bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrogenesis of the Deccan high-Mg basalts and picrites
Authors: Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: September 2024

Tholeiitic basalts and picrites from the Deccan Traps were used to constrain the pressure and temperature conditions of mantle melting for their origin. Clinopyroxene thermobarometry indicates that all Deccan tholeiites crystallized at low pressures in the upper crust (< 6 kbar/1047–1221 °C). In comparison, the Deccan alkalic rocks crystallized at pressures up to ~ 12.7 kbar. Rare samples of the tholeiites plot on their low-pressure olivine-plagioclase-clinopyroxene (Ol-Pl-Cpx) cotectic boundaries or olivine control lines in phase diagrams. These samples represent unmodified magmatic liquids. Primary magmas of the basalts that plot on their cotectic boundaries were modeled through reverse fractionation by incrementally adding equilibrium Ol + Pl + Cpx, Ol + Pl and Ol ± spinel, until the liquid was multiply saturated with lherzolite at a high pressure. The high-Mg basalts are contaminated with continental crust. Hence, a crustal partial melt was simultaneously subtracted according to energy constraints at each reverse fractionation step for these samples. The results show that the high-Mg basalts are 41–53% fractionated and 1–6% contaminated, and the low-Mg basalts are 63–67% fractionated. Their primary magmas were last equilibrated with spinel lherzolite at 10–13 kbar/1289–1333 °C. A picrite and two very high-Mg basalts plot on their olivine control lines. So, their primary magmas were calculated by adding only equilibrium olivine. These samples are 9–25% fractionated, and their primary magmas were last equilibrated with garnet lherzolite at 25–36 kbar/1452–1531 °C. The estimated mantle potential temperatures are 1400–1500 °C for the Deccan tholeiites, consistent with their origin from a mantle plume.
Interpretation of SD-OCT imaging data in real-life conditions versus standardized reading centre analysis in eyes with diabetic macular oedema or macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: 24-month follow-up of the ORCA study
Authors: Spital Georg , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Müller Bettina , Liczenczias Erika , Chang Petrus , Heimes-Bussmann Britta , Ziemssen Focke , Liakopoulos Sandra ,   For the ORCA study group
Published: September 2024

Purpose

As part of the prospective, non-interventional OCEAN study, the ORCA module evaluated physicians’ spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) image interpretations in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME) or macular oedema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods

Presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) was evaluated independently by physicians and reading centres (RCs) on 1612 SD-OCT scans of 133 patients diagnosed with either DME or ME secondary to RVO. Agreement between physicians and RCs was calculated for both cohorts individually and as a combined ME cohort. Physicians’ treatment decisions were analysed related to the results of the OCT-evaluations.

Results

For the combined ME cohort, presence of IRF/SRF was recorded by RCs in 792/1612 (49.1%) visits and by physicians in 852/1612 (52.9%) visits, with an agreement regarding presence or absence of foveal fluid in 70.4% of cases. In 64.4% (510/792) of visits with RC-detected foveal IRF and/or SRF no injection was given. In 30.3% of these visits with foveal fluid no reason was identified for a ‘watch and wait’ approach indicating possible undertreatment. BCVA deterioration was seen in a quarter of these eyes at the following visit.

Conclusion

Despite good agreement between physicians and RCs to recognize SRF and IRF, our data indicate that omitting injections despite foveal involvement of fluid is frequent in routine clinical practice. This may put patients at risk of undertreatment, which may negatively impact real-life BCVA outcomes.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02194803.
Diagnostic performance of pupil perimetry in detecting hemianopia under standard and virtual reality viewing conditions
Authors: Portengen Brendan , Imhof Saskia , Naber Marnix , Porro Giorgio
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic performance and reliability of two pupil perimetry (PP) methods in homonymous hemianopia.

Methods

This cross-sectional monocenter cohort study performed gaze-contingent flicker PP (gcFPP) and a virtual reality version of gcFPP (VRgcFPP) twice on separate occasions in all patients suffering from homonymous hemianopia due to neurological impairment. The main outcomes were (1) test accuracy and (2) test–retest reliability: (1) was measured through area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) calculation of (VR)gcFPP results with comparators being SAP and healthy controls, respectively; (2) was evaluated by comparing tests 1 and 2 of both methods within patients.

Results

Both gcFPP and VRgcFPP were performed in 15 patients (12 males, MAge = 57, SDAge = 15) and 17 controls (6 males, MAge = 53, SDAge = 12). Mean test accuracy was good in separating damaged from intact visual field regions (gcFPP: Mauc = 0.83, SDauc = 0.09; VRgcFPP: Mauc = 0.69, SDauc = 0.13) and in separating patients from controls (gcFPP: Mauc = 0.92, SDauc = 0.13; VRgcFPP: Mauc = 0.96, SDauc = 0.15). A high test–retest reliability was found for the proportion intact versus damaged visual field (gcFPP: r = 0.95, P < .001, VRgcFPP: r = 1.00, P < .001).

Conclusions

Overall, these results can be summarized as follows: (1) the comparison of pupil response amplitudes between intact versus damaged regions per patient indicate that gcFPP allows for cleaner imaging of intact versus damaged visual field regions than VRgcFPP, (2) the comparisons of average differences in intact versus damaged amplitudes between patients and controls demonstrate high diagnostic performance of both gcFPP and VRgcFPP, and (3) the test–retest reliabilities confirm that both gcFPP and VRgcFPP reliably and consistently measure defects in homonymous hemianopia.

Key  messages

What is known

Standard automated perimetry is the current gold standard for visual field examination, but not always suited for the evaluation of the VF in neurologically impaired patients.

Pupil perimetry consists of the measurement of pupillary responses to light stimuli as a measure of visual sensitivity.

What is new

This study reports the highest diagnostic accuracy of pupil perimetry so far in patients with homonymous hemianopia.

Gaze-contingent flicker pupil perimetry reliably and consistently measures defects in homonymous hemianopia under standard and virtual reality viewing conditions.
Effect of perioperative management on early graft function in living donor paediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Zhang Jennifer Q. J. , Cavazzoni Elena , Durkan Anne M. , Hahn Deirdre , McCarthy Hugh , Alexander Stephen , Thomas Gordon , Kennedy Sean E. , Kermond Rachael , Skowno Justin , Miles Ian , Kim Siah
Published: September 2024

Background

Paediatric kidney transplantation has an increased risk of surgical and vascular complications, with intensive care monitoring required postoperatively. This study aimed to determine if perioperative management affects early graft function in living donor paediatric kidney transplantation.

Methods

Clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical record for living donor kidney transplants at two paediatric centres covering the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia from 2009 to 2021. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 7 days and 1-month post-transplant were calculated as measures of early graft function.

Results

Thirty-nine eligible patients (female n (%) 13 (33%)) with a median (IQR) age of 6 (3–9) years and pre-transplant eGFR of 7 (6–10) mL/min/1.73 m2 were analysed. Mean (SD) central venous pressure (CVP) after revascularisation was 11 (4) mmHg. Intraoperatively, mean volume of fluid administered was 84 (39) mL/kg, and 34 (87%) patients received vasoactive agents. Average systolic blood pressure (BP) in the first 24-h post-transplant was 117 (12) mmHg. Postoperatively, median volume of fluid administered in the first 24 h was 224 (159–313) mL/kg, and 17 (44%) patients received vasoactive agents. Median eGFR 7 days and 1-month post-transplant were 115 (79–148) and 103 (83–115) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that after adjusting for age, the average CVP after revascularisation and average systolic BP in the first 24-h post-transplant were not associated with eGFR in the first month post-transplant.

Conclusions

Targeted intraoperative and postoperative fluid and haemodynamic characteristics were achieved but did not correlate with early graft function.

Graphical Abstract
Multistep evolution of harzburgitic mantle underneath pipe 200 kimberlite, northern Lesotho: a study on xenoliths and their implication on diamond-barren nature of pipe 200 kimberlite
Authors: Khan Sahroz , Kovács István J. , Fedortchouk Yana , Feichter Monika , Szabó Csaba , Tóth Tivadar M.
Published: September 2024

The Pipe 200 kimberlite in northern Lesotho on the southeast margin of the Kaapvaal Craton is a diamond-poor deposit despite its proximity to economically viable kimberlites like the Liqhobong kimberlite. We study harzburgite xenoliths' mineral composition, geochemistry, and pressure–temperature evolution to understand factors influencing diamond destruction. The xenoliths are classified into five types based on their petrography and geochemistry. The diversity in the mineral assemblage correlates with a sampling depth of ~ 100 to 175 km (~ 2.8 to < 5.0 GPa). The signatures of metasomatism are evident in type 3 and 4 xenoliths, where garnet breaks down to form a cluster (henceforth assemblage) of phlogopite, chromite, and diopside. Fine-grained melts associated with an uplift in the mantle to shallower depths of < 90 km (< 2.3 GPa) encompass the minerals in the assemblage, which display resorption at the boundaries. Water contents (structural hydroxyl) of olivine and possibly orthopyroxene are lower in the xenoliths with metasomatism-induced breakdown of garnet. The structural hydroxyl distribution in the nominally anhydrous minerals shows flat distribution profiles of re-equilibration due to residence in the kimberlite magma. It is supported by the disruption of the inter-mineral water partition coefficient due to olivine water diffusion during residence in the kimberlite magma. The barren nature of the Pipe 200 kimberlite is attributed to the signatures of mantle metasomatism and residence in kimberlite magma, which led to the diamond destruction.

Graphical abstract
Using multi-level regression to determine associations and estimate causes and effects in clinical anesthesia due to patient, practitioner and hospital or health system practice variability
Authors: Aoyama Kazuyoshi , Yang Alan , Pinto Ruxandra , Ray Joel G. , Hill Andrea , Scales Damon C. , Fowler Robert A.
Published: September 2024

In this research methods tutorial of clinical anesthesia, we will explore techniques to estimate the influence of a myriad of factors on patient outcomes. Big data that contain information on patients, treated by individual anesthesiologists and surgical teams, at different hospitals, have an inherent multi-level data structure (Fig. 1). While researchers often attempt to determine the association between patient factors and outcomes, that does not provide clinicians with the whole story. Patient care is clustered together according to clinicians and hospitals where they receive treatment. Therefore, multi-level regression models are needed to validly estimate the influence of each factor at each level. In addition, we will explore how to estimate the influence that variability—for example, one anesthesiologist deciding to do one thing, while another takes a different approach—has on outcomes for patients, using the intra-class correlation coefficient for continuous outcomes and the median odds ratio for binary outcomes. From this tutorial, you should acquire a clearer understanding of how to perform and interpret multi-level regression modeling and estimate the influence of variable clinical practices on patient outcomes in order to answer common but complex clinical questions.
Thirty (30) years of circular economy (CE) collaboration in Zimbabwe: success factors and barriers of networks in the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ)
Authors: Muzamwese Tawanda Collins
Published: September 2024

Over a period of 30 years from 1993 to 2023, the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) network has implemented Circular Economy (CE) initiatives in different sectors in Zimbabwe, but has not evaluated its impact. This research aims to assess the success factors and barriers of network collaboration. Case Study design and data collection methods including questionnaires, interviews, direct observation and content analysis are used. Performance of the association is analysed over a 30-year period to derive a time-series analysis. The research concludes that the BCSDZ promotes CE through training, capacity building, workshops, demonstration projects and field visits. Success factors include a wide stakeholder network, presence of Group Standards at Multinationals and affiliation with international organisations as it is the interconnection and integration between various actors (nexus). Furthermore, international agreements and national laws, have had an effect of increasing the demand for collaboration. Barriers include lack of financing and different organisational priorities. The research concludes that in order to overcome barriers, blended financing models are required.
The benefits of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in normal pressure hydrocephalus patients—a follow-up of three years
Authors: Gencer Aylin H. , Schwarm Frank P. , Nagl Jasmin , Uhl Eberhard , Kolodziej Malgorzata A.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is an established approach in treating normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This study aims to examine the long-term effects of VPS regarding clinical and radiological outcomes, to explore interdependencies with comorbidities and medication, and to determine a suitable opening pressure of the programmable valve.

Methods

127 patients with VPS were retrospectively evaluated. The Hakim triad along with Evans index (EI) and callosal angle (CA) were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at various time points up to over thirty-six months. Preexisting comorbidities and medication were considered. Adjustments to valve settings were documented along with symptom development and complications. Wilcoxon and paired-sample t-tests were used to analyze postoperative change. Chi-square, Eta-squared, and Pearson coefficients were used in correlation analyses.

Results

Relief from individual symptoms was most prominent within the first 6 months (p < 0.01). EI and CA significantly decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). Postoperative clinical and radiological improvement was largely maintained over the follow-up period. Diabetes mellitus and apoplexy correlated with surgical outcomes (p < 0.05). The median opening pressure as a function of overall symptom management was determined to be 120 mmH2O for women and 140 mmH2O for men.

Conclusion

VPS is effective in treating NPH with respect to both clinical and radiological outcomes, although these two components are independent of each other. Improvement is most pronounced in short-term and maintained in the long-term. Comorbidities have significant influence on the course of NPH. The valve setting does not forecast change in radiological findings; consequently, priority should be placed on the patient’s clinical condition.
Open source container orchestration for Industry 4.0 – requirements and systematic feature analysis
Authors: Alamoush Ahmad , Eichelberger Holger
Published: September 2024

Container-based virtualization is a popular technique, e.g., to realize microservice architectures. Recently, containers became popular in Industry 4.0 / IIoT systems, which typically consist of hundreds of (edge) devices and machines. In such setups, efficient management of containers is essential as offered by container orchestrators like Kubernetes. However, currently no specific overviews discussing orchestrator capabilities for Industry 4.0 are available. In this paper, we analyze nine open source container orchestrators for their application in Industry 4.0 or IIoT settings as a basis for future research and development. We contribute a systematic literature review to identify 23 basic orchestration requirements. We complement this by insights from an intensive requirements collection in a research project on intelligent industrial production, as well as selected features from a published generic orchestrator analysis. From these 66 requirements, we derive a requirements/feature taxonomy, which we use to analyze the nine open source orchestrators including Kubernetes. We show that there is, e.g., still a lack of support regarding edge devices, IIoT protocols, security mechanisms, and specialized resources for artificial intelligence.
Ecosystem Size Drives Patterns and Control Mechanisms of Mixotrophs Success Across Tropical Lakes: A Large-Scale Assessment of the Grand Écart Hypothesis
Authors: Costa Mariana R. A. , Quesado Leticia B. , Nobre Regina L. G. , Cabral Camila R. , Dantas Fabíola C. C. , Sarmento Hugo , Amado André M. , Becker Vanessa , Padisák Judit , Carneiro Luciana S. , Caliman Adriano
Published: September 2024

Mixotrophy, a physiological trait combining autotrophy and heterotrophy in one organism, significantly contributes to energy and matter transfer in aquatic ecosystems. However, understanding how environmental factors influence mixoplankton success across freshwater ecosystems has been uncertain. The grand écart hypothesis (GEH) posits that light and nutrient availability are key components of mixotrophs' niche, suggesting that ecosystem properties determine opposing gradients of light and nutrients, creating environmental filtering for mixotrophs. We hypothesized that ecosystem size, a property of lake ecosystems, mediates the prevalence of patterns and control mechanisms predicted by the GEH on mixoplankton relative biomass (MRB). Using data from 98 tropical lakes, we demonstrated that lake size mediates the inverse relationship between light and nutrient availability across ecosystems. Larger lakes have more light but low nutrients, while smaller lakes have more nutrients but greater shading. Light availability better explains MRB in small lakes, and nutrients better explain MRB in large lakes, with MRB values being higher in small lakes, with secondary influence from zooplankton herbivory. Our results validate the GEH as a significant framework for explaining patterns and control mechanisms of mixoplankton across tropical lakes. This study highlights the significance of lake size as an ecosystem property that generates opposing light and nutrient gradients, further emphasizing its importance for understanding mechanisms regulating freshwater phytoplankton community structure and functioning. Integrating lake size within the conceptual framework of the GEH could aid in explaining mixoplankton success over macroecological scales.
Delineating aquitard characteristics within a Silurian dolostone aquifer using high-density hydraulic head and fracture datasets
Authors: Medici G. , Munn J. D. , Parker B. L.
Published: September 2024

Fractured aquifers are heterogeneous due to the variable frequency, orientation, and intersections of rock discontinuities. A ~100-m-thick Silurian dolostone sequence provides a bedrock aquifer supplying the city of Guelph, Canada. Here, fracture network characteristics and associated influences on hydraulic head were examined using several data types obtained from 24 cored holes in a study that is novel for the quantity and quality of data. High (50–90°) angle joint orientations, heights, and terminations relative to bedding features were determined from acoustic televiewer logs and outcrop scanlines. These data were compared to high-resolution hydraulic head profiles showing head loss over depth-discrete intervals identifying zones with lower vertical hydraulic conductivity. This study reveals that the marl-rich Vinemount Member, traditionally considered the principal aquitard, corresponds to head loss in only 62% of the 24 boreholes. The vertical position of head loss varies across the 90-km2 study area and occurs in any of the lithostratigraphic units of the Lockport Group. Within this sedimentary sequence, aquitards are laterally discontinuous or “patchy” at variable depths and relate to: (1) the frequency of the high-angle joints; (2) shorter joint height; and (3) the type of joint terminations. The head loss occurs in thin (2–2.5 m) intervals where the frequency of the high-angle joints is low. Where a large proportion of small joints cross-cut marl bedding planes, head loss is negligible, suggesting that the vertical hydraulic conductivity is not reduced. Overall, these findings are potentially applicable to assessing aquitard and cap rock integrity in carbonate sedimentary sequences worldwide.
Klebsiella pneumoniae with carbapenemases: high prevalence of sequence type 307 with blaOXA181 in South African community hospitals
Authors: Salvador-Oke Kafilat Taiwo , Pitout Johann D. D. , Peirano Gisele , Strydom Kathy-Anne , Kingsburgh Chanel , Ehlers Marthie M. , Kock Marleen M.
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the molecular characteristics of urinary carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (n = 194) in Gauteng, South Africa, using simple, cost-effective PCR methodologies. Extensively drug resistant (XDR) ST307 with blaOXA-181 on IncX3 plasmids was endemic in Gauteng community hospitals leaving limited options for treating in- and outpatient urinary tract infections. High-level ceftazidime/avibactam resistance was detected among isolates harbouring blaOXA-48-like including blaOXA-181. These findings highlighted the need for genomic methodologies suitable for lower- and middle-income countries to track XDR clones and plasmids in community hospitals. Such results will aid with treatment and stewardship strategies.
Fast convergence to non-isolated minima: four equivalent conditions for $${\textrm{C}^{2}}$$ functions
Authors: Rebjock Quentin , Boumal Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Optimization algorithms can see their local convergence rates deteriorate when the Hessian at the optimum is singular. These singularities are inescapable when the optima are non-isolated. Yet, under the right circumstances, several algorithms preserve their favorable rates even when optima form a continuum (e.g., due to over-parameterization). This has been explained under various structural assumptions, including the Polyak–Łojasiewicz condition, Quadratic Growth and the Error Bound. We show that, for cost functions which are twice continuously differentiable ($$\textrm{C}^2$$C2), those three (local) properties are equivalent. Moreover, we show they are equivalent to the Morse–Bott property, that is, local minima form differentiable submanifolds, and the Hessian of the cost function is positive definite along its normal directions. We leverage this insight to improve local convergence guarantees for safe-guarded Newton-type methods under any (hence all) of the above assumptions. First, for adaptive cubic regularization, we secure quadratic convergence even with inexact subproblem solvers. Second, for trust-region methods, we argue capture can fail with an exact subproblem solver, then proceed to show linear convergence with an inexact one (Cauchy steps).
Island biocultural diversity in the Mediterranean: the case study of Sardinia
Authors: Nazari Vazrick , Pungetti Gloria , Hong Sun-Kee , Belardinelli Sofia , Bisol Giovanni Destro , Pievani Dietelmo
Published: September 2024

The Mediterranean Basin is a hotspot for biological and cultural diversity, and this is particularly evident in its islands, even though little attention has been paid to their remarkable biocultural diversity. In order to elucidate this characteristic phenomenon, we present a review of the literature on biodiversity and cultural studies in Sardinia. From the review, it has emerged that the island can serve as an excellent case study and a model for the development of a methodology on the topic, which can be applied to the entire Mediterranean Basin. An Island Biocultural Diversity Initiative for the Mediterranean Region has therefore been set up to support the preservation of biocultural diversity and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Mediterranean islands, with Sardinia as its primary hotspot.
How preferences enslave attention: calling into question the endogenous/exogenous dichotomy from an active inference perspective
Authors: Parvizi-Wayne Darius
Published: September 2024

It is easy to think of attention as a purely sensorimotor, exogenous mechanism divorced from the influence of an agent’s preferences and needs. However, according to the active inference framework, such a strict reduction cannot be straightforwardly invoked, since all cognitive and behavioural processes can at least be described as maximising the evidence for a generative model entailed by the ongoing existence of that agent; that is, the minimisation of variational free energy. As such, active inference models could cast an (embodied) cognitive mechanism like attention, described in this paper as a relevance filter, as constrained (or enslaved) by these prior preferences for which an agent must seek evidence, whether or not such priors are having direct, real-time neurocognitive effects on the sensorimotor loops that couple the attending agent and her surrounding environment. This duality with respect to the role of priors corresponds to a wider, ongoing debate in the active inference community regarding the framework’s explanatory power. More specifically, the debate centres on whether the notion of a generative model and the priors embedded ubiqitously therein act as a purely useful instrumental tool for scientists aiming to model the behaviours of self-organising entities, or, rather, the brain (and body) is genuinely constituted by a predictive hierarchy within which higher-order dynamics constrain and contextualise activity unfolding at lower levels. With a focus on the second (ontologically realist) construal of active inference presented here, this paper argues that in cognitive systems endowed with attentional schema, higher-order preferences do, indeed, impose a demonstrable and powerful modulating effect on the way attention unfolds. Furthermore, these preferences in question transcend the contingent, task-relevant goals that have already been shown to bias attention. Rather, attention is powerfully tuned by the most-deep rooted priors the agent possesses, such that, when sensory evidence against these priors is observed and free energy spikes, the agent attentionally prioritises the homeostatic restoration of these preferred states over their shorter-term desires. This suggests that, at its core, attention is a goal-driven process, which calls into question the putative dichotomy that exists between endogenous (goal-directed) attention and exogenous (stimulus-driven) attention. What emerges in its place is a symbiotic relationship between attention and preferences, whereby the fulfilment of the latter rests on successful application of the former, and the former derives its function from the organismic need to find evidence for the latter.
Approximate Controllability of Fractional Evolution System on Non-Dense Domain
Authors: Singh Vikram , Chaudhary Renu , Kumar Umesh , Kumar Sandeep
Published: September 2024

This article explores the existence and approximate controllability of integral solutions for Hilfer fractional evolution equations in a non-dense domain. Leveraging the well-known generalized Banach contraction theorem, we establish both the existence and uniqueness of the integral solution. Furthermore, we adopt a sequential approach to derive results related to approximate controllability, without relying on the compactness of semigroups or the uniform boundedness of nonlinear functions. To validate our findings, we present and discuss an illustrative example.
Exploring the Facilitating Environment for Mindfulness Meditation: Establishing a Framework through Analysis of Means and Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Chen Anran , Tang Yue
Published: September 2024

Objective

While mindfulness meditation is an established practice for improving well-being, the physical environment for this activity awaits further exploration. This research aimed to explore how the physical environment facilitates mindfulness meditation and to establish a framework through Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The framework was intended to provide guidance for organisations and individuals to better design or modify physical space to support their mindfulness meditations.

Method

This study used methods to establish an initial research framework from the literature on mindfulness, architectural design, and environmental psychology. A survey of UK mindfulness practitioners was conducted in 2021–2022 to provide insights from a quantitative perspective. The data were analysed using ANOM and EFA to obtain a comprehensive framework based on the responses.

Results

Through a review of the literature and empirical study, nine physical factors with controllable elements were identified, ranked by their relative importance. Quietness, the use of supportive tools, and natural sounds were found to be the most important.

Conclusion

This research suggests the priority elements for groups and individuals to consider when adapting the physical environment for mindfulness meditation. The results revealed quietness as the most beneficial controllable element for its facilitation. Additionally, the use of supportive meditation tools was also important. Considering these top elements first could support practitioners' mindfulness meditation more effectively and efficiently.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
A review of deep learning-based reconstruction methods for accelerated MRI using spatiotemporal and multi-contrast redundancies
Authors: Kim Seonghyuk , Park HyunWook , Park Sung-Hong
Published: September 2024

Accelerated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has played an essential role in reducing data acquisition time for MRI. Acceleration can be achieved by acquiring fewer data points in k-space, which results in various artifacts in the image domain. Conventional reconstruction methods have resolved the artifacts by utilizing multi-coil information, but with limited robustness. Recently, numerous deep learning-based reconstruction methods have been developed, enabling outstanding reconstruction performances with higher acceleration. Advances in hardware and developments of specialized network architectures have produced such achievements. Besides, MRI signals contain various redundant information including multi-coil redundancy, multi-contrast redundancy, and spatiotemporal redundancy. Utilization of the redundant information combined with deep learning approaches allow not only higher acceleration, but also well-preserved details in the reconstructed images. Consequently, this review paper introduces the basic concepts of deep learning and conventional accelerated MRI reconstruction methods, followed by review of recent deep learning-based reconstruction methods that exploit various redundancies. Lastly, the paper concludes by discussing the challenges, limitations, and potential directions of future developments.
Nonlinear damping effects for the 2D Mindlin–Timoshenko system
Authors: Bchatnia Ahmed , Chebbi Sabrine , Hamouda Makram
Published: September 2024

In this article, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of the Mindlin–Timoshenko system under the influence of nonlinear dissipation affecting the rotation angle equations. Initially, we provide a concise review of the system’s solution existence. Subsequently, we demonstrate that the energy associated with the solution of the Mindlin–Timoshenko setup follows a dissipation. Furthermore, under the condition of equal wave speeds, we establish a comprehensive decay theorem for the energy, offering explicit insights into its general behavior.
Determination of the load acting on the probe by separating force and torque during FSW of AA 6060 T66
Authors: Sennewald Martin , Wüstefeld Ramon , Hasieber Michael , Löhn Torsten , Bergmann Jean Pierre
Published: September 2024

The development of suitable welding processes is required to meet the ever-increasing demands on joining processes, particularly for lightweight construction and increasing environmental awareness. Friction stir welding (FSW) represents a promising alternative to conventional fusion welding processes, particularly for the joining of low-melting-point materials such as aluminium and magnesium alloys, which present a number of challenges, including the formation of pores and the occurrence of hot cracks. The central element of the process is the friction stir welding tool, which consists of a shoulder and a probe. The rotation and the simultaneous application of pressure during the joining process create a friction-based heat input through the tool. The excellent mechanical properties resulting from dynamic recrystallisation during the welding process are a major advantage of the process. As a result, strengths comparable to those of the base material can be achieved. However, FSW is subject to process-specific challenges, including high process forces, which result in the fabrication of complex and robust devices. Additionally, high dynamic loads on the friction stir welding tools must be considered. In many cases, the design of friction stir welding tools is based on empirical data. However, these empirical values are machine-, component- and material-specific, which often results in under- or overmatching of friction stir welding tools. Sudden probe failure, component scrap, and low process reliability are the direct consequences of undermatching. Overmatching results in enlarged tools with limited accessibility, high heat input, and high process forces, leading to component deformation. The aim of this study is to determine the load on the probe by separating the forces and torque of the shoulder and the probe in order to be able to make statements about the load acting on the probe and the resulting stress state. The knowledge of the stress state can be employed to design friction stir welding tools, both statically and dynamically, for a specific welding task. A strategy was devised to distribute the load exerted on the shoulder and probe. To this end, the length of the probe was gradually reduced between the welding tests. The investigations were carried out with a force-controlled robotized welding setup in which AA 6060 T66 sheets with a thickness of 5 mm were welded. A Kistler multicomponent dynamometer type 9139AA allows to measure the Cartesian forces to be recorded in the x-, y-, and z-directions with a sampling rate of 80 kHz. The weld seam properties were determined by visual and metallographic inspections as well as tensile and bending tests in accordance with DIN EN ISO 25239–5.
Excellent lubricating hydrogels with rapid photothermal sterilization for medical catheters coating
Authors: Sun Yue , Shang Zhenling , Li Chenghao , Guo Jinglun , Chen Zhuo , Zhao Nan , Liu Guoqiang , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: September 2024

Bacterial infection and tissue damage caused by friction are two major threats to patients’ health in medical catheter implantation. Hydrogels with antibacterial and lubrication effects are competitive candidates for catheter coating materials. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a highly efficient bactericidal method. Here, a composite hydrogel containing MXene nanosheets and hydrophilic 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SPMK) is reported, which is synthesized through the one-pot method and heat-initiated polymerization. The hydrogel shows excellent antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in 3 min in the air or 20 min in the water environment under near-infrared light (NIR; 808 nm) irradiation. The friction coefficient of the hydrogel is about 0.11, which is 48% lower than that without SPMK. The rapid photothermal sterilization is attributed to the outstanding antibacterial ability and thermal effect of photoactivated MXene. The ultra-low friction is the result of the hydration lubrication mechanism. This study provides a potential strategy for the surface coatings of biomedical catheters, which enables rapid sterilization and extremely low interface resistance between catheters and biological tissues.
A robust low-friction triple network hydrogel based on multiple synergistic enhancement mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Chen Qin , Chen Kai , Feng Cunao , Feng Haiyan , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Dekun
Published: September 2024

Hydrogels exhibit promising applications, particularly due to their high water content and excellent biocompatibility. Despite notable progress in hydrogel technology, the concurrent enhancement of water content, mechanical strength, and low friction poses substantial challenges to practical utilization. In this study, employing molecular and network design guided based on multiple synergistic enhancement mechanisms, we have developed a robust polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–polyacrylic acid (PAA)–polyacrylamide (PAAm) three-network (TN) hydrogel exhibiting high water content, enhanced strength, low friction, and fatigue resistance. The hydrogel manifests a water content of 63.7%, compression strength of 6.3 MPa, compression modulus of 2.68 MPa, tensile strength reaching 7.3 MPa, and a tensile modulus of 10.27 MPa. Remarkably, even after one million cycles of dynamic loading, the hydrogel exhibits no signs of fatigue failure, with a minimal strain difference of only 1.15%. Furthermore, it boasts a low sliding coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.043 and excellent biocompatibility. This advancement extends the applications of hydrogels in emerging fields within biomedicine and soft bio-devices, including load-bearing artificial tissues, artificial blood vessels, tissue scaffolds, robust hydrogel coatings for medical devices, and joint parts of soft robots.
An Extended Learning Analytics Framework Integrating Machine Learning and Pedagogical Approaches for Student Performance Prediction and Intervention
Authors: Alalawi Khalid , Athauda Rukshan , Chiong Raymond
Published: September 2024

The use of educational data mining and machine learning to analyse large data sets collected by educational institutions has the potential to discover valuable insights for decision-making. One such area that has gained attention is to predict student performance by analysing large educational data sets. In the relevant literature, many studies have focused on developing prediction models on student performance but comparatively less work exists on actions taken based on predicted at-risk students and evaluating their impact. Learning Analytics Intervention (LAI) studies have emerged as an approach that aims to address this gap. In LAI studies, student risk levels are predicted and disseminated to relevant stakeholders (academics, administrators and students) using learning analytics (LA) tools for targeted interventions. The interventions themselves are mainly left under the discretion of the academics and/or administrators, who are aware of the learning context and have the authority to make decisions, with LA tools facilitating this process. LAI studies have shown success in improving outcomes (e.g. improve pass rates, retention, grades), but their uptake has been slow. The main impediment to piloting LAIs by academics has been the lack of access to LAI infrastructure, which requires institutional investments to develop predictive models collecting data from diverse IT systems. Another challenge in LAIs is the development of effective interventions. This paper presents an extended LAI framework, termed Student Performance Prediction and Action (SPPA), which provides access to LAI infrastructure for academics to pilot LAIs in their courses without the need for institution-wide efforts. SPPA and its features are seamlessly accessed via a web browser and academics can develop course-specific predictive models based on historical course assessment data. Furthermore, SPPA integrates sound pedagogical approaches and provides relevant information (such as students’ knowledge gaps, personalised study plans) to assist academics in providing effective interventions. SPPA was evaluated by a number of academics piloting LAIs in their courses. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analysed. Academics were able to provide effective interventions using SPPA and also had a positive outlook on using SPPA and its features. SPPA is also provided as an open-source project for further development and can be a catalyst for widescale uptake in LAIs. Furthermore, a model for continuous improvement in LAIs is outlined along with a number of areas for future research and development.
Serum microRNA-146a-5p and microRNA-221-3p as potential clinical biomarkers for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Verrienti Antonella , Pecce Valeria , Grani Giorgio , Del Gatto Valeria , Barp Samuele , Maranghi Marianna , Giacomelli Laura , Di Gioia Cira , Biffoni Marco , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo , Sponziello Marialuisa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant thyroid neoplasm, accounting for approximately 85% of all follicular cell-derived thyroid nodules. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of circulating microRNA-146a-5p and microRNA-221-3p as biomarkers for PTC and their usefulness in monitoring disease progression during patient follow-up.

Methods

An observational study was conducted on two cohorts of PTC patients and healthy controls (HCs) using digital PCR. We collected patients’ clinical, biochemical, and imaging data during the post-surgery surveillance. We analyzed the levels of circulating miRNAs in serum samples of patients before surgery and during the follow-up, including those with indeterminate/biochemical incomplete response (IndR/BIR) and residual thyroid tissues (Thy Residue).

Results

Both miR-146a-5p and miR-221-3p were confirmed as effective biomarkers for PTC diagnosis. They enabled differentiation between pre-surgery PTC patients and HCs with an area under the curve (AUC) of 92% and 87.3%, respectively, using a threshold level of 768,545 copies/uL for miR-146a-5p and 389,331 copies/uL for miR-221-3p. It was found that miRNA fold change levels, rather than absolute levels, can be useful during patient follow-up. In particular, we found that a fold change of 2 for miR-146a-5p and 2.2 for miR-221-3p can identify a progressive disease, regardless of the presence of TgAbs or remnant thyroid.

Conclusion

MiRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-221-3p, particularly the former, could be valuable diagnostic biomarkers for PTCs. They also seem to be effective in monitoring disease progression during patient follow-up by evaluating their fold change, even when thyroglobulin is uninformative.
IPSE: An Individualized Digital Environment for Strategic Planning at the University Level
Authors: Albano Giovannina , Telloni Agnese Ilaria
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the design and the implementation of a digital environment aimed at fostering strategic planning competence in problem-solving through individualization features: the Individualized Planned Strategy Environment (IPSE). Within IPSE, students are engaged in a sequence of oriented activities, guiding them in constructing and following a theoretically justified plan for solving a mathematical problem, thus promoting a gradual integration between conceptual and procedural knowledge. IPSE envisages also meta-level activities, aimed at fostering the handling of multiple representations toward a unifying and structural view of the subject at stake. We discuss the results of a case study conducted with engineering freshmen at the University of Salerno, involved in problem-solving activities devoted to peer assessment. This led us to identify certain student profiles both theory- and data-driven, according to the students’ progress in using the components of Habermas’ rationality when solving a problem. We highlighted that some students show a full realization of the dynamic nature of Habermas’ model of rationality, where knowing, acting and communicating interact and intertwine.
Ecological environment quality assessment of coal mining cities based on GEE platform: A case study of Shuozhou, China
Authors: Duo Linghua , Wang Junqi , Zhong Yongping , Jiang Chengqing , Chen Yaoyao , Guo Xiaofei
Published: September 2024

Shuozhou is a typical coal mining city, and the Pingshuo Antaibao open-pit coal mine in its area is one of the largest open-pit coal mines in China. The mining of coal resources is an important part of ensuring national energy security, and at the same time, it inevitably has a certain impact on the ecology, such as coal dust generated by open-pit mining will affect air quality, soil, water and vegetation. It is of great significance to explore the temporal and spatial variation of ecological environment quality in coal mining cities for ecological protection and sustainable social and economic development. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, this paper combines the index-based coal dust index (ICDI) and Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) models to construct an improved RSEI (IRSEI) that can reflect coal mining cities. This paper explores the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and spatial correlation of ecological environment quality in Shuozhou from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that the average value of IRSEI in Shuozhou was between 0.262 and 0.418, and the overall change showed an upward trend. The growth areas of ecological environment quality are mainly located in the eastern and southwestern areas with good vegetation growth, and these regions have vigorously implemented the Northern Shelter Forest Project, afforestation and greening projects, implemented the forest resource management and protection responsibility system, promoted the construction of ecological civilization, and significantly improved the ecological environment. While the declining areas are mainly located in the central and southern regions where mining activities and human activities are more intensive. The IRSEI in the study area showed a significant spatial positive correlation, and the agglomeration types of the spatial pattern were mainly high-high and low-low agglomeration types, with the high-high agglomeration types mainly distributed in the eastern and southwestern regions, and the low-low agglomeration types distributed in the northern and south-central regions of the study area. The trend of low and low agglomeration has decreased, which further proves that the ecological restoration measures taken by the government, such as returning farmland to forests, integrating protection and restoration of mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands, controlling soil erosion, and stage wise reclamation of coal mining subsidence areas, have improved the ecological environment quality of Shuozhou. This study provides a reference for understanding the spatiotemporal changes of the ecological environment of coal mining cities, and is conducive to formulating appropriate ecological protection strategies.