bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized machine learning based on multi‐omics data to profile the effect of ferroptosis pathway on prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Qiu Ziran , Zhang Xiongfeng , Su Zhouhua , Yi Renzheng , Zou Debo , Xie Chaoqun , Jin Na , Long Weibing , Liu Xiaobing
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Bladder cancer (BLCA) affects millions of people worldwide, with high rates of incidence and mortality. Ferroptosis proves to be a novel form of cell death process that is triggered by oxidative stress.

Methods

We procured a total of 25 single nuclear RNA‐seq (snRNA‐seq) samples from GSE169379 in GEO database. We obtained different cohorts of BLCA patients from the TCGA and GEO databases for model training and validation. A total of 369 ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) were selected from the FerrDb database. AUCell analysis was performed to assign ferroptosis scores to all the cell types. Weighted Gene Co‐Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), COX, and LASSO regression analysis were conducted to retain and finalize the genes of prognostic values. Various bioinformatic approaches were utilized to depict immune infiltration profile. We conducted a series of colony formation analysis, flow cytometry and western blot (WB) analysis to determine the role of SKAP1 in BLCA.

Results

We divided the cells into high ferroptosis group and low ferroptosis group according to ferroptosis activity score, and then screened 2150 genes most associated with ferroptosis by differential expression analysis, which are related to UV‐induced DNA damage, male hormone response, fatty acid metabolism and hypoxia. Subsequently, WGCNA algorithm further screened 741 ferroptosis related genes from the 2150 genes for the construction of prognostic model. Lasso‐Cox regression analysis was used to construct the prognostic model, and the prognostic model consisting of 6 genes was obtained, namely JUN, SYT1, MAP3K8, GALNT14, TCIRG1, and SKAP1. Next, we constructed a nomogram model that integrated clinical factors to improving the accuracy. In addition, we performed drug sensitivity analyses in different subgroups and found that Staurosporine, Rapamycin, Gemcitabine, and BI‐2536 may be candidates for the drugs treatment in high‐risk populations. The ESTIMATE results showed higher stromal scores, immune scores, and ESTIMATE scores in the low‐risk group, indicating a higher overall immunity level and immunogenicity of tumor microenvironment (TME) in this group, and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) analysis confirmed a better response to immunotherapy in the low‐risk group. Finally, we selected the oncogene SKAP1 in the prognostic gene for in vitro validation, and found that SKAP1 directly regulated BLCA cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusion

We identified a set of six genes, JUN, SYT1, MAP3K8, GALNT14, TCIRG1, and SKAP1, that exhibited significant potential in stratification of BLCA patients with varying prognosis. In addition, we uncovered the direct regulatory effect of SKAP1 on BLCA cell proliferation and apoptosis, shedding some light on the role of FRGs in pathogenesis of BLCA.
Holistic Analytics of Sensor Data from Renewable Energy Sources: A Vision Paper
Authors: Jensen Søren Kejser , Thomsen Christian
Published: August 2023

Modern Renewable Energy System (RES) installations, e.g., wind turbines, produce petabytes of high-frequency time series. State-of-the-art systems cannot cope with such amounts of data. Thus, practitioners generally store simple aggregates, e.g., 10-min averages. Based on discussions with practitioners, we present requirements and our vision for a next-generation time series management system that can efficiently manage vast amounts of time series across edge, cloud, and client.
A Monte Carlo permutation procedure for testing variance components in generalized linear regression models
Authors: El-Horbaty Yahia S.
Published: August 2023

Testing zero variance components is of utmost importance in various applications empowered by the use of mixed-effects models. Focusing on generalized linear models, this article proposes a permutation test using an analogue of the ANOVA test statistic that merely requires fitting the null model with independent observations. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the new test has correct Type-I error rate and that its power compares favorably to an existing bootstrap score test. A real data application illustrates the advantageous capability of the proposed test in detecting the need for random effects.
Performance of Lung-RADS in different target populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Yifei , Cai Jiali , Heuvelmans Marjolein A. , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Groen Harry J. M. , Oudkerk Matthijs , Vonder Marleen , Dorrius Monique D. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Multiple lung cancer screening studies reported the performance of Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS), but none systematically evaluated its performance across different populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of Lung-RADS (versions 1.0 and 1.1) for detecting lung cancer in different populations.

Methods

We performed literature searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases on October 21, 2022, for studies that evaluated the accuracy of Lung-RADS in lung cancer screening. A bivariate random-effects model was used to estimate pooled sensitivity and specificity, and heterogeneity was explored in stratified and meta-regression analyses.

Results

A total of 31 studies with 104,224 participants were included. For version 1.0 (27 studies, 95,413 individuals), pooled sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–0.99) and pooled specificity was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.92). Studies in high-risk populations showed higher sensitivity (0.98 [95% CI: 0.92–0.99] vs. 0.84 [95% CI: 0.50–0.96]) and lower specificity (0.87 [95% CI: 0.85–0.88] vs. 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.97]) than studies in general populations. Non-Asian studies tended toward higher sensitivity (0.97 [95% CI: 0.91–0.99] vs. 0.91 [95% CI: 0.67–0.98]) and lower specificity (0.88 [95% CI: 0.85–0.90] vs. 0.93 [95% CI: 0.88–0.96]) than Asian studies. For version 1.1 (4 studies, 8811 individuals), pooled sensitivity was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83–0.96) and specificity was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67–0.90).

Conclusion

Among studies using Lung-RADS version 1.0, considerable heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity was noted, explained by population type (high risk vs. general), population area (Asia vs. non-Asia), and cancer prevalence.

Clinical relevance statement

Meta-regression of lung cancer screening studies using Lung-RADS version 1.0 showed considerable heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity, explained by the different target populations, including high-risk versus general populations, Asian versus non-Asian populations, and populations with different lung cancer prevalence.

Key Points

• High-risk population studies showed higher sensitivity and lower specificity compared with studies performed in general populations by using Lung-RADS version 1.0.

• In non-Asian studies, the diagnostic performance of Lung-RADS version 1.0 tended to be better than in Asian studies.

• There are limited studies on the performance of Lung-RADS version 1.1, and evidence is lacking for Asian populations.
An algorithm for cross-fiber separation in yarn hairiness image processing
Authors: Deng Zhongmin , Yu Ling , Wang Lijing , Ke Wei
Published: August 2023

Yarn hairiness affects yarn and fabric quality. The existing hairiness detection methods cannot discriminate crossover fibers or hairs. In order to accurately separate and detect crossover fibers, an algorithm of separating crossover hairs is proposed. By obtaining refined hair skeletons after image pretreatment, the positions of fiber intersection point were determined, and a hair information table according to the characteristics of the hair cross-point was constructed. After classifying each hair branch skeleton and screening out the hair common skeleton, the branch hair matching table by using the two end points of the true common hair skeleton adjacent to the hair branch was constructed. Through pairing the same cross-hair branch with the principle of the closest slope at the adjacent cross-end, each complete cross-hair skeleton was defined for hair count in a field of view. The detection results show that compared with the existing photoelectric hairiness detection instrument, the algorithm can realize the crossover hair separation, and calculate the length of complete crossover hairs and curved hairs with high accuracy. On average, the developed algorithm measures hair length about 11.1% longer than the manually measured results, while commercial apparatus would report hair length 62.5% shorter than the actual hair length.
Maternal diet quality and associations with plasma lipid profiles and pregnancy-related cardiometabolic health
Authors: van der Pligt Paige F. , Kuswara Konsita , McNaughton Sarah A. , Abbott Gavin , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Huynh Kevin , Meikle Peter J. , Mousa Aya , Ellery Stacey J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To assess the relationship of early pregnancy maternal diet quality (DQ) with maternal plasma lipids and indicators of cardiometabolic health, including blood pressure (BP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational weight gain (GWG).

Methods

Women (n = 215) aged 18–40 years with singleton pregnancies were recruited at 10–20 weeks gestation. Diet quality was assessed by the Dietary Guideline Index, calculated at early ([mean ± SD]) (15 ± 3 weeks) and late (35 ± 2 weeks) pregnancy. Lipidomic analysis was performed, and 698 species across 37 lipid classes were measured from plasma blood samples collected at early (15 ± 3 weeks) and mid (27 ± 3 weeks)-pregnancy. Clinical measures (BP, GDM diagnosis, weight) and blood samples were collected across pregnancy. Multiple linear and logistic regression models assessed associations of early pregnancy DQ with plasma lipids at early and mid-pregnancy, BP at three antenatal visits, GDM diagnosis and total GWG.

Results

Maternal DQ scores ([mean ± SD]) decreased significantly from early (70.7 ± 11.4) to late pregnancy (66.5 ± 12.6) (p < 0.0005). At a false discovery rate of 0.2, early pregnancy DQ was significantly associated with 13 plasma lipids at mid-pregnancy, including negative associations with six triglycerides (TGs); TG(54:0)[NL-18:0] (neutral loss), TG(50:1)[NL-14:0], TG(48:0)[NL-18:0], TG(52:1)[NL-18:0], TG(54:1)[NL-18:1], TG(50:0)[NL-18:0]. No statistically significant associations were found between early pregnancy DQ and BP, GDM or GWG.

Conclusion

Maternal diet did not adhere to Australian Dietary Guidelines. Diet quality was inversely associated with multiple plasma TGs. This study provides novel insights into the relationship between DQ, lipid biomarkers and cardiometabolic health during pregnancy.
Are there associations between hip geometry and bone quality? An analysis on 3074 adults from a general population
Authors: Fischer Cornelius Sebastian , Ittermann Till , Hannemann Anke , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Mederake Moritz , Schüll Daniel , Histing Tina , Lange Jörn , Haralambiev Lyubomir
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patients with reduced bone mineral density and altered hip geometry are susceptible for hip pathologies. Knowledge on associations between bone properties and hip geometric parameters might facilitate identification of patients at risk for hip pathologies. The aim of the present study was to identify associations of bone properties assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the heel and hip geometric parameters like center-edge angle (CE), neck-shaft angle (NSA) and alpha angle.

Materials and methods

Hip geometric parameters (CE, NSA and alpha angle) of 3074 participants from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging. QUS was performed on both calcanei providing broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS) and stiffness-index. Based on the stiffness-index the individual osteoporotic fracture risk (low, moderate or high) was determined. Associations between QUS-based and hip geometric parameters were calculated in linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body height and weight. Interactions of QUS markers with age and sex on hip geometric parameters were tested.

Results

Significant inverse associations between BUA (β = − 0.068), SOS (β = − 0.024) as well as stiffness-index (β = − 0.056) and CE were present, while fracture risk was positively associated with CE (β for high = 1.28 and moderate = 2.54 vs. low fracture risk). Interactions between BUA and sex as well as between SOS and age were detected in the models for CE. Furthermore, there was an inverse relation between fracture risk and NSA that was restricted to the moderate risk (β for moderate vs. low fracture risk = − 0.60). There were no significant associations between QUS parameters and alpha angle.

Conclusions

In the general population, several associations between QUS-based bone properties or fracture risk and hip geometry are present. Less dysplastic hips had a lower stiffness-index and a higher fracture risk, whereas more valgus hips had a lower fracture risk.
Nano-selenium impacts on growth performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant, immune resistance and histopathological scores of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus against Aspergillus flavus infection
Authors: Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan , Bazina Walaa K. , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M. , Abd Elghany Nadia A. , Tawfik Wesam A. , Mossa Monga I. , Abd El Megeed Ola Hasan , Abd El-Hamed Nadia N. B. , El-Saeed Adel F. , El-Haroun Ehab , Davies Simon J. , Hasimuna Oliver J. , Eissa Moaheda E. H. , Khalil Hala S.
Published: August 2023

The present study examined the impacts of varying amounts of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) as a natural antioxidant and metabolic regulator on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes and immune resistance of Oreochromis niloticus challenged to Aspergillus flavus infection. For 60 days, fish were fed the experimental diet of 30% crude protein up to apparent satiation three times a day. Se-NPs were added to the control diet at different levels of 0.0 (control), 0.5 (T1), 1.0 (T2) and 1.5 (T3) mg/kg diet to fed monosex Nile tilapia fingerlings with average initial weight (4.5 ± 0.5 g). Fish were randomly distributed in 12 tanks 100 L at a density of 20 fish per tank after 2-week acclimation to represent four treatments in triplicates. The results indicated that the growth indices, feed efficiency and survival rate were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) by incorporating Se-NPs up to 1 mg/kg diet. Furthermore, the haemato-biochemical parameters, digestive enzymes activity and antioxidant capacity of the fish were significantly improved (P < 0.05) at T2. When the fish were challenged with Aspergillus flavus, a decreasing mortality rate was observed, which clearly shows that selenium nanoparticles boosted the fish’s immune response at T2. The intestinal morphology as villus length, villus width, muscular fibres layer thickness and absorption intestinal zone after challenged with A. flavus infection were considerably enhanced (P < 0.05) by incorporating all Se-NP levels. Histopathological score significantly improved (P < 0.05) for the hepatopancreatic, intestinal, gills and muscle tissues at T2. The present study concludes that selenium nanoparticles up to 1.0 mg/kg diet can be efficiently used in tilapia feed to help boost fish production, immune system response and histopathological parameters.
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with TNFα inhibitors does not affect serum levels of tryptophan metabolites
Authors: Witoszyńska-Sobkowiak Joanna , Sikorska Dorota , Rutkowski Rafał , Niklas Karolina , Żychowska Iwona , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: August 2023

The imbalance between the kynurenine and serotonin pathways can have serious consequences, e.g., depression. One of the factors leading to the imbalance between the pathways of tryptophan metabolism is inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-inhibitors on tryptophan metabolism in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Forty patients with AS (twenty-eight males, twelve females; mean age 40 ± 11 years), qualified to receive anti-TNF-α treatment, were prospectively assessed. As a control group, 20 healthy volunteers (7 males and 13 females, mean age 38 ± 5 years) were recruited from the general population. Patients underwent full clinical and biochemical assessment before and after 6 months of therapy. Disease activity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). The presence of depressive disorders was assessed with Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. Serum concentrations of tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine, and quinolinic acid were measured. The predominance of the kynurenine pathway in AS patients (compared to the control group) was demonstrated (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, no significant changes in serum levels of tryptophan and its metabolites in AS patients after treatment were found, despite clinical improvement. Moreover, the components of tryptophan metabolism did not correlate significantly with the clinical activity of AS, depression nor laboratory inflammatory markers. Probably some other factors influence the pathways of tryptophan metabolism in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Relative Entropy of Fermion Excitation States on the CAR Algebra
Authors: Galanda Stefano , Much Albert , Verch Rainer
Published: August 2023

The relative entropy of certain states on the algebra of canonical anticommutation relations (CAR) is studied in the present work. The CAR algebra is used to describe fermionic degrees of freedom in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. The states for which the relative entropy is investigated are multi-excitation states (similar to multi-particle states) with respect to KMS states defined with respect to a time-evolution induced by a unitary dynamical group on the one-particle Hilbert space of the CAR algebra. If the KMS state is quasifree, the relative entropy of multi-excitation states can be explicitly calculated in terms of 2-point functions, which are defined entirely by the one-particle Hilbert space defining the CAR algebra and the Hamilton operator of the dynamical group on the one-particle Hilbert space. This applies also in the case that the one-particle Hilbert space Hamilton operator has a continuous spectrum so that the relative entropy of multi-excitation states cannot be defined in terms of von Neumann entropies. The results obtained here for the relative entropy of multi-excitation states on the CAR algebra can be viewed as counterparts of results for the relative entropy of coherent states on the algebra of canonical commutation relations which have appeared recently. It turns out to be useful to employ the setting of a self-dual CAR algebra introduced by Araki.
Cellular automata simulations of the sintering behavior of ceramics driven by surface energy reduction
Authors: Laura Garrido-Regife , Francisco Jiménez-Morales , Manuela González-Sánchez , Pedro Rivero-Antúnez , Víctor Morales-Flórez
Published: August 2023

A cellular automata model has been developed to study the sintering behavior of ceramic particles. In this model, the only physical rule that drives the evolution of the system is to reduce the energy at the interface between the mass cells and the void cells. The meaning of several computational parameters, such as particle size or computational temperature, were investigated. Experiments of partial sintering of spherical particles of silica were performed and it was verified that this model successfully mimics the neck formation. Moreover, other experimental evidences of the stages of the densification, such as the formation of the intermediate vermicular microstructure or the dependence of porosity with temperature, were also qualitatively simulated.
Price-Directed Search, Product Differentiation and Competition
Authors: Obradovits Martin , Plaickner Philipp
Published: August 2023

Especially in many online markets, consumers can readily observe prices, but may need to inspect products further to assess their suitability. We study the effects of product differentiation and search costs on competition and market outcomes in a tractable model of price-directed consumer search. We find that: (i) firms’ equilibrium pricing always induces efficient search behavior; (ii) for relatively large product differentiation, welfare distortions still occur because some consumers (may) forgo consumption; and (iii) lower search costs lead to stochastically higher prices, which increases firms’ expected profits and decreases their frequency of sales. Consumer surplus often falls when search costs decrease.
Strength performance of low-bearing-capacity clayey soils stabilized with ladle furnace slag
Authors: Espinosa Ana B. , Revilla-Cuesta Víctor , Skaf Marta , Serrano-López Roberto , Ortega-López Vanesa
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the performance of ladle furnace slag (LFS), a by-product of secondary steel refining, is evaluated as a binder to stabilize clayey soils of low bearing capacity. The aim is to define whether additions of this by-product to clayey soil can stabilize the soil in accordance with the technical specifications of Spanish standards. To do so, three different soils stabilized with 5% LFS were compared with the same soils stabilized with 2% lime and with no stabilization, in order to investigate their different behaviors. The chemical and mineralogical characterizations of all the soil mixes were conducted using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The Atterberg limit test was used to study the plastic behavior of the soils, and the results of compaction, bearing capacity, unconfined compressive strength, and direct shear strength (cohesion and friction angle) tests defined their strength characteristics. The analysis was completed with the pH monitoring of the mixes along the curing time in order to relate the pH changes with the strength evolution. The addition of LFS to the soils has resulted in an increase in the liquid limit and plastic limit, causing therefore a slight decrease in the plasticity index. All the soils showed increases between 30% and 70% in their California Bearing Ratios immediately after mixing with 5% LFS, and after 90 days of curing, improvements of 30–188% in their unconfined compressive strength were noted in comparison with untreated soil, which were higher than the lime-stabilized soils. The cohesion of soils stabilized with LFS at 28 days of curing obtained improvements ranging from 40 to 300% depending on the type of soil. However, the friction angle showed a slight increase of 10% in two of the soils and zero in another. The high initial pH in LFS-stabilized soils was maintained during the curing time, which favored the development of pozzolanic reactions that improve the soil strength. These results confirmed that the substitution of lime with LFS is a feasible option for soil stabilization.
Microscopic X-ray fluorescence analyses (μ-XRF) of copper-based and silver alloy coins minted in Rhodes, Greece, from the fourth century BCE to the second century CE
Authors: Kladouri N. K. , Skaltsa S. , Gerodimos Th. , Pezouvani K. , Karydas A. G.
Published: August 2023

The present study provides new data from the analysis of 111 copper-based and 11 silver-alloy coins from the ancient city of Rhodes, Greece. This is the first time that an elemental analysis has been carried out on copper-based coins issued by the Rhodian mint from the mid-4th c. BCE to the 2nd c. CE. Based on the μ-XRF results, three different groups of copper-based alloys are formed, with tin and lead as their major alloying components. The elemental composition shows that most of the coins are binary, leaded and ternary bronzes, while two samples—confirmed as imports—belong to a different technological tradition. All impurities present, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, antimony, or lead, are typical of copper ores, while the diminutive amounts of tin, lead and/or arsenic in some coins could indicate the use of alloys made from copper scrap. Based on a complex and extensive set of compositional data and using silhouette analysis for k-means clustering, we identified the existence of four distinct groups clustered on the basis of similar trace element values. The groups give indication to the raw materials used for minting and provided valuable insights into the technological and origin-related aspects of Rhodian coin production. In the silver coins, four groups of different silver grades can be identified on the basis of the most important alloying elements. Overall, the differences in the composition of the silver coins become clear, but a more extensive sample is needed to better understand the evolution of Rhodian silver coinage.
Novel PEGylated cholephytosomes for targeting fisetin to breast cancer: in vitro appraisal and in vivo antitumoral studies
Authors: Talaat Sara M. , Elnaggar Yosra S. R. , Gowayed Mennatallah A. , El-Ganainy Samar O. , Allam Maram , Abdallah Ossama Y.
Published: August 2023

Fisetin (FIS) is a multifunctional bioactive flavanol that has been recently exploited as anticancer drug against various cancers including breast cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility has constrained its clinical application. In the current work, fisetin is complexed for the first time with soy phosphatidylcholine in the presence of cholesterol to form a novel biocompatible phytosomal system entitled “cholephytosomes.” To improve fisetin antitumor activity against breast cancer, stearylamine bearing cationic cholephytosomes (mPHY) were prepared and furtherly modified with hyaluronic acid (HPHY) to allow their orientation to cancer cells through their surface exposed phosphatidylserine and CD-44 receptors, respectively. In vitro characterization studies revealed promising physicochemical properties of both modified vesicles (mPHY and HPHY) including excellent FIS complexation efficiency (˷100%), improved octanol/water solubility along with a sustained drug release over 24 h. In vitro cell line studies against MDA-MB-231 cell line showed about 10- and 3.5-fold inhibition in IC50 of modified vesicles compared with free drug and conventional drug-phospholipid complex, respectively. Preclinical studies revealed that both modified cholephytosomes (mPHY and HPHY) had comparable cytotoxicity that is significantly surpassing free drug cytotoxicity. TGF-β1and its non-canonical related signaling pathway; ERK1/2, NF-κB, and MMP-9 were involved in halting tumorigenesis. Thus, tailoring novel phytosomal nanosystems for FIS could open opportunity for its clinical utility against cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Removal of crystal violet dye from wastewater using low-cost biosorbent Trifolium repens stem powder
Authors: Gul Salma , Afsar Sana , Gul Hajera , Ali Bakhtiar
Published: August 2023

Crystal violet (CV) synthetic dyes are well known in the dyeing industry for their mitotic and mutagenic poisoning. CV dye being a toxic organic dye is responsible for serious health issues as well as environmental damage. In this study, an inexpensive biosorbent (white clover: Trifolium repens) stem powder was tested for the adsorption of CV dye (cationic dye) from an aqueous solution. The batch adsorption measurements were designed to find out the influence of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, and dye concentration, for dye removal. The operation parameters studied are the contact time (20 to 160 min), initial dye concentration (10–100 mg/L), dose (0.1–1 g), and pH, (1–10). At optimum conditions, maximum percent removal of 92.997% and adsorption capacity value of 1.952 mg/g was achieved at pH 2, adsorbent dose (1 g), and contact time (140 min), and dye concentration (70 ppm). The results suggested that the removal of CV rose with the contact time and adsorbent dose. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to the equilibrium adsorption data, and data were perfectly fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-orders were applied to the data, and it was found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was best fitted to the experimental data. It was also revealed that the stem powdered of the Trifolium repens plant can be employed as a useful adsorbent to remove cationic CV dye from different water samples (tap, river and distilled). Furthermore, the performance of adsorbent was also evaluated in saline water containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride and manganese chloride salts to check the effect of various ions on the performance of adsorbent and it was observed that the adsorbent showed excellent performance in saline water. Moreover, a comparative study was performed to check the efficiency of different commercial adsorbents (silica gel and active carbon) and to compare their performance with our study. All these experiments revealed that the biosorbent used in this study effectively removes contaminating dyes from industrial wastewater and as well as saline water and thus, can be used for the treatment of wastewater at the commercial level.
Design and technical validation to generate a synthetic 12-lead electrocardiogram dataset to promote artificial intelligence research
Authors: Yoo Hakje , Moon Jose , Kim Jong-Ho , Joo Hyung Joon
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to construct a synthetic dataset of ECG signal that overcomes the sensitivity of personal information and the complexity of disclosure policies.

Methods

The public dataset was constructed by generating synthetic data based on the deep learning model using a convolution neural network (CNN) and bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM), and the effectiveness of the dataset was verified by developing classification models for ECG diagnoses.

Results

The synthetic 12-lead ECG dataset generated consists of a total of 6000 ECGs, with normal and 5 abnormal groups. The synthetic ECG signal has a waveform pattern similar to the original ECG signal, the average RMSE between the two signals is 0.042 µV, and the average cosine similarity is 0.993. In addition, five classification models were developed to verify the effect of the synthetic dataset and showed performance similar to that of the model made with the actual dataset. In particular, even when the real dataset was applied as a test set to the classification model trained with the synthetic dataset, the classification performance of all models showed high accuracy (average accuracy 93.41%).

Conclusion

The synthetic 12-lead ECG dataset was confirmed to perform similarly to the real-world 12-lead ECG in the classification model. This implies that a synthetic dataset can perform similarly to a real dataset in clinical research using AI. The synthetic dataset generation process in this study provides a way to overcome the medical data disclosure challenges constrained by privacy rights, a way to encourage open data policies, and contribute significantly to promoting cardiovascular disease research.
PL-geoid2021: A quasigeoid model for Poland developed using geophysical gravity data inversion technique
Authors: Trojanowicz Marek , Owczarek-Wesołowska Magdalena
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the results of research and analyses related to the development of a new quasigeoid model fitted to GNSS/levelling data for the area of Poland (PL-geoid2021). The model was determined employing two procedures based on the Geophysical Gravity data Inversion technique (GGI method): procedure A consisted of the determination of the gravimetric quasigeoid model in the first step and its subsequent fitting to GNSS/levelling data in the second step, and procedure B consisted of a one-step determination of the model fitted to GNSS/levelling data. Both models were developed using the global geopotential model SGG-UGM-2 and gravity data covering the area of Poland, and slightly extend beyond Poland's southern and northern borders. The average model was adopted as the final model. It was demonstrated that the accuracy of the gravimetric quasigeoid model had a very low dependence on the reference topographic mass density model used. On the basis of this model, the GNSS/levelling datasets were also assessed and outliers were identified. The estimated accuracy of the gravimetric model, determined based on four GNSS/levelling datasets, was in the range of ± 1.2 to ± 1.7 cm, in terms of the standard deviation of the differences between the measured and model-determined height anomalies. Due to partial lack of gravity data just beyond the Polish border, the edge effect was also analysed. The accuracy of the final quasigeoid model (estimated in the same way as the gravimetric model) ranges from ± 1.0 to ± 1.2 cm. It should be noted, however, that this assessment is not fully independent because three of the four sets of GNSS/levelling points used for it, were also used to build the final model.
A comprehensive analysis of intraoperative factors associated with acute-on-chronic kidney injury in elderly trauma patients: blood loss as a key predictor
Authors: Lisitano Leonard , Röttinger Timon , Thorne Tyler , Förch Stefan , Cifuentes Jairo , Rau Kim , Vounatsos Panagiotis Daniel , Mayr Edgar
Published: August 2023

Background

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical issue in geriatric patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing orthopedic trauma surgery. The goal of this study was to investigate modifiable intraoperative risk factors for AKI.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 206 geriatric patients with CKD, who underwent orthopedic trauma surgery. Several variables, including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hypoalbuminemia, intraoperative blood pressure and long-term use of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative AKI (KIDGO) was observed in 25.2% of the patients. The 1-year mortality rate increased significantly from 26.7% to 30.8% in patients who developed AKI. Primary risk factors for AKI were blood loss (p < 0.001), postoperative hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.050), and potentially nephrotoxic drugs prior to admission (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, diuretics, antibiotics, NSAIDs) (p = 0.003). Furthermore, the AKI stage negatively correlated with propofol dose per body weight (p = 0.001) and there was a significant association between AKI and the use of cement (p = 0.027). No significant association between intraoperative hypotension and AKI was observed in any statistical test. Femur fracture surgeries showed the greatest blood loss (524mL ± 357mL, p = 0.005), particularly intramedullary nailing at the proximal femur (598mL ± 395mL) and revision surgery (769mL ± 436mL).

Conclusion

In geriatric trauma patients with pre-existing CKD, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hypoalbuminemia, and pre-admission use of potentially nephrotoxic drugs are associated with postoperative AKI. The findings highlight the necessity to mitigate intraoperative blood loss and promote ortho-geriatric co-management to reduce the incidence and subsequent mortality in this high-risk population.
Respiratory Exposure Tests in Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Bobolea Irina , Rubira Nuria , Mullol Joaquim
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

Controlled oral provocation test with aspirin is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing hypersensitivity to NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs). Newer techniques of respiratory exposure tests, bronchial and nasal respectively, have been nonetheless developed, as they are safer, less likely to cause a systemic reaction, and less time-consuming than the oral provocation test with aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid). These tests are also particularly useful when oral challenge testing is contraindicated. The aim of this paper is to review and update the detailed protocols of bronchial and nasal challenges with lysine-aspirin, a salt of acetyl-salicylic acid, more soluble and less irritative.

Recent findings

Current guidelines recommend standardized protocols for nasal, and especially bronchial challenge with lysine-aspirin, in patients with suspected N-ERD (NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease).

Nasal and bronchial tests are useful and safe, nonetheless not that sensible as oral aspirin challenge for the diagnosis of N-ERD. So, in cases of high suspicion and negative respiratory tests, an oral challenge should be performed before ruling out the diagnosis. These techniques should be performed by trained personnel in specialized allergy clinics. Further consensus on nasal test protocol and interpretation is still needed.
Economical microscale predictions of wind over complex terrain from mesoscale simulations using machine learning
Authors: Milla-Val Jaime , Montañés Carlos , Fueyo Norberto
Published: August 2023

The ability to assess detailed wind patterns in real time is increasingly important for a variety of applications, including wind energy generation, urban comfort and environmental health, and drone maneuvering in complex environments. Machine Learning techniques are helping to develop accurate and reliable models for predicting local wind patterns. In this paper, we present a method for obtaining wind predictions with a higher resolution, similar to those from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), from coarser, and therefore less expensive, mesoscale predictions of wind in real weather conditions. This is achieved using supervised learning techniques. Four supervised learning approaches are tested: linear regression (SGD), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (KNn) and random forest (RFR). Among the four tested approaches, SVM slightly outperforms the others, with a mean absolute error of 1.81 m/s for wind speed and 40.6$$^{\circ }$$

∘

for wind direction. KNn however achieves the best results in predicting wind direction. Speedup factors of about 290 are achieved by the model with respect to using CFD.
The impact of institutional context on research in religious education: results from an international comparative study
Authors: Riegel Ulrich , Rothgangel Martin
Published: August 2023

On the one hand, research on religious education is done according to a transnational scientific paradigm, on the other hand, it is performed within particular institutional contexts which vary from nation to nation.This raises the question of how institutional context affect research on religious education. The paper addresses this question on the basis of an international study. N = 49 colleagues across Europe as well as Israel, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey filled in an online-questionnaire regarding their own research. Despite the international character of the sample, research on religious education seems to be practiced quite coherently in regard of the objects of inquiry, the applied methods, and the disciplines the colleagues refer to. The few significant differences indicate that theology and educational studies are slightly more important in contexts of denominational religious education as well as analysing both pupils and processes of teaching and learning. In the context of non-denominational RE, instead, religious studies is slightly more important. These results will be discussed.
‘Through the unknown, remembered gate’: the Brian Nettleton lecture – Outdoors Victoria conference, 2022
Authors: Wattchow Brian
Published: August 2023

This paper is an adapted version of the Brian Nettleton Lecture given at the Outdoors Victoria Conference, 2022. It explores how the last two decades have seen an ever-accelerating Digital Revolution which has impacted on almost every aspect of human experience to the point that it is now omnipresent. Life is now mediated through the screen. As a result, children and young people have become hyper-vigilant, overly anxious, experience a sense of climate trauma, and have decreasing access to, and time spent in, the outdoors. In addition, children have just experienced two years of isolation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and evidence suggests that they are already experiencing significant mental health issues as a result. This paper considers the implications of this for Outdoors Victoria and Outdoor Education.
Regularization Methods for High-Dimensional Data as a Tool for Seafood Traceability
Authors: Yokochi Clara , Bispo Regina , Ricardo Fernando , Calado Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Seafood traceability, needed to regulate food safety, control fisheries, combat fraud, and prevent jeopardizing public health from harvesting in polluted locations, depends heavily on the prediction of the geographic origin of seafood. When the available datasets to study traceability are high-dimensional, standard classic statistical models fail. Under these circumstances, proper alternative methods are needed to predict accurately the geographic origin of seafood. In this study, we propose an analytical approach combining the use of regularization methods and resampling techniques to overcome the high-dimensionality problem. In particular, we analyze comparatively theRidge regression, LASSO andElastic netpenalty-based approaches. These methods were applied to predict the origin of the saltwater clamRuditapes philippinarum, a non-indigenous and commercially very relevant marine bivalve species that occurs commonly in European estuaries. Further, the resampling method ofMonte Carlo Cross-Validationwas implemented to overcome challenges related to the small sample size. The results of the three methods were compared. For fully reproducibility, an R Markdown file and the used dataset are provided. We conclude highlighting the insights that this methodology may bring to model a multi-categorical response based on high-dimensional dataset, with highly correlated explanatory variables, and combat the mislabeling of geographic origin of seafood.
Organic Exfoliation of Hydrophilic Bentonite using Aliquat 336 and Isobutyl(Trimethoxy)Silane to Enhance its Activity Toward pH-Dependent Adsorption of Epigallocatechin Gallate
Authors: Borah Alimpia , Borah Akhil Ranjan , Gogoi Monti , Goswami Rajiv , Hazarika Swapnali
Published: August 2023

The most potent and significant polyphenolic molecule from tea catechins is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); it has potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods are needed to mitigate its presence in the environment and protect humans from exposure. The objective of the present study was to investigate a functionalized, low-cost clay mineral as an adsorbent for the tea polyphenol EGCG. Hydrophilic bentonite (Bn) was functionalized using Aliquat 336 (A336) and isobutyl(trimethoxy)silane (IBTS). The degree of clay functionalization depended on the extent of introduction of alkyl linkages between the superimposed clay layers. Results revealed that Aliquat 336 functionalized clay (A336-Bn) exhibited maximum thermal stability at 500°C and it is a promising adsorbent for ECGC with a maximum adsorption capacity of 196.26 mg/g at equilibrium. Experimental data were analyzed using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. Adsorption isotherms were interpreted from the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.
Numerical Methods in Physics with Python
Authors: Gezerlis Alex
Published: August 2023

Bringing together idiomatic Python programming, foundational numerical methods, and physics applications, this is an ideal standalone textbook for courses on computational physics. All the frequently used numerical methods in physics are explained, including foundational techniques and hidden gems on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, root-finding, interpolation, and integration. The second edition of this introductory book features several new codes and 140 new problems (many on physics applications), as well as new sections on the singular-value decomposition, derivative-free optimization, Bayesian linear regression, neural networks, and partial differential equations. The last section in each chapter is an in-depth project, tackling physics problems that cannot be solved without the use of a computer. Written primarily for students studying computational physics, this textbook brings the non-specialist quickly up to speed with Python before looking in detail at the numerical methods often used in the subject.
Pastoral Care through Letters in the British Atlantic
Authors: Searle Alison
Published: August 2023

Choosing the right words is itself an act of caregiving. Centring on correspondence archives allows pastoral letters to be analysed as a distinct literary genre that contributed in complex ways to early modern practices of caregiving, negotiating political oppression, geographical isolation, and colonial experimentation. Forms of care were solicited, given, and received through the material technology of the letter as a literary artefact. The exchange of letters created new bureaucratic and pastoral structures and entanglements between Protestant believers and others across the British Atlantic and reveals the contentious balance between care and cure within early modern communities. Pastoral care involves exercising power: epistolary exchanges sustain, exploit, shape, and distort the spiritual and material wellbeing of individuals and communities in a landscape fissured by religious division, enslavement, and imperial expansion.
Indigenous-led toxic tours opening pathways for (re)connecting to place, people and all creation
Authors: Bigby Bobbie Chew , Jim Rebecca , Hatley Earl
Published: August 2023

Home to nine Tribal Nations, the northeastern corner of Oklahoma (US) is a place of immense resilience, cultural beauty and attachment to place. Horrifically, however, this same area is also home to massive environmental assaults that have occurred as a result of decades of lead and zinc mining. The improperly managed mine waste that has accumulated since the late 1800s now severely contaminates the water, land and air, having adverse impacts on the health of the ecosystem and the local human community alike. Leading the fight for cleanup and support of place and people since 1997 is the non-profit organisation called Local Environmental Action Demanded (LEAD Agency). One of LEAD’s primary tools for education and advocacy has been leading toxic tours across these harmed lands and waters. This contribution draws upon the nearly three decades of toxic tours that Rebecca and Earl have led by sharing key stories and experiences of important sites visited along the way, offering a snapshot of toxic tour experience. Drawing on Indigenous storywork and autoethnographic methodologies, this contribution aims to spotlight the potential of Indigenous-led toxic tours for helping to (re)connect people — both locals and visitors — to place and a responsibility of stewardship.
Standpoint Epistemology and Epistemic Peerhood: A Defense of Epistemic Privilege
Authors: TOOLE BRIANA
Published: August 2023

Standpoint epistemology is committed to the view that some epistemic advantage can be drawn from the position of powerlessness. Call this theepistemic privilege thesis. This thesis stands in need of explication and support. In providing that explication and support, I first distinguish between two readings of the thesis: the thesis that marginalized social locations confer some epistemic advantages (the epistemic advantage thesis) and the thesis that marginalized standpoints generate better, more accurate knowledge (the standpoint thesis). I then develop the former by appealing to the notion of epistemic peers available in the disagreement literature. I next turn to the latter thesis, arguing that consciousness-raising plays an analogous role in the achievement of a standpoint as training does in the achievement of expertise. The upshot of this analysis is that it clarifies that while marginalization is necessary (though not sufficient) for epistemic advantage, it is neither necessary nor sufficient for epistemic privilege.