bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Morphological Indicators on the Pedestrian Level Wind of the Existing Workers Villages in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Xingzhao , Wu Xinyu , Yang Luqiao , Xu Jiaqi , Luo Ruizhe , Yao Jiawei
Published: April 2023

The workers villages are typical residential type during Shanghai’s urbanization built from the 1950s to the 1980s. Due to changes in the urban environment and climatic circumstances, the workers villages have inadequate natural ventilation and difficulty in dispersing pollutants, putting residents’ health at risk. In the context of urban renewal, it is necessary to clarify the effect of building morphological indicators on pedestrian level wind, especially in such old residential communities. In this paper, 100 workers villages representatives were gathered by GIS. Their summer ventilation conditions were simulated using the CFD solving the LES turbulence equation. The correlation between 9 morphological indicators and 2 pedestrian level wind indicators was obtained quantitatively by Pearson analysis and regression analysis. The result shows increasing the building coverage of 0.94% in the workers villages, the ratio of the area of the static wind in summer will increase subsequently by 10%. The results highlight the importance of considering morphological indicators to enhance the wind environment, and provide suggestions for the environmental transformation of communities with similar characteristic in the high-density city.
Exploration on Diversity Generation of Campus Layout Based on GAN
Authors: Liu Yubo , Zhang Zhilan , Deng Qiaoming
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have shown that GAN has made some progress in the generation of campus layout plan, but the result is single output for single input condition. This paper hopes to make some attempts and explorations on the diversity generation of campus planning layout design by machine learning. Based on Pix2Pix model, this paper proposes a method to divide image channels so that both the campus function bubble diagram and the site boundary can both become the input conditions. There is a strong correspondence between the campus functional bubble diagram and the campus layout. The main idea of this study is to control the generated results by changing the input of the campus functional bubble diagram, so that we can have a diversity layout of campus according to the same site conditions. In the experiment, we train thirty samples of campus planning layout design, and finally evaluate the generated results in a qualitative and quantitative way, which proves that the generated results are relatively ideal. This research enables designers to participate in the process of machine learning generative design to control the generation results.
Co-creation: Space Reconfiguration by Architect and Agent Simulation Based Machine Learning
Authors: Dai Anni
Published: April 2023

This research is a manifestation of architectural co-creation between agent simulation based machine learning and an architect’s tacit knowledge. Instead of applying machine learning brains to agents, the author reversed the idea and applied machine learning to buildings. The project used agent simulation as a database, and trained the space to reconfigure itself based on its distance to the nearest agents. To overcome the limitations of machine learning model’s simplified solutions to complicated architectural environments, the author introduced a co-creation method, where an architect uses tacit knowledge to overwatch and have real-time control over the space reconfiguration process. This research combines both the strength of machine learning’s data-processing ability and an architect’s tacit knowledge. Through exploration of emerging technologies such as machine learning and agent simulation, the author highlights limitations in design automation. By combining an architect’s tacit knowledge with a new generation design method of agent simulation based machine learning, the author hopes to explore a new way for architects to co-create with machines.
Soft Pneumatic Robotic Architectural System: Prefabricated Inflatable Module-Based Cybernetic Adaptive Space Model Manipulated Through Human-System Interaction
Authors: Wang Si-Yuan Rylan
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a cybernetic adaptive space model based on prefabricated inflatable modules and physical interaction manipulation is introduced. The research aimed to redefine an intelligent and organic trend of residing and working by providing an adjustable and performative space system. The conjunction of human-space interaction, as well as the soft and hard architectural elements adaptive to dynamic living modalities and environmental conditions, are included in the methodology. The datasets based on the human body posture are collected through IMU sensors to provide coding inputs for defining modular inflatable structures, which anticipate generating heterogeneous morphological variations apt for flexible scenarios. The elaborated pre-fabricated samples successfully conform to the expected inflating behavior through silicone patterns. The results demonstrated the possibility of future architecture as an unrestrained configuration. Integrating the shape-shifting space within modular manufacturing and interactive technology can deprive the performance of many constraints. It can render a responsive ecosystem through a behavioral transformation of the in-habitants.
Fabrication of Reinforced 3D Concrete Printing Formwork
Authors: Luo Jiaxiang , Gao Tianyi , Yuan Philip F.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the emerging 3D printing concrete technology has been proved to be an effective and intelligent strategy compared with conventional casting concrete construction. Due to the principle of additive manufacturing strategy, this concrete extrusion technique creates great opportunities for designing freeform geometries for surface decoration since this material has a promising performance of high compressive strength, low deformation, and excellent durability. However, the structure behavior is usually questioned, defined by the thickness and printing path. At the same time, the experiments for using 3D printing elements for structural and functional parts are still insufficient. Little investigation has been made into developing reinforcement strategies compatible with 3D printing concrete. In fact, conventional formwork and easy-to-install reinforcement support structures have various advantages in terms of labor costs but can hardly be reused. Thus, using 3D concrete printing as formwork for projects in different scales is an effective solution in the mass customized prefabrication era. Considering large-scale projects, the demand to provide concrete formwork with a proper reinforcement strategy for better toughness, flexibility, and strength is necessary. In this paper, we proposed different off-site reinforced 3D printing concrete strategies and evaluated them from time and material cost, deviation, and accessibility of fabrication.
Knowledge Graphs: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Peng Ciyuan , Xia Feng , Naseriparsa Mehdi , Osborne Francesco
Published: April 2023

With the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, it has become vitally important to organize and represent the enormous volume of knowledge appropriately. As graph data, knowledge graphs accumulate and convey knowledge of the real world. It has been well-recognized that knowledge graphs effectively represent complex information; hence, they rapidly gain the attention of academia and industry in recent years. Thus to develop a deeper understanding of knowledge graphs, this paper presents a systematic overview of this field. Specifically, we focus on the opportunities and challenges of knowledge graphs. We first review the opportunities of knowledge graphs in terms of two aspects: (1) AI systems built upon knowledge graphs; (2) potential application fields of knowledge graphs. Then, we thoroughly discuss severe technical challenges in this field, such as knowledge graph embeddings, knowledge acquisition, knowledge graph completion, knowledge fusion, and knowledge reasoning. We expect that this survey will shed new light on future research and the development of knowledge graphs.
Parents’ experiences of mathematics learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a typology of parental engagement in mathematics education
Authors: Murphy Steve , Danaia Lena , Tinkler Jacquie , Collins Fiona
Published: April 2023

The COVID pandemic disrupted the schooling of students worldwide resulting in many having had a period of at-home learning. Many parents found themselves assuming responsibility for supporting their children’s at-home learning. Parents often find it difficult to support their children’s mathematics learning compared with other curriculum areas. There has been limited research exploring parental engagement in mathematics education generally, and little into parental engagement in mathematics education during the COVID pandemic. This paper examines how parents supported their child’s mathematics education during the school closures and identifies the factors that impacted this engagement. The Ecologies of Parental Engagement (EPE) model was used to help describe the engagement of different parents in mathematics education during the school closures and to examine the way the home space and available capital shaped parental engagement. Eight parents were selected from a larger Australian study that explored the impact of the pandemic-induced period of at-home schooling on primary school mathematics and science. One-on-one narrative interviews were conducted online with participants. Analysis identified three categories of parental engagement: monitors, facilitators, and enhancers. Parents in each category responded to their role in at-home learning differently, and accessed and activated different capital to support their child’s at-home learning in mathematics during the pandemic. Results highlight the value of emotional capital, as well as knowledge of mathematics and mathematics education, with implications for schools hoping to engage parents in mathematics learning. The study offers a typology to be explored in future research concerning parental engagement in mathematics education.
Accurate Measurements of the Thermal Conductivity of n-Docosane, n-Tetracosane, 1,6-Hexanediol, and 1,8-Octanediol in the Solid and Liquid Phases
Authors: Velliadou Danai , Antoniadis Konstantinos D. , Assimopoulou Andreana N. , Assael Marc J. , Sequeira Maria Carolina Margarido , Wakeham William A.
Published: April 2023

New measurements of the thermal conductivity of n-docosane, n-tetracosane, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,8-octanediol, in the solid and liquid phase, are presented. The technique employed is the transient hot-wire technique, based on a full theoretical model. The technique is absolute and is characterized by an uncertainty of 1%. At the 95% confidence level, the standard deviations of the thermal conductivity measurements of n-docosane, are 0.40% for the solid phase (267 K to 308 K), and 0.60% for the liquid phase (330 K to 360 K); of n-tetracosane, 0.60% for the solid phase (265 K to 306 K), and 0.30% for the liquid phase (339 K to 363 K); of 1,6-hexanediol, 0.70% for the solid phase (263 K to 296 K), and 0.40% for the liquid phase (327 K to 351 K); and of 1,8-octanediol 1.1% for the solid phase (265 K to 312 K), and 0.50% for the liquid phase (344 K to 356 K), respectively.
Career experts' conceptions of systems development in lifelong guidance
Authors: Kettunen Jaana , Barnes Sally-Anne , Bimrose Jenny , Brown Alan , Vuorinen Raimo
Published: April 2023

This article reports the findings from a phenomenographic study of career experts’ conceptions of systems development in lifelong guidance settings. The results show that conceptions of systems development in lifelong guidance varied from minimal, aspirational, strategic to systemic. By exploring the logical relationship between qualitatively different conceptions, it provides policymakers and other stakeholders with a way of holistically viewing the varying levels of lifelong guidance systems development. The matrix presented in this article may serve as a catalyst for reflection on crucial elements, such as legislation, leadership and cooperation, that have the potential to improve systems development in lifelong guidance.
The value of platelet-rich plasma in women with previous implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , El-Mazny Akmal , Kamal Nada , Mahmoud Safaa I. , Fouad Mona , El-Nassery Noura , Kotb Amal , Ragab Wael S. , Ogila Asmaa I. , Metwally Ahmed A. , Fahmy Radwa M. , Saad Hany , Shaeer Eman K. , Salah Noha , Lasheen Yossra
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess the value of intrauterine PRP to improve IVF outcome in women with previous implantation failure.

Methods

Screening of Pubmed, Web of Science, and other databases from inception to August 2022 using the keywords related to “platelet-rich plasma” OR “PRP” AND “IVF” “implantation failure.” Twenty-nine studies (3308 participants) were included in our analysis, 13 were RCTs, 6 were prospective cohorts, 4 were prospective single arm, and 6 were retrospective analyses. Extracted data included settings of the study, study type, sample size, participants’ characteristics, route, volume, timing of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

Results

Implantation rate was reported in 6 RCTs (886 participants) and 4 non-RCTs (732 participants). The odds ratio (OR) effect estimate was 2.62 and 2.06, with 95% CI of 1.83, 3.76, and 1.03–4.11, respectively. Endometrial thickness was compared in 4 RCTs (307 participants) and 9 non-RCTs (675 participants), which showed a mean difference of 0.93 and 1.16, with 0.59–1.27 and 0.68–1.65 95% CI, respectively.

Conclusion

PRP administration improves implantation, clinical pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth rates, and endometrial thickness in women with previous implantation failure.
Comparative study on the corrosion behaviour of CNT-reinforced NiAl alloys in NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions
Authors: Netshia Mukhethwa , Mahlobo Mandlenkosi G. R. , Awotunde Mary A. , Olubambi Peter A.
Published: April 2023

Various electrochemical techniques were used to study the corrosion behaviour of the CNT-reinforced NiAl alloys under NaCl and Na2SO4 environments. The potentiodynamic polarization curves revealed activation Tafel behaviour when the NiAl alloy specimens were immersed in NaCl solution while passivation followed by slight development of transpassivation resulted under Na2SO4 environment. The reinforcement of pure NiAl alloy with up to 1.0 wt.% CNT increased the corrosion rate from 0.10 to 0.63 mm/yr under NaCl environment, while under Na2SO4 environment, the corrosion rate increased from 0.04 to 0.12 mm/yr. The observed increase in corrosion rate with an increase in CNT reinforcement (under both NaCl and Na2SO4 environments) suggested that the reinforcement of NiAl alloys with CNT reduced the corrosion resistance of NiAl. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the corrosion products consisted of oxides including Al2O3 under NaCl environment, while scanning electron microscope analysis showed a porous passive layer on the surface of the alloy specimens immersed in Na2SO4 solution.

Graphical abstract
Caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline of children in rural Uganda
Authors: Satinsky Emily N. , Kakuhikire Bernard , Baguma Charles , Cooper-Vince Christine E. , Rasmussen Justin D. , Ashaba Scholastic , Perkins Jessica M. , Ahereza Phionah , Ayebare Patience , Kim Andrew W. , Puffer Eve S. , Tsai Alexander C.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Physically harsh discipline is associated with poor developmental outcomes among children. These practices are more prevalent in areas experiencing poverty and resource scarcity, including in low- and middle-income countries. Designed to limit social desirability bias, this cross-sectional study in rural Uganda estimated caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline; differences by caregiver sex, child sex, and setting; and associations with indicators of household economic stress and insecurity.

Method

Three-hundred-fifty adult caregivers were shown six hypothetical pictographic scenarios depicting children whining, spilling a drink, and kicking a caregiver. Girls and boys were depicted engaging in each of the three behaviors. Approximately half of the participants were shown scenes from a market setting and half were shown scenes from a household setting. For each scenario, caregivers reported the discipline strategy they would use (time out, beating, discussing, yelling, ignoring, slapping).

Results

Two thirds of the participants selected a physically harsh discipline strategy (beating, slapping) at least once. Women selected more physically harsh discipline strategies than men (b = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.54). Participants shown scenes from the market selected fewer physically harsh discipline strategies than participants shown scenes from the household (b = -0.51; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.33). Finally, caregivers selected more physically harsh discipline strategies in response to boys than girls. Indicators of economic insecurity were inconsistently associated with preferences for physically harsh discipline.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of physically harsh discipline preferences warrant interventions aimed at reframing caregivers’ approaches to discipline.
Clinical Correlates of Sports Betting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valenciano-Mendoza Eduardo , Mora-Maltas Bernat , Mestre-Bach Gemma , Munguía Lucero , Richard Jérémie , Derevensky Jeffrey L. , Potenza Marc N. , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: April 2023

Sports betting is becoming increasingly widespread, and a growing number of individuals, both adolescents and adults, participate in this type of gambling. The main aim of this systematic review was to assess correlates of sports betting (sociodemographic features, gambling-related variables, co-occurring psychopathologies, and personality tendencies) through a systematic review conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were identified via searches of NCBI/PubMed and APA PsycInfo databases. Individuals from the general population and/or with a clinical diagnosis of gambling disorder (GD) were included, irrespective of gender and age. In addition, the studies needed to have administered at least one clinical interview/psychometric instrument to assess the presence of problematic gambling/GD, contain at least one group of participants with sports betting, and directly analyze the association between sports betting and any of the following features: sociodemographics, gambling-related variables, co-occurring psychopathologies, and/or personality tendencies. Fifty-four articles were included. Multiple sociodemographic variables have been studied in relation to sports betting. In general, males with high impulsivity have greater tendencies for sports betting. The co-occurrence of certain pathologies, especially substance use or other addictive disorders, was also suggested. Most studies were cross-sectional, assessed participants using self-administered instruments, recruited samples using non-probability online panels, included small samples, had unbalanced samples, and included samples from only one country. Impulsive males may be particularly prone to sports gambling and related problems. Future research should examine prevention strategies that may help prevent the development of sport-betting-related GD and other addictive behaviors in vulnerable individuals.
Prerequisites for coexistence: human pressure and refuge habitat availability shape continental-scale habitat use patterns of a large carnivore
Authors: Oeser Julian , Heurich Marco , Kramer-Schadt Stephanie , Andrén Henrik , Bagrade Guna , Belotti Elisa , Bufka Luděk , Breitenmoser-Würsten Christine , Černe Rok , Duľa Martin , Fuxjäger Christian , Gomerčić Tomislav , Jędrzejewski Włodzimierz , Kont Raido , Koubek Petr , Kowalczyk Rafał , Krofel Miha , Krojerová-Prokešová Jarmila , Kubala Jakub , Kusak Josip , Kutal Miroslav , Linnell John D. C. , Mattisson Jenny , Molinari-Jobin Anja , Männil Peep , Odden John , Okarma Henryk , Oliveira Teresa , Pagon Nives , Persson Jens , Remm Jaanus , Schmidt Krzysztof , Signer Sven , Tám Branislav , Vogt Kristina , Zimmermann Fridolin , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: April 2023

Context

Adjustments in habitat use by large carnivores can be a key factor facilitating their coexistence with people in shared landscapes. Landscape composition might be a key factor determining how large carnivores can adapt to occurring alongside humans, yet broad-scale analyses investigating adjustments of habitat use across large gradients of human pressure and landscape composition are lacking.

Objectives

Here, we investigate adjustments in habitat use by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in response to varying availability of refuge habitats (i.e., forests and rugged terrain) and human landscape modification.

Methods

Using a large tracking dataset including 434 individuals from seven populations, we assess functional responses in lynx habitat use across two spatial scales, testing for variation by sex, daytime, and season.

Results

We found that lynx use refuge habitats more intensively with increasing landscape modification across spatial scales, selecting forests most strongly in otherwise open landscapes and rugged terrain in mountainous regions. Moreover, higher forest availability enabled lynx to place their home ranges in more human-modified landscapes. Human pressure and refuge habitat availability also shaped temporal patterns of lynx habitat use, with lynx increasing refuge habitat use and reducing their use of human-modified areas during periods of high exposure (daytime) or high vulnerability (postnatal period) to human pressure.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a remarkable adaptive capacity of lynx towards human pressure and underline the importance of refuge habitats across scales for enabling coexistence between large carnivores and people. More broadly, we highlight that the composition of landscapes determines how large carnivores can adapt to human pressure and thus play an important role shaping large carnivore habitat use and distributions.
Bananas: multi-edge graphs and their Feynman integrals
Authors: Kreimer Dirk
Published: April 2023

We consider multi-edge or banana graphs $$b_n$$

b
n

on n internal edges $$e_i$$

e
i

with different masses $$m_i$$

m
i

. We focus on the cut banana graphs $$\Im (\Phi _R(b_n))$$

ℑ
(

Φ
R

(

b
n

)

)

from which the full result $$\Phi _R(b_n)$$

Φ
R

(

b
n

)

can be derived through dispersion. We give a recursive definition of $$\Im (\Phi _R(b_n))$$

ℑ
(

Φ
R

(

b
n

)

)

through iterated integrals. We discuss the structure of this iterated integral in detail. A discussion of accompanying differential equations, of monodromy and of a basis of master integrals is included.
Structural, optical, photoluminescence and magnetic investigation of doped and Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Sedky A. , Afify N. , Almohammedi Abdullah , Ibrahim E. M. M. , Ali Atif Mossad
Published: April 2023

We report here the structural, optical, photoluminescence (PL), and magnetic investigation of Zn1−x−yFexMyO nanoparticles. The lattice constants and crystallite size are decreased by Fe, followed by a further decrease up to (Fe + M) = 0.30. A compressive stress is approved and the size of particle is between 180 and 277 nm and follows the sample order of ZnO, (Fe + Cu), (Fe + Ni), and Fe. Although a single value of energy gap (Eg) is found for pure and Fe-doped ZnO, two values of Eg (Egh and Egl) are found for the co-doped samples. The Eg is generally increased by Fe, followed by a further increase for the Cu-series, whereas it is decreased for the Ni-series. The refractive indices nK and nT proposed by different methods are generally decreased by Fe, followed by a further decrease for both series. Although Fe doped ZnO depressed the density of carriers (N/m*), it increased again for the co-doped samples. The residual dielectric constant ϵL is decreased by Fe, followed by an increase for the Cu-series, but it is decreased for the Ni-series. The loss factor tan δ increases slightly with Fe, followed by an increase for the Ni-series, but it decreases in the Cu-series. A significant depression of optical conductivity σopt by Fe was obtained, followed by a further decrease which is higher for the Cu-series. The PL shows four visible emissions. Interestingly, an IR emission at about 825 nm is only obtained for the co-doped samples. Furthermore, the blue emission (Iblue) was higher than UV (IUV), [(Iblue/IUV) > 1], but it is greater for the Ni series than the Cu. Although ZnO exhibits diamagnetic behavior, the Fe and co-doped samples exhibit ferromagnetic with higher magnetization for the Ni-series than the Cu. The current results recommend the co-doped samples in nanoscale for some of advanced devices.
On hypothesis testing in latent class and finite mixture stochastic frontier models, with application to a contaminated normal-half normal model
Authors: Stead Alexander D. , Wheat Phill , Greene William H.
Published: April 2023

Latent class and finite mixture stochastic frontier models have been proposed as a means of allowing either for technological heterogeneity or more flexible distributions of noise and inefficiency. As in the wider literature on latent class and finite mixture models, we are interested in class enumeration, particularly testing against homogeneity. We apply a modified likelihood ratio test for homogeneity in a stochastic frontier setting, based on established results for non-Gaussian latent class and finite mixture models, and provide evidence from Monte Carlo experiments which suggest the applicability of results regarding a modified likelihood ratio test to the stochastic frontier setting. We demonstrate an application to testing a model with a contaminated normal noise term against a model with a normally distributed noise term, finding that the former is preferred, with significant implications for efficiency prediction.
Deploying Sustainability Through Employee Participation. An Action Research Proposal
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , González-Portela Garrido A. Trinidad , Prado-Prado J. Carlos
Published: April 2023

Society is increasingly aware of and sensitive to the deployment of sustainability. Therefore, firms must implement policies that not only have a positive effect on their sustainable behavior but also contribute to improving their competitivity. In this dual context of sustainability and competitiveness, there has been little in-depth analysis in the academic literature of the positive impact of structured employee participation systems. The main aim of this paper is to propose and apply a methodology for the joint development of sustainability and competitiveness by means of such systems. The methodology will draw on the basic principles of continuous improvement based on a literature review but also by adopting an Action Research approach, in which the researchers and companies collaborate to create useful knowledge for both parties. Likewise, this paper also illustrates its implementation at a Spanish food product manufacturer. The paper shows the potential in both the research and business spheres, as it provides a useful guide for improving sustainability and competitiveness through the deployment of structured employee participation systems. Likewise, the paper also illustrates the usefulness of researchers and practitioners collaborating shoulder to shoulder to generate and transfer knowledge.
Practical Reasoning and Practical Argumentation: A Stakeholder Commitment Approach
Authors: van Berkel Kees , Wagemans Jean H. M.
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the conceptual and terminological overlap between theories and models of practical deliberation developed within the fields of Practical Reasoning (PR) and Practical Argumentation (PA). It carefully delineates the volitional, epistemic, normative, and social commitments invoked and explicates various rationales for attributing the label ‘practical’ to instances of reasoning and argumentation. Based on these analyses, the paper develops a new approach to practical deliberation called the Stakeholder Commitment Approach (SCA). By distinguishing between ‘problem holder’ and ‘problem solver’, and specifying the distributions of attributable commitments among the stakeholders, the SCA introduces an extension and refinement of the grounds for assigning the label ‘practical’ that brings PR and PA closer together.
Easily Prepared Titanium Phosphate-Based Composites for the Remediation of Synthetic and Real Wastewaters
Authors: EL-Mekkawi Doaa M. , Othman Sahar A. , Abd El-Wahab Rasha M. , Selim Mohamed M.
Published: April 2023

This study explored the remediation of polluted synthetic and real wastewaters by titanium oxyhydroxide/titanium phosphate (TTP) and TTP/active carbon (TTPC) composites. TTP materials were synthesized in mild conditions by hydrolyzing TiCl4 in a basic medium followed by the reaction with phosphoric acid. Analyses revealed that TTP is a nano-sized low crystalline material (average diameter of TTP ~ 6 nm) composed of 38.38% TiO(OH)2 and 59.89% titanium phosphate. The maximal removal capacities of TTP were achieved in the highly basic waters. They were measured to be 10.60 and 11.55 meq/g TTP with respect to Na and K ions, respectively. The removal capacities of the individual parts of TTP are estimated to be 7.68 and 3.83 meq/g for titanium oxyhydroxide and hydrogen titanium phosphate, respectively, with respect to K ion. At high pH values, all exchangeable protons in the hydrogen titanium phosphate and titanium oxyhydroxide participated in the removal processes. Data also revealed that supporting TTP on activated carbon enhanced its removal efficiency. The exposed surface area of supported TTP sample increased against the targeted cations during the removal experiments. Finally, full analysis of withdrawn real wastewater samples was conducted before and after their treatment using TTP materials. Both TTP and TTPC showed satisfied performance toward the removal of various metal ions and even against organic pollutants.
Can frailty scores predict the incidence of cancer? Results from two large population-based studies
Authors: Mak Jonathan K. L. , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Wang Yunzhang , Hägg Sara , Jylhävä Juulia
Published: April 2023

While chronological age is the single biggest risk factor for cancer, it is less clear whether frailty, an age-related state of physiological decline, may also predict cancer incidence. We assessed the associations of frailty index (FI) and frailty phenotype (FP) scores with the incidence of any cancer and five common cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, melanoma) in 453,144 UK Biobank (UKB) and 36,888 Screening Across the Lifespan Twin study (SALT) participants, who aged 38–73 years and had no cancer diagnosis at baseline. During a median follow-up of 10.9 and 10.7 years, 53,049 (11.7%) and 4,362 (11.8%) incident cancers were documented in UKB and SALT, respectively. Using multivariable-adjusted Cox models, we found a higher risk of any cancer in frail vs. non-frail UKB participants, when defined by both FI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–1.28) and FP (HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.11–1.21). The FI in SALT similarly predicted risk of any cancer (HR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.15–1.49). Moreover, frailty was predictive of lung cancer in UKB, although this association was not observed in SALT. Adding frailty scores to models including age, sex, and traditional cancer risk factors resulted in little improvement in C-statistics for most cancers. In a within-twin-pair analysis in SALT, the association between FI and any cancer was attenuated within monozygotic but not dizygotic twins, indicating that it may partly be explained by genetic factors. Our findings suggest that frailty scores are associated with the incidence of any cancer and lung cancer, although their clinical utility for predicting cancers may be limited.
Electrochemical Investigations on the Corrosion Behavior of 904L Stainless Steel in LiBr Solutions
Authors: Kiey Sherief A. Al , Meguid E. A. Abd El , Rehim S. S. Abd El
Published: April 2023

The pitting corrosion susceptibility of 904L stainless steel in aerated LiBr solutions was investigated. The influence of various experimental variables, including electrolyte concentrations, pH, scan rate, temperatures, and constant potential has been studied using electrochemical measurements, such as cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic techniques, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface morphology of 904L stainless steel was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The rate of uniform corrosion and susceptibility toward pitting corrosion increases with an increase in LiBr concentrations and temperature. Increasing the pH of the solution decreases the rate of both uniform and pitting corrosion. An increase in the scan rate enhances the uniform corrosion, but suppresses the pitting corrosion. EIS diagrams displayed a depressed semicircles with the center under the real axis. Bode plots support the result that the uniform corrosion resistance of the alloy in LiBr solutions decreases with increasing Br− anion concentration. The observations suggest that this one time constant may actually be the overlap of two-time constants.
Stabbed to death: an osteobiography example of violence among Longobards (Povegliano Veronese, Italy, 6th-8th c CE)
Authors: Zeppilli Carlotta , Micarelli Ileana , Bernardini Sara , Profico Antonio , di Giannantonio Stefania , Giostra Caterina , Paine Robert R. , Manzi Giorgio , Tafuri Mary Anne
Published: April 2023

Here
we report the reconstruction of the osteobiography of an adult male buried in the Longobard cemetery of Povegliano Veronese (Northern Italy, late 6th – early 8th century CE), who shows signs of interpersonal violence. The palaeopathological investigation reveals sharp force traumas on the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra and on two right ribs. The absence of signs of healing or bone remodelling indicates that the defects were perimortem. The injuries probably affected vital organs, leading to death. Further macroscopic observations of the skeleton suggest horseback-riding activity. Strontium isotope data from tooth enamel indicate a non-local origin of the individual. X-ray and CT scan acquisition and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses were performed to investigate the bone defects. His osteobiography was interpreted and contextualised in the complex socio-political scenario of post-classical Italy. The results document that he spent his childhood outside the Povegliano Veronese area, that during his life he was likely a horseback rider active in battle, but that his violent death did not happen during warfare/battle. This multi-layered approach, supported by archaeological information, osteological investigation, biomolecular analysis, and virtual imagery, allowed for the extensive reconstruction of an individual's life history.
Exploring the impact of the reclassification of a hereditary cancer syndrome gene variant: emerging themes from a qualitative study
Authors: Wedd Laura , Gleeson Margaret , Meiser Bettina , O’Shea Rosie , Barlow-Stewart Kristine , Spurdle Amanda B. , James Paul , Fleming Jane , Nichols Cassandra , Austin Rachel , Cops Elisa , Monnik Melissa , Do Judy , Kaur Rajneesh
Published: April 2023

The complexity of genetic variant interpretation means that a proportion of individuals who undergo genetic testing for a hereditary cancer syndrome will have their test result reclassified over time. Such a reclassification may involve a clinically significant upgrade or downgrade in pathogenicity, which may have significant implications for medical management. To date, few studies have examined the psychosocial impact of a reclassification in a hereditary cancer syndrome context. To address this gap, semi-structured telephone interviews were performed with eighteen individuals who had a BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome-related (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2) gene variant reclassified. The interviews were analysed utilising an inductive, qualitative approach and emergent themes were identified by thematic analysis. Variable levels of recall amongst participants were found. Common motivations for initial testing included a significant personal and/or family history of cancer and a desire to “find an answer”. No individual whose uncertain result was upgraded reported negative psychosocial outcomes; most reported adapting to their reclassified result and appraised their genetic testing experience positively. However, individuals whose likely pathogenic/pathogenic results were downgraded reported feelings of anger, shock and sadness post reclassification, highlighting that additional psychosocial support may be required for some. Genetic counselling issues and recommendations for clinical practice are outlined.
Plasma lipidome and risk of atrial fibrillation: results from the PREDIMED trial
Authors: Toledo Estefania , Wittenbecher Clemens , Razquin Cristina , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Clish Clary B. , Liang Liming , Alonso Alvaro , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Arós-Borau Fernando , Corella Dolores , Ros Emilio , Estruch Ramón , García-Rodríguez Antonio , Fitó Montserrat , Lapetra José , Fiol Miquel , Alonso-Gomez Ángel M. , Serra-Majem Luis , Deik Amy , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Hu Frank B. , Martínez-González Miguel A.
Published: April 2023

The potential role of the lipidome in atrial fibrillation (AF) development is still widely unknown. We aimed to assess the association between lipidome profiles of the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) trial participants and incidence of AF. We conducted a nested case–control study (512 incident centrally adjudicated AF cases and 735 controls matched by age, sex, and center). Baseline plasma lipids were profiled using a Nexera X2 U-HPLC system coupled to an Exactive Plus orbitrap mass spectrometer. We estimated the association between 216 individual lipids and AF using multivariable conditional logistic regression and adjusted the p values for multiple testing. We also examined the joint association of lipid clusters with AF incidence. Hitherto, we estimated the lipidomics network, used machine learning to select important network-clusters and AF-predictive lipid patterns, and summarized the joint association of these lipid patterns weighted scores. Finally, we addressed the possible interaction by the randomized dietary intervention.

Forty-one individual lipids were associated with AF at the nominal level (p < 0.05), but no longer after adjustment for multiple-testing. However, the network-based score identified with a robust data-driven lipid network showed a multivariable-adjusted ORper+1SD of 1.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.51; p < 0.001). The score included PC plasmalogens and PE plasmalogens, palmitoyl-EA, cholesterol, CE 16:0, PC 36:4;O, and TG 53:3. No interaction with the dietary intervention was found. A multilipid score, primarily made up of plasmalogens, was associated with an increased risk of AF. Future studies are needed to get further insights into the lipidome role on AF.

Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN35739639.
Are global influences of cascade dams affecting river water temperature and fish ecology?
Authors: Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Shi Xiaotao , Guo Jiali , Ke Senfan , Hu Caihong , Asad Muhammad , Jalbani Shaista , Zwain Haider M. , Khan Parvaiz , Boota Muhammad Waseem
Published: April 2023

Global warming is affecting animal populations worldwide, through chronic temperature increases and an increase in the frequency of extreme heatwave events. Reservoirs are essential for water security. All watersheds with reservoirs are impacted by their construction. These artificial ecosystems controlled by humans change considerably the natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and systems and their biodiversity. The rapid increase in population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are accompanied by an increase in river discharges, which increases the total amount of pollutants. HMs contamination in aquatic environments, as well as the subsequent absorption of HMs into the food chain by aquatic creatures and people, endangers public health. Multiple uses of reservoirs promote benefits in terms of economic development, income, and employment. HMs in water can be ingested directly by aquatic species like fish and can also be ingested indirectly through the food chain; thus, it is much more important and required to conduct frequent monitoring of the aquatic environment. As a result, this review summarizes knowledge about the effects of cascade dams on river water temperature and increases on the stress physiology of fishes, and adaptation to climate change is also needed to produce more fish without global warming.
Development of a solvent screening methodology for cannabinoid recovery from a wax by-product via recrystallization
Authors: Duminy Jan-Hendrik , Goosen Neill , Pott Robert , van Rensburg Eugene
Published: April 2023

Wax by-products from commercial Cannabis processing, containing between 41 and 46% (w/w) cannabinoids, are currently underutilized due to lack of research done, and significant value can be added through recovery of the cannabinoids. The cannabinoids are aimed to be recovered via a novel solvent-assisted recrystallization technology, and this study provides a robust solvent screening methodology for recovery of the cannabinoids for this technology. Solvents were screened based on their relative polarity, boiling point temperature, and safety of use. Further criteria such as reactivity toward wax compounds were implemented through evaluation of the Kamlet-Taft parameters of potential solvents. Solubility predictions of the wax in different solvents were done using the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP). The methodology was tested on a set of 73 commonly used solvents identifying five suitable solvents, which were 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 3-pentanone, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, and methyl tert-butyl ether. The identified solvents were tested for use in recrystallization and were found to be suitable, validating the use of the developed methodology.

Graphical Abstract
Canopy-applied silicon is an effective strategy for reducing sweet cherry cracking
Authors: Rombolà Adamo Domenico , Quartieri Maurizio , Rodríguez-Declet Arleen , Minnocci Antonio , Sebastiani Luca , Sorrenti Giovambattista
Published: April 2023

Fruit cracking caused by rainfall prior to harvest, a major problem in sweet cherry production, is being exacerbated by climate change. Currently, pre-harvest spraying with calcium salt solutions is the prevalent technique to reduce fruit cracking in cherry orchards not covered by plastic roofs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of canopy-applied silicon in the reduction of sweet cherry cracking under different field conditions. Four field trials were conducted on mature trees of the cultivars Van, New Star, and Emperor Francis. Treatments included water (control), calcium chloride, and sodium silicate. Multiple sprays (three) were applied weekly from fruit onset of color to approximately 1 week before harvest. The results showed that under conditions conducive to cracking, sodium silicate reduced the percentage of cracked fruits to a similar or larger extent than calcium chloride. This study highlights how canopy-applied silicon sources may effectively contribute to reducing cherry cracking, acting as an alternative technique to other preventive methods.
Higher levels of multimorbidity are associated with increased risk of readmission for older people during post-acute transitional care
Authors: Griffin Ornagh , Li Tracy , Beveridge Alexander , Ní Chróinín Danielle
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Older patients are at high risk for poor outcomes after an acute hospital admission. The Transitional Aged Care Programme (TACP) was established by the Australian government to provide a short-term care service aiming to optimise functional independence following hospital discharge. We aim to investigate the association between multimorbidity and readmission amongst patients on TACP.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all TACP patients over 12 months. Multimorbidity was defined using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and prolonged TACP (pTACP) as TACP ≥ 8 weeks.

Results

Amongst 227 TACP patients, the mean age was 83.3 ± 8.0 years, and 142 (62.6%) were females. The median length-of-stay on TACP was 8 weeks (IQR 5–9.67), and median CCI 7 (IQR 6–8). 21.6% were readmitted to hospital. Amongst the remainder, 26.9% remained at home independently, 49.3% remained home with supports; < 1% were transferred to a residential facility (0.9%) or died (0.9%). Hospital readmission rates increased with multimorbidity (OR 1.37 per unit increase in CCI, 95% CI 1.18–1.60, p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, including polypharmacy, CCI, and living alone, CCI remained independently associated with 30-day readmission (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22–1.68, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CCI is independently associated with a 30-day hospital readmission in TACP cohort. Identifying vulnerability to readmission, such as multimorbidity, may allow future exploration of targeted interventions.
A design method for seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frame buildings using aluminum shear panels
Authors: Ferraioli Massimiliano , Lavino Angelo , De Matteis Gianfranco
Published: April 2023

Despite significant progress in research and development of aluminum shear panels in recent decades, their implementation for seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings can still be significantly extended. Their application is limited by the general lack of relatively simple and effective design criteria and proper guidelines. This paper develops a design method for the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete buildings using aluminum multi-stiffened shear panels as dampers. Both the nonlinearity in the structure and the dampers-structure interaction are considered to give an optimal distribution of the shear panels over the height of the building. The analytical laws refer to dissipative aluminum shear panels recently tested and analyzed by the authors. The proposed procedure has been described in detail. Its applicability has been demonstrated by analyzing two typical RC buildings having drift capacity-to-demand ratios ranging from 0.505 to 0.624. The design value of the panel-to-frame stiffness ratio has been found to range from 0.594 to 1.432 as a function of the lateral stiffness of the existing building. The verification of the proposed procedure has been carried out by checking the validity of the design assumptions. The first one (i.e., the mode shapes remain the same before and after retrofit) has been checked using the modal assurance criterion that gives values ranging from 0.992 to 0.998. The second one (i.e., uniform yield drift distribution over the building height) has been checked by comparing the yield drifts with their average value giving a standard deviation ranging from about 11 to 15%. The effectiveness of the design method has been finally validated through nonlinear time-history analysis for different seismic accelerograms and hysteresis models. The results show that the seismic retrofit design procedure is effective in significantly reducing inter-story drift (maximum inter-story drift ratio demands ranging from 1.04 to 2.07%) thus satisfying the acceptance criteria of the building, and avoiding drift concentration and consequential weak story collapse.