bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent speciation and adaptation to aridity in the ecologically diverse Pilbara region of Australia enabled the native tobaccos (Nicotiana; Solanaceae) to colonize all Australian deserts
Authors: Cauz‐Santos Luiz A. , Samuel Rosabelle , Metschina Dominik , Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Dodsworth Steven , Dixon Kingsley W. , Conran John G. , Paun Ovidiu , Chase Mark W.
Published: August 2024

Over the last 6 million years, the arid Australian Eremaean Zone (EZ) has remained as dry as it is today. A widely accepted hypothesis suggests that the flora and fauna of arid regions were more broadly distributed before aridification began. In Australia, this process started around 20 million years ago (Ma), leading to gradual speciation as the climate became increasingly arid. Here, we use genomic data to investigate the biogeography and timing of divergence of native allotetraploid tobaccos, Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae). The original allotetraploid migrants from South America were adapted to mesic areas of Australia and recently radiated in the EZ, including in sandy dune fields (only 1.2 Ma old), after developing drought adaptations. Coalescent and maximum likelihood analyses suggest that Nicotiana section Suaveolentes arrived on the continent around 6 Ma, with the ancestors of the Pilbara (Western Australian) lineages radiating there at the onset of extreme aridity 5 Ma by locally adapting to these various ancient, highly stable habitats. The Pilbara thus served as both a mesic refugium and cradle for adaptations to harsher conditions, due to its high topographical diversity, providing microhabitats with varying moisture levels and its proximity to the ocean, which buffers against extreme aridity. This enabled species like Nicotiana to survive in mesic refugia and subsequently adapt to more arid conditions. These results demonstrate that initially poorly adapted plant groups can develop novel adaptations in situ, permitting extensive and rapid dispersal despite the highly variable and unpredictable extreme conditions of the EZ.
A simple comparative model of worker‐managed and capital‐managed digital platforms
Authors: Belloc Filippo
Published: August 2024

We develop a simple model to study the comparative statics of worker‐managed (WM) and capital‐managed (CM) app‐based labor platforms. The model assumes that algorithmic management makes free‐riding and collective decision‐making costs negligible and highlights different pay policies as the distinctive feature differentiating WM and CM platforms, in an environment where workers are financially constrained and capital markets are imperfect. With very simple algebra, we show that WM platforms may show greater cost efficiency and may be better able to benefit from network effects with respect to CM competitors. Yet, viability of WM firms may be critically impeded by the extra‐cost of the external capital, which enables CM platforms to pay a wage premium. The optimal pay policy of CM platforms is shown to vary depending on the intensity of network effects. Reported anecdotal evidence is compatible with main model's results.
Gradient boosting decision trees to study laboratory and field performance in pavement management
Authors: Berangi Mohammadjavad , Lontra Bernardo Mota , Anupam Kumar , Erkens Sandra , Van Vliet Dave , Snippe Almar , Moenielal Mahesh
Published: August 2024

Inconsistencies between performance data from laboratory‐prepared and field samples have been widely reported. These inconsistencies often result in inaccurate condition prediction, which leads to inefficient maintenance planning. Traditional pavement management systems (PMS) do not have the appropriate means (e.g., mechanistic solutions, extensive data handling facilities, etc.) to consider these data inconsistencies. With the growing demand for sustainable materials, there is a need for more self‐learning systems that could quickly transfer laboratory‐based information to field‐based information inside the PMS. The article aims to present a future‐ready machine learning‐based framework for analyzing the differences between laboratory and field‐prepared samples. Developed on the basis of data obtained from field and laboratory data, the gradient‐boosting decision trees‐based framework was able to establish a good relationship between laboratory performance and field performance (R2test > 80 for all models). At the same time, the framework could also show more complex relationships that are often not considered in practice.
Asphalt property prediction through high‐throughput molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Wu Meng , Li Miaomiao , You Zhanping
Published: August 2024

The relationship between saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) contents and asphalt properties remains unclear. This study aimed to propose a high‐throughput molecular dynamics simulation framework and demonstrate its application in rapidly building asphalt molecular models of various SARA ratios and predicting their properties, using density as an example. Based on the framework, 400 models with varying SARA ratios with different aging degrees were generated to calculate their densities and used to train machine learning algorithms. The ordinary least squares model achieved R2 values exceeding 80%, and quantitative formulas linking asphalt density to SARA ratios were derived. It was found that saturate content negatively correlates with asphalt density, while resin content positively correlates with asphalt density. Additionally, asphalt density and viscosity increase with aging, influenced simultaneously by the SARA ratio and aging degree. Overall, this paper creates a rapid, high‐throughput molecular simulation pathway to predict asphalt behavior.
Plant diversity darkspots for global collection priorities
Authors: Ondo Ian , Dhanjal‐Adams Kiran L. , Pironon Samuel , Silvestro Daniele , Colli‐Silva Matheus , Deklerck Victor , Grace Olwen M. , Monro Alexandre K. , Nicolson Nicky , Walker Barnaby , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: August 2024

More than 15% of all vascular plant species may remain scientifically undescribed, and many of the > 350 000 described species have no or few geographic records documenting their distribution. Identifying and understanding taxonomic and geographic knowledge shortfalls is key to prioritising future collection and conservation efforts.

Using extensive data for 343 523 vascular plant species and time‐to‐event analyses, we conducted multiple tests related to plant taxonomic and geographic data shortfalls, and identified 33 global diversity darkspots (those ‘botanical countries’ predicted to contain most undescribed and not yet recorded species). We defined priority regions for future collection according to several socio‐economic and environmental scenarios.

Most plant diversity darkspots are found within global biodiversity hotspots, with the exception of New Guinea. We identify Colombia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Peru, Philippines and Turkey as global collection priorities under all environmental and socio‐economic conditions considered.

Our study provides a flexible framework to help accelerate the documentation of global plant diversity for the implementation of conservation actions. As digitisation of the world's herbaria progresses, collection and conservation priorities may soon be identifiable at finer scales.
Diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolated from cultivated sorghum stems and roots in eastern Australia
Authors: Gunasinghe Niroshini , Vaghefi Niloofar , Shivas Roger G. , Tan Yu Pei , Jordan David , Mace Emma , Martin Anke
Published: August 2024

Stalk and root rots of cultivated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are caused by several Fusarium species worldwide. This study evaluated Fusarium diversity, pathogenicity and population structure amongst 212 isolates obtained from 169 sorghum plants from commercial field crops in eastern Australia. Sequences of translation elongation factor‐1α (tef‐1α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and calmodulin (cmdA) were used to construct multilocus phylogenies that enabled the identification of 16 Fusarium species in Fusarium chlamydosporum species complex (FCSC), Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), Fusarium incarnatum‐equiseti species complex and Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). The majority of isolates (n = 171) belonged to FFSC. The pathogenicity of 17 selected isolates was determined by artificial inoculation of sorghum seedlings and completing Koch's postulates. Isolates of species in FFSC were significantly (p < 0.05) more aggressive as root pathogens in sorghum seedlings than isolates of other species tested and widely distributed across all sampling sites. Amongst the 35 isolates of FOSC, 26 belonged to Fusarium cili, which is only known as an endophyte from healthy roots of Rosa roxburghii in China. Fusarium sporodochiale (in FCSC) and Fusarium contaminatum (in FOSC) are reported as sorghum seedling root rot pathogens for the first time.
Severe manifestation of plasma cell mucositis in a patient with autism spectrum disorder: A unique overlap illustrating challenges with diagnosis and management
Authors: Turkstani Heba , Alfaifi Afrah , Ramachandran Maya , Bushra Ahmedi , Stoopler Eric , France Katherine
Published: August 2024

Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the oral tissues, often triggered by allergens or inflammation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition, poses unique challenges in oral care and hygiene due to behavioral and sensory issues. These conditions have not previously been reported in concert but may share risk factors including through the development of inflammation. We present a case of severe PCM in a 23‐year‐old male with ASD, illustrating diagnostic complexities and management strategies. The patient presented with widespread and severe lesions, raising the possibility of underlying causes. After multiple interventions, including topical steroids and trigger avoidance, the patient achieved near‐complete resolution of the oral lesions. Immunohistochemical and serological investigations suggested an underlying monoclonal gammopathy, warranting hematological evaluation. Our case shows how PCM and ASD can affect each other, highlighting the importance of understanding how these conditions interact, and the need for tailored approaches to oral health in this population. Further research is needed to elucidate any pathophysiological or risk‐based link between ASD and inflammatory oral conditions and to refine management strategies for PCM in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Automated Generalization of Contour Cluster Considering Multi‐Scale Structural Similarity Relations
Authors: Wang Rong , Yan Haowen , Jin Juanli , Gao Xiaorong
Published: August 2024

Unlike the simplification of individual lines, the generalization of contour clusters oriented to geographical features is a structured generalization behavior that extracts knowledge of geographical features form the perspective of spatial cognition. In decision level, terrain generalization is essentially a similarity transformation between the geomorphic structures corresponding to multi‐scale contour cluster. However, the multi‐scale structural similarity relations are not directly connected with the application of contour generalization. Therefore, this paper presents an automated method for terrain contour structured generalization considering multi‐scale structural similarity. Firstly, a drainage tree structure is constructed from contour lines to establish associations between valley branches and contour bends. Then, the quantitative relationships between multi‐scale structural similarity and map scale changes are explored using an indirect quantitative expression method. Finally, the contour structural generalization is fully automated through iterative optimization principle based on the multi‐scale structural similarity relations. The experiment results demonstrate the rationality and feasibility of fully automating the contour generalization process based on multi‐scale geomorphic structural similarity relations. And the proposed method not only overcomes the challenge of determining “how much to select” in map generalization, but also is valuable for enriching the content of spatial similarity relations and map generalization, thereby providing a theoretical method system and support for the construction of national basic vector databases.
Low‐Frequency Trajectory Map‐Matching Method Based on Probability Interpolation
Authors: Wang Wenkai , Yu Qingying , Duan Ruijia , Jin Qi , Deng Xiang , Chen Chuanming
Published: August 2024

With the widespread worldwide adoption of location‐based service technologies, accurate and reliable driving trajectories have become crucial. However, because of the inherent deficiencies of sensor devices, accurate road matching results may not always be obtained directly from trajectory data, which poses a challenge for many location and trajectory based services. Existing map‐matching techniques mainly focus on high‐sampling‐rate trajectory data while paying relatively less attention to low‐frequency trajectory data. Low‐sampling‐rate trajectory data have greater matching difficulties than high‐sampling‐rate data owing to the limited available information. Moreover, in the case of signal loss or interference, the accuracy of map‐matching algorithms can decrease significantly for low‐sampling‐rate data. To achieve accurate map‐matching results for low‐sampling‐rate trajectory data, this study proposes a map‐matching algorithm based on probability interpolation. First, the trajectory data are denoised to eliminate redundant trajectory points. Second, the concept of the probability truth value is introduced to handle the relationship between the interpolated virtual points and actual sampled trajectory points accurately. A higher probability truth value indicates a higher confidence level of the interpolation. Third, the denoised trajectory data are interpolated and a probability truth value is assigned based on the interpolation accuracy. Finally, a comprehensive probability composed of the probability truth value, emission probability, and transition probability is used to determine the correctly matched road segments. Experimental results on real trajectory datasets demonstrated that the proposed algorithm outperformed several advanced algorithms in terms of accuracy and performance.
Illustrating a Splatial Framework to Aging: Absolute, Relative, Relational, and Mental Space in Singapore
Authors: Feng Chen‐Chieh , Chin Wei Chien Benny , Gao Siyao , Chua Vincent , Ho Elaine Lynn‐Ee
Published: August 2024

Understanding the interactions between older adults and their living spaces is an important research topic within the human dynamics of geographical scholarship because of their implications on the quality of aging. The prevailing theory of aging tends to stress aging in place which associates aging well with the home and community, thus inadvertently privileging residential neighborhoods as the focal point where older adults spend most of their time. Recent studies have, however, suggested that older adults also age in (social) networks that extend beyond their neighborhoods' physical locations. The need to incorporate perspectives on aging in networks has challenged the prioritization and the enforcement of absolute (or physical) space in GIS software. This study investigates the potential for integrating four top‐level spaces (absolute, relative, relational, and mental) to capture different dimensions of older adults' everyday lives. By leveraging on a dataset of older adults in Singapore, this study demonstrates how the four spaces combined facilitates understanding of aging, specifically their activity spaces, that would otherwise be achieved in a fragmented manner.
Land Surface Temperature Dynamics during COVID‐19 Lockdown in Diverse Climatic and Physiographic Zones—A Study of Indian Mega Cities
Authors: Mishra Ashish , Arya Dhyan S.
Published: August 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic, which originated in China at the end of 2019, escalated into a global crisis by March 2020. To mitigate its spread, governments worldwide implemented strict lockdown measures. While these lockdowns had adverse social, economic, and health impacts, they also led to significant environmental improvements in many regions. India's urban environment also significantly improved during lockdown. This study investigates the changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST) across eight major Indian cities, each representing diverse climatic and physiographic zones: Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. It aims to enhance the understanding of how sudden reductions in anthropogenic activities influence urban temperatures. The LST was computed for the lockdown period of April to May 2020 and was compared with the pre‐lockdown years of 2018 and 2019 and the post‐lockdown year of 2021, utilizing Landsat thermal data processed through the mono‐window algorithm. The results exhibit significant reductions in LST during the lockdown period. Cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Lucknow experienced a reduction of 6°C, 5°C, and 4°C, respectively, in LST from pre‐lockdown to lockdown periods. In contrast, cities like Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, and Hyderabad experienced a reduction of around 2°C–3°C. However, the city of Kolkata showed an increase of 3°C from 2019 to 2020. These results highlight the substantial influence of human activities on urban thermal environments and underline the potential benefits of reducing anthropogenic impacts to improve urban thermal well‐being.
Using AlphaFold Multimer to discover interkingdom protein–protein interactions
Authors: Homma Felix , Lyu Joy , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: August 2024

Structural prediction by artificial intelligence can be powerful new instruments to discover novel protein–protein interactions, but the community still grapples with the implementation, opportunities and limitations. Here, we discuss and re‐analyse our in silico screen for novel pathogen‐secreted inhibitors of immune hydrolases to illustrate the power and limitations of structural predictions. We discuss strategies of curating sequences, including controls, and reusing sequence alignments and highlight important limitations caused by different platforms, sequence depth and computing times. We hope these experiences will support similar interactomic screens by the research community.
Prediction of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells in healthy allogeneic stem cell donors on the Optia cell separator based on CE2: Which formula is more correlated with actual CD34+?
Authors: Özkan Sıdıka Gülkan , Kimiaei Ali , Safaei Seyedehtina , Ercan Tarık , Sönmezoğlu Meral , Demirel Gülderen Yanıkkaya , Aktaş Sema , Özdemir Sinem , Özalp Helin Serda , Özkan Hasan Atilla
Published: August 2024

Background

Peripheral blood‐derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are widely used for various adult stem cell transplants. To obtain sufficient HSCs from healthy volunteer donors during the apheresis process and ensure that the donors are exposed to fewer apheresis‐related side effects, calculation methods have been developed for the prediction of processed blood volume or CD34+ count. However, there is no consensus on a formula to predict the volume of blood to be processed or the number of stem cells to be obtained.

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the predicted blood volume and CD34+ cell counts using collection efficiency (CE)‐based formulas and evaluate their accuracy compared to the actual CD34+ cell counts. It also seeks to identify the factors that affect CE.

Methods

Data from 397 healthy, unrelated stem cell donors were retrospectively analyzed. An algorithm using four different CE2 metrics (1st quartile, mean, 3rd quartile, and median) was developed to predict the volume of blood to be processed using the Spectra Optia continuous mononuclear cell collection procedure.

Results

When employing the mean CE2 algorithm, the results revealed a strong correlation (r = .894, p < .001) between predicted and actual CD34+ values. The study also identified strong associations between pre‐apheresis CD34+, pre‐apheresis leukocyte count, the use of two doses of G‐CSF, and low CE2.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the mean CE2 algorithm could be a potent, straightforward, and accurate tool for predicting CD34+ stem cell counts in healthy allogeneic stem cell donors and potentially optimizing stem cell collection procedures.
Improvement in Active Cell Proliferation Area at Higher Permeability With Novel TPMS Lattice Structure
Authors: Nhaichaniya Gajendra Kumar , Kumar Manish , Dayal Ram
Published: August 2024

The utilization of lattice-based scaffolds emerging as an advance technique over conventional bio-implants in Bone Tissue Engineering. In this study, totally six lattice structures are considered for permeability and wall shear stress (WSS) investigation. Namely triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS)-based Gyroid, Schwarz-P, Schwarz-D, and two beam-based structure—Cubic and Fluorite are compared with the proposed new lattice structure at porosity level of 80%, 75%, and 70%. The proposed new lattice has combine characteristic of Gyroid and Schwarz-D TPMS lattice. The permeability is determined through Darcy's law, where the pressure drop across the lattice structure is calculated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool at flowrate between 0.2 and 10 ml/min. The Cubic and Schwarz-P lattice structures exhibited the highest permeability but at the cost of a lower active surface area for WSS, measuring below 155 mm2, means least cell proliferation occurs while the permeability value in New Lattice structure is in the ideal range with the enhanced active surface area for WSS (514 mm2). The complex internal curvatures of New Lattice promote the cell proliferation while the through-pore holes allow the efficient cell seeding.
Management of Vesicovaginal Fistula in Lower-Resource Settings: A Novel Device for Collection and Drainage of Urine
Authors: Pallinti Pranavi , Chang Emily A. , Gorman Kevin T. , Bhadra Erika , Lanzaro Jacqueline F. , Arun Siddharth , Zawicki Valerie , Rossmiller Helen R. , Jiang Ann Chenyu , Swaminathan Rahul , Chen Chi Chiung Grace
Published: August 2024

Treatment of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is currently limited to surgical repair that is costly and sparsely available and requires intervention from trained specialists, preventing patients in lower-resource settings from receiving effective care. As those who remain untreated continue to experience severe vaginal urinary leakage, an affordable, easy-to-use device that discreetly contains and redirects unwanted leakage of fluids would temporarily alleviate the social distress associated with VVF until patients can afford to present for treatment. We present a novel device to mitigate urinary leakage caused by VVF using a vaginal cup, which allows for the funneling and rerouting of urine into an external drainage bag, to be released at a user's convenience. For patients who cannot afford surgery, our device helps manage their symptoms so that they can reintegrate into society and no longer face the harrowing stigma of their family and society. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our device through preliminary benchtop testing, using a nonliving vaginal model to verify leak-free retainment of the device under varying pressure conditions. Preliminary results indicate that the device displayed no circumferential leakage, and the internal displacement of the cup was within the allotted range of 5 mm for applied hydrostatic pressures up to 150 cm H2O.
Characterization of Conventional Endovascular Devices in Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Alawneh Yara , Zhou James J. , Sewani Alykhan , Dueck Andrew , Tavallaei M. Ali
Published: August 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are often repaired through an endovascular approach known as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The success and duration of these challenging procedures are primarily attributable to the accuracy and reliability of navigating corresponding interventional devices. This study investigates the performance of conventional nonsteerable and steerable catheters in EVAR procedures, focusing on two primary metrics: reachable workspace and gate cannulation success. We developed two abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) phantoms using patient CT images for our experiments. Under X-ray fluoroscopy guidance, the reachable workspace was quantified, and gate cannulation success rates, cannulation time, and fluoroscopy times were recorded for both nonsteerable and steerable catheters and were compared. We were unable to observe statistically significant differences between the two catheter types in overall cannulation success rates or fluoroscopy time. However, in challenging anatomical scenarios (particularly a more challenging gate location), the steerable catheter showed statistically significant advantages in success rates and cannulation times. While there were no statistical differences in reachable workspace between nonsteerable and steerable catheters when considering the whole aneurysm, segmented analysis showed that the steerable catheter performed better in the central region, and nonsteerable catheters performed better in the peripheral region. This study provides a systematic method for quantifying the performance of endovascular devices. The findings suggest that while steerable catheters may offer advantages in complex anatomical conditions, nonsteerable catheters are preferable in peripheral areas of the aneurysm. These insights can inform catheter selection in EVAR, potentially influencing device design and clinical practice.
Numerical Study on the Potential of Stratified Mixture to Improve Thermal Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions in High-Speed Gasoline Direct Injection Engine
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Lina , Zhou Chengzhong , Guo Xiaoyu , Xing Kongzhao , Huang Haozhong
Published: August 2024

Stratified combustion improves the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, but the mechanism of its impact on unregulated emissions remains unclear. In this simulation-based study, double injection strategies were used to create stratified mixtures in the cylinder. The results indicated that as the second fuel injection quantity (FIQ) was increased or as the second fuel injection timing (FIT) was delayed, the oil-film mass increased, leading to an increase in soot emissions. The formation of a large area of stoichiometry (STO) region at the spark plug and at its right side increases the laminar flame velocity and improves the ITE. At 4000 rpm, the ITE of case2-2 (with a second FIT of −220 °CA after top dead center (ATDC) and a second FIQ of 65.5 mg) increased by 1.6% compared to the original scheme. With the increase in STO area, NOx emissions and the content of CH3OH and CH2O increased, while carbon monoxide (CO) and greenhouse gas emissions showed a decreasing trend. Compared to the original scheme, CO and greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1.97% and 6.7%, respectively, in case2-2. This study provides guidance for the development of GDI engines with high ITE and low carbon emissions.
Uncertainty Quantification of Compressor Performance Affected by Data-Driven Blade Geometric Deviations
Authors: Ji Tianyuan , Chu Wuli
Published: August 2024

Accurate uncertainty quantification of compressor performance arising from blade geometric deviations is conducive to blade optimization design, blade error verification, etc. In order to investigate the impact of actual blade geometric deviations on compressor performance, this study initially conducted measurements of geometric deviations on three sections of 100 blades. Then, the probability density distributions of various geometric deviations were obtained through kernel density estimation. Subsequently, combining data-driven nonintrusive polynomial chaos with Halton sequence, the distribution of sampling points and the construction approach of the response model were determined. Based on the parameterization of a subsonic rotor geometric model, blade samples with different geometric features were generated. Utilizing numerical simulation results of the aerodynamic performance of each sample, the impact of blade geometric deviations on compressor performance was quantified, and sensitivity analysis was conducted using Sobol' index. It was observed that the total pressure ratio was most sensitive to the stagger angle deviation at 50% blade height, while the sensitivity of the isentropic efficiency to each geometric deviation varied with operating conditions. Then, the flow field was divided into five regions based on different flow loss mechanisms, and a viscous loss coefficient was introduced to quantify the flow losses in each region. It was found that various geometric deviations at 50% span section, as well as leading edge radius deviation and stagger angle deviation at 95% span section, have a significant impact on the flow field losses.
Predicting NOx Emissions of a Lean Hydrogen Flame Using High and Low Order Computational Fluid Dynamics Models
Authors: Amerighi M. , Andreini A. , Orsino Stefano , Verma Ishan , Yadav Rakesh , Reichel T. , Tanneberger T. , Paschereit C. O.
Published: August 2024

Recent efforts in numerical methods to study hydrogen combustion have allowed the development of affordable and reliable strategies that can reproduce the main structure of the flame. Although this objective represents a vital goal of the design process of a new combustor, properly estimating the emission remains an aspect that must be further investigated. In fact, due to the lack of experimental data, few numerical works addressed the evaluation of NOx emissions in hydrogen-fueled rigs. The present work aims to study turbulent combustion and NOx emission formation through different numerical approaches on a laboratory-scale atmospheric rig. The burner consists of a swirl-stabilized, technically premixed hydrogen-air flame, with detailed NOx emissions estimated via an experimental campaign at the Technische Universität Berlin (TUB). A first estimation is obtained through a high-fidelity simulation performed in order to assess the capability of a computationally expensive strategy to estimate NOx emissions. A species transport simulation adopting a thickened flame model in which NOx chemistry is included in the chemical mechanism is carried out. After that, a cost-efficient method is explored, allowing a quick assessment of the NOx. With this approach, named LES-to-RANS (L2R), time average fields are evaluated from an large eddy simulation (LES) species transport simulation with simplified chemistry. In particular, the NOx equations are performed on a frozen Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) framework as a postprocessed stage. The capabilities of the model are then tested under two different scenarios: adiabatic and non-adiabatic wall temperature. The computational accuracy of each approach is compared and discussed, with emphasis on computational cost.
Experimental Evaluation of Combustor Configuration's Impact on a Swirl-Assisted Jet-Stabilized Combustor Performance
Authors: Izadi Saeed , Zanger Jan , Seliger-Ost Hannah , Kutne Peter , Aigner Manfred
Published: August 2024

A major challenge for gas turbine combustor technology is the emission of NOx and carbon monoxide (CO). Achieving an optimal premixed, prevaporized, dry low-NOx condition is a critical issue for liquid fuel combustors. To accomplish this, the relationship between combustor configuration and the performance of a newly developed swirl-assisted jet-stabilized combustor is investigated in an atmospheric combustion facility. The combustor consists of a pressure-swirl fuel atomizer, a prefilmer/mixing channel, an axial moderate swirler (swirl number = 0.6), and a jet nozzle. The jet nozzle allowed for bulk velocities of 50–130 m/s. The influence of each combustor component on combustion performance and fuel evaporation behavior is evaluated independently using optical combustion diagnostics. In addition, the effect of air and liquid fuel temperature on fuel evaporation is characterized. Jet A-1 was injected coaxially into the air stream under both spray and superheated conditions. During the experiments, five critical combustor components were varied to understand their individual effect on fuel vaporization and thus combustion performance. Exhaust gas emissions of NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) as well as OH* chemiluminescence images were used to evaluate combustor performance. Mie scattering technique was used to analyze the degree of liquid fuel evaporation for different test cases. It was found that the combustion performance indicator CO, height above burner, and flame length were well controlled by the degree of fuel evaporation, while NOx emissions showed little change with different combustor configurations. While the main factor influencing the level of NOx emissions was the adiabatic flame temperature, the quality of fuel evaporation played a minor role. It was found that the operating range of the combustor and the geometric shape of the flame are significantly influenced by the components of the combustor.
Internal carotid artery dissection associated with an elongated hyoid bone in a patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: González Villaman Cosme Miguel , Domínguez Quiñónez Raynorah , Castillo Espinal Lyanne
Published: August 2024

Hyoid bone-related carotid injury is a rare cause of neurovascular events. This report describes a case of a young, healthy male presenting with neck pain followed by left-sided hemiparesis. The patient was diagnosed with a transient ischaemic attack attributed to structural damage of the vascular surface of the right internal carotid artery as a direct result of continuous compression by an elongated hyoid bone. We describe a successful diagnosis using a series of manoeuvres during a six-vessel cerebral angiogram. Genetic testing later confirmed the diagnosis of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Predicting visual outcomes in keratoprosthesis surgery with critical flicker fusion frequency, B-scan, visual electrophysiology and endoscopy
Authors: Xu Guangcan , Qi Haolan , He Qianwei , Chen Mingxiong , Fu Junxia , Wang Qun , Chen Biyue , Yang Qing Hua , Huang Yifei , Wei Shihui , Wang Liqiang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study evaluates the predictive power of the critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) test for visual outcomes in keratoprosthesis (KPro) candidates, comparing its accuracy with B-scan ultrasound, flash visual evoked potentials (fVEP) and endoscopy.

Methods

The study included 42 patients (42 eyes) scheduled for KPro surgery with a median follow-up period of 6 months. The receiver operating characteristic curve identified the cut-off threshold for CFF in the model development study (17 eyes). All patients in the comparison study (25 eyes) underwent preoperative assessments including trichromatic CFF (red, green and yellow), B-scan ultrasound, fVEP and perioperative endoscopy. Results were classified as either favourable or unfavourable predictors of visual outcomes based on predefined criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of each assessment were calculated based on postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)≥20/200. The Bland-Altman test assessed the consistency between CFF-predicted BCVA and actual BCVA.

Results

Among the trichromatic CFF tests, the yellow-CFF (yCFF) exhibited the highest area under the curve value of 0.97 and a cut-off threshold at 10 Hz for predicting postoperative BCVA≥20/200 (p<0.05). yCFF achieved 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity in predicting satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Endoscopy had 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity, B-scan showed 70% sensitivity and 60% specificity, and fVEP had 75% sensitivity and 40% specificity. yCFF showed a mean bias of 0.091 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) in postoperative prediction.

Conclusions

The CFF test provides robust visual function evaluation in KPro candidates. It demonstrates superior predictive accuracy for visual prognosis compared with routine ophthalmologic examinations, such as B-scan ultrasonography, fVEP and endoscopy.
Sport PRactice and its Effects on aortic size and valve function in bicuspid Aortic valve Disease: a cross-sectional report from the SPREAD study
Authors: D'Ascenzi Flavio , Cavigli Luna , Cameli Matteo , Claessen Guido , van Craenenbroeck Emeline M , Cavarretta Elena , D'Andrea Antonello , Sanz De la Garza Maria , Eijsvogels Thijs M H , van Kimmenade Roland R J , Galian-Gay Laura , Halle Martin , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Mantegazza Valentina , Moreo Antonella , Schreurs Bibi , Stefani Laura , Zamorano Jose L , Pelliccia Antonio , Papadakis Michael
Published: August 2024

Objective

Concerns exist about the possible detrimental effects of exercise training on aortic size and valve function in individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). This multicentre international study aimed to determine the characteristics of aortic size and valve function in athletes versus non-athletes with BAV and athletes with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

Methods

We enrolled competitive athletes with BAV and age- and sex-matched athletes with TAV and non-athletes with BAV. We assessed valve function, aortic size and biventricular measures using echocardiography. Individuals with established moderate-severe AV stenosis, regurgitation or significant aortic dilation were excluded from the study.

Results

The study population comprised 504 participants: 186 competitive athletes with BAV (84% males; age 30±11 years), 193 competitive athletes with TAV and 125 non-athletes with BAV. The aortic annulus was greater in athletes with BAV than athletes with TAV and non-athletes with BAV (p<0.001). Both athletic and non-athletic individuals with BAV had greater sinuses of Valsalva, sino-tubular junction and ascending aorta diameters than athletes with TAV (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were found between athletes and non-athletes with BAV. Left ventricular index volumes and mass were greater in athletes with BAV than in the other two groups (p<0.001). Individuals with BAV (athletes and non-athletes) had greater mean gradients than TAV athletes.

Conclusion

This multicentre international study demonstrates no differences between athletes with BAV and non-athletes with BAV regarding aortic valve function or aortic dimensions. However, athletes with BAV have larger aortic diameters and a relatively worse valvular function than athletes with TAV.
Gut microbiota and intestinal rehabilitation: a prospective childhood cohort longitudinal study of short bowel syndrome (the MIRACLS study): study protocol
Authors: Cleminson Jemma S , Thomas Julian , Stewart Christopher J , Campbell David , Gennery Andrew , Embleton Nicholas D , Köglmeier Jutta , Wong Theodoric , Spruce Marie , Berrington Janet E
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the predominant cause of paediatric intestinal failure. Although life-saving, parenteral nutrition (PN) is linked to complications and may impact quality of life (QoL). Most children will experience intestinal rehabilitation (IR), but the mechanisms underpinning this remain to be understood. SBS is characterised by abnormal microbiome patterns, which might serve as predictive indicators for IR. We aim to characterise the microbiome profiles of children with SBS during IR, concurrently exploring how parental perspectives of QoL relate to IR.

Methods and analysis

This study will enrol a minimum of 20 paediatric patients with SBS (0–18 years). Clinical data and biological samples will be collected over a 2-year study period. We will apply 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyse the microbiome from faecal and gut tissue samples, with additional shotgun metagenomic sequencing specifically on samples obtained around the time of IR. Gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection will profile faecal short-chain fatty acids. Plasma citrulline and urinary intestinal fatty acid binding proteins will be measured annually. We will explore microbiome–clinical covariate interactions. Furthermore, we plan to assess parental perspectives on QoL during PN and post-IR by inviting parents to complete the Paediatric Quality of Life questionnaire at recruitment and after the completion of IR.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the East Midlands—Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee (22/EM/0233; 28 November 2022). Recruitment began in February 2023. Outcomes of the study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at scientific meetings. A lay summary of the results will be made available to participants and the public.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN90620576.
Transforming global health: decoloniality and the human condition
Authors: Lencucha Raphael
Published: August 2024

The field of global health is at a pivotal moment of transformation. Decoloniality has emerged as a critical framework to assess and transform the pathologies that mark the field. These pathologies include the inequitable sharing of resources, the power hierarchies that entrench decision-making in institutions largely based in North America and Europe and the general predisposition towards paternalistic and exploitative interactions and exchange between North and South. The energy being generated around this transformative moment is widening circles of participation in the discourse on what transformation should look like in the field. The importance of decoloniality cannot be overstated in driving the transformative agenda. At the same time, the popularity of decoloniality as a critical framework may risk omissions in our understanding of the origins of injustice and the pathways to a new global health. To complement the work being done to decolonise global health, I illustrate how the ‘human condition’ intersects with the transformative agenda. By human condition, I mean the universal features of humanity that lead to oppression and those that lead to cooperation, unity and a shared humanity.
Economic evaluation of GnRH-agonist long protocol and GnRH-antagonist protocol in IVT/ICSI among the Chinese population: using pharmacoeconomic models
Authors: Si Yuxin , Chen Chunlan , Tang Yalan , Zhang Min , Tang Junying , Pu Kexue
Published: August 2024

Objective

This paper uses health economics methods to discuss the cost-effectiveness value of long protocol and antagonist protocol for in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (ET) in the Chinese population.

Design

Health economic evaluation study.

Setting

The data needed to construct the model for this study were derived from published studies and other secondary sources in China.

Participants

No patients participated in the study.

Measures

The main outcomes were live birth rate (LBR) and cost. From the societal perspective, we considered the direct and indirect costs over the course of the treatment cycles. A cost-effectiveness was measured using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and the probability that a protocol has higher net monetary benefit. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to verify the reliability of the simulation results.

Results

For the Chinese population, the long protocol resulted in a higher LBR than the antagonist protocol (29.33% vs 20.39%), but at the same time, it was more expensive (￥29 146.26 (US$4333.17) vs ￥23 343.70 (US$3470.51)), in the case of considering only one fresh ET cycle. It was the same when considering subsequent frozen ET (FET) cycles (51.78% vs 42.81%; ￥30 703.02 (US$4564.62) vs ￥24 740.95 (US$3678.24)). The results of most subgroups were consistent with the results of the basic analysis. However, for certain populations, the long protocol was the inferior protocol (less effective and more expensive).

Conclusion

For the Chinese population, when the monetary value per live birth was greater than ￥65 420 (US$9726) and ￥66 400 (US$9872), respectively, considering only one fresh cycle and considering subsequent frozen cycles, the long protocol is the preferred protocol. This threshold also varies for women of different ages and ovarian response capacities. For women in POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) group 2, group 3 and group 4, antagonist protocol is recommended as the preferred protocol. The results of this study need to be verified by further large-scale randomised controlled trials.
Prioritising nurses’ and doctors’ health at work: a scoping review of monitoring instruments
Authors: Boskma Amber , Braak Kim van der , Demenaga Kiki , Idema Demy , Hooft Lotty , Wietasch Götz , Franx Arie , van der Laan Maarten J
Published: August 2024

Objective

Nurses’ and doctors’ health at work is crucial for their overall performance and the quality of care they provide. The Jobs Demands Resources (JD-R) model offers a framework for health at work, encompassing ‘job demands’, ‘job resources’, ‘personal resources’, ‘leadership’, ‘well-being’ and ‘outcomes’. While various instruments exist to measure health, an overview of instruments specifically designed for assessing nurses and doctors health is currently missing. This study provides a comprehensive overview of available health instruments specifically developed and validated for healthcare professionals in hospital care.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL.

Eligibility criteria

Studies assessing the health of nurses and/or doctors in hospitals using or evaluating instruments based on the JD-R model, published between January 2011 and January 2024, excluding student-exclusive samples.

Data extraction and synthesis

We extracted data on study and sample characteristics, as well as details of the measurement instruments, including main and subconstructs. Instruments were categorised based on the JD-R model domains. Descriptive analysis and data visualisation were performed using Excel and Python.

Results

We included 1204 studies, reporting 986 unique instruments. We identified 32 comprehensive instruments suitable for broad health screening, measuring four or more of the JD-R model domains. Additionally, we identified instruments focusing on specific domains for targeted screening needs. Furthermore, we present frequently reported instruments assumed to be extensively evaluated, user-friendly, accessible and available in multiple languages.

Conclusions

Health at work cannot be determined by a single instrument alone, underscoring the multidimensional nature of workplace health. Alternatively, organisations should select instruments based on domains most relevant and applicable to their context. This approach ensures a more comprehensive assessment of health at work.