bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancements of discretization approaches for non-convex mixed-integer quadratically constrained quadratic programming: Part I
Authors: Beach Benjamin , Burlacu Robert , Bärmann Andreas , Hager Lukas , Hildebrand Robert
Published: January 2024

We study mixed-integer programming (MIP) relaxation techniques for the solution of non-convex mixed-integer quadratically constrained quadratic programs (MIQCQPs). We present MIP relaxation methods for non-convex continuous variable products. In this paper, we consider MIP relaxations based on separable reformulation. The main focus is the introduction of the enhanced separable MIP relaxation for non-convex quadratic products of the form $$z=xy$$

z
=
x
y

, called hybrid separable (HybS). Additionally, we introduce a logarithmic MIP relaxation for univariate quadratic terms, called sawtooth relaxation, based on Beach (Beach in J Glob Optim 84:869–912, 2022). We combine the latter with HybS and existing separable reformulations to derive MIP relaxations of MIQCQPs. We provide a comprehensive theoretical analysis of these techniques, underlining the theoretical advantages of HybS compared to its predecessors. We perform a broad computational study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the enhanced MIP relaxation in terms of producing tight dual bounds for MIQCQPs. In Part II, we study MIP relaxations that extend the MIP relaxation normalized multiparametric disaggregation technique (NMDT) (Castro in J Glob Optim 64:765–784, 2015) and present a computational study which also includes the MIP relaxations from this work and compares them with a state-of-the-art of MIQCQP solvers.
Assessing energy, economic, environmental and social impacts of fostering energy efficiency technologies: a Portuguese case study
Authors: Tenente Marcos , Henriques Carla , Gomes Álvaro , da Silva Patrícia Pereira
Published: January 2024

This work suggests an overarching methodology that couples Hybrid Input–Output Lifecycle Analysis with thermal dynamic simulation. This methodological framework allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the energy, economic, environmental, and social impacts of fostering energy efficiency solutions in the residential sector. The main goal is to provide practical guidance to decision-makers in the formulation of appropriate funding strategies. The energy efficiency solutions under scrutiny consist of replacing compact fluorescent lamps with light emitting diode lamps, applying expanded polystyrene and insulation cork board on roofs and facades and installing heat pumps, biomass boilers, and gas boilers for space heating. The findings suggest that switching to more efficient lighting devices brings environmental, energy, and health benefits, but it may also have adverse effects on the economy and employment. Regarding insulation, applying expanded polystyrene simultaneously to roofs and facades results in a 63% decrease in energy requirements. However, the manufacturing, packaging, installation, and maintenance phases result in 3,500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of 57TJ of primary energy, while 380 jobs and 11 M€ in gross value added are generated. Finally, heat pumps appear to be the most environmentally friendly equipment, while gas boilers have the highest lifecycle energy consumption, and biomass boilers have the highest economic and employment benefits, despite leading to the greatest potential of premature deaths.
The Impact of Education on Fertility During the Chinese Reform Era (1980–2018): Changes Across Birth Cohorts and Interaction with Fertility Policies
Authors: Baizan Pau , Nie Wanli
Published: January 2024

We examined the influence of education on fertility decisions in contemporary China, drawing upon theoretical insights that emphasise the role of social institutions, gender relations, and life course dynamics in shaping family behaviour. This led us to propose a set of hypotheses that explain the differential effect of education on each parity. We used information on female cohorts born between 1960 and 1989, coming from the China Family Panel Studies for 2010–2018. We applied event history models with both independent and simultaneous equations models to account for selection and endogeneity effects. The results point to a substantial contribution of the increased educational attainment in the population in the fertility decline and current low levels of fertility, beyond the role of fertility policies. Consistent with our hypotheses, the results show that woman’s educational attainment has a strong negative effect on the hazard of bearing a second or third child. Male partner’s educational attainment also has a negative effect on the hazard of transition to a second or third birth, yet with a weaker intensity. We also found that the negative effect of education on second birth rates significantly declines across birth cohorts. The results show little educational differentials in the probability of bearing a first child, while the better educated postpone first births. Moreover, the effect of fertility policies, measured at the individual level, gradually increases with the level of education.
Circumcenter extension maps for non-positively curved spaces
Authors: Incerti-Medici Merlin
Published: January 2024

We show that every cross ratio preserving homeomorphism between boundaries of Hadamard manifolds extends to a map, called circumcenter extension, provided that the manifolds satisfy certain visibility conditions. We describe regions on which this map is Hölder-continuous. Furthermore, we show that this map is a rough isometry, whenever the manifolds admit cocompact group actions by isometries and we improve previously known quasi-isometry constants, provided by Biswas, in the case of 2-dimensional $$\mathrm {CAT(-1)}$$

CAT
(
-
1
)

manifolds. Finally, we provide a sufficient condition for this map to be an isometry in the case of Hadamard surfaces.
Trait-based ecology of microalgae
Authors: B-Béres Viktória , Naselli-Flores Luigi , Padisák Judit , Borics Gábor
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces and summarises the main outcomes of the 19th workshop of the International Association for Phytoplankton Taxonomy and Ecology held in Tiszafüred, Hungary, Tisza Balneum Hotel, from 23 to 30 September 2022. The selected theme of the workshop was “Trait-Based Approaches in Micro-Algal Ecology”. The discussions presented during the workshop sessions resulted in the 18 articles contained in this Special Issue. There are 6 main thematic aspects developed by the participants: 1. Shape and size: are these traits easy to measure? 2. Spatial scales: when and where to look for microalgae? 3. Climate and extremes of ecological gradients: hot topics of this century. 4. Metaphyton and metaphytic habitats: life beyond plankton and benthos. 5. Microalgae in water management: phycology in practice. 6. Traditional and new methods: perspectives and comments. Trait-based approaches in microalgae ecology, although requiring further investigation and methodological development, represent a valid tool for refining the analysis of environmental variability in aquatic ecosystems. The papers presented in this Special Issue demonstrate that these approaches are extremely useful not only in the study of planktic algae but constitute a thoughtful method for the analysis of benthic and metaphytic microalgae in a wide variety of aquatic ecosystems.
The acquisition of grammatical alternates: a comparison of Italian and Norwegian possessives
Authors: Velnić Marta
Published: January 2024

Possessive alternates (prenominal and postnominal) have mirrored properties in Italian and Norwegian when taking into consideration frequency, derivation, and markedness; i.e., the variant that is base-generated in one language is considered the derived one in the other language. Thus, in both languages there is a variant used for unmarked contexts (i.e., topic) and for marked contexts (i.e., contrast). Previous studies have shown that Italian children acquire the use of the variants with ease, whereas Norwegian children were found to overuse the marked variant, even in unmarked contexts. Here, we reanalyse the co-occurrences of the possessive and the noun in the monolingual corpora for the two languages available on CHILDES, by focusing more attentively on the contextual use of the variants, to reveal whether the same principles underly the acquisition process. Our findings contradict the previous claims on the acquisition of Italian but are in line with the previous findings for Norwegian. Both groups of children overuse the marked but base-generated variant, indicating the relevance of syntactic economy in language acquisition.
Structural and Morphological Characterization of Iridium and Ir/Au Films for Transition Edge Sensors
Authors: Celasco E. , Barusso L. Ferrari , De Gerone M. , Gallucci G. , Grosso D. , Manfrinetti P. , Niazi K. , Repetto L. , Gatti F.
Published: January 2024

Superconducting Transition Edge Sensors employed in X-ray astrophysics space missions were realized and fully characterized in the Low temperature detector laboratory at UniGe. Several samples of Ir and Ir/Au bilayer films were grown by pulsed laser deposition at different deposition rate, varying thickness and resulting variability in critical temperature (Tc) was observed. In particular, we noticed two classes of films having discrete critical temperature (Tc), one at about the critical temperature of the bulk Ir and one at around 1.6 times compared to the bulk. Structural characterization was made and interesting correlation between critical temperature (Tc) and deposition conditions were found. Detailed X-Ray Diffraction investigations suggest a possible explanation of this effect with a clear correlation between microstrain value, grain size, and critical temperatures of the films. The study has been carried out to optimize the specified conditions to grow the film under which it is possible to accurately predict the critical temperature (Tc) by analyzing the X-ray diffraction patterns of Ir/Au films.
Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers’ Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Weir James , Fary Robyn , Gibson Mark , Mitchell Tim , Johnston Venerina , Wyatt Mary , Guthrie Robert , Myers Bronwyn , Beales Darren
Published: January 2024

Objective

A workers’ compensation claim may have significant negative impacts on an injured worker’s wellbeing. Wellbeing provides a good global measure of potential effects of a claim on an individual, and is important for contemporary economic modelling. The purpose of this study was to synthesize knowledge about the wellbeing of injured workers after the finalization of a workers’ compensation claim and identify gaps in the current literature.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was conducted.

Results

71 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, with 32 articles eligible for this review. None of the included articles evaluated overall wellbeing. Included articles did evaluate a variety of constructs inherent in wellbeing. Injured workers were generally disadvantaged in some manner following claim finalization. The literature recommends a focus on reducing negative impacts on injured workers after finalization of a compensation claim, with a need for regulatory bodies to review policy in this area.

Conclusion

There appears to be potential for ongoing burden for individuals, employers, and society after finalization of a workers’ compensation claim. A gap in knowledge exists regarding the specific evaluation of wellbeing of injured workers following finalization of a workers’ compensation claim.
Overcoming barriers to technology transfer: empirical evidence from the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Hipp Ann , Jindra Björn , Medase Kehinde
Published: January 2024

This paper provides empirical evidence on a special case of restricted technology transfer: the German Democratic Republic (GDR) characterized by a socialist innovation system with a supply-side-oriented technology-push model encompassing intellectual property rights protection partially distinct from the one employed in most market economies. We exploit the natural experiment setting of the formerly separated regions in Germany and compare the productivity effects of knowledge generation, accumulation, and diffusion in the GDR with those of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) between 1970 and 1989. By applying a Cobb–Douglas production function to original primary and harmonized productivity data and manually cleaned patent data, we show that knowledge generation, accumulation and diffusion contributed to sectoral productivity in the GDR similarly compared to the FRG, despite the institutional misalignments in the socialist innovation system. We explain these findings and provide implications for present organizations with regard to incentive schemes for patenting, the support of personal creativity and education, and alternative technology transfer mechanisms in case of institutional barriers to innovation.
Analytical solutions for the guided modes of rectangular silicon optical waveguides: a plane-wave approach
Authors: Ramadan Tarek A.
Published: January 2024

Marcatili’s analytical solution for the guided modes of rectangular optical waveguides (ROWGs) depends on (1) using the separation of variables (SOV) and (2) applying the paraxial approximation. It results in two classes of modes: the TE-like and the TM-like modes which are supported by these waveguides. These modes are uncoupled under low-index-contrast conditions. In the case of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides, the coupling between them can no longer be neglected. This paper extends using the SOV to find analytical modal solutions of SOI-ROWGs. It expands these solutions in quadruples of plane waves and develops a novel non-paraxial scattering model to account for the polarization coupling between these waves under high-index-contrast conditions. This model yields approximate analytical expressions of the field components of the guided modes which are the sum of major and minor Marcatili’s TE-like and TM-like modal fields. Numerical examples show excellent agreement with the field components of full-vectorial mode solvers.
What is an experiment in mathematical practice? New evidence from mining the Mathematical Reviews
Authors: Sørensen Henrik Kragh , Mathiasen Sophie Kjeldbjerg , Johansen Mikkel Willum
Published: January 2024

From a purely formalist viewpoint on the philosophy of mathematics, experiments cannot (and should not) play a role in warranting mathematical statements but must be confined to heuristics. Yet, due to the incorporation of new mathematical methods such as computer-assisted experimentation in mathematical practice, experiments are now conducted and used in a much broader range of epistemic practices such as concept formation, validation, and communication. In this article, we combine corpus studies and qualitative analyses to assess and categorize the epistemic roles experiments are seen—by mathematicians—to have in actual mathematical practice. We do so by text-mining a corpus of reviews from the Mathematical Reviews, which include the indicator word “experiment”. Our qualitative, grounded classification of samples from this corpus allows us to explore the various roles played by experiments. We thus identify instances where experiments function as references to established knowledge, as tools for heuristics or exploration, as epistemic warrants, as communication or pedagogy, and instances simply proposing experiments. Focusing on the role of experiments as epistemic warrants, we show through additional sampling that in some fields of mathematics, experiments can warrant theorems as well as methods. We also show that the expressed lack of experiments by reviewers suggests concordant views that experiments could have provided epistemic warrants. Thus, our combination of corpus studies and qualitative analyses has added a typology of roles of experiments in mathematical practice and shown that experiments can and do play roles as epistemic warrants depending on the mathematical field.
CSR and employee outcomes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Yassin Yasser , Beckmann Markus
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to consolidate and extend the current literature on employee outcomes of CSR (referred to as micro-level outcomes). The authors use a systematic review of the literature as a method to summarize and synthesise the different effects of CSR activities on employees based on 270 journal articles. The contribution of this paper is that it provides a comprehensive list of employee outcomes classified into different categories and a conceptual framework that maps desirable and undesirable outcomes of CSR activities on employees. The results show that various dimensions of CSR have different effects on employee outcomes. In addition, we explain mediators of CSR-employee outcomes relationships and moderators that could strengthen or weaken this relationship. The review reveals important gaps and offers a research agenda for the future. We have found only a few studies dealing with the negative impacts of CSR on employees as well as only a few studies that explain how different dimensions of CSR affect employees differently. The study has also practical implications for companies, as understanding different effects of CSR on employees helps organizations to design and implement CSR strategies and policies that foster employees’ positive attitudes and behaviours as well as prevent or reduce the negative effects, and hence create a business value and sustainable growth for the company.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Mast Cells in Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression and Destabilization
Authors: Elieh-Ali-Komi Daniel , Bot Ilze , Rodríguez-González Mónica , Maurer Marcus
Published: January 2024

Mast cells (MCs) are commonly recognized for their crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, but over time, it has come to light that they also play a role in the pathophysiology of non-allergic disorders including atherosclerosis. The involvement of MCs in the pathology of atherosclerosis is supported by their accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques upon their progression and the association of intraplaque MC numbers with acute cardiovascular events. MCs that accumulate within the atherosclerotic plaque release a cocktail of mediators through which they contribute to neovascularization, plaque progression, instability, erosion, rupture, and thrombosis. At a molecular level, MC-released proteases, especially cathepsin G, degrade low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and mediate LDL fusion and binding of LDL to proteoglycans (PGs). Through a complicated network of chemokines including CXCL1, MCs promote the recruitment of among others CXCR2+ neutrophils, therefore, aggravating the inflammation of the plaque environment. Additionally, MCs produce extracellular traps which worsen inflammation and contribute to atherothrombosis. Altogether, evidence suggests that MCs actively, via several underlying mechanisms, contribute to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and acute cardiovascular syndromes, thus, making the study of interventions to modulate MC activation an interesting target for cardiovascular medicine.
Surgical Versus Dilational Tracheostomy in Patients with Severe Stroke: A SETPOINT2 Post hoc Analysis
Authors: Schneider Hauke , Meis Jan , Klose Christina , Ratzka Peter , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Seder David B. , Bösel Julian ,   for the SETPOINT2 and IGNITE study groups
Published: January 2024

Background

Tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients with severe stroke can be performed surgically or dilationally. Prospective data comparing both methods in patients with stroke are scarce. The randomized Stroke-Related Early Tracheostomy vs Prolonged Orotracheal Intubation in Neurocritical Care Trial2 (SETPOINT2) assigned 382 mechanically ventilated patients with stroke to early tracheostomy versus extubation or standard tracheostomy. Surgical tracheostomy (ST) was performed in 41 of 307 SETPOINT2 patients, and the majority received dilational tracheostomy (DT). We aimed to compare ST and DT in these patients with patients.

Methods

All SETPOINT2 patients with ST were compared with a control group of patients with stroke undergoing DT (1:2), selected by propensity score matching that included the factors stroke type, SETPOINT2 randomization group, Stroke Early Tracheostomy score, patient age, and premorbid functional status. Successful decannulation was the primary outcome, and secondary outcome parameters included functional outcome at 6 months and adverse events attributable to tracheostomy. Potential predictors of decannulation were evaluated by regression analysis.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups of patients with stroke undergoing ST (n = 41) and matched patients with stroke undergoing DT (n = 82). Tracheostomy was performed significantly later in the ST group than in the DT group (median 9 [interquartile range {IQR} 5–12] vs. 9 [IQR 4–11] days after intubation, p = 0.025). Patients with ST were mechanically ventilated longer (median 19 [IQR 17–24] vs.14 [IQR 11–19] days, p = 0.008) and stayed in the intensive care unit longer (median 23 [IQR 16–27] vs. 17 [IQR 13–24] days, p = 0.047), compared with patients with DT. The intrahospital infection rate was significantly higher in the ST group compared to the DT group (14.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.002). At 6 months, decannulation rates (56% vs. 61%), functional outcomes, and mortality were not different. However, decannulation was performed later in the ST group compared to the DT group (median 81 [IQR 66–149] vs. 58 [IQR 32–77] days, p = 0.004). Higher baseline Stroke Early Tracheostomy score negatively predicted decannulation.

Conclusions

In ventilated patients with severe stroke in need of tracheostomy, surgical and dilational methods are associated with comparable decannulation rate and functional outcome at 6 months. However, ST was associated with longer time to decannulation and higher rates of early infections, supporting the dilational approach to tracheostomy in ventilated patients with stroke.
Primary Care Considerations for the Pediatric Endurance Athlete
Authors: Watkins Rhonda A. , Guillen Rafael Verduzco
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

This study aimed to provide an overview of some of the medical concerns surrounding the care of the pediatric endurance athletes and add to the limited literature specific to the pediatric endurance athlete.

Recent Findings

Endurance athletes are at risk for overtraining, relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), overuse injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and sleep dysfunction. Youth runners and female endurance athletes are particularly high-risk populations for RED-S; nutritional deficiencies and their care should involve thoughtful mitigation of modifiable risk factors. The growing endurance athlete may experience slightly different cardiac adaptations than the adult endurance athlete with the long-term implications of these changes still unclear.

Endurance sports are common among youth athletes. Multidisciplinary care that includes screening and early intervention for high-risk areas is critical to optimize their care and promote, safe lifelong sport participation.
Myosin Va-dependent Transport of NMDA Receptors in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Gong Ru , Qin Linwei , Chen Linlin , Wang Ning , Bao Yifei , Lu Wei
Published: January 2024

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) trafficking is a key process in the regulation of synaptic efficacy and brain function. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the surface transport of NMDARs is largely unknown. Here we identified myosin Va (MyoVa) as the specific motor protein that traffics NMDARs in hippocampal neurons. We found that MyoVa associates with NMDARs through its cargo binding domain. This association was increased during NMDAR surface transport. Knockdown of MyoVa suppressed NMDAR transport. We further demonstrated that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates NMDAR transport through its direct interaction with MyoVa. Furthermore, MyoVa employed Rab11 family-interacting protein 3 (Rab11/FIP3) as the adaptor proteins to couple themselves with NMDARs during their transport. Accordingly, the knockdown of FIP3 impairs hippocampal memory. Together, we conclude that in hippocampal neurons, MyoVa conducts active transport of NMDARs in a CaMKII-dependent manner.
Individual aerodynamic and physiological data are critical to optimise cycling time trial performance: one size does not fit all
Authors: Faulkner Steve H. , Jobling Philippa , Griggs Katy E. , Siegkas Petros
Published: January 2024

Cycling time trials are characterised by riders adopting positions to lessen the impact of aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic positions likely impact the power a rider is able to produce due to changes in oxygen consumption, blood flow, muscle activation and economy. Therefore, the gain from optimising aerodynamics must outweigh the potential physiological cost. The aim was to establish the relationship between energy expenditure and aerodynamic drag, with a secondary aim to determine the reliability of a commercially available handlebar mounted aero device for measuring aerodynamic drag. Nine trained male cyclists volunteered for the study. They completed 4 × 3200 m on an outdoor velodrome where stack height was adjusted in 1 cm integers. The drag coefficient (CdA), oxygen consumption and aerodynamic-physiological economy (APE) were determined at each stack height, with data used to model 40 km TT performance. Small to moderate effect sizes (ES) in response to stack height change were found for CdA, APE and energy cost. The change in TT time was correlated to ∆aerodynamic drag and ∆APE. Meaningful impacts of change in stack height on CdA, APE, energy cost and predicted TT performance, are apparent with highly individualised responses to positional changes.
Pulsed field versus cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation: a real-world observational study on procedural outcomes and efficacy
Authors: van de Kar Mileen R. D. , Slingerland Stacey R. , van Steenbergen Gijs J. , Brouwer Tim , Schulz Daniela N. , van Veghel Dennis , Dekker Lukas
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation often necessitates catheter ablation when antiarrhythmic drug therapy fails. Single-shot technologies using thermal energy, such as cryoballoon ablation, are commonly used, but pulsed field ablation (PFA), an innovative non-thermal ablation technique, is a potential alternative. This retrospective observational study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation and PFA in patients undergoing their first pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure for atrial fibrillation treatment.

Methods

We utilised real-world data from patients who underwent PVI using cryoballoon ablation or PFA. The primary outcome encompassed procedural complications, including phrenic nerve palsy, cardiac tamponade, thromboembolic complications, bleeding complications and mortality. Secondary outcomes were procedural characteristics including procedure duration, length of hospital admission, and re-do ablation rates within 6 months.

Results

A total of 1714 procedures were analysed: 1241 in the cryoballoon group and 473 in the PFA group. Gender distribution (p = 0.03) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.01) differed significantly. With regard to the primary outcome, the cryoballoon group demonstrated a higher incidence of phrenic nerve palsy compared with the PFA group (15 vs 0; p = 0.02). The procedure duration was shorter in the PFA group, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics (95.0 vs 74.0 min; p < 0.001). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, admission duration differed between the groups as well (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The study results supported the safety and efficacy of PFA over cryoballoon ablation for PVI, highlighting advantages such as shorter procedure duration and absence of phrenic nerve palsy.
Options to reduce ranges in critical soil nutrient levels used in fertilizer recommendations by accounting for site conditions and methodology: A review
Authors: Siatwiinda Siatwiinda M. , Ros Gerard H. , Yerokun Olusegun A. , de Vries Wim
Published: January 2024

Fertilizer recommendations (FR) to improve yields and increase profitability are based on relationships between crop yields and soil nutrient levels measured via soil extraction methods. Within these FR, critical soil nutrient (CSN) levels are used to distinguish nutrient deficient from non-deficient soils. The variation in CSN levels is large, implying a risk of over- or under-fertilization. Here, we review and assess the factors influencing the derivation of CSN levels in order to increase both their reliability and applicability within FR systems. The evaluated factors included site conditions, i.e., crop type and location as a surrogate for climate and soil properties, and methodological factors, i.e., the experimental approach (field or pot experiments), and statistical methods and cut-off point. Results showed that the range of values used to define the medium soil fertility classes coincided with the range of CSN levels derived from experimental data. We show that harmonizing methodological aspects can substantially reduce the uncertainty in the CSN levels (> 50%), implying a substantial enhancement of the reliability of FR systems. Inclusion of site conditions might further improve the reliability. To enable reduction in CSN levels requires well-documented field experiments and standardization of data collection and analysis. We foresee the potential for generic FR systems that make use of reliable data, more process-based interpretation of nutrient pools and accounting for the interactions among nutrients.
A sustainable clean energy source for mitigating CO2 emissions: numerical simulation of Hamit granitoid, Central Anatolian Massif
Authors: Ayzit Tolga , Singh Mrityunjay , Chandrasekharam Dornadula , Baba Alper
Published: January 2024

Türkiye relies on coal-fired power plants for approximately 18 GW of annual electricity generation, with significantly higher CO2 emissions compared to geothermal power plants. On the other hand, geothermal energy resources, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and hydrothermal systems, offer low CO2 emissions and baseload power, making them attractive clean energy sources. Radiogenic granitoid, with high heat generation capacity, is a potential and cleaner energy source using EGS. The Anatolian plateau hosts numerous tectonic zones with plutonic rocks containing high concentrations of radioactive elements, such as the Central Anatolian Massif. This study evaluates the power generation capacity of the Hamit granitoid (HG) and presents a thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) model for a closed-loop geothermal well for harnessing heat from this granitoid. A sensitivity analysis based on fluid injection rates and wellbore length emphasizes the importance of fluid resident time for effective heat extraction. Closed-loop systems pose fewer geomechanical risks than fractured systems and can be developed through site selection, system design, and monitoring. Geothermal wellbore casing material must withstand high temperatures, corrosive environments, and should have low thermal conductivity. The HG exhibits the highest heat generation capacity among Anatolian granitoid intrusions and offers potential for sustainable energy development through EGS, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.
Provision and Long-Term Assessment of a Specialized Clinical Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum for Master of Social Work Students
Authors: Reay Susan R.
Published: January 2024

This study investigated social workers’ knowledge of the common elements in evidence-based practice to treat youth mental health conditions following a specialized curriculum during their Master of Social Work (MSW) education. Participants’ knowledge was measured during their MSW education and in their first 5 years of social work practice after graduation. The quantitative study measured participants’ knowledge of common elements three times; 86 social workers participated in the study with 67 sets of scores at three data points. Study results showed that participants knew more after completing the curriculum but knew less one to five years after graduation. Overall, however, their knowledge remained higher than before the curriculum. The findings provided insight into social workers’ knowledge of common elements of evidence-based practice modalities over time following a specialized curriculum. Findings also suggested that having multiple work obligations, lacking supervision, and receiving supervision by someone other than a social worker were all factors that might hinder graduates from continuing their education in evidence-based practice after graduation.
Using the Number of N95® Filtering Facepiece Respirator Models as an Indicator of Supply Chain Stability in a US Health-Care System
Authors: Furek Alexa , Edirisooriya Mihili , Casey Megan , Haas Emily J.
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain disruptions force US health-care entities to adopt conservation strategies such as procurement from different respirator manufacturers. This research seeks to better understand how the number of respirator models on hand can serve as an indicator of N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) supply chain stability or disruption.

Methods:

Researchers looked at differences in the mean number of N95 FFR models, averaged weekly, from 10 hospitals in a health-care system over 15 wk from June 1 to September 10, 2020. Participating hospitals entered near-daily PPE inventory data by manufacturer and model number.

Results:

A linear mixed effect model was run in SPSS v. 26 using a random intercept for hospitals, with week as a fixed predictor and mean number of respirator models (averaged weekly) on hand as the dependent variable. Each week showed a small but significant effect compared with the past week (P < 0.001), where the average weekly number of respirator models on hand decreased.

Conclusions:

The limited data may indicate a resolution of supply chain disruptions and warrant further investigation. Consequently, the number of respirator models may be applicable as an indicator of supply chain stability and be more easily ascertained and tracked by health-care entities.
Impact of oral vancomycin treatment duration on rate of Clostridioides difficile recurrence in patients requiring concurrent systemic antibiotics
Authors: Kwiatkowski Diana , Marsh Kassandra , Katz Alyson , Papadopoulos John , So Jonathan , Major Vincent J. , Sommer Philip M. , Hochman Sarah , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Arnouk Serena
Published: January 2024

Background:

There is a paucity of data guiding treatment duration of oral vancomycin for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) in patients requiring concomitant systemic antibiotics.

Objectives:

To evaluate prescribing practices of vancomycin for CDI in patients that required concurrent systemic antibiotics and to determine whether a prolonged duration of vancomycin (>14 days), compared to a standard duration (10–14 days), decreased CDI recurrence.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated adult hospitalized patients with an initial episode of CDI who were treated with vancomycin and who received overlapping systemic antibiotics for >72 hours. Outcomes of interest included CDI recurrence and isolation of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Results:

Among the 218 patients included, 36% received a standard duration and 64% received a prolonged duration of treatment for a median of 13 days (11–14) and 20 days (16–26), respectively. Patients who received a prolonged duration had a longer median duration of systemic antibiotic overlap with vancomycin (11 vs 8 days; P < .001) and significantly more carbapenem use and infectious disease consultation. Recurrence at 8 weeks (12% standard duration vs 8% prolonged duration; P = .367), recurrence at 6 months (15% standard duration vs 10% prolonged duration; P = .240), and VRE isolation (3% standard duration vs 9% prolonged duration; P = .083) were not significantly different between groups. Discontinuation of vancomycin prior to completion of antibiotics was an independent predictor of 8-week recurrence on multivariable logistic regression (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3–18.1).

Conclusions:

Oral vancomycin prescribing relative to the systemic antibiotic end date may affect CDI recurrence to a greater extent than total vancomycin duration alone. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
GENERALISED MUTUALLY PERMUTABLE PRODUCTS AND SATURATED FORMATIONS, II
Authors: BALLESTER-BOLINCHES ADOLFO , MADANHA SESUAI Y. , MUDZIIRI SHUMBA TENDAI M. , PEDRAZA-AGUILERA MARÍA C.
Published: January 2024

A group
$G=AB$
is the weakly mutually permutable product of the subgroups A and B, if A permutes with every subgroup of B containing
$A \cap B$
and B permutes with every subgroup of A containing
$A \cap B$
. Weakly mutually permutable products were introduced by the first, second and fourth authors [‘Generalised mutually permutable products and saturated formations’, J. Algebra595 (2022), 434–443] who showed that if
$G'$
is nilpotent, A permutes with every Sylow subgroup of B and B permutes with every Sylow subgroup of A, then
$G^{\mathfrak {F}}=A^{\mathfrak {F}}B^{\mathfrak {F}} $
, where
$ \mathfrak {F} $
is a saturated formation containing
$ \mathfrak {U} $
, the class of supersoluble groups. In this article we prove results on weakly mutually permutable products concerning
$ \mathfrak {F} $
-residuals,
$ \mathfrak {F} $
-projectors and
$\mathfrak {F}$
-normalisers. As an application of some of our arguments, we unify some results on weakly mutually
$sn$
-products.
Selenium accumulation in grains of wheat cultivars grown in selenium-rich areas in China
Authors: Kong Weilin , Noor Hafeez , Ren Aixia , Li Linghong , Ding Pengcheng , Ren Yongkang , Gao Zhiqiang , Sun Min
Published: January 2024

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, and Se concentration of wheat grain in China has no significant relationships with selenium concentration of wheat and with soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium in the 0–20 cm soil layer. However, a significant indigenous positive correlation was found with soil Se concentration. Field experiments were conducted from 2018 to 2020 to clarify the differences in the Se accumulation in wheat plants grown in Se-rich areas. We used two common wheat (ZM-175, SN-20), two purple wheat (JZ-496, ZM-8555), and two black wheat (YH-161, LH-131) cultivars to investigate changes in Se build-up and transportation in plant organs. The grain Se concentration of six wheat genotypes in Se-rich areas varied between 178 and 179 μg Se kg−1, with organic Se accounting for 87 to 91%. All genotypes had more than 150 μg Se kg−1, the standard Se concentration in grains. Purple grain wheat had the highest total and organic Se concentrations. Purple wheat also exhibited significantly higher Se transfer coefficient in roots, stem and leaves, and glumes, when compared to common wheat. Moreover, purple wheat had the highest Se uptake efficiency (e.g., JZ-496 with 31%) when compared to common wheat and black wheat. Regardless of the color, wheat grains met the Se-enriched criteria (150 μg Se kg−1) when grown in a natural Se-enriched area. Due to higher Se uptake and accumulation, purple wheat grain genotypes, such as JZ-496, are recommended for wheat breeding programs aiming for high Se functional foods.
Clarifying directional dependence among measures of early auditory processing and cognition in schizophrenia: leveraging Gaussian graphical models and Bayesian networks
Authors: Abplanalp Samuel J. , Braff David L. , Light Gregory A. , Joshi Yash B. , Nuechterlein Keith H. , Green Michael F.
Published: January 2024

Background

Research using latent variable models demonstrates that pre-attentive measures of early auditory processing (EAP) and cognition may initiate a cascading effect on daily functioning in schizophrenia. However, such models fail to account for relationships among individual measures of cognition and EAP, thereby limiting their utility. Hence, EAP and cognition may function as complementary and interacting measures of brain function rather than independent stages of information processing. Here, we apply a data-driven approach to identifying directional relationships among neurophysiologic and cognitive variables.

Methods

Using data from the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia 2, we estimated Gaussian Graphical Models and Bayesian networks to examine undirected and directed connections between measures of EAP, including mismatch negativity and P3a, and cognition in 663 outpatients with schizophrenia and 630 control participants.

Results

Chain structures emerged among EAP and attention/vigilance measures in schizophrenia and control groups. Concerning differences between the groups, object memory was an influential variable in schizophrenia upon which other cognitive domains depended, and working memory was an influential variable in controls.

Conclusions

Measures of EAP and attention/vigilance are conditionally independent of other cognitive domains that were used in this study. Findings also revealed additional causal assumptions among measures of cognition that could help guide statistical control and ultimately help identify early-stage targets or surrogate endpoints in schizophrenia.
Application of ultrasound multimodal imaging in the prediction of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis rupture
Authors: Zhao Dan , Feng Na , He Ning , Chu Jie , Shao Yaqin , Zhang Wenzhi
Published: January 2024

Lymph node tuberculosis is particularly common in regions with a high tuberculosis burden, and it has a great risk of rupture. This study aims to investigate the utility of ultrasound multimodal imaging in predicting the rupture of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL). 128 patients with unruptured CTL confirmed by pathology or laboratory tests were included. Various ultrasonic image features, including long-to-short-axis ratio (L/S), margin, internal echotexture, coarse calcification, Color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI), perinodal echogenicity, elastography score, and non-enhanced area proportion in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), were analyzed to determine their predictive value for CTL rupture within a one-year follow-up period. As a result, L/S (P < 0.001), margin (P < 0.001), internal echotexture (P < 0.001), coarse calcification (P < 0.001), perinodal echogenicity (P < 0.001), and the area of non-enhancement in CEUS (P < 0.001) were identified as significant imaging features for predicting CTL rupture. The prognostic prediction showed a sensitivity of 89.29%, specificity of 100%, accuracy of 95.31%, respectively. Imaging findings such as L/S < 2, unclear margin, heterogeneous internal echotexture, perinodal echogenicity changed, and non-enhancement area in CEUS > 1/2, are indicative of CTL rupture, while coarse calcification in the lymph nodes is associated with a favorable prognosis.
Incidental pinnipeds at high latitudes of the Vestfold Hills, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: van den Hoff John
Published: January 2024

Species distributions are predicted to change with future climate-associated ecosystem changes such that so-called ‘vagrant’ individuals may become established or re-establish in areas currently thought to be beyond their principle ranges. Survey data were collated for occurrences of pinniped (seal) species at very high latitudes of the Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. Aside from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), which aggregate annually at the Vestfold Hills to breed and/or moult, three other pinniped species were observed with the recession of the fast-ice edge. Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) occurrences increased with an increase in a seasonally abundant prey resource, and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) were seen at a time that coincides with their moult period. Occurrences of sub-adult male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) increase the known southward range for this species and may reflect population increases at source populations in the Kerguelen Plateau area. Although there were no direct sightings of Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii), their presence close to the Vestfold Hills was detected by underwater passive acoustic monitoring. Sightings of obligate drift-ice species and sub-Antarctic fur seals may change at the Vestfold Hills with climate-mediated changes in sea-ice conditions.
The Circularity Assessment Protocol in Cities to Reduce Plastic Pollution
Authors: Jambeck J. R. , Maddalene T. , Youngblood K. , Oposa A. , Perello H. , Werner M. , Himelboim I. , Romness K. , Mathis J. , Keisling C. , Brooks A. L.
Published: January 2024

The circular economy has been promoted as a solution to plastic pollution, but cities and communities bear the brunt of plastic pollution. The Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) is a systems method of collaborative and open data collection for communities to use for decision‐ and policy‐making. The CAP has been utilized in 51 cities in 14 countries and is illustrated here in Metro Manila. Results include identifying manufacturing and parent companies to bring to the table; documenting most (77%) products are in single‐use multi‐layer film packaging; a small, but growing formal refill and reuse system; 10% of to‐go food containers composed of paper‐based alternatives, and a snap‐shot leakage concentration of plastics to the environment that is 1.8%–2.7% of current waste generation. Community narratives emerged from a collaborative workshop and are threaded throughout opportunities identified by the CAP process to inform circularity, future actions, and policy, as a scalable way to create systems change for plastic pollution from the ground up.
Influence of Hydrodynamics on the Composition and Reactivity of Particulate Organic Matter in a Large River Influenced Ocean Margin
Authors: Guo Jinqiang , Zhou Bu , Achterberg Eric P. , Song Jinming , Duan Liqin , Li Xuegang , Yuan Huamao
Published: January 2024

Marginal seas influenced by large rivers are characterized by complex hydrodynamic and organic matter cycling processes. However, the impacts of hydrodynamics on the composition and reactivity of particulate organic matter (POM) remain unclear. Here we conducted a comprehensive study on the bulk, molecular and biological properties of suspended POM in the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent area subjected to strong currents, eddies as well as typhoons during spring and autumn. D/L‐enantiomers of particulate amino acids (PAA) were analyzed to evaluate the bioreactivity of POM and quantify bacterial‐derived organic carbon. We found that POM bioavailability as indicated by carbon‐normalized yields of PAA (PAA‐C%) reflected the ecosystem productivity. Relatively high PAA‐C% values (20−35%) were observed in productive areas influenced by Changjiang River plume, cyclonic eddies and typhoons, likely related to the enhanced nutrient availability arising from hydrodynamic processes. In contrast, the oligotrophic Taiwan Warm Current‐influenced regions featured relatively low POM bioavailability (PAA‐C% < 10%) despite typhoons facilitating water mixing. The PAA‐C% values showed a significant positive correlation with extracellular enzyme activity, indicating that bioavailable POM can rapidly stimulate heterotrophic transformation. Hot spots of elevated bioavailable POM showed high contributions of bacterial organic carbon. A large portion (∼2/3) of bacterial organic carbon was present in the form of bacterial detritus, suggesting that patches of these biological hot spots represent important sites of carbon sequestration. Together, our findings indicate that fresh POM production is largely controlled by nutrient supply driven by hydrodynamic processes, with important implications for carbon sequestration in the dynamic ocean margins.