bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital resilience in wartime: The case of Ukraine
Authors: Mamediieva Gulsanna , Moynihan Donald
Published: October 2023

A key topic in digital government is how to improve public services. The global pandemic focused attention on the use of digital in the context of crisis. Here, we consider how a digital innovation in response to a different type of crisis, examining Ukraine's response to Russia's invasion of 2022. We describe how the government engaged in what we characterize as digital resilience, that is, the use of digital government capacities to maintain basic societal functions in crisis situations. Prior to the war, Ukraine upgraded its digital government capacities. The war provided the impetus to speed up the use of those capacities, which were used not just for defensive military purposes, but also to provide continuity to the civilian aspects of government, including the provision of digital documentation and aid to displaced people. In doing so, digital capacities provided a key basis for Ukraine's resistance.
Effectiveness of erector spinae plane block for rib fracture analgesia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Harford Philip , Tran Liem , Pollock Danielle , Thiruvenkatarajan Venkatesan , Munn Zachary
Published: October 2023

Objective:

This systematic review will investigate the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block as an analgesic technique for patients with rib fractures compared with all other standard management techniques. Comparisons will be made with both nerve blocks (neuraxial techniques and peripheral nerve blocks) and systemic treatment (with patient-controlled analgesia and/or per required need analgesia for breakthrough pain).

Introduction:

Erector spinae plane block is a well-established rescue analgesia option for patients with rib fractures. The use of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in clinical practice has been largely based on observational data, with recent randomized controlled trials examining it against several other options for analgesic management. This review will compare the erector spinae against all other management techniques used in practice for rib fractures to determine whether this is the most effective analgesic technique.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will include all randomized controlled and pseudo-randomized controlled trials examining ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for the analgesic management of traumatic rib fractures. All other study designs will be excluded.

Methods:

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry will be searched to identify all relevant ongoing clinical trials. Study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction will be performed by 2 independent reviewers. Data will be extracted into software for statistical analysis (including meta-analysis where possible).

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023414849
Experimental Measurements of Flow-Averaged Toroidal Vortices in Buoyancy-Dominated Rotating Cavities
Authors: Fisher Emma , Puttock-Brown Mark R.
Published: October 2023

The flow structures and heat transfer within rotating cavities of aero-engine axial compressors influence the thermal expansion of the rotor disks, and consequently the blade-tip clearances. To investigate the flow field at the bore and lower cavity region, experimental measurements have been acquired in an engine-representative test facility. Axial, tangential, and radial velocities were measured using a miniature five-hole probe at a range of axial and radial positions. Time-averaged results from 28 tests carried out at nondimensional parameters comparable to engine conditions: 1.3 × 104 ≤ Rez ≤ 8.2 × 104, 3.0 × 105 ≤ Reθ ≤ 3.2 × 106, 0.11 ≤ Ro ≤ 3.24, 0.14 ≤ βΔT ≤ 0.36 are presented in this paper. The axial and tangential velocity measurements conform to previous work, while the radial velocity component provides quantitative evidence of an asymmetric toroidal vortex in the cavity gap, biased toward the downstream disk. The vortex is characterized by the local vorticity and grows in strength and size as Rossby number increases above Ro = 0.34 to 1.63. The effect of βΔT on the vortex formation is negligible compared to the influence of the tangential Reynolds number as the local circulation is suppressed by the Coriolis forces at high rotational speeds. Both the tangential and radial velocity results suggest that as Ro is increased, the proportion of air that is radially ingested and expelled from a cavity decreases.
Ground Effect Investigation on the Aerodynamic Airfoil Behavior Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: William Y. E. , Kanagalingam S. , Mohamed M. H.
Published: October 2023

The underlying physics ever behind the aerodynamics of an airfoil in ground effect (GE) are still not fully resolved. In this work, the aerodynamics for an airfoil in GE is investigated computationally for both transitional and turbulent flow regimes. Large eddy simulation (LES) is employed to explore the flow physics around a NACA0012 airfoil in ground vicinity, which is commonly used in wind energy applications. The angle of attack (AoA) is fixed at AoA = 10 deg, while the flight height to chord ratio (h/c) is variable. An analysis is conducted for the aerodynamic forces, i.e., the lift (CL), and the drag (CD). The behavior for the skin fiction drag (CDf) is explored in the light of the flow physics near the ground. In addition, the vortex shedding behavior is estimated at different height (h/c) for the transitional and turbulent flow regimes. At h/c = 0.2, the friction drag (CDf) is improved by 9.6% and 16.3% for the transitional and turbulent flow regimes, respectively. The results show that the frequencies for the vortex shedding decline significantly near the ground. This decline is correlated with the larger vortical structures and vortex developing mechanism.
Remote Determination of Critical Speed and Critical Power in Recreational Runners
Authors: Hunter Ben , Ledger Adam , Muniz-Pumares Daniel
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to compare estimations of critical speed (CS) and work completed above CS (D′), and their analogies for running power (critical power [CP] and W′), derived from raw data obtained from habitual training (HAB) and intentional maximal efforts in the form of time trials (TTs) and 3-minute all-out tests (3MTs) in recreational runners. The test–retest reliability of the 3MT was further analyzed. Methods: Twenty-three recreational runners (4 female) used a foot pod to record speed, altitude, and power output for 8 consecutive weeks. CS and D′, and CP and W′, were calculated from the best 3-, 7-, and 12-minute segments recorded in the first 6 weeks of their HAB and in random order in weeks 7 and 8 from 3 TTs (3, 7, and 12 min) and three 3MTs (to assess test–retest reliability). Results: There was no difference between estimations of CS or CP derived from HAB, TT, and 3MT (3.44 [0.63], 3.42 [0.53], and 3.76 [0.57] m · s−1 and 281 [41], 290 [45], and 305 [54] W, respectively), and strong agreement between HAB and TT for CS (r = .669) and CP (r = .916). Limited agreement existed between estimates of D′/W′. Moderate reliability of D′/W′ was demonstrated between the first and second 3MTs, whereas excellent reliability was demonstrated for CS/CP. Conclusion: These data suggest that estimations of CS/CP can be derived remotely, from either HAB, TT, or 3MT, although the lower agreement between D′/W′ warrants caution when using these measures interchangeably.
Biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility testing: where are we and where could we be going?
Authors: Coenye Tom
Published: October 2023

Our knowledge about the fundamental aspects of biofilm biology, including the mechanisms behind the reduced antimicrobial susceptibility of biofilms, has increased drastically over the last decades. However, this knowledge has so far not been translated into major changes in clinical practice. While the biofilm concept is increasingly on the radar of clinical microbiologists, physicians, and healthcare professionals in general, the standardized tools to study biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory are still lacking; one area in which this is particularly obvious is that of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). It is generally accepted that the biofilm lifestyle has a tremendous impact on antibiotic susceptibility, yet AST is typically still carried out with planktonic cells. On top of that, the microenvironment at the site of infection is an important driver for microbial physiology and hence susceptibility; but this is poorly reflected in current AST methods. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the state of the art concerning biofilm AST and highlight the knowledge gaps in this area. Subsequently, potential ways to improve biofilm-based AST will be discussed. Finally, bottlenecks currently preventing the use of biofilm AST in clinical practice, as well as the steps needed to get past these bottlenecks, will be discussed.
CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inhibitors related colchicine toxicity mimicking septic shock
Authors: Ngeyvijit Jinjuta , Nuansuwan Sopita , Phoophiboon Vorakamol
Published: October 2023

Colchicine toxicity is uncommon when patients receive a therapeutic dose regularly. However, inadvertent drug interactions can result in unpredicted adverse outcomes. The toxicity of colchicine can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild and non-specific symptoms to severe form known as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case highlights (1) the diagnostic challenge that arises when distinguishing between the severe manifestation of colchicine toxicity and septic shock and (2) concomitant prescription of colchicine with potent CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitors (ie, clarithromycin) can lead to colchicine toxicity despite normal renal and hepatic clearance. Unfortunately, specific tests of colchicine toxicity were not routinely available. A high index of clinical suspicion and recognition of drug interactions with their common presentations are crucial for making diagnosis and management. Failure to recognise drug toxicity can result in poor outcomes.
Shiftwork, long working hours and markers of inflammation in a national US population-based sample of employed black and white men and women aged ≥45 years
Authors: Velazquez-Kronen Raquel , MacDonald Leslie A , Akinyemiju Tomi F , Cushman Mary , Howard Virginia J
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Work schedule demands contribute to circadian disruption and may influence health via an inflammatory response. We examined the impact of shiftwork and long work hours on inflammation in a national US sample.

Methods

Participants included 12 487 employed black and white men and women aged ≥45 years enrolled in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study who completed an occupational questionnaire (2011–2013) and clinical examination (2013–2016). Cross-sectional associations between shiftwork and work hours with log-transformed high-sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count were examined by multiple linear regression analysis, overall and by race–sex subgroups.

Results

Overall, rotating shift workers had higher log-CRP concentration compared with day workers (β=0.09, 95% CI:0.02 to 0.16) and findings for WBC were null. Black women had the highest geometric mean CRP (2.82 mg/L), while white men had the highest WBC (6.35×109/L). White men who worked afternoons had higher log-CRP compared with those who worked days (β=0.20, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.33). Black men engaged in shiftwork <10 years working ≥55 hours/week had higher log-CRP and log-WBC compared with those working days <55 hours/week (β=0.33, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.64 and β=0.10, 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.19). Among shift workers, non-retired white women working forward and backward shift rotations had higher log-CRP compared with those working forward only (β=0.49, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.96).

Conclusions

Shift workers had higher inflammatory markers compared with day workers and race–sex disparities should be examined further. These findings highlight a potential biological pathway linking work schedule demands and chronic disease.
Analysis of the strong vertices of $$\Sigma _{c}\Delta D^{*}$$ and $$\Sigma _{b}\Delta B^{*}$$ in QCD sum rules
Authors: Lu Jie , Yu Guo-Liang , Wang Zhi-Gang , Wu Bin
Published: October 2023

In this work, we analyze the strong vertices $$\Sigma _{c}\Delta D^{*}$$

Σ
c

Δ

D

∗

and $$\Sigma _{b}\Delta B^{*}$$

Σ
b

Δ

B

∗

using the three-point QCD sum rules under the tensor structures $$i\epsilon ^{\rho \tau \alpha \beta }p_{\alpha }p_{\beta }$$

i

ϵ

ρ
τ
α
β

p
α

p
β

, $$p^{\rho }p'^{\tau }$$

p
ρ

p

′
τ

and $$p^{\rho }p^{\tau }$$

p
ρ

p
τ

. We firstly calculate the momentum dependent strong coupling constants $$g(Q^{2})$$

g
(

Q
2

)

by considering contributions of the perturbative part and the condensate terms $$\langle {\overline{q}}q\rangle $$

⟨

q
¯

q
⟩

, $$\langle g_{s}^{2}GG \rangle $$

⟨

g

s

2

G
G
⟩

, $$\langle {\overline{q}}g_{s}\sigma Gq\rangle $$

⟨

q
¯

g
s

σ
G
q
⟩

and $$\langle {\overline{q}}q\rangle ^{2}$$

⟨

q
¯

q
⟩

2

. By fitting these coupling constants into analytical functions and extrapolating them into time-like regions, we then obtain the on-shell values of strong coupling constants for these vertices. The results are $$g_{1\Sigma _{c}\Delta D^{*}}=5.13^{+0.39}_{-0.49}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-1}$$

g

1

Σ
c

Δ

D

∗

=
5
.

13

-
0.49

+
0.39

GeV

-
1

, $$g_{2\Sigma _{c}\Delta D^{*}}=-3.03^{+0.27}_{-0.35}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-2}$$

g

2

Σ
c

Δ

D

∗

=
-
3
.

03

-
0.35

+
0.27

GeV

-
2

, $$g_{3\Sigma _{c}\Delta D^{*}}=17.64^{+1.51}_{-1.95}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-2}$$

g

3

Σ
c

Δ

D

∗

=
17
.

64

-
1.95

+
1.51

GeV

-
2

, $$g_{1\Sigma _{b}\Delta B^{*}}=20.97^{+2.15}_{-2.39}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-1}$$

g

1

Σ
b

Δ

B

∗

=
20
.

97

-
2.39

+
2.15

GeV

-
1

, $$g_{2\Sigma _{b}\Delta B^{*}}=-11.42^{+1.17}_{-1.28}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-2}$$

g

2

Σ
b

Δ

B

∗

=
-
11
.

42

-
1.28

+
1.17

GeV

-
2

and $$g_{3\Sigma _{b}\Delta B^{*}}=24.87^{+2.57}_{-2.82}\,\hbox {GeV}^{-2}$$

g

3

Σ
b

Δ

B

∗

=
24
.

87

-
2.82

+
2.57

GeV

-
2

. These strong coupling constants are important parameters which can help us to understand the strong decay behaviors of hadrons.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking in the BFSS model: analytical results using the Gaussian expansion method
Authors: Brahma Suddhasattwa , Brandenberger Robert , Laliberte Samuel
Published: October 2023

We apply the Gaussian expansion method to the BFSS matrix model in the high temperature limit. When the (Euclidean) BFSS action is expanded about a Gaussian ansatz, it is shown that the SO(9) symmetry is spontaneously broken, analogous to what happens in the IKKT model. The analysis of the free energy, using the set of gap equations which determines the width of the Gaussian terms, is sufficient to show that this symmetry breaking happens only when the fermionic terms are included and is absent in the bosonic case.
Implications of pressure anisotropy and complexity factor on the gravitational cracking phenomenon
Authors: Zubair M. , Azmat Hina , Jameel Hafsa
Published: October 2023

In this study, we are investigating the stability of some stellar configurations evolving under anisotropic environment, in the background of gravitational cracking. The models we consider pertain to anisotropic versions of Durgapal–Fuloria model, which are established using the gravitational decoupling framework and present diverse scenarios involving complexity factor. Our analysis delves into the impact of anisotropy on the occurrence of cracking, as well as the influence of the complexity factor, which was introduced by Herrera (Phys Rev D 97:044010, 2018). We thoroughly examine how variations in the decoupling parameter and the compactness of the source contribute to the behavior of the radial force. It is found that more compact objects are more prone to gravitational cracking.
Boruta Feature Selection Method for Optimizing a Case-Based Reasoning Model to Predict Heart Disease
Authors: Gasmi Safa , Djebbar Akila , Merouani Hayet Farida
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, heart diseases are becoming a major problem, with which a significant part of the world population is affected. The field of medicine may significantly benefit from prediction systems using artificial intelligence techniques by making the disease prediction more accurate and faster. This paper aims to improve the predictive performance of cardiac disease diagnosis through the use of the case-based reasoning (CBR) approach, specifically focusing on its two phases: retrieval and reuse. Additionally, we aim to optimize the selection of attributes in cardiac dataset by using the Boruta method. Our approach uses various models including machine learning and deep learning models, in addition to hybrid models in the retrieval phase to accurately predict the presence or absence of a cardiac disease among patients. A robust reuse measure is used to verify the validity of the retrieved solutions and determine the necessity of applying the reuse algorithm. The results showed a significant improvement in predictive precision, with the highest accuracy achieved by the hybrid 1D CNN–SVM model on cardiac datasets. The effectiveness of the suggested approach is discussed by comparing the results with different search methods.
A New Lightweight Script Independent Scene Text Style Transfer Network
Authors: Shivakumara Palaiahnakote , Roy Ayush , Nandanwar Lokesh , Pal Umapada , Lu Yue , Liu Cheng-Lin
Published: October 2023

Scene text style transfer without a language barrier is an open challenge for the video and scene text recognition community because this plays a vital role in poster, web design, augmenting character images, and editing characters to improve scene text recognition performance and usability. This work presents a new model, called Script Independent Scene Text Style Transfer Network (SISTSTNet), for extracting scene characters and transferring text style simultaneously. The SISTSTNet performs mapping in language-independent feature space for transferring style. It is designed based on a Style Parameter Network and Target Encoder Network through lightweight MobileNetv3 convolutional and residual blocks to capture the style and shape to generate target characters. Similarly, a generative model is explored through the Visual Geometry Group (VGG) network for character replacement. The SISTSTNet is flexible and works on different languages and arbitrary examples in a neat and unified fashion. The experimental results on images in various languages, namely, English, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, Greek, and Bengali and cross-language validation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The performance of the method is superior compared to the state-of-the-art methods in terms of quality measures, language independence, shape-preserving, and efficiency. The code and dataset will be released to the public to support reproducibility.
The C++ Standard Needs to Broaden Its Reach
Authors: Davidson Guy
Published: October 2023

C++ is a major language in game development, yet the current standard has not evolved to serve the needs of game developers toward its environment, such as supporting rapid iteration, debugging, or interoperability.
Numerical Analysis of Temperature Deformation Characteristics for Super-High Arch Dams considering Solar Radiation Effects
Authors: Shao Chenfei , Zheng Sen , Gu Chongshi , Tian Shiguang , Gu Hao , Xu Yanxin , Wang Yuan
Published: October 2023

Considering that the effect of solar radiation on the super-high arch dam temperature field remains poorly studied, the calculation accuracy of dam temperature deformation is unable to be guaranteed accordingly. To address the issue, the solar radiation effect is adequately taken into consideration by proposing a practical calculation method based on the ray-tracing algorithm, the precomputation algorithm, and the ASHRAE clear sky model in this paper. With the aid of the ASHRAE clear sky model, the solar radiation received by the super-high arch dam and reservoir water is calculated. The shading effects are calculated by means of the ray-tracing algorithm, and the precomputation technology is introduced to further enhance the computational efficiency. Finally, to guarantee the authenticity of the calculation results, the dam thermodynamic parameters are inversed by employing the hybrid genetic algorithm. Based on the application in a real-life case, we concluded that around one third of the entire dam radial temperature deformation was attributable to solar radiation during continuous sunny days. The analysis results signify a critical role for taking account of the solar radiation in dam deformation calculation. Furthermore, the practicability and utilization prospect of the proposed method was verified.
Intelligent Analysis of Hydraulic Concrete Vibration Time Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Chengzhao , Fu Jiake , Ma Chenzhe , Zhang Ye , Lei Yumeng
Published: October 2023

The vibrating of concrete is one of the most important procedures that directly determines the quality of construction projects. The concrete vibration quality in field construction is mainly judged by the experience of workers, lacking quantitative indicators, and necessary supervision. However, the lack of research about concrete vibration quality led to these problems are still existing. There are some methods are proposed that are too difficult, or too expensive to use in field construction. Combined with the pouring project of Jianquan Pumped Storage Power Station in Yunyang, China, this research developed an intelligent detection system for concrete vibration time. The system took the convolutional neural network as the basic framework, and divided the concrete vibration process into three different states: vibrating, not vibrating, and no vibration tube, realized the concrete vibration time through the analysis of concrete vibration video data. The detection of concrete vibration process video with multiple stages in the actual project shows that the detection error of the system for each state is kept within 1 s, the accuracy is high, which can meet the quality management requirements of the construction process. The system can be quickly deployed to the construction site by using mobile phones, cameras, and other common equipment. It has the advantages of simple frame structure, low hardware requirements, and accurate detection results. In addition, the current system training process is only for the concrete pouring process of Jianquan Power Station, and the training sample can be further expanded in the future to enhance the applicability and accuracy of the system in other engineering applications in order to play a better role.
Effects of Dietary Curcumin on Growth and Flesh Quality in Juvenile Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Li Xinyuan , Wu Lifei , Duan Li , Wang Wenbiao , Zhao Pengyu , Wu Meili , Song Weiguang , Huang Feng
Published: October 2023

This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of curcumin levels on growth, flesh quality, and oxidative resistance in juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (initial mean weight: 4.5 ± 0.3 g) were randomly fed five diets with curcumin supplementation levels of 0 (control), 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg. After 60 days of feeding, the hepatosomatic index was significantly reduced in the curcumin supplemented groups. The 300 mg/kg group had the highest crude protein content of the whole fish. Compared to the control group, the crude fat content of whole fish in the 150 and 300 mg/kg groups was significantly reduced by 18.83%–19.74%, respectively. The highest values for muscular hardness, chewiness, myofibrillar density, and proportion of small-sized myofibers (<40 μm) were observed in the 300 mg/kg group. The levels of total nonessential amino acids and bitter amino acids in muscle were significantly lower in the 150 and 300 mg/kg groups than in the other groups. The 300 mg/kg group had higher levels of free sweet amino acids in the muscle than the other groups. Muscles from the 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg groups had significantly higher levels of umami amino acids than in the other groups. The levels of total free nonessential amino acids and total amino acids in serum were significantly higher in the 300 mg/kg group than in the control group. Serum aspartate transaminase activity was significantly lower in the curcumin supplementation groups than in the control group, and the serum alanine aminotransferase activity was significantly lower in the 150 mg/kg group than in the other groups. Serum superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in the curcumin supplementation groups than in the control group. Serum catalase activity was significantly higher in the 150 mg/kg group than in the other groups. The serum malondialdehyde level was lowest in the 150 mg/kg group. These results suggest that dietary curcumin supplementation in the diet at 150–300 mg/kg can effectively improve the nutritional value, muscle flavor, and antioxidant capacity of tilapia.
Design of a Novel Decimal to Multicode Converter in QCA Technology
Authors: Fouladinia Farhad , Gholami Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Researchers are always looking for the improvement of existing methods. Today, CMOS technology is widely used, which has some advantages and disadvantages. One of the alternative methods for CMOS technology is QCA technology which compared to CMOS, has the advantages of low energy consumption and small occupied area. In this paper, by using the concepts and methods of QCA technology, a digital code converter is presented. In this converter, a new gate is used, which can produce outputs such as 4-input AND, 4-input OR, 4-input NAND, and 4-input NOR. The proposed converter has 10 inputs and 12 outputs. The 10 inputs are decimal numbers from 0 to 9, producing the output equivalent to excess-3, BCD, and gray codes. One of the advantages of this circuit is providing three different codes per input in just one circuit. In addition, due to the use of the new 4-input gate, the occupied area and the number of used cells were minimized. Simulations were performed by using QCADesigner-E version 2.2, and outcomes illustrated that the occupied area is equal to 0.29 μm2 and 380 QCA cells with 7 clock phases are used. The energy dissipation of the presented circuit is 171 meV. Also, given the favorable performance exhibited by the 4-input gate across various measurement parameters, it possesses the capability to be efficiently employed within larger and intricately designed circuits.
Pricing Policy Selection in a Platform Service Supply Chain with Online Reviews
Authors: Tian Jing , Wang Xiaodong , Meng Jinhuan , Ma Pengfei
Published: October 2023

In the operation of service-sharing platforms, online review information is crucial to attracting consumers. Considering consumers’ preference for online review information, this paper discusses the pricing policy selection for a service-sharing platform providing vertically differentiated services in sharing economy, which is worth studying. In this paper, a platform service supply chain composed of a high-quality service provider, a low-quality service provider, and a service-sharing platform is considered. For the two pricing policies of a platform: service provider pricing and platform pricing, the profit-maximizing models are constructed, and the optimal high-quality and the low-quality service prices are obtained. This paper also analyzes the effects of online review information on the profits of service providers, platform profits, consumer surplus, and social welfare under the two policies. The results show that under the platform pricing policy, the platform can gain more profits, while the surplus of consumers and service providers may decrease. When the online review information exceeds a threshold, the high-quality service provider profit under the service provider pricing policy is larger than that under the platform pricing policy. Under the platform pricing policy, the low-quality service provider can earn more profit. We also find that the low-quality service provider is more motivated to encourage consumers to provide online reviews regardless of the pricing policy.
Differential Production of Midkine and Pleiotrophin by Innate APCs upon Stimulation through Nucleic Acid-Sensing TLRs
Authors: Said Elias A. , Al-Dughaishi Sumaya , Al-Hatmi Wadha , Al-Reesi Iman , Al-Balushi Mohammed S. , Al-Bimani Atika , Al-Busaidi Juma Z. , Al-Riyami Marwa , Al-Khabori Murtadha , Al-Kindi Salam , Procopio Francesco A. , Al-Sinawi Shadia , Al-Ansari Aliyaa , Koh Crystal Y. , Al-Naamani Khalid , Al-Jabri Ali A.
Published: October 2023

Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) belong to the same family of cytokines. They have similar sequences and functions. Both have important roles in cellular proliferation, tumors, and diseases. They regulate and are expressed by some immune cells. We have recently demonstrated MK production by some human innate antigen-presenting cells (iAPCs), i.e., monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and macrophages stimulated through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) stimulated through TLR 7. While PTN production was only documented in tissue macrophages. TLRs 3, 7, 8, and 9 are nucleic acid sensing (NAS) TLRs that detect nucleic acids from cell damage and infection and induce iAPC responses. We investigated whether NAS TLRs can induce MK and PTN production by human iAPCs, namely monocytes, macrophages, MDDCs, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and pDCs. Our results demonstrated for the first time that PTN is produced by all iAPCs upon TLR triggering (

p
<
0.01

). IAPCs produced more PTN than MK (

p
<
0.01

). NAS TLRs and iAPCs had differential abilities to induce the production of MK, which was induced in monocytes and pDCs by all NAS TLRs (

p
<
0.05

) and in MDDCs by TLRs 7/8 (

p
<
0.05

). TLR4 induced a stronger MK production than NAS TLRs (

p
≤
0.05

). Monocytes produced higher levels of PTN after differentiation to macrophages and MDDCs (

p
<
0.05

). The production of MK and PTN differs among iAPCs, with a higher production of PTN and a selective induction of MK production by NAS TLR. This highlights the potentially important role of iAPCs in angiogenesis, tumors, infections, and autoimmunity through the differential production of MK and PTN upon TLR triggering.
Characterization of Potential Probiotic Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Camel Colostrum by Biochemical and Molecular Methods
Authors: Safi Enas , Haddad Moawiya , Hasan Maen , Al-Dalain Sati Y. , Proestos Charalampos , Siddiqui Shahida A.
Published: October 2023

A total of 60 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from Jordanian camel colostrum using biochemical and molecular methods. Two dominant species were identified, and they were Lactobacillus salivarius and Enterococcus faecium. The entire 60 isolated LAB were tested for their acidity and bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic sensitivity to test their potential probiotic activity. All 60 isolates were tolerant to different pH concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) with different survival rates (%). The entire isolates were also tolerant to different bile salt concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 2, and 3) with different bile resistance (%). All isolates have a different range of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. The 60 isolates were almost sensitive to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin when different concentrations were used except some isolates of intermediate resistance. Only 6% of the isolates were resistant to clarithromycin at a concentration of 15 µg per disc.
Multispectral Balanced Automatic Fault Diagnosis for Rolling Bearings under Variable Speed Conditions
Authors: Song Wenchang , Guo Liang , Duan Andongzhe , Gao Hongli , Yu Yaoxiang , Feng Tingting , Chen Tao , Ma Weipeng
Published: October 2023

As a key component of machine, most rolling bearings operate under variable speed conditions. Therefore, it is critical to complete automatic fault diagnosis for rolling bearings under variable speed conditions. Although there have been many research studies on fault diagnosis in recent years, the following two problems still exist in fault diagnosis of variable speed bearing: (1) due to the large range of energy distribution for signals under variable speed conditions, the existed signal processing methods lead to the loss of fault information; (2) when directional filtering is carried out according to four different types of faults, the difference in amplitudes of the obtained spectrums is large. This means that the filtering result with the maximum amplitude will be determined as the fault type by mistake. In order to integrate the information scattered across different frequency spectrums and use reasonable filtering to complete automatic diagnosis, Multispectral Balanced Automatic Fault Diagnosis is proposed for rolling bearings under variable speed conditions. On the one hand, signals are preprocessed by the Multispectral Lossless Preprocessing Module, which can eliminate the influence of variable rotating speeds and avoid the loss of fault information. On the other hand, the Balanced Envelope Demodulation Module is designed to realize automatic fault diagnosis by Protrugram and Balancing Envelope Spectrum. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulated signals and experimental data. Results indicate that the method can complete automatic fault diagnosis of rolling bearings under variable speed conditions with an accuracy of 76%, which outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
On Design of Through-Hole Structure Inspired by Vascular Bundle of Bamboo for Multiple Compression Load Cases
Authors: Liu Guomin , Liu Yansong , Chen Haoqing , Chen Yongxu , Song Jiafeng , Qi Yingchun , Zou Meng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the multiangle’s crashworthiness of the bionic tubes inspired by the cylindrical fibers of bamboo vascular bundles as well as the through-hole structure are studied. A finite element model validated by the theoretical analysis and drop hammer impact experiments is used to assess the optimal core distribution ratio of the bionic tube at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° impacts. Finally the effects of the number of circular core and wall thickness on crashworthiness are investigated. The results show that the bionic tube has better crashworthiness at small angle impacts compared to the square tubes, and l14r6 is obtained as the optimum bionic tube: the SEA at small angles improves by 12.72% (0°), 14.91% (10°), and 18.12% (20°), respectively; however, the SEA at 30° impact decreases by 2.53%. As the number of circular core increases, the crashworthiness becomes more significant, but the deformation mode becomes worse. The SEA of the tube with 32 cores increases by an average of 1.85 times (0°), 1.89 times (10°), 1.34 times (20°), and 1.41 times (30°) for each impact condition, respectively, compared to the tube with single core.
Association Between Whole Blood–Derived Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Liu Xue , Sun Xianbang , Zhang Yuankai , Jiang Wenqing , Lai Meng , Wiggins Kerri L. , Raffield Laura M. , Bielak Lawrence F. , Zhao Wei , Pitsillides Achilleas , Haessler Jeffrey , Zheng Yinan , Blackwell Thomas W. , Yao Jie , Guo Xiuqing , Qian Yong , Thyagarajan Bharat , Pankratz Nathan , Rich Stephen S. , Taylor Kent D. , Peyser Patricia A. , Heckbert Susan R. , Seshadri Sudha , Boerwinkle Eric , Grove Megan L. , Larson Nicholas B. , Smith Jennifer A. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Fornage Myriam , Ding Jun , Carson April P. , Abecasis Goncalo , Dupuis Josée , Reiner Alexander , Kooperberg Charles , Hou Lifang , Psaty Bruce M. , Wilson James G. , Levy Daniel , Rotter Jerome I. , Bis Joshua C. ,   TOPMed mtDNA Working Group in NHLBI Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium, Satizabal Claudia L. , Arking Dan E. , Liu Chunyu
Published: October 2023

Background

The relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA CN) and cardiovascular disease remains elusive.

Methods and Results

We performed cross‐sectional and prospective association analyses of blood‐derived mtDNA CN and cardiovascular disease outcomes in 27 316 participants in 8 cohorts of multiple racial and ethnic groups with whole‐genome sequencing. We also performed Mendelian randomization to explore causal relationships of mtDNA CN with coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia).
P
<0.01 was used for significance. We validated most of the previously reported associations between mtDNA CN and cardiovascular disease outcomes. For example, 1‐SD unit lower level of mtDNA CN was associated with 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04–1.12;
P
<0.001) times the hazard for developing incident CHD, adjusting for covariates. Mendelian randomization analyses showed no causal effect from a lower level of mtDNA CN to a higher CHD risk (β=0.091;
P
=0.11) or in the reverse direction (β=−0.012;
P
=0.076). Additional bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses revealed that low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol had a causal effect on mtDNA CN (β=−0.084;
P
<0.001), but the reverse direction was not significant (
P
=0.059). No causal associations were observed between mtDNA CN and obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, in either direction. Multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses showed no causal effect of CHD on mtDNA CN, controlling for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (
P
=0.52), whereas there was a strong direct causal effect of higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on lower mtDNA CN, adjusting for CHD status (β=−0.092;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol may underlie the complex relationships between mtDNA CN and vascular atherosclerosis.
Intensive Lipid‐Lowering Therapy as per the Latest Dyslipidemia Management Guideline in Predicting Favorable Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Liang , Chen Hao , Hu Xin‐Qun , Fang Zhen‐Fei , Liao Xiao‐Bo , Zhou Xin‐Min , Yang Hui , Tu Tao , Zhu Zhao‐Wei , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Liu Zhen‐Jiang
Published: October 2023

Background

There are limited data on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) goal achievement per the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society dyslipidemia management guidelines and its impact on long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We investigated the association between LDL‐C levels attained 1 year after CABG and the long‐term outcomes.

Methods and Results

A total of 2072 patients diagnosed with multivessel coronary artery disease and undergoing CABG between 2011 and 2020 were included. Patients were categorized by lipid levels at 1 year after CABG, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) was evaluated. The goal of LDL‐C <1.40 mmol/L was attained in only 310 patients (14.9%). During a mean follow‐up of 4.2 years after the index 1‐year assessment, 25.0% of the patients experienced MACCEs. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for MACCEs, cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, revascularization, and cardiac rehospitalization were 1.94 (1.41–2.67), 2.27 (1.29–3.99), 2.45 (1.55–3.88), 1.17 (0.63–2.21), 2.47 (1.31–4.66), and 1.87 (1.19–2.95), respectively, in patients with LDL‐C ≥2.60 mmol/L, compared with patients with LDL‐C <1.40 mmol/L. The LDL‐C levels at 1‐year post‐CABG were independently associated with long‐term MACCEs.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis demonstrates that lipid goals are not attained in the vast majority of patients at 1 year after CABG, which is independently associated with the increased risk of long‐term MACCEs. Further prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to validate if intensive lipid management could improve the outcomes of patients undergoing CABG.
Diagnosis and Prognostic Value of the Underlying Cause of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Optical Coherence Tomography–Guided Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kondo Seita , Mizukami Takuya , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Wakabayashi Kohei , Mori Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Myong Hwa , Sambe Takehiko , Yasuhara Sakiko , Hibi Kiyoshi , Nanasato Mamoru , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Kondo Takeshi , Mitomo Satoru , Nakamura Sunao , Takano Masamichi , Yonetsu Taishi , Ashikaga Takashi , Dohi Tomotaka , Yamamoto Hirosada , Kozuma Ken , Yamashita Jun , Yamaguchi Junichi , Ohira Hiroshi , Mitsumata Kaneto , Namiki Atsuo , Kimura Shigeki , Honye Junko , Kotoku Nozomi , Higuma Takumi , Natsumeda Makoto , Ikari Yuji , Sekimoto Teruo , Matsumoto Hidenari , Suzuki Hiroshi , Otake Hiromasa , Sugizaki Yoichiro , Isomura Naoei , Ochiai Masahiko , Suwa Satoru , Shinke Toshiro ,   TACTICS investigators
Published: October 2023

Background

The prognostic impact of optical coherence tomography–diagnosed culprit lesion morphology in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been systematically examined in real‐world settings.

Methods and Results

This investigator‐initiated, prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted at 22 Japanese hospitals to identify the prevalence of underlying ACS causes (plaque rupture [PR], plaque erosion [PE], and calcified nodules [CN]) and their impact on clinical outcomes. Patients with ACS diagnosed within 24 hours of symptom onset undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography–guided percutaneous coronary intervention recipients were assessed for underlying ACS causes and followed up for major adverse cardiac events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or ischemia‐driven revascularization) at 1 year. Of 1702 patients with ACS, 702 (40.7%) underwent optical coherence tomography–guided percutaneous coronary intervention for analysis. PR, PE, and CN prevalence was 59.1%, 25.6%, and 4.0%, respectively. One‐year major adverse cardiac events occurred most frequently in patients with CN (32.1%), followed by PR (12.4%) and PE (6.2%) (log‐rank
P
<0.0001), primarily driven by increased cardiovascular death (CN, 25.0%; PR, 0.7%; PE, 1.1%; log‐rank
P
<0.0001) and heart failure trend (CN, 7.1%; PR, 6.8%; PE, 2.2%; log‐rank
P
<0.075). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the underlying ACS cause was associated with 1‐year major adverse cardiac events (CN [hazard ratio (HR), 4.49 [95% CI, 1.35–14.89],
P
=0.014]; PR (HR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.05–4.53],
P
=0.036]; PE as reference).

Conclusions

Despite being the least common, CN was a clinically significant underlying ACS cause, associated with the highest future major adverse cardiac events risk, followed by PR and PE. Future studies should evaluate the possibility of ACS underlying cause‐based optical coherence tomography–guided optimization.
Changes in Physical Activity and Incidence of Nonfatal Cardiovascular Events in 47 153 Survivors of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lönn Amanda , Börjesson Mats , Hambraeus Kristina , Ekblom Örjan
Published: October 2023

Background

The majority of patients survive the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI) but have an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. To be regularly physically active or change activity level is associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality. The objective was to explore to what extent physical activity (PA) levels or change in PA levels during the first year post‐MI was associated with any recurrent nonfatal CVD events and specific CVD events (eg, MI, ischemic stroke, and vascular dementia).

Methods and Results

This cohort study among MI survivors was based on Swedish national registries between 2005 and 2020. PA levels were self‐rated at 2 and 12 months post‐MI, and patients were classified into remaining physically inactive, increasing, decreasing, or remaining active. A total of 6534 nonfatal CVD events occurred during 6 years of follow‐up among the 47 153 included patients. In fully adjusted analyses, the risk of any nonfatal CVD event was lower (
P
<0.05) among patients remaining active (37%), increasing (22%), or decreasing (18%) PA level compared with remaining inactive. Compared with remaining inactive, the risk of recurring MI and stroke was lower (
P
>0.05) among remaining active (41% versus 52%, respectively), increasing (20% versus 35%, respectively), or decreasing PA level (24% versus 34%, respectively). For vascular dementia, patients remaining physically active had an 80% lower risk compared with remaining inactive (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Remaining physically active or change in PA levels during the first year post‐MI was associated with a lower risk of recurrent nonfatal CVD events. This emphasizes the importance of supporting patients to continue to be or become physically active.
The Jews’ Hat in Medieval Ashkenaz: Formal Attire for Everyday Men?
Authors: Lehnertz Andreas , Schachter Hannah Teddy
Published: October 2023

This article nuances the dominant historiographical narrative of the Jews’ hat as an allegedly pejorative iconographic marker of Jewish men in medieval Ashkenaz. Considering the perceptions and functions of the Jews’ hat, this article will offer new conclusions regarding if, when, and by whom it was worn. Drawing from a variety of sources in Hebrew, Latin, and vernacular languages, and on visual sources, the overall argument presented here is that the Jews’ hat was not everyday attire and that it was not likely owned by all Jewish men. Rather, featuring among the variety of hats Jewish men wore based on their socioeconomic or religious status in their communities from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, the Jews’ hat was a costume worn by those of more common status and on formal occasions when distinguishing oneself according to any urban group was required, such as during urban processions, oath-taking, public forms of punishment, or matters of civic administration.
The Epistemology of Difference: Caste and the Question of Natural Kinds in the Courts of Medieval India
Authors: Gurevitch Eric
Published: October 2023

Philosophy mattered in medieval India, with philosophers serving as officials in the political landscape of the Paramāra and Cāḷukya states. And caste mattered for these philosophers. This article explores how three Jain philosophers writing in Sanskrit—Anantavīrya, Vādirāja and Prabhācandra—raised the question of how a convention created by humans could ultimately be considered real. These three epistemologists followed the Buddhist philosopher Dharmakīrti and his commentator Prajñākaragupta in critiquing the mimāṃsā position that took language and class categories to be eternal and unchanging. They took caste to be like language: a human product that is upheld by convention and history, but which has an immense impact in the world. They interrogated the possibility of cognizing a general class, and social class served as the foundation of their critiques. Turning to medieval disputes about the epistemology of caste provides an opportunity to revisit contemporary debates about the persistence of caste through changing evidentiary regimes in the colonial and post-colonial periods.