bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper Coatings for Antibiotics Reduction in Fattening Livestock
Authors: Möhrke Lukas , Hauer Michél , Gericke Andreas , Breitrück Anne , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: February 2024

In the current work, twin-wire arc-sprayed copper coatings are investigated to reduce the spread of pathogenic germs in broiler farming. Compressed air and nitrogen are used as process gasses, while the coating torches are varied. The results demonstrate a reduction of 99% pathogenic load due to the presence of coatings in comparison with the uncoated nickel-chromium-steel. This accounts especially for the bacterial strains E.coli, S.aureus and E.cecorum, which are the predominant bacteria in broiler farming. Moreover, posttreatment processes like cold plasma, tungsten inert gas arc processing and shot peening are investigated to further increase the bactericidal properties and abrasion resistance characteristics of the coatings. Further investigations involve the microstructure and the electrical conductivity of the coatings. In this work, it is demonstrated that copper-coated surfaces have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth of the three investigated bacterial strains compared to the uncoated bulk nickel-chromium-steel material.
Systematic review comparing uretero-enteric stricture rates between open cystectomy with ileal conduit, robotic cystectomy with extra-corporeal ileal conduit and robotic cystectomy with intra corporeal ileal conduit formation
Authors: McNicholas Daniel P. , El-Taji Omar , Siddiqui Zain , Hanchanale Vishwanath
Published: February 2024

Cystectomy is the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Robotic cystectomy has become increasingly popular owing to quicker post- operative recovery, less blood loss and less post-operative pain. Urinary diversion is increasingly being performed with an intracorporeal technique. Uretero-enteric strictures (UES) cause significant morbidity for patients. UES for open cystectomy is 3–10%, but the range is much wider (0–25%) for robotic surgery. We aim to perform systematic review for studies comparing all 3 techniques, to assess for ureteric stricture rates. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement (Page et al. in BMJ 29, 2021). PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched for the period January 2003 to June 2023 inclusive for relevant publications.The primary outcome was to identify ureteric stricture rates for studies comparing open cystectomy and urinary diversion, robotic cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) and robotic cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). Three studies were identified and included 2185 patients in total. The open operation had the lowest stricture rate (9.6%), compared to ECUD (12.4%) and ICUD (15%). ICUD had the longest time to stricture (7.55 months), ECUD (4.85 months) and the open operation (4.75 months). Open operation had the shortest operating time. The Bricker anastomoses was the most popular technique. Open surgery has the lowest rates of UES compared to both robotic operations. There is a learning curve involved with performing robotic cystectomy and urinary diversion, this may need to be considered to decide whether the technique is comparable with open cystectomy UES rates. Further research, including Randomised Control Trials (RCT), needs to be undertaken to determine the best surgical option for patients to minimise risks of UES.
Postoperative outcomes of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy: a propensity-score matched comparison focused on patient mobilization, return to bowel function, and pain
Authors: Bertolo Riccardo , Ditonno Francesco , Veccia Alessandro , De Marco Vincenzo , Migliorini Filippo , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Rizzetto Riccardo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Autorino Riccardo , Antonelli Alessandro ,   PubMed-indexed collaborators, D’Aietti Damiano , Gallina Sebastian , Brusa Davide , Boldini Michele , Costantino Sonia , Baielli Alberto , Montanaro Francesca , Artoni Francesco
Published: February 2024

Literature meta-analyses comparing transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach to robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) suggested some advantages favoring retroperitoneoscopy. Unfortunately, patient-centered data about mobilization, canalization, pain, and use of painkillers remained anecdotally reported. The present analysis aimed to compare transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal RPN focusing on such outcomes. Study data including baseline variables, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes of interest were retrieved from prospectively maintained institutional database (Jan 2018–May 2023) and compared between treatment groups (transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal). Propensity score matching was performed using the STATA command psmatch2 considering age, sex, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, RENAL score, tumor size and location, and cT stage. The logit of propensity score was used for matching, with a 1:1 nearest neighbor algorithm, without replacement (caliper of 0.001). A total of 442 patients were included in the unmatched analysis: 330 underwent transperitoneal RPN 112 retroperitoneal RPN. After propensity score, 98 patients who underwent retroperitoneal RPN were matched with 98 patients who underwent transperitoneal RPN. Matched cohorts had comparable patients’ demographics and tumor features. We found similarity between the two laparoscopic accesses in all outcomes but in blood loss, which favored retroperitoneoscopic RPN (median 150 (IQR 100–300) versus 100 (IQR 0–100) ml, p = 0.03). No differences were found in terms of time to mobilization with ambulation, return to complete bowel function, postoperative pain, but higher painkillers consumption was reported after transperitoneal RPN (p < 0.004). The present study compared the transperitoneal versus the retroperitoneal approach to RPN, confirming the similarity between the two approaches in all perioperative outcomes. Based on our findings, the choice of the surgical approach to RPN may remain something that the surgeon decides.
Adolescent sleep and mental health in times of COVID-19
Authors: Kater Maren-Jo , Werner Anika , Lohaus Arnold
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in public and private life, especially for adolescents. As a result, the mental health and sleep of many adolescents were significantly impaired, although some adolescents report also positive sleep changes.

Objective

The present study investigates how adolescents with positive subjective COVID-19-related sleep changes (CSC), without CSC, or with negative CSC differ in terms of their sleep parameters, resources, and mental health profiles.

Methods

Self-reports of 92 German adolescents (mean age 14.43 ± 1.69 years; 54% female) on mental health were collected before pandemic onset (T1; July 2019–March 2020) and during the pandemic (T2; June 2020–February 2021).

Results

A profile analysis indicated different profile patterns for adolescents with positive, negative, and no CSC, revealing decreased sleep onset latency, pre-sleep arousal, and stress experiences, and higher quality of life, sleep-related self-efficacy, and personal resources in adolescents with subjective positive CSC. However, no differences between T1 and T2 were found for mental health parameters, indicating that higher levels partly existed even before the pandemic.

Conclusion

Subjectively evaluated sleep improvements occur in conjunction with better mental health and personal resources, underscoring the need for holistic prevention. Accordingly, personal and sleep-specific resources should be strengthened in a targeted manner.
Role of SIRT1 in Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (Lead, Fluoride, Aluminum and Cadmium) Associated Neurodevelopmental Toxicity
Authors: Fathima Aqsa , Bagang Newly , Kumar Nitesh , Dastidar Somasish Ghosh , Shenoy Smita
Published: February 2024

The formation of the central nervous system is a meticulously planned and intricate process. Any modification to this process has the potential to disrupt the structure and operation of the brain, which could result in deficiencies in neurological growth. When neurotoxic substances are present during the early stages of development, they can be exceptionally dangerous. Prenatally, the immature brain is extremely vulnerable and is therefore at high risk in pregnant women associated with occupational exposures. Lead, fluoride, aluminum, and cadmium are examples of possibly toxic trace elements that have been identified as an environmental concern in the aetiology of a number of neurological and neurodegenerative illnesses. SIRT1, a member of the sirtuin family has received most attention for its potential neuroprotective properties. SIRT1 is an intriguing therapeutic target since it demonstrates important functions to increase neurogenesis and cellular lifespan by modulating multiple pathways. It promotes axonal extension, neurite growth, and dendritic branching during the development of neurons. Additionally, it contributes to neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, memory development, and neuroprotection. This review summarizes the possible role of SIRT1 signalling pathway in potentially toxic trace elements -induced neurodevelopmental toxicity, highlighting some molecular pathways such as mitochondrial biogenesis, CREB/BDNF and PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM.
Enhancing Vasculogenesis in Dental Pulp Development: DPSCs-ECs Communication via FN1-ITGA5 Signaling
Authors: Di Tiankai , Feng Chao , Wang Lulu , Xu Jinlong , Du Yang , Cheng Baixiang , Chen Yujiang , Wu Lian
Published: February 2024

Background

Dental pulp regeneration therapy is a challenge to achieve early vascularization during treatment. Studying the regulatory mechanisms of vascular formation during human dental pulp development may provide insights for related therapies. In this study, we utilized single-cell sequencing analysis to compare the gene expression of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) from developing and mature dental pulps.

Method

Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression and molecules, such as PI3K/AKT. Cell proliferation assay, scratch assay, tube formation assay and were used to investigate the effects of DPSCs on the vasculogenetic capability of ECs. Additionally, animal experiments involving mice were conducted.

Result

The results revealed that DPSCs exist around dental pulp vasculature. FN1 expression was significantly higher in DPSCs from young permanent pulps than mature pulps, promoting HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation via ITGA5 and the downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that intercellular communication between DPSCs and ECs mediated by FN1-ITGA5 signaling is crucial for vascularizationduring dental pulp development, laying an experimental foundation for future clinical studies.

Graphical Abstract
Suicidal wrist bites
Authors: Buschmann Claas
Published: February 2024

Wrist injuries are not uncommon in forensic routine and are usually found in the context of suicides or as a result of psychiatric illnesses, e.g., borderline disorders. Sharp objects (knives, broken glass, etc.) are usually used. In the case reported here, a paranoid-schizophrenic man not only injured himself with razor blades on both wrists, but he also inflicted extensive wrist bite injuries using his dental prosthesis. In addition to the severance of flexor tendons, venous vessels and the left radial artery were torn with subsequent blood loss. At the time of death, there was also acute exposure to methadone and opiates. Patients suffering from psychotic illnesses have an increased risk of committing spectacular or bizarre suicides.
Bedingungslose Kinder- und Jugendhilfe
Authors: Thalheim Vinzenz
Published: February 2024

Die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe gilt als öffentliche Infrastruktur der Erziehung und Bildung. Einer Inanspruchnahme von Hilfen zur Erziehung im Rahmen der KJH geht die Feststellung eines erzieherischen Bedarfs voraus. Demnach steht häufig eine Defizitdiagnose elterlicher Erziehung und Bildung am Beginn einer Hilfe, mit nicht selten stigmatisierender Wirkung. Der vorliegende Schwerpunkt beschäftigt sich mit den Perspektiven einer „Bedingungslosen Kinder- und Jugendhilfe“, womit nach den Möglichkeiten einer breiten und niedrigschwelligen Zugänglichkeit zu Hilfen zu Erziehung gefragt werden soll, aber die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe auch generell in ihren Strukturen in den Blick genommen wird.
A Practical Inverse Identification of Johnson–Cook Parameters at Intermediate Strain Rates Using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Test
Authors: Jeong Yeong-Min , Hong Seojun , Won Jung Yun , Kim Chanyang , Lee Myoung-Gyu
Published: February 2024

A practical inverse method based on the hybrid experiment-finite element (FE) simulation is proposed for identifying strain rate sensitivity of a metal covering intermediate to dynamic loading conditions. The methodology uses the dynamic split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test for measuring mechanical responses at medium strain rates by optimizing temperature increase, non-uniform strain rate distributed in the non-standard notched SHPB specimens. From the standard dynamic SHPB test, the thermal softening index of the Johnson–Cook (JC) model is first determined by fitting the FE simulation to temperature changes in the specimen. The discrepancy between the measured and predicted flow stresses with the conventional JC model can be attributed to the assumption of constant strain rate sensitivity. Therefore, the new approach using the notched SHPB specimens under dynamic loadings is introduced to identify mechanical responses covering a broader range of strain rate. Finally, the strain rate sensitivity parameter in the JC model as a function of strain rate is evaluated through the inverse FE scheme, in which the sigmoidal function is determined to be optimum by predicting the flow stresses under wider range of strain rate, especially in the intermediate range of strain rate. The present study provides a new methodology based on hybrid experiment and numerical simulation to fill the gap in predicting mechanical responses between quasi-static and dynamic tests using commonly available tensile test and SHPB test.

Graphical Abstract
Multiphysics monitoring of cementation operation: implications for wellbore integrity and hydrogeological characterization
Authors: Gholizadeh Doonechaly Nima , Reinicke Andreas , Hertrich Marian , Plenkers Katrin , Obermann Anne , Fischli Frank , Maurer Hansruedi , Wiemer Stefan , Giardini Domenico
Published: February 2024

The application of optical fibers for assessing cemented wellbore’s integrity attracted considerable attention recently, because of low cost, decent temporal/spatial resolution and absence of downhole electronics. This study presents an integrated approach to compare measurements from distributed temperature sensing (DTS), distributed strain sensing (DSS) and fiber Bragg grating (FBG), at different stages of the wellbore cementation at Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies. Before the cementation, the measurements from DTS provided information about the hydrogeological settings of the wellbore, including the major flow zones, and presence of a highly conductive hydraulic shortcut to a nearby wellbore. During the cement injection, the temperature sensors (DTS and temperature FBG) clearly detected the evolution of the top of the cement. While the mechanical deformation sensors (DSS and strain FBG) did not provide significant insights during this stage, their role became more pronounced in subsequent phases. Results show that the irregularities on the wall have minor influence on the thermo-mechanical response of the wellbore, both during and after cementation. After cementation, the temperature sensors (DTS and temperature FBG) traced different phases of cement-hardening process, while DSS measurements identified areas of major deformation, primarily in fracture/fault zones. It was also observed that localized elevation of temperature and extensional deformation along the wellbore during the cement-hardening are correlated with the presence of permeable structures, most likely due to continuous supply of water. Results of this study show that monitoring of the cemented wellbores using optical fibers, in particular during cement hardening, not only can be used to efficiently assess the wellbore integrity but also can provide us additional important information about the hydrogeological settings of the target reservoir volume.
Innovation Persistence and Firm Growth: Do They Go Hand in Hand?
Authors: Altuzarra Amaia
Published: February 2024

This study empirically examines the relationship between persistence in innovation and firm growth in Spanish manufacturing firms during the period 2005–2016. We include a number of input and output indicators for innovation persistence (R&D, product and process innovation, and patent filings) and use the changes in firms’ annual sales as a measure of firm growth. Differences in how innovation persistence affects firm growth are also explored for the subsets of small and large firms. We employ conditioned quantile regression (CQR) models to see how innovation persistence affects firms located at different quantiles of the firm growth distribution and unconditional quantile regression (UQR) which allow us to compare similar firms in terms of their propensity to innovate on a persistent basis. Our findings are sensitive to the choice of econometric approach. Overall, results indicate that the type of innovation persistence does influence growth. Persistence in R&D activities does not play any relevant role whereas persistence in innovation outputs (product, process, and patents) is a driver for growth only in firms with medium-to-low sales growth rates.
Seksualiteit en androgeendeprivatietherapie bij de behandeling van prostaatkanker – een narratieve review
Authors: Nicolai Melianthe P. J.
Published: February 2024

Samenvatting

Androgeendeprivatietherapie (ADT) voor prostaatkanker heeft talrijke schadelijke effecten op het welzijn en het seksuele functioneren van de patiënt. ADT zou samenhangen met verminderde peniele contractiliteit, een slechte respons op behandeling met fosfodiësterase type 5-remmers (PDE5i) en een hoog risico op verlies van seksuele interesse. Toch blijft seksualiteit een cruciaal aspect van de kwaliteit van leven voor veel patiënten en hun partners, zelfs op gevorderde leeftijd en tijdens ADT.

De behandeling van ADT-geïnduceerde seksuele disfunctie is lastig in een richtlijn te vatten. De behandeling is afhankelijk van de seksuele functies van de pati﻿ënt vóór de behandeling, de leeftijd, de fysieke en mentale gezondheid en de wensen van zowel de pati﻿ënt als zijn partner.

De woorden ‘seks’ en ‘kanker’ roepen sterke emoties op en lijken onverenigbaar. Seks is onlosmakelijk verbonden met leven en voortplanting, terwijl kanker gerelateerd is aan verval en dood. Maar juist voor pa﻿ti﻿ënten die te maken hebben met een levensbedreigende ziekte zoals kanker, zijn partnerrelaties, intimiteit en seksueel contact zeer belangrijk voor de kwaliteit van de resterende jaren. Daarom moet het behoud van openheid, intimiteit en niet-penetratieve seksuele activiteiten altijd worden aangemoedigd om het zelfrespect van de pati﻿ënt en de intimiteit in de relatie te behouden.

In de klinische urologische praktijk is het belangrijk om aandacht te besteden aan de impact van ADT op patiënten met prostaatkanker en het persoonlijke leven van hun partner. Toegankelijke ondersteuning moet worden geboden om depressie en relatiecrises te voorkomen. Het initiëren van een dialoog over ‘seks’ tijdens ADT, het normaliseren en benoemen van emoties die verband houden met het verlies van mannelijke kenmerken en seksuele functies zijn cruciale eerste stappen. Het is ook van groot belang om pa﻿ti﻿ënten zorgvuldig te informeren over de verwachte effecten van ADT op de fysieke en mentale aspecten van seksualiteit. De volgende stap bij het bieden van hulp tijdens deze impactvolle behandeling bestaat uit het faciliteren van gemakkelijke toegang tot psychologische ondersteuning door gespecialiseerde verpleegkundigen, urologen/andrologen, seksuologen of psychologen. Ten slotte moet het belang van lichamelijke activiteit tijdens ADT altijd worden benadrukt.

Dit artikel bespreekt de gevolgen van ADT op seksuele functies en verkent potentiële therapeutische en ondersteunende behandelopties.
Theranostics in prostaatkanker
Authors: Privé Bastiaan M. , Muselaers Constantijn H. J. , Peters Steffie M. B. , Timmermans Bart , Westdorp Harm , Franken Mira D. , Vis André N. , Janssen Marcel J. R. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Nagarajah James
Published: February 2024

Samenvatting

In de afgelopen jaren wordt de term ‘theranostics’ steeds vaker gebruikt. Een nieuwe, reeds welbekende,theranostic of radioligand-therapie (RLT) is177Lu-PSMA, waarmee patiënten met gemetastaseerd castratieresistent prostaatcarcinoom (mCRPC) behandeld worden. Het is een radioactief gelabeld medicijn dat intraveneus wordt toegediend, meestal in 4–6 cycli. De bètastraling veroorzaakt celdood van prostaatkankercellen met PSMA-expressie. Het radioactieve gammaverval kan gebruikt worden voor beeldvorming en dosimetrie. Een internationale gerandomiseerde fase III-studie toonde aan dat eindstadiumprostaatkankerpatiënten die177Lu-PSMA-617 krijgen, een overlevingsvoordeel hebben van 4 maanden (15,3 versus 11,3 maanden in de controlearm;p < 0,001). Daarnaast laten diverse onderzoeken zien dat een deel van deze vaak intensief behandelde patiënten beter reageren en een langere overlevingswinst hebben.177Lu-PSMA wordt over het algemeen goed door patiënten verdragen en verbetert de kwaliteit van leven. Er treden met name graad I–II-vermoeidheid (~40 %) en xerostomie (~40 %) op, die veelal van voorbijgaande aard zijn. Graad III–IV hematologische toxiciteit (trombocytopenie, leukopenie) wordt gezien bij ~8 % van de patiënten. Vanwege de effectiviteit en het milde bijwerkingenprofiel heeft de Amerikaanse Food and Drug Administration (FDA) en het Europees Medicijn Agentschap (EMA) het medicijn recentelijk goedgekeurd voor klinisch gebruik. Momenteel wordt onderzocht of het zinvol is om177Lu-PSMA in een eerder stadium in te zetten, al dan niet als combinatiebehandeling.
Downscaling atmospheric emission inventories with “top–down” approach: the support of the literature in choosing proxy variables
Authors: Marinello S. , Piccinini G. , Coruzzolo A. M. , Lolli F. , Gamberini R.
Published: February 2024

The management and improvement of air quality are global challenges aimed at protecting human health and environmental resources. For this purpose, in addition to legislative and scientific indications, numerous tools are available: measurement methods and tools for estimating and forecasting. As a collection of data presenting an emission of a pollutant (to air), emission inventories support the knowledge of sources impacting air quality by estimating atmospheric emissions within a specific (wide or limited) reference area. There are several methodological approaches for their definition, which can be classified into bottom–up or top–down methods. This paper aims to review the methodological approaches described in the literature that apply the top–down approach for the disaggregation of atmospheric emissions with high spatial and temporal resolution. The proxy variables used to apply this approach are identified, as well as the spatial and temporal resolution obtained by the authors. The results show that population density and land use are the most common parameters with respect to most of the emission sources and for numerous atmospheric pollutants. The spatial resolution of the disaggregation described in the literature varies from a few hundred metres to several kilometres, in relation to the territorial extension of the study areas. The results of the review help support the selection of the best and most popular proxy variables used to scale emissions inventories.
How common is otogenic meningitis? A retrospective study in southern Sweden over 18 years
Authors: Bjar Nora , Hermansson Ann , Gisselsson-Solen Marie
Published: February 2024

Background

Bacterial meningitis is a rare, but life-threatening disease, which sometimes occurs as a complication to acute otitis media (AOM). The proportion of meningitis cases originating from AOM is not clear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of meningitis cases caused by AOM, to compare risk factors, bacteriology and outcome between otogenic and non-otogenic meningitis, and to analyse the incidence of bacterial meningitis after the introduction of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines (PCV).

Methods

The medical charts of all patients admitted to hospitals in southern Sweden with bacterial meningitis between 2000 and 2017 were retrieved. Based on otoscopy and/or imaging, the proportion of otogenic meningitis cases was calculated, as were annual incidences.

Results

A total of 216 patients were identified, 25 of whom died. The proportion of otogenic meningitis was 31% but varied from 6% among teenagers to 40% among adults. Before PCV, 23% of all meningitis cases were children < 2 years, compared to 1% post-PCV. The average incidence in the adult population, on the other hand, increased post-PCV, though there were large annual variations. S. pneumoniae was the most commonly identified pathogen in everyone but teenagers, in whom N. meningitidis was predominant.

Conclusion

AOM is an important cause of meningitis in children and adults. Though bacterial meningitis almost disappeared in children < 2 years after the introduction of PCV, the incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in adults seems to have increased.
Improving Equity in Deep Learning Medical Applications with the Gerchberg-Saxton Algorithm
Authors: Ay Seha , Cardei Michael , Meyer Anne-Marie , Zhang Wei , Topaloglu Umit
Published: February 2024

Deep learning (DL) has gained prominence in healthcare for its ability to facilitate early diagnosis, treatment identification with associated prognosis, and varying patient outcome predictions. However, because of highly variable medical practices and unsystematic data collection approaches, DL can unfortunately exacerbate biases and distort estimates. For example, the presence of sampling bias poses a significant challenge to the efficacy and generalizability of any statistical model. Even with DL approaches, selection bias can lead to inconsistent, suboptimal, or inaccurate model results, especially for underrepresented populations. Therefore, without addressing bias, wider implementation of DL approaches can potentially cause unintended harm. In this paper, we studied a novel method for bias reduction that leverages the frequency domain transformation via the Gerchberg-Saxton and corresponding impact on the outcome from a racio-ethnic bias perspective.
Implementation and Validation of a Numerical Method for Concentrated Suspensions in Large Flows Based on the Particle Diffusion Equation
Authors: Andriulli Raoul , Fadigati Luca , Magnani Mattia , Souhair Nabil , Ponti Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

This work presents the development of an OpenFOAM solver aimed at correctly predicting dynamics of concentrated suspensions when subjected to non-uniform shear flows. The newly implemented solver is able to predict the behavior of a heterogeneous mixture whose characteristics depend on the solid particle local concentration. To simulate such behavior, the conservation equation expressing the time variation of the particle volume fraction has been implemented in OpenFOAM; this was achieved by modifying a pre-existing solver, pimpleFoam, which discretizes the Navier–Stokes system of equation through the PIMPLE algorithm. As a first step, the formulation of the momentum equation has been adapted to correctly solve cases with non-Newtonian fluids. Successively, the Krieger’s correlation has been used to model the viscosity variation in the domain to take in account heterogeneous particle distributions. Finally, the iterative cycle for the solution of the migration equation has been included within the time loop. The above-mentioned code has been successfully validated by comparing the numerical results with the measured data provided by experiments reported in literature.
A heterogeneous 3-D stacked PIM accelerator for GCN-based recommender systems
Authors: Shen Xinyang , Huang Yu , Zheng Long , Liao Xiaofei , Jin Hai
Published: February 2024

Modern recommendation systems integrate graph convolution neural networks (GCN) for enhancing embedding representation. Compared with widely deployed neural network-based models, the extra message propagation layer of GCN-based recommendation is featured with extensive computations and irregular memory access. However, architecture designs for prevailing deep neural network recommendation models assume simple pooling in the embedding layer. ReRAM-based GCN accelerators are specialized for graph-related operations. However, they are designed for general graphs, while GCN-based recommendation models mainly operate on the user-item graph. In this paper, we proposed a resistive random accessed memory (ReRAM) based processing-in-memory (PIM) accelerator, ReGCNR, for GCN-based recommendation. ReGCNR is featured with three key innovations. First, we exploit the 3-dimensional (3-D) stacked heterogeneous ReRAM to fit with the large-size embedding table and user-item graph. Then, we propose a joint degree mapping schema that maximizes the efficiency of the execution pipeline. After that, ReGCNR assembles a well-coordinated pipeline and hardware scheduling design to boost overall system performance. Results show that ReGCNR outperforms GPU by 69.83$$\times$$
×
and 56.67$$\times$$
×
in terms of average speedup and energy saving, respectively. In addition, ReGCNR outperforms state-of-the-art ReRAM-based solutions by 11.13$$\times$$
×
speedups and 7.22$$\times$$
×
energy savings on average.
Properties of fiber incorporated concrete blocks manufactured using recycled aggregates
Authors: Prashanth Kumar , Lohith N. R. , M Vikas , Basutkar S. M.
Published: February 2024

The construction and demolition industry generates a significant quantity of concrete waste, presenting an environmental challenge. The concrete waste generated can be processed to produce Recycled Aggregates (RA) of various sizes. Utilization of Recycled Aggregates (RA) as a substitute to conventional aggregates in concrete has captured considerable attention in the past few years, owing to its promising environmental and economic advantages. However, the combined utilization of recycled fine and coarse aggregate in the production of concrete for low-strength application has not been adequately explored. In this article, an attempt is made to investigate the characteristics of concrete blocks made with RA and polypropylene fiber (PF) are investigated for different cement content. Cement and PF content varied from 8 to 12% and 0% to 2% respectively in production of concrete blocks using Recycled Fine Aggregates (RFA) and Recycled Coarse Aggregates (RCA) at different replacement intervals. Water absorption of blocks manufactured across all replacement intervals of RA was less than 10%. Blocks containing 75% RFA and 25% RCA resulted in improved compressive strength of the order more than 3.8 MPa. Rate of improvement in compressive strength of block was 11% to 20% and 6.5% to 8.2% when the fiber dosage was increased from 0.5% to 1% and 1% to 2% respectively. The optimal fiber dosage was found to be 1%, beyond which no notable improvement in mechanical properties of blocks was observed. Use of RA in concrete blocks reduced embodied energy by 19% to 24% for varying cement content from 8 – 12%. Cost of blocks was found to be reduced by 10 – 15% when made with PF dosage of 0 to 2% with 8% cement content.
Impacts of ammoniacal odour removal bioagent on air bacterial community
Authors: Zhang Hetian , Hu Jin , Peng Xing , Zhou Lei , Zhang Teng , Zhang Yanfang , Yin Huaqun , Meng Delong
Published: February 2024

While biotechnologies offer eco-friendly solutions for eliminating air contaminants, there is a scarcity of research examining the impacts of microbial purification of air pollutants on the structure and function of air microbial communities. In this study, we explored a Lactobacillus paracasei B1 (LAB) agent for removing ammoniacal odour. The impacts of LAB on air bacterial community were revealed. by analyzing the air samples before (BT) and after (AT) LAB bioagent treatment. Remarkably, the LAB bioagent significantly reduced the air ammonia concentration by 96.8%. This reduction was associated with a notable decline in bacterial diversity and a significant shift in community composition. The relative abundance of Staphylococcus, a common pathogen, plummeted from 1.91% to 0.03%. Moreover, other potential pathogens decreased by over 87%, signifying the bioagent's impactful role in diminishing health risks. The dominance of OTU-4 (Lactobacillus) highlighted its crucial role not only in competitive interactions but also potentially in shaping the metabolic pathways or community dynamics within the treated air microbial ecosystem. This shift towards deterministic assembly processes post-treatment, as highlighted by the normalized stochasticity ratio (NST), sheds light on the underlying mechanisms dictating the microbial community's response to bioagent interventions. The bioagent-purified air microbial community showed a strong preference for variable selection (88.9%), likely due to the acidity generated by the LAB. In conclusion, our findings emphasized the positive impact of LAB bioagent in enhancing air quality, which associated with the changes in microbial community.
Brief study on the emergence and preliminary development of China’s marine higher education in the early and mid-20th century
Authors: Ma Dantong , Ma Yong
Published: February 2024

China’s marine higher education originated in the early twentieth century and was led and promoted by a group of educators and marine scientists in the Republic of China. There are three sources of marine higher education, namely, National Shandong University, Xiamen University, and Fudan University, which, over time, have formed three unique paths of marine higher education in China. With the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, from 1949 to 1952, there was a reform in marine higher education, in which the teachers and students of the Oceanography Group of Fudan University and the Department of Oceanography of Xiamen University were merged into Shandong University, and the three sources were then merged into one. Among them, the students of the Oceanography Group of Fudan University were adjusted to Shandong University by policy, which opened the prelude to China’s ‘colleges and departments adjustment’. After the ‘colleges and departments adjustment’, the characteristics of marine discipline at Shandong University became increasingly prominent, which drove the development of China’s marine higher education from less to more vigorous. As a whole, it has formed the unique characteristics and patterns of the emergence and the initial development of marine higher education in China.
A Liberal Education
Authors: Apfeld Brendan , Coman Emanuel , Gerring John , Jessee Stephen
Published: February 2024

Enlisting a natural experiment, global surveys, and historical data, this book examines the university's evolution and its contemporary impact. Its authors conduct an unprecedented big-data comparative study of the consequences of higher education on ideology, democratic citizenship, and more. They conclude that university education has a profound effect on social and political attitudes across the world, greater than that registered by social class, gender, or age. A university education enhances political trust and participation, reduces propensities to crime and corruption, and builds support for democracy. It generates more tolerant attitudes toward social deviance, enhances respect for rationalist inquiry and scientific authority, and usually encourages support for Leftist parties and movements. It does not nurture support for taxation, redistribution, or the welfare state, and may stimulate opposition to these policies. These effects are summarized by the co-authors as liberal, understood in its classic, nineteenth-century meaning.
Opportunistic Breach of Contract
Authors: Parisi Francesco , Porat Ariel , Bix Brian H.
Published: February 2024

Law and economics scholarship has traditionally analyzed efficient breach cases monolithically. By grouping efficient breach cases together, this literature treats the subjective motives and the distributive effects of the breach as immaterial. The Restatement (Third) of Restitution and Unjust Enrichment introduced a distinction based on the intent and the effects of the breach, allowing courts to use disgorgement remedies in cases of ‘opportunistic’ breach of contract (i.e., ‘deliberate and profitable’ breaches). In this article, we evaluate this approach, focusing on the effects of disgorgement remedies on allocative and productive efficiency, information-forcing and competitive effects, and restraint of breach-searching incentives. We show that, even from a purely consequentialist perspective, disgorgement remedies may be normatively warranted, especially when involving sellers’ breach. Recent experimental evidence revealed that the preferences and reactions of ordinary people are in line with our evaluation of the effects of opportunistic breach.
Digital badges in academia: An educational tool for the clinical research coordinator
Authors: DeMarco Barbara , Ebanks Yasheca , Tafuto Barbara
Published: February 2024

Digital badges can provide condensed competency-based knowledge enabling individuals a chance to explore specialized careers in clinical research. A digital badge can be an efficient pathway to introduce clinical research job roles and educate a larger diverse workforce for clinical research coordinator positions at AMCs. The New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science (NJ ACTS) developed a digital badge with potential to broaden exposure to training opportunities for CRCs and improve their prospects for a career at Rutgers. This paper describes the development of a digital badge introducing individuals to the clinical research profession, especially for those who aspire to become a CRC. The badge was designed to include five domains (Scientific Concepts and Research Design, Ethical and Participant Safety Considerations, Clinical Study Operations and Site Management, and Data Management and Informatics). Participants assessed the badge for accuracy and presentation level. The results demonstrated that the competencies were met, and content was appropriate for someone with limited knowledge of clinical research. Survey results along with the Difficulty Index and Discrimination Index calculated for quiz questions supported the badge rank as foundational. Research is ongoing to evaluate the value of the badge to job acquisition, performance, and career growth.
Mass Decontamination of Companion Dogs in Disaster: Planning for Personnel, Water, and Time Requirements
Authors: Zoran Debra L. , Bassinger Shawn C. , Budke Christine M. , Fridley Jennifer L.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The importance of companion animals in the daily lives of people, and the increasing incidence and severity of natural disasters impacting people and their animals, is very well documented. However, despite the advancement of companion animal response capabilities, decontamination remains an inconsistently implemented component of disaster response. The challenge for local authorities is their need for planning factors and protocols specific to companion animal decontamination which are generally lacking. Data is provided on the average time requirements, water use and containment resources necessary, and the personnel required to decontaminate (decon) a large number of companion dogs.

Methods:

Sixty-three lightly contaminated, medium weight, short to medium coat, highly tractable dogs (Labradors and Hounds) from a State facility colony were used to determine the water requirements, soap effectiveness, and time required to complete decon (washing/bathing). Data were collected over a 6-mo period using 2 personnel that were randomly assigned to wash the dogs. Difference in weight, bathing time, and water use between groups was evaluated using a 2-tailed 2-sample t-test for independent data.

Results:

The time and water requirements were significantly different between medium coated dogs and short coated dogs. On average, for a short coated dog, the amount of time to complete decon was 7 min, and the amount of water was 8-10 gal. For medium coated dogs, the time increased to 10-12 min to complete the process and 12-15 gal water.

Discussion:

The results of this study provide important insights emergency management planners, animal response team members, and community personnel tasked with implementation of mass decontamination of companion dogs following a natural or man-made disaster.
Dissecting Stakeholder Participation in UN Human Rights Treaty Body Activities with Normative and Empirical Approaches: A Comparison of NGO and NHRI Participation
Authors: Takata Hinako
Published: February 2024

By addressing the question “Are the roles and values of stakeholder participation qualitatively different for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs), and if so, how?” this article dissects stakeholder participation in UN human rights treaty body activities. First, it normatively posits that stakeholder participation in treaty body activities carries three values, which weigh differently based on the actor and the treaty body activity concerned: facilitating “bounded” national deliberations, promoting international deliberations on human rights treaty standards, and supplementing the treaty bodies’ fact-finding capacity. It offers concrete normative guidance for treaty bodies on their engagement with NGO and NHRI participation to maximize the benefits of these values. It then empirically analyzes their current practice in light of the above-mentioned normative guidance. This article contributes, first, to the theorization of stakeholder participation in treaty body activities, which has been discussed but only in generalized or fragmented ways in previous studies. Second, it supports the effectiveness and legitimacy of treaty bodies by endorsing their practice that is consistent with the guidance and finding space for improvement. Finally, it provides a rationale for establishing and strengthening NHRIs by showing that NHRI participation has unique roles distinct from those of NGOs.
From Anti-Exceptionalism to Feminist Logic
Authors: Russell Gillian K.
Published: February 2024

Anti-exceptionalists about formal logic think that logic is continuous with the sciences. Many philosophers of science think that there is feminist science. Putting these together: can anti-exceptionalism make space for feminist logic? The answer depends on the details of the ways logic is like science and the ways science can be feminist. This paper wades into these details, examines five different approaches, and ultimately argues that anti-exceptionalism makes space for feminist logic in several different ways.
New radiocarbon age constraints on the eruption history of the Quill volcano, St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean
Authors: Vroon Pieter Z. , van Zadelhoff Hobie M. , van der Valk Bert , van der Meulen Michiel J. , Davies Gareth R.
Published: February 2024

The late Pleistocene to Holocene subaerial pyroclastic deposits of the Quill stratovolcano on the Caribbean island of St Eustatius form seven stratigraphic divisions. New radiocarbon ages of charcoal are presented for the second, third and seventh divisions in order to better constrain the Quill’s eruption history. Three samples from the same layer of Division 2 at two localities on the northeast coast yield ages of 18,020 ± 40 (1σ), 18,310 ± 45 and 18,490 ± 4514C yr BP (∼19,800–20,600 yr cal BC). These are considerably younger (∼4400 yr) than a previously published result for this division. A single sample of Division 3 gave an age of 809014C yr BP (∼7100 yr cal BC) and overlaps with previously published14C ages for this division. A charred root in the pyroclastic unit deposited by the last eruption of the Quill (Division 7) gave an age of 91914C yr BP (∼1100–1200 yr cal AD). This result is ∼600 years younger than a previously published age, and its origin is attributed to human activity. The timing of the last eruption of the Quill therefore remains poorly constrained but is older than 600 AD. Terrestrial gastropods found in paleosols and organic material found in small streams that developed in Division 3 indicate that Division 4 must be younger than 6100 ± 500 yr cal BC. The oxygen and carbon isotope composition of the terrestrial gastropods derived from Division 3 paleosols indicates that the C4 and CAM-type vegetation was dominant and that the climate subsequently changed to wetter conditions. The minimum eruption frequency for the Quill volcano is one eruption every ∼1400 years during the past 22,000 years. This eruption frequency of the Quill volcano is of the same order of magnitude as other recent northern Lesser Antilles volcanoes, Soufrière Hills (Montserrat, ∼5000 years) and Mt Liamuiga (St. Kitts, ∼2500 years).
PARA PROSDOKIAN AND THE COMIC BIT IN ARISTOPHANES
Authors: Jendza Craig
Published: February 2024

This article bridges a gap in the study of Aristophanic humour by better demonstrating how individual jokes (in this case, the para prosdokian ‘contrary to expectation’ joke) contribute to the wider comic scenes in which they are embedded. After analysing ancient and modern explanations and examples of para prosdokian jokes, this paper introduces the concept of ‘comic bit’, a discrete unit of comedy that builds humour around a central premise, and establishes how para prosdokian jokes contribute to comic bits in a way that recent theories of para prosdokian cannot account for.
The taxonomy of sterile Arthoniaceae from Brazil: white crusts on overhanging tropical trees can be named
Authors: Aptroot André , Cáceres Marcela Eugenia da Silva , Santos Lidiane Alves dos
Published: February 2024

Twelve new lichen species are described in the family Arthoniaceae. All are sterile white crusts growing on overhanging trees (and one on living palm fronds) in ten different states in tropical Brazil. In the tropics, sterile crusts so far have been mostly disregarded. They are all characterized by their chemistry and morphology, often including pseudoisidia or soredia, but their phylogenetic relationships have been investigated with sequencing. The following species are described: Arthonia farinosorediata, with shallow soralia and without secondary metabolites; Crypthonia irregularis, with irregular isidia, confluentic acid and sometimes 2ʹ-O-methylperlatolic acid; Crypthonia pseudisidiata, with soft pseudoisidia and without secondary metabolites; Crypthonia stromatica, with sterile stromata and confluentic acid; Cryptophaea constrictopseudisidiata with pseudoisidia, lichexanthone and confluentic acid; Cryptophaea lichexanthopseudisidiata with pseudoisidia and lichexanthone; Cryptophaea lichexanthosorediata with soredia, lichexanthone and divaricatic acid; Cryptothecia lecanorosorediata with soredia and lecanoric acid; Glomerulophoron confluentisorediatum with soredia, confluentic and 2ʹ-O-methylperlatolic acids; Herpothallon psorpseudisidiatum on living palm fronds with a strongly attached thallus, long pseudoisidia and psoromic acid; Myriostigma minisorediatum with soredia and 2ʹ-O-methylperlatolic acid; Pachnolepia longipseudisidiata with long pseudoisidia, and a thallus containing lichexanthone, confluentic acid and 2ʹ-O-methylperlatolic acid.