bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quaternion Convolutional Neural Networks: Current Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Altamirano-Gomez Gerardo , Gershenson Carlos
Published: August 2024

Since their first applications, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have solved problems that have advanced the state-of-the-art in several domains. CNNs represent information using real numbers. Despite encouraging results, theoretical analysis shows that representations such as hyper-complex numbers can achieve richer representational capacities than real numbers, and that Hamilton products can capture intrinsic interchannel relationships. Moreover, in the last few years, experimental research has shown that Quaternion-valued CNNs (QCNNs) can achieve similar performance with fewer parameters than their real-valued counterparts. This paper condenses research in the development of QCNNs from its very beginnings. We propose a conceptual organization of current trends and analyze the main building blocks used in the design of QCNN models. Based on this conceptual organization, we propose future directions of research.
Salkowski curves and spherical epicycloids
Authors: Monterde J.
Published: August 2024

The relationship between Salkowski curves, a family of slant helices with constant curvature and non-constant torsion, and the family of spherical epicycloid curves is studied. It is shown that, for some values of the parameter defining the Salkowski curve, the curve is the image by a shear transformation along the z-axis of a spherical epicycle. Therefore, the projection of both curves on the xy-plane is the same. This result can be extended to the whole family of Salkowski curves if some parameter defining the spherical epicycle is allowed to be a complex imaginary number.
Sedation and analgesia in the trauma intensive care unit of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital – the effect of anti-retroviral therapy: A retrospective chart analysis
Authors: Mngoma O. G. , Hardcastle T. C. , De Vasconcellos K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Adequate access to antiretrovirals (ARV) has improved the longevity and quality of life of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). Antiretrovirals are known to cause multiple drug–drug interactions. It was noted clinically that patients on ARVs appeared to be more difficult to sedate. This begs the question of the clinical impact of these drug interactions, should clinicians adjust sedative dosages when managing patients on ARVs? This study aimed to investigate the presence of and measure the differences in sedation and analgesic utilisation between polytrauma patients on ARVs and those not on ARVs.

Methods

This retrospective observational chart review included consecutive adult polytrauma patients admitted to the Trauma ICU IALCH between January 2016 and December 2019. HIV status and ARV use was documented. The total sedation per drug utilised at 24, 48 and 72-hour interval was calculated and tabulated accordingly. Drug utilisation was compared to ARV status.

Results

A total of 216 adult polytrauma patients were included in the study. A total of 44 patients were HIV positive and 172 were HIV negative. Of the HIV positive patients 41 (93.2%) were on ARVs. Multiple comparisons were confirmed, however the primary analysis compared HIV negative patients with HIV positive patients on ARV. Total morphine, ketamine, midazolam and propofol doses were all numerically greater in patients on ARVs, although none of these reached statistical significance. The use of morphine rescue boluses during the first 72 h of ICU admission and the doses of ketamine and propofol on ICU day 3 were significantly greater in those on ARVs.

Conclusion

The data analysis showed that patients on ARVs required higher doses of some analgesia and sedation in ICU and lower doses of midazolam. This needs to be considered when sedating patients in a setting with a high HIV prevalence.
Finite-Time Analysis of Crises in a Chaotically Forced Ocean Model
Authors: Axelsen Andrew R. , Quinn Courtney R. , Bassom Andrew P.
Published: August 2024

We consider a coupling of the Stommel box model and the Lorenz model, with the goal of investigating the so-called crises that are known to occur given sufficient forcing. In this context, a crisis is characterized as the destruction of a chaotic attractor under a critical forcing strength. We document the variety of chaotic attractors and crises possible in our model, focusing on the parameter region where the Lorenz model is always chaotic and where bistability exists in the Stommel box model. The chaotic saddle collisions that occur in a boundary crisis are visualized, with the chaotic saddle computed using the Saddle-Straddle Algorithm. We identify a novel sub-type of boundary crisis, namely a vanishing basin crisis. For forcing strength beyond the crisis, we demonstrate the possibility of a merging between the persisting chaotic attractor and either a chaotic transient or a ghost attractor depending on the type of boundary crisis. An investigation of the finite-time Lyapunov exponents around crisis levels of forcing reveals a convergence between two near-neutral exponents, particularly at points of a trajectory most sensitive to divergence. This points to loss of hyperbolicity associated with crisis occurrence. Finally, we generalize our findings by coupling the Stommel box model to other strange attractors and thereby show that the behaviors are quite generic and robust.
Prognostic impact of disease-related complications in asymptomatic mitral regurgitation: a health insurance claims analysis
Authors: Acar L. , Behrendt C. A. , Baldus S. , Falk V. , Smetak N. , Nzomo M. Mboulla , Marschall U. , Girdauskas E.
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

The impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) in asymptomatic patients is not well defined. We aimed to determine the prevalence of MR-related complications and their association with 10-year survival in a large unselected asymptomatic MR cohort.

Methods

Health insurance claims data from Germany’s second largest health insurance fund, BARMER, which maintains longitudinal data on 8.7 million German residents, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with an outpatient diagnosis of MR in a minimum of two quarters during a calendar year and first recorded diagnosis between 2008 and 2011 were included. Patients with any complication attributable to MR or mitral valve intervention at index were excluded. Outcomes were compared between study group and age- and sex-matched controls (i.e., without known cardiac disease). MR-related complications of interest were new congestive heart failure, new-onset atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac decompensation.

Results

A total of 56,577 individuals (median age 68 years, 67% female) with asymptomatic MR were identified. At 10 years, MR-related complications were more frequent in the study group vs. control group (46.5% vs. 20.8%, OR 3.31, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, MR-related complications were more common in male vs. female patients with an asymptomatic MR (OR 2.65, P < 0.0001). The occurrence of at least one MR-related complication was associated with a reduced 10-year survival (OR 1.80, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Almost half of patients with asymptomatic MR experience complications during a 10 year follow-up which result in impaired survival. These results imply the necessity of long-term disease management program. Furthermore, decision-making process and timing for mitral valve intervention in asymptomatic patients should be reevaluated.

Graphical Abstract
Questionnaire survey for the International Journal of Legal Medicine on the occassion of the 26th triennal meeting of the International Academy of Legal Medicine
Authors: Schmeling Andreas , Fracasso Tony
Published: August 2024

A questionnaire was prepared in advance of the 26th triennial conference of the International Academy of Legal Medicine (IALM) and sent to 474 email addresses included in the IALM mailing list. The questionnaire addressed three current challenges faced by the International Journal of Legal Medicine (IJLM): the publication of guidelines and validation studies in the field of legal medicine, the publication ethics of case reports, and the recruitment of new reviewers for the IJLM. The response rate was 20%. The survey results highlight the need for international guidelines in various areas of legal medicine. Some desired guidelines already exist. To provide visibility and knowledge of the existing national guidelines, the IJLM has launched a Topical Collection on Quality Assurance in Legal Medicine. This collection aims to inform readers about country-specific characteristics of legal medicine structures and the existing national guidelines.Around 80% of the participants stated that there are legal or ethical requirements for the publication of forensic case reports or case series. Various options for obtaining consent for publication are discussed. Eighty-six of the 97 participants indicated their willingness to review manuscripts for the IJLM. It is emphasized that the contributions of reviewers should be duly recognized and valued.
Does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation have a beneficial effect on improving unilateral spatial neglect caused by stroke? A meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Ruixuan , Zhang Jack Jiaqi , Zhong Lingling , Chan Sofina S. Y. , Kwong Patrick W. H. , Lorentz Lukas , Shaikh Usman Jawed , Lam Tommy L. H. , Mehler David M. A. , Fong Kenneth N. K.
Published: August 2024

This review aimed to assess the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect (USN) using a meta-analysis. Further, we aimed to identify any association between rTMS parameters, patient demographics, and treatment effect sizes using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. A literature search was conducted through four databases from inception to March 6, 2024, to retrieve all relevant controlled trials investigating the effects of rTMS on symptoms of USN in post-stroke patients. Overall, rTMS significantly improved post-stroke USN, as measured by the line bisection test (Hedges’ g = – 1.301, p < 0.0001), the cancelation test (Hedge’s g = – 1.512, p < 0.0001), and the Catherine Bergego Scale (Hedges’g = – 0.770, p < 0.0001), compared to sham stimulation. Subgroup analysis found that generally larger effect sizes following excitatory rTMS across several outcome measures, indicating that excitatory rTMS on the ipsilesional hemisphere may be more effective than inhibitory rTMS on the contralesional hemisphere in ameliorating neglect symptoms. Meta-regression analysis of the line bisection test showed a significant difference in the chronicity of stroke patients, suggesting that rTMS may be more effective for USN in patients at the acute stage (within 3 months since stroke) than in those at the post-acute stage (p = 0.035). In conclusion, rTMS appears to be effective in promoting recovery from post-stroke USN. Excitatory protocols and early intervention may enhance recovery outcomes for neglect behaviors in post-stroke survivors.
Prophylactic effect of tissue flap in the prevention of bronchopleural fistula after surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Habu Tomohiro , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Nakata Kentaro , Hashimoto Kohei , Tanaka Shin , Shien Kazuhiko , Suzawa Ken , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Okazaki Mikio , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious complication of lung resection. To avoid BPF, the bronchial stump/anastomotic site is often covered with a flap of surrounding tissue. One risk factor for BPF is radical lung resection after induction chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer. We retrospectively reviewed our database to elucidate the characteristics of tissue flaps that prevent BPF.

Methods

This retrospective study included 152 patients treated between 1999 and 2019. We examined the clinicopathological characteristics, including the type and thickness of the tissue flap used to cover the bronchial stump/anastomotic site, and postoperative complications, including BPF.

Results

BPF occurred in 5 patients (3.3%). All 5 patients had complications that could have affected delayed wound healing, such as pneumonia. The covering tissue flap thickness was significantly greater in patients without BPF than in those who developed BPF (p = 0.0290). Additionally, the tissue flap thickness was significantly greater than in those with BPF (p = 0.0077), even in high-risk patients who developed pneumonia or radiation pneumonitis on the operative side within 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Perioperative management is crucial to avoid complications affecting the healing of the bronchial stump/anastomotic site, and the covering tissue flap thickness may be an important factor in avoiding or minimizing BPF.
A Theoretical and Experimental Study on Asperity Damage-Driven Strain Rate Dependency of Fractured Coal
Authors: Su Linan , Roshan Hamid
Published: August 2024

Asperities within pre-existing fractures of coals can experience local damage during the fracture closure due to external loading. Previous research postulates that this local asperity damage can lead to strain rate-dependency without causing permanent deformation to the bulk of the coal specimens. This study aims to comprehensively investigate this behavior by developing a theoretical model that characterizes the strain rate-dependency driven by fracture asperity damage in coal. To achieve this objective, an initial series of micro-scale mechanical tests are conducted on joint specimens to establish a model for effective stress acting on asperities. Building upon this model, a theoretical foundation is further developed to describe the strain rate-dependent asperity damage evolution and resulting energy dissipation. These frameworks are subsequently incorporated into elasticity and damage mechanics to capture the strain rate-dependent stress–strain relationships. To validate the proposed model across multiple scales, additional triaxial tests on core-scale specimen and micro-scale mechanical tests on joint specimens are performed. The experimentally measured strain rate-dependency aligns well with the predictions of the proposed model, indicating a successful development of a robust model. The results of the model developed in this study reveal that the strain rate-dependency in fractured coals is governed by several factors, including asperity damage, mechanical properties of the coal specimens and effective stress acting on asperities of pre-existing fractures within the bulk of coal. Moreover, it is shown that the effective stress acting on asperities is significantly affected by both applied normal stress and joint roughness coefficient (JRC). The insights derived from this study demonstrate that the strain rate-dependency induced by micro-scale asperity damage of pre-existing fractures leads to observable strain rate-dependency in bulk specimens at core-scale and the proposed model can adequately capture this behavior.
Physiological roles of Arabidopsis MCA1 and MCA2 based on their dynamic expression patterns
Authors: Kubota Miki , Mori Kendo , Iida Hidetoshi
Published: August 2024

Determining the mechanisms by which plants sense and respond to mechanical stimuli is crucial for unraveling the detailed processes by which plants grow and develop. Mechanosensitive (MS) channels, including MCA1 and its paralog MCA2 in Arabidopsis thaliana, may be essential for these processes. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the physiological roles of MS channels, comprehensive insights into their expression dynamics remain elusive. Here, we summarize recent advancements and new data on the spatiotemporal expression patterns of the MCA1 and MCA2 genes, revealing their involvement in various developmental processes. Then, we describe findings from our study, in which the expression profiles of MCA1 and MCA2 were characterized in different plant organs at various developmental stages through histochemical analyses and semiquantitative RT‒PCR. Our findings revealed that MCA1 and MCA2 are preferentially expressed in young tissues, suggesting their pivotal roles in processes such as cell division, expansion, and mechanosensing. Lastly, we discuss the differential expression patterns observed in reproductive organs and trichomes, hinting at their specialized functions in response to mechanical cues. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the dynamic expression patterns of MCA1 and MCA2, paving the way for future research on the precise roles of these genes in planta.
On the latent dimension of deep autoencoders for reduced order modeling of PDEs parametrized by random fields
Authors: Franco Nicola Rares , Fraulin Daniel , Manzoni Andrea , Zunino Paolo
Published: August 2024

Deep Learning is having a remarkable impact on the design of Reduced Order Models (ROMs) for Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), where it is exploited as a powerful tool for tackling complex problems for which classical methods might fail. In this respect, deep autoencoders play a fundamental role, as they provide an extremely flexible tool for reducing the dimensionality of a given problem by leveraging on the nonlinear capabilities of neural networks. Indeed, starting from this paradigm, several successful approaches have already been developed, which are here referred to as Deep Learning-based ROMs (DL-ROMs). Nevertheless, when it comes to stochastic problems parameterized by random fields, the current understanding of DL-ROMs is mostly based on empirical evidence: in fact, their theoretical analysis is currently limited to the case of PDEs depending on a finite number of (deterministic) parameters. The purpose of this work is to extend the existing literature by providing some theoretical insights about the use of DL-ROMs in the presence of stochasticity generated by random fields. In particular, we derive explicit error bounds that can guide domain practitioners when choosing the latent dimension of deep autoencoders. We evaluate the practical usefulness of our theory by means of numerical experiments, showing how our analysis can significantly impact the performance of DL-ROMs.
The role of carboxyl and cationic groups in low-level cationised cellulose fibres investigated by zeta potential and sorption studies
Authors: Netzer Felix , Manian Avinash P. , Bechtold Thomas , Pham Tung
Published: August 2024

The anionic nature of both cellulose fibres and reactive dyes prevents substantial exhaustion of dye from the dyebath, which is at neutral pH before alkali is added to initiate dye fixation. Conventionally, salt is added to minimize the electrostatic repulsions that interfere with dye sorption, but that increases salt loads in effluents. An alternative is to affix cationic agents on the cellulose to overcome the inherent anionic charge, but that has generally been observed to result in uneven dye sorption. The focus of investigations in this work is to examine the influence of the ratio of charges on cellulose (of affixed cationic charges to inherent anionic charges) on the extents and evenness of dye sorption. The cationisation agent 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) was grafted on loose viscose fibres to yield 12 to 185 mmol kg−1 cationic group content on the fibre that exhibited an inherent carboxyl group content of 68 mmol kg−1. Three different dyes (of varying molecular sizes and anionic group content) were employed for examination of sorption profiles. The results from both zeta potential measurements and dye sorption profiles showed evidence of limited dye uptake until the cationic group content in fibres exceeded that of the inherent carboxyl groups. Thereafter, an uptick in dye sorption was observed, with dye sorption levels increasing with rise in degree of cationisation. There were differences between the dyes in their degrees of sorption, which appear correlated with their molecular sizes.
Questionnaire for the Assessment of Coparenting (CECOP): Development and Validation
Authors: Mollà Cusí Laia , Vilaregut Puigdesens Anna , Callea Antonino , Roca Mariona , Pretel-Luque Teresa , Matalí Costa Josep Lluís
Published: August 2024

Taking coparenting into consideration is essential when assessing children and their relational environment, regardless of the family structure. This paper presents three studies we conducted with the aim of developing and validating a reliable instrument for the assessment of coparenting in Spanish. The first study consisted of developing the items to be included in the assessment tool and evaluation of this content by a panel of nine experts. In the second study, we explored both the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the prototype instrument using a sample of 251 participants. The third study confirmed the factorial structure and tested measurement invariance, the reliability, and convergent and discriminant evidence of our tool in a general population sample of 312 participants. We obtained a 15-item unidimensional questionnaire, the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Coparenting (CECOP), with very good psychometric properties: excellent internal consistency with α of 0.97 and supported validity with the selected conceptually related metrics; convergent validity with the Instrument for the Assessment of Adaptation to Divorce–Separation’s (CADS) coparenting dimension and Questionnaire on Perceived Support from the Former Partner (CARE); and divergent validity with parenting and dyadic adjustment. Furthermore, the results in terms of measurement invariance across family structures and sex allowed us to assume the configural invariance between the groups. However, it was not possible to assume metric invariance. Finally, we also provide normative scores for its interpretation. The CECOP shows excellent psychometric properties and can be considered the first questionnaire in Spanish that assesses coparenting in any family structure, which also includes the triadic conceptualization of coparenting, providing valuable information on the relational environment in which children and adolescence live.
Neutron-based analytical techniques for the elemental composition analysis of electronic waste samples: advantages and challenges
Authors: Buczkó Noémi Anna , Maróti Boglárka , Gméling Katalin , Szentmiklósi László
Published: August 2024

Recycling electronic waste (WEEE) is a fundamental aspect of the circular economy. To develop technology and assess its economic aspects, the composition characterization of the waste items is crucial. Neutron-based analytical techniques, such as the INAA, in-beam NAA, and PGAA, are applicable to measure the elemental composition of WEEE. These techniques are bulk representative and offer simultaneous determination of the relevant elements without sample dissolution. This study explores the suitability of neutron-based elemental analysis methods for measuring common WEEE items, e.g., printed circuit boards and integrated circuits. Matrix effects mostly related to the thermal neutron self-shielding, were identified and successfully corrected, ensuring accurate mass fraction measurements.
Is endurantism the folk friendly view of persistence?
Authors: Baron Sam , Oh Jordan Veng , Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie
Published: August 2024

Many philosophers have thought that our folk, or pre-reflective, view of persistence is one on which objects endure. This assumption not only plays a role in disputes about the nature of persistence itself, but is also put to use in several other areas of metaphysics, including debates about the nature of change and temporal passage. In this paper, we empirically test three broad claims. First, that most people (i.e. most non-philosophers) believe that, and it seems to them as though, objects persist by enduring rather than perduring. Second, that most people have a view of change on which enduring but not perduring objects count as changing. Third, that one reason why the folk represent time as dynamical is because it seems to them, and they believe that, they endure through time. We found no evidence to support these claims. While there are certainly plenty of ‘folk’ endurantists in the population we tested, there are also plenty of ‘folk’ perdurantists. We did not find robust evidence that a majority of people believed that, or it seemed to them as though, objects endure rather than perdure. We conclude that many arguments in favour of endurantism that appeal to folk beliefs about, or experiences of, persisting objects and change rest on views about those beliefs and experiences that are empirically unsupported. There is no evidence to suggest that endurantism is the folk friendly view of persistence, and so we should stop treating it as such without argument.
Hemispheric Sunspot Number Prediction for Solar Cycles 25 and 26 Using Spectral Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Rodríguez José-Víctor , Sánchez Carrasco Víctor Manuel , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Pérez Aparicio Alejandro Jesús , Vaquero José Manuel
Published: August 2024

The present study uses machine learning and time series spectral analysis to develop a novel technique to forecast the sunspot number (SN) in both hemispheres for the remainder of Solar Cycle 25 and Solar Cycle 26. This enables us to offer predictions for hemispheric SN until January 2038 (using the 13-month running average). For the Northern hemisphere, we find maximum peak values for Solar Cycles 25 and 26 of 58.5 in April 2023 and 51.5 in November 2033, respectively (root mean square error of 6.1). For the Southern hemisphere, the predicted maximum peak values for Solar Cycles 25 and 26 are 77.0 in September 2024 and 70.1 in November 2034, respectively (root mean square error of 6.8). In this sense, the results presented here predict a Southern hemisphere prevalence over the Northern hemisphere, in terms of SN, for Solar Cycles 25 and 26, thus continuing a trend that began around 1980, after the last period of Northern hemisphere prevalence (which, in turn, started around 1900). On the other hand, for both hemispheres, our findings predict lower maxima for Solar Cycles 25 and 26 than the preceding cycles. This fact implies that, when predicting the total SN as the sum of the two hemispheric forecasts, Solar Cycles 24 – 26 may be part of a centennial Gleissberg cycle’s minimum, as was the case in the final years of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century (Solar Cycles 12, 13, and 14).
Convincing in Pragma-Dialectics: A Critical Reassessment
Authors: Popa Eugen Octav
Published: August 2024

What does it mean to convince? In the pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation, convincing is done by arguments. The perlocutionary act of convincing is fundamentally related to the illocutionary act of arguing. I propose a critical reassessment of this relationship. The arguing-convincing pair presents conceptual difficulties, I argue, both in the pragmatic description based on felicity conditions and in the dialectical one based on intersubjective procedures. To tackle these problems, I develop a proposal that takes the speakers’ non-verbal interaction with evidence, as opposed to their verbal interaction with one another, as the basis for understanding the resolution of differences of opinion. The proposal is compatible with the pragma-dialectical theory, provided some methodological adjustments are conceded.
Prevention and management of radiotherapy-related toxicities in gynecological malignancies. Position paper on behalf of AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology)
Authors: Perrucci Elisabetta , Macchia Gabriella , Cerrotta Annamaria , Andrulli Angela Damiana , Autorino Rosa , Barcellini Amelia , Campitelli Maura , Corrao Giulia , Costantini Sara , De Sanctis Vitaliana , Di Muzio Jacopo , Epifani Valeria , Ferrazza Patrizia , Fodor Andrei , Garibaldi Elisabetta , Laliscia Concetta , Lazzari Roberta , Magri Elena , Mariucci Cristina , Pace Maria Paola , Pappalardi Brigida , Pastorino Alice , Piccolo Federica , Scoglio Claudio , Surgo Alessia , Titone Francesca , Tortoreto Francesca , De Felice Francesca , Aristei Cynthia
Published: August 2024

Multi-modal therapies for gynecological cancers management may determine a wide range of side effects which depend on therapy-related factors and patient characteristics and comorbidities. Curative or adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy is linked with acute and late toxicity due to irradiation of organs at risk, as small and large bowel, rectum, bladder, pelvic bone, vagina and bone marrow. Successful toxicity management varies with its severity, Radiation Centre practice and experience and skills of radiation oncologists. This position paper was designed by the Italian Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncology Gynecology Study Group to provide radiation oncologists with evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage acute and late toxicities and follow-up recommendations for gynecological cancer patients submitted radiotherapy. Six workgroups of radiation oncologists with over 5 years of experience in gynecologic cancers were setup to investigate radiotherapy-related toxicities. For each topic, PubMed database was searched for relevant English language papers from January 2005 to December 2022. Titles and abstracts of results were checked to verify suitability for the document. Reference lists of selected studies and review papers were added if pertinent. Data on incidence, etiopathogenesis, prevention, treatment and follow-up of acute and late side effects for each organ at risk are presented and discussed.
Tailoring Deformation Homogeneity of WE43 Alloy through Strain Rate Sensitivity and Back Pressure during Equal Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Daghigh Milad , Mohri Maryam , Nili-ahmadabadi Mahmoud
Published: August 2024

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) of the magnesium alloys at room temperature owing to their limited workability is challenging. Successful ECAP processing of WE43 magnesium faces two main difficulties, heterogeneous distribution of the strain rate and also tensile strain accommodation on the top surface of the workpiece, leading to catastrophic segmentation of the alloy. In this paper, strain rate sensitivity (SRS) was studied to adopt a proper preprocessing of the material before ECAP processing. The SRS exponents, obtained from compression tests, revealed that solution treatment reduced the SRS of the alloy. To mitigate strain accommodation, an ECAP core-sheath configuration was used to induce back pressure for the sake of deformation homogeneity improvement. A combination of experimental processing and 3D finite element method simulations was applied to the solution-treated WE43 alloy with different core sizes and sheath materials. By finding the optimized core sizes and sheath materials with higher strengths, the differences in microhardness and equivalent plastic strain were reduced. Besides, the adequate magnitude of back pressure and the imposed fully compressive stress prevent fragmentation of the WE43 core during ECAP. After stepwise modifications, the plastic strain inhomogeneity index decreased from 1.340 to 0.671.
Blue light excitable fluorescent green security ink for anticounterfeit application
Authors: Angadiyavar Priya , Jain Rakshitha K. , Sunil Dhanya , Apoorva M. M. , Bhagavath Poornima
Published: August 2024

Fluorescent security printing inks on flexible substrates is an arena that demands consistent developments to prevent the ever increasing menace of document/product counterfeiting. Visible light is a much more accessible and safer excitation source than the commonly used ultraviolet (UV) light. In this context, a simple Schiff base 4-pyridyl-benzylidene 2,4-difluoro aniline (PBDFA) is synthesized as a colorant with significant solid-state fluorescence for preparing security ink formulation. A huge challenge lies in preparing a security ink that does not fluoresce under UV light but produces a green fluorescence when irradiated with a blue light source. Such prints would be hard to forge as compared to the existing UV luminescent security inks. The screen prints obtained on a UV dull paper substrate using the solvent-based PBDFA ink revealed good blue light excitable green fluorescence, photostability, and colorimetric, densitometric, and rub resistance characteristics.
Analysis of the moderator effect of overstimulation on the relationships between indicators of health-related quality of life, extraversion and maladaptive coping strategies in people with sensory processing sensitivity
Authors: Pérez-Chacón Manuela , Borda-Mas Mercedes , Rivera Francisco , Chacón Antonio , Avargues-Navarro María Luisa
Published: August 2024

People with sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), when overstimulated, feel overwhelmed, stressed, and in need of social withdrawal, rest, and reestablishing balance in the nervous system. This study focuses on analyzing the moderator effect of overstimulation on health-related quality of life (mental health, vitality, and body pain), extraversion, and maladaptive coping strategies in people with SPS. Participants (N = 10,520 adults) completed the Spanish versions of the High Sensitivity Person Scale (HSPS-S), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI). Participants with high overstimulation levels were observed to have a worse quality of life related to health, greater introversion, and a tendency to use more maladaptive coping strategies. Furthermore, two of the health-related quality of life indicators, mental health and vitality, occupy a central position in the relationships between variables; there was a negative relationship between mental health and active maladaptive coping strategies, as well as between extraversion and nonactive maladaptive coping strategies. Lastly, the level of overstimulation was not identified as an indicator that differentially influences its relationship with the study variables. These findings demonstrate the need to use prevention and clinical intervention programs that address mental health and vitality, as well as introversion and the use of maladaptive coping strategies in people with high sensitivity.
“Be like me”: the role of parental modeling on sons’ body dissatisfaction and disordered eating
Authors: Cerea Silvia , Mancin Paolo , Scaltritti Martina , Bottesi Gioia , Calonaci Sofia , Ghisi Marta
Published: August 2024

Parents can influence sons’ body image and eating behaviors both directly (e.g., through comments) and/or indirectly (i.e., through modeling). However, available studies still lack in addressing parents’ influence on their sons. This study aimed to explore parental indirect influence by investigating the associations between mothers’ and fathers’ body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and corresponding dimensions in their sons. Moreover, we examined the relation between mothers’ and fathers’ social anxiety symptoms, low self-esteem, and perfectionistic traits, and their sons’ body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Group differences (sons, mothers, and fathers) in the above-mentioned variables were also investigated. A hundred and twenty-eight Italian males (Mage = 23.88 years ± 3.13, range 18–31) from various regions of Italy and their parents completed questionnaires investigating the above-mentioned variables. Analyses of Covariances were conducted, controlling for participants’ age. Group differences emerged in relation to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Multiple regressions showed that sons’ drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction were associated with mothers’ body dissatisfaction, dysfunctional eating behaviors, and perfectionism, while bulimic symptoms were associated with fathers’ perfectionism and with the living condition of sons (i.e., living with their parents). The present findings underscore the significant role that mothers may play in shaping their sons’ body- and eating-related behaviors, as mothers’ behavioral and cognitive dimensions related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are shown to be more strongly associated with their sons’ body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness than fathers’ dimensions. Moreover, our findings highlighted that fathers’ influence might be limited to sons’ bulimic symptoms, as fathers’ perfectionism and the living condition of sons (i.e., sharing the house with parents) emerged as associated with sons’ bulimic symptoms. This study further supports the importance of considering the parental role when addressing men’s body image and eating behaviors.
Management of Device Detected Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Salmon Thomas , Calvert Peter , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

Whilst the management of clinically apparent atrial fibrillation (AF) is well-described and evidenced, the same is not true for subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) and atrial high rate episodes (AHRE). In this review article we discuss the management of device-detected AHRE/SCAF in light of recent major trials and meta-analyses.

Recent Findings

Anticoagulation in AHRE/SCAF reduces thromboembolic risk but causes an increase in bleeding events. Of note, ischaemic stroke risk in untreated AHRE/SCAF has been observed to be lesser than that of untreated clinically evident AF. With regard to reduction of AHRE/SCAF prevalence or burden, increased physical activity has been associated with reduced AHRE/SCAF incidence in a dose-dependent manner. There exists mixed evidence for both angiotensin 2 inhibition therapy and statin therapy in the prevention of AHRE/SCAF in studies with smaller populations. Ongoing studies are assessing the impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition on AHRE/SCAF. Although there is no evidence for atrial overdrive pacing in preventing AHRE/SCAF, limited evidence suggests pacing lead position and reducing ventricular pacing may minimise AHRE/SCAF.

The identification of AHRE/SCAF poses unanswered questions regarding treatment. The benefit of anticoagulation in reducing ischaemic stroke is lesser than that seen in clinical AF. As such, anticoagulation decisions in AHRE/SCAF should take into consideration individual bleeding risk, thromboembolic risk, and arrythmia burden. Management of co-morbidities and physical activity show promise in reducing AHRE/SCAF. Further study is required to investigate the impact of various pharmacologic interventions and pacing considerations on the reduction of AHRE/SCAF.
Assessment of accuracy and repeatability of quantitative parameter mapping in MRI
Authors: Hirano Yuya , Ishizaka Kinya , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Yo , Amemiya Tomoki , Bito Yoshitaka , Kudo Kohsuke
Published: August 2024

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the T1, T2*, and proton density (PD) values obtained by quantitative parameter mapping (QPM) using the ISMRM/NIST MRI system phantom and compared them with computer simulations. We compared the relaxation times and PD obtained through QPM with the reference values of the ISMRM/NIST MRI system phantom and conventional methods. Furthermore, we evaluated the presence or absence of influences other than noise in T1 and T2* values obtained by QPM by comparing the obtained coefficient of variation (CV) with simulation results. The T1, T2*, and PD values by QPM showed a strong correlation with the measured values and the referenced values. The simulated CVs of QPM calculated for each sphere showed similar trends to those of the actual scans.
The types of hackers and cyberattacks in the aviation industry
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: August 2024

The main goal of this study is to analyse the types of hackers and cyberattacks in the aviation industry, to enhance cybersecurity in the air sector. This manuscript has identified 12 different typologies of hackers in the aviation context. First, those hackers who exercise responsibility in proper, effective, ethical, and good practices to improve the safety of citizens and organizations, such as white unicorns, red, blue, green, and nation sponsored hackers. And second, those hackers that are developing and using cyberattacks with bad practices to provoke serious material damage to public and private organizations, consumers, or even terrorist acts to kill people, including black, nation-state, cyberterrorist, whistle-blower, hacktivist, script kiddie, and gray hackers. Furthermore, findings reveal 54 cyberattacks documented in the period analysed (2000 – January 2024). Of the total cyberattacks in the period analysed, 35 were perpetrated at airports (65%) and 19 by airlines (35%). This study also suggests some lines of action to ensure and guarantee the security of data and private information for business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) and their transactions in the aviation industry.
Effectiveness of air cleaner on mitigating the transmission of respiratory disease in a dental clinic environment
Authors: Yang Gang , Wang Yifan , Chan Ka Chung , Mui Kwok Wai , Flemmig Thomas F. , Ng S. Thomas , Chao Christopher Y. H. , Fu Sau Chung
Published: August 2024

In dental clinics with an open floor plan, the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of respiratory disease is a concern. During dental procedures large amounts of bioaerosol are produced and patients cannot wear personal protective equipment. This paper examines how to effectively deploy air cleaner to reduce the infection risk in dental clinics with an open floor plan. Various locations of air cleaners at various clean air delivery rates (CADRs) were investigated. The dispersion of bioaerosol was studied through numerical simulations, and risk assessment was performed by a dose-response method. The findings indicated that dental patients downstream of the background ventilation have a higher infection risk than those to the left and right of an infected patient (i.e., the source). The lowest infection risks for the adjacent patients were found when the air cleaner was place opposite to the dentists, i.e., on the floor at low CADR levels of 2.2 m3/min or on the bench at CADR levels of 4.4 m3/min or greater. The results of this study indicated that air cleaner can mitigate the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in dental clinics with an open floor plan. Background CADR levels determine the optimal placement of air cleaners.
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: a synergetic combination of a drug delivery system and a source of natural bioactive compounds
Authors: Langellotto Mattia D. , Rassu Giovanna , Serri Carla , Demartis Sara , Giunchedi Paolo , Gavini Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles secreted by all cell types and have been studied to understand and treat many human diseases. Exosomes are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, intercellular communication, and the transfer of substances. Over the years, several studies have explored mammalian-derived exosomes for therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Only recently have plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) attracted attention for their ability to overcome many defects associated with using mammalian-derived extracellular vesicles, such as safety and scale-up issues. The ease of large-scale production, low toxicity, low immunogenicity, efficient cellular uptake, high biocompatibility, and high stability of these nanovesicles make them attractive for drug delivery systems. In addition, their native contents of proteins, miRNAs and secondary metabolites could be exploited for pharmaceutical applications in combination with other drugs. The present review intends to provide adequate tools for studying and developing drug delivery systems based on plant-derived EVs. Therefore, indications concerning extraction methods, characterisation, and drug loading will be offered. Their biological composition and content will also be reported. Finally, the current applications of these systems as nanocarriers for pharmacologically active substances will be shown.

Graphical Abstract
Gamma-ray halos around pulsars: impact on pulsar wind physics and galactic cosmic ray transport
Authors: Amato Elena , Recchia Sarah
Published: August 2024

TeV haloes are a recently discovered class of very high energy gamma-ray emitters. These sources consist of extended regions of multi-TeV emission, originally observed around the two well-known and nearby pulsars, Geminga and PSR B0656+14 (Monogem), and possibly, with different degrees of confidence, around few more objects with similar age. Since their discovery, TeV haloes have raised much interest in a large part of the scientific community, for the implications their presence can have on a broad range of topics spanning from pulsar physics to cosmic ray physics and dark matter indirect searches. In this article, we review the reasons of interest for TeV haloes and the current status of observations. We discuss the proposed theoretical models and their implications, and conclude with an overlook on the prospects for better understanding this phenomenon.
CLIP-Flow: Decoding images encoded in CLIP space
Authors: Ma Hao , Li Ming , Yang Jingyuan , Patashnik Or , Lischinski Dani , Cohen-Or Daniel , Huang Hui
Published: August 2024

This study introduces CLIP-Flow, a novel network for generating images from a given image or text. To effectively utilize the rich semantics contained in both modalities, we designed a semantics-guided methodology for image- and text-to-image synthesis. In particular, we adopted Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP) as an encoder to extract semantics and StyleGAN as a decoder to generate images from such information. Moreover, to bridge the embedding space of CLIP and latent space of StyleGAN, real NVP is employed and modified with activation normalization and invertible convolution. As the images and text in CLIP share the same representation space, text prompts can be fed directly into CLIP-Flow to achieve text-to-image synthesis. We conducted extensive experiments on several datasets to validate the effectiveness of the proposed image-to-image synthesis method. In addition, we tested on the public dataset Multi-Modal CelebA-HQ, for text-to-image synthesis. Experiments validated that our approach can generate high-quality text-matching images, and is comparable with state-of-the-art methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Shoaling Internal Tides Propagating From a Shallow Ridge Modulated by the Kuroshio
Authors: Masunaga Eiji , Tamura Hitoshi , Uchiyama Yusuke
Published: August 2024

This study presents remotely generated internal tides that propagate into shallow regions and are modulated by background flows using numerical simulations and field observation data. Numerical results indicate that strongly enhanced semi‐diurnal (∼M2) internal tide energy is generated over a shallow ridge, the Izu‐Ogasawara Ridge. The generated internal tides propagates toward the Kuroshio upstream and shoal toward shallow regions near Cape Shiono‐Misaki. The intensified internal tide energy flux toward the cape is explained by two mechanisms: (a) intensified internal tide generation over the ridge due to the interaction between tides and the Kuroshio and (b) wave energy convergence along the Kuroshio due to wave refractions. A 13‐year field data set obtained from the cape was used to investigate shoaling internal tides influenced by the Kuroshio. The observed results reveal a significant positive correlation between the kinetic energy of semi‐diurnal internal tides and the background flows caused by the Kuroshio, which evidently supports the intensified internal tides attributed to the interaction between background flows and tides, as proposed by recent studies. The intensity of shoaling internal tides is also largely influenced by the path of the Kuroshio and seasonal effects. The magnitude of shoaling internal tides is clearly weaken as the Kuroshio meander occurs. Shoaling internal tides modulated by the Kuroshio can provide new insights into energy transport and mixing processes in coastal oceans.