bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Aerodynamic Decelerator Inflation Using Fluid-Structure Interaction Strategies
Authors: Malof Emanuel , Bayandor Javid
Published: September 2024

Fabric-based parachutes continue to be used as primary aerodynamic decelerators utilized in slowing aircraft, rockets, and landing vehicles. Parachutes decelerate a payload to safe, stable landing speeds utilizing aerodynamic drag forces. To this point, experimental testing of parachutes is expensive and impractical for various canopy shapes and opening velocities. Numerical analyses create an alternative to these costly experiments in terms of both time and money and provide performance analyses in a wide range of environments. Fluid-Structural Interaction (FSI), where the deformable fabric is the structure and the fluid is the surrounding air, is utilized to model the deployment and inflation of the parachute. This paper uses both user-defined implicit finite-element and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to model the inflation process of a parachute from the flat state to fully deployed. The geometries of the annular Curiosity rover parachute and a hemispherical Air Force (referred to as AFTR) parachute were modeled to provide an experimental data comparison with the inflation simulation. In addition to verifying the FSI of the inflation process, the simulation was used to determine the terminal velocity, drag profile, turbulence and stress experienced by the parachute.

The main focus of the paper is to compare the effects of utilizing a pressure-based turbulence solver with Large Eddy Simulation (LES). While the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model was unable to capture full parachute inflation, LES allowed for full inflation and reduced fabric impingement at a minimal increase to computational time. Additionally, a study into the effects of Lagrangian versus penalty-based contact algorithms to limit fabric impingement was also carried out, with a hybridized model proving to be the best of both models. Overall, this paper reports on a strategy to improve the modeling required to simulate the intricate FSI involved in parachute deployment, with future work aiming at modeling a fully packed to fully inflated parachute in various atmospheric conditions and entry speeds.
Computational Analysis of Foil-Fish Interactions in Low Reynolds Number Flow
Authors: Lei Menglong , Menzer Alec , Dong Haibo
Published: September 2024

Schooling swimmers can benefit from vortex interaction to increase hydrodynamic performance. To examine the underlying mechanisms of how schooling fish exploit vortices shed from the front, we conducted two-dimensional computational simulations in which a fish model was placed in the vortices generated by two counter-pitching foils. An in-house immersed-boundary method based computational fluid dynamics solver was used to solve the flow field. The motion of the fish model was then calculated from the hydrodynamic pressure and shear acting on the fish. It is found that the distance between the two foils greatly alters the hydrodynamic performance regarding thrust generation and propulsive efficiency. With the counter-pitching foils placed upstream, even if the foils are far apart from each other, the wall effect increases the thrust generation on the fish compared to the solitary fish model. As the foil distance decreases (0.5L ⩽ s < L), the block effect starts to come into play. Lower pressure and velocity are observed on the head which accelerate the fish as the it approaches one of the foils. When the foil distance is much smaller (s = 0.25L), the high velocity jets generated by the foils pushes the fish downstream. Our findings discovered that foil distance impacts hydrodynamic performance diversely. This work offers a unique approach to comprehending fish schools, promising valuable insights into the mechanism behind hydrodynamic enhancement.
Diffraction correction in high-precision pulse-echo and multiple-reflection ultrasonic measurement systems for fluids
Authors: Mosland Eivind Nag , Lunde Per , Kocbach Jan
Published: September 2024

In high-precision ultrasonic measurement systems, diffraction correction models accounting for electrical and mechanical boundary conditions may be needed, as shown in prior work using a finite element diffraction correction (FEDC) model for one-way transmit-receive systems. Such descriptions may also be needed for pulse-echo and multiple-reflection ultrasonic measurement applications. The FEDC model is here generalized to n-way measurement systems (n = 1, 2, 3,…) using coaxially aligned piezoelectric transducers in a fluid medium. Comparisons are made with existing diffraction correction models, based on baffled-piston theory combined with (i) specular reflection or (ii) reflection modeled as radiation from a “new source.” Numerical results are given for an example system with two identical cylindrical piezoelectric disks, operating in a fluid medium at ambient conditions. The piston-type diffraction correction models deviate notably from the FEDC model both in the near- and far-fields, and also from each other. The deviations are expected to be application-specific and depend, e.g., on the reflector-to-sound-beam diameter ratio, distance, frequency, and the transducers' vibration patterns. The results show that accurate description of the diffraction effects, such as the one provided by the FEDC model, may be needed in high-precision ultrasonic measurement systems.
Minimizing Redislocation Rates and Restoring Function After Patella Dislocation: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Senese Matthew , Smith Veronika
Published: September 2024

Clinical Scenario: Patella dislocation is a common knee injury resulting in decreased function, increased knee pain, and a higher risk of recurrent patella dislocation. Patients with patella instability are treated surgically or conservatively with physical therapy to minimize redislocation risk and restore function. Clinical Question: In individuals with a patella dislocation, how does treatment (conservative therapy versus medial patellofemoral ligament [MPFL] surgery) affect redislocation rates and patient-perceived function? Summary of Key Findings: This critically appraised topic included 3 studies assessing outcomes in individuals with patella instability treated with MPFL surgery or conservative management. Outcomes included comparing redislocation rates and Kujala scale perceived knee function between participant groups. Surgery included MPFL reconstruction (MPFL-R) in 1 randomized controlled trial and 1 prospective controlled trial and MPFL repair in another randomized controlled trial. Conservative treatment included physical therapy and bracing. All 3 studies demonstrated significantly lower redislocation rates in individuals managed with surgery versus conservative treatment. Reported knee function was significantly higher in the MPFL-R group compared with individuals conservatively managed at 2-year follow-up but not at 1 year. No significant difference in knee function was present between individuals receiving MPFL repair or conservative management at a 2-year follow-up. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate-level evidence to support a significant decrease in patella redislocation rates in individuals managed with MPFL surgery compared with conservative treatment. The reviewed studies suggest a significant improvement in patient-perceived knee function at 2 years following MPFL-R but no difference at 1 year following MPFL-R or 2 years after MPFL repair. Strength of Recommendations: Grade B evidence supports lower patella redislocation rates with MPFL surgery compared with nonsurgical treatment. Furthermore, this evidence suggests a potential benefit in perceived knee function 2 years after MPFL-R compared with conservative management.
Pathogenic diversification of the gut commensal
Providencia alcalifaciens
via acquisition of a second type III secretion system
Authors: Klein Jessica A. , Predeus Alexander V. , Greissl Aimee R. , Clark-Herrera Mattie M. , Cruz Eddy , Cundiff Jennifer A. , Haeberle Amanda L. , Howell Maya , Lele Aaditi , Robinson Donna J. , Westerman Trina L. , Wrande Marie , Wright Sarah J. , Green Nicole M. , Vallance Bruce A. , McClelland Michael , Mejia Andres , Goodman Alan G. , Elfenbein Johanna R. , Knodler Leigh A.
Published: September 2024

Providencia alcalifaciens
is a Gram-negative bacterium found in various water and land environments and organisms, including insects and mammals. Some
P. alcalifaciens
strains encode gene homologs of virulence factors found in pathogenic Enterobacterales members, such as
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and
Shigella flexneri
. Whether these genes are pathogenic determinants in
P. alcalifaciens
is not known. In this study, we investigated
P. alcalifaciens
–host interactions at the cellular level, focusing on the role of two type III secretion systems (T3SS) belonging to the Inv-Mxi/Spa family. T3SS
1b
is widespread in
Providencia
spp. and encoded on the chromosome. A large plasmid that is present in a subset of
P. alcalifaciens
strains, primarily isolated from diarrheal patients, encodes for T3SS
1a
. We show that
P. alcalifaciens
205/92 is internalized into eukaryotic cells, lyses its internalization vacuole, and proliferates in the cytosol. This triggers caspase-4-dependent inflammasome responses in gut epithelial cells. The requirement for the T3SS
1a
in entry, vacuole lysis, and cytosolic proliferation is host cell type-specific, playing a more prominent role in intestinal epithelial cells than in macrophages or insect cells. In a bovine ligated intestinal loop model,
P. alcalifaciens
colonizes the intestinal mucosa and induces mild epithelial damage with negligible fluid accumulation in a T3SS
1a
- and T3SS
1b
-independent manner. However, T3SS
1b
was required for the rapid killing of
Drosophila melanogaster
. We propose that the acquisition of two T3SS has allowed
P. alcalifaciens
to diversify its host range, from a highly virulent pathogen of insects to an opportunistic gastrointestinal pathogen of animals.
Pathways to strengthen the climate resilience of health systems in the Peruvian Amazon by working with Indigenous leaders, communities and health officers
Authors: Vidal-Cuellar Claudia L , Chicmana-Zapata Victoria , Arotoma-Rojas Ingrid , Meza Graciela , Ford James D , Rodríguez Ferruchi Hugo , De-La-Cruz Elida , Lancha-Rucoba Guillermo , Borjas-Cavero Diego B , Loarte Sonia , Alencastre Mamani Ofelia , Peña Palma Victoria I , Coronel-Altamirano Maria G , Benites Ivonne , Pinasco Giovanna , Valera Rosa , Maguiña Huaman Marco , Urteaga-Villanueva Adolfo , Munayco César V , Zavaleta-Cortijo Carol
Published: September 2024

Background

Indigenous knowledge and responses were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect health, showcasing how Indigenous communities participation in health systems could be a pathway to increase resilience to emergent hazards like climate change. This study aimed to inform efforts to enhance climate change resilience in a health context by: (1) examining if and how adaptation to climate change is taking place within health systems in the Peruvian Amazon, (2) understanding how Indigenous communities and leaders’ responses to climatic hazards are being articulated within the official health system and (3) to provide recommendations to increase the climate change resilience of Amazon health systems.

Methods

This study was conducted among two Peruvian Amazon healthcare networks in Junin and Loreto regions. A mixed methodology design was performed using a cross-sectional survey (13 healthcare facilities), semistructured interviews (27 official health system participants and 17 Indigenous participants) and two in-person workshops to validate and select key priorities (32 participants). We used a climate-resilient health system framework linked to the WHO health systems building blocks.

Results

Indigenous and official health systems in the Peruvian Amazon are adapting to climate change. Indigenous responses included the use of Indigenous knowledge on weather variability, vegetal medicine to manage health risks and networks to share food and resources. Official health responses included strategies for climate change and response platforms that acted mainly after the occurrence of climate hazards. Key pathways to articulate Indigenous and official health systems encompass incorporating Indigenous representations in climate and health governance, training the health work force, improving service delivery and access, strengthening the evidence to support Indigenous responses and increasing the budget for climate emergency responses.

Conclusions

Key resilience pathways call for a broader paradigm shift in health systems that recognises Indigenous resilience as valuable for health adaptation, moves towards a more participatory health system and broadens the vision of health as a dimension inherently tied to the environment.
Factors influencing implementation and adoption of direct oral penicillin challenge for allergy delabelling: a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Jani Yogini H , Williams Iestyn , McErlean Mairead , Bhogal Rashmeet , Ng Bee Yean , Kildonaviciute Kornelija , Balaji Ariyur , Daniels Ron , Dunsmure Louise , Hullur Chidanand , Jones Nicola , Misbah Siraj , Pollard Rachel , Powell Neil , Sandoe Jonathan A T , Thomas Caroline , Warner Amena , West Robert M , Savic Louise , Thirumala Krishna Mamidipudi
Published: September 2024

Background

Over 95% of penicillin allergy labels are inaccurate and may be addressed in low-risk patients using direct oral penicillin challenge (DPC). This study explored the behaviour, attitudes and acceptability of patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and managers of using DPC in low-risk patients.

Methods

Mixed-method, investigation involving patient interviews and staff focus groups at three NHS acute hospitals. Transcripts were coded using inductive and deductive thematic analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Findings

Analysis of 43 patient interviews and three focus groups (28 HCPs: clinicians and managers) highlighted themes of ‘knowledge’, ‘beliefs about capabilities and consequences’, ‘environmental context’, ‘resources’, ‘social influences’, ‘professional role and identity’, ‘behavioural regulation and reinforcement’ and a cross-cutting theme of digital systems. Overall, study participants supported the DPC intervention. Patients expressed reassurance about being in a monitored, hospital setting. HCPs acknowledged the need for robust governance structures for ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities and confidence.

Conclusion

There were high levels of acceptability among patients and HCPs. HCPs recognised the importance of DPC. Complexities of penicillin allergy (de)labelling were highlighted, and issues of knowledge, risk, governance and workforce were identified as key determinants. These should be considered in future planning and adoption strategies for DPC.
Coolants, organic acids, flavourings and other additives that facilitate inhalation of tobacco and nicotine products: implications for regulation
Authors: Talhout Reinskje , Leventhal Adam M
Published: September 2024

To inform regulatory policy, this article summarises findings on inhalation facilitation from the ninth report of the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation. Some additives counteract the harshness and bitterness of tobacco and nicotine product aerosols, making them easier to inhale. Additives that promote inhalability may perpetuate and increase the use of inhaled tobacco and nicotine products, especially by young people. Thus, as a class, additives that facilitate inhalation are an important regulatory target to prevent tobacco and nicotine product uptake. We defined inhalation facilitation as modifications to products during manufacturing that enhance the sensory experience and (potentially) behaviours associated with inhalation (eg, deeper puffs, faster inhalation, larger puff volume, shorter intervals in between puffs and use episodes). Evidence review showed that: (a) menthol and synthetic coolants decrease irritation caused by aerosol constituents by activating sensory perception receptors (eg, cooling receptors) and may promote dependence in inexperienced users; (b) acid additives and sugars, which lower the pH of aerosols and shift nicotine from free-base to protonated salt forms, reduce harshness and increase blood nicotine yield; (c) e-cigarette flavourings perceived as sweet or fruity reduce subjective bitterness, increase attractiveness and may escalate use, although their effects on perceived harshness are inconclusive; (d) sugars in tobacco impart sweet sensations, but limited industry-independent data preclude strong conclusions for sugars’ roles in inhalation facilitation. Given these findings, WHO policy recommendations suggest that regulators might consider banning ingredients that facilitate inhalation in all commercial inhaled tobacco and nicotine products.
The $${\textrm{SU}}(3)$$ twisted gradient flow strong coupling without topological freezing
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Golán Jorge Luis Dasilva , D’Elia Massimo , Pérez Margarita García , Giorgieri Andrea
Published: September 2024

We investigate the role of topology on the lattice determination of the $${\textrm{SU}}(3)$$

SU
(
3
)

strong coupling renormalized via gradient flow. To deal with the topological freezing of standard local algorithms, the definition of the coupling is usually projected onto the zero topological sector. However, it is not obvious that this definition is not biased by the loss of ergodicity. We instead avoid the topological freezing using a novel algorithm, the Parallel Tempering on Boundary Conditions. The comparison with a standard algorithm shows that, even in the case where the latter is severely frozen, one obtains the same projected coupling. Moreover, we show that the two definitions of the coupling, projected and non-projected, lead to the same flow of the renormalization scale. Our results imply that projecting the coupling does not affect the determination of the dynamically-generated scale of the theory $$\varLambda $$
Λ
, as obtained through the step-scaling method.
Primordial black holes in non-minimal Gauss–Bonnet inflation in light of the PTA data
Authors: Solbi Milad , Karami Kayoomars
Published: September 2024

Here, we investigate the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) in non-minimal coupling Gauss–Bonnet inflationary model in the presence of power-law potentials. We employ a two part coupling function to enhance primordial curvatures at small scales as well as satisfy Planck measurements at the CMB scale. Moreover, our model satisfies the swampland criteria. We find PBHs with different mass scales and demonstrate that PBHs with masses around $$\mathcal {O}(10^{-14})M_{\odot }$$

O

(

10

-
14

)

M
⊙

can account for almost all of the dark matter in the universe. In addition, we investigate the implications of the reheating stage and show that the PBHs in our model are generated during the radiation-dominated era. Furthermore, we investigate the production of scalar-induced gravitational waves (GWs). More interestingly enough is that, for the specific cases $$D_\textrm{n}$$

D
n

in our model, the GWs can be considered as a source of PTA signal. Also, we conclude that the GWs energy density parameter at the nano-Hz regime can be parameterized as $$\Omega _\mathrm{GW_0} (f) \sim f^{5-\gamma }$$

Ω

GW
0

(
f
)

∼

f

5
-
γ

, where the obtained $$\gamma $$
γ
is consistent with the PTA Observations.
The Triassic Buntsandstein sedimentary basins of Sardinia (Italy) and their transition to the Brianzonese ridge (Western Alps): crossroads through the Western Tethys areas
Authors: Costamagna Luca G.
Published: September 2024

Sardinia represented a key area during the Western Tethys opening in late Early–early Middle Triassic times as it was located at the nodal point of several palaeogeographical domains. New and revised sedimentological data and petrographical investigations provide evidence that the Sardinian Buntsandstein Group formational units differ from each other and were deposited in different alluvial to transitional depositional systems related to Alpine rifting basins. Petrographic analysis revealed north–south and east–west compositional differences: they hint at morphotectonic rises separating the diverse depositional areas through lasting barriers related to palaeoeuropean ridges in progressive dismantling. The data suggest that the dominant environmental and (micro)climate conditions varied from area to area and the sedimentary basins evolved differently through time and were diachronous in timing. Moreover, the sources of debris were variable, both in morphology and substrate composition, with relief from articulated to smoothed. A stratigraphic and sedimentological framework for the Sardinian Buntsandstein is suggested. Comparison analysis with close coeval successions of the Western Tethyean area, particularly regarding the Upper Permian?–Lower Middle Triassic deposits of the Brianconnais ridge, have been attempted, as well as their palaeogeographical location, to frame the Sardinian Buntsandstein Group with the coeval units of SW Europe.
Multimodal Recommender Systems: A Survey
Authors: Liu Qidong , Hu Jiaxi , Xiao Yutian , Zhao Xiangyu , Gao Jingtong , Wang Wanyu , Li Qing , Tang Jiliang
Published: September 2024

The recommender system (RS) has been an integral toolkit of online services. They are equipped with various deep learning techniques to model user preference based on identifier and attribute information. With the emergence of multimedia services, such as short videos, news, and and so on, understanding these contents while recommending becomes critical. Besides, multimodal features are also helpful in alleviating the problem of data sparsity in RS. Thus,
M
ultimodal
R
ecommender
S
ystem (MRS) has attracted much attention from both academia and industry recently. In this article, we will give a comprehensive survey of the MRS models, mainly from technical views. First, we conclude the general procedures and major challenges for MRS. Then, we introduce the existing MRS models according to four categories, i.e.,
Modality Encoder
,
Feature Interaction
,
Feature Enhancement
, and
Model Optimization
. Besides, to make it convenient for those who want to research this field, we also summarize the dataset and code resources. Finally, we discuss some promising future directions of MRS and conclude this article. To access more details of the surveyed articles, such as implementation code, we open source a repository.

1
An Analytical Model for Electrochemical Tubular Flow Reactors
Authors: Filippas Alexandros , Fuller Thomas F. , Liu Nian
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces the first analytical model designed for tubular electrochemical flow reactor, enabling a detailed examination of how reactor geometry and material selection impact performance. The model revealed that certain conditions, such as high electrode resistance relative to charge transfer, electrolyte, and separator resistance, can lead to uneven current distributions and reduced electrode utilization. The model highlights a critical electrode radius, dependent on reactor geometry and material properties, that minimizes the Area Specific Resistance (ASR) while minimizing reactor size. Additionally, it was found that the ASR increases with reactor length, but this effect can be mitigated by using highly conductive electrodes, thus allowing for enhanced power output. These insights provide a foundation for future research and the development of more efficient tubular reactor designs.
Optimizing miRNA transfection for screening in precision cut lung slices
Authors: Nowakowska Joanna , Gvazava Nika , Langwiński Wojciech , Ziarniak Kamil , da Silva Iran Augusto N. , Stegmayr John , Wagner Darcy E. , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

RNA-based therapeutics hold significant promise for disease treatment; however, limited research exists on miRNA transfection specifically within PCLS. miRNA transfection has thus far required custom functionalization for stabilization and internalization. We aimed to optimize a transfection protocol for rapid screening approaches of miRNA sequences. We show that transfecting miRNA in PCLS is possible using lipid nanoparticles. In addition, we show that 25 nM of TYE665-miRNA is sufficient for detection in a high-content imaging system.
Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Long‐Term Prognostic Factors
Authors: Luis Pacheco-Ojeda , Lucía Martínez-Jaramillo Ana , Hugo Romo-Castillo , Ramiro Recalde-Maldonado , Stalin Cañizares-Quisiguiña
Published: September 2024

Introduction. Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ecuador. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the demographics and clinical and treatment variables of patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, referred to as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), treated at a third‐level hospital in Quito, Ecuador. Methods. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients with DTC, who underwent surgical treatment, from 1990 to 2019. Data included demographics, pathological information, clinical stage, type of surgery, and radioactive iodine (RAI) adjuvant therapy. Patients were monitored for up to 29 years (median follow‐up time 6.9 years). Results. The corrected overall 5‐, 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐year survival rates (Kaplan–Meier) were 93%, 85%, 70%, and 63%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age, histological type, tumor grade, histological variants, capsular invasion, vascular invasion, tumor size, clinical stage, distant metastases at diagnosis, surgical margins, extrathyroidal invasion, radioactive iodine adjuvant treatment, and locoregional recurrence were found to be significant prognostic factors. In a multivariate analysis, the following independent variables: age over 55 years, extrathyroidal spread, metastasis at diagnosis, and stage II to IV raised the risk of death (hazard risk) (HR). Conclusions. Age over 55 years, extrathyroidal spread, metastasis at diagnosis, and advanced clinical stage were found to have a harmful prognosis and an increased risk of death in a series of Ecuadorian patients surgically treated for a DTC.
Biological Control Mechanisms of Non‐Saccharomyces Yeasts against Filamentous Fungal Pathogens within Rosaceae Family
Authors: Da Costa Arruda Giseli Cristina , Kovács Mónika , Pomázi Andrea
Published: September 2024

Pathogenic fungi can cause significant annual losses in the quality and quantity of fruits belonging to Rosaceae family during pre‐ and postharvest. Synthetic fungicides are considered the main method for controlling diseases in food crops; however, they pose a great risk to human health and to the environment. As a result, biological control methods, which are based on living microorganisms to reduce the population or to inhibit the growth of pathogens, have arisen as a safe alternative. In this review, we highlight the principal mechanisms (e.g., nutrition and space competition, mycoparasitism, induced resistance and growth enhancement, production of volatile organic compounds, and antibiosis) utilized by the most frequently reported non‐Saccharomyces biocontrol agents (BCAs) yeasts: Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Pichia membranifaciens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Aureobasidium pullulans, against the common pathogenic fungi found within Rosaceae family: Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Monilinia spp. Understanding BCAs’ importance and mode of action is a necessary step in order to reduce the detrimental effect of spoilage fungi in the agriculture and food industry, by achieving a more sustainable and safer control of them.
Sodium‐Decorated SiB Monolayer for Reversible Hydrogen Storage: High‐Capacity Achieved by Carbon Doping
Authors: Miao Fengyu , Li Jie , Zhang Feng , Bi Xin , Huang Xin , Yang Zhihong , Wang Yunhui , Weng Yakui
Published: September 2024

Based on the first‐principles calculation and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation, the reversible hydrogen storage of Na‐decorated silicon boron (SiB) and C‐doped SiB monolayers have been investigated. For double side 4Na‐decorated SiB monolayer, each Na atom can adsorb five H2 molecules with the average adsorption energy of −0.18 eV/H2, yielding an H2 gravimetric density of 9.09 wt% and desorption temperature TD of 227 K. To further improve the H2 gravimetric density and desorption temperature, doping effect was employed to enhance the internal electric field between Na atom and SiB substrate. When two Si atoms in the SiB monolayer were replaced by C atoms, the adsorption energy for H2 was significantly improved. The H2 gravimetric density reaches to 10.63 wt% with the average adsorption energy of −0.22 eV/H2. Meanwhile, the desorption temperature TD was raised from 227 to 282 K, reaching the ideal condition near room temperature. In addition, the GCMC simulations further confirm that the H2 gravimetric density can fully meet the latest hydrogen storage target (5.5 wt%) for both Na‐decorated SiB monolayer and Na‐decorated C‐doped SiB monolayer. Our results indicate that both Na‐modified SiB and C‐doped SiB monolayers can be used as promising materials for reversible hydrogen storage.
Chemical, Microbial, and Sensory Effects of Natural Preservatives as Sulfur Dioxide Replacers in Boerewors
Authors: Freitag Alicia , Cluff MacDonald , Pretorius Wilben , Bothma Carina , Hugo Arno , Hugo Celia
Published: September 2024

This study determined whether natural preservatives, when used as substitutes for sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Boerewors, influenced water activity (aw), pH, and moisture content; microbial and sensory quality; and the lipid oxidative and color stability in Boerewors models. The inclusion of sulfur dioxide at 0.035% (positive control), formulation without preservatives (negative control); protective cultures (PrC1 and PrC2), containing lactic acid bacteria; and plant extract blends (KD1 and KD2), containing rosemary and acerola extracts and buffered vinegar, were evaluated. The use of KD2 increased pH on Days 0 and 6, but the increased pH did not affect the microbial preservative effect. The aw of the treatments was stable over 6 days and therefore also did not have an influence on the microbial preservative effect of the natural preservatives. Both plant extract preservatives (KD1 and KD2) increased the oxidative stability of lipids more than any other treatment, including the positive control. The microbial stability results were inconclusive because of the protective cultures, which increased the total bacteria count. The counts of coliform and Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were analyzed, but significant differences between the treatments were not observed. KD1, which contained rosemary plant extract, maintained the lowest TBC at the same level as the positive control but had a slightly lower redness score. Treatments had no effect on sensory evaluation. The use of KD1 and KD2 plant preservatives proofed to be worthy as replacers of SO2 in Boerewors. This manuscript contains research data that formed part of an M.Sc. thesis. This manuscript also contains materials and methods that were used in a Ph.D. thesis where salt reduction in South African meat products was evaluated.
A Systematic Review of Insect Decline and Discovery: Trends, Drivers, and Conservation Strategies over the past Two Decades
Authors: Hailay Gebremariam Gebreegziabher
Published: September 2024

Insects make up 75%–80% of all known animal species, with estimates ranging from 10 to 30 million, of which approximately 1.11–1.7 million are described. Despite varying estimates, 80% of insect species remain undiscovered. Unfortunately, insect populations have been declining globally in recent decades, which have significant implications for the overall health of ecosystems. Thus, this review article delves into the status of insects, exploring the causes behind their decline, highlighting discoveries made in recent years, and emphasizing the profound impact of this decline on ecosystems. Furthermore, it discusses the urgent need for conservation efforts and identifies promising areas for future insect research. To achieve these objectives, the researcher uses a systematic review of 156 distinct journals and websites. Insect decline is a worldwide issue caused by habitat loss, pesticide use, pollution, invading species, intensive agriculture, and climate change. It affects flying, ground, and aquatic lineages, with Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Ephemeroptera being especially vulnerable. The decline of insects has significant impacts on ecosystems, including food chains, pollination, and nutrient cycling. Insect conservation strategies involve habitat restoration, sustainable land management, species‐specific conservation, and policy. Developing insect conservation laws, enforcing environmental laws, and promoting public education are also crucial for addressing insect declines and promoting biodiversity. Future research should focus on using insects for sustainable agriculture, understanding their behavior for conservation and technology, utilizing insect genetics for pest control, and improving insect classification for conservation.
Research on Hopping Routing of Periodic Multiorbit LEO Satellites
Authors: Cheng Hengfei , Xu Zhaobin , Jin Zhonghe , Jin Xiaojun , Zhang Dading , Song Sicheng
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the low Earth orbit microsatellite network technology has experienced rapid development due to its advantages of low latency, low cost, and short development cycles. However, building an efficient and reliable satellite network routing system faces many challenges due to the characteristics of satellite networks, such as fast‐changing topology, large variations in link latency, higher probabilities of node and link failures, and limited resources. Routing algorithms have a significant impact on intersatellite communication and have become a research hotspot. The current mainstream algorithms focus on reducing information propagation delays between satellites to enable faster transmission. However, many satellite networks, such as meteorological observation satellite networks, are not sensitive to propagation delays but emphasize reducing hardware costs, especially for the receiving and transmitting signal systems of satellites. This means minimizing the single‐step signal transmission distance of satellites. This article proposes a routing algorithm based on time slot planning and the shortest path step length. Experimental simulation results demonstrate that this algorithm significantly reduces the step length of signal transmission and lowers hardware costs.
The Intrauterine Device: How to Deploy This Strategy in the Molecular World?
Authors: Johannet Paul , Friedman Claire F.
Published: September 2024

Progestin-based therapy can safely be offered to a subset of patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrioid endometrial cancer who desire fertility preservation. A recent study shows that levonorgestrel intrauterine device confers durable clinical benefit and identifies possible immune mechanisms of relapse and resistance.

See related article by Bowen et al., p. 5073
Hypertension-Associated Expenditures Among Privately Insured US Adults in 2021
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , He Siran , Pollack Lisa M. , Lee Jun Soo , Imoisili Omoye , Wang Yu , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Luo Feijun , Jackson Sandra L.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

There are no recent estimates for hypertension-associated medical expenditures. This study aims to estimate hypertension-associated incremental medical expenditures among privately insured US adults.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using IQVIA’s Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records-US data set linked with PharMetrics Plus claims data. Among privately insured adults aged 18 to 64 years, hypertension was identified as having ≥1 diagnosis code or ≥2 blood pressure measurements of ≥140/90 mm Hg, or ≥1 antihypertensive medication in 2021. Annual total expenditures (in 2021 $US) were estimated using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log-link function adjusting for demographic characteristics and cooccurring conditions. Out-of-pocket expenditures were estimated using a 2-part model that included logistic and generalized linear model regression. Overlap propensity score weights from logistic regression were used to obtain a balanced sample on hypertension status.

RESULTS:

Among the 393 018 adults, 156 556 (40%) were identified with hypertension. Compared with individuals without hypertension, those with hypertension had $2926 (95% CI, $2681–$3170) higher total expenditures and $328 (95% CI, $300–$355) higher out-of-pocket expenditures. Adults with hypertension had higher total inpatient ($3272 [95% CI, $1458–$5086]) and outpatient ($2189 [95% CI, $2009–$2369]) expenditures when compared with those without hypertension. Hypertension-associated incremental total expenditures were higher for women ($3242 [95% CI, $2915–$3569]) than for men ($2521 [95% CI, $2139–$2904]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among privately insured US adults, hypertension was associated with higher medical expenditures, including higher inpatient and out-of-pocket expenditures. These findings may help assess the economic value of interventions effective in preventing hypertension.
The Major Additions in the Samaritan Pentateuch Tradition
Authors: Dayfani Hila
Published: September 2024

One of the most prominent characteristics of the SP tradition is the inclusion of major additions in the text, which consist of material duplicated from other parts of the Pentateuch. While most of these additions involve mechanical and faithful copying of the Pentateuchal material, this paper discusses four major additions that reflect distinctive editorial practices. The editors responsible for these additions slightly revise the copied material, primarily through moderate-sized omissions, in a manner that responds to the tension and congestion inherent within it. Recognizing the peculiarity of this group of variants has implications for the literary development of the SP.
Karl Korsch on Marx’s New Materialism
Authors: Roso Darren
Published: September 2024

This article systematically reconstructs the key elements of the articulation of Marx’s new materialism by Karl Korsch, Weimar Germany’s anti-Stalinist and anti-Social Democratic Marxist heretic. After a brief biographical presentation, and a sketch of the topography of philosophical positions prior and contemporary to him, I develop a thematic presentation of Korsch’s reading of Marx’s materialist dialectics, this-sidedness, the coincidence of consciousness and reality, the problem of application, his salvaging of the category of content, the materialist conception of history and his efforts to produce a theory of the material reproduction of ideology.
Development of Career Guidance and Counseling Needs Scale: a Study from Pakistan
Authors: Keshf Zehra , Nadeem Arif , Khawar Rabia
Published: September 2024

Career Guidance and Counseling Needs Scale (CGCNS) was developed to assess career related needs of students. Initially 143 items were generated from verbatim of university students who participated in qualitative exploratory interviews conducted earlier. Item pool was shortened to 90 items and 67 items respectively after two successive revisions. Content validity was established by expert review from 10 experts resulting in a 57-items scale. For standardization, CGCNS was administered to 480 (451 after data cleaning) public sector university students selected through stratified random sampling. Demographic Sheet, Perceived Stress Scale, and Career Decision-Making Indicators Scale were used for establishing validity. Through EFA, four factors were generated titled Career Foresight, Career Difficulties, Career Dissonance, and Career-Related Self-Awareness. Final CGCNS had 41 items. Alpha reliability and split-half reliability was 0.88 and 0.80 (p < .001) respectively. Convergent validity was 0.76 and concurrent validity was 0.70 (p < .001). Pakistan and other similar countries could benefit from CGCNS.
Sacharja 13,7 in der koptischen Vita Pachomii?
Authors: Bojowald Stefan
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a detail from the Coptic Vita Pachomii is examined. The focus is on the motif of the herd without a shepherd. The text passage Zechariah 13,7 is used for comparison.
Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of cold- and heat-tolerant black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
Authors: Feng X. , Memon F.U. , Ma C. , Zhu J. , Huang Z. , Tettamanti G. , Li K. , Peng G. , Hu W. , Tian L.
Published: September 2024

The larvae of black soldier fly (BSFL) can convert organic waste into insect proteins. Their bioconversion performance is considerably reduced under hot and cold conditions. To address this problem, we performed selective breeding of BSFL at 16 °C (T16) and 40 °C (T40), and evaluated differentially expressed genes and proteins in the heat- and cold-tolerant breeds. Both the T16 and T40 breeds exhibited higher body weight, survival rate, and substrate reduction efficiency compared to the control groups (C16 and C40). Transcriptome analysis showed significant gene expression changes in both the T16 and T40 groups at various time points compared to the control groups. Specifically, the T16 group had 84 upregulated and 64 downregulated genes, while the T40 group had 117 upregulated and 483 downregulated genes. Full-length transcriptome analyses revealed 27,414 new transcripts in the T16 group. Proteomic analysis revealed 57 upregulated and 114 downregulated proteins in the T16 group, and 128 upregulated and 68 downregulated in the T40 group. The upregulated genes, proteins, and novel transcripts in the bred strains mainly participated in Toll and Imd signalling, carbon metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that help BSFL adapt to cold and heat stress.
Novel Approaches to Interim Protection Against Systemic Threats to the Rule of Law
Authors: Fisicaro Marco
Published: September 2024

The article explores the evolution of a key, yet relatively obscure, instrument relating to the ‘head’ of proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights (Court), namely interim measures. By employing the decisions related to the Polish rule of law crisis as a case study, the article contends that the Court’s use of interim measures in this context exhibits significant novelties compared to its previous practice, regarding both the scope and content of interim protection. More broadly, the Polish case study, along with other recent developments in the Court’s practice under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, highlights a growing tendency to use interim measures for addressing systemic issues in the Contracting Parties. This aspect prompts a reflection on the evolving nature and function of interim relief under the European Convention on Human Rights, and on the outstanding procedural shortcomings of the Rule 39 machinery, which is currently undergoing a process of reform.
Exploring the Myth of National Language in Inoue Hisashi’s Kiiroi Nezumi
Authors: Hausler Rebecca
Published: September 2024

The article discusses the interconnected history of colonialism and the imposition of monolingual and national languages on linguistic minorities in both Australia and Japan, as explored in the Japanese novel Kiiroi Nezumi by Inoue Hisashi. This 1977 novel, set primarily during World War ii, compares the experiences of Australia’s First Nations peoples and Japan’s Tōhoku peoples under the rule of a dominant monolingual and monocultural government. This article analyses Inoue’s novel with reference to how language shapes and communicates identity and culture. Furthermore, the novel explores how the myth of a national language in both Japan and Australia was deliberately manipulated to reinforce the idea of a homogeneous society. Inoue’s fiction explores, critiques and parodies nationalism, with a focus on Japan and Australia’s shared history of domestic imperialism, and the problematic nature of historic amnesia that both countries continue to practise around historical and current issues of race and minority groups.
“Trying to Wring an Ocean from the Precious Few Drops”: Language, Identity and Intergenerational Migrant Trauma in Second-Generation Fiction
Authors: Maher Brigid
Published: September 2024

This article analyses three recent works by second-generation Australian writers—Peter Polites’ Down the Hume (2017), Tracey Lien’s All That’s Left Unsaid (2022) and Omar Sakr’s Son of Sin (2022)—examining the ways in which these authors represent and engage with the reality of multicultural and multilingual Australia. Each of the novels speaks from the perspective of a young Australian for whom English is the native language, while the parents’ home language can be a marker of identity or provoke feelings of clumsiness, inadequacy or alienation. Polites and Sakr intersperse their writing with words and phrases in Greek, Arabic and Turkish in a realistic depiction of code-switching and complex cultural identities. Meanwhile, Lien unpacks some of the complexities of child language brokering and the struggle for language maintenance in her exploration of the intense familial and linguistic pressures that stem from intergenerational trauma in the Vietnamese community.
Expanded distribution and a new genus for rock-inhabiting sea pens (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Pennatuloidea)
Authors: GANGULY UPASANA , FRANCE SCOTT C.
Published: September 2024

Sea pens (Superfamily Pennatuloidea) are a specialized group of octocorals that evolved to live embedded in a soft-sedimented seafloor using their peduncles as anchors. Rock-inhabiting sea pens (“rock pens”) were first described in 2011; their peduncle is modified into a suction cup-like structure that allows them to attach onto the surface of hard substrates, an adaptation previously unknown in sea pens. There are currently four species that have been identified as rock pens based on their peduncular morphology: three of these are in the genus Anthoptilum (Anthoptilidae), and one in the genus Calibelemnon (Scleroptilidae). Herein, we explore the geographic distribution and depth ranges of rock pens using observations from remotely operated vehicles and investigate the evolutionary origins of the rock pens. We present a phylogenomic study of sea pens, based on DNA sequences from hundreds of ultraconserved elements (UCE) and compare these trees to those constructed using mitochondrial gene regions. Our results show that the ancestral sea pen had a typical elongated peduncle. The adaptation to attach onto hard, rocky substrates using the special suction cup-like peduncle evolved along a single derived lineage that is sister to a lineage comprising the genus Anthoptilum. We propose all known rock pen species be grouped into a single new genus, described herein, in the family Anthoptilidae, to reflect the phylogenetic history.
Description of two new species of the Torymus advenus species group (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) from Mexico
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO AITOR , VERA-ORTIZ ALEXIS , EQUIHUA-MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO , ESTRADA-VENEGAS EDITH G. , TOVAR DAVID CIBRIÁN , JANŠTA PETR , VILLAR JULI PUJADE-
Published: September 2024

Two new species of Torymus (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) belonging to the advenus species group, Torymus tumoralis Martínez-Romero, Janšta & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., and T. papularis Martínez-Romero, Janšta & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., are described from Mexico. Torymus tumoralis (warreni subgroup) emerged from Andricus Hartig tumoral galls, and Melikaiella nr amphibolensis Pujade-Villar galls (Cynipidae: Cynipini) on oaks. Torymus papularis (advenus subgroup) is associated to an unidentified oak gall midge (Cecidomyiidae). Diagnosis, distribution, and data on biology of the new species are provided.