bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation and optimization of energy absorption performance of axially joined metal and composite foam-filled hybrid tubes
Authors: Meric Dursun , GEDİKLİ Hasan
Published: January 2024

Hybrid structures attract attention because they eliminate the disadvantages of composite and metal materials and have many potential applications. In this study, the energy absorption performances of single, double and triple hybrid tubes formed from different materials as metal/metal and metal/composite were examined experimentally and numerically. The hybrid tubes were filled with five different functional aluminum foams of different densities to improve their energy-absorbing performance. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) studies were carried out to obtain the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) and the lowest peak force configuration for each of the single, double and triple hybrid tubes. In MOO studies, functional foam densities (500–1500 kg/m3) and wall thicknesses (1–4 mm) were optimized by genetic algorithm. As a result, absorbed energy (AE) and SEA values of hybrid tubes with optimum foam densities and wall thicknesses increased.
Rotation Angle Vibration Suppression for Variable Length flexible Manipulator Based on Neural Network Identification With Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Wei Lai , Yin meng , Zhou nan sai
Published: January 2024

The variable-length flexible manipulator has an impact on the flexibility of joints and the flexibility load, in which vibration at the angle of rotation will occur. To suppress the vibration, a control law combining neural network identification, sliding mode control and angle-independent method is presented. To begin with, the variable-length flexible manipulator dynamic equations are established considering friction torque and two-dimensional deformation. Then, An adaptive law for the neural network weight coefficients is devised using the Lyapunov stability theorem .At last, the simulated analysis and controlled experiments are performed. The experimental finding demonstrates this: The control accuracy of rotation angle can be improved by using neural network compensation for the uncertain part. The flexible load vibration can be suppressed by the angle-independent method. The mean absolute error of rotation angle can be decrease by 15.85% using the combination control strategy. This proves that the control strategy presented can effectually.
The structure, function, and adaptation of lower-limb aponeuroses: implications for myo-aponeurotic injury.
Authors: Hulm Scott , Timmins Ryan , Hickey Jack , Maniar Nirav , Lin Yi-Chung , Knaus Katie , Heiderscheit Bryan , Blemker Silvia , Opar David
Published: January 2024

The aponeurosis is a large fibrous connective tissue structure within and surrounding skeletal muscle and is a critical component of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU). Due to the lack of consensus on terminology and heterogeneous nature of the aponeurosis between MTU’s, there are several questions that remain unanswered. For example, the aponeurosis is often conflated with the free tendon rather than being considered an independent structure. This has subsequent implications when interpreting data regarding the structure, function, and adaptation of the aponeuroses from these studies. In recent years, a body of work has emerged to suggest that acute injury to the myo-aponeurotic complex may have a significant impact on return-to-sport timeframes and reinjury rates. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding of the morphology and mechanical behaviour common to all aponeuroses, as well as the unique characteristics of specific lower-limb aponeuroses which are commonly injured. This review provides the practitioner with a current understanding of the mechanical, material, and adaptive properties of lower limb aponeuroses and suggests directions for future research related to the myo-aponeurotic complex.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Different Organs of Wallago Attu and Sperata seenghala at Different Sites of River Chenab, Pakistan
Authors: Yasmeen Roheela , Rafique Sofia
Published: January 2024

Heavy metal contamination in water bodies poses a significant threat, leading to its accumulation in fish, raising concerns for both ecological balance and human consumption safety. The present study was aimed to see contamination of heavy metals like Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Mercury, Cadmium, and to assess amount of essential metals such as Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium in skin, heart, gills, muscles, kidney and liver of two fish species Mullee (Wallago Attu) and Singhi (Sperata seenghala). The fish samples were collected from two different sites of Chenab River located in district Gujrat, Pakistan. Samples were analyzed with the help of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) at PCSIR. The pattern of metal accumulation of essential elements was observed in skin, liver, muscles, kidney, gills, and heart of both species in the order Na > K > Ca > Fe. Trend of heavy metals were recorded as Zn > Cu > Hg > Cd > Cr. The highest accumulation of heavy metal was found in skin of both species followed by heart, gills, muscles, kidney and liver. The highest concentration of Zinc were noticed in heart of both fish. Independent sample t test was applied and significant differences were noticed at .048 p value in the sites while, non-significant differences were notice at > 0.05 between two fish species. There were noticed a significant differences among metals, but non-significant differences were noticed in organs of two fish by one way ANOVA. The study revealed that Chenab River is being polluted with heavy metals because of unfiltered discharge from industries and sewage runoff, agriculture, and mining activities from surroundings.
Bolt Looseness Detection in Flanged Pipe Using Parametric Modeling
Authors: Bonab Behzad Totakhaneh , Sadeghi Morteza Homayoun , Ettefagh M.Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Early detection of looseness in bolted flanges is crucial for safety in the oil and gas industries. Failure to do so could result in catastrophic accidents like leakage and explosions. One way to indirectly detect looseness is by analyzing vibration signals from structures connected by such joints. If the structure can be sufficiently vibrated, changes in its vibration parameters may indicate looseness as it reduces joint and structural stiffness. Modeling dynamic systems with autoregressive models is advantageous, as changes in their parameters are a reflection of structural damage. In this study, an integrated parametric model algorithm was developed to detect loosening in flanged pipes. By using Autoregressive model parameters as looseness feature vector, a loose indicator based on Mahalanobis distance can be utilized for detection. The proposed approach was validated using both stationary (AR) and non-stationary (TAR) models adapted for flanged pipe structure vibrations. The structure was excited with white noise (stationary state), and with a moving mass inside the pipe (non-stationary state) to make the identification method practical. The proposed method was able to identify flange looseness at early stages using an output-only method, as shown in the results.
Effective optimization of atomic decoration in giant and superstructurally ordered crystals with machine learning
Authors: Cerasoli Frank , Donadio Davide
Published: January 2024

Crystals with complicated geometry are often observed with mixed chemical occupancy among Wyckoff sites, presenting a unique challenge for accurate atomic modeling. Similar systems possessing exact occupancy on all sites can exhibit superstructural ordering, dramatically inflating the unit cell size. Here, we propose a site permutation search (SPS) algorithm for discovering the optimal atomic decoration on fixed crystalline geometries. Our approach relies on the evidence that, for a given chemical composition, a crystal graph convolutional neural network estimates the correct energetic ordering of different atomic decorations, as predicted by electronic structure calculations. This provides a suitable energy landscape, in which site occupation is optimized to discover the chemical decoration of crystals exhibiting mixed or disordered occupancy, or superstructural ordering. The optimization algorithm is based on Monte Carlo moves combined with simulated annealing and basin-hopping techniques. Verification of the procedure is carried out on several known compounds, including the superstructurally ordered clathrate compound Rb8Ga27Sb16 and vacancy-ordered perovskite Cs2SnI6. This strategy provides a fast, accurate, and scalable method for determining favorable decoration in complex crystals.
Evaluating Risk Factors and Complications in Mandibular Ramus Block Grafting: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bayram Ferit , Göçmen Gökhan , Özkan Yaşar
Published: January 2024

Objectives This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for and complications associated with alveolar grafting using autologous mandibular ramus grafts.Materials and methods The study included 70 patients who underwent alveolar crest augmentation with autologous mandibular ramus block grafting. Intraoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative complications were analyzed, as were various risk factors.Results The results showed that the majority of patients had successful outcomes with minimal complications. Sex was found to significantly influence the visibility of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Early postoperative complications were associated with IAN visibility and the use of a single screw for graft fixation. Late postoperative complications were significantly associated with the presence of infection.Conclusion The findings emphasize the importance of careful surgical techniques, infection prevention, and patient selection in minimizing complications.Clinical relevance This article may contribute to clinicians' and so patients' understanding of potential risk factors associated with over all ramus block grafting procedure. Based on this information, clinicians can also improve their ability to manage risk factors and associated complications and compare ramus block grafting with other alternatives to determine the best treatment approach for that particular patient.
LOXHD1 is indispensable for coupling auditory mechanosensitive channels to the site of force transmission
Authors: Wang Pei , Miller Katharine K. , He Enqi , Dhawan Siddhant S. , Cunningham Christopher L. , Grillet Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Hearing is initiated in hair cells by the mechanical activation of ion channels in the hair bundle. The hair bundle is formed by stereocilia organized into rows of increasing heights interconnected by tip links, which convey sound-induced forces to stereocilia tips. The auditory mechanosensitive channels are complexes containing at least four protein-subunits – TMC1/2, TMIE, CIB2, and LHFPL5 – and are located at the tips of shorter stereocilia at a yet-undetermined distance from the lower tip link insertion point. While multiple auditory channel subunits appear to interact with the tip link, it remains unknown whether their combined interaction alone can resist the high-frequency mechanical stimulations owing to sound. Here we show that an unanticipated additional element, LOXHD1, is indispensable for maintaining the TMC1 pore-forming channel subunits coupled to the tip link. We demonstrate that LOXHD1 is a unique element of the auditory mechanotransduction complex that selectively affects the localization of TMC1, but not its close developmental paralogue TMC2. Taking advantage of our novel immunogold scanning electron microscopy method for submembranous epitopes (SUB-immunogold-SEM), we demonstrate that TMC1 normally concentrates within 100-nm of the tip link insertion point. In LOXHD1’s absence, TMC1 is instead mislocalized away from this force transmission site. Supporting this finding, we found that LOXHD1 interacts selectively in vitro with TMC1 but not with TMC2 while also binding to channel subunits CIB2 and LHFPL5 and tip-link protein PCDH15. SUB-immunogold-SEM additionally demonstrates that LOXHD1 and TMC1 are physically connected to the lower tip-link complex in situ. Our results show that the TMC1-driven mature channels require LOXHD1 to stay coupled to the tip link and remain functional, but the TMC2-driven developmental channels do not. As both tip links and TMC1 remain present in hair bundles lacking LOXHD1, it opens the possibility to reconnect them and restore hearing for this form of genetic deafness.
Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway and Daytime Dysfunction in Women with HIV
Authors: Shorer Eran F , Rubin Leah H , French Audrey L , Weber Kathleen M , Daubert Elizabeth , Morack Ralph , Clish Clary , Bullock Kevin , Gustafson Deborah , Sharma Anajli , Rogando Andrea C , Qi Qibin , Burgess Helen J , Dastgheyb Raha M
Published: January 2024

Background.
Sleep disturbances are prevalent in women with HIV (WWH). Tryptophan-kynurenine (T-K) pathway metabolites are associated with alterations in actigraphy derived sleep measures in WWH, although may not always correlate with functional impairment. We investigated the relationship between T-K pathway metabolites and self-reported daytime dysfunction in WWH and women without HIV (WWoH).
Methods.
141 WWH on stable antiretroviral therapy and 140 demographically similar WWoH enrolled in the IDOze Study had targeted plasma T-K metabolites measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We utilized the daytime dysfunction component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess functional impairment across HIV-serostatus.
Results.
Lower levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin were associated with greater daytime dysfunction in all women. In WWH, daytime dysfunction was associated with increased kynurenic acid (R = 0.26, p < 0.05), and kynurenic acid-tryptophan (KA-T) ratio (R = 0.28, p < 0.01). WWH with daytime dysfunction had a 0.7 log fold increase in kynurenic acid compared to WWH without daytime dysfunction.
Conclusions.
Kynurenic acid levels and the KA-T ratio were associated with daytime dysfunction in WWH but not in WWoH. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish a causal relationship and directionality between T-K metabolic changes and sleep impairment in WWH.
Dexamethasone acetate loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers for the treatment of rat corneal chemical burn
Authors: Kim Da Ran , Park Sun-Kyung , Kim Eun Jeong , Kim Dong-Kyu , Yoon Young Chae , Myung David , Lee Hyun Jong , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: January 2024

Nanofibers serve to overcome the limitation of the short duration of action of topical eye drops used against ocular inflammation in dry eyes. Several attempts to develop suitable nanofibers have been made; however, there is no ideal solution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers with encapsulated dexamethasone on alkali-injured cornea in rats. Thirty-nine Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (7 weeks old males) were divided into four treatment groups after alkaline burns of the cornea; negative control (no treatment group); dexamethasone eyedrops (DEX group); PCL fiber (PCL group); dexamethasone loaded PCL (PCL/DEX group). Corneal neovascularization was lower in the group treated with PCL + DEX than in that treated with DEX eyedrops, while PCL alone did not cause corneal neovascularization by irritation or inflammation. Histological analysis revealed lower infiltration of stromal inflammatory cells in corneas treated with PCL + DEX than in those treated with DEX eyedrops. Proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, MK2, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and VEGF-A showed lower expression in corneas treated with PCL + DEX than in those treated with DEX eyedrops. Based on the results, PCL + DEX may be a promising approach to effective drug delivery in corneal burn injuries. In particular, anti-inflammatory function of DEX observed in the acute phase of ocular inflammation appears to be significantly improved on the first day in the PCL + DEX group.
Targeted Gene-Hormone Therapy of Colorectal Cancer with Guanylin Expressing Nano-system
Authors: Samadi Pouria , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh , Nouri Fatemeh , Soleimani Meysam , Najafi Rezvan , Jalali Akram
Published: January 2024

Background
Addressing colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge, demanding the precise delivery of therapeutic agents to eliminate cancer cells while minimizing impact on healthy cells. The strategic selection of therapeutic targets, the utilization of nanocarriers with optimal efficacy and low toxicity, and the development of gene constructs with controlled induction in cancer cells are crucial aspects in this pursuit.
Materials and Methods
This study employed a systems biology approach to comprehensively investigate the guanylin hormone-encoding gene (GUCA2A). Exploration encompassed expression patterns across tissues and single cells, clinical endpoints, methylation profiles, mutations, immune and functional analyses. Subsequently, GUCA2A was identified as a potential target for gain of function studies, leading to its amplification and cloning into gene constructs featuring both a robust CMV promoter and a cancer-specific MUC1 promoter. The succinylated PEI-9, characterized by low toxicity and high gene transfer efficiency, was then fabricated and characterized on HCT-116 cancer cells and normal Vero cell lines.
Results
systems biology studies revealed GUCA2A’s aberrant expression patterns, methylation variations, mutational changes as well as its remarkable association with immune engagement and poor survival outcomes in CRC. Moreover, SPEI-9 was introduced as a highly efficient and safe nanocarrier for gene delivery purposes. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that both guanylin-expressing gene constructs exhibited potential in inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing cell migration, and curtailing colony formation. Notably, these effects were more robust but non-specific in cancer cells treated with constructs containing the CMV general promoter, while, induction via the MUC1 promoter was more specific.
Conclusion
A genetic construct featuring the strong universal CMV and specific MUC1 promoter, expressing the guanylin peptide hormone, demonstrated highly effective and specific anticancer effects when transfected with nanocarriers characterized by high efficiency and low cytotoxicity. This nano-system holds promising implications for targeted CRC therapy.
Optimization of fermentation conditions and medium components for chrysomycin A production by Streptomyces sp. 891-B6
Authors: Hu Zhe , Weng Qiangang , Cai Zhehui , Zhang Huawei
Published: January 2024

Background
Chrysomycin A (CA) is a promising antibiotic for treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections and cancers. In order to enhance CA yield, optimization of fermentation conditions and medium components was carried out on strain Streptomyces sp. 891-B6, an UV-induced mutant with improved CA titer compared with its wide-type marine strain 891.
Results
Using one-way experiment, the optimal fermentation conditions for CA production in 1-L shake flask were obtained as follows: 12 days of fermentation time, 5 days of seed age, 5% of inoculum volume ratio, 200 mL of loading volume and 6.5 of initial pH. By response surface methodology, the optimal medium components determined as glucose (39.239 g/L), corn starch (20.208 g/L), soybean meal (15.599 g/L) and CaCO3 (2.000 g/L).
Conclusion
Validation tests showed that the maximum yield of CA reached 1601.9 ± 56.7 mg/L, which was a 60% increase compared to the initial yield (952.3 ± 53.2 mg/L). These results provided an important basis for scale-up production of CA by strain 891-B6.
Diagnosing Aceruloplasminemia: Navigating through Red Herrings
Authors: Kharel Zeni , Kharel Himal , Phatak Pradyumna D.
Published: January 2024

A 58-year-old female was found to have hyperferritinemia (Serum ferritin:1683 ng/mL) during work-up for mild normocytic anemia. Transferrin saturation was low normal. Genetic analysis for hereditary hemochromatosis(HH) related HFE mutations showed absence of the common mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abdomen showed evidence of hepatic iron deposition. Liver biopsy showed 4 + hepatic iron deposition without any evidence of steatosis or fibrosis. Quantitative liver iron was elevated at 348.3 µmol/g dry liver weight [Reference range(RR): 3–33 µmol/g dry liver weight]. She was presumptively diagnosed with tissue iron overload, cause uncertain. A diagnosis of ferroportin disease(FD) was entertained but the distribution of iron in the liver was largely parenchymal making this atypical. She was treated with intermittent phlebotomy for over a decade with poor tolerance due to worsening microcytic anemia. During the course of treatment, her ferritin level decreased. Over the past 1.5 years, she developed progressively worsening neurocognitive decline. MRI brain showed areas of susceptibility involving basal ganglia, midbrain and cerebellum raising suspicion for metabolic deposition disease. Neuroimaging findings led to testing for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels which were both found to be severely low. The diagnosis of aceruloplasminemia was ultimately made. The biochemical triad of hyperferritinemia, low/normal transferrin saturation and microcytic anemia should raise the possibility of aceruloplasminemia. Since neurological manifestations are rare in most inherited iron overload syndromes, neurological symptoms in a patient with tissue iron overload should prompt consideration of aceruloplasminemia as a differential diagnosis.
Heterotopic Pregnancy and Amniotic Embolism: a Case Report
Authors: Soecki Gabriella , Hlatchuk Elisa Carolina , Raymundo Caroline Thereza , Andrade Ana Carolina Sater , Ferreira Marcela Clarissa Padeski , Percicote Ana Paula , Sobieray Narcizo Leopoldo Eduardo da Cunha , Nascimento Denis José
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Heterotopic pregnancy and amniotic embolism are rare conditions that can be challenging to diagnose. To date, there are no cases of heterotopic pregnancy associated with amniotic embolism described in the literature. Therefore, we report the case of a pancreatic heterotopic pregnancy, which led to amniotic embolism and an unfavorable maternal outcome.
CASE PRESENTATION:
A 20-year-old pregnant woman presented with nausea and abdominal pain refractory to drug treatment. She had a increased lipase of 205 U/L (reference 8 to 78 U/L) and a total abdominal ultrasound with biliary sludge. The pregnant woman had no known risk factors for ectopic and/or heterotopic pregnancy. The initial diagnostic suspicions were hyperemesis gravidarum or acute pancreatitis. During hospitalization, she fluctuated between periods of clinical improvement and worsening of abdominal pain, but serial laboratory control had a favorable and benign evolution. On the 30th day of hospitalization, the patient developed spontaneous abortion, respiratory failure, and cardiorespiratory arrest. Necropsy showed heterotopic pregnancy in the pancreas, amniotic embolism, and consequent disseminated intravascular coagulation.
CONCLUSION
Obstetricians should suspect heterotopic pregnancy in patients with an acute abdomen. The gold standard diagnostic method for this condition is laparoscopy. In the present case, the authors consider that pancreatic pregnancy allowed the introduction of fetal antigens and/or amniotic fluid into the maternal bloodstream, leading to amniotic embolism and consequent disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Steel Tube Column with Recycled Aggregate Concrete infilled Profile Steel and H-shaped Steel Beam Frame-Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Structures
Authors: Liu Jian , yang qinpeng
Published: January 2024

In order to investigate the seismic behavior of recycled aggregate concrete structures, a total of two specimens at 1:2 scale are designed and constructed. The specimen KJ-1 is a frame structure composed of the steel tube column with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) infilled profile steel and the H-shaped steel beam, and the specimen KJ-W is a frame-shear wall structure composed of the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel, the H-shaped steel beam and reinforced concrete shear wall. Quasi-static cyclic tests are made on those two specimens respectively. The failure modes, failure processes, and failure mechanisms of the two specimens are investigated. The comparisons between them in hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, bearing capacity, deformation characteristics, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy consumption capacity and strain is obtained. The results indicate that the KJ-1 exhibited more severe damage at the connection between the H-shaped steel beam and the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel, as well as at the column base, compared to the KJ-W under the loading of the same drift. The bearing capacity of the KJ-W is almost the same as that of the KJ-1, but the ductility of the former (1.49) is slightly improved compared with the latter (1.38). The KJ-W shows worse coordinate performance with the frame after the cracking of reinforced concrete shear wall, while in the KJ-1 the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel can effectively resist horizontal load, which can effectively protect the specimen from stiffness degradation in a relatively slow speed. The numerical simulation results of the two specimens coincide with the initial stiffness, peak bearing capacity, and skeleton curve of the experiment results
Exploring the Determinants of Pedestrian Crash Severity: A Comparative Study Using Ordered Probit, Stacking Ensemble, and TabNet
Authors: Rafe Amir , Arman Mohammad Ali , Singleton Patrick A.
Published: January 2024

In this study, we aimed to explore the determinants influencing the severity of pedestrian crashes, focusing particularly on the novel application of the TabNet model in pedestrian crash severity analysis. Utilizing pedestrian crash data from Utah for the years 2010 to 2022, our methodology incorporated the ordered probit model, a stacking ensemble approach including a multinomial logistic model, XGBoost, and extremely randomized trees, as well as the innovative use of the TabNet model. A significant advancement in our approach was the application of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for the first time to interpret the results of the TabNet model in this specific research area, providing new insights into the interpretability of deep learning models in pedestrian crash severity analysis. Our findings indicated that the TabNet model outperformed other models in predictive accuracy, effectively identifying key factors such as pedestrian age, involvement in left and right turns, lighting conditions, and alcohol consumption as significant in influencing crash severity. These results highlight the effectiveness of using advanced analytical models like TabNet to gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting pedestrian crash severity, offering valuable insights for transportation safety engineers and policymakers in developing targeted safety measures to improve pedestrian safety in urban environments.
Foraminifera assemblages in Pulau Redang: Uncovering Discrepancies and the Importance of FoRAM Index Calibration for Precise Reef Monitoring
Authors: MINHAT FATIN IZZATI , Safuan Che Din Mohd , Emran Sabrina Alia Mohd , Hasnizul Aida Farisah Mohd , Afiq-Firdaus Aminudin Muhammad , Bachok Zainudin , Talaat Wan Izzatul Asma Wan
Published: January 2024

To mitigate the adverse effects of ocean warming on coral reef degradation, resource managers increasingly explore the management and regulation of local stressors to bolster coral resilience and recovery. Comprehensive assessments and monitoring efforts offer a holistic understanding of reef dynamic ecosystems. Using the Foraminifera-based Reef Assessment (FoRAM) index, we documented the distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages surrounding Pulau Redang, Malaysia, and assessed their potential for monitoring coral reef health. Undeveloped (R1–R3) and developed (R4–R6) reef sites revealed distinct differences in reef conditions. The significant presence of dead corals in R4–R6 is linked to Tropical Storm Pabuk. Foraminiferal distribution showed Amphistegina lessonii (14–34%) as the dominant species, followed by Calcarina hispida (21%) and Calcarina mayori (19%). Surprisingly, FoRAM consistently yielded high values across the study area despite varying coral reef conditions, probably due to the prevalence of Calcarina mayori in mesotrophic reefs (R4, R5, and R6), potentially skewing FoRAM values and providing a misleading indicator of reef conditions. We recommend calibrating the FoRAM Index, particularly in mesotrophic reefs where calcarinids dominate foraminiferal assemblages, to enhance its precision and reliability for coral reef health monitoring and assessment within the region.
Numerical algorithms for recovering a fractional Sturm-Liouville operator based on trace formulae
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Jiang Xiaoying , Xu Xiang
Published: January 2024

This paper explores numerical methods for recovering a density term in a fractional Sturm-Liouville problem using a set of spectra. By applying Lidskii's theorem, a sequence of trace formulae are derived to elucidate the connections between the unknown coefficients and the eigenvalues of a fractional spectra problem. Two efficient algorithms are proposed based on these trace formulae, and their effectiveness is demonstrated through numerical experiments.
ESTSS – Energy System Time Series Suite: A declustered, application-independent, semi-artificial load profile benchmark set
Authors: Günther Sebastian , Brandt Jonathan , Bensmann Astrid , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces an univariate application-independent set of load profiles or time series derived from real-world energy system data. The generation involved a two-step process: manifolding the initial dataset through signal processors to increase diversity and heterogeneity, followed by a declustering process that removes data redundancy. The study employed common feature engineering and machine learning techniques: the time series are transformed into a normalized feature space, followed by a dimensionality reduction via hierarchical clustering, and optimization.
The resulting dataset is uniformly distributed across multiple feature space dimensions while retaining typical time and frequency domain characteristics inherent in energy system time series.
This data serves various purposes, including algorithm testing, uncovering functional relationships between time series features and system performance, and training machine learning models. Two case studies demonstrate the claims: one focused on the suitability of hybrid energy storage systems and the other on quantifying the onsite hydrogen supply cost in green hydrogen production sites.
The declustering algorithm, although a byproduct in this study, shows promise for further scientific exploration. The data and source code are openly accessible, providing a robust platform for future comparative studies. This work also offers smaller subsets for computationally intensive research. Data and source code can be found at https://github.com/s-guenther/estss and https://zenodo.org/records/10213145.
Factors that determine patients considering medication for the disease of obesity: an IMI2 SOPHIA study
Authors: Craig Hilary , Roux Carel Le , Alsaeed Dalal , Al-Ozairi Ebaa , Heneghan Helen , Al-Najim Werd
Published: January 2024

Objective: Obesity-related problems can now be managed with effective nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgeries that achieve >10% weight loss. Assessing patient preferences, treatment choices, and factors affecting patients can improve treatment compliance and efficacy. Our aim was to identify factors affecting patient preference and subsequent choice of pharmacotherapy among those seeking treatment for obesity-related disorders.
Methods: A participatory action study using purposeful sampling recruited 33 patients with obesity complications. They were referred to specialist clinics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Sixteen males and seventeen females aged 18-70 years, with BMI>35kg/m2 were recruited. Before the interview, participants watched a 60-minute video explaining nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgery in equipoise. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews; Reflective thematic analysis was used. This sub study focuses only on patients who expressed specific attitudes (positive or negative) towards pharmacotherapy.
Results: 30% of patients expressed a view on pharmacotherapy. 24% of all patients chose pharmacotherapy alone, whereas 6% chose pharmacotherapy combined with nutritional therapy. In this sub study focusing on pharmacotherapy, five themes were identified related to choosing whether or not to take medication: 1) attitudes towards pharmacotherapy, 2) attitudes toward size of obesity and its complications, 3) weighing the benefits and risks of treatment, 4) knowledge and reassurance of health professionals, and 5) costs associated with drug therapy.
Conclusion: The primary concerns regarding pharmacotherapy for intentional weight loss were efficacy, side effects, lifelong dosing, pharmacokinetics, and cost. Providing access to information about all the pharmacotherapies and the benefits is likely to result in greater penetrance of treatment.
Factors associated with non-fatal heart failure and atrial fibrillation or flutter within the first 30 days post COPD exacerbation: a nested case-control study
Authors: Graul Emily L. , Nordon Clementine , Rhodes Kirsty , Menon Shruti , Ammouri Mahmoud Al , Kallis Constantinos , Ioannides Anne E. , Whittaker Hannah R. , Peters Nicholas S. , Quint Jennifer K.
Published: January 2024

Background
An immediate, temporal risk of heart failure and arrhythmias after a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation has been demonstrated, particularly in the first month post-exacerbation. However, the clinical profile of patients who develop heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) following exacerbation is unclear. Therefore we examined factors associated with people being hospitalized for HF or AF, respectively, following a COPD exacerbation.
Methods
We conducted two nested case-control studies, using primary care electronic healthcare records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, Office for National Statistics for mortality, and socioeconomic data (2014-2020). Cases had hospitalization for HF or AF within 30 days of a COPD exacerbation, with controls matched by GP practice (HF 2:1;AF 3:1). We used conditional logistic regression to explore demographic and clinical factors associated with HF and AF.
Results
Odds of HF (1,569 cases, 3,138 controls) increased with age, type II diabetes, obesity, HF and arrhythmia history, exacerbation severity (hospitalization), most cardiovascular medications, GOLD airflow obstruction, MRC dyspnea score, and chronic kidney disease. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=6.25, 95%CI 5.10-7.66), prior HF (aOR=2.57, 95%CI 1.73-3.83), age≥80 years (aOR=2.41, 95%CI 1.88-3.09), and prior diuretics prescription (aOR=2.81, 95%CI 2.29-3.45).
Odds of AF (841 cases, 2,523 controls) increased with age, male sex, severe exacerbation, arrhythmia and pulmonary hypertension history and most cardiovascular medications. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (aOR=5.78, 95%CI 4.45-7.50), age≥80 years (aOR=3.15, 95%CI 2.26-4.40), arrhythmia (aOR=3.55, 95%CI 2.53-4.98), pulmonary hypertension (aOR=3.05, 95%CI 1.21-7.68), and prescription of anticoagulants (aOR=3.81, 95%CI 2.57-5.64), positive inotropes (aOR=2.29, 95%CI 1.41-3.74) and anti-arrhythmic drugs (aOR=2.14, 95%CI 1.10-4.15).
Conclusions
Cardiopulmonary factors were associated with hospitalization for HF in the 30 days following a COPD exacerbation, while only cardiovascular-related factors and exacerbation severity were associated with AF hospitalization. Understanding factors will help target people for prevention.
The effects of knee ligament loading during running in different foot strike patterns
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Wang Yi , Lam Wing-kai
Published: January 2024

Background The purpose of this study is to examine the kinematic and kinematic variables during running with various foot strike patterns and to calculate the knee ligament loading using musculoskeletal modeling techniques. Methods Twenty participants were instructed to run overground at 4.3 ± 0.2 m/s along the instrumented runway, with landing their feet on the force plate under three foot strike patterns: forefoot (foot strike angle < -1.6°), midfoot (-1.6° < foot strike angle < -8.0°), rearfoot (foot strike angle > 8.0°). The angle, angular velocity, ground reaction force (GRF), and moment of the knee joint were calculated, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) forces were determined through musculoskeletal modeling. Results The forefoot strike had a significant shorter contact time than the midfoot and rearfoot strike (p < .05). The forefoot strike was lower than other foot strike patterns for flexion angle (F = 7.261, p = .005). In the kinetic variables, the forefoot strike showed single vertical GRF peak that was higher than the first or second peaks in other foot strike patterns (p < .05). The anterior and posterior ACL loading of the rearfoot strike were lower than forefoot and midfoot strike patterns (p < .05), while no significant between strike patterns were found in PCL loading. Conclusion This suggests that the lower ACL load of the rearfoot strike would be associated with the two-peak GRF characteristics with the impact attenuation at initial contact, and that forefoot strike showed a relatively high ACL load due to the small foot contact area for both landing and propulsion.
Numerical modelling and experimental investigation into the dehumidification process of a liquid desiccant containing nanoparticles
Authors: Aboosadi Zahra Arab , Shoaib Nader , Esfandiari Nadia , Honarvar Bizhan
Published: January 2024

A cost-effective technology that uses less energy for ventilation and doesn't contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the liquid desiccant system is seen as a practical alternative. Here, copper oxide nanoparticles were added to the solution in vitro together with a liquid calcium chloride desiccant to study the effectiveness of the dehumidification system. The flow rate and moisture content of the inlet air, as well as the flow rate and temperature of the desiccant solution, were evaluated for their influence on the operation of the dehumidification system. To gauge the degree of air dehumidification caused by the desiccant solution, a device was created and put to the test. MATLAB was used to carry out the mathematical modeling. Copper oxide nanoparticles with a volume percentage of 0.35% and calcium chloride solution with a concentration of 48% by weight were utilized in the studies. The results of soluble dehumidification in both situations with and without nanoparticles showed that the dehumidification rate increased by an average of 5.2% and 6% for both experimental and modeling, respectively, when the nanoparticle content was increased.
Effect of intermittent cutting behavior on grinding force in ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding of K4002 nickel-based superalloy
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhao Biao , Ding Wenfeng , Wu Jie , Jia Xiaofeng , Zhang Jiong , Das Raj
Published: January 2024

The intermittent cutting behavior, performing as periodic contact phase and separation phase between abrasive grit and workpiece, is an important characteristic in the ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG). This study investigated the effect of intermittent cutting behavior on the grinding force in UVAG. At first, a grinding force model was established by determining the quantity of effective grits and the grinding force of a single grit. Then the influences of ultrasonic vibration phase on the intermittent cutting behavior and grinding force were discussed. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the model was tested through experiments. Results indicated that the quantity of effective grits, unchanged chip thickness and proportion of grits at the sliding, plowing, cutting stages were all changed with the vibration phase. A large unchanged chip thickness and 56% effective grits at the cutting stage were generated at the start of the grits-wheel contact phase. Then, the quantity of effective grits firstly increased to maximum 232 at the vibration phase of 0.5π and then decreased to zero when entering the grits-wheel separation phase. The maximum error of the grinding force model was 15%, indicating that the model was of high accuracy for the force prediction in UVAG.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Biogas Production from Slaughterhouse Biowastes, in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Belete Fentahun Abebaw , Berhe Goitom Gebreyohannes , Gebreegziabher Tesfaldet Gebregerges , Mekonen Asmelash Gebrekidan , Gebrezgabher Brhanu Teka
Published: January 2024

The utilization of biomass energy such as biogas is currently getting a growing interest by researchers and the final destination of the process is its overall cost, and the profit gained. This study aims on the production of biogas from slaughterhouse biowastes (blood, manure, and rumen content) at optimal conditions, clean-up it and evaluate its feasibility. Calcium oxide and steel wool were used to remove CO2 and H2S respectively.
The methane content of raw biogas and upgraded biogas are 67.20% 0.435% and 82.458% 0.503% respectively. The major fertilizing values (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) content of the digestate were recorded 11,573.00, 392.40, and 426.85 mg/kg respectively. From the economic analysis, urnover ratio, rate of return on investment, payback period, and the production capacity (%) at the break-even point were estimated as 0.22, 12.63%, 4.08 years, and 16.67% respectively. Moreover, a positive value for the net present value (NPV) ($2,949,848.99), as well as 40.37% of the discount cash flow rate of return was obtained. The profitability analysis results indicate that the biogas production process is feasible and acceptable.
Mixed high dielectric constant layers for MOS devices
Authors: Chandra S. V. Jagadeesh , M Sai Jagadeesh , Ch Sai Kiran , B Eswara Rao
Published: January 2024

Tantalum oxide-Ta2O5 mixed zirconium oxide-ZrO2 (TZO) films were deposited on p-silicon substrates using RF magnetron co-sputtering technique. The presence of tantalum, zirconium and oxygen atoms was confirmed by Rutherford Back Scattering analysis with NDF program. XRD spectra revealed that the as-deposited and annealed TZO films were amorphous in nature. It is observed that the accumulation region has become stable after annealing and also observed the reduction in the intensity of the kinks/bumps at depletion region of the C-V curves. The dielectric constant value is also reasonably in good agreement with the reported values at this annealing temperature. The J-V curves revealed that the annealing process effectively reduced the leakage current density upto nano scale range at this lower annealing temperature. The mixed TZO layer showed relatively better thermodynamic and electrical properties after annealing at even lower temperature.
Prenatal anaemia and risk of postpartum haemorrhage: A cohort analysis of data from the Predict-PPH study
Authors: OKUNADE Kehinde S. , ADEJIMI Adebola A. , OLUMODEJI Ayokunle , OLOWE Atinuke , OYEDEJI Olufemi A. , ADEMUYIWA Iyabo Y. , ADELABU Hameed , TOKS-OMAGE Eselobu , OKORO Austin C. , DAVIES Nosimot , ADENEKAN Muisi A. , OJO Temitope , RABIU Kabiru A. , OSHODI Yusuf A. , UGWU Aloy O. , OLOWOSELU FESTUS , AKINMOLA Olukayode O. , OLAMIJULO Joseph A. , OLUWOLE Ayodeji A.
Published: January 2024

Background
Most previous clinical studies investigating the connection between prenatal anaemia and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) have reported conflicting results.
Objectives
We examined the association between maternal prenatal anaemia and the risk of PPH in a large cohort of healthy pregnant women in five health institutions in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort analysis of data from the Predict-PPH study that was conducted between January and June 2023. The study enrolled n = 1222 healthy pregnant women giving birth in five hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. The study outcome, WHO-defined PPH, is postpartum blood loss of at least 500 milliliters (mL). We used a multivariable logistic regression model with a backward stepwise conditional approach to examine the association between prenatal anaemia of increasing severity and PPH while adjusting for confounding factors.
Results
Of the 1222 women recruited to the Predict-PPH study between January and June 2023, 1189 (97·3%) had complete outcome data. Up to 570 (46.6%) of the enrolled women had prenatal anaemia while 442 (37.2%) of those with complete follow-up data had WHO-defined PPH. After controlling for potential confounding factors, maternal prenatal anaemia was independently associated with PPH (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.79). We also recorded no statistically significant differences in postpartum blood losses between women without anaemia and across the different categories of women affected by anaemia (P = 0.349).
Conclusion
Prenatal anaemia regardless of severity increases the risk of PPH in our study cohort. Our findings have significant policy implications, including the need to lower the prevalence of anaemia in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria by implementing population-level nutritional and educational interventions to improve dietary intake and lower recurrent infections and inflammation among women of reproductive age.
Red-emission, photobiological properties and antimicrobial photodynamic assays using mono-substituted corroles contain carboxylic acid and ester units
Authors: Oliveira Morgana Maciél , Dantas Gabrielle Aguiar , Costa Luiz Antônio Sodré , Santos Roberto Christ Vianna , Iglesias Bernardo A.
Published: January 2024

The mono-substituted corrole derivatives COOH-Cor and COOMe-Cor were obtained by Gryko methodology and characterized by microanalysis. In addition, we investigated experimental photophysical properties (absorption, emission by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence) in some solvents and TDDFT calculations. Photobiological parameters such as aggregation, photostability and reactive oxygen species generation (ROS) was conducted. In addition, we also evaluated the preliminary antimicrobial photodynamic assays (aPDT) between studied corroles and bacteria strains, by white-light conditions.