bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General solutions of the Maxwell’s equations for a mechano-driven media system (MEs-f-MDMS)
Authors: Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2024

For engineering electromagnetism, media/objects have shapes and sizes and may move with accelerations along complex trajectories in reference to the observers in the Laboratory frame. To describe the electromagnetic behavior of a system that is made of multiple moving objects, we have developed the Maxwell’s equations for a mechano-driven media system (MEs-f-MDMS) under low-speed approximation (v << c) [Advances in Physics: X, 9 (2024) 2354767]. Through extensive studies, the MEs-f-MDMS are required for describing the electrodynamics inside a moving object, while the classical Maxwell’s equations are to describe the electrodynamics in the region that is at stationary with respect to the Laboratory frame. The full solutions of the two regions satisfy the boundary conditions. The accelerated movement of a medium is a source for generating electromagnetic wave at its vicinity, but this component was missed in classical Maxwell’s equations. In this paper, we present the strategies for solving the MEs-f-MDMS for a generate case with considering the dispersion of the medium and the related constitutive relations both in time and frequency spaces. The theory is rather general and will serve as general guidance for numerical calculations toward practical applications.
Improving DC power supply performance: insights into Cuk and modified Cuk converters' stability and power factor
Authors: Patel Pushpak B , Vyas Sanjay R
Published: October 2024

The conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) is pivotal for modern electrical systems, significantly influencing power delivery efficiency and stability. As the reliance on DC-powered electronic devices grows, optimizing AC-DC converters becomes increasingly important. Various converter topologies, including buck, boost, buck-boost, Cuk, and SEPIC configurations, exhibit unique characteristics that affect their efficiency and impact on the power grid. This study examines the performance of Cuk and modified Cuk converters, utilizing PSIM software to simulate these converters for a 1.4 kW power supply. The simulations reveal that both the Cuk and modified Cuk converters achieve reduced ripple in voltage and current outputs, addressing a significant concern for DC power supplies. Additionally, the modified Cuk converter demonstrates a marked reduction in the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the source current. This study explored the interaction between converter topologies and varying load conditions, emphasizing their impact on power factor—a measure of electrical power consumption. A higher power factor indicates improved efficiency and reduced reactive power, benefiting both the electrical system and the grid. The research further investigates how load variations affect power factor and converter performance, providing insights into designing converters that enhance system reliability and efficiency. By validating the simulation results with experimental data, it has been established that the modified Cuk converter topology offers superior performance and stability. This advancement supports the development of converters that optimize power factor and energy consumption, which are crucial for advancing electrical infrastructure. By bridging the gap between simulation and real-world performance, this work aims to provide valuable insights that can inform future enhancements in domestic EV charging infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Non-conventional feature-based LSTM model for prediction of bearing performance degradation
Authors: G Geetha , C Shanthini , P Geethanjali
Published: October 2024

Mechanical bearings are critical in electrical machines, such as motors and generators. They provide support and facilitate the movement of rotating components in these machines. They are essential to the operation of electrical machinery cause they provide support, reduce friction, ensure proper alignment, and improve overall reliability and efficiency. The appropriate selection, installation, and maintenance of these bearings allow the longevity of such machines. The maintenance and the extent of usage determine the usefulness of the bearings. In predictive maintenance and condition monitoring, accurately predicting the level of bearing degradation holds significant importance for strategizing maintenance tasks, reducing downtime, and avoiding unforeseen breakdowns. This study centers on predicting the level of bearing degradation through the application of neural networks, focusing mainly on non-conventional features, rather than the usual features like kurtosis, and skewness. The dataset utilized is sourced from NASA and includes diverse time series signals that provide insights into the entire lifespan of the bearing. In this investigation, advanced machine learning techniques, long-short term memory (LSTM) in particular, are employed to harness the intricate patterns within the bearing dataset, aiming to improve the accuracy of the predictions.
Sanitary sewer overflows, household sewage backups, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria: the new frontier of environmental health risks and disasters
Authors: Hendricks Marccus D , Rosenberg Goldstein Rachel E
Published: October 2024

Untreated sewage discharges leading to environmental contamination are increasingly common in communities across the globe. The cause of these discharges ranges from sewer lines in disrepair, blockages, and in the era of more extreme wet weather events, the infiltration of stormwater into the system during heavy downpours. Regardless of the driver of these events, the aftermath results in raw sewage spilling into local waterways, city streets, and commercial and residential structures. Historical research in public health has thoroughly documented the connection between exposure to untreated sewage and waterborne disease. Recent research has detected antibiotic-resistant bacteria at wastewater treatment facilities at a time when deaths by antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. However, no research has explored the exposure pathways of antibiotic-resistant bacteria during sanitary sewer overflows and household-level sewage backups. In this commentary, we aim to introduce this new frontier of environmental health risks and disasters. To do this, we describe the history of modern sanitation and sewer infrastructure with a particular focus on wastewater infrastructure in the U.S. We also explore emerging risks and current methods for identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. We end with future directions for interdisciplinary scholarship at the nexus of urban planning, engineering, and public health by introducing the Water Emergency Team (WET) Project. WET is a community-based multi-method effort to identify environmental risks in the aftermath of household backups through (1) residential surveys, (2) indoor visual inspections, (3) environmental sampling, and (4) laboratory processing and reporting. Our hope is that by introducing this comprehensive approach to environmental risks analysis, other scholars will join us in this effort and ultimately towards addressing this grand challenge of our time.
Enhancing soil carbon in solar farms through active land management: a systematic review of the available evidence
Authors: Carvalho Fabio , Healing Samuel , Armstrong Alona
Published: October 2024

Ground-mounted solar farms are becoming common features of agricultural landscapes worldwide in the move to meet internationally agreed Net Zero targets. In addition to offering low-carbon energy, solar farms in temperate environments can be purposely managed as grasslands that enhance soil carbon uptake to maximise their climate benefits and improve soil health. However, there is little evidence to date on the ecosystem effects of land use change for solar farms, including their impact on soil carbon storage and sequestration potential through land management practices. We review the latest evidence on the associations between grassland management options commonly adopted by solar farms in temperate regions (plant diversity manipulation, mowing, grazing, and nutrient addition) and soil carbon to identify appropriate land management practices that can enhance soil carbon within solar farms managed as grasslands. Soil carbon response to land management intervention is highly variable and context-dependent, but those most likely to enhance soil carbon accrual include organic nutrient addition (e.g. cattle slurry), low-to-moderate intensity sheep grazing, and the planting of legume and plant indicator species. Plant removal and long-term (years to decades) mineral fertilisation are the most likely to result in soil carbon loss over time. These results can inform policy and industry best practice to increase ecosystem service provision within solar farms and help them deliver net environmental benefits beyond low-carbon energy. Regular monitoring and data collection (preferably using standardised methods) will be needed to ensure soil carbon gains from land management practices, especially given the microclimatic and management conditions found within solar farms.
On the ratio of extremal eigenvalues of 𝛽-Laguerre ensembles
Authors: Uwamariya Denise , Yang Xiangfeng
Published: October 2024

Classical

β
\beta

-Laguerre ensembles consist of three special matrix models taking the form

X

X

T

\mathbf {X}\mathbf {X}^T

with

X

\mathbf {X}

denoting a random matrix having i.i.d. entries being real (

β
=
1

\beta =1

), complex (

β
=
2

\beta =2

) or quaternion (

β
=
4

\beta =4

) normal distribution. It had been actually believed that no other choice of

β
>
0

\beta >0

(besides

1
,
2

1,2

and

4
4

) would correspond to a matrix model

X

β

X

β
T

\mathbf {X}_\beta \mathbf {X}_\beta ^T

which can be constructed with entries from a classical distribution until the work done by Dumitriu and Edelman in 2002. Since then the spectral properties of general

β
\beta

-Laguerre ensembles have been extensively studied dealing with both the bulk case (involving all the eigenvalues) and the extremal case (addressing the (first few) largest and smallest eigenvalues). However, the ratio of the extremal eigenvalues (equivalently the condition number of

X

β

\mathbf {X}_\beta

) has not been well explored in the literature. In this paper, we study such ratio in terms of large deviations.
Analysis
Authors: Parslow Christopher
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores why the Accademia Ercolanese felt compelled to feature the prosciutto in their publication of the ancient paintings, Le Pitture di Ercolano, to regain sovereignty over the antiquities under their care and undercut unauthorized publications. It analyzes the philological and historical evidence they employed in their discussion and highlights the extraordinary application of the most recent astronomical discoveries to decipher how it was operated, determine the latitude for which it was designed, and attempt to date it. The chapter concludes with the discovery of other sundials in Pompeii and how these were handled in light of the prosciutto.
Alcuin's Recreational Mathematics
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: October 2024

Alcuin of York’s ninth-century book, titled Propositiones ad acuendos juvenes (“Problems to Sharpen the Young”), is not only a major collection of ingenious and challenging puzzles, constituting one of the earliest texts in recreational mathematics, but also a treasure trove of important notions in mathematics, some of which were original at the time, leading to further mathematics in subsequent centuries. This book presents, analyzes, and discusses each one of the 53 problems in Alcuin’s text in easy-to-follow language, distilling from them the main implications they have borne for mathematics generally and for math pedagogy in particular. Each of the chapters includes 10 exploratory puzzles that are based on Alcuin’s own problems, or else on the main mathematical themes discussed in a chapter. Overall, the intent is to show how Alcuin’s book exemplifies how mathematical thinking unfolds in its core, starting with a real-world practical situation, which is then translated into a problem, from which a pattern can be extracted and a relevant insight obtained. In effect, Alcuin’s book constitutes an original and inventive exploration of what mathematics is in its essence.
Introduction
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: October 2024

Almost everyone has come across the problem of a traveler wanting to cross a river with a goat, a wolf, and a head of cabbage with a boat that can hold only two. This is an ingenious puzzle devised by the eighth-ninth-century scholar and teacher Alcuin of York. It has universal appeal because it taps into an innate sense of mathematical understanding. Alcuin included it in a set of 53 problems, called Propositiones ad acuendos juvenes, which instantly became a classic work in recreational mathematics. This chapter introduces Alcuin’s book in a general way, making a distinction between problems, propositions, and puzzles, and then discussing the nature of recreational mathematics and its relation to mathematical theory and method, as exemplified by Alcuin’s historically important book.
Countability
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: October 2024

Although Alcuin’s Propositiones was likely intended as a school textbook, many of its problems are important in themselves as ingenious explorations of number properties and methods of countability. This chapter discusses problems 6, 35, 41, and 43 in the text, which embed notions such as exponential growth and decidability, which have become staples of mathematical theory. Also discussed is the notion of cardinality, developed in the nineteenth century by Georg Cantor, who introduced his famous diagonal proof based on a layout of numbers in the form of a sieve. The development of logarithms, the nature of conjectures, and the topic of mathematical impossibility are discussed as well in this. Alcuin’s countability problems show, in microcosm, how mathematics can turn everyday counting problems into abstract knowledge, eliminating the constant need for trial and error.
Sequences
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: October 2024

There are two problems in Alcuin’s Propositiones, numbers 12 and 42, that involve the notion of sequences. This chapter deals with these two problems and the many implications they bear. The importance of sequences in mathematics cannot be overemphasized. From ancient paradoxes dealing with infinity, to the Fibonacci Sequence centuries after Alcuin, and the modern theory of infinite sets, the concept of sequence has been a central one in mathematics. It is truly remarkable to note that solving problem 13 involves a sequence based on “2n” as the general term, anticipating several other problems in recreational mathematics, including Lucas’s Towers of Hanoi puzzle in the nineteenth century. The same term has been crucial in many other areas of mathematics, from perfect numbers to Mersenne primes. It is similarly notable that Alcuin’s problem 42 is solved with the exact same kind of method used famously by Carl Friedrich Gauss centuries later. In sum, Alcuin’s two problems dealing with the notion of sequences have borne great mathematical significance.
Concluding Remarks
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: October 2024

The problems found in Alcuin’s Propositiones bring out what mathematics is all about—a search for hidden pattern in the world. It is the mind-play on this pattern in the problems that establishes Alcuin’s work as a major one in recreational mathematics and mathematics generally. The problems are exploratory “mind experiments” connecting mathematics with events and situations as they characterize everyday life. Robert Sternberg’s triarchic model of puzzle-solving is discussed in this chapter, because it neatly describes how solving math puzzles might unfold in the brain and why they impel us to search for solutions. Interestingly, some of Alcuin’s problems show up in different forms and languages in other parts of the world and at other times, suggesting that they are “archetypes” that transcend space and time. This may be the reason why Alcuin’s book became widely known, and why many of his puzzles continue to find their way into contemporary collections across the world, striking an unconscious chord of understanding.
Updated CP*Trends: An Online Tool to Compare Cohort and Period Trends across Cancer Sites
Authors: Holford Theodore R , Chen Huann-Sheng , Kane Michael J , Krapcho Martin , Annett David , Esclamado Len , Melkonyan Asya , Feuer Eric J
Published: October 2024

CP*Trends is a widely used SEER website used to explore temporal effects of period and cohort on cancer incidence and mortality. It provides a graphical display of smoothed rates, and a C-P Score that helps to assess the magnitude of the effect of cohort and period. This update provides results for African Americans and Whites. The C-P Score has an intrinsic bias favoring cohort because there are many more cohorts than periods. An adjusted C-P Score removes some of this advantage. Bootstrap confidence intervals are given, which allow one to see the effects of different sample sizes on the model results. Finally, users may control window size used in the smoothing algorithm, which helps to avoid over smoothing or masking of trends. The method is illustrated using data on cervical cancer incidence trends for African Americans and Whites, 1975-2018. Rates are higher for African Americans, and both races have contributions for cohort. However, the period effect is only strongly evident in Whites. Visual inspection of White trends suggests possible differences for those older and younger than age 50. These methods are applied in an interactive website displaying incidence and mortality trends for over 20 cancer sites in the US.
An evaluation of vilobelimab (anti-C5a) as a cost-effective option to treat severely ill mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19
Authors: Malone Daniel C , Biskupiak Joseph , Brixner Diana , Oderda Gary , Seheult Roger
Published: October 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) have few available treatment options. PANAMO, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 study of vilobelimab, which blocks the inflammatory process caused by complement component 5a, demonstrated a significant mortality benefit at 28 and 60 days in these patients. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to assess the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate QALYs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of vilobelimab plus standard of care (SOC) versus SOC alone. The model simulated progression from severe COVID-19 to survival or death over a lifetime horizon. Outcomes data (COVID-19 all-cause mortality and renal replacement therapy) were incorporated from the PANAMO trial. COVID-19 mortality estimates were based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention age-specific survival data. Utility values and hospital costs came from the literature. Vilobelimab cost was obtained from RED BOOK Online.

Results

For COVID-19 ICU patients, total costs of care were $103,414 (SOC) and $132,247 (SOC plus vilobelimab), respectively, resulting in an incremental cost of $28,833. SOC provided 6.70 QALYs versus 7.99 QALYs for vilobelimab, an additional 1.29 QALYs. The ICER for vilobelimab plus SOC versus SOC alone was $22,287/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the cost-effectiveness result as vilobelimab plus SOC was favored at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 in over 81% of iterations.

Conclusion

Vilobelimab provides a cost-effective option to treat ICU patients with severe COVID-19 receiving IMV compared to SOC, at well below the commonly accepted $50,000 US willingness-to-pay threshold.
Association of Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) With Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12
Authors: Mousavi Shalmani Seyedeh Hayedeh , Mahamoudi Zahra , Nooriani Narjes , Saeedirad Zahra , Hassanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Tavakoli Aryan , Shekari Soheila , Mirshafaei Masoomeh Alsadat , Mousavi Mele Mahdi , Mirzaee Pouya , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Bahmani Parsa , Khoshdooz Sara , Doaei Saeid
Published: October 2024

Background

Transient global amnesia (TGA), which is described as short-term amnesia, may be influenced by some dietary components involved in brain function. The aim of the present study was to assess the connection between TGA and dietary intake of vitamin B12.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 258 people with TGA and 520 people without TGA in Sabzevar, Iran. All participants were screened for TGA (ICD-10 code: G45.4). A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was utilized to estimate the dietary intake of vitamin B12. Different models of logistic regression were used to determine the association between TGA and dietary intake of vitamin B12 after adjusting the confounders.

Results

There was an inverse association between the risk of TGA and the intake of vitamin B12 (OR = 0.94, CI 95%: 0.89–0.99, p = .02, effect size: −0.04). The result did not change after adjustment for age, gender, education, job, and marital status (OR = 0.93, CI 95%: 0.88–0.98, p = .01, effect size: −0.03). The result remained significant after additional adjustments for body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (OR = 0.94, CI 95%: 0.89–0.99, p = .03, effect size: −0.04), and after further adjustments for the underlying diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke (OR = 0.86, CI 95%: 0.81–0.92, p < .01, effect size: −0.10).

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk of TGA and should be considered as a potential concern for people at risk for TGA. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to discover the underlying mechanisms of the effects of vitamin B12 on TGA.
IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines: Results From Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Studies
Authors: Joseph John , Sudimac Vladimir , Mersmann Sabine , Kerscher Martina
Published: October 2024

Background

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III studies of incobotulinumtoxinA for treating upper facial lines (UFLs; ie, a combination of glabellar frown lines [GFLs], horizontal forehead lines [HFLs], and lateral canthal lines [LCLs]) were conducted in the United States (ULTRA I: NCT04594213) and Germany (ULTRA II: NCT04622254).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous intramuscular injections for UFLs. Longer-term safety and efficacy were assessed in open-label extension periods.

Methods

Healthy participants (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe GFLs, HFLs, and symmetric LCLs at maximum contraction on the 5-point Merz Aesthetics Scales were randomized 2:1:1 to receive up to 64 units of incobotulinumtoxinA in the main period for each trial. Treatment groups were: UFLs, GFLs, and HFLs (ULTRA I), LCLs (ULTRA II), and placebo. Primary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of GFL, HFL, and LCL responders, defined as a Merz Aesthetics Scale score for the respective area of 0 (no) or 1 (mild) and a ≥2-grade improvement from baseline to Day 30, as assessed by both investigator and participant.

Results

Overall, 362 and 368 participants received treatment in ULTRA I and ULTRA II, respectively. In both studies, incobotulinumtoxinA treatment was significantly more effective than placebo with respect to the primary endpoints (P < .0001) and key secondary endpoints (P < .0001). The open-label extension period results were consistent with those seen in the main period. No new safety findings were identified.

Conclusions

In ULTRA I and ULTRA II, the safety and efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the simultaneous treatment of moderate-to-severe UFLs were demonstrated, with significant improvements across all primary and secondary endpoints vs placebo.

Level of Evidence: 1 (Therapeutic)
quaqc: efficient and quick ATAC-seq quality control and filtering
Authors: Tremblay Benjamin J M , Qüesta Julia I
Published: October 2024

“quaqc” allows for ATAC-seq-specific quality control and read filtering of NGS data with minimal processing time and extremely low memory overhead. An efficient scaling implementation allows for a wide range of use cases, from processing individual samples processed on personal laptops to handling thousands of samples processed in parallel on compute clusters. The helper R package “quaqcr” allows for interactive program execution and exploration of results.

Availability and implementation

Source code and documentation are freely available for download from https://github.com/bjmt/quaqc and https://github.com/bjmt/quaqcr under the GPLv3 license. “quaqc” is implemented in C and has been tested on both macOS and Linux. The “quaqcr” helper package only requires the R programming language. Fixed versions of the programs and code associated with this manuscript can be found at https://zenodo.org/records/13833437.
Synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane from ethanol using electrogenerated acid
Authors: Kasahara Taichi , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Kurokawa Hideki , Ogihara Hitoshi
Published: October 2024

We introduce a novel reaction where electrogenerated acid enhances ethanol upgrading. Electrochemical oxidation of ethanol produces acetaldehyde and protons; the protons act as electrogenerated acid, catalyzing acetalization to form 1,1-diethoxyethane. Stirring the solution shifts the reaction toward acetaldehyde production because electrogenerated acid is neutralized by an electrogenerated base at the cathode.
A predictive model of treatment effectiveness of refractory peritoneal dialysis–related peritonitis in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a single-center observational study in South China
Authors: Dong Xiao , Yi Chunyan , Ye Hongjian , Guo Jing , Liu Ruihua , Guo Qunying , Huang Fengxian , Yang Xiao
Published: October 2024

Background

To prevent loss of peritoneal function caused by persistent abdominal inflammation, the guidelines recommend early extubation in patients with refractory peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis (rPDAP). In attempt to pinpoint high-risk patient cohorts that did not respond to treatment for refractory peritonitis, we created a model to predict the effectiveness of peritonitis treatment.

Methods

This observational cohort study included PD patients from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors affecting the occurrence and prognosis of rPDAP, and to construct a predictive model for the success of rPDAP treatment. Receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.

Results

A total of 1397 cases of PDAP occurred in our center during the study period, of which 558 cases were diagnosed as rPDAP. The incidence of refractory peritonitis was 0.047 cases/patient-year. In the study, 440 cases with rPDAP were included. Among them, 304 cases (69.1%) had been successfully cured, while 136 cases (30.9%) were treatment failure, of which 19 cases (13.9%) died, 85 cases (62.5%) transferred to hemodialysis and 32 cases (23.5%) were relapse/recurrent peritonitis. Dialysate culture results showed 132 (30.0%) cases were infected with Gram-positive bacteria and 161 (36.6%) Gram-negative bacteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that episodes of peritonitis previously ≤3 times were correlated with the better prognosis of rPDAP, but white blood cell (WBC) counts in peritoneal dialysate on the third day of peritonitis or WBC counts on the fifth day ≥300 × 106/L, the pathogenic microorganism with Gram-negative bacteria, as well as longer duration of PD were associated with poor outcomes. The C-statistical value of the training data set was 0.870 (95% confidence interval 0.821–0.918). The calibration curve and clinical decision-making curve also proved that this nomogram could accurately predict the success of treatment in patients with refractory peritonitis.

Conclusion

The nomogram model created through internal verification indicated a strong clinical application value and a high prognostic prediction accuracy for rPDAP.
Incidence and outcomes of transient new-onset atrial fibrillation complicating acute coronary syndromes: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salerno Nadia , Ielapi Jessica , Cersosimo Angelica , Leo Isabella , Sabatino Jolanda , De Rosa Salvatore , Sorrentino Sabato , Torella Daniele
Published: October 2024

Background

The overall risk of long-term adverse events of a transient episode of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic impact of transient new-onset AF complicating ACS.

Methods and results

Cohort studies examining the risk of adverse events in patients with transient new-onset AF compared to those in sinus rhythm after ACS were identified through a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar Library. Studies reporting the incidence of ischaemic stroke events, recurrent AF, or all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up were included. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized using inverse variance-weighted random-effects meta-analysis. In the seven observational studies included, comprising 151 735 patients, 6 597 (4.3%) experienced transient new-onset AF, which was associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke, recurrent AF, or all-cause mortality (HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.75–2.85; P < 0.0001; I2 = 30.76%; seven studies). The results remained consistent across each individual endpoint, including ischaemic stroke (HR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.64–3.44; P < 0.01; I2 = 50.2%; five studies), recurrent AF (HR 4.68, 95% CI: 2.07–10.59; P = 0.0002; I2 = 50.2%; four studies), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08–1.71; P = 0.0089; I2 = 53.25%; four studies). Meta-regression analyses revealed a significant increase in these adverse events associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (P = 0.001), while there was a tendency for their decrease associated with oral anticoagulant prescription at discharge (P = 0.07).

Conclusions

The occurrence of transient new-onset AF is associated with an elevated long-term risk of stroke, recurrent AF, and all-cause mortality in patients with ACS. Consequently, these data urge randomized clinical trials to assess the best antithrombotic regimen while potentially helping the current treatment decision-making process for these patients.
Associations between social determinants of health and cardiovascular and cancer mortality in cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Satti Danish Iltaf , Ching Yat Long Anson , Lee Quinncy , Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , Chou Oscar Hou-In , Liu Tong , Tse Gary , Lai Agnes
Published: October 2024

Aims

The cause-specific mortality implications of social determinants of health (SDOH) in cancer survivors were unclear. This study aimed to explore associations between SDOH and cardiovascular and cancer mortality in cancer survivors.

Methods and results

Data from 2013 to 2017 National Health Interview Survey were used for this prospective cohort study. Social determinants of health were quantified using a 38 point, 6 domain score, with higher points indicating worse deprivation. Associations between SDOH and outcomes (primary: cardiovascular mortality; secondary: cancer and all-cause mortality) were assessed using cause-specific multivariable Cox regression, with cancer survivors and individuals without cancer modelled separately. Post hoc analyses were performed among cancer survivors to explore associations between each domain of SDOH and the risks of outcomes. Altogether, 37 882 individuals were analysed (4179 cancer survivors and 33 703 individuals without cancer). Among cancer survivors, worse SDOH was associated with higher cardiovascular [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.31 (1.02–1.68)], cancer [aHR 1.20 (1.01–1.42)], and all-cause mortality [aHR 1.16 (1.02–1.31)] when adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors. Among individuals without cancer, SDOH was associated with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause when only adjusted for demographics, but not when further adjusted for comorbidities and risk factors; no associations between SDOH and cancer mortality were found. Among cancer survivors, psychological distress, economic stability, neighbourhood, physical environment and social cohesion, and food insecurity were varyingly associated with the outcomes.

Conclusion

Social determinants of health were independently associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among cancer survivors but not among individuals without cancer. Different domains of SDOH may have different prognostic importance.
Nursing Home Staff  With Children: Unique Needs Among Single and Partnered Parents
Authors: Kennedy Katherine A , Mohr David C , Mills Whitney L
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Nursing home (NH) staff job dissatisfaction and turnover are associated with lower care quality. However, little is known about the impact of being single on workplace experiences. Guided by the Job Demands-Control-Support Model, we compared job satisfaction, turnover intention, and psychological distress for single and partnered parents working in NHs.

Research Design and Methods

Employee and manager data from the 2011 to 2012 wave of the Work Family Health Network study were combined (N = 1,144) to define parents with complete data (N = 586). Bivariate tests and multivariate regressions clustering observations within NHs were used.

Results

Most single parents (n = 190, 32%) were nursing assistants (NAs; n = 142, 74.74%) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs; n = 29, 15.26%). Compared with partnered parents, single parents were similar on turnover intention and job satisfaction, but they were more likely to report distress (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.09, 2.94) observed only among NAs (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.12, 3.85). Psychological distress was associated with greater turnover intent (β = 0.02, p < .05) among NAs and LPNs, yet only among single parents (β = 0.04, p < .01). Distress was more likely with higher family-to-work conflict (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.18, 2.36) and work-to-family conflict (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.20, 2.14) among licensed nurses, yet the distress–work–family conflict associations were only significant for partnered parent nurses.

Discussion and Implications

Supporting NH staff depends upon knowing their parental, relationship, and occupational status. Additional research is needed to understand and develop strategies to mitigate psychological distress and increase resources particularly among NA single parents employed in NHs.
Brassica vegetables—an undervalued nutritional goldmine
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Jia Qiong , Jia Xin , Li Jie , Sun Xiaoxue , Min Leiguo , Liu Zhaokun , Ma Wei , Zhao Jianjun
Published: October 2024

The genus Brassica includes six species and over 15 types of vegetables that are widely cultivated and consumed globally. This group of vegetables is rich in bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, vitamins (such as vitamin C, folate, tocopherol, and phylloquinone), carotenoids, phenols, and minerals, which are crucial for enriching diets and maintaining human health. However, the full extent of these phytonutrients and their significant health benefits remain to be fully elucidated. This review highlights the nutrient compositions and health advantages of Brassica vegetables and discusses the impacts of various processing methods on their nutritional value. Additionally, we discuss potential strategies for enhancing the nutrition of Brassica crops through agronomic biofortification, conventional breeding, and biotechnological or metabolic engineering approaches. This review lays the foundation for the nutritional improvement of Brassica crops.
The prognostic significance of modified frailty index-5 in patients undergoing pneumonectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Sayan Muhammet , Artiran Bengisu , Ozturk Funda , Fattahov Mahir , Akarsu Irmak , Aslan Muhammet Tarik , Ahmadova Gunel , Kurtoglu Aysegul , Kurul Ismail Cuneyt , Celik Ali
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

In some centrally located lung cancers, complete excision of the mass cannot be achieved with parenchymal-sparing procedures and pneumonectomy may be required. The mortality and morbidity rates of pneumonectomy were reported to be considerably high. Here, we investigated the effectivity of modified frailty index-5 (MFI-5) in patients undergoing pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer between January 2018 and December 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. The MFI-5 score was determined by preoperative diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, congestive heart failure and functional status. The effectiveness of the MFI-5 score for the presence of postoperative major complications and 30-day mortality was investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Eight (7.5%) of patients were female, and the mean age was 61.4 ± 8.7. The MFI-5 score was 0 in 48 patients (44.9%), 1 in 27 patients (25.2%) and 2 in 20 patients (18.7%). Postoperative 30-day mortality was detected in 4 patients (3.7%), and the major complications occurred in 42 patients (39.3%). In multivariate analysis, an MFI-5 score of 2 or higher (P = 0.008, OR: 4.9) was statistically significant for complications, whereas age, gender, side of the operation, <2 MFI-5 score, tumor diameter, type of surgery and lymph node metastasis status were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The MFI-5 score is a significant indicator for predicting major postoperative events in patients who underwent pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

Clinical registration number

2024-323, approved by Gazi University Local Ethics Committee.
On the use of machine learning in supply chain management: a systematic review
Authors: Babai M Z , Arampatzis M , Hasni M , Lolli F , Tsadiras A
Published: October 2024

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos

Machine learning (ML) has evolved into a crucial tool in supply chain management, effectively addressing the complexities associated with decision-making by leveraging available data. The utilization of ML has markedly surged in recent years, extending its influence across various supply chain operations, ranging from procurement to product distribution. In this paper, based on a systematic search, we provide a comprehensive literature review of the research dealing with the use of ML in supply chain management. We present the major contributions to the literature by classifying them into five classes using the five processes of the supply chain operations reference framework. We demonstrate that the applications of ML in supply chain management have significantly increased in both trend and diversity over recent years, with substantial expansion since 2019. The review also reveals that demand forecasting has attracted most of the applications followed by inventory management and transportation. The paper enables to identify the research gaps in the literature and provides some avenues for further research.
Significant role of symbiotic bacteria in the blood digestion and reproduction of Dermanyssus gallinae mites
Authors: Liu Qi , Sun Tiancong , Wang Penglong , Wang Lifang , Frantova Helena , Hartmann David , Perner Jan , Sun Weiwei , Pan Baoliang
Published: October 2024

Endosymbiotic bacteria significantly impact the fitness of their arthropod hosts. Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite that exclusively feeds on avian blood. While there is a relatively comprehensive understanding of its microbial community structures across developmental stages based on 16S rRNA sequencing， the functional integration of these microbes within the host’s physiology remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the role of symbiotic bacteria in D. gallinae biology. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed a prominent midgut-confinement bacterial microbiota with considerable diversity, out of which Kocuria and Bartonella A acted as the predominant bacterial genera inhabiting D. gallinae. The relative abundance of Bartonella A increased rapidly after blood-sucking, suggesting its adaptation to a blood-based diet and its pivotal role in post-engorgement activities. Some of the isolated bacterial strains from D. gallinae display hemolytic activity on blood agar, potentially aiding blood digestion. To corroborate this in vivo, antibiotic-mediated clearance was exploited to generate dysbiosed cohorts of D. gallinae mites, lacking some of the key bacterial species. Phenotypic assessments revealed that dysbiosed mites experienced delayed blood digestion and diminished reproductive capacity. Whole-genome sequencing identified Bartonella A as a new species within the genus Bartonella, exhibiting characteristics of an obligate symbiont. These findings underscore the significance of microbiota in poultry red mites and suggest microbiota-targeted strategies for controlling mite populations in poultry farms.
Crushed posaconazole delayed-release tablets for antifungal prophylaxis and treatment in children
Authors: Weerdenburg Heather , Gwee Amanda , Haeusler Gabrielle M , Osowicki Joshua , Boast Alison
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended for posaconazole to achieve target concentrations of ≥0.7 mg/L and ≥1.0 mg/L for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infection (IFI), respectively. However, target attainment is challenging with the oral suspension, particularly in children. Here, we describe our experience using crushed delayed-release tablet (DRT) in a paediatric cohort, with a focus on TDM.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective audit of crushed posaconazole DRT administration via enteral feeding tubes (EFTs) for patients aged ≤18 years over 18 months at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne who had at least one trough concentration measured at steady state. Details of patient demographics, posaconazole dosing, monitoring and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Twelve patients with a median age of 9 years (range 2 to 14) received posaconazole DRT via EFT for prophylaxis (n = 8) or treatment (n = 4). All children achieved target concentration, with a median dose of 7 mg/kg/day (range 5 to 11) for prophylaxis and 13 mg/kg/day (range 9 to 20) for treatment. The median time to reach therapeutic levels was 7 days (range 5 to 14) for prophylaxis and 20 days (range 15 to 35) for treatment. One child had blockage of their EFT, which was attributed to posaconazole. No other adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Crushed posaconazole DRT administered via EFT may be used as a method of attaining therapeutic posaconazole concentrations in children for antifungal prophylaxis and treatment.
Thermal evolution of lava planets
Authors: Herath Mahesh , Boukaré Charles-Édouard , Cowan Nicolas B
Published: October 2024

Rocky planets typically form with a transient magma ocean. Lava planets, however, maintain a permanent day-side magma ocean. The extent of this magma ocean depends on the planet’s thermal history. We present numerical simulations of the thermal history of tidally locked lava planets over 10 billion years, starting from a completely molten mantle. The day-side surface temperature is fixed at 3000 K, while the night-side surface temperature cools by thermal radiation. We consider planets with radii of 1.0 and 1.5${\rm R}_{\oplus}$; super-Earths have shallower steady-state magma oceans due to their greater gravity. The night-side begins crystallizing within a few thousand years, fully solidifying in 800 Myr, in the absence of tidal heating or day–night heat transport. We find that a mushy night-side can persist if at least 20 per cent of absorbed stellar power is transferred from the day to night hemisphere through magma currents, which would be feasible at a viscosity of $10^{-3}$ Pa s. Maintaining a fully molten night-side by magma ocean circulation would require unrealistically low viscosities and therefore appears unlikely. Alternatively, the night-side may remain molten if the mush layer dissipates tidal energy at a rate of $8 \times 10^{-4}$ W kg−1, which is plausible for orbital eccentricities greater than $7 \times 10^{-3}$. Night-side cooling, however, is a runaway process: increasing viscosity and mush solidification hinder both heat transport and tidal heating. Our results highlight the importance of measuring the night-side temperatures of lava planets, which would provide crucial insights into their thermal histories.
MANTA-Ray: Supercharging Speeds for Calculating the Optical Properties of Fractal Aggregates in the Long-wavelength Limit
Authors: Lodge M G , Wakeford H R , Leinhardt Z M
Published: October 2024

Correctly modelling the absorptive properties of dust and haze particles is of great importance for determining the abundance of solid matter within protoplanetary discs and planetary atmospheres. Rigorous analyses such as the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) can be used to obtain accurate absorption cross-sections, but these require significant computing time and are often impractical to use in models. A simple analytical equation exists for spherical particles in the long-wavelength limit (where the wavelength is much larger than the size of the dust particle), but we demonstrate that this can significantly underestimate the absorption. This effect is found to depend strongly on refractive index, with values of $m=1+11$i corresponding to an underestimate in absorption by a factor of 1000. Here we present MANTA-Ray (modified absorption of non-spherical tiny aggregates in the RAYleigh regime): a simple model that can calculate absorption efficiencies within 10–20 per cent of the values predicted by DDA, but $10^{13}$ times faster. MANTA-Ray is very versatile and works for any wavelength and particle size in the long wavelength regime. It is also very flexible with regards to particle shape, and can correctly model structures ranging from long linear chains to tight compact clusters, composed of any material with refractive index 1 + 0.01i $\le m \le$ 11 + 11i. The packaged model is provided as publicly available code for use by the astrophysical community.
A link to the past: characterizing wandering black holes in Milky Way-type galaxies
Authors: Untzaga J , Bonoli S , Izquierdo-Villalba D , Mezcua M , Spinoso D
Published: October 2024

A population of non-stellar black holes (BHs) ($\gtrsim$100 M$_{\odot }$) has been long predicted to wander the Milky Way (MW). We aim to characterize this population by using the L-Galaxies semi-analytical model applied on top of the high-resolution Millennium-II merger trees. Our results predict $\sim$10 wandering black holes (WBHs) with masses $\sim$2 $\times$ 10$^{3}$ M$_{\odot }$ in a typical z = 0 MW galaxy, accounting for $\sim 2~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the total non-stellar BH mass budget of the galaxy. We find that the locations of these wanderers correlate with their formation scenario. While the ones concentrated at $\lesssim$1 kpc from the galactic nucleus on the disc come from past galactic mergers, the ones formed as a consequence of ejections due to gravitational recoils or the disruption of satellite galaxies are typically located at $\gtrsim$100 kpc. Such small and large distances might explain the absence of strong observational evidence for WBHs in the MW. Our results also indicate that $\sim 67~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the wandering population is conformed by the leftovers of BH seeds that had little to no growth since their formation. We find that WBHs that are leftover seeds become wanderers at an earlier time with respect to grown seeds, and also come from more metal-poor galaxies. Finally, we show that the number of WBHs in a MW-type galaxy depends on the seeding efficiency.