bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refugee and migrants' involvement in participatory spaces in a US practice‐based research network study: Responding to unanticipated priorities
Authors: LeMaster Joseph W. , Lutgen Cory B. , Matharoo Jagtaj , MacFarlane Anne E.
Published: April 2023

Background

Refugees and migrants face suboptimal involvement in spaces for primary healthcare decision‐making. Given the rising numbers of resettled refugees and migrants in primary care settings in the United States, there is an urgent need for patient‐centred outcome research in practice‐based research networks (PBRNs) with diverse ethnolinguistic communities. This study explored whether researchers, clinicians and patients would achieve consensus on (1) a common set of clinical problems that were applicable across a PBRN and (2) potential clinical interventions to address those problems to inform a patient‐centred outcomes research (PCOR) study in a similar research network.

Methods

In this qualitative participatory health research study, patients from diverse ethnolinguistic communities and clinicians from seven practices in a US PBRN discussed preferences for PCOR responsive to patients and the clinicians who serve them in language‐discordant settings. Researchers and an advisory panel that included patients and clinicians from each participating practice held regular advisory meetings to monitor progress on project milestones and solve emerging problems. Participants took part in 10 sessions using Participatory Learning in Action and the World Café methods to identify and prioritise their ideas, using questions set for them by the advisory panel. Data were analysed based on principles of qualitative thematic content analysis.

Results

Participants identified common barriers in language‐discordant healthcare settings, principally patient‐clinician communication barriers and suggestions to overcome these barriers. A key finding was an unanticipated consensus about the need for attention to healthcare processes rather than a clinical research priority. Negotiation with research funders enabled further analysis of potential interventions for care processes to improve communication and shared decision‐making in consultations and the practice as a whole.

Conclusion

PCOR studies should examine interventions for improving communication between patients from diverse ethnolinguistic communities and primary care staff if the sorts of harms experienced by patients experiencing language‐discordant healthcare are to be reduced or prevented. Flexibility and responsiveness from funders to unanticipated findings are key structural supports for participatory health research in primary care clinical settings with this population and others who experience marginalisation and exclusion.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and clinicians participated in the study both in the formulation of the study question, data collection, analysis and dissemination of these results; consented to their individual participation; and reviewed early drafts of the manuscript.
The role of identity in the experiences of dementia care workers from a minority ethnic background during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Hughes Mishca , Butchard Sarah , Giebel Clarissa
Published: April 2023

Background

Care home staff working during the COVID‐19 pandemic experienced higher levels of stress and increased workloads. People from diverse ethnic backgrounds were disproportionately affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study explored the identity experiences of care home staff from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the context of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Fourteen semistructured interviews were conducted between May 2021 and April 2022 with ethnic minority care home staff in England, who worked during the pandemic. Participants were recruited using convenience and theoretical sampling. Interviews were conducted via telephone or online platforms. A social constructivist grounded theory methodology was utilised in analysing the data.

Findings

Participants described five key processes which facilitated or hindered the impact that their experiences had on their identity: dealing with uncertainty and transitioning into a COVID‐19 world; difficult emotions; experiences of discrimination and racism; the response from the care home and societal systems; and the personal vs collective responsibility. When participants' physical and psychological needs went unmet by support structures within the care home and/or society, they experienced a sense of injustice, lack of control and being unvalued or discriminated against by others.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of recognising the unique needs of staff from diverse ethnic backgrounds working in care homes and adapting working practices to improve impact on identity, job satisfaction and staff retention.

Patient and Public Involvement

One care home worker was involved in developing the topic guide and helping to interpret the findings.
Acute myeloid leukemia with RAM immunophenotype: A new underdiagnosed entity
Authors: Gajendra Smeeta , Anupurba Shilpa , Gupta Ritu , Mallick Saumyaranjan , Panda Devasis , Thakral Deepshi , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Bakhshi Sameer , Seth Rachna , Rai Sandeep , Prajapati Vijay K. , Singh Saroj
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RAM immunophenotype is a distinct subtype of AML, as described by the Children's Oncology Group (COG), with characteristic morphological and immunophenotypic properties. It is characterized by strong CD56 expression with dim to negative CD45, HLA‐DR, and CD38 expression. It is an aggressive leukemia with a poor response to induction chemotherapy and/or frequent relapses.

Methods

Seven cases with the characteristic RAM immunophenotype were identified in this retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed pediatric AML cases from January 2019 to December 2021. Herein, we have critically analyzed their clinical, morphological, cytochemical, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular profiles. The patients were traced and followed for their current disease and treatment status.

Results

Of 302 cases of pediatric AML (age <18 years), seven cases (2.3%) with the distinct RAM phenotype were observed, with age ranging from 9 months to 5 years. Two patients were misdiagnosed earlier as small round cell tumor because of the strong CD56 positivity and the absence of leukocyte common antigen (LCA), but they were later correctly identified as granulocytic sarcoma. The bone marrow aspirate showed blasts with unusual cohesiveness and clumping with nuclear moulding, mimicking non‐hematologic malignancies. Flow cytometry revealed blasts with low side scatter, dim to negative CD45 and CD38, negative cMPO, CD36, and CD11b; moderate to bright CD33, CD117, and bright CD56. The Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD13 expression was significantly lower as compared to the internal controls. Cytogenetic and molecular studies did not show any recurrent abnormalities. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 fusion was performed in 5/7 cases, with one positive result. On clinical follow‐up, two patients were refractory to chemotherapy. Six of the seven cases had succumbed to death (duration of survival: 3–343 days after initial diagnosis).

Conclusion

AML with RAM immunophenotype, a distinct form of pediatric AML with a poor prognosis, may pose a diagnostic challenge if presented as a soft tissue mass. A comprehensive immunophenotypic evaluation, including stem cell and myeloid markers, is critical for an accurate diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma with the RAM‐immunophenotype. Our data demonstrated weak CD13 expression as an additional immunophenotypic finding.
Modelling the role of fiscal and monetary policy instruments on carbon emission in non‐linear framework: A case of emerging economy
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Fatima Sana , Alam Qamar , Bharadwaj Yogendra Pal
Published: April 2023

India is the second most populous country in the world and stood at seventh rank in a major climate risk index in 2019, which is a grave concern for the Indian government, policymakers and environmentalists. Therefore, the present study examines the role of fiscal policy and monetary policy instruments along with select macroeconomic variables on carbon emission in India over the period 1971–2019 in the non‐linear framework. The outcome of the study reveals that the impact of fiscal and monetary policy instruments on carbon emission is asymmetric in nature. In addition, the positive and negative shocks in fiscal and monetary policy instruments have a positive and negative impact on carbon emissions, respectively. Based on the coefficients’ magnitude, the role of fiscal policy instruments has a more prominent effect on carbon emissions than monetary policy instruments. The findings of the study imply that the Indian government is required to implement green fiscal and monetary policies. Use fiscal policy to implement a ‘green tax ratio’ and a ‘green subsidy programme’ for manufacturers and investors to reduce CO2 emissions. A ‘green lending programme’ should be introduced for commercial banks by implementing monetary policy via the central bank.
Mobility range, level of pain and sleep quality of patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Siegling Michael , Renner Regina , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to compare mobility range, level of pain and sleep quality in patients with venous leg ulcers to age‐ and gender‐matched controls without ulcers. Twenty patients with venous leg ulceration and 20 matched controls each answered a questionnaire, completed the short‐physical performance battery, filled in a subject diary and wore a smartwatch for 1 week. The median daily step counts of the ulcer group (3622 steps/day) and the control group (5133 steps/day) were significantly different (P = .017). Significant correlations between total step count and age, duration of physical outdoor activities and scores in the short‐physical performance battery were observed in the ulcer group. The scores in the short‐physical performance battery were significantly different in both groups (P = .005), indicating weaker physical performance in the ulcer group. The greatest difference in the self‐reported level of pain between the two groups was stated during movement. On average, the ulcer group slept shorter by 1 h 38 min (P = .002) and had 0.7 wake phases per night (P = .019) more than the control group. Assessing mobility in patients with venous leg ulcers can be used to develop preventive and interventional concepts to improve and individualise physical therapies.
Preventing falls at home among people with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Doherty Alison J. , Benedetto Valerio , Harris Catherine , Ridley Julie , O'Donoghue Annette , James‐Jenkinson Lynn , Fidler Dave , Clegg Andrew
Published: April 2023

Background

Falls are common among people with intellectual disabilities. Many falls happen within the home. Our scoping review aimed to identify evidence for falls‐risk factors and falls‐prevention interventions for this population.

Method

We conducted a multi‐database search to identify any type of published study that explored falls‐risk factors or falls‐prevention interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Following a process of (i) title & abstract and (ii) full‐text screening, data was extracted from the included studies and described narratively.

Results

Forty‐one studies were included. Risks are multifactorial. There was limited evidence of medical, behavioural/psychological, or environmental interventions to address modifiable risk factors, and no evidence of the interventions' cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

Clinically and cost effective, acceptable and accessible falls‐prevention pathways should be available for people with intellectual disabilities who are at risk of falls from an earlier age than the general population.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals transcriptional profiles of monocytes in HBV‐infected pregnant women during mid‐pregnancy
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Li Xia , Yang Kaiyue , Guo Fanfan , Wang Xiaona , Zhao Ziyan , Jia Yanju , Gao Fan , Bai Guiqin
Published: April 2023

There is a growing body of evidence that innate immunity also plays an important role in the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, there is less study on systematically elucidating the characteristics of innate immunity in HBV‐infected pregnant women. We compared the features of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in three healthy pregnant women and three HBV‐infected pregnant women by single‐cell RNA sequencing. 10 DEGs were detected between groups and monocytes were the main expression source of most of the DEGs, which involved in the inflammatory response, apoptosis and immune regulation. Meanwhile, qPCR and ELISA were performed to verify above genes. Monocytes displayed immune response defect, reflecting poor ability of response to IFN. In addition, eight clusters were identified in monocytes. We identified molecular drivers in monocytes subpopulations.TNFSF10+ monocytes, MT1G+ monocytes and TUBB1+ monocytes were featured with different gene expression pattern and biological function.TNFSF10+ monocytes and MT1G+ monocytes were characterized by high levels of inflammation response.TNFSF10+ monocytes, MT1G+ monocytes and TUBB1+ monocytes showed decreased response to IFN. Our results dissects alterations in monocytes related to the immune response of HBV‐infected pregnant women and provides a rich resource for fully understanding immunopathogenesis and developing effective preventing HBV intrauterine infection strategies.
The development of a trauma informed care framework for residential services for adults with an intellectual disability: Implications for policy and practice
Authors: McNally Paddy , Taggart Laurence , Shevlin Mark
Published: April 2023

Trauma informed care has become an evidenced based approach for inpatient and residential services for people in the general population who are likely to have been impacted by trauma. Given the increased vulnerability to psychological trauma for adults with an intellectual disability, it should follow that residential services for adults with an intellectual disability would also benefit from a trauma informed care approach. Two focus groups and individual interviews with seven adults with an intellectual disability and six workshops with seven service providers were conducted to co‐produce a trauma informed care framework for residential services that was evidence‐based and guided by established models (MRC, Developing and evaluating complex interventions, London: MRC & NIHR, 2019; Wight et al., Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 70, 520–525, 2016). The framework was developed into four chapters: ‘Setting the context’; ‘Organisational change’; ‘Workforce development’; and ‘Trauma focussed services’. A logic model outlining the mechanisms of change was refined over the course of the co‐production workshops. This is the first study to develop and co‐produce a trauma informed care framework for residential and supported living accommodation for adults with an intellectual disability. The framework has implications for local policy and practice in its current cultural context. Future development is required to operationalise and test the framework and to explore its adaptability to international contexts.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Total Elbow Arthroplasty Using a Semi‐constrained Prosthesis with a Triceps‐preserving Approach over a Minimum Follow‐up Period of 4 Years
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiang Ming , Yang Jin‐song , Dai Fei
Published: April 2023

Objective

Complications related to triceps after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) have become a major surgical concern. The triceps‐preserving approach has the advantage of not disturbing the insertion of triceps but is disadvantaged by the reduced exposure of the elbow joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of TEA with a triceps‐preserving approach and to compare the outcomes of TEA to treat arthropathy with that of TEA to treat acute distal humerus fracture.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2018, 23 patients undergoing primary TEAs were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow‐up time of 92.6 months (range, 52–136 months). Each TEA was performed using the triceps‐preserving approach with a semi‐constrained Coonrad–Morrey prosthesis. Patient demographics, range of motion (ROM), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and triceps strength (Medical Research Council [MRC] scale) were compared before and after surgery. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, radiographic outcome, and complications were evaluated at follow‐up.

Results

In total, seven males and 16 females were included in this study, with a mean age of 66.1 years (range:46–85 years). By the last follow‐up, pain had been significantly relieved in all patients. The average MEPS in the arthropathy group and fracture group were 90.8 ± 10.3 points (range: 68–98 points) and 91.7 ± 0.4 (range: 76–100 points), respectively. The average DASH of the arthropathy group and fracture group was 37.3 ± 18.8 points (range: 18–52 points) and 38.4 ± 20.1 (range: 16–60 points). At the last follow‐up after surgery, the mean flexion arcs in the arthropathy group and fracture group were 100.4° ± 24.1° and 97.8° ± 28.1°, respectively. The mean pro‐supination arcs in the arthropathy group and fracture group were 142.4° ± 15.2° and 139.2° ± 17.5°, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). Triceps strength was normal (MRC grade V) in 15 elbows and good in eight elbows. None of the cases experienced weakness of the triceps strength, infection, periprosthetic fractures, or prosthesis breakage.

Conclusions

The clinical and radiographical outcomes of TEA with the triceps‐preserving approach were satisfactory in patients with distal humerus fracture, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Stochastic comparisons of largest claim amounts from heterogeneous portfolios
Authors: Kundu Pradip , Kundu Amarjit , Hawlader Biplab
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates stochastic comparisons of largest claim amounts of two sets of independent or interdependent portfolios in the sense of some stochastic orders. Let random variable () with distribution function , represents the claim amount for ith risk of a portfolio. Here two largest claim amounts are compared considering that the claim variables follow a general semiparametric family of distributions having the property that the survival function is increasing in or is increasing and convex/concave in . The results obtained in this paper apply to a large class of well‐known distributions including the family of exponentiated/generalized distributions (e.g., exponentiated exponential, Weibull, gamma and Pareto family), Rayleigh distribution and Marshall–Olkin family of distributions. As a direct consequence of some main theorems, we also obtained the results for scale family of distributions. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Identification of drainage patterns using a graph convolutional neural network
Authors: Liu Chengyi , Zhai Renjian , Qian Haizhong , Gong Xianyong , Wang Andong , Wu Fang
Published: April 2023

Various geological factors shape drainage patterns. Identifying drainage patterns is a classic problem in topographical knowledge mining and map generalization. Existing rule‐based methods rely heavily on the parameter settings of cartographers for drainage‐pattern recognition. These methods effectively identify drainage patterns in specific areas but require manual parameter tuning to identify drainage patterns in other areas. Owing to the complexity of topological and geometric characteristics, drainage pattern recognition involves nonlinear problems, and it is difficult to build mapping relationships between characteristics and patterns using rule‐based methods. Therefore, we proposed a data‐driven method based on a graph convolutional neural network to avoid heavy reliance on human experience and automatically mine implicit relationships between characteristics and drainage patterns. First, six typical drainage patterns (dendritic, rectangular, parallel, trellis, reticulate, and fanned) were listed based on map specifications, and the unique characteristics of each drainage pattern were illustrated. Subsequently, the drainage graphs were constructed. The characteristics of the whole, local, and individual units in the drainage networks were quantified based on drainage vector data. Finally, an identification model was developed using graph convolution, self‐attention pooling, and multiple fully connected layers for drainage pattern recognition. After training and testing, the accuracy of our model (0.801 ± 0.014) was better than that of the rule‐based method (0.572 ± 0.000) and the traditional machine learning methods (less than 0.733 ± 0.016). The results demonstrate that the ability of our model to identify drainage patterns surpasses that of other methods.
Experiences and perceptions of military and emergency services personnel identifying as LGBTQIA+ and their families: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Dobek Philip , Bowen Henry , Callaghan Peta
Published: April 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review is to explore the perceptions and experiences of military and emergency personnel who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, or other (LGBTQIA+), and the perceptions and experiences of their families.

Introduction:

LGBTQIA+ military and emergency first response personnel report disproportionately poorer career and personal outcomes than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Research examining the underlying lived experiences and perceptions of people serving who are LGBTQIA+, particularly those of their family members, is sparse. Hence, the aim of this review is to identify, aggregate, and synthesize relevant qualitative research findings.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies of LGBTQIA+ military or emergency first response personnel and their families that include qualitative data capturing their experiences and perceptions of navigating industrial institutions and service communities. Military personnel include those employed in any role within any military organization; emergency first response personnel will include ambulance workers, paramedics, police, firefighters, and other public safety roles. Families will be limited to any configuration of immediate family members of active or retired LGBTQIA+ service personnel. No limits will be applied to the age of service personnel or their family members, nor to duration or chronology of service.

Methods:

Databases searched will include PsycINFO, PubMed Central, ProQuest Central, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, and PTSDpubs. Domain-specific journals will be manually searched, and gray literature and unpublished studies will be searched via ProQuest Central. Study screening and selection against inclusion criteria will be performed in Covidence. Data extraction and critical appraisal will be performed using the standardized JBI templates and checklists for qualitative research. All stages will be performed by 2 independent reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022323913
Macrophage microvesicle‐derived circ_YTHDF2 in methamphetamine‐induced chronic lung injury
Authors: Chen Lei , Gu Ying‐Jian , Zhang Xiang‐Gui , Cheng Lin , Zhou Ming‐Yuan , Yang Yue , Wang Yun
Published: April 2023

Long‐term abuse of methamphetamine (MA) can cause lung toxicity. Intercellular communication between macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is critical for maintaining lung homeostasis. Microvesicles (MVs) are an important medium of intercellular communication. However, the mechanism of macrophage MVs (MMVs) in MA‐induced chronic lung injury remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate if MA can augment the activity of MMVs and if circ_YTHDF2 is a key factor in MMV‐mediated macrophage–AEC communication, and to explore the mechanism of MMV‐derived circ_YTHDF2 in MA‐induced chronic lung injury. MA elevated peak velocity of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery accelerate time, reduced the number of alveolar sacs, thickened the alveolar septum, and accelerated the release of MMVs and the uptake of MMVs by AECs. Circ_YTHDF2 was downregulated in lung and MMVs induced by MA. The immune factors in MMVs were increased by si‐circ_YTHDF. Circ_YTHDF2 knockdown in MMVs induced inflammation and remodelling in the internalised AECs by MMVs, which was reversed by circ_YTHDF2 overexpression in MMVs. Circ_YTHDF2 bound specifically to and sponged miRNA‐145‐5p. Runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was identified as potential target of miR‐145‐5p. RUNX3 targeted zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1)‐related inflammation and EMT of AECs. In vivo, circ_YTHDF2 overexpression‐MMVs attenuated MA‐induced lung inflammation and remodelling by the circ_YTHDF2–miRNA‐145‐5p–RUNX3 axis. Therefore, MA abuse can induce pulmonary dysfunction and alveolus injury. The immunoactivity of MMVs is regulated by circ_YTHDF2. Circ_YTHDF2 in MMVs is the key to communication between macrophages and AECs. Circ_YTHDF2 sponges miR‐145‐5p targeting RUNX3 to participate in ZEB1‐related inflammation and remodelling of AECs. MMV‐derived circ_YTHDF2 would be an important therapeutic target for MA‐induced chronic lung injury.

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Key points

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse induces pulmonary dysfunction and alveoli injury.

The immunoactivity of macrophage microvesicles (MMVs) is regulated by circ_YTHDF2.

Circ_YTHDF2 in MMVs is the key to MMV‐mediated intercellular communication between macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells.

Circ_YTHDF2 sponges miR‐145‐5p targeting runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) to participate in zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1)‐related inflammation and remodelling.

MMV‐derived circ_YTHDF2 would be an important therapeutic target for MA‐induced chronic lung injury.
Designing Topological Acoustic Lattices via Electroacoustic Analogies
Authors: Al Ba’ba’a Hasan B. , Lee Kyung Hoon , Wang Qiming
Published: April 2023

Topological acoustics has recently witnessed a spurt in research activity, owing to their unprecedented properties transcending typical wave phenomena. In recent years, the use of coupled arrays of acoustic chambers has gained popularity in designing topological acoustic systems. In their common form, an array of acoustic chambers with relatively large volume is coupled via narrow channels. Such configuration is generally modeled as a full three-dimensional system, requiring extended computational time for simulating its harmonic response. To this end, this article establishes a comprehensive mathematical treatment of the use of electroacoustic analogies for designing topological acoustic lattices. The potential of such analytical approach is demonstrated via two types of topological systems: (i) edge states with quantized winding numbers in an acoustic diatomic lattice and (ii) valley Hall transition in an acoustic honeycomb lattice that leads to robust waveguiding. In both cases, the established analytical approach exhibits an excellent agreement with the full three-dimensional model, whether in dispersion analyses or the response of an acoustic system with a finite number of cells. The established analytical framework is invaluable for designing a variety of acoustic topological insulators with minimal computational cost.
A Machine Learning Approach for Real-Time Wheel-Rail Interface Friction Estimation
Authors: Folorunso Morinoye O. , Watson Michael , Martin Alan , Whittle Jacob W. , Sutherland Graham , Lewis Roger
Published: April 2023

Predicting friction at the wheel-rail interface is a key problem in the rail industry. Current forecasts give regional-level predictions, however, it is well known that friction conditions can change dramatically over a few hundred meters. In this study, we aimed to produce a proof-of-concept friction prediction tool which could be used on trains to give an indication of the limiting friction present at a precise location. To this end, field data including temperature, humidity, friction, and images were collected. These were used to fit a statistical model including effects of local environmental conditions, surroundings, and railhead state. The model predicted the friction well with an R2 of 0.97, falling to 0.96 for naive models in cross validation. With images and environmental data collected on a train, a real-time friction measurement would be possible.
Parametric Analysis and Design of a Power Plant to Recover Low-Grade Heat From Data Center Electronics by Using Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Corigliano O. , Florio G. , Fragiacomo P.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this article is to expound recovery of low-grade heat deriving from cooling data center electronics, in order to sustain a thermodynamic cycle of the Rankine type, using cryogenic nitrogen as the working fluid. A novel conception of an energy plant is proposed and considered where these resources are available. The evaporator, built in a closed and thermally insulated vessel, is the key component. Liquid nitrogen is evaporated by means of an immersed serpentine, which provides for thermal power and produces pressurized gas. A supplementary reservoir acts as superheater, as well as buffer. The plant is completed with a turbo-expander that generates power and a pump to recirculate the fluid. A thermodynamic model is developed. A dimensioning procedure for all the subsystems is reported, while a verification analysis is made to detect the maximum pressure that can be exerted. Hence, an in-depth parametric analysis is made for two-plant layout scenarios, based on the presence (1) and absence (2) of the supplementary tank. The simulations are aimed at determining all the operating parameters of the plant, as well as the performance. The results show that pressure is beneficial for performance, presenting scenario 1 as better than scenario 2. The maximum nitrogen pressurization is 12 bar, which corresponds to an electric efficiency of 31.5%, under a thermal supply of 2.79 kW per 1 kW of net electric power produced.
Numerical Analysis of Spray Characteristics With Methane and Nanoparticles Under Various Injection Velocities
Authors: Anderson A. , Karthikeyan L. , Sahoo Dillip K. , Mallika M. , Prakash S.
Published: April 2023

Utilization of numerical simulations has been increased rapidly to test many innovative concepts in the field of advanced fuel technologies. Implementation of chemical compound's interaction is viable option by numerical tools. Hence in this current study, the numerical simulation has been performed to evaluate the effect of spray velocities on the mass fraction of various compounds. The conceptual numerical domain has been constructed with mixture of two inlets such as air and CH4 using ansys-cfd. In addition to the CH4, the nanoparticles were injected in the same inlet using the volume of fluid method. The fuel was injected at different velocities varied from 100 m/s to 175 m/s, under the intervals of 25 m/s. Here two sections of the domains are created, one for the oxidizers and another for the CH4 with nanoparticles. Throughout the entire trial runs, the nanoparticle concentration has been maintained constant. A series of the pictorial contours have been captured to understand the influence of the fuel impinging characteristics and reaction rates in the combustion chamber. The results revealed that CH4 injection enhances the vortices formation inside the combustion chamber. Furthermore, turbulence intensity inside the chamber is high which delays the reaction time and leads to the higher combustion indeed.
Potential of Integrating Solar Energy into Systems of Thermal Power Generation, Cooling-Refrigeration, Hydrogen Production, and Carbon Capture
Authors: Habib Mohamed A. , Haque Md Azazul , Imteyaz Binash , Hussain Muzafar , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2023

Global warming due to the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere has directed global attention toward the adaptation of renewable energies and the use of renewable energy resources, like solar energy. Solar energy utilization could contribute to clean energy production, which is continuously needed due to increased population and industrialization. Recent increasing anxieties over energy sustainability and the preservation of the falling global ecosystem have renewed the expedition for extra efficient and economical processes for the utilization of renewable energy. Various approaches have been developed for the effective utilization of solar energy in different fields, which are highlighted in this work. In power generation, solar energy is utilized in preheating the air upstream of the combustion chamber in gas turbines and in waste heat recovery for combined-cogeneration cycles. It can also be used in Rankine cycles of thermal power plants utilizing low critical temperature gases such as CO2. In cooling and refrigeration systems, solar energy is utilized in reboilers, absorption, and mechanical cooling systems. Solar energy can also be utilized to produce clean fuels such as H2 production either from water splitting or from light and heavy fuels via fuel reforming and membrane separation. In addition, solar systems can be integrated to carbon capture applications in each of its three technologies of precombustion, oxyfuel combustion, and post-combustion. Integration of solar energy in these processes is reviewed comprehensively in this work. Thus, the solar energy in power generation, cooling-refrigeration, hydrogen production-storage, and carbon capture technologies are analyzed and evaluated.
State-of-Charge Estimation of Ultracapacitor Based on H Infinity Filter Considering Variable Temperature
Authors: Wang Chun , Zhang Qiang , Tang Aihua , Xu Wenna
Published: April 2023

The performance and service life of ultracapacitors are highly dependent on accurate modeling and state-of-charge (SOC) estimating. To overcome the model parameter errors caused by the various temperatures and different SOC intervals, the H infinity filter (HIF) is employed to estimate the ultracapacitor SOC based on a variable temperature model. For the application of the HIF method, the Thevenin model is first developed with a small terminal voltage estimation error. Then, the model parameters are optimally identified using the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. Next, a variable temperature model is established to improve the adaptability of the ultracapacitor model, and the HIF is utilized for the ultracapacitor SOC estimation. Finally, to verify the performance of the variable temperature model and the proposed SOC estimation method, a series of experiments are conducted. The analysis results illustrate that the mean absolute error (MAE) of the SOC estimation values based on the variable temperature model is decreased by 39.62% compared to the one based on the nonvariable temperature model. Meanwhile, the proposed state estimation scheme based on the variable temperature model is accurate with estimation values maximum error (ME) and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) less than 0.80% and 0.60%, respectively. The HIF-based SOC estimation method also shows a good robustness with a short convergence time within 90.00 s when the SOC initial error is set to 0.20.
Role Models and Athlete Expression at the Youth Olympic Games as Impactful Sport Communication Practices
Authors: Stålstrøm Jannicke , Iskhakova Marina , Pedersen Zack P.
Published: April 2023

This study investigated athlete expressions and the impact that Olympian (OLY) role models have on athletes participating at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), with a focus on the YOG educational program. The YOG educational program was created in 2010 and has not yet garnered extensive scholarly examination. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to develop an understanding of the impact that OLY role models have on YOG athletes and the communicative practices young athletes use to express themselves. This study used a mixed methodology (i.e., survey and interviews) and drew on three theories (i.e., social learning theory, role model theory, and communicative theory of expression) to better understand the aforementioned impact of OLY role models on YOG athletes. An examination of the communicative expression practices of OLY role models, through the mixed methodological approach, produced novel findings pertaining to YOG athlete perceptions of the structure and benefit of the educational program.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Physical Activity and Falls Prevention Interventions for Older Adults
Authors: Wong David C. , O’Connor Siobhan , Stanmore Emma
Published: April 2023

This article discusses the practical applications of artificial intelligence in digital physical activity and falls prevention interventions for older adults. It notes the range of technologies that can be used to collect digital datasets on older adult health and how machine learning algorithms can be applied to these to improve our understanding of physical activity and falls. In particular, these advanced computational techniques could help personalize exercises, feedback, and notifications to older people, improve adherence to and reduce attrition from digital health interventions, and enhance monitoring by providing predictive analytics on the physiological and environmental conditions that contribute to physical activity and falls in aging populations.
“From a Learning Perspective, It’s a Better Way for Them to Learn”: Impact of an Education Program on Two Youth Soccer Coaches’ Perspectives and Practices
Authors: Barnes Colin S. , Curtner-Smith Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To describe the following: (a) the impact of a progressive coach education program (CEP) on two grassroots youth soccer coaches’ perspectives and practices, and (b) the factors that helped and hindered the CEP’s effectiveness. Methods: Occupational socialization theory framed the study. Andros and Christian were observed during the CEP and pre- and post-CEP while coaching practices and games. Data were collected with four qualitative techniques and two systematic observation instruments. Qualitative data were reduced to themes by employing analytic induction and constant comparison. Descriptive statistics were computed for the categories in the systematic observation instruments. Findings: The CEP had a significant impact on Andros and a negligible one on Christian. The two coaches’ occupational socialization helped explain these differential effects. Conclusions: The study suggests that CEPs should have a greater impact on coaches if they are relatively lengthy, include follow-up support, and coach educators are aware of coaches’ acculturation and organizational socialization.
Scaling information pathways in optical fibers by topological confinement
Authors: Ma Zelin , Kristensen Poul , Ramachandran Siddharth
Published: April 2023

Spatial mode-count scalability in optical fibers is of paramount importance for addressing the upcoming information-capacity crunch, reducing energy consumption per bit, and for enabling advanced quantum computing networks, but this scalability is severely limited by perturbative mode mixing. We show an alternative means of light guidance, in which light’s orbital angular momentum creates a centrifugal barrier for itself, thereby enabling low-loss transmission of light in a conventionally forbidden regime wherein the mode mixing can be naturally curtailed. This enables kilometer-length-scale transmission of a record ~50 low-loss modes with cross-talk as low as −45 decibels/kilometer and mode areas of ~800 square micrometers over a 130-nanometer telecommunications spectral window. This distinctive light-guidance regime promises to substantially increase the information content per photon for quantum or classical networks.
Schrödinger cat states of a 16-microgram mechanical oscillator
Authors: Bild Marius , Fadel Matteo , Yang Yu , von Lüpke Uwe , Martin Phillip , Bruno Alessandro , Chu Yiwen
Published: April 2023

According to quantum mechanics, a physical system can be in any linear superposition of its possible states. Although the validity of this principle is routinely validated for microscopic systems, it is still unclear why we do not observe macroscopic objects to be in superpositions of states that can be distinguished by some classical property. Here we demonstrate the preparation of a mechanical resonator in Schrödinger cat states of motion, where the ∼10
17
constituent atoms are in a superposition of two opposite-phase oscillations. We control the size and phase of the superpositions and investigate their decoherence dynamics. Our results offer the possibility of exploring the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds and may find applications in continuous-variable quantum information processing and metrology with mechanical resonators.
Gun gatekeepers and their philosophies
Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy
Jennifer Carlson
Princeton University Press, 2023. 288 pp.
Authors: Lacombe Matthew
Published: April 2023

Individualism, conspiracism, and partisanship fuel American gun culture, argues a sociologist
Tumor suppression by RNA surveillance
Authors: Fisher Robert P.
Published: April 2023

A cyclin-dependent kinase triggers degradation of prematurely terminated RNAs
Trust but verify
Authors: Scoles Sarah
Published: April 2023

U.S. labs are overhauling the nuclear stockpile. Can they validate the weapons without bomb tests?
In Other Journals
Authors: Seale Maddy , Szuromi Phil , Maroso Mattia , Simonti Corinne , Ash Caroline , Lavine Marc S. , McCartney Melissa
Published: April 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
A ‘mind boggling’ 19,000 seamounts discovered
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2023

New maps of undersea volcanoes could aid in studies of plate tectonics and ocean mixing
In Vitro
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Amikacin and Combined with Hyperthermia against Drug-Resistant and Biofilm-Producing Strains
Authors: Palau Marta , Muñoz Estela , Gusta Muriel F. , Larrosa Nieves , Gomis Xavier , Gilabert Joan , Almirante Benito , Puntes Victor , Texidó Robert , Gavaldà Joan
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest public health challenges, accounting for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Biofilms, a complex microbial community, directly contribute to increased AMR.
Redefinition of the Petersburg batholith and implications for crustal inheritance in the Dinwiddie terrane, Virginia, USA
Authors: Carter Mark W. , McAleer Ryan J. , Holm-Denoma Christopher S. , Occhi Marcie E. , Owens Brent E. , Vazquez Jorge A.
Published: April 2023

Field relations as well as geochemical and petrologic studies of metaigneous rocks assigned to the Pennsylvanian–Permian Petersburg batholith identify at least two distinct rock types: foliated metagranitoid gneiss and massive to porphyritic granite. Foliated metagranitoid gneiss of mostly granodioritic composition is geochemically distinct from associated massive and porphyritic granitic rocks. These gneissic rocks yield radiometric ages from ca. 425 Ma to ca. 403 Ma and document that many of the rocks assigned to the late Paleozoic Petersburg batholith are 100 m.y. older than the youngest portions of the composite batholith and are part of an earlier infrastructural terrane. Two samples of massive equigranular granite southwest of Petersburg, Virginia, yield ages of ca. 321 Ma and ca. 317 Ma, which are 15–20 m.y. older than ca. 300 Ma ages for porphyritic granite, massive granite, and monzodiorite near Richmond, Virginia. Geologic mapping shows that the Early Pennsylvanian granite southwest of Petersburg is separated from Late Pennsylvanian to early Permian granite near Richmond by a map-scale septum of Silurian–Devonian foliated metagranitoid gneiss, referred to herein as the informal Pocoshock Creek gneiss. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry data from one sample of a quartz-muscovite felsic schist xenolith show a peak age mode of ca. 529 Ma that we interpret to be the maximum depositional age. Inherited zircons from foliated metagranitoid gneiss and massive equigranular granite range from ca. 631 Ma to ca. 376 Ma, but many are Cambrian. Neoproterozoic–Cambrian quartz-muscovite felsic schist and amphibolite, Silurian–Devonian Pocoshock Creek gneiss, and Pennsylvanian–Permian granite comprise a fault-bounded terrane referred to herein as the Dinwiddie terrane. Ages of inherited cores in zircon from igneous rocks and limited detrital zircon geochronology suggest the terrane is of peri-Gondwanan affinity. U/Pb ages of healed fractures in zircon grains from foliated metagranitoid gneiss indicate low-grade deformation of the gneiss at ca. 378–376 Ma, while ca. 320–280 Ma rims on many grains record intrusion of late Paleozoic granite. The temperature-time-deformation history of the Dinwiddie terrane is distinct from the adjacent Goochland and Roanoke Rapids terranes. Orogen-scale dextral transpression likely translated the Dinwiddie terrane southward during the Alleghanian orogeny, at which time they were intruded by Pennsylvanian to Permian granite.
Stability of a Magnetically Actuated Satellite towards the Sun on a Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Authors: Roldugin D. S.
Published: April 2023

Magnetically actuated satellite moving on a Sun-synchronous orbit is considered. The satellite maintains one axis attitude towards the Sun while rotating around this direction. Stabilization algorithm utilizes information about the required direction and rotation rate. Evolutionary equations are used to find equilibrium positions and analyze their stability. Conditions on the satellite inertia moments and control parameters are established for different equilibria, including the required motion. Numerical simulation with different disturbing sources is performed to verify stable equilibria existence.