulk growth, and the gas-phase is presented and first test cases are studied. This model shows that cloud formation in exoplanet atmospheres is a fast process. This confirms previous findings that the formation of cloud particles is a local process. Tests on selected locations within the atmosphere of the gas-giant HD 209458 b show that the cloud particle number density and volume reach constant values within 1 s. The complex kinetic polymer nucleation of TiO2 confirms results from classical nucleation models. The surface reactions of SiO[s] and SiO2[s] can create a catalytic cycle that dissociates H2 to 2 H, resulting in a reduction of the CH4 number densities.
WHaD diagram: Classifying the ionizing source with one single emission line
Authors: Sánchez S. F. , Lugo-Aranda A. Z. , Sánchez Almeida J. , Barrera-Ballesteros J. K. , Gonzalez-Martín O. , Salim S. , Agostino C. J.
Published: December 2023

Context. The usual approach to classify the ionizing source using optical spectroscopy is based on the use of diagnostic diagrams that compare the relative strength of pairs of collisitional metallic lines (e.g., [O III] and [N II]) to recombination hydrogen lines (e.g., Hβ and Hα). Despite it having been accepted as the standard procedure, it presents known problems, including confusion regimes and/or limitations related to the required signal-to-noise (S/N) of the emission lines involved. These problems not only affect our intrinsic understanding of the interstellar medium and its properties, but also the fundamental galaxy properties, such as the star formation rate and the oxygen abundance. This raises key questions related to the fraction of active galactic nuclei and other essential parameters.

Aims. We attempt to minimize the problems introduced by the use of these diagrams, in particular, their implementation when the available information is limited due to either the fact that not all lines are available or they do not have the required S/N value.

Methods. We explored the existing alternatives in the literature to minimize the confusion among different ionizing sources. We have proposed a new, simple diagram that uses the equivalent width and the velocity dispersion from one single emission line, Hα, to classify the ionizing sources.

Results. We used aperture-limited and spatially resolved spectroscopic data from the nearby Universe (z ∼ 0.01) to demonstrate that the new diagram, which we have named WHaD, segregates the different ionizing sources in a more efficient way than earlier procedures. A new set of regions have been defined in this diagram to select among different ionizing sources.

Conclusions. The new proposed diagram is well positioned to assist in determining the ionizing source when only Hα is available or when the S/N of the emission lines is too low to obtain reliable fluxes for the weakest emission lines in classical diagnostic diagrams (e.g., Hβ).
A digital twin application for vineyards sustainable management
Authors: Faluomi Vittorio
Published: December 2023

Environmental protection and production sustainability are the key actions required to the farming activities, especially to those with higher add value as wine production. Vineyard are one of the most demanding activities in terms of water consumption and environmental impacts, which can be mitigated only with a systematic approach based on smart agriculture to support and optimize vineyard management. This paper proposes a vineyard digital twin (VDT) based on a mathematical model able to predict the vegetative and productive growth of a vineyard (leaf area, shoot length, crop and yield mass), qualitative product parameters (sugar and acid) and the water footprint associated with production. The model implements a soil-atmosphere source-sink model, where water balance across vine is coupled with potential carbon demand functions to estimate water and temperature stresses and, through a mechanistic model for sugar accumulation and acid concentration, will evaluate the expected grape quality. The distinctive trait of this model is the integration and feedback among prediction of grapevine quality and vegetative growth, using a common boundary data set and integrating the agronomical operations on vineyard seasonal development. The VDT prototype will help producers to systematize, formalize, and accumulate knowledge to improve and optimize management processes to achieve sustainable production, increasing products healthy and reducing environmental footprint.
Increasing amino acids and biogenic amines content of white and rosé wines during ageing on lees
Authors: Cerbu Maria Iulia , Colibaba Cintia Lucia , Popîrdă Andreea , Toader Ana-Maria , Niță Răzvan-George , Zamfir Cătălin-Ioan , Niculaua Marius , Cioroiu Bogdan-Ionel , Cotea Valeriu V.
Published: December 2023

The presence of biogenic amines in wine is more and more important both to consumers and producers alike, due to the potential threats of toxicity of humans and consequent trade implications. Biogenic amines are formed from amino acids by decarboxylation carried out by various enzymes located in yeasts and bacteria. During ageing of wines on lees, the release of different compounds, especially proteins, peptides, amino acids, breakdown products of yeasts, can impact on the quality of wine. The aim of this study is to describe the evolution of twenty-two amino acids, precursors of seven biogenic amines during ageing on lees for 12 months, respectively 18 months, using 12 commercial maturation products. The number of experimental samples is 26 (V1SB-V13SB, V1BB-V13BB), produced in Iasi vineyard, vintage 2020, from Sauvignon Blanc and Busuioaca de Bohotin grapes variety. Data indicated a major impact of the variables (commercial maturation products, autolysis process and grape variety) on wine’s characteristics. Considerable amounts of some essential amino acids, such as L-alanine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-valine and L-glutamic acid were found in samples treated with commercial products, which contained significant amounts of mannoproteins, amino acids and vitamins (samples V6SB, V4SB, V5SB, V5BB, V4BB and V6BB). Vitamins and nitrogenous compounds released by autolysis are used as a support in the decarboxylation process, thus forming biogenic amines.
Experiments with oenological methods to increase the spicy aroma in Austrian Grüner Veltliner wines
Authors: Philipp Christian , Nauer Stefan , Eder Phillip , Sari Sezer , Eder Reinhard
Published: December 2023

Grüner Veltliner is Austria's most important grape variety, accounting for 32.5% of the vineyard area (a total of around 14,500 ha). There is a noticeable trend with this variety away from fresh, fruity wines towards more spicy, single-vineyard wines. This is especially true for export-oriented producers. The aim of this scientific study is to test oenological methods for increasing the leading substance of the spicy aroma, the sesquiterpene rotundone and to sensory evaluate the wines. The methods skin contact, full and partial fermentation on the skins, addition of whole grapes and or leaves were tested in two independent experimental designs. The wines were analysed using a SPE-SPME-GC-TQMS method. The "retro-tratitional methods" of winemaking mentioned in the article can enhance the spiciness of the wines to a certain degree. Especially the addition of whole grapes as well as partial maceration gave the best results here. The increase in spiciness was observed both sensorially and analytically, as evidenced by higher rotundone contents. However, in summary, it must be stated that the results indicate that an exclusive analysis of rotundone, without the inclusion of phenols and other volatile substances, cannot contribute to a full understanding of the matter, which is based on the interaction of many components. Further analysis both sensory and analytical involving many volatile compounds and phenols are therefore absolutely necessary.
Research on Multi-objective Optimisation Algorithm for Light and Heat Environment in Underground Atrium Buildings
Authors: Nie Lufeng , Ji Xiang , Liu Heng
Published: December 2023

This paper firstly defines the concepts of underground atrium body shape, climate adaptability and parametric design, analyses the climatic characteristics of cold regions to extract their climatic factors, and responds to the climate with the light and heat environment, extracts the influence factors of the light and heat environment of the underground atrium and the body shape factors of the underground atrium, and constructs the underground atrium body shape design parameter system according to the classification of the body shape factors. Secondly using Ladybug+Honeybee software, a parametric underground atrium performance simulation system is con-structed to simulate the light and heat performance of the underground atrium under the non-air-conditioned state by controlling the design parameters of the underground atrium's body shape, and to explore the role of each body shape parameter in relation to the light and heat environment of the underground atrium respectively. Then, using Ladybug+Honeybee+Wallacei software, we construct a multi-objective optimisation system for under-ground atrium shapes under non-air-conditioned condition with differentiation of light and heat performance, and explore underground atrium shapes suitable for cold regions.
Optimized Biomethanization Of Grinded Organic Waste Using Catalyst
Authors: Shyamala G. , Arulmozhi S. , Ramesh S. , Mageshkumar P.
Published: December 2023

Research work was conducted to investigate the production of biogas using mesophilic anaerobic digestions. The organic waste utilized for bio gas appeared to produce less bio gas in the initial state up to 5 days due to temperature changes, then the gas production gradually increases. From the experimental set up, it was discovered that biogas generation was not uniform. Cow dung, food waste and agriculture wastes were used as organic waste for loading the anaerobic digester. Catalyst such as lime, hydrogen peroxide and silica gel were added to enhance the reaction. From above investigation, it is conceivable that the COD reduced gradually in the digester. Biogas production were fluctuating throughout the study period. The ideal measure of gas production in the range of 320 mg/l was obtained by adding hydrogen peroxide but for a period of 30 days experiment cumulative bio gas production measure is 4697 mg/l, which is achieved by adding lime as catalyst. Efficient bio methanation of grinded organic waste can be achieved by adding lime in most economical way.
Influence of Material and Labour on Construction Index Predictability
Authors: Salami Monsurat Ayojimi , Tanrıvermiş Yeşim , Tanrıvermiş Harun
Published: December 2023

This study examines the long-run relationship between construction materials and labour with the construction cost index. The essence is also to investigate the efficiency of the variables that predict the construction index in Turkey. Monthly data from January 2015 to August 2023 was obtained for four Turkish indexes on construction, building, residential and non-residential as dependent variables. In contrast, the monthly material and labour cost indexes were obtained as explanatory variables. The study employed the fully-modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) technique. The findings revealed that the material cost index determines a substantial part of the construction index, followed by the labour cost index. However, those costs are less efficiently used. Therefore, the suggestion is that the construction industry should shift from the traditional approach and consider a more efficient approach through technological innovation. This finding supports the need for the construction industries to employ appropriate technology to enhance accurate construction index prediction that could prevent waste from labour slack time and procurement of costly materials. However, the limitation of the study is the data constraint in obtaining more variables for the prediction. Still, material and labour cost indexes used for the prediction are sufficient for making the conclusion of the finding valid.
Interpretation of Reflectograms of Seismic Acoustic Flaw Detection of Piles
Authors: Degaev Evgeniy
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the results of continuity study of secant piles in excavated pits at microtunnelage by means of seismoacoustic flaw detection. The piles under study were placed in the work pits and the reception pits excavated for transfer of utilities of the urban networking infrastructure. The importance of the quality control is stipulated by safety assurance of the performance during utility re-routing. The piles provide for the important function of pit wall reinforcement against soil slides due to groundwater pressure. Reflectograms were provided of the auger-cast grout piles under study with subsequent analysis and confirmation of the design length and continuity of the pile trunk. The results of the test demonstrate a correlation of the soil uniformity with the signal regularity. On the interface of two soil layers of different density, the sound wave is reflected and partially passes further generating characteristic false defect peaks. The provided results are of practical value during reflectogram processing, allowing for experimental recognition of interferences and exclusion of flaws.
Development of models of ice interaction with waves and structures
Authors: Kantardgi Izmail Grigorievich , Afonyushkin Maksim Sergeevich
Published: December 2023

Mathematical models used to study the interaction of sea ice with ocean waves and hydraulic structures are analyzed. Works focusing on general and specific scenarios of this interaction are reviewed. General scenarios include wave-ice interactions with a focus on various prevailing physical and mechanical processes, while specific scenarios include ice-structure interactions. The specific scenarios within the framework of this work include changes in ice pressure as the ice field thickens between the offshore platform supports, the effect of seasonal variations on the resulting ice load, and ice floe bending failure using the Hoek-Brown model. Based on the results obtained, a classification of existing models was developed according to modeling methods, details of accounting for various natural phenomena, complexity of use, and predictive accuracy. For each model in the classification, advantages and disadvantages were identified, and recommendations for their improvement for further application in scientific research and practical calculations were proposed.
Economically sounded risks of management companies in the housing and utilities sector when managing apartment buildings
Authors: Aleksandrova Natalia , Barabanova Tatiana
Published: December 2023

The article discusses business activities in apartment buildings by management companies without a license and the risks that arise. A comparative analysis of the methods of managing apartment buildings in Russia and abroad is carried out. Licensing of business activities for the management of apartment buildings is carried out by the state housing supervision bodies of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation, in particular the state housing inspection. The article presents judicial practice when a management company, on the basis of the minutes of the general meeting of owners, without waiting for the decision of the state housing inspection to be included in the list of licensed organizations for a particular apartment building, begins to provide housing and communal services. Thus, if the management company actually provided services and has contracts with resource supply organizations, then carrying out business activities without a license is legal. Under such circumstances, management companies can provide housing and communal services and make a profit without a license.
Historical traditions of Moscow urban planning in the development of low-rise buildings
Authors: Ustinov Ivan Aleksandrovich
Published: December 2023

At present, it is necessary to preserve the scale of the existing urban environment, accounting for the accumulated urban planning experience and existing historical traditions. This will enable to find flexible urban planning solutions providing modern infrastructure for low-rise development in historically formed areas of the city and territories with special status. By the middle of the XIX century, Moscow residential development had represented two morphotypes: old low-rise sparse and low-rise perimeter, a consequence of the peculiarities of Muscovite life. The third morphotype, formed under the influence of the first two, was represented by individual architectural projects realized in the 1940s 1950s. Today, the concept of the private urban house with a homestead plot is still relevant. Townhouse is a form of urban dwelling with a small backyard. This form is a flexible entity combining the qualities of an urban house integrated into the urban system and a low-rise structure. Low-rise development retains an established historic scale whereas the historic fabric of the city remains unified and harmonious. Scale with historical architecture enables to integrate townhouses in the historically established areas of the city, without destroying formed city fabric. Townhouse fits into the natural landscape more harmoniously, continuing the tradition of the city and developing surrounded by gardens and parks.
Development of explicit algebraic models of Reynolds stresses for flows in channels using gene expression programming
Authors: Li Haoyan , Tokarev Mikhail P. , Mullyadzhanov Rustam I. , Yakovenko Sergey N.
Published: December 2023

To build a data-driven approximation for the Reynolds-stress anisotropy (RSA), the symbolic regression method of gene expression programming (GEP) is applied. Two tensor-basis terms from the algebraic expansion for the RSA tensor are used in the GEP algorithm. A new RANS-GEP model is tested in several flows in channels without/with bumps at different physical and geometrical parameters, where DNS data of high fidelity involved as a target for RSA are available. The results of RANS-DNS runs are also obtained where the RSA values in the mean momentum equation are taken directly from DNS to show ability to improve the model performance versus the conventional linear eddy viscosity model (LEVM). Next, the training with carefully selected input features is performed to get an explicit non-linear algebraic model for RSA. The results of RANS-GEP study show potentials of the new tool to improve predictions.
Moderne endoskopische Resektionen im Kolorektum:
Möglichkeiten, Perspektiven, Grenzen
Authors: Schiemer Moritz , Schmidt Arthur
Published: December 2023

Die meisten Polypen im unteren Gastrointestinaltrakt sind klein und technisch
einfach zu resezieren. Doch auch ausgedehnte Polypen, frühe Karzinome
oder subepitheliale Läsionen können heutzutage mit modernen
Techniken sicher endoskopisch entfernt werden. Minimalinvasive endoskopische
Resektionen ersetzen heute immer häufiger operative Eingriffe und bieten
damit die Möglichkeit einer organerhaltenden Therapie. In diesem Beitrag
werden die verschiedenen Techniken vorgestellt und deren Einsatzgebiete und
Limitationen diskutiert.
Extraperitoneal Cesarean Section after two Medial Laparotomies, Anus
Prater, and Surgical Treatment of the Rectovaginal Fistula in a Patient with
Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Bačić Boris , Hrgović Zlatko , Cerovac Anis , Barčot Ognjen , Sabljić Jelena , Dumančić Stipe , Markoski Blagoja , Leskur Mateo
Published: December 2023

The aim of this case report is to show the advantages of the extraperitoneal
cesarean section (ECS) approach in a pregnant patient with multiple previous
abdominal transperitoneal colon surgeries and Crohn’s disease. A pregnant
nulliparous woman with Crohn’s disease was admitted for delivery. After
delivery, a large rupture and lesion of the rectum was observed. Suturing of the
vagina, rectum and sphincter was performed by an abdominal surgeon. Because of a
very large and irregularly shaped rectum rupture, the patient underwent
infraumbilical medial laparotomy and sigmoidostomy. After 18 months, the patient
started to experience vaginal discharge and Y-shaped rectovaginal fistula was
confirmed. Surgical reconstruction was performed. The patient’s second pregnancy
began one year later. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, elective extraperitoneal
cesarean section was performed. A healthy newborn was delivered. Follow-up
showed full and fast recovery after the ECS. In cases of pregnant women who have
had multiple colon surgeries, gynecology surgeons can choose to perform an ECS
to avoid transperitoneal entrance into the abdomen. ECS avoids lysis of
postoperative adhesions after repetitive gastrointestinal surgeries, the
formation of new adhesions by lysis of the old adhesions, and most importantly,
the possibility of colon or small intestine lesions during lysis of dense or
firm adhesions.
Endoskopie im Fokus – ein Kommentar zum Deutschen
Pflegepreis
Authors: Beilenhoff Ulrike
Published: December 2023

Seit 1999 würdigt der Deutsche Pflegerat (DPR) die Arbeit und das
Engagement von Personen und Institutionen, die durch ihr Wirken die Profession
der Pflege voranbringen und dadurch auch „zu einem besseren Leben in
diesem Land beitragen“. So beschreibt es der DPR in seiner
diesjährigen Festschrift. Der Deutsche Pflegepreis ist somit die
höchste Auszeichnung im Bereich der Pflege.
What produces corporate social irresponsibility in offshore outsourcing? The effects of interorganizational relationship governance and institutional distance
Authors: Mol Michael J. , Lee Sun Hye
Published: December 2023

We theorize on how institutional distance and interorganizational relationship (IOR) governance interact to produce corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR) in offshore outsourcing. Managers generally find it challenging to align practices with stakeholders’ responsibility expectations and more so when activities occur offshore and outside organizational boundaries. This is evident from Apple’s repeated problems in China but insufficiently understood in international business (IB) literature. Institutional distance increases the likelihood and severity of CSiR because it produces a gap in buyers’ and suppliers’ stakeholder expectations and leads to divergence between suppliers’ practices and buyers’ responsibility policies. Trust-based cooperative IORs reduce CSiR and lessen the effect of institutional distance on CSiR. Supplier dependence also reduces CSiR but increases the effect of institutional distance on CSiR and is therefore a double-edged sword. Our novel framework generates insights into CSiR, a dark side of IB, by uncovering the mechanisms that co-produce CSiR in the offshore outsourcing context. We enrich work on offshore outsourcing by suggesting that CSiR represents a hidden cost and advance multilevel theorizing in IB by showing how institutional distance interacts with IOR governance. Managers should consider the tradeoff between performance and CSiR in offshore outsourcing and the downside that comes from (over)exploiting supplier dependence.
Exploring the conditions for youth representation: a qualitative comparative analysis of party parliamentary groups
Authors: Kurz Kira Renée , Ettensperger Felix
Published: December 2023

Research on the underrepresentation of youth in parliaments has rarely focused on political parties. This is surprising as parties are central in the selection of candidates and therefore should play an important role in determining the demographic composition of elected politicians. We created a data set of party parliamentary groups between 2017 and 2020 and conducted a linear regression as well as a fuzzy set QCA. Building upon previous literature, we expected the share of young Members of Parliament (MPs) to be higher under the following conditions: a low/high GDP per capita, a proportional representation electoral system, decentralized nomination processes, strong party youth organizations, an inclusive party ideology and young party structures. Our research support previous findings that electoral systems matter. Furthermore, our results indicate that whilst ideology might be a significant factor by itself, it becomes influential especially in combination with PR systems. The role of strong youth organizations, decentralized selectorates and party age seem to be highly context-dependent and more ambivalent. In summary, there is no singular condition under which we observe adequate youth representation, but rather different configurations of conditions. By applying the newest guidelines on good practices in QCA research, we present one of the first applications of these techniques in party and representation research.
Self-consistent calculations of the electric charge, ion drag force, and the drift velocity of spherical grains using Langevin dynamics and comparisons against canonical experiments
Authors: Madugula Venkata , Suresh Vikram , Liu Zhibo , Ballard Davis , Wymore Logan , Gopalakrishnan Ranganathan
Published: December 2023

We present trajectory simulation-based modeling to capture the interactions between ions and charged grains in dusty or complex plasmas. Our study is motivated by the need for a self-consistent and experimentally validated approach for accurately calculating the ion drag force and grain charge that determine grain collective behavior in plasmas. We implement Langevin dynamics in a computationally efficient predictor–corrector approach to capture multiscale ion and grain dynamics. Predictions of grain velocity, grain charge, and ion drag force are compared with prior measurements to assess our approach. The comparisons reveal excellent agreement to within ±20% between predicted and measured grain velocities [Yaroshenko et al., Phys. Plasmas 12, 093503 (2005) and Khrapak et al., Europhys. Lett. 97, 35001 (2012)] for 0.64, 1.25 μm grains at ∼20−500 Pa. Comparisons with the measured grain charge [Khrapak et al., Phys. Rev. E 72, 016406 (2005)] under similar conditions reveal agreement to within ∼20% as well. Measurements of the ion drag force [Hirt et al., Phys. Plasmas 11, 5690 (2004); IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 32, 582 (2004)] are used to assess the viability of the presented approach to calculate the ion drag force experienced by grains exposed to ion beams of well-defined energy. Excellent agreement between calculations and measurements is obtained for beam energies >10 eV, and the overprediction below 10 eV is attributed to the neglect of charge exchange collisions in our modeling. Along with critical assessments of our approach, suggestions for future experimental design to probe charging of and momentum transfer onto grains that capture the effect of space charge concentration and external fields are outlined.
The Dabrowski-Sitarz-Zalecki type theorems for six dimensional manifolds with boundary
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Yong
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we define the spectral Einstein functionals of spin manifolds with boundary, and we give a complete proof of the Dabrowski-Sitarz-Zalecki type theorem for six dimensional spin manifolds with boundary.
Toward the development of sensors for lung cancer: The adsorption of 1-propanol on hydrophobic zeolites
Authors: Boukair K. , Salazar J. M. , Weber G. , Badawi M. , Ouaskit S. , Simon J.-M.
Published: December 2023

A healthy breath is mainly composed of water, carbon dioxide, molecular nitrogen, and oxygen and it contains many species, in small quantities, which are related to the ambient atmosphere and the metabolism. The breath of a person affected by lung cancer presents a concentration of 1-propanol higher than usual. In this context, the development of specific sensors to detect 1-propanol from breath is of high interest. The amount of propanol usually detected on the breath is of few ppb; this small quantity is a handicap for a reliable diagnostic. This limitation can be overcome if the sensor is equipped with a pre-concentrator. Our studies aim to provide an efficient material playing this role. This will contribute to the development of reliable and easy to use lung cancer detectors. For this, we investigate the properties of a few hydrophobic porous materials (chabazite, silicalite-1, and dealuminated faujasite). Hydrophobic structures are used to avoid saturation of materials by the water present in the exhaled breath. Our experimental and simulation results suggest that silicalite −1 (MFI) is the most suitable structure to be used as a pre-concentrator.
Self-consistent equilibrium of a helical magnetic flux rope in a finite-pressure plasma
Authors: Cheremnykh Oleg K. , Fedun Viktor , Lashkin Volodymyr M.
Published: December 2023

We present an analytical model of the self-consistent equilibrium of a magnetic flux rope, which is obtained in cylindrical geometry. The equilibrium quantities, namely, the azimuthal magnetic field and plasma pressure, are determined in a self-consistent way through the current density, which is derived as a solution of a nonlinear equation. By minimizing the energy functional, it was shown that the constrained equilibrium state is stable. The obtained results are also applicable to the cylindrical tokamak magnetic configurations. It is shown that the analytically predicted radial profiles of equilibrium quantities are in good agreement with the experimental data.
On the description of conical intersections between excited electronic states with LR-TDDFT and ADC(2)
Authors: Taylor Jack T. , Tozer David J. , Curchod Basile F. E.
Published: December 2023

Conical intersections constitute the conceptual bedrock of our working understanding of ultrafast, nonadiabatic processes within photochemistry (and photophysics). Accurate calculation of potential energy surfaces within the vicinity of conical intersections, however, still poses a serious challenge to many popular electronic structure methods. Multiple works have reported on the deficiency of methods like linear-response time-dependent density functional theory within the adiabatic approximation (AA LR-TDDFT) or algebraic diagrammatic construction to second-order [ADC(2)]—approaches often used in excited-state molecular dynamics simulations—to describe conical intersections between the ground and excited electronic states. In the present study, we focus our attention on conical intersections between excited electronic states and probe the ability of AA LR-TDDFT and ADC(2) to describe their topology and topography, using protonated formaldimine and pyrazine as two exemplar molecules. We also take the opportunity to revisit the performance of these methods in describing conical intersections involving the ground electronic state in protonated formaldimine—highlighting in particular how the intersection ring exhibited by AA LR-TDDFT can be perceived either as a (near-to-linear) seam of intersection or two interpenetrating cones, depending on the magnitude of molecular distortions within the branching space.
Parametrization of coefficients for sub-grid modeling of pitch-angle diffusion in global magnetospheric hybrid-Vlasov simulations
Authors: Dubart M. , Battarbee M. , Ganse U. , Osmane A. , Spanier F. , Suni J. , Cozzani G. , Horaites K. , Papadakis K. , Pfau-Kempf Y. , Tarvus V. , Palmroth M.
Published: December 2023

Sub-grid models are key tools to accurately describe the physical processes at play in a system when high-resolution simulations are not feasible. We previously developed a sub-grid model for pitch-angle diffusion in hybrid-Vlasov simulations of Earth's magnetosphere. However, a more precise description of the pitch-angle diffusion coefficient is required to apply this model to global simulations. In this study, we use an existing method to parametrize pitch-angle diffusion coefficients from monotonic distribution functions and adapt it to bi-Maxwellian distributions. We determine these coefficients for various values of the ion temperature anisotropy and plasma β∥. We use these newly parametrized coefficients in our sub-grid model and show that it accurately models reduction of temperature anisotropy in both local simulations and global simulations of the Earth's magnetosphere, while using minimal computational resources.
Improving access to dermatology specialist care: review of a dermatologist- and general practitioner-integrated clinic model
Authors: Kivi Neakiry , Reiche Louise , Kingi Tanira , Elder Christina , Semprini Alex
Published: December 2023

Introduction This study presents an innovative model of integrated dermatology service delivery. Kauri HealthCare (KHC) is a general practice serving around 19 000 patients in Palmerston North, New Zealand. A ‘mini clinic’ is provided by an on-site dermatologist that is available for patients of KHC. Referring practitioners are required to attend with the patient to present their case and seek dermatologist input. This allows for patients to receive a specialist opinion, as well as for the referrer to receive practical and academic teaching, record findings, and arrange any further investigations, follow-up, or management. Aim To describe the nature of patient presentations and clinical outcomes of a novel dermatologist–general practitioner integrated clinic based in a provincial healthcare practice. Methods Descriptive analysis of all referrals to the Kauri HealthCare dermatology mini clinic from April 2017 to December 2022. Results During the study period, 964 diagnoses were recorded across 806 patients booked into the mini clinic. The most common presenting conditions were: (1) eczema; (2) psoriasis; (3) actinic keratoses; (4) naevi; and (5) seborrheic keratosis. Practitioners sought dermatology opinion on the diagnosis and/or management of skin conditions. Further referral to secondary care was not required for 86% of patients. Discussion Improvements could be made to better serve those of Māori and Pacific ethnicity, or living in high socioeconomic deprivation. Results indicate where teaching could be prioritised for practitioners, postgraduates, and medical students. Overall, this is an innovative clinic model, which seeks to provide equitable care, medical education, and collaboration between primary and secondary services.