bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic deformation and heat-enabled structural recovery of monolithic silica aerogels
Authors: Gonthier Julien , Scoppola Ernesto , Gurlo Aleksander , Fratzl Peter , Wagermaier Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Drying shrinkage during ambient pressure drying of silica gels is made reversible by preventing condensation reactions of surface silanol groups via surface modification. This partial recovery of the gel volume and structure is referred to as the spring-back effect (SBE) and enables the production of monolithic silica aerogels by evaporative drying. The SBE is sometimes completed by annealing at mild temperatures. Similarities between drying-related deformations and deformations induced by mechanical stimuli suggest analogous underlying mechanisms. While the causes of drying shrinkage are relatively well-known, it remains unclear how the relaxation of the structure by drying and annealing occurs across the different length scales. Here we show a complete structural recovery of silica aerogels at the macro- and nano-scale enabled by annealing. We propose that residual deformations after drying and mechanical compression are caused by the entanglement of silica clusters that can be unraveled by annealing at 230 °C. The deformation under loading is interpreted as two different re-arrangement mechanisms for dry and annealed gels, by the sliding of the silica clusters along the loading direction and by the compression of large pores beyond the fractal structure, respectively. Our results demonstrate how the shape and structure of silica aerogels can be restored and controlled by thermal activation, broadening the various applications of these materials. We also emphasize how tuning silica gels to promote a two-step SBE by annealing can pave the way toward the production of larger monolithic aerogels by APD.

Graphical Abstract
Towards time-reduced cure cycles of epoxy resins for mass production of composites maintaining the thermo-mechanical properties
Authors: González José Antonio , Farjas Jordi , Blanco Norbert , Costa Josep , Gascons Marc , Sánchez-Rodríguez Daniel
Published: August 2024

Because long curing times hinder the mass manufacturing of composite products, there is a constant quest to develop shorter curing cycles that maintain material quality. The authors recently developed a curing prediction methodology for thermoset composites based on an isoconversional model, which is used in this work to shorten the curing time of real practice processes. The investigation presents two optimized cure cycles devised to reduce the curing times recommended by the resin manufacturer while assure a complete degree of cure and restricting the exothermal flow to avoid undesired overheating. The mechanical (compression, in-plane, and interlaminar shear) and physical ($$T_\mathrm{{g}}$$

T
g

, void content, and outgassing) properties of specimens extracted from panels manufactured according to recommended curing cycles and the two time-reduced cycles (up to 72% shorter) presented here, exhibited deviations of less than 4%, and always fell within the acceptable range for the most demanding of industrial sectors: aeronautics. The results support the prediction model’s feasibility to achieve more efficient and productive processes.
A Monte Carlo-based approach to reduce the cost of generating synthetic holograms for 3D computer graphics scenes
Authors: Serón Francisco , Blesa Alfonso
Published: August 2024

Similar to computer graphics, the digital approach of holography (Computer Genarated Holograms) inherently samples the world. Calculating CGHs needs additional phase-related calculations, elevating computational demands.These calculations can make the development time excessively long or, in the worst case, unaffordable. Our approach, Partial Monte Carlo Sampling (PMCS), calculates CGHs via Monte Carlo techniques. By varying sampling resolution and ray percentages, reasonable quality is achieved, even with fewer rays. Quality analysis employing RMSE and CC reveals that reducing ray percentages does not severely compromise image quality. Both simulated and laboratory holograms display consistent trends, showcasing improved quality with increased rays and resolution. A direct relationship is established between image quality and computational time, addressing specific needs.
Entrepreneurial STEM Education: Enhancing students’ Resourcefulness and Problem-solving Skills
Authors: Kaya-Capocci Sila , Pabuccu-Akis Aybuke , Orhan-Ozteber Nil
Published: August 2024

The importance of enhancing entrepreneurial STEM education has become accentuated to foster sustainable, collegial, and innovative STEM practices. The study aimed to enhance high-school students’ entrepreneurial skills, namely resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, and investigate their experiences and feelings of entrepreneurial STEM education. Three entrepreneurial STEM activities were implemented with 30 students in a private high school in Turkey. The qualitative data were collected through pre- and post-interviews and group reflective journals and analysed with content analysis. The quantitative data were collected through the Self-Control Schedule (SCS) and the Problem-Solving Scale (PS) and analysed through SPSS. The quantitative data indicated that the participants’ average SCS results increased from 117.63 to 122.40 (no significant difference) and their average PS results increased from 130.00 to 135.55 (no significant difference) following an intervention. This may be because of participants’ prior experiences or the number of participants attending the study. However, there were significant changes in the subscales of SCS and PS, showing that participants’ approach-avoidance style (PS subscale) as well as planning of behaviour and control of emotions (SCS subscales) can be enhanced by implementing entrepreneurial STEM activities. The qualitative data showed that participants started to face their problems more and try to find them different solutions rather than avoiding them. The qualitative data also pointed to the changes in participants’ capability of making connections between the subject disciplines and everyday life. Moreover, students found entrepreneurial STEM activities entertaining and helpful for improving understanding of chemistry topics. The study contributes to the field by bringing authenticity to STEM education by incorporating social and green entrepreneurship, supporting students’ entrepreneurial skill development, and helping teachers and students make connections between STEM, real-world, and public.
“Black Boxes, full of them”: Biology Teachers’ Perception of the Role of Explanatory Black Boxes in Their Classroom
Authors: Livni Alcasid Gur Arie , Haskel-Ittah Michal
Published: August 2024

Mechanistic explanations, aiming to disclose details of entities and their activities, employ the act of unpacking which, inherently and paradoxically, produces explanatory gaps—pieces of undisclosed, undetailed mechanistic information. These gaps, termed explanatory black boxes, are often perceived as counterproductive to the teaching of mechanisms, yet are integral to it, and their cognizant use is a nuanced skill. Amidst the discourse on mechanistic reasoning in science education, this paper focuses on biology teachers’ perception of explanatory black boxes and the explicit discussion of them in their classroom. Using interviews with 11 experienced high-school biology teachers, we unraveled perceived affordances and constraints in teachers’ use of black boxes in the context of challenges in teaching mechanisms. Utilizing the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) framework, we expose a nuanced interplay of considerations related to strategies, students, curriculum alignment, assessment, and orientation toward science teaching. A constant tension existed—with considerations supporting and opposing the use of both unpacking and black boxing as teaching strategies—both within and between PCK components. In contrast, contemplating the explication of black boxes led teachers to illustrate this strategy as an intermediate one, attenuating constraints of both unpacking and black-boxing strategies while also promoting teachers’ ability to align curricular items and endorse student agency. Implications for teacher training are discussed, emphasizing the need to make teachers aware of the involvement of black boxes in mechanistic reasoning, and familiarize them with black-box explication as an intermediate strategy that can enrich their pedagogy.
Interpretation of Law as Language Game: The Game of Giving and Asking for Reasons in the Courtroom
Authors: Tvrdíková Linda
Published: August 2024

In this text we will focus on the interpretation of law, specifically on the question of how the meaning of legal texts is created and recreated through judicial interpretation of law. To be able to explain how this happens, we will use the philosophy of language, in particular the philosophy of the late Ludwig Wittgenstein, Wilfrid Sellars and Robert B. Brandom. In their view, language is not a tool that serves primarily and exclusively to describe a world that exists independently of us and our attitudes, but through language we co-create the world we live in. Many of the things we perceive in the world around us are accessible to us and exist because of our language.
Modelling Loans to Non-Financial Corporations in the Eurozone: A Long-Memory Approach
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko , Rubino Nicola , Vilchez Inmaculada
Published: August 2024

This paper uses fractional integration and cointegration methods to analyze the long-run relationship between loans to non-financial corporations, real gross domestic product, real gross fixed capital formation, the cost of borrowing differential between long- and short-term rates, and a proxy for the cost of debt, securities, and equity issuance. The analysis includes four Eurozone countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and spans the most recent decades. More precisely, fractional integration and cointegration models are estimated to investigate the persistence of the series as well as their long-run relationships and short-run dynamics using both unrestricted and restricted specifications. The univariate results are heterogeneous, the highest degrees of integration being found in the case of loans to non-financial corporations, whilst the multivariate ones provide evidence of a single fractional cointegration vector as well as of a lower adjustment speed to the long-run equilibrium compared to previous studies in all four countries. Moreover, both the short- and long-run response of loans to exogenous shocks to real gross domestic product and the cost of borrowing differentials differs across countries because of country-specific factors.
The role of atrial fibrillation in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and preventive strategies
Authors: Fekete Mónika , Liotta Eric M. , Molnar Tihamer , Fülöp Gábor A. , Lehoczki Andrea
Published: August 2024

The aging population in Europe faces a substantial burden from dementia, with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) being a preventable cause. Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia, increases the risk of VCID through mechanisms such as thromboembolism, cerebral hypoperfusion, and inflammation. This review explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and preventive strategies for AF-related VCID. Epidemiological data indicate that AF prevalence rises with age, affecting up to 12% of individuals over 80. Neuroimaging studies reveal chronic brain changes in AF patients, including strokes, lacunar strokes, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), and cerebral microbleeds (CMHs), while cognitive assessments show impairments in memory, executive function, and attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underdiagnosis of AF, leading to an increase in undiagnosed strokes and cognitive impairment. Many elderly individuals did not seek medical care due to fear of exposure, resulting in delayed diagnoses. Additionally, reduced family supervision during the pandemic contributed to missed opportunities for early detection of AF and related complications. Emerging evidence suggests that long COVID may also elevate the risk of AF, further complicating the management of this condition. This review underscores the importance of early detection and comprehensive management of AF to mitigate cognitive decline. Preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns, patient education, and the use of smart devices for early detection, are crucial. Anticoagulation therapy, rate and rhythm control, and addressing comorbid conditions are essential therapeutic strategies. Recognizing and addressing the cardiovascular and cognitive impacts of AF, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for advancing public health.
A survey on integration of large language models with intelligent robots
Authors: Kim Yeseung , Kim Dohyun , Choi Jieun , Park Jisang , Oh Nayoung , Park Daehyung
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the integration of large language models (LLMs) has revolutionized the field of robotics, enabling robots to communicate, understand, and reason with human-like proficiency. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of LLMs on robotics, addressing key challenges and opportunities for leveraging these models across various domains. By categorizing and analyzing LLM applications within core robotics elements—communication, perception, planning, and control—we aim to provide actionable insights for researchers seeking to integrate LLMs into their robotic systems. Our investigation focuses on LLMs developed post-GPT-3.5, primarily in text-based modalities while also considering multimodal approaches for perception and control. We offer comprehensive guidelines and examples for prompt engineering, facilitating beginners’ access to LLM-based robotics solutions. Through tutorial-level examples and structured prompt construction, we illustrate how LLM-guided enhancements can be seamlessly integrated into robotics applications. This survey serves as a roadmap for researchers navigating the evolving landscape of LLM-driven robotics, offering a comprehensive overview and practical guidance for harnessing the power of language models in robotics development.
Addiction Consult Service and Inpatient Outcomes Among Patients with OUD
Authors: Jakubowski Andrea , Singh‑Tan Sumeet , Torres‑Lockhart Kristine , Lu Tiffany , Arnsten Julia , Southern William , Nahvi Shadi
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite rising hospitalizations for opioid use disorder (OUD), rates of inpatient medications for OUD (MOUD) initiation are low. Addiction consult services (ACSs) facilitate inpatient MOUD initiation and linkage to post-discharge MOUD, but few studies have rigorously examined ACS OUD outcomes.

Objective

To determine the association between ACS consultation and inpatient MOUD initiation, discharge MOUD provision, and post-discharge MOUD linkage.

Design

Retrospective study comparing admissions that received an ACS consult and propensity score–matched historical control admissions.

Subjects

One hundred admissions with an OUD-related diagnosis, of patients not currently receiving MOUD who received an ACS consult, and 100 matched historical controls.

Intervention

Consultation from an interprofessional ACS offering expertise in MOUD initiation and linkage to post-discharge MOUD.

Main Measures

The primary outcome was inpatient MOUD initiation (methadone or buprenorphine). Secondary outcomes were inpatient buprenorphine initiation, inpatient methadone initiation, discharge prescription for buprenorphine, linkage to post-discharge MOUD (buprenorphine prescription within 60 days and new methadone administration at a methadone program within 30 days after discharge), patient-directed discharge, 30-day readmission, and 30-day emergency department (ED) visit.

Key Results

Among 200 admissions with an OUD-related diagnosis, those that received an ACS consultation were significantly more likely to have inpatient MOUD initiation (OR 2.57 [CI 1.44–4.61]), inpatient buprenorphine initiation (OR 5.50 [2.14–14.15]), a discharge prescription for buprenorphine (OR 17.22 [3.94–75.13]), a buprenorphine prescription within 60 days (22.0% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001; of those with inpatient buprenorphine initiation: 84.6% vs. 0.0%), and new methadone administration at a methadone program within 30 days after discharge (7.0% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.007; of those with inpatient methadone initiation: 19.4% vs. 0.0%). There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

There was a strong association between ACS consultation and inpatient MOUD initiation and linkage to post-discharge MOUD. ACSs promote the delivery of evidence-based care for patients with OUD.
Controversies in Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Kratom Use Disorder
Authors: Smith Kirsten E. , Epstein David H. , Weiss Stephanie T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

We apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) to the herbal product kratom. Similarities and differences between kratom use disorder (KUD) and other SUDs are explored, along with assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations for KUD.

Recent Findings

Literature reports of “kratom addiction” or KUD rarely specify the criteria by which patients were diagnosed. Individuals meeting DSM-5 KUD criteria typically do so via tolerance and withdrawal, using more than intended, and craving, not functional or ​psychosocial disruption, which occur rarely. Most clinicians who use medication to treat patients with isolated KUD select buprenorphine formulations, although there are no controlled studies showing that buprenorphine is safe or efficacious in this patient population.

Diagnosis and treatment decisions for KUD should be systematic. We propose an algorithm that takes into consideration whether KUD occurs with comorbid opioid use disorder.
Multicolumn Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back and Leg Pain in Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Atwan Hany , Serag Ibrahim , Abouzid Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) presents a formidable challenge, marked by the persistence of chronic lower back pain and leg pain despite undergoing surgical interventions. Multicolumn spinal cord stimulation (m-SCS) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing the pain associated with FBSS. This meta-analysis aims to study the efficacy of m-SCS in mitigating chronic back and leg pain among patients with FBSS.

Methods

A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library) was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to October 25th, 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials and cohort studies evaluating the outcomes of m-SCS in patients with FBSS. The primary outcome measured was the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for low back and leg pain at baseline, six months, and 12 months.

Results

A total of eight studies, including 271 patients, were analyzed. At six months, there was a statistically significant reduction in the VAS scores for low back pain (MD, 4.76; 95% CI, 3.78 to 5.74) and leg pain (MD, 4.41; 95% CI, 2.93 to 5.90) compared to baseline. Similarly, at 12 months, there was a statistically significant reduction in the VAS scores for low back pain (MD, 4.77; 95% CI, 4.34 to 5.20) and leg pain (MD, 2.78; 95% CI, 0.72 to 4.85) compared to baseline.

Conclusion

m-SCS effectively manages chronic back and leg pain in FBSS patients, providing sustained pain relief. Studies with more extended follow-up periods and qualitative analysis for the functional outcomes and overall improvement for the patients with FBSS are recommended.
Exposing State Repression: Digital Discursive Contention by Chinese Protestors
Authors: Fu Diana , Göbel Christian
Published: August 2024

One of the major issues in international development is how disadvantaged populations mobilize in response to state repression. Whether in the Black Lives Movement or in the 2011 Arab Spring, digital exposures of police abuse have spurred social movements when people took to social media to expose it. Yet, in authoritarian regimes, citizens cannot easily initiate or participate in social movements. In such cases, how do victims of police violence express their dissatisfaction? This study examines this question in contemporary China, where repression of protesters is well documented. Based on a dataset of microblogs—Chinese tweets—documenting 74,415 protest events in the early Xi administration (2013–2016), this study analyzes how ordinary protestors, including migrant workers, peasants, and the urban poor, expose police abuse in social media. A close reading of microblogs documenting 150 randomly sampled events finds that Chinese protestors adopt three distinct narrative types: citizenship, solidarity, and confrontational. An accompanying quantitative analysis of the wider dataset further finds that ordinary protestors frequently expose police abuse online and that mentions of police abuse are closely associated with the above three narratives. Overall, this study contributes to understanding how abused protestors discursively contest authorities in the world’s most powerful authoritarian regime.
Manifestation of Women’s Rights in School Textbooks? Evidence from Social Science Textbooks in India
Authors: Košir Suzana , Lakshminarayanan Radhika
Published: August 2024

In India, consistent marginalization of women suggests that broader societal transformation is needed to transcend gender stereotypes and foster gender equality. Effective school curriculum and textbook content can influence and revitalize mindsets to respect and uphold women’s rights (WR). This research examines the manifestation and extent to which WR is addressed in Indian school social science textbooks using qualitative content analysis. Data from official primary and secondary school textbooks published between 2006 and 2013 and reprinted between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed, based on the components of WR prescribed by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). The results indicate that there is negligible focus on WR in textbooks at the elementary level. While both explicit and implicit focus on WR increased at the secondary and senior secondary levels, some vital aspects were either marginally represented or completely missing.
Combined Effects of Local and Regional Drivers on Oyster Spat Density and Growth in Eastern Australia
Authors: Wills Erin K. , Henderson Christopher J. , Olds Andrew D. , Willis Caitlin S. , Gilby Ben L.
Published: August 2024

Up to 85% of shellfish reefs have been lost worldwide, resulting in declining ecosystem services, and increasing restoration demand. However, more information regarding the conditions which maximise oyster settlement and growth is required to optimise restoration. We deployed oyster settlement tiles at 21 intertidal sites throughout Moreton Bay, Australia; a region where > 96% of rock oyster reefs are lost and demand for restoration is high. We quantified effects of variables describing the spatial (from GIS), local habitat (using quadrats and water quality measures), and oyster predator (using underwater videography) characteristics of sites on oyster density and size on tiles. Oyster density was highest at sites with intermediate predator abundance and temperature, highest nearby invertebrate cover, and low and high values of turbidity and nearby rock and algae cover. Conversely, oyster size was highest at sites with intermediate predator density, higher fish species richness and turbidity, and lowest temperatures. Together, this showed that optimal restoration requires sites with 22 to 23 °C average water temperatures, between 10 and 15 oyster predators, and either low (< 2 NTU) or high (> 6 NTU) turbidity levels. Notably, we observed multiple peaks for several variables, suggesting the potential presence of multiple cryptic oyster species on settlement tiles. We found that oysters shared preferred environmental conditions with polychaetes, coralline algae, and tunicates, and were more prevalent and abundant at sites with lower turf algae, barnacle, and mussel cover. Identifying environmental variables influencing oyster population distribution, settlement, and growth can guide the selection and approach of oyster restoration sites.
On the (in)efficiency of fuzzing network protocols
Authors: Andarzian Seyed Behnam , Daniele Cristian , Poll Erik
Published: August 2024

Fuzzing is a widely used and effective technique to test software. Unfortunately, certain systems, including network protocols, are more challenging to fuzz than others. An important complication with fuzzing network protocols is that this tends to be a slow process, which is problematic as fuzzing involves many test inputs. This article analyzes the root causes behind the inefficiency of fuzzing network protocols and strategies to avoid them. It extends our earlier work on network protocol fuzzers, which explored some of these strategies, to give a more comprehensive overview of overheads in fuzzing and ways to reduce them.
Is the Robot Spying on me? A Study on Perceived Privacy in Telepresence Scenarios in a Care Setting with Mobile and Humanoid Robots
Authors: Nieto Agraz Celia , Hinrichs Pascal , Eichelberg Marco , Hein Andreas
Published: August 2024

The number of robots that are in use worldwide is increasing, and they are starting to be used in new areas, where a use of robotics was impossible in the past, such as nursing care. This brings about new challenges that need to be addressed, one of them is the challenge of privacy preservation. Privacy in robotics is still a very new field that has not been studied deeply yet, even though some studies show that it is a crucial factor. In this article, we investigate how users feel about their privacy when interacting in a telepresence scenario with three different technical means: a laptop computer with a built-in camera, the mobile robot Temi and the humanoid robot Ameca. Behaviors from human interaction were implemented for the humanoid robot, which are not aimed directly at deactivating the sensors, but symbolize this deactivation. We conducted a user study with 21 participants. We did not find out any statistical significant difference between the elements, which shows that the robotic solutions are also popular and people feel comfortable around them. In addition, we also found out that the best way for a humanoid robot to indicate privacy to the participants is to perform actions where it closes the eyes and gives a sense of deactivation. Lastly, the results show that even though the acceptance of a humanoid robot is quite good, further work is needed to increase the control feeling in order to increase the trust of the user over it.
Comparative Analysis of Hybrid and Active Cooling Systems for Concentrated Photovoltaic Panels Using a 1-D Mathematical Model: A Distinctive Perspective
Authors: Şimşek Engin , Ökten Korhan
Published: August 2024

An essential factor influencing photovoltaic (PV) panel performance is its operating temperature. Various active and passive cooling methods have been explored in the literature to mitigate the effects of high operating temperatures; however, recent research has shown a growing interest in hybrid cooling systems that combine both active and passive approaches. In this context, phase change material (PCM) serves as a passive cooling method, while fluid is employed as an active cooling medium. This study introduces a channel into the PV panel base through which fluid flows. Additionally, a PCM layer is placed at the bottom of the water channel to reduce the average temperature of the fluid, thus extracting more heat compared to direct contact with the PV panel. The proposed model is compared with traditional water-cooled PV panels using a parametric approach, with varying parameters including concentration ratio, environmental temperature, wind speed, mass flow rate of water in the channel, and inlet temperature. The study findings reveal that the proposed model leads to an increase in electricity production within the range of 1.4–7 kW, an improvement in PV efficiency between 1.6 and 3.8%.
Measuring income polarization using Bonferroni and De Vergottini inequality indices: evidences from European countries
Authors: Ciommi Mariateresa , Gigliarano Chiara , Chelli Francesco Maria
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to measure to which extent income distribution is polarized across European countries by means of polarization measures based on the Bonferroni and De Vergottini indices of inequality. Different from traditional measures of polarization, the indices proposed in this paper are sensitive to progressive transfers, attaching more importance to some part of the income distribution. These indices enriches the analysis and contribute to disentangle the different faces of income polarization. In the empirical application we compare European countries over the period 2010–2019 using EU-SILC data. Results reveal significant changes in polarization over the last decades for most countries.
Neighborhood Diversity Is Good for Your Health: An Example of Racial/Ethnic Integration and Preterm Birth in Texas
Authors: Vohra-Gupta Shetal , Wood Bethany M. , Kim Yeonwoo , La Frinere-Sandoval Quynh Nhu , Widen Elizabeth M. , Cubbin Catherine
Published: August 2024

Racial concentration of neighborhoods is often associated with the risk of preterm birth (PTB) for women. This study examined differences between racially diverse and racially concentrated neighborhoods when examining preterm birth. Individual-level data were obtained from Texas natality files for 2009–2011, and neighborhood-level (i.e., census tract) data were obtained from the decennial census in 2010 and the American Community Survey 2005–2009. We used multilevel modeling to assess the association between neighborhood racial diversity and odds of PTB, after controlling for individual characteristics, neighborhood poverty, and population density. We found that neighborhood racial diversity and concentration matter for PTB. Results suggest that systemic racism is still key to understanding PTB. Furthermore, findings support policies that prevent displacement from gentrification of diverse neighborhoods and promote equal access to health-related resources for women in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and/or immigrant neighborhoods.
Applications of spiking neural P systems in cybersecurity
Authors: Pleṣa Mihail-Iulian , Gheorghe Marian , Ipate Florentin , Zhang Gexiang
Published: August 2024

Spiking neural P systems are third-generation neural networks that are much more energy efficient than the current ones. In this paper, we investigate for the first time the possibility of using spiking neural P systems to solve cybersecurity-related problems. We proposed a new architecture called cyber spiking neural P systems (Cyber-SN P systems for short), which is designed especially for cybersecurity data and problems. We trained multiple Cyber-SN P systems to detect malware on the Android platform, phishing websites, and spam e-mails. We show through experiments that these networks can efficiently classify cybersecurity-related data with much fewer training epochs than perceptron-based artificial neural networks.
Selective Leaching and Separation of Uranium from Ochre-Umm Greifat, Red Sea Coast, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Manaa El-Sayed A. , Mahmoud Soliman Abu Elatta , Awny Elham
Published: August 2024

The Ochre-Umm Greifat area is one of the Red Sea areas with high concentrations of iron and zinc, which is formed from hydrothermal solutions as a result of the structural activity that occurred in the Red Sea Zone during the Pleistocene period. These deposits are also accompanied by deposits of low- to high uranium grade. In addition to Zn, Pb, and Cu anomalies, particularly in fault zones and their branches affecting the study area, although there are numerous zinc minerals in the Ocher-Greifat area, uranium minerals are scarce, with only one mineral, compreignacite, being recorded and the majority of the uranium being present as an adsorbed element on iron and/or clay stones. In addition, uranothorite is extremely rare and occurs as fine grains embedded in rocks. A technological sample was taken from an iron-rich clay area in a fault zone and was found to assay 700-ppm uranium. The leachability of uranium from the used sample was investigated using an alkaline solution based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of the used sample. The selected ore is treated with Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in the presence of H2O2 as oxidant. Many digestion factors are studied and optimized. Under the optimum leaching conditions, the uranium dissolution efficiency is around 84%. For the uranium separation, the pH of the leach liquor is adjusted at 10, then subjected to a solvent extraction step using 4% Aliquat®336/kerosene in the presence of isodecanol as third-phase prevention. The loaded organic solvent was then treated with NaOH/H2O2 solution as a stripping solution. Finally, the resultant solution is subjected to a precipitation step using ammonia solution.
Pre-storage treatments for suppressing of aflatoxins production in wheat grains
Authors: Abdel-Kader Mokhtar Mohamed , Ibrahim M. I. M. , Khalil Mohamed Saied Ali , El-Mougy Nehal Samy , El-Gamal Nadia Gamel
Published: August 2024

Wheat grains were collected from various locations in six governorates of Egypt and subjected to isolation trials. The isolated fungi were identified as Aspergillus spp. followed by Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp. and other unidentified fungi, in that respective order. All isolated A. flavus strains (16 isolates) were screened for their ability to produce aflatoxins (AFs) on synthetic medium under long (365 nm wavelength) UV irradiation to determine their mycotoxin production capabilities. Data revealed that seven toxigenic isolates of A. flavus exhibited high fluorescent color. A preliminary test using TLC technique detected high production of aflatoxins by A. flavus isolates 2, 3, 4 and 6. The concentrations of AFs produced by positive A. flavus strains were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), to confirm high production of AFs by the 4 isolates. The A. flavus strain with the highest AFs production was selected for further studies. In laboratory conditions, the inhibitory effects of various organic acids, salts and essential oils were evaluated against the linear growth of A. flavus. Results indicated complete inhibition (100%) of fungal growth at 1.0% concentrations of malic acid, potassium sorbate, thyme and carnation oils. The production of aflatoxins in stored wheat grains treated with different concentrations of essential oils, organic acids and salts was studied over 45-day period. Untreated stored wheat grains showed high concentrations of AFG1, AFG2, AFB1 and AFB2 produced by A. flavus compared to grains treated with essential oils (thyme and carnation), malic acid and potassium sorbate. It was observed that all types of produced AFs gradually decreased with increasing concentrations of oil, acid or salt reaching their minimum levels at the highest concentration used (8%). The data demonstrated that the lowest aflatoxin production was recorded in grains treated with 8% potassium sorbate.
Identification of CKX gene family in Morus indica cv K2 and functional characterization of MiCKX4 during abiotic stress
Authors: Singhal Chanchal , Singh Arunima , Sharma Arun Kumar , Khurana Paramjit
Published: August 2024

Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) is the key enzyme that has been observed to catalyze irreversible inactivation of cytokinins and thus modulate cytokinin levels in plants. CKX gene family is known to have few members which are, expanded in the genome mainly due to duplication events. A total of nine MiCKXs were identified in Morus indica cv K2 with almost similar gene structures and conserved motifs and domains. The cis-elements along with expression analysis of these MiCKXs revealed their contrasting and specific role in plant development across different developmental stages. The localization of these enzymes in ER and Golgi bodies signifies their functional specification and property of getting modified post-translationally to carry out their activities. The overexpression of MiCKX4, an ortholog of AtCKX4, displayed longer primary root and higher number of lateral roots. Under ABA stress also the transgenic lines showed higher number of lateral roots and tolerance against drought stress as compared to wild-type plants. In this study, the CKX gene family members were analyzed bioinformatically for their roles under abiotic stresses.
Magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric epilepsy patients: two different protocols
Authors: Conti Ilaria , Piscopo Leandra , Rosu Emma , Fattacciu Liala , Salis Roberto , Crivelli Paola , Klain Michele , Masala Salvatore , Scaglione Mariano
Published: August 2024

Aim

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a crucial position in the diagnostic routine of epilepsy patients. The aim of this study is to demonstrate, in pediatric epilepsy patients, the greater effectiveness of the HARNESS-MRI Protocol compared to the Standard 3 mm-MRI Protocol, in terms of acquisition times.

Materials and methods

In this study, 30 pediatric patients (17 males and 13 females) with clinical suspicion of epilepsy who underwent MRI (Achieva Philips 1.5 T) at the University Clinics of Sassari in the years 2021–2023 were evaluated. The duration of both MRI protocols was analyzed, and they were composed of specific MRI sequences characterized by three-dimensional (3D) volumetric and isotropic voxels, using the 1.5/3 Tesla (T) MRI scanners. If present, the epileptogenic focus has been highlighted.

Results

The statistical analysis demonstrates a different time and standard deviation (sd) between the two study protocols: 36.93 ± 16.46 sd for “Standard 3 mm-MRI Protocol” and 29.93 ± 10.41 sd for the “HARNESS-MRI Protocol”. This analysis showed a difference between the acquisition times of 7 min in favor of the HARNESS-MRI Protocol, with the same diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

The HARNESS-MRI Protocol would guarantee a greater patient comfort and the possibility of performing more MRI with reduced healthcare costs. Furthermore, the routine use of the same protocol and MRI sequences could guarantee better standardization and homogeneity of diagnostic procedures and the follow-up of epilepsy pediatric patients.
Investigation on elastomer behaviour when exposed to conventional and sustainable aviation fuels
Authors: Hamilton J. , Elliott K. , Singh P. , Khandelwal B.
Published: August 2024

The aviation industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions have driven the rapid development and scale-up of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). SAFs have the potential to significantly reduce CO2 lifecycle emissions by up to 80% in comparison to Jet A and other conventional fossil-derived jet fuels. For multiple logistical and practical reasons, it is preferable to ensure that SAFs are ‘essentially identical’ (also referred to as ‘drop-in SAF’) to conventional jet fuel in terms of their performance, durability and compatibility with existing hardware systems. Because the majority of SAFs are not identical (non-drop-in) to conventional jet fuel, they have not been approved for use in their neat (100%) form. Instead, these non-identical SAFs are named synthetic blend components (SBC) as they are blended with conventional fuels to different extents per ASTM D7566-23a. It should be noted that there are on-going efforts to develop non-drop in SAF specifications to broaden their proliferation and maximise the aviation industries’ ability to reduce CO2 lifecycle emissions. One very important area of focus is the compatibility of SAFs with engine and fuel system seals, specifically understanding the dynamics of elastomeric seals. To address this, a novel approach has been developed to measure seal dynamics in flowing fuel. This technique has been applied to study the dynamic seal behaviour of four industrially relevant elastomer seals commonly employed in aviation fuel systems. The study involved three test fuels: (i) conventional fossil-derived Jet A, neat hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF, and neat alcohol to jet (ATJ) SAF. Notably, both HEFA and ATJ fuels contain 0% aromatics, in contrast to Jet A, which typically contains around 17% aromatics by volume. The novel fuel-elastomer test rig used in this study was designed to simulate a practical scenario in which fuel flows through the inner surface of a pre-loaded static O-ring. The results of these tests demonstrate that the behaviour of different nitrile elastomers is unique to their formulation, and in all cases, the behaviour in HEFA and ATJ SAF differs significantly from that in Jet A. However, new fuel approval tests may only list one type of elastomer for evaluation, for example the ‘Fit-for-Purpose’ test in ASTM D4054-22 Tier 2 lists one specific nitrile. The findings of this study highlight the complexities of fuel-elastomer interactions within nominally identical chemical families and emphasise the potential risks of assessing compatibility based on tests conducted with a single member of a chemical family.
Desirable and Adverse Effects of Communicative Suicide Prevention Interventions Among Men
Authors: Wagner Anna , Reifegerste Doreen
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Background: Despite men’s high suicide risk, gender perspectives in suicide prevention research are scarce. Aims : The goal of this systematic review was to describe the desirable and adverse effects of distribution channels and message strategies of communicative suicide prevention interventions among men. Methods : Databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched for quantitative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies examining the effectiveness of male-specific or general communicative interventions among men. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize findings. Results: Fifty-five studies published in peer-reviewed articles until October 15, 2021, were included. Findings demonstrate that interpersonal, mass media, and digital media interventions impact suicide-related outcomes preventively. Mass media interventions are not suitable to impact men’s emotions in a prevention-desirable way. Message strategies interactivity, emotional appeals, and clear calls to action demonstrated high effectiveness, while expert exemplars, visualizations, and personalization were rather ineffective. Limitations : However, the review was not able to prove causality, could not distinguish between multichannel interventions and single-channel interventions, or between specific combinations of channels and message strategies. Discussion: The systematic review provides some guidance on which channels and message strategies to apply in communicative suicide prevention for men.
Using Real-Time Coronial Data to Detect Spatiotemporal Suicide Clusters
Authors: Roberts Leo , Clapperton Angela , Dwyer Jeremy , Spittal Matthew J.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Background: Real-time suicide registers are being established in many countries and enable regular monitoring of suspected suicides over time. The use of these data to monitor for suicide clusters is in its infancy. Aims: We sought to test the feasibility of using real-time suicide register data to detect spatiotemporal suicide clusters. Method: Using the Victorian Suicide Register and SaTScan’s spatiotemporal scan statistic, we simulated a monthly search for clusters from January 2015 to June 2022 using rolling 2-year windows of data in each search. Monthly scans were performed at three different levels of geographic granularity and for all-ages and under-25 populations. Results: Our results indicated the rapid identification of possible suicide clusters and demonstrated a practical approach to combining real-time suicide data and scanning algorithms. We developed new model outputs that showed cluster timelines. Limitations: The main limitations are that the computational burden of fitting multiple models meant we were unable to scan for ellipses and other irregular shapes and we were unable to consider space–time permutation models. Conclusions: Using data from a real-time suicide register, we were able to scan for space–time suicide clusters simulating the situation where the data are updated monthly with new updates.
Future Drought‐Induced Tree Mortality Risk in Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Yao Yitong , Ciais Philippe , Joetzjer Emilie , Hong Songbai , Li Wei , Zhu Lei , Viovy Nicolas
Published: August 2024

The future evolution of the Amazon rainforest remains uncertain not only due to uncertain climate projections, but also owing to the intricate balance between tree growth and mortality. Many Earth System Models inadequately represent forest demography processes, especially drought‐induced tree mortality. In this study, we used ORCHIDEE‐CAN‐NHA, a land surface model featuring a mechanistic hydraulic architecture, a tree mortality sub‐model linked to a critical loss of stem conductance and a forest demography module for simulating regrowth. The model was forced by bias‐corrected climate forcing data from the ISIMIP‐2 program, considering two scenarios and four different climate models to project biomass changes in the Amazon rainforest until 2100. These climate models display diverse patterns of climate change across the Amazon region. The simulation conducted with the HadGEM climate model reveals the most significant drying trend, suggesting that the Guiana Shield and East‐central Amazon are approaching a tipping point. These two regions are projected to transition from carbon sinks to carbon sources by the mid‐21st century, with the Brazilian Shield following suit around 2060. This transition is attributed to heightened drought‐induced carbon loss in the future. This study sheds light on uncertainties in the future carbon sink in the Amazon forests, through a well‐calibrated model that incorporates tree mortality triggered by hydraulic damage and the subsequent recovery of drought‐affected forests through demographic processes.
Three‐Dimensional Electrostatic Hybrid Particle‐In‐Cell Simulations of the Plasma Mini‐Wake Near a Lunar Polar Crater
Authors: Xie Lianghai , Li Lei , Wang Jindong , Zhang Yiteng , Zhou Bin , Feng Yongyong , Xu Qi , Gou Xiaochen , Wang Chi
Published: August 2024

Lunar polar region has become the focus of future explorations due to the possible ice reservoir in the permanently shadowed craters. However, the space environment near the polar crater is quite complicated, and a plasma mini‐wake can be caused by the topographic obstruction. So far, three‐dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of the mini‐wake around a crater far larger than the Debye length are still limited. Here we present a 3D electrostatic hybrid particle‐in‐cell model to study the plasma mini‐wake of a polar crater on scale of about 1 km. It is found that the mini‐wake can begin upstream from the crater with a cone angle of about 8.8°. There is a plasma void with extra electrons near the leeward crater wall, where the electric potential can be as low as −60 V. A part of solar wind ions can be diverted into the crater, and the ratio of the diverted flux is about 4% on the crater bottom and about 18% on the windward crater wall, which provide an important source for the surface sputtering. Further studies show that the mini‐wake can change with the solar wind parameters and the crater shapes. Our results are helpful to assess the space environment and the water loss rate of a polar crater, and have general implications in studying the plasma mini‐wake caused by a crater on the other airless bodies.