bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal containment control for a class of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with actuator faults
Authors: Fan Sijia , Wang Tong , Wu Ju , Qiu Jianbin
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the optimal containment control problem for a class of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with time‐varying actuator faults and unmatched disturbances based on adaptive dynamic programming. Since there exist unknown input signals in each leader, distributed observers are utilized to estimate trajectories in the convex hull spanned by leaders. The containment control problem is then transformed into an optimal tracking problem. To compensate for the actuator faults and unmatched disturbances, a novel performance index function is designed. We prove that the optimal control policy can ensure that the tracking error system of each follower is uniformly ultimately bounded. The online policy iteration algorithm is implemented using critic neural networks to obtain the optimal control policy. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control policy.
Effects of conservation practices on rainfed maize yield, furrow water infiltration, and soil moisture for surface sealing loam soils in the Yazoo‐Mississippi Delta
Authors: Rix Jacob P. , Lo Tsz Him , Gholson Drew M. , Spencer G. Dave , Singh Gurbir
Published: September 2023

Decades of intense tillage have created the problem of surface sealing in loam soils across the Mid‐South United States and beyond. These soils exhibit low organic matter, poor aggregate stability, and ultimately low infiltration rates that decrease rainfed crop productivity and increase irrigation water demand. This research quantified the effects of soil management practices on rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) yield, furrow water infiltration, and soil moisture in Commerce very fine sandy loam and silt loam near Stoneville, MS. The six treatments included conventional tillage (CT), cereal rye (CR; Secale cereale L.), furrow diking (FD), no‐till (NT), polyacrylamide (PAM), and subsoiling (SS). No other treatment achieved a significantly higher maize grain yield than the CT control treatment in both years consistently. Single‐ring infiltrometer results indicated no significant differences among CT, CR, PAM, and SS in 2022 and between CT and NT in 2021. Neutron attenuation found that total soil water within the top 1 m was not significantly different among CT, FD, and SS on any of the eight measurement dates throughout the 2022 maize reproductive period. However, soil moisture was numerically lower for FD in the late reproductive stages. These findings suggest that environmental factors and other agronomic operations may counteract conservation practices, limiting their effectiveness at reducing irrigation requirements to mitigate groundwater depletion in the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer.
Understand ASD differences in women for accurate referral, diagnosis, accommodations
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: September 2023

Leo Kanner (1943) and Hans Asperger (1944), whose studies included only boys, initially and independently  identified autism, noting three basic characteristics: (1) social difficulties, (2) communication problems, and (3) repetitive and restrictive activities. But it wasn’t until 1980 that the term “autism” appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐III. Not until 1994 did Asperger's syndrome, or high‐functioning autism, appear in the DSM‐IV. And in the 2013 DSM‐5, Asperger's syndrome disappeared, merging into the integrated category of autism spectrum disorder.
It's time to let the Millennials grow up
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: September 2023

A 40ish friend and former colleague wrote on her Facebook page recently, “I don’t know who needs to  hear this, but Millennials are people born between 1981 and 1996, generally speaking. So, when you are complaining about ‘the kids of today,’ leave us out of it. We are using skin care with retinol and have back pain.” I literally laughed out loud when I read it. I’m guilty as charged of treating Millennials as kids, e.g., my stepson and nephew who are also pushing 40.
Spherical Shell with CNTs Network Structuring Fe‐Based Alluaudite Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 Cathode and Novel Phase Transition Mechanism for Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Qi , Hou Lijuan , Yang Qiang , Mu Daobin , Tan Guoqiang , Li Li , Chen Renjie , Wu Feng
Published: September 2023

Iron‐based sulfate cathodes of alluaudite Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 (NFS) in sodium‐ion batteries with low cost, steady cycling performance, and high voltage are promising for grid‐scale energy storage systems. However, the poor electronic conductivity and the limited understanding of the phase‐evolution of precursors hinder obtaining high‐rate capacity and the pure phase. Distinctive NFS@C@n%CNTs (n = 1, 2, 5, 10) sphere‐shell conductive networks composite cathode materials are constructed creatively, which exhibit superior reversible capacity and rate performance. In detail, the designed NFS@C@2%CNTs cathode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 95.9 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C and up to 60 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 10 C. The full NFS@C@2%CNTs//HC cell delivers a practical operating voltage of 3.5 V and mass‐energy density of 140 Wh kg−1 at 0.1 C, and it can also retain 67.37 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 96.4% after 200 cycles at 2 C. On the other hand, a novel combination reaction mechanism is first revealed for forming NFS from the mixtures of Na2Fe(SO4)2·nH2O (n = 2, 4) and FeSO4·H2O during the sintering process. The inspiring results would provide a novel perspective to synthesize high‐performance alluaudite sulfate and analogs by aqueous methods.
PbS Colloidal Quantum Dots Infrared Solar Cells: Defect Information and Passivation Strategies
Authors: Khalaf Gomaa Mohamed Gomaa , Li Mingyu , Yan Jun , Zhao Xinzhao , Ma Tianjun , Hsu Hsien-Yi , Song Haisheng
Published: September 2023

Large‐sized lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) offer strong absorption in the infrared, making them suitable for bottom cells in tandem devices. However, current QD‐based tandem devices underperform compared to single junction devices. This review focuses on defect information and passivation strategies in large‐sized QD solar cells. Defects from oxidation, polydispersity, and nonbonding sites on the (001) facet during QD synthesis are examined. Ligand‐exchange‐related defects such as tangled atoms, incomplete passivation, and excess ligands are analyzed. Surface and interface defects resulting from solar cell fabrication are also discussed. Strategies including cation exchange, thermodynamic growth, kinetic growth, and mixed halide ligands are summarized. Post‐treatment approaches could also help to address surface and interface defects. Large‐sized PbS‐QDs show promise as infrared radiation absorbers. Overcoming defects and implementing effective passivation strategies are crucial for single junction and tandem solar cells.
Octylammonium Iodide Induced In‐situ Healing at “perovskite/Carbon” Interface to Achieve 85% RH‐moisture Stable, Hole‐Conductor‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiency >19%
Authors: Lin Siyuan , Fang Zhenxing , Ma Jiao , Guo De'en , Yu Xiaohan , Xie Haipeng , Fang Mei , Zhang Dou , Zhou Kechao , Gao Yongli , Zhou Conghua
Published: September 2023

“Perovskite/carbon” interface is a bottle‐neck for hole‐conductor‐free, carbon‐electrode basing perovskite solar cells due to the energy mismatch and concentrated defects. In this article, in‐situ healing strategy is proposed by doping octylammonium iodide into carbon paste that used to prepare carbon‐electrode on perovskite layer. This strategy is found to strengthen interfacial contact and reduce interfacial defects on one hand, and slightly elevate the work function of the carbon‐electrode on other hand. Due to this effect, charge extraction is accelerated, while recombination is obviously reduced. Accordingly, power conversion efficiency of the hole‐conductor‐free, planar perovskite solar cells is upgraded by ≈50%, or from 11.65 (± 1.59) % to 17.97 (± 0.32) % (AM1.5G, 100 mW cm−2). The optimized device shows efficiency of 19.42% and open‐circuit voltage of 1.11 V. Meanwhile, moisture‐stability is tested by keeping the unsealed devices in closed chamber with relative humidity of 85%. The “in‐situ healing” strategy helps to obtain T80 time of >450 h for the carbon‐electrode basing devices, which is four times of the reference ones. Thus, a kind of “internal encapsulation effect” has also been reached. The “in situ healing” strategy facilitates the fabrication of efficient and stable hole‐conductor‐free devices basing on carbon‐electrode.
Near Quantitative Ligation Results in Resistance of DNA Origami Against Nuclease and Cell Lysate
Authors: Krishnamurthy Kirankumar , Rajendran Arivazhagan , Nakata Eiji , Morii Takashi
Published: September 2023

There have been limited efforts to ligate the staple nicks in DNA origami which is crucial for their stability against thermal and mechanical treatments, and chemical and biological environments. Here, two near quantitative ligation methods are demonstrated for the native backbone linkage at the nicks in origami: i) a cosolvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐assisted enzymatic ligation and ii) enzyme‐free chemical ligation by CNBr. Both methods achieved over 90% ligation in 2D origami, only CNBr‐method resulted in ≈80% ligation in 3D origami, while the enzyme‐alone yielded 31–55% (2D) or 22–36% (3D) ligation. Only CNBr‐method worked efficiently for 3D origami. The CNBr‐mediated reaction is completed within 5 min, while DMSO‐method took overnight. Ligation by these methods improved the structural stability up to 30 °C, stability during the electrophoresis and subsequent extraction, and against nuclease and cell lysate. These methods are straightforward, non‐tedious, and superior in terms of cost, reaction time, and efficiency.
Precise review of a male's infertility assessment from a men's health specialist prospective
Authors: Khalafalla Kareim , Ammar Laila , Wang Run
Published: September 2023

Infertility is a pervasive issue affecting a considerable proportion of couples in their reproductive years, with a projected 10%–15% prevalence. It is characterized by the incapability to achieve conception following a year of consistent, unprotected intercourse, and its far‐reaching consequences can take a profound emotional, psychological, and social toll on couples, inducing feelings of melancholy, exasperation, and anxiety. The appraisal of infertile couples' cases is a multifaceted and daunting process, necessitating a holistic understanding of the intricate underlying factors contributing to their infertility. Consequently, an individualized evaluation should be conducted, considering diverse parameters, such as the couple's medical history, age, infertility duration, and other relevant criteria. This paper will provide an in‐depth overview of the current approaches utilized in the evaluation of men with infertility, including the commonly employed diagnostic tools and procedures. Enhancing our comprehension of infertility assessment and management holds the promise of helping couples achieve their ultimate desire of conceiving and enriching their overall quality of life.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of oral and rectal microbiota of non‐human primate species in Ghana: A threat to human health
Authors: Adade Eugene , Tawiah Patrick Ofori , Roos Christian , Chuma Idrissa Shomari , Lubinza Clara Clavery , Mfinanga Sayoki Godfrey Mrinde , Knauf Sascha , Sylverken Augustina Angelina
Published: September 2023

Background

The potential for the transfer of zoonotic diseases, including bacteria between human and non‐human primates (NHPs), is expected to rise. It is posited that NHPs that live in close contact with humans serve as sentinels and reservoirs for antibiotic‐resistant bacteria.

Objectives

The objective was to characterize the oral and rectal bacteria in Ghanaian NHPs and profile the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated bacteria.

Methods

Oral and rectal swabs were obtained from 40 immobilized wild and captive NHPs from 7 locations in Ghana. Standard bacteriological procedures were used in the isolation, preliminary identification, automated characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) of bacteria using the Vitek 2 Compact system.

Results

Gram‐negative bacteria dominated isolates from the rectal swabs (n = 76, 85.4%), whereas Gram‐positive bacteria were more common in the oral swabs (n = 41, 82%). Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 7, 14%) was the most occurring bacterial species isolated from the oral swabs, whereas Escherichia coli (n = 32, 36%) dominated bacteria isolates from rectal swabs. Enterobacter spp. had the highest (39%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials that were used for AST, whereas a trend of high resistance was recorded against norfloxacin, Ampicillin and Tetracycline in Gram‐negative bacteria. Similarly, among Gram‐positive bacteria, Staphylococcus spp. had the highest (25%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials used for AST, and a trend of high resistance was recorded against penicillin G and oxacillin.

Conclusions

This study has established that apparently healthy NHPs that live in anthropized environments in Ghana harbour zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
Diagnosis of traumatic scleral perforation in a dog using ocular ultrasound and ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Jeong Dajeong , Lee Eunji , Susanti Lina , Kim Hyelin , Seo Kangmoon , Kang Seonmi
Published: September 2023

A 10‐year‐old spayed female Maltese dog was presented for hypotony of the right eye (OD) with decreased vision. The dorsomedial region of conjunctiva was partially swollen but the globe remained intact. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy revealed intraocular haemorrhage, uveitis, and a limbal, corneoconjunctival ulcer near the swollen conjunctiva. During ocular ultrasonography (OUS), the sclera became indented and hypotony occurred, implicating a full‐thickness scleral wound. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) confirmed a full‐thickness scleral defect, which was surgically apposed. The intraocular pressure normalised and the uveitis subsided post‐operatively. OUS and UBM were helpful in suggesting and definitively diagnosing scleral perforation, leading to accurate treatment and good prognosis.
String-net formulation of Hamiltonian lattice Yang-Mills theories and quantum many-body scars in a nonabelian gauge theory
Authors: Hayata Tomoya , Hidaka Yoshimasa
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study the Hamiltonian lattice Yang-Mills theory based on spin networks that provide a useful basis to represent the physical states satisfying the Gauss law constraints. We focus on SU(2) Yang-Mills theory in (2 + 1) dimensions. Following the string-net model, we introduce a regularization of the Kogut-Susskind Hamiltonian of lattice Yang-Mills theory based on the q deformation, which respects the (discretized) SU(2) gauge symmetry as quantum group, i.e., SU(2)k, and enables implementation of the lattice Yang-Mills theory both in classical and quantum algorithms by referring to those of the string-net model. Using the regularized Hamiltonian, we study quantum scars in a nonabelian gauge theory. Quantum scars are nonthermal energy eigenstates arising in the constrained quantum many-body systems. We find that quantum scars from zero modes, which have been found in abelian gauge theories arise even in a nonabelian gauge theory. We also show the spectrum of a single-plaquette model for SU(2)k and SU(3)k with naive cutoff and that based on the q-deformation to discuss cutoff dependence of the formulation.
Harmonic functions and gravity localization
Authors: De Luca G. Bruno , De Ponti Nicolò , Mondino Andrea , Tomasiello Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In models with extra dimensions, matter particles can be easily localized to a ‘brane world’, but gravitational attraction tends to spread out in the extra dimensions unless they are small. Strong warping gradients can help localize gravity closer to the brane. In this note we give a mathematically rigorous proof that the internal wave-function of the massless graviton is constant as an eigenfunction of the weighted Laplacian, and hence is a power of the warping as a bound state in an analogue Schrödinger potential. This holds even in presence of singularities induced by thin branes.

We also reassess the status of AdS vacuum solutions where the graviton is massive. We prove a bound on scale separation for such models, as an application of our recent results on KK masses. We also use them to estimate the scale at which gravity is localized, without having to compute the spectrum explicitly. For example, we point out that localization can be obtained at least up to the cosmological scale in string/M-theory solutions with infinite-volume Riemann surfaces; and in a known class of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 models, when the number of NS5- and D5-branes is roughly equal.
Analytic study of the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant in spinning and charged Kerr-Newman black-hole spacetimes
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The Maxwell invariant plays a fundamental role in the mathematical description of electromagnetic fields in charged spacetimes. In particular, it has recently been proved that spatially regular scalar fields which are non-minimally coupled to the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant can be supported by spinning and charged Kerr-Newman black holes. Motivated by this physically intriguing property of asymptotically flat black holes in composed Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field theories, we present a detailed analytical study of the physical and mathematical properties of the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant $$ {\mathcal{F}}_{\textrm{KN}}\left(r,\theta; M,a,Q\right) $$

F
KN

r
θ
M
a
Q

which characterizes the Kerr-Newman black-hole spacetime [here {r, θ} are respectively the radial and polar coordinates of the curved spacetime and {M, J = M a, Q} are respectively the mass, angular momentum, and electric charge parameters of the black hole]. It is proved that, for all Kerr-Newman black-hole spacetimes, the spin and charge dependent minimum value of the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant is attained on the equator of the black-hole surface. Interestingly, we reveal the physically important fact that Kerr-Newman spacetimes are characterized by two critical values of the dimensionless rotation parameter $$ \hat{a}\equiv a/{r}_{+} $$

a
̂

≡
a
/

r
+

[here r+ (M, a, Q) is the black-hole horizon radius], $$ {\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{-}=\sqrt{3-2\sqrt{2}} $$

a
̂

crit
−

=

3
−
2

2

and $$ {\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{+}=\sqrt{5-2\sqrt{5}} $$

a
̂

crit
+

=

5
−
2

5

, which mark the boundaries between three qualitatively different spatial functional behaviors of the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant: (i) Kerr-Newman black holes in the slow-rotation $$ \hat{a}<{\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{-} $$

a
̂

<

a
̂

crit
−

regime are characterized by negative definite Maxwell electromagnetic invariants that increase monotonically towards spatial infinity, (ii) for black holes in the intermediate spin regime $$ {\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{-}\le \hat{a}\le {\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{+} $$

a
̂

crit
−

≤

a
̂

≤

a
̂

crit
+

, the positive global maximum of the Kerr-Newman Maxwell electromagnetic invariant is located at the black-hole poles, and (iii) Kerr-Newman black holes in the super-critical regime $$ \hat{a}<{\hat{a}}_{\textrm{crit}}^{+} $$

a
̂

<

a
̂

crit
+

are characterized by a non-monotonic spatial behavior of the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant $$ {\mathcal{F}}_{\textrm{KN}}\left(r={r}_{+},\theta; M,a,Q\right) $$

F
KN

r
=

r
+

θ
M
a
Q

along the black-hole horizon with a spin and charge dependent global maximum whose polar angular location is characterized by the dimensionless functional relation $$ {\hat{a}}^2 $$

a
̂

2

· (cos2θ)max = 5 – $$ 2\sqrt{5} $$
2

5

.
A Goldstone theorem for continuous non-invertible symmetries
Authors: Etxebarria Iñaki García , Iqbal Nabil
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study systems with an Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly in terms of non-invertible symmetry. We present a new kind of non-invertible charge defect where a key role is played by a local current operator localized on the defect. The charge defects are now labeled by elements of a continuous (1). We use this construction to prove an analogue of Goldstone’s theorem for such non-invertible symmetries. We comment on possible applications to string theory.
Contaminants in honey: an analysis of EU RASFF notifications from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Eissa Fawzy , Taha El-Kazafy A.
Published: September 2023

Honey is regarded as natural and healthy. However, a variety of contaminants could be present in the areas of production. The study aimed to identify the top hazard categories in Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications for honey from 2002 to 2022, taking into account the notification year and type, country of origin, notifying country, risk decision, and actions taken. All RASFF notifications were processed in Pivot tables using Microsoft Excel. Out of 388 notifications for honey in the last 21 years 309 (79.64%) concerned the unauthorized residues of veterinary medicinal products hazard category, followed by adulteration/fraud (5.15%), foreign bodies (2.83%), pesticide residues (2.58%), and poor or insufficient controls (2.58%). China was the most frequently notified country of origin (25.77%), followed by Turkey (6.44%), Ukraine (6.19%), Argentina (6.19%), and Bulgaria (5.67%). Germany was the most frequently notifying country (16.49%), followed by the UK (16.24%), Spain (13.40%), Italy (10.82%), and Belgium (7.99%). Among all notifications, 22.68% were alerted and 12.37% were border rejected. The notification frequency (%) and mean concentration ± standard deviation (SD) (μg/kg) of the most frequently reported contaminants in the honey were as follows: chloramphenicol (25.26%, 172.10 ± 827.92 μg/kg), followed by streptomycin (12.11%, 104.94 ± 209.44 μg/kg), sulfathiazole (9.54%, 52.31 ± 52.62 μg/kg), tylosin (4.90%, 9.03 ± 11.23 μg/kg), and sulfadimidine (4.64%, 254.99 ± 587.00 μg/kg), respectively, due to their application by beekeepers to control infectious diseases of bees. Strict restrictions must be put in place to reduce the risk posed by these contaminants in honey.
Which pulse is it? Identifying archaeological legumes seeds by means of biometric measurements and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Tarongi Miguel , Bouby Laurent , Bonhomme Vincent , Alonso Natàlia
Published: September 2023

The taxonomic identification of archaeological seeds of certain cultivated pulses is challenging due to a combination of low interspecific morphological differences and large intraspecific variability. This study develops biometric and morphogeometric models that establish which species have more similarities with the doubtful archaeological pulse seeds. The species under study are: Lathyrus cicera/sativus (grass pea), Lens culinaris (lentil), Pisum sativum (pea), Vicia ervilia (bitter vetch), V. faba (broad bean), and V. sativa (vetch). The two models were trained on data from three different types of samples: contemporary uncharred seeds, contemporary charred seeds, and archaeological seeds. The last one consists of finds unearthed on Bronze and Iron Age sites throughout the Western Mediterranean and can be subdivided into two groups: clearly identified taxa and uncertain taxa. The biometric model resorts to the measurements of length, width and thickness of the three types of seeds so as to establish a discriminant linear model applicable to the uncertain archaeological seeds. The morphogeometric model is based on the shape of the three types of seeds gleaned from geometric morphometry. The uncertain archaeological seeds were then classified by means of a Linear Discriminant model based on shape descriptors. This study first assessed the accuracy of the two models stemming from observations of clearly defined contemporary and archaeological taxa. The results indicate that the models, in particular the morphogeometric, yield high predictive rates. These models therefore offer the possibility of re-identifying the taxa of doubtful archaeological seeds with a high degree of confidence and a minimal margin of error. The positive outcome of these models thus paves the way to more accurate determinations of archaeological legume seeds that heretofore have remained unidentified by traditional methods.
Digital competences in chilean Year-1 university students from technical-vocational secondary education (TVSE) and scientific-humanistic secondary education (SHSE).
Authors: Pais Marcelo Rioseco , Véliz-Campos Mauricio , Quiroz Juan Silva
Published: September 2023

Digital competences are widely regarded as the key competences as defined by various international organizations, such as the European Commission (2018) and the OECD (2022). Given their paramount importance across all facets of contemporary society, a thorough examination of their developmental aspects becomes imperative. The study was conducted at a Chilean state-run university, which stands as the second largest institution in terms of student enrollment. Utilizing a quantitative survey-based methodology, this research study seeks to characterize the level of digital competences among Year-1 students pursuing undergraduate programs. Furthermore, it aims to compare the competence levels of two prominent student groups, distinguished by their distinct secondary schooling pathways, namely, technical-vocational education (TVSE) and scientific-humanistic education (SHSE). For the purpose of data collection, the CompDig-Ped test, aligned with the European framework for digital competences (DigComp), has been employed as the research instrument. The key findings of this study underscore significant disparities in digital competence levels between students originating from SHSE and TVSE secondary school trajectories, with TVSE students demonstrating comparatively lower levels of digital competence. These outcomes are congruent with existing research, which highlights the challenges encountered by technical-vocational secondary education in Chile over an extended period of time.
Identifying nature-positive futures in new cities: an application of the Urban Nature Futures Framework
Authors: Shaikh Shaikh Fairul Edros Ahmad , Hamel Perrine
Published: September 2023

With the increasing loss of biodiversity due to urbanization, it is essential to examine and re-imagine the place of nature in cities. The opportunity to redesign positive relationships between cities and nature is particularly apparent in the development of new cities—rapidly developing areas observed in many Asian and African countries. As these new cities are built on a perceived tabula rasa, there is a potential to design positive nature futures. This study, therefore, aims to understand how nature is incorporated into existing plans for new cities and identify pro-nature perspectives envisioned within these plans. We use the Urban Nature Futures Framework (UNFF) to conduct a content analysis on the masterplans of new city and town developments within the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA). The UNFF promotes the creation of multiple positive visions of nature in cities by considering three broad nature perspectives: Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture, as well as emphasizing equity in these visions. Our findings show that the Nature for Society perspective tends to dominate the design of new cities in the JMA, closely followed by the Nature for Nature perspective embodied by pollution control measures. New cities also emphasise the Nature as Culture perspective through nature stewardship programmes. Based on these results, we exemplify how the UNFF can be used to further integrate nature elements in new cities’ masterplans. We conclude with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the framework at each stage of the new city development process.
Principles for Just Prioritization of Expensive Biological Therapies in the Danish Healthcare System
Authors: Bladt Tara , Vorup-Jensen Thomas , Ebbesen Mette
Published: September 2023

The Danish healthcare system must meet the need for easy and equal access to healthcare for every citizen. However, investigations have shown unfair prioritization of cancer patients and unfair prioritization of resources for expensive medicines over care. What is needed are principles for proper prioritization. This article investigates whether American ethicists Tom Beauchamp and James Childress’s principle of justice may be helpful as a conceptual framework for reflections on prioritization of expensive biological therapies in the Danish healthcare system. We present an empirical study exploring the principles for prioritizing new expensive biological therapies. This study includes qualitative interviews with key Danish stakeholders experienced in antibody therapy and prioritizing resources for expensive medicines. Beauchamp and Childress’s model only covers government-funded primary and acute healthcare. Based on the interviews, this study indicates that to be helpful in a Danish context this model should include equal access for citizens to government-funded primary and acute healthcare, costly medicine, and other scarce treatments. We conclude that slightly modified, Beauchamp and Childress’s principle of justice might be useful as a conceptual framework for reflections on the prioritization of expensive biological therapies in the Danish healthcare system.
Robotic assisted surgery in the United Arab Emirates: healthcare experts’ perceptions
Authors: Barkati Nasim , Ntefeh Noura , Okasha Ahmad , Takshe Aseel A. , ElKhatib Rami , Chelli Sabrina
Published: September 2023

The adoption of Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) has grown around the world. This is also the case in the Middle East and Gulf region and specifically to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The perception of RAS has been studied in the USA, Europe, and Canada. However, there is limited research on the perception of RAS in the UAE. The study aims to examine the perception of RAS among healthcare experts in the UAE and potential challenges. This qualitative study is based on interviewing healthcare experts in the UAE. Most of the study participants were clinicians and surgeons. In the UAE, RAS is adopted in general surgery, urology, brain surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. Our findings show that healthcare experts have positive perceptions of RAS. The cost and lack of RAS training program are considered as challenges to adopting RAS in healthcare practices. More research is encouraged to examine perception variations with surgical practices in the UAE, Gulf and the Middle East.
Power priors for replication studies
Authors: Pawel Samuel , Aust Frederik , Held Leonhard , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan
Published: September 2023

The ongoing replication crisis in science has increased interest in the methodology of replication studies. We propose a novel Bayesian analysis approach using power priors: The likelihood of the original study’s data is raised to the power of $$\alpha $$
α
, and then used as the prior distribution in the analysis of the replication data. Posterior distribution and Bayes factor hypothesis tests related to the power parameter $$\alpha $$
α
quantify the degree of compatibility between the original and replication study. Inferences for other parameters, such as effect sizes, dynamically borrow information from the original study. The degree of borrowing depends on the conflict between the two studies. The practical value of the approach is illustrated on data from three replication studies, and the connection to hierarchical modeling approaches explored. We generalize the known connection between normal power priors and normal hierarchical models for fixed parameters and show that normal power prior inferences with a beta prior on the power parameter $$\alpha $$
α
align with normal hierarchical model inferences using a generalized beta prior on the relative heterogeneity variance $$I^2$$

I
2

. The connection illustrates that power prior modeling is unnatural from the perspective of hierarchical modeling since it corresponds to specifying priors on a relative rather than an absolute heterogeneity scale.
Diet of the otter Lutra lutra inhabiting a forest stream in SW Poland
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz , Szymczyk Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

Diet of the otter inhabiting a forest stream in SW Poland was studied in order to show the impact of the otter on fish and other aquatic animals. The diet was examined by means of spraint analysis. A total of 157 spraints were collected from 14 sites, and 605 prey items were extracted. Fish comprised the staple diet. It was supplemented by frogs, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. Fish were represented by at least 23 species belonging to seven families. Two families Cyrinidae and Percidae dominated the fish component of the diet (together 70.1%). The most numerous fish species consumed were Perca fluviatilis (24.1%) and Rutilus rutilus (12.1%). The otter diet was most diversified in the coldest months of the year (November-April; B = 10.0-10.5), and least in the warmest months of the year (July-August; B = 5.7). The niche breath was wider in 2006 (B = 12.2), compared with 2007 (B = 20.4). However, only the proportions of Gobio gobio and Esox lucius were statistically different in those two years compared. This study confirms previous findings that the otter is a generalist piscivorous predator hunting opportunistically on locally and seasonally most common fish species, mainly of low economic importance.
Effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid functions in hypothyroid patients taking levothyroxine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belal Mohamed Mohamed , Youssef Asmaa Reda , Baker Hany , Elalaky Nessreen Awaad , Marey Ahmed Atef , Quaisy Muhammed Adel , Rabea Eslam Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Background

The major changes in the timing of meals during Ramadan may be challenging for hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine. We aimed to study the effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid functions in hypothyroid patients taking levothyroxine.

Methods

We did a comprehensive search of 8 databases for Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and observational studies investigating the effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid functions in hypothyroid individuals taking levothyroxine. Relevant data was extracted and analyzed. Mean difference (MD) and standard deviation (SD) were used to evaluate the continuous data. Risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval were used for outcomes constituting dichotomous data. National Institutes of Health (NIH) tools were used to assess the risk of bias.

Results

Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria, 3 RCTs, and 11 observational studies, all designed as pre-post studies. Ramadan fasting was associated with a statistically significant increase in TSH in patients who were euthyroid before Ramadan (MD = -0.76 [95% CI; -1.27, -0.25]). However, free thyroxine (FT4) was found to be stable (MD = 0.01, [95% CI; -0.03, 0.06]). All timing points were associated with a significant increase in TSH levels after Ramadan, pre-iftar (MD = -0.69 [95% CI; -1.03, -0.36]), post-iftar (MD = -0.76 [95% CI; -1.12, -0.39]), and pre-suhoor (MD = -1.19 [95% CI; -2.18, -0.19]).

Conclusion

TSH increases significantly after Ramadan. No timing point has superiority in maintaining thyroid control. However, choosing the timing should be individualized according to the patient’s preference to guarantee the most possible compliance.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Cognition: a Scoping Review
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Orchard Suzanne G. , Nelson Mark R. , Fravel Michelle A. , Ernst Michael E.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview of the association between angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use and cognitive outcomes.

Recent Findings

ARBs have previously shown greater neuroprotection compared to other anti-hypertensive classes. The benefits are primarily attributed to the ARB’s effect on modulating the renin-angiotensin system via inhibiting the Ang II/AT1R pathway and activating the Ang II/AT2R, Ang IV/AT4R, and Ang-(1–7)/MasR pathways. These interactions are associated with pleiotropic neurocognitive benefits, including reduced β-amyloid accumulation and abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau, ameliorated brain hypo-fusion, reduced neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction, better neurotoxin clearing, and blood–brain barrier function restoration. While ACEis also inhibit AT1R, they simultaneously lower Ang II and block the Ang II/AT2R and Ang IV/AT4R pathways that counterbalance the potential benefits.

ARBs may be considered an adjunctive approach for neuroprotection. This preliminary evidence, coupled with their underlying mechanistic pathways, emphasizes the need for future long-term randomized trials to yield more definitive results.
Clear Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Maxillary Gingiva Associated with PIK3CA and HRAS Mutations: Report of a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Hirose Katsutoshi , Shibahara Takumi , Teramoto Akari , Usami Yu , Ono Sawako , Iwamoto Yuri , Murakami Shumei , Oya Kaori , Uzawa Narikazu , Motooka Daisuke , Hori Yumiko , Morii Eiichi , Toyosawa Satoru
Published: September 2023

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral malignancy, and somatic mutations in some driver genes have been implicated in SCC development. Clear cell SCC (CCSCC) is a rare histological variant of SCC, and various clear cell neoplasms must be considered in the differential diagnosis of CCSCC in the oral cavity. Based on a limited number of CCSCC cases reported in the oral cavity, CCSCC is considered an aggressive variant of SCC with a poor prognosis; however, its genetic characteristics remain unknown.

Methods

A maxillary gingival tumor in an 89-year-old female was described and investigated using immunohistochemical staining, special staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a custom panel of driver genes, including those associated with SCC and clear cell neoplasm development.

Results

Histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of atypical epithelial cells with abundant clear cytoplasm and enlarged and centrally placed round nuclei. The tumor was exophytic with deep, penetrating proliferation. The atypical clear cells were continuous with the conventional SCC cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the clear cells were positive for CK AE1/AE3 and CK5/6 and nuclear-positive for p63. In contrast, the clear cells were negative for αSMA, S100, HMB45, Melan-A, CD10, and p16. p53 immunoreactivity exhibited a wild-type expression pattern. Additionally, the clear cells were positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and negative for diastase-PAS, mucicarmine, and Alcian blue. Based on these results, the diagnosis of CCSCC was confirmed. Molecular analysis of the clear cells identified PIK3CA p.E542K (c.1624G>A) and HRAS p.G12A (c.35 G>C) somatic mutations classified as oncogenic. No pathogenic variants were identified in TP53, EWSR1, AKT1, PTEN, BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, RASA1, or MAML2.

Conclusions

We report a case of CCSCC of the oral cavity with PIK3CA and HRAS mutations. The identification of PIK3CA and/or HRAS mutations is rare in SCC; however, both mutations are important potential targets for antitumor therapy. A detailed analysis of gene mutations in CCSCC may lead to a better understanding of its biological behavior and an improved prognosis, as well as a differential diagnosis from other clear cell neoplasms.
Doing Interdisciplinary Environmental Change Research Solo
Authors: Walters Bradley B.
Published: September 2023

Interdisciplinary research on people, plants, and environmental change (IRPPE) typically requires collaboration among experts who each bring distinct knowledge and skills to bear on the questions at hand. The benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research in principle are thus confounded by the dynamics of multidisciplinary collaboration in practice. However, broadly trained researchers can do IRPPE with little or no need of collaborators. For them, collaborative challenges may be negligible, but others arise. This paper reflects on experiences doing (mostly) solo research on peoples’ use of trees and their impacts on forests in the Caribbean and Philippines. Multidisciplinary collaborations are often plagued with problems of communication, theoretical disagreement, and methodological incompatibility because the habits and conceits of a rigorous disciplinary education are difficult to undo. These are problems that novel concepts, theory, and analytical frameworks promise but often fail to resolve. By contrast, going solo fosters an epistemic humility and pragmatic sensibility that encourages focused, efficient application of methods, and integration of research findings. Epistemic breadth encourages solo IRPPE researchers to apply theory sparingly and deploy clear concepts and precise analyses of the kind readily grasped by natural and social scientists and policy makers, alike.
M6A-mediated upregulation of HOXC10 promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma development through PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Li Miao , Guo Qianwen , Shi Qian , Rao Yanzhi , Dong Yixin , Chen Fangjie , Qi Xun
Published: September 2023

Human Hox genes (Homeobox) play a crucial role in embryonic development and cancer. The HOXC10 gene, a member of the HOX family, has been reported abnormally expressed in several cancers. However, the association between HOXC10 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, tissue microarray cohort data showed that high levels of HOXC10 expression predicted a poor survival in HCC patients. Meanwhile, HOXC10 was significantly upregulated in the Huh7 cell line compared with the well differentiated cell line HepG2 and human normal liver cells. Functionally, silencing HOXC10 in Huh7 cells inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and inhibited invasion and migration of HCC cells. HOXC10 overexpression in HepG2 cells increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and increased invasion and migration of HCC cells. In the HepG2 xenograft models, HOXC10 increased the tumor volume and weight compared with control. Mechanistically, the m6A modification of HOXC10 by METTL3 enhanced its expression by enhancing its mRNA stability. Both the in vitro and in vivo results showed that overexpressed HOXC10 activated the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. In summary, the findings highlight the importance of HOXC10 in the regulation of HCC progression. HOXC10 is potentially a future therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Quantification of the effect of environmental changes on the brownification of Lake Kukkia in southern Finland
Authors: Rankinen Katri , Junttila Virpi , Futter Martyn , Cano Bernal José Enrique , Butterfield Daniel , Holmberg Maria
Published: September 2023

The browning of surface waters due to the increased terrestrial loading of dissolved organic carbon is observed across the northern hemisphere. Brownification is often explained by changes in large-scale anthropogenic pressures (including acidification, and climate and land-use changes). We quantified the effect of environmental changes on the brownification of an important lake for birds, Kukkia in southern Finland. We studied the past trends of organic carbon loading from catchments based on observations taken since the 1990s. We created hindcasting scenarios for deposition, climate and land-use change in order to simulate their quantitative effect on brownification by using process-based models. Changes in forest cuttings were shown to be the primary reason for the brownification. According to the simulations, a decrease in deposition has resulted in a slightly lower leaching of total organic carbon (TOC). In addition, runoff and TOC leaching from terrestrial areas to the lake was smaller than it would have been without the observed increasing trend in temperature by 2 °C in 25 years.
Cognitive impairment caused by abdominal exposure with fluvalinate in the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Yun Yumi , Kim Hyun Jee , Lim Soo-Ho , Lee Jeong-Hyeon , Kwon Hyung Wook
Published: September 2023

tau–Fluvalinate (fluvalinate) is a commonly used miticide (Varroa destructor), the major driver of colony collapse disorder (CCD), in the apicultural industry. Despite the relatively high tolerance of honey bees to this miticide, recent studies showed several adverse effects. The side effect on cognitive abilities, however, remains still elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluvalinate on the cognitive abilities of honey bees, especially associative learning, and memory. We tested the proboscis extension response (PER) to sugar taste and Pavlovian conditioning in forager bees that received a sub-lethal dose of fluvalinate on the abdomen. The current study demonstrated that sub-lethal fluvalinate induced cognitive impairment in bees. Furthermore, the comparison of gene expression patterns showed that this disorder was caused by changes in the energy metabolism associated with the subsets of specific neuropeptides that are indirectly involved in detoxification processes. Taken together, our findings are strong evidence that xenobiotics affect sensory cognition through indirect effects as well as direct damage. It might be applicable as a novel approach to exploring the mechanisms underlying the side effects of xenobiotics in various organisms.
Employing adaptive fuzzy computing for RCP intelligent control and fault diagnosis
Authors: Aboshosha Ashraf , Hamad Hisham A.
Published: September 2023

Loss of coolant accident (LOCA), loss of fluid accident (LOFA), and loss of vacuum accident (LOVA) are the most severe accidents that can occur in nuclear power reactors (NPRs). These accidents occur when the reactor loses its cooling media, leading to uncontrolled chain reactions akin to a nuclear bomb. This article is focused on exploring methods to prevent such accidents and ensure that the reactor cooling system remains fully controlled. The reactor coolant pump (RCP) has a pivotal role in facilitating heat exchange between the primary cycle, which is connected to the reactor core, and the secondary cycle associated with the steam generator. Furthermore, the RCP is integral to preventing catastrophic events such as LOCA, LOFA, and LOVA accidents. In this study, we discuss the most critical aspects related to the RCP, specifically focusing on RCP control and RCP fault diagnosis. The AI-based adaptive fuzzy method is used to regulate the RCP’s speed and torque, whereas the neural fault diagnosis system (NFDS) is implemented for alarm signaling and fault diagnosis in nuclear reactors. To address the limitations of linguistic and statistical intelligence approaches, an integration of the statistical approach with fuzzy logic has been proposed. This integrated system leverages the strengths of both methods. Adaptive fuzzy control was applied to the VVER 1200 NPR-RCP induction motor, and the NFDS was implemented on the Kori-2 NPR-RCP.