bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the impact of additive manufacturing techniques on the acoustic performance of a coiled-up resonator
Authors: Fusaro Gioia , Barbaresi Luca , Cingolani Matteo , Garai Massimo , Ida Edoardo , Prato Andrea , Schiavi Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) offer innovative solutions for physics and engineering problems, allowing lighter, multiphysics, and sustainable systems. They are usually studied analytically or numerically and then tested on prototypes. For this reason, additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are a popular way of quickly realising AMMs' innovative geometrical designs. However, AM parameters are often standardised without considering the specific issues of each AMM geometrical shape, leading to a possible mismatch between the analytical (or numerical) and experimental results. In this study, a simple AMM—a coiled-up resonator—has been produced with different AM technologies [fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser melting and materials (polylactic acid, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, resin, flexible resin, and stainless steel). The sound absorption performance of these samples has been measured in two research labs in Italy and compared with the analytical and numerical calculations. This permitted the identification of the best combinations of AM technologies, their setup, and materials matching the expected results. The SLA/resin combination performed better overall; however, cheaper and more easily manageable samples made with FDM and polyethylene terephthalate glycol can achieve the same acoustic performance through the optimal AM printing setup. It is expected that this methodology could also be replicated for other AMMs.
Efficacy of mRNA-1273 and Novavax ancestral or BA.1 spike booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 infection in nonhuman primates
Authors: Routhu Nanda Kishore , Stampfer Samuel David , Lai Lilin , Akhtar Akil , Tong Xin , Yuan Dansu , Chicz Taras M. , McNamara Ryan P. , Jakkala Kishor , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , St Pierre E. Lovisa , Smith Brandon , Green Kristyn Moore , Golden Nadia , Picou Breanna , Jean Sherrie M. , Wood Jennifer , Cohen Joyce , Moore Ian N. , Patel Nita , Guebre-Xabier Mimi , Smith Gale , Glenn Greg , Kozlowski Pamela A. , Alter Galit , Ahmed Rafi , Suthar Mehul S. , Amara Rama Rao
Published: May 2023

Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants escape vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies and cause nearly all current COVID-19 cases. Here, we compared the efficacy of three booster vaccines against Omicron BA.5 challenge in rhesus macaques: mRNA-1273, the Novavax ancestral spike protein vaccine (NVX-CoV2373), or Omicron BA.1 spike protein version (NVX-CoV2515). All three booster vaccines induced a strong BA.1 cross-reactive binding antibody and changed immunoglobulin G (Ig) dominance from IgG1 to IgG4 in the serum. All three booster vaccines also induced strong and comparable neutralizing antibody responses against multiple variants of concern, including BA.5 and BQ.1.1, along with long-lived plasma cells in the bone marrow. The ratio of BA.1 to WA-1 spike–specific antibody-secreting cells in the blood was higher in NVX-CoV2515 animals compared with NVX-CoV2373 animals, suggesting a better recall of BA.1-specific memory B cells by the BA.1 spike–specific vaccine compared with the ancestral spike–specific vaccine. Further, all three booster vaccines induced low levels of spike-specific CD4 but not CD8 T cell responses in the blood. After challenge with SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 variant, all three vaccines showed strong protection in the lungs and controlled virus replication in the nasopharynx. In addition, both Novavax vaccines blunted viral replication in nasopharynx at day 2. The protection against SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 infection in the upper respiratory airways correlated with binding, neutralizing, and ADNP activities of the serum antibody. These data have important implications for COVID-19 vaccine development, because vaccines that lower nasopharyngeal virus may help to reduce transmission.
Novel Transcription Factor CXRD Regulates Cellulase and Xylanase Biosynthesis in
Penicillium oxalicum
under Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Wang Jiu-Xiang , Hou Run , Ning Yuan-Ni , Chen Zhao-Xing , Liu Qi , Luo Xue-Mei , Feng Jia-Xun
Published: May 2023

Application of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) as catalysts in biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass into bioproducts and biofuels reduces both chemical waste production and carbon footprint. The filamentous fungus
Penicillium oxalicum
can secrete integrated CWDEs, with potential for industrial application.
An Amino Acid Substitution in Elongation Factor EF-G1A Alters the Antibiotic Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR-Null Mutants
Authors: Abisado-Duque Rhea G. , Townsend Kade A. , Mckee Brielle M. , Woods Kathryn , Koirala Pratik , Holder Alexandra J. , Craddock Vaughn D. , Cabeen Matthew , Chandler Josephine R.
Published: May 2023

One of the most common mutations in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates is in the quorum sensing
lasR
gene. In laboratory strains,
lasR
disruption decreases resistance to the clinical antibiotic tobramycin.
COPUS-TA: An “Entry-Level” Peer Observation Tool to Support Teaching Assistant Professional Pedagogical Development
Authors: Barker Megan K.
Published: May 2023

When coordinating teams of teaching assistants (TAs) in our courses, it can be time and resource prohibitive to provide mentorship for individual professional development of their teaching. Peer observation of teaching is a useful and effective approach for professional development and for forming a community of practice that TAs can engage in.
Identification and Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies with Neutralizing Activity against Diverse SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Ishimaru Hanako , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Tjan Lidya Handayani , Sutandhio Silvia , Marini Maria Istiqomah , Effendi Gema Barlian , Shigematsu Hideki , Kato Koji , Hasegawa Natsumi , Aoki Kaito , Kurahashi Yukiya , Furukawa Koichi , Shinohara Mai , Nakamura Tomoka , Arii Jun , Nagano Tatsuya , Nakamura Sachiko , Sano Shigeru , Iwata Sachiyo , Okamura Shinya , Mori Yasuko
Published: May 2023

Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 acquired escape ability from host immunity and authorized antibody therapeutics and thereby have been spreading worldwide. We reported that patients infected with an early SARS-CoV-2 variant, D614G, and who received subsequent two-dose mRNA vaccination have high neutralizing antibody titer against Omicron lineages.
Rewiring of the Host Cell Metabolome and Lipidome during Lytic Gammaherpesvirus Infection Is Essential for Infectious-Virus Production
Authors: Clark Sarah A. , Vazquez Angie , Furiya Kelsey , Splattstoesser Madeleine K. , Bashmail Abdullah K. , Schwartz Haleigh , Russell Makaiya , Bhark Shun-Je , Moreno Osvaldo K. , McGovern Morgan , Owsley Eric R. , Nelson Timothy A. , Sanchez Erica L. , Delgado Tracie
Published: May 2023

Viruses are intracellular parasites which lack their own metabolism, so they must hijack host cell metabolic machinery in order to increase the production of energy, proteins, fats, and genetic material necessary to replicate. Using murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) as a model system to understand how similar human gammaherpesviruses cause cancer, we profiled the metabolic changes that occur during lytic MHV-68 infection and replication.
Post-COVID mRNA-vaccine IgG4 shift: worrisome?
Authors: Kadkhoda Kamran
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 vaccines play a key role in ending the pandemic. Unraveling the immunological phenomena involved in offering protective immunity is the cornerstone of achieving such success. This perspective evaluates the possible mechanisms and implications of IgG4 production in response to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.
A 20-Year Study of Capsular Polysaccharide Seroepidemiology, Susceptibility Profiles, and Virulence Determinants of Klebsiella pneumoniae from Bacteremia Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Chun-Chou , Lin Jung-Chung , Chen Pei-Chen , Liu Esther Yip-Mei , Tsai Yu-Kuo , Yu Chia-Peng , Li Jia-Je , Wang Ching-Hsun , Fung Chang-Phone , Lin Fu-Mei , Chang Feng-Yee , Siu L. Kristopher
Published: May 2023

This is the first nationwide study to examine the seroepidemiology of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
using blood culture isolates collected over a period of 20 years. The study found that the prevalence of serotypes remained consistent over the 20-year period, with high-prevalence serotypes associated with invasive types.
Molecular Characterization of the Convergent Carbapenem-Resistant and Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain K1-ST23, Collected in Chile during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Morales-León Felipe , Matus-Köhler Maximiliano , Araya-Vega Pablo , Aguilera Felipe , Torres Ignacio , Vera Rodrigo , Ibarra Camila , Venegas Sebastián , Bello-Toledo Helia , González-Rocha Gerardo , Opazo-Capurro Andrés
Published: May 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a resistant pathogen involved primarily in hospital-acquired infections. This pathogen is characterized by its notorious resistance to last-line antibiotics, such as carbapenems.
The Phosphatase Cascade Nem1/Spo7-Pah1 Regulates Fungal Development, Lipid Homeostasis, and Virulence in Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Ren Weichao , Zhang Yihan , Zhu Meiqi , Liu Zequn , Lian Sen , Wang Caixia , Li Baohua , Liu Na
Published: May 2023

Botryosphaeria canker and fruit rot caused by the fungus
Botryosphaeria dothidea
is one of the most destructive diseases of apple worldwide. Our data indicated that the phosphatase cascade Nem1/Spo7-Pah1 plays important roles in the regulation of fungal growth, development, lipid homeostasis, environmental stress responses, and virulence in
B. dothidea
.
Stability of Carbonates during Subduction: Influence of the Dehydration Regime of Chlorine-Bearing Metapelite
Authors: Sokol A. G. , Kruk A. N. , Palyanov Yu. N.
Published: May 2023

It was shown that, at a pressure of 3.0, 5.5, and 7.8 GPa and a temperature of 750–1030°C, a set of reactions occurred in carbonate and Cl-bearing pelite that is finally converted into an eclogite-like assemblage and formed a H2O–CO2 Cl-bearing fluid. The eclogite-like assemblage remains stable when the P–T conditions change concordantly with hot subduction geotherms, whereas carbonate is completely dissolved in the fluid already at ≥5.5 GPa. The CO2 content in the quenched fluid reaches 20–30 wt %. However, preliminary defluidization of pelite at 3.0 GPa and 750°С leads to chlorine removal and carbonate stabilization at 5.5 GPa and at 7.8 GPa in equilibrium with the next chlorine-free portions of the fluid. Comparison of the data available for simplified model systems and new data on carbonate and Cl-bearing pelite indicate that chlorine fluid essentially contributes to carbonate dissolution in the fluid. Thus, the stability of carbonates under P–T conditions typical of subduction zones is dependent on the behavior of chlorine during defluidization of marine sediments.
Geochemical Aspects of the Frictional Melting of Metapsammites during Seismic Slips (with Reference to Pseudotachylytes of the Ladoga Region)
Authors: Morozov Yu. A. , Matveev M. A. , Skublov S. G. , Smulskaya A. I. , Terekhov E. N. , Larkov A. S.
Published: May 2023

Based on analytical data on the geochemistry of tectonic pseudotachylytes and their host rocks, the specific trends of redistribution of major, trace, and rare earth elements in the course of seismogenic frictional melting of the arkosic metaterrigenous rocks from three zones of regional metamorphism with different temperatures (greenschist, amphibolite, and granulite) in the Northern Ladoga region are discussed. Oppositely directed trends of changes in the contents of the oxides of major elements in the protolith–blastocataclasite–pseudotachylyte triad were revealed, and a unidirectional increase in the basicity of the frictional melt as compared with the protolith was established at the same time. Geochemical evidence for partial selective melting of the protoliths is discussed. The specific features of the fractionation of trace and rare-earth elements during the transition of the protolith into the melt, as well as during its subsequent partial recrystallization, are shown. The emergence of a peak of elevated europium contents relative to the protolith in the melt matrix of all three sampling points is noted. Based on changes in the concentrations of these elements in the zones of pseudotachylyte substrate generation and in the areas of its moving and injection, the estimates of their differential mobility during frictional melting in a dynamic slip zone are given.
Hetero- and Homogeneous States of Hydrocarbon Fluids in the Earth’s Interior: Evidence from the Study of Synthetic Fluid Inclusions
Authors: Balitsky V. S. , Setkova T. V. , Balitskaya L. V. , Golunova M. A. , Bublikova T. M. , Plotnikova I. N. , Aranovich L. Ya.
Published: May 2023

Based on experiments including in situ studies of the phase composition and states of aqueous–hydrocarbon fluids in synthetic inclusions in quartz, the thermometric data indicating a heterogeneous state of fluids at shallow, medium, and great depths of oil- and gas-bearing layers were obtained. It was shown that aqueous–hydrocarbon fluids with an oil content of ≥10 vol % remain heterogeneous even at depths of up to 10–12 km at temperatures of 250–290°С. As is evident from experiments, homogenization in such fluids was achieved at temperatures above 380–400°C. However, such temperatures have not yet been recorded in any of the real oil and gas basins of the world. The results of our studies allow us to hope for the discovery of homogeneous deep deposits of oil and other hydrocarbons in the future.
Transformation of Malacological Fauna of the Sea of Azov in the Holocene and Its Role in the Formation of Coastal Spits
Authors: Matishov G. G. , Kovalenko E. P. , Titov V. V.
Published: May 2023

The study and analysis of malacofauna from cores of bottom sediments and cores of the Azov spits showed the nature of the change during the transition from the Ancient Azovian to the New Azovian layers and the uneven distribution of communities in time and space. Shell material from littoral malacocenosis and shallow-water banks is the main component for the formation of spits. Based on a series of cores up to 25 m thick from the Dolgaya Spit, it is shown that its formation began about 2500 years ago, and carbonate material reflects the history of the development of the benthic fauna of the sea.
Isotope Sm‒Nd Characteristics of the Juvenile Crust in the Central Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt
Authors: Dril S. I. , Kuzmin M. I. , Noskova Ju. V. , Zarubina O. V.
Published: May 2023

In the Phanerozoic, the production of continental crust was associated with convergent geodynamic settings [1] and, therefore, with intracontinental orogenic belts developed after the closure of paleooceans. Evaluation of the proportions of the juvenile crust versus older recycled material is a key parameter for understanding how the crust in orogens formed and evolved. The Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic belt is one of the major structural parts of Central Asia. Its central (Transbaikalian) part contains well-reserved fragments of an island-arc system, as well as the entire spectrum of accretionary prism formations, allowing us to evaluate the proportions of juvenile versus recycled sedimentary material in the crust of this orogen. In this part of the belt, the most representative fragments of the juvenile crust are volcanogenic–sedimentary sequences of the Late Paleozoic Kamenka and Urtui formations. The former is an indicator of a subduction zone along the northwestern margin of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, with a dip beneath the Siberian Paleocontinent, whereas the latter marks the subduction zone along the southeastern margin, with a dip beneath the Argun superterrane. The entire spectrum of compositions for volcanism of the Kamenka Formation, from basalts to rhyolites, is characterized by positive values of ɛNd(254 Ma) = +1.4–(+3.8) and by TNd(DM) = 896–920 Ma. Basalts of the Urtui Formation also have positive values of ɛNd(350 Ma) = +1.7–(+6.0) at TNd(DM) = 773–939 Ma. This gives us grounds to evaluate the characteristics of the juvenile crust of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic belt: it is characterized by positive ɛNd(t) and by model ages TNd(DM) < 1000 Ma. The composition of metasedimentary rocks from the accretionary wedge of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic belt is considerably dominated by older recycled crustal material, the likely source of which is Late Riphean rock complexes of the Argun superterrane.
Delayed organising pneumonia in an immunocompromised host after a mild COVID-19 infection
Authors: Tiew Han Wei , Tan Joanne Wei Ping , Teo Clarence Hai Yi
Published: May 2023

Organising pneumonia after a mild COVID-19 infection has been increasingly reported and poses a diagnostic challenge to physicians especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a patient with a background of lymphoma in remission on rituximab who presented with prolonged and persistent fever after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection. The initial workup showed bilateral lower zone lung consolidation; however, the infective and autoimmune workup were unremarkable. Subsequently, a bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of organising pneumonia. A tapering glucocorticoid regimen was commenced with prompt resolution of the patient’s clinical symptoms, and subsequent resolution of biochemical markers and radiological lung changes 3 months later. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of the diagnosis of organising pneumonia in immunocompromised populations after a mild COVID-19 infection as it shows promising response to glucocorticoid therapy.
Tongue necrosis secondary to giant cell arteritis
Authors: Cantón De Seoane Juan , Gutiérrez Guédez Luis Alberto , Rodríguez Cambrón Ana Belén , Burgos Fernando
Published: May 2023

Tongue necrosis is a rare clinical finding because of its rich vascularisation. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent cause of it, and when present, it is usually one side affected. We describe a patient with several months of constitutional syndrome; during that period, she develops headache followed by tongue necrosis, which lead to clinical suspicion of GCA, later confirmed by a temporal artery biopsy. Before the biopsy, she was treated with corticosteroids. We discuss this illness and tongue necrosis as a rare manifestation to consider.
Use, characteristics and influence of lay consultation networks on treatment-seeking decisions in slums of Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Onuegbu Chinwe , Harlock Jenny , Griffiths Frances
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To describe the use, characteristics and influence of lay consultants on treatment-seeking decisions of adults in slums of Nigeria.

Design

Cross-sectional survey using a pre-piloted questionnaire.

Settings

Two slum communities in Ibadan city, Nigeria.

Participants

480 adults within the working age group (18–64).

Results

Most respondents (400/480, 83.7%) spoke to at least one lay consultant during their last illness/health concern. In total, 683 lay consultants were contacted; all from personal networks such as family and friends. No respondent listed online network members or platforms. About nine in 10 persons spoke to a lay consultant about an illness/health concern without intending to seek any particular support. However, almost all (680/683, 97%) lay consultants who were contacted provided some form of support. Marital status (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.33) and perceiving that an illness or health concern had some effects on their daily activities (OR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.94 to 5.46) had a significant independent association with speaking to at least one lay consultant. Age had a significant independent association with having lay consultation networks comprising non-family members only (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) or mixed networks (family and non-family members) (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99), rather than family-only networks. Network characteristics influenced individual treatment decisions as participants who contacted networks comprising non-family members only (OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.67) and dispersed networks (combination of household, neighbourhood and distant network members) (OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.02 to 4.09) were significantly more likely to use informal than formal healthcare, while controlling for individual characteristics.

Conclusions

Health programmes in urban slums should consider engaging community members so, when consulted within their networks, they are able to deliver reliable information about health and treatment-seeking.
Codesigning informative resources for families of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who sustained a burn injury: a protocol for a participatory action research study
Authors: Kairuz Camila , Hunter Kate , Bennett-Brook Keziah , Ryder Courtney , Holland Andrew J A , Mackean Tamara , Jacques Madeleine , Maze Deborah , Scarcella Michele , Briscoe Karl , Coombes Julieann
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Parents of children hospitalised in a burn unit experience psychological trauma and later post-traumatic stress. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families whose child has been admitted to a burn unit encounter additional burdens through a culturally unsafe healthcare system. Psychosocial interventions can help reduce anxiety, distress and trauma among children and parents. There remains a lack of interventions or resources that reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s perspective of health. The objective of this study is to codevelop a culturally appropriate informative resource to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents whose child has been hospitalised in a burn unit.

Methods

In this participatory research study, the development of a culturally safe resource will build on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families’ experiences and voices, complemented by the knowledge and expertise of an Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) and burn care experts. Data will be collected through recorded yarning sessions with families whose child has been admitted to a burn unit, the AHW and burn care experts. Audiotapes will be transcribed and data will be analysed thematically. Analysis of yarning sessions and resource development will follow a cyclical approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) (1690/20) and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network ethics committee (2020/ETH02103). Findings will be reported to all participants and will be disseminated with the broader community, the funding body and health workers at the hospital. Dissemination with the academic community will be through peer-reviewed publications and presentations in relevant conferences.
Effectiveness of a targeted primary preventive intervention in a high-risk group identified using an efficiency score from data envelopment analysis: a randomised controlled trial of local residents in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Sho , Kanda Satoru , Endo Hiroko , Yamada Emiko , Kido Miki , Sato Shoko , Ogawa Iku , Inoue Rina , Togashi Masanori , Izumiya Ken , Narimatsu Hiroto
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine whether a minimal intervention based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA)-identified efficiency score effectively prevents hypertension.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Takahata town (Yamagata, Japan).

Participants

Residents aged 40–74 years belonged to the information provision group for specific health guidance. Participants with a blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, those taking antihypertensive medication, or those with a history of cardiac diseases were excluded. Participants were consecutively assigned based on their health check-up visit at a single centre from September 2019 to November 2020 and were followed up at the check-up in the following year, until 3 December 2021.

Intervention

A targeted approach using minimal intervention. Target was identified using DEA and 50% of participants with higher risk were targeted. The intervention was notifying the results of their risk of hypertension according to the efficiency score obtained by the DEA.

Primary outcome measures

A reduction in the proportion of participants who developed hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg or taking antihypertensive medication).

Results

A total of 495 eligible participants were randomised, and follow-up data were available for 218 and 227 participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The risk difference for the primary outcome was 0.2% (95% CI −7.3 to 6.9) with 38/218 (17.4%) and 40/227 (17.6%) events in the intervention and control group, respectively (Pearson’s χ2test, p=0.880). The adjusted OR of the effect of the intervention was 0.95 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.61, p=0.843), and that of the efficiency score (10-rank increase) was 0.81 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.89, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Minimal intervention to a high-risk population stratified by DEA was not effective in reducing the onset of hypertension in 1 year. The efficiency score could predict the risk of hypertension.

Trial registration number

UMIN000037883
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in need of care or support: protocol for a SARS-CoV-2 registry
Authors: Gensichen Jochen , Zöllinger Isabel , Gagyor Ildiko , Hausen Anita , Hölscher Michael , Janke Christian , Kühlein Thomas , Nassehi Armin , Teupser Daniel , Arend Florian M , Eidenschink Christine , Hindenburg Dagmar , Kosub Helena , Kurotschka Peter Konstantin , Lindemann Daniela , Mayr Katharina , Müller Susan , Rink Laura , Rottenkolber Marietta , Sanftenberg Linda , Schwaiger Rita , Sebastião Maria , Wildgruber Domenika , Dreischulte Tobias
Published: May 2023

Introduction

People in need of care or support are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We lack valid data of long-term assessments. We present a register study to detect the physical and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in need of care or support in Bavaria, Germany. To describe the persons’ life conditions comprehensively, we assess the perspectives and needs of the respective care teams too. Results will serve as evidence-based source to manage the pandemic and long-term prevention strategies.

Methods and analysis

The ‘Bavarian ambulatory COVID-19 Monitor’ is a multicentre registry including a purposive sample of up to 1000 patient–participants across three study sites in Bavaria. The study group consists of 600 people in need of care with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Control group 1 comprises 200 people in need of care with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, while control group 2 comprises 200 people with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test but are not in need of care. We assess the clinical course of infection, psychosocial aspects and care needs using validated measures. Follow-up is every 6 months for up to 3 years. Additionally, we assess up to 400 people linked to these patient–participants (caregivers, general practitioners (GPs)) for their health and needs. Main analyses are stratified by level of care I–V (I=minor/V=most severe impairment of independence), inpatient/outpatient care setting, sex and age. We use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse cross-sectional data and changes over time. In qualitative interviews with 60 stakeholders (people in need of care, caregivers, GPs, politicians), we explore interface problems of different functional logics, of everyday and professional perspectives.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board of the University Hospital LMU Munich (#20-860) and the study sites (Universities of Wurzburg and Erlangen) approved the protocol. We disseminate the results by peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, governmental reports, etc.
Preparing for the next pandemic: lessons learnt from the implementation of point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing in an emergency department
Authors: Donnelly James Alan , Russell Miriam , O'Brien Gemma , O'Neill Ian , Fitzpatrick Fidelma , O'Connell Karina
Published: May 2023

Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid, accurate results that facilitate diagnosis and patient management. POCT for infectious agents allows timely infection prevention and control interventions and informs decisions around safe patient placement. However, POCT implementation requires careful governance as they are primarily operated by staff with limited prior education on laboratory quality control and assurance processes. Here, we describe our experience implementing SARS-CoV-2 POCT in the emergency department of a large tertiary referral hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe collaborative governance between pathology and clinical specialities, quality assurance, testing (volume and positivity rates), impact on patient flow and focus on lessons learnt during implementation that should be incorporated into revised pandemic preparedness planning.
Numerical investigations of the failure mechanism of spreading landslides
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Chen Qian , Wang Lizhong , Wang Dong
Published: May 2023

Spreading landslides are geohazards that often occur in sensitive clay areas. A unique characteristic of the spreads is that an initial small local slope failure may cause a catastrophic landslide above the horizontal failure surface, forming horsts and grabens. Although many hypotheses were proposed to explain the failure mechanism of spreads, some topography of the landslides observed from field investigations cannot be well explained by the existing hypotheses. This study revisits the 2010 Saint-Jude spreading landslide by using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach within ABAQUS to reveal the failure mechanism of spreading landslides. Two types of cross-sections (static and dynamic cross-sections) were selected to monitor the total horizontal force of the sliding mass during the process of migration. It was found that there are two spreading failure mechanisms to form horsts and grabens. The first one is the static spread failure mechanism that global failure occurs accompanied by spreading failure. The other one is the dynamic spreading failure mechanism that after the global failure, the sliding masses break into horsts and grabens during the forward movement under the pushing of the sliding mass at the back and the blocking action of the soil mass in the front. These two failure mechanisms of spreads can well explain various geomorphologic shapes found in the Saint-Jude landslide.
Untargeted and targeted metabolomics to understand plant growth regulation and evolution in Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis)
Authors: Giebelhaus Ryland T. , Biggs Laura , Murch Susan J. , Erland Lauren A.E.
Published: May 2023

Wollemi pine ( Wollemia nobilis (Jones, Hill, Allen)) is a living fossil, known only through fossil records until its 1994 discovery in Australia. Wollemi Pine is closely related to Norfolk Island pine ( Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco), making it an interesting system to study metabolic evolution. We employed untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based (LC-MS) metabolomics, with chemometrics, pathway analysis, and our novel plant growth regulator (PGR) putative identification tool (HormonomicsDB), to explore the metabolomes of both species. We identified PGR conjugates and found cytokinin, zeatin, and brassinosteroid pathways to be overrepresented in Wollemi pine tissues, suggesting these PGRs play an important role in its survival. Melatonin, a proposed ancient and stress-related PGR, was not identified in untargeted analysis of either species. Based on our untargeted results, we employed targeted LC-MS to quantify brassinolide and confirm the absence or presence of melatonin in Wollemi and Norfolk Island pine. Both species had similar concentrations of brassinolide, while Wollemi pine had significantly higher melatonin levels than Norfolk Island pine. High levels of melatonin and brassinolide in Wollemi pine supports the hypothesis that these are ancient PGRs that conferred an evolutionary advantage in Wollemi, allowing it to persist.
The corrosion effect of dynamic liquid metal galinstan on stainless steel S31600/SS316 in the presence of selected refrigerants at temperatures up to 150 °C
Authors: Wu Lijun , Geddis Philip , Liu Kun , Hiscocks Jessica , Courchesne William
Published: May 2023

A corrosion study examined stainless steel (SS) S31600/SS316 after exposure to the liquid metal galinstan and gases, including nitrogen, n-pentane, isobutane, and R245fa, at 150 °C under dynamic conditions for 3.5, 9.5, and 20.5 days. Ampules partly filled with galinstan and the gas were continuously stirred to create regions of gas-only, gas–liquid, and liquid-only exposure. Posttest examinations used a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods (visual observation, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, surface profilometry, and chemical analysis) to evaluate coupons and galinstan samples for evidence of corrosion. In the gas-exposed region, no corrosion was detected in any coupon. In the liquid region, galinstan constituents were found to be localized to grain boundaries for nitrogen and isobutane coupons but dispersed on n-pentane coupons; a gallium oxide layer was found on R245fa coupons. In the liquid–gas interface region, severe corrosion was found on the n-pentane 20.5-day and the isobutane 9.5- and 20.5-day coupons; fine scattered corrosion on the R245fa 9.5-day coupon but not on the 20.5-day coupon was observed. Profilometry results indicated the least roughness change for coupons in n-pentane, a higher change in nitrogen, then in isobutane, and the highest in R245fa. In the presence of refrigerants and under dynamic conditions, intergranular attack on SS may be enhanced by chemical reactions combined with microsegregation of galinstan or gallium oxide elements on SS grain boundaries. Further work is required to confidently identify and explain this corrosion mechanism.
Multimethod approach to advance provenance determination of fish in stocked systems
Authors: Leahy Susannah M. , Jerry Dean R. , Wedding Brett B.C. , Robins Julie B. , Wright Carole L. , Sadekov Aleksey , Boyle Stephen , Jones David B. , Williams Samuel M. , Grauf Steve , Pavich Luke , McLennan Mark , Sellin Michelle J. , Goldsbury Julie A. , Saunders Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Fish stocking occurs in aquatic systems for conservation purposes, to create or enhance recreational fisheries and to enhance wild-catch commercial fisheries. Identifying and quantifying the contribution of stocking efforts to wild populations is crucial to informing these management objectives. Provenance determination methods trade off accuracy, replicability, and cost-effectiveness at fishery-relevant scales. We present and assess multiple methods for provenance determination using a case study of barramundi ( Lates calcarifer) in the Dry Tropics region of northern Australia. A novel application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is compared to two established methods for fish provenance, otolith microchemistry and genetic parentage analysis using microsatellites. The otolith microchemistry method was able to provide extremely high provenance resolution (>99% accuracy). The microsatellite parentage analysis method had a slightly lower overall accuracy (95%), likely as a result of genetic introgression in this region. Provenance determination using otolith NIRS had the lowest overall accuracy (76%). Once limitations regarding spectral noise, image resolution, and sample size are addressed, NIRS may have potential for cost-effectively determining provenance in fish.
Multimodal Deep Learning with Discriminant Descriptors for Offensive Memes Detection
Authors: Alzu’bi Ahmad , Bani Younis Lojin , Abuarqoub Abdelrahman , Hammoudeh Mohammad
Published: May 2023

A meme is a visual representation that illustrates a thought or concept. Memes are spreading steadily among people in this era of rapidly expanding social media platforms, and they are becoming increasingly popular forms of expression. In the domain of meme and emotion analysis, the detection of offensives is a crucial task. However, it can be difficult to identify and comprehend the underlying emotion of a meme because its content is multimodal. Additionally, there is a lack of memes datasets that address how offensive a meme is, and the existing ones in this context have a bias towards the dominant labels or categories, leading to an imbalanced training set. In this article, we present a descriptive balanced dataset to help detect the offensive nature of the meme’s content using a proposed multimodal deep learning model. Two deep semantic models, baseline BERT and hateXplain-BERT, are systematically combined with several deep ResNet architectures to estimate the severity of the offensive memes. This process is based on the Meme-Merge collection that we construct from two publicly available datasets. The experimental results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in classifying offensive memes, achieving F1 scores of 0.7315 and 0.7140 for the baseline datasets and Meme-Merge, respectively. The proposed multimodal deep learning approach also outperformed the baseline model in three meme tasks: metaphor understanding, sentiment understanding, and intention detection.
Hierarchical Auto-scaling Policies for Data Stream Processing on Heterogeneous Resources
Authors: Russo Russo Gabriele , Cardellini Valeria , Lo Presti Francesco
Published: May 2023

Data Stream Processing (DSP) applications analyze data flows in near real-time by means of operators, which process and transform incoming data. Operators handle high data rates running parallel replicas across multiple processors and hosts. To guarantee consistent performance without wasting resources in the face of variable workloads, auto-scaling techniques have been studied to adapt operator parallelism at run-time. However, most of the effort has been spent under the assumption of homogeneous computing infrastructures, neglecting the complexity of modern environments.

We consider the problem of deciding both how many operator replicas should be executed and which types of computing nodes should be acquired. We devise heterogeneity-aware policies by means of a two-layered hierarchy of controllers. While application-level components steer the adaptation process for whole applications, aiming to guarantee user-specified requirements, lower-layer components control auto-scaling of single operators. We tackle the fundamental challenge of performance and workload uncertainty, exploiting Bayesian optimization (BO) and reinforcement learning (RL) to devise policies. The evaluation shows that our approach is able to meet users’ requirements in terms of response time and adaptation overhead, while minimizing the cost due to resource usage, outperforming state-of-the-art baselines. We also demonstrate how partial model information is exploited to reduce training time for learning-based controllers.
Development of Nitrate-Ion Selective Electrode (NO3-ISE) Based on Carbon from Disposal Battery
Authors: Alva Sagir , Septyanda Pandu , Burhanudin Arif , Khaerudini Deni Shidqi , Jenie Siti Nurul Aisyiyah , Sundari Rita , Suhud Khairi
Published: May 2023

This research is related to the successfully well fabricated NO3-ISE sensor from battery waste disposal. Two types of material used, i.e., the battery waste taken from (i) graphite rods and (ii) carbon paste. The fabrication of NO3-ISE sensors from graphite rods only goes through two main processes, namely removal of impurities and the growth of the Polypyrrole layer doped with NO3 (PPy-NO3). While the NO3-ISE sensor prepared from carbon paste run through four stages, which include removal of impurities, the formation of graphite rod, dry-ing of graphite rod and formation of PPy-NO3 coating. However, both sensors produce the performance that are not much different with respect to Nernstian number between −58.8–(−60.8) mV dec−1 for graphite rods and −50.3–(−59.5) mV dec−1 based on carbon paste with a linear range of 0.1–10−4 M. The PPy-NO3 coating process on the surfaces of both graphite was carried out with a 16 cycles through Cyclic Voltammetry technique. Both sensors also exhibit considerable interferences from the IO3
− and Cl− ions, but show good selectivity against the H2PO4
− and SO4
2− ions. Both self-fabricated sensors have an accuracy that is comparable to the standard APHA method Ed.22nd 4500-NO3-E2012.
A One –Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of rGO-Mediated CuS/MnS Nanocomposites: Energy Storage and Dye Removal Applications
Authors: Menaka V. , Geetha D. , Ramesh P. S.
Published: May 2023

A one-pot hydrothermal method was used to prepare reduced graphene oxide mediated CuS/MnS (CMS/rGO) nanocomposites. The XRD result revealed that the hexagonal structure of CMS/rGO with the crystallite size is about 24 to 35 nm, respectively. The presence of rGO in the CMS structure was confirmed through Raman analysis. The chemical states of CMS3/rGO nanocomposites were confirmed by the XPS analysis. From this, the observed binding energy values are in good agreement with the presence of Cu, Mn, S, O and C, respectively. The rod-like morphology of the CMS3/rGO nanocomposites was obtained by using HR-TEM. The optical property of the product was analyzed through UV-DRS and PL. The observed absorption and emission peaks are red-shifted when CuS/MnS concentration increases. It is attributed due to the increases in crystallite size. The calculated band gap energy values are decreased with increasing crystallite size. The electrochemical properties of the products show a pseudocapacitor nature (832 Fg−1) with excellent capacitance retention of 97%. The degradation efficiency of CMS3/rGOcatalyst nanocomposite shows a good efficiency of 96% and 91% against CR and CV dyes.
Review—Reliability and Degradation Mechanisms of Deep UV AlGaN LEDs
Authors: Letson Benjamin C. , Conklin John W. , Wass Peter , Barke Simon , Mueller Guido , Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Haque Aman , Pearton Stephen J. , Ren Fan
Published: May 2023

There are numerous applications for deep UV AlGaN Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in virus inactivation, air and water purification, sterilization, bioagent detection and UV polymer curing. The long-term stability of these LEDs is also of interest for long-duration space missions such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), the first gravitational wave detector in space. We review the literature on long-term aging of these devices as a function of drive current, temperature and dc versus pulsed operation. The LEDs typically show a gradual decline in output power (up to 50%) over extended operating times (>100 h) and the rate of decline is mainly driven by current and temperature. Experimentally, the degradation rate is dependent on the cube of drive current density and exponentially on temperature. The main mechanism for this decline appears to be creation/migration of point defects. Pre-screening by considering the ratio of band edge-to-midgap emission and LED ideality factor is effective in identifying populations of devices that show long lifetimes (>10,000 h), defined as output power falling to 70% of the initial value.
A Neural Network-Based Prediction of Superplasticizers Effect on the Workability and Compressive Characteristics of Portland Pozzolana Cement-Based Mortars
Authors: Manikandan P. , Vasugi V. , Prem Kumar V. , Duraimurugan S. , Sankar M. , Chithambar Ganesh A. , Senthil Kumaran G.
Published: May 2023

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) mortars are predominantly employed in plastering works to achieve better workability, superior surface finish, and higher fineness to offer better cohesion with fine aggregates than the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortars. To achieve high performance in the cement mortar similar to cement concrete, the addition of a superplasticizer is recommended. The present study investigates the impact of addition of sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde- (SNF)-based (0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.8%) and lignosulphate- (LS)-based (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) superplasticizers on the workability and compressive strength characteristics of PPC mortars. Plastering mortars of ratio 1 : 4 were prepared with natural sand and manufacturing sand (M sand) as fine aggregates. A flow table test was conducted on all the mortar mix proportions, and the effects of the inclusion of superplasticizers on flow properties were recorded at different time intervals (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). PPC mortar cubes were prepared, cured, and examined to assess the inclusion of chemical admixtures on compressive strength at different ages (1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days). The experimental findings from the workability and compressive strength of PPC mortars were analyzed, and the corresponding results were predicted using artificial intelligence. Experimental investigations demonstrated that the desired flow characteristics and higher compressive strength results were achieved from a 0.7% dosage of ligno-based superplasticizer. The predicted workability and compressive strength results at various ages acquired by implementing an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were found to be in close agreement with the experimental results.
Experimental Investigation on Jacked Pile-Sinking and Capacity-Induced Pore Pressure and Effective Radial Stress at the Pile-Clayey Soil Interface
Authors: Lifeng Wang , Xin Wang , Shiqiang Li , Jun Wang , Xunlong Niu , Donglei Wang , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2023

Based on research into how static pressure piles sink in saturated cohesive soil, alterations caused by a rise in pore stress during the load process between the pile and the earth as well as the effects of a variation in valid radial thrust on the project are thoroughly studied. These changes are of great importance for the application and practice of practical projects. Microtest components are embedded on the surfaces of open and closed piles, and test research is conducted using a large-scale system and double-deck open and closed pipe piles. Finally, complete consideration is given to how variations in effective radial stress. Through this test, it was determined that as the pile’s buried depth gradually grows, so do the valid radial thrust and excess pore pressure. However, the quantity of the superfluous pore water stress for a closed pile is higher than for an open pile. And the higher half has substantially lower effective radial thrust and overall surplus pore stress than the lower part does. The pile penetration depth is constant, and the value of h/L of the pile shaft is also rising, the occurrence of “lateral pressure degradation” of earth load between pile and earth is becoming increasingly prominent. The maximum ratio of the excess pore stress to the valid soil pressure between the pile and earth contact is 62.1% for an exposed pile and 52.1% for a sealed pile. At the interface, the effective radial stress is about 3.76∼5.46 times that of the remaining pore water stress. Therefore, under changing pile penetration depths, the value of h/L will have an impact on the pile’s and the soil’s additional pore water pressure or excellent soil pressure. The test results have a significant impact on how static pressure piles are built and how bearing capacity is designed in real-world applications.