bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Šolar, the developmental corpus of Slovene
Authors: Arhar Holdt Špela , Kosem Iztok
Published: July 2024

The paper presents the Šolar developmental corpus of Slovene, comprising the written language production of students in Slovene elementary and secondary schools, along with teacher feedback. The corpus consists of 5485 texts (1,635,407 words) and includes linguistically categorized teacher corrections, making the corpus unique in reflecting authentic classroom correction practices. The paper addresses the corpus compilation, content and format, annotation, availability, and its applicative value. While learner corpora are abundant, developmental corpora are less common. The paper bridges the gap by introducing the evolution from Šolar 1.0 to 3.0, emphasizing improvements in text collection, error and correction annotation, and categorization methodology. It also underlines the challenges and unresolved issues of compiling developmental corpora, most notably the lack of openly available tools and standards for different steps of the compilation process. Overall, the Šolar corpus offers valuable insights into language learning and teaching, contributing to teacher training, empirical studies in applied linguistics, and natural language processing tasks.
Behavioural differences and purchasing experiences through online commerce or offline within mall-based retail structures
Authors: Zamfirache Alexandra , Neacșu Nicoleta Andreea , Madar Anca , Bălășescu Simona , Bălășescu Marius , Purcaru Ioana-Mădălina
Published: July 2024

Due to the economic changes in recent decades, the purchasing behaviour of consumers has significantly shifted. Buyers are no longer just seeking a place to shop but also experiences to live through. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the differences in behaviour and shopping experiences in online versus offline environments, specifically within malls. To achieve this, a quantitative marketing research was conducted, collecting data from a sample of 1030 respondents. The study results indicate that respondents perceive both online and offline commerce to evolve concurrently. These commerce modes will be strongly influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, which are considered to impact both forms of commerce. Among the study’s conclusions, there is the confirmation of behavioural differences between online and mall shopping. The outcomes can be beneficial for improving the activities of retailers by offering new shopping experiences and developing new communication methods with customers.
Elastohydrodynamic Traction and Film Thickness at High Speeds
Authors: MacLaren Alexander , Kadiric Amir
Published: July 2024

A renewed interest in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) phenomena at high speeds, for which thermal effects strongly influence both traction and film thickness, has grown out of the challenges presented by high-speed geared transmissions in electric vehicles. This study uses a new ball-on-disc set-up employing the well-known ultra-thin-film interferometry technique to simultaneously measure EHL film thickness and traction at entrainment speeds up to 20 m/s and slide-roll ratios up to 100%. The effect of fluid composition is examined for Group I, II and III mineral oils, for two polyalphaolefins in Group IV, and for the traction fluid Santotrac 50. The effect of viscosity in the range 4–180 mPa.s is investigated by varying bulk fluid temperature. At high speeds, both film thickness and traction are considerably lower than predicted by conventional EHL theory. The contact is seen to be fully-flooded for all conditions tested. The widely-used thermal EHL correction of Gupta is shown to overcorrect for the film thickness reduction even at modest SRRs. Finally, the influence of the sliding direction on traction and film thickness is discussed for this set-up, and a thermal model is proposed to explain the observed behaviour.

Graphical abstract
Effects of short- and long-term prompting in learning journals on strategy use, self-efficacy, and learning outcomes
Authors: Gentner Nadja M. , Respondek Lisa , Seufert Tina
Published: July 2024

In learning journals, prompts were shown to increase self-regulated learning processes effectively. As studies on effects of long-term prompting are sparse, this study investigates the effects of prompting cognitive and metacognitive self-regulation strategies short-term and long-term in learning journals on learners’ strategy use, self-efficacy, and learning outcome. Therefore, 74 university students kept a weekly learning journal as follow-up course work over a period of eight weeks. All students’ learning journals included prompts for a short-term period, half of the students were prompted long-term. While self-efficacy was assessed via self-reports, strategy use was measured with self-reports and qualitative data from the learning journals. Learning outcomes were assessed via course exams. Short-term prompting increased self-reported cognitive and metacognitive strategy use, and the quantity of cognitive strategy use. Yet, it did not affect self-efficacy, which predicted the learning outcome. Irrespective whether prompting continued or not, self-reported cognitive and metacognitive strategy use, and self-efficacy decreased. Qualitative data indicate that the quantity of learners’ cognitive strategy use kept stable irrespective of the condition. The results indicate that short-term prompting activates cognitive and metacognitive strategy use. Long-term prompting in learning journals had no effect on strategy use, self-efficacy, and performance. Future research should investigate possible enhancers of long-term prompting like feedback, adaptive prompts or additional support.
Dynamic Analysis of the De-Ballasting Operations of a Floating Dock with a Malfunctioning Pump
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Ong Muk Chen , Wen Xueliang
Published: July 2024

During normal de-ballasting operations for floating docks, each ballast pump independently manages a specific group of ballast tanks. However, when a pump malfunctions, a connection valve between the two groups of ballast water systems is opened. This allows the adjacent pump to serve as a helper pump, simultaneously controlling two groups of ballast water systems. This study explores a full-scale floating dock’s dynamic behaviours during the de-ballasting operations under this situation through a numerical model. In the developed numerical model, the dock is described as a six-degree-of-freedom rigid body which is subjected to hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and mooring loads. A hydraulic model of the piping network of the malfunctioning pump and the helper pump is proposed. A modified P-controller regulates opening angles of all tank valves for minimal pitch and roll. Two configurations of the floating dock, i. e., a single floating dock and a floating dock with an onboard vessel, are considered. The numerical results show that the optimal helper pumps can be identified regarding the pumps’ total de-ballasting capacity and the dock’s stability. The most severe scenarios can be determined in term of the dock’s maximum draught differences caused by its roll and pitch. The observed maximum draught differences remain small relative to the dock’s width, indicating the effectiveness of employing helper pumps and the proposed automatic ballast control strategy for one-pump malfunction scenarios.
The role of a digital twin in supporting criminal investigations - a case report about a possible abuse
Authors: Becker Sven , Fritzsch Tim Hanjo , Labudde Dirk
Published: July 2024

As part of a comprehensive analysis, this case report presents a possible case of child maltreatment that can serve as a basis for forensic and medical examiner investigations. This case concerns the death of an infant who was approximately two months old. During a routine examination by the pediatrician at the end of May 2021, the child was found to have a normal head circumference of 31 cm. No other abnormalities were noted. On June 19, 2021, the child died, and an autopsy revealed a head circumference of 44 cm and a subdural hematoma as the cause of death. Questions arose as to who might have abused the child and when. The only evidence was a low-quality cell phone video taken by the child’s parents on June 13, 2021, six days before the child’s death, in which the child could be seen lying on a pillow. It was necessary to determine whether the child in this video already had an unnatural head circumference. This study presents a novel workflow that demonstrates how to analyze and deal with low quality video to answer questions like the above. The workflow demonstrates the creation of 3D scenes from digital image and video material. These 3D scenes can be used for object measurement and to support forensic and medical investigations. In the present case, where only low quality smartphone images were available, the presented workflow was used to create a 3D scene of the child lying on the pillow. In this 3D scene, it was possible to determine the child’s head circumference. These measurements support the findings of the medical examiner (dated June 24, 2021) and confirm the suspicion that possible child abuse had already taken place on June 13, 2021. The innovative approach makes it possible to identify evidence of possible abuse based on a specific point in time, in this case the child’s private footage. It also demonstrates the potential of 3D scene reconstruction in complex forensic and medical scenarios.
Effects of Screen-Based Leisure Time on 24 Subsequent Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: A Longitudinal Outcome-Wide Analysis
Authors: de la Rosa Pedro A. , Cowden Richard G. , Bulbulia Joseph A. , Sibley Chris G. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous research has shown that screen-based leisure time is related to physical and mental health, relationships, and prosocial behaviors. However, it remains unclear whether screen-based leisure time causally affects wellbeing, as previous studies have relied on cross-sectional data, focused on one type of media use (e.g., social media, video games, or internet), or assessed a narrow set of outcomes.

Method

We used three waves (2016, 2017, 2019) of national longitudinal data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study to investigate the effects of screen-based leisure time on 24 parameters of wellbeing (n = 11,085). We operationalized screen-based leisure as the sum of time spent browsing the internet, using social media, watching/reading the news, watching videos, and playing video games. We followed the outcome-wide analytic design for observational data by performing a series of multivariable regression models estimating the effect of screen-based leisure time on 24 wellbeing outcomes and assessed potential unmeasured confounding using sensitivity analyses.

Results

In our primary analysis with the total sample, total screen-based leisure time was associated with a very modest decrease in body satisfaction and a very modest increase in body mass index. Possible evidence of associations was found with increases in number of hours spent exercising and volunteering each week, as well as decreases in number of average daily hours of sleep, self-control, and subjective health.

Conclusion

Screen-based leisure time has the potential to affect health and wellbeing. Results are discussed in light of the high prevalence of screen-based leisure time.
Implementation of a novel computer assisted telephone follow-up model for older patients after emergency department discharge in an Asian population
Authors: Lee Yen-Chiang , Yu-Chieh Ho Sam , Tan Tian-Hoe , Ho Chung-Han , Tsai Kang-Ting , Yang Pei-Chi , Hsu Chien-Chin , Lin Hung-Jung , Wang Chia-Ti , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: July 2024

Background

While the impact of telephone follow-up (TFU) for older emergency department (ED) patients is controversial, its effects on the Asian population remain uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a novel computer assisted TFU model specifically for this demographic.

Methods

At a Taiwanese tertiary medical center, we developed a TFU protocol that included a referral and case management system within the ED hospital information system. We provided TFU to older discharged patients between April 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021. We compared this cohort with a non-TFU cohort of older ED patients and analyzed demographic characteristics and post-ED discharge outcomes.

Results

The TFU model was successfully implemented, with 395 patients receiving TFU and 191 without TFU. TFU patients (median age: 76 years, male proportion: 48.9%) differed from non-TFU patients (median age: 74 years, male proportion: 43.5%). Compared with the non-TFU cohort, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the TFU cohort had a lower total medical expenditure < 1 month (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.21 − 0.47 for amounts exceeding 5,000 New Taiwan Dollars), and higher satisfaction (AOR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.46 − 5.36 for scores > 3 on a five-point Likert Scale). However, the TFU cohort also had a higher risk of hospitalization < 1 month (AOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.31 − 4.77) compared to the non-TFU cohort.

Conclusion

Computer-assisted TFU appears promising. Further research involving a larger number of patients and validation in other hospitals is necessary to bolster the evidence and extend the findings to a broader context.
Intelligent bulk cargo terminal scheduling based on a novel chaotic-optimal thermodynamic evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Liu Shida , Liu Qingsheng , Wang Li , Chen Xianlong
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a chaotic optimal thermodynamic evolutionary algorithm (COTEA) designed to address the integrated scheduling problems of berth allocation, ship unloader scheduling, and yard allocation at bulk cargo terminals. Our proposed COTEA introduces a thermal transition crossover method that effectively circumvents local optima in the scheduling solution process. Additionally, the method innovatively combines a good point set with chaotic dynamics within an integrated initialization framework, thereby cultivating a robust and exploratory initial population for the optimization algorithm. To further enhance the selection process, our paper proposes a refined parental selection protocol that employs a quantified hypervolume contribution metric to discern superior candidate solutions. Postevolution, our algorithm employs a Cauchy inverse cumulative distribution-based neighborhood search to effectively explore and enhance the solution spaces, significantly accelerating the convergence speed during the scheduling solution process. The proposed method is adept at achieving multiobjective optimization, simultaneously improving the service level and reducing costs for bulk cargo terminals, which in turn boosts their competitiveness. The effectiveness of our COTEA is demonstrated through extensive numerical simulations.
Smart calibration and monitoring: leveraging artificial intelligence to improve MEMS-based inertial sensor calibration
Authors: Podder Itilekha , Fischl Tamas , Bub Udo
Published: July 2024

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based sensors endure complex production processes that inherently include high variance. To meet rigorous client demands (such as sensitivity, offset noise, robustness against vibration, etc.). products must go through comprehensive calibration and testing procedures. All sensors undergo a standardized and sequential calibration process with a predetermined number of steps, even though some may reach the correct calibration value sooner. Moreover, the traditional sequential calibration method faces challenges due to specific operating conditions resulting from manufacturing discrepancies. This not only extends the calibration duration but also introduces rigidity and inefficiency. To tackle the issue of production variances and elongated calibration time and enhance efficiency, we provide a novel quasi-parallelized calibration framework aided by an artificial intelligence (AI) based solution. Our suggested method utilizes a supervised tree-based regression technique and statistical measures to dynamically identify and optimize the appropriate working point for each sensor. The objective is to decrease the total calibration duration while ensuring accuracy. The findings of our investigation show a time reduction of 23.8% for calibration, leading to substantial cost savings in the manufacturing process. In addition, we propose an end-to-end monitoring system to accelerate the incorporation of our framework into production. This not only guarantees the prompt execution of our solution but also enables the identification of process modifications or data irregularities, promoting a more agile and adaptable production process.
Influence of a multilayer interlayer with a stiff core on the performance of laminated glass
Authors: Fleckenstein Elena , Bornemann Steffen , Salam Md Abdul , Weiß Jasmin , Engelmann Michael
Published: July 2024

Laminated safety glass is an important component of modern façade structures and is used when higher safety requirements are demanded. The interlayer increases the stiffness due to the available shear action, ensures the residual load-bearing capacity of the structure in the event of failure and holds broken pieces of glass in place. However, the stiffness and tensile strength of conventional interlayers such as EVA or PVB are known to strongly depend on time and temperature. This phenomenon is particularly critical for the behavior of glass panes during impact and after breakage when high tensile stresses occur in the interlayer. A film with higher stiffness, lower time and temperature dependence can be laminated between two layers of interlayer material to improve laminated glass behavior. Given the need to conserve resources and reduce weight, the question arises as to whether such an interlayer could also be used to meet the safety requirements for laminated glass made out of thin glass. In this study, the influence of a multilayer interlayer of EVA and a stiff core film of modified polyester (MPE) in glass laminates was examined. For this purpose, the material and composite behaviors were experimentally studied and evaluated. This article presents the test setup and the results. The focus is on comparing the properties of interlayers with and without MPE films. The results show that the impact strength of thin glass laminates is improved by the multilayer interlayer.
Implementing the finite element numerical approach to optimize thermosolutal convection (TSC) energy imparted by discrete heat and solute sources in generalized Newtonian fluid flow in square enclosure
Authors: Bilal S. , Ali Haider , Khan Noor Zeb , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: July 2024

Mesmerizing utilizations of thermosolutal convection (TSC) have been found in metallurgical and petrochemical procedures, crystal growth, thermal exchangers, nuclear waste disposal, and building environment control. In the current study, we considered three heat and solute sources on the left boundary of the cavity, which raises the significance of studying multiple chemical and civil engineering phenomena. Therefore, the prime motivation to commence this work is to attain the optimization of thermosolutal attributes characterized by non-Newtonian (power–law) liquid in the presence of installed sources. For this purpose, the natural convective flow governed by the nonpersistent impact of buoyancy forces is encompassed in the square enclosure. In addition to the source location, the vertical boundaries are considered to be cold, whereas the horizontal boundaries are kept insulated. Owing to the free convective flow, no compositional and thermal gradients are induced by lid movement, and all walls are prescribed with no-slip constraints. To examine the transport mechanism, structuring of problem is attained in the form of dimensional governing expressions by employing conservation laws. Subsequently, constitutive equations in a dimensionless format are accessed through similar variables. The finite element approach is employed to find the solution using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The deviations in the thermal and solutal fields are examined against the involved physical parameters by illustrating graphs and tables. Quantities of interest, such as the mean Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, are also computed against sundry parameters. The assurance of the computed results is validated by constructing a comparison with published studies. A grid sensitivity test is also executed to ensure the credibility of the built-in software (COMSOL). It is observed that the averaged heat and mass flux coefficient diminishes with an elevation in the magnitude of the power-law index (n), irrespective of the change in other involved parameters. The average Sherwood number tends to increase for a positive magnitude of (N) in contrast to negative values of (N). The average heat flux and average mass flux coefficients increase until the Prandtl number (Pr) reaches a value of 5 in shear thinning case at $$Ra\ge {10}^{5},$$

R
a
≥

10

5

,

whereas, for n > 1 there is no substantial effect on either the average heat flux coefficient or average mass flux coefficient.
Stakeholders’ perspectives on the status of diabetic retinopathy and diabetes health service management systems in Uganda
Authors: Matovu Joseph K. B. , Kakinda Michael , Bubikire Stanley , Kilberg Karen , Mariotti Silvio Paolo
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in middle-aged and elderly people globally. Early detection and prompt treatment of DR can facilitate the prevention of diabetes-related visual impairment.

Methods

We used the Tool for Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetes Management System (TADDS) questionnaire to collect data on the stakeholders’ perspectives on the status of diabetes mellitus (DM) and DR health service management systems in Uganda to inform service improvement and scale-up. Data collection took place in February 2019. Data were collected on the seven TADDS thematic areas (i.e., availability of DR and DM priorities, policies, and programs; service delivery; health workforce; health technology; health information management system; health promotion, and health financing) from 40 key stakeholders drawn from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, Lions Clubs International Foundation and 18 health facilities across the country. A national-level validation meeting was conducted in April 2019 to validate the study findings.

Results

While diabetes mellitus is a recognized non-communicable disease in Uganda, the country lacks a guiding program for its management. It does not have a budget for diabetes management and control, and there is limited involvement of stakeholders in diabetes mellitus programming. Similarly, although diabetic retinopathy is a recognized complication of diabetes mellitus, its prevalence is unknown and information about its management is not readily available. The provision of DR and DM services is limited to the regional or tertiary level of care (which limits access to a majority of the population in need), while both DM and DR continue to be managed as parallel rather than integrated disease programs. Shortages in trained health workforce, lack of equipment and supplies, and the high patient costs continue to affect people’s access to DM and DR services in Uganda.

Conclusion

The DM and DR health service management systems are fraught with programmatic implementation challenges while both diseases continue to be managed as parallel rather than integrated disease programs. These findings call for urgent programmatic adjustments in the management of DM and DR services, including DM-DR integration, to improve the provision of ophthalmology services in Uganda.
Einstellungen von Medizinischen Fachangestellten und Hausärzt:innen zum geriatrischen Assessment in der Hausarztpraxis
Authors: Rost Liliana , Bleidorn Jutta , Döpfmer Susanne , Jung Paul , Krause Markus , Kümpel Lisa , Kuschick Doreen , Toutaoui Kahina , Wolf Florian
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Das hausärztlich-geriatrische Basisassessment (hGBA) wird bei hausärztlichen Patient:innen ab dem vollendeten 70. Lebensjahr und geriatrietypischer Morbidität durchgeführt, um Alltagsprobleme und Funktionseinschränkungen strukturiert zu erfassen. Zum Nutzen des hGBA sowie zur Wahrnehmung, Akzeptanz und Anwendung auf hausärztlicher Versorgungsebene ist wenig bekannt.

Ziel der Arbeit und Fragestellungen

Welche Inhalte eines geriatrischen Assessments werden von Hausärzt:innen (HÄ) und Medizinischen Fachangestellten (MFA) als sinnvoll erachtet, welche werden nach Angabe der Befragten erbracht und wer führt welche Maßnahmen durch?

Material und Methode

Die Erhebung erfolgte unter KV-gelisteten HÄ und deren MFA in Thüringen, Berlin und Brandenburg mittels selbst konzipiertem und pilotiertem Fragebogen. Inhaltliche Grundlage waren das Manageable Geriatric Assessment (MAGIC) sowie das geriatrische Screening nach LACHS. Zur Einschätzung wurden ein fiktives Fallbeispiel und dichotome Antwortmöglichkeiten vorgegeben.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Es nahmen 890 HÄ (Rücklauf 16,1 %) sowie 566 MFA an der Befragung teil. Bezogen auf das Fallbeispiel wird das hGBA in teilnehmenden Hausarztpraxen unterschiedlich durchgeführt und bewertet. Beurteilungen von psychosozialer Situation (50,8 %) und Medikationsstatus (62,6 %) wurden laut den Befragungsteilnehmer:innen überwiegend von HÄ, standardisierte Tests häufiger von MFA durchgeführt. Nicht alle empfohlenen Inhalte und erbrachten Leistungen des hGBA werden von HÄ und MFA als sinnvoll erachtet.
The Periodic Cyclonic Eddy in Southwestern Taiwan and Its Interannual Variation Related to Large‐Scale Climate Variations
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Chu Xiaoqing , Chen Gengxin
Published: July 2024

Periodic eddies are a type of eddy that occur almost annually in fixed timeframes with similar patterns and trajectories. Nearly every year from April to June, under the combined effect of the barotropic instability of the mean flow and wind work, a cyclonic eddy (the Taiwan Cyclonic Eddy, TCE) forms in the southwest of Taiwan, then propagates westward, and finally dissipates near the Dongsha Islands. TCE exerts a significant impact on the Kuroshio intrusion into the South China Sea (SCS) and water exchange. Based on multi‐year in situ and satellite observations, this study reveals the thermohaline structure and evolutionary process of the TCE. The evolutions of the three‐dimensional structures of temperature, salinity, and geostrophic velocity of the TCE are analyzed based on reconstructed data. The TCE shows important interannual variations associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the relationship between ENSO and the TCE is modulated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). In the negative phase of the PDO, the intensity of the TCE is significantly correlated with the Niño‐3.4 index. In contrast, in the positive phase, the ENSO–TCE relationship becomes weak and non‐significant. Further investigations indicate that these differences are related to the establishment of the low‐latitude Pacific–East Asian Teleconnection, influencing local wind stress curl in the region. This offers a new perspective on understanding the interannual variation of periodic mesoscale eddies in the SCS.
Role of the Boreal Autumn Antarctic Oscillation in Controlling the Winter Frequency of Severe Pollution Events in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Qin Jun , Li Shuanglin , Huang Sijing
Published: July 2024

The Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), which is the main mode of extratropical circulation in the Southern Hemisphere, also has a substantial effect on the Northern Hemisphere climate. We investigated the influence of the early AAO on the frequency of late severe pollution events (SPEF) in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (SPEFBTH) of China during winter. The results show that the winter (December–January–February) SPEFBTH is negatively correlated with the AAO from the previous autumn (August–September–October). The controlling mechanism can be briefly described as follows: the autumn AAO is positively correlated with the mid‐latitude sea surface temperature (SST) in the South Atlantic Ocean. The SST preserves the autumn anomaly signal into the following winter. This anomalous SST regulates changes in the tropical western Indian Ocean–Intertropical Convergence Zone (IN–ITCZ) via air–sea coupling. Subsequently, as a response to the IN–ITCZ anomalies, anomalous wave trains are excited in the upper troposphere from the tropical western Indian Ocean to East Asia. In addition, the local meridional circulation is modulated; therefore, the circulation field and other meteorological elements favorable for the SPEFBTH appear and exacerbate the SPEFBTH. This study describes a new physical mechanism for the pathway of the AAO influence on subsequent SPEFBTH and finds a predictable source in the Southern Hemisphere air–sea system.
Coded Aperture Imaging for Electron Pitch Angle Observations
Authors: Reid Riley A. , Berland Grant , Marshall Robert
Published: July 2024

This study evaluates the coded aperture imaging method for pitch angle observations of magnetospheric energetic electrons in the solar, Earth, and planetary space environments. We present a review of key previous energetic electron instruments with pitch angle‐resolved observations across a range of electron energies. We describe the coded aperture imaging method, typically used for high angular resolution X‐ray and gamma ray observations, and evaluate design parameters in the context of energetic electron observations. We present the results of simulations of energetic electrons in Geant4 and evaluate the method's ability to resolve sources with high angular and temporal resolution. We also evaluate the impact of secondary radiation produced from electron interactions in the tungsten coded aperture, as well as the impact of artifacts from the decoding process. With these simulated results, we identify key areas in magnetospheric science that would benefit from high angular resolution observations of energetic electrons. We find that coded aperture imaging may be well‐suited for high‐resolution observations of intense localized structures, such as low energy (tens of eV to several keV) field‐aligned electron beams or the electron strahl wind.
Retrospective study of preterm infants exposed to inhaled nitric oxide in Kaiser Permanente Southern California: morbidity, mortality and follow-up
Authors: Bhatt Dilip R. , Braun David , Dizon Roman Angelo , Shi Jiaxiao M. , Weerasinghe Sunjeeve , Sabio Alex , Reddy Siva , Lee Henry C. , Ramanathan Rangasamy , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: July 2024

Objective

Describe characteristics of preterm infants exposed to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Study design

Case review of preterm infants <34-weeks exposed to iNO during 2010–2020 including respiratory and echocardiographic status, NICU course, and 12-month follow-up.

Results

270 infants, 2.63% of births<34 weeks, (median, range: 26.1, 225/7–336/7 weeks gestation) were exposed to iNO. Median FiO2 at iNO initiation was 1.0 (IQR 0.94-1.0). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was not associated with risk-adjusted 2 h oxygenation response or improved survival. Mortality to NICU discharge was 37.4%. Median cost of iNO was $7,695/patient. Discharged survivors experienced frequent rehospitalization (34.9%), use of supplemental oxygen, sildenafil, diuretics, bronchodilators, and steroids. Four infants had persistent PH. Five infants died after NICU discharge.

Conclusions

Preterm infants receiving iNO have high mortality and 1st year morbidity. As currently used, iNO may be an indicator of respiratory disease severity rather than mediator of improved outcomes.
Change is in the air: key questions on the ‘Treatable Traits’ model for chronic airway diseases in primary care
Authors: Agusti Alvar , Gibson Peter G. , Heaney Liam G. , Thomas Mike
Published: July 2024

Despite great advancements in the treatment of chronic airway diseases, improvements in morbidity and mortality have stalled in recent years. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are complex and heterogeneous diseases that require tailored management based on individual patient characteristics and needs. The Treatable Traits (TTs) approach aims to personalise and improve patient care through the identification and targeting of clinically relevant and modifiable pulmonary, extra-pulmonary and behavioural traits. In this article, we outline the rationale for TTs-based management and provide practical guidance for its application in primary care. To aid implementation, seven potential ‘prime’ traits are proposed: airflow obstruction, eosinophilic inflammation, adherence, inhaler technique, smoking, low body mass index/obesity and anxiety and depression—selected for their prevalence, recognisability and feasibility of use. Some of the key questions among healthcare professionals, that may be roadblocks to widespread application of a TTs model of care, are also addressed.
Standardized immunological assays for assessing COVID-19 vaccines by the CEPI-Centralized Laboratory Network
Authors: Azizi Ali , Ogbeni Deborah , Kamuyu Gathoni , Schwartz Lauren M. , Clark Carolyn , Spencer Peter , Bernasconi Valentina
Published: July 2024

The CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network implemented key steps in the transfer and monitoring of the developed immunological SARS-CoV-2 assays to ensure standardization across all the facilities of the network. This comprehensive evaluation reinforces the reliability of the generated data and establishes a solid foundation for a standardized approach, enabling precise inter-laboratory comparisons and contributing to the overall integrity of our network’s clinical results. Herein, we will provide a brief elaboration on the specific measures and procedures implemented to standardize the transfer of assays across our network.
Gα13 restricts nutrient driven proliferation in mucosal germinal centers
Authors: Nguyen Hang T. , Li Moyi , Vadakath Rahul , Henke Keirstin A. , Tran Tam C. , Li Huifang , Yamadi Maryam , Darbha Sriranjani , Yang Yandan , Kabat Juraj , Albright Anne R. , Centeno Enoc Granados , Phelan James D. , Roulland Sandrine , Huang Da Wei , Kelly Michael C. , Young Ryan M. , Pittaluga Stefania , Difilippantonio Simone , Muppidi Jagan R.
Published: July 2024

Germinal centers (GCs) that form in mucosal sites are exposed to gut-derived factors that have the potential to influence homeostasis independent of antigen receptor-driven selective processes. The G-protein Gα13 confines B cells to the GC and limits the development of GC-derived lymphoma. We discovered that Gα13-deficiency fuels the GC reaction via increased mTORC1 signaling and Myc protein expression specifically in the mesenteric lymph node (mLN). The competitive advantage of Gα13-deficient GC B cells (GCBs) in mLN was not dependent on T cell help or gut microbiota. Instead, Gα13-deficient GCBs were selectively dependent on dietary nutrients likely due to greater access to gut lymphatics. Specifically, we found that diet-derived glutamine supported proliferation and Myc expression in Gα13-deficient GCBs in the mLN. Thus, GC confinement limits the effects of dietary glutamine on GC dynamics in mucosal tissues. Gα13 pathway mutations coopt these processes to promote the gut tropism of aggressive lymphoma.
CoRRE Trait Data: A dataset of 17 categorical and continuous traits for 4079 grassland species worldwide
Authors: Komatsu Kimberly J. , Avolio Meghan L. , Padullés Cubino Josep , Schrodt Franziska , Auge Harald , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Clark Adam T. , Flores-Moreno Habacuc , Grman Emily , Harpole W. Stanley , Kattge Jens , Kimmel Kaitlin , Koerner Sally E. , Korell Lotte , Langley J. Adam , Münkemüller Tamara , Ohlert Timothy , Onstein Renske E. , Roscher Christiane , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Taylor Benton N. , Tedersoo Leho , Terry Rosalie S. , Wilcox Kevin
Published: July 2024

In our changing world, understanding plant community responses to global change drivers is critical for predicting future ecosystem composition and function. Plant functional traits promise to be a key predictive tool for many ecosystems, including grasslands; however, their use requires both complete plant community and functional trait data. Yet, representation of these data in global databases is sparse, particularly beyond a handful of most used traits and common species. Here we present the CoRRE Trait Data, spanning 17 traits (9 categorical, 8 continuous) anticipated to predict species’ responses to global change for 4,079 vascular plant species across 173 plant families present in 390 grassland experiments from around the world. The dataset contains complete categorical trait records for all 4,079 plant species obtained from a comprehensive literature search, as well as nearly complete coverage (99.97%) of imputed continuous trait values for a subset of 2,927 plant species. These data will shed light on mechanisms underlying population, community, and ecosystem responses to global change in grasslands worldwide.
Efficient eco-friendly synthesis of carbon nanotubes over graphite nanosheets from yellow corn: a one-step green approach
Authors: Duraia El-shazly M. , Opoku Mikael , Beall Gary W.
Published: July 2024

The present work reports the synthesis of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over graphite nanosheets by an easy and simple approach without using any external catalyst. Simply, yellow corn seeds were thermally annealed in a hydrogen atmosphere at 1050 °C for 3 h without any pretreatments. Notably, the growth of MWCNTs was observed to preferentially occur on the outer surface of the corn shell. This uncomplicated approach not only emphasizes the feasibility of synthesizing carbon nanomaterials using agricultural by-products but also underscores the potential applications of these synthesized materials in various fields. Samples were examined through a comprehensive analysis employing various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The findings unveiled the formation of rolled graphene accompanied by the presence of vertical multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) positioned over stacked graphene sheets. This detailed characterization provides insights into the structural features and arrangement of the synthesized materials, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their potential applications. The pyrolysis temperature is a crucial factor in the morphological characteristics of the synthesized carbon nanostructures. While graphene cage-like structures were obtained at 800 °C, small carbon nanotubes were grafted to larger ones and formed three-dimensional hierarchical morphologies when the annealing temperature increased to 900 °C. The growth mechanism of the carbon nanotubes was explained based on the jet self-extrusion of the generated gases through the inherent pores of the corn seeds. The current technique employed in manufacturing MWCNTs shows significant promise as a green synthesis method for producing catalyst-free MWCNTs suitable for industrial applications including sensors and energy storage materials.
Image classification and reconstruction from low-density EEG
Authors: Guenther Sven , Kosmyna Nataliya , Maes Pattie
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in visual decoding have enabled the classification and reconstruction of perceived images from the brain. However, previous approaches have predominantly relied on stationary, costly equipment like fMRI or high-density EEG, limiting the real-world availability and applicability of such projects. Additionally, several EEG-based paradigms have utilized artifactual, rather than stimulus-related information yielding flawed classification and reconstruction results. Our goal was to reduce the cost of the decoding paradigm, while increasing its flexibility. Therefore, we investigated whether the classification of an image category and the reconstruction of the image itself is possible from the visually evoked brain activity measured by a portable, 8-channel EEG. To compensate for the low electrode count and to avoid flawed predictions, we designed a theory-guided EEG setup and created a new experiment to obtain a dataset from 9 subjects. We compared five contemporary classification models with our setup reaching an average accuracy of 34.4% for 20 image classes on hold-out test recordings. For the reconstruction, the top-performing model was used as an EEG-encoder which was combined with a pretrained latent diffusion model via double-conditioning. After fine-tuning, we reconstructed images from the test set with a 1000 trial 50-class top-1 accuracy of 35.3%. While not reaching the same performance as MRI-based paradigms on unseen stimuli, our approach greatly improved the affordability and mobility of the visual decoding technology.
Measuring system resilience through a comparison of information- and flow-based network analyses
Authors: Hyde Graham , Fath Brian D. , Zoller Hannah
Published: July 2024

Quantifying the properties of complex, self-organizing systems is increasingly important for understanding the development and state of modern systems. Case studies have recommended sustainability frameworks predominately in literature, but little emphasis has been placed on methodological evaluation. Data availability is often an obstacle that constrains conventional flow-based network analysis, but a novel information-based technique (QtAC) developed by zu Castell and Schrenk overcomes these constraints by modelling interactions between agents as information transfers. This study compares the QtAC method to conventional flow analysis by applying both to the same 90-year dataset containing socio-economic data from the island of Samothraki, Greece. Resilience indicators, based on Ulanowicz’s ascendency analysis, are derived on both the information- and flow-based networks. We observe that the resulting dynamics of the information-based networks align closer with complex system dynamics as theorized by the adaptive cycle model. Additionally, we discuss how QtAC offers different interpretations of network indicators when compared to usual interpretations of flow analysis. Ultimately, QtAC is shown to provide an alternative for complex systems analysis if the data situation does not allow for conventional flow-analysis. Furthermore, we show that the combination of both approaches can yield valuable new insights.
Identification of organs of origin of macrophages that produce presepsin via neutrophil extracellular trap phagocytosis
Authors: Kondo Akihiro , Morinishi Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Ikegame Akishige
Published: July 2024

Presepsin (P-SEP) is a specific biomarker for sepsis. Monocytes produce P-SEP by phagocytosing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Herein, we investigated whether M1 macrophages (M1 MΦs) are the primary producers of P-SEP after NET phagocytosis. We co-cultured M1 MΦs and NETs from healthy participants, measured P-SEP levels in the culture medium supernatant, and detected P-SEP using western blotting. When NETs were co-cultured with M1 MΦs, the P-SEP level of the culture supernatant was high. Notably, we demonstrated, for the first time, the intracellular kinetics of P-SEP production by M1 MΦs via NET phagocytosis: M1 MΦs produced P-SEP intracellularly 15 min after NET phagocytosis and then released it extracellularly. In a sepsis mouse model, the blood NET ratio and P-SEP levels, detected using ELISA, were significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Intracellular P-SEP analysis via flow cytometry demonstrated that lung, liver, and kidney MΦs produced large amounts of P-SEP. Therefore, we identified these organs as the origin of M1 MΦs that produce P-SEP during sepsis. Our data indicate that the P-SEP level reflects the trend of NETs, suggesting that monitoring P-SEP can be used to both assess NET-induced organ damage in the lungs, liver, and kidneys during sepsis and determine treatment efficacy.
MGLEP: Multimodal Graph Learning for Modeling Emerging Pandemics with Big Data
Authors: Tran Khanh-Tung , Hy Truong Son , Jiang Lili , Vu Xuan-Son
Published: July 2024

Accurate forecasting and analysis of emerging pandemics play a crucial role in effective public health management and decision-making. Traditional approaches primarily rely on epidemiological data, overlooking other valuable sources of information that could act as sensors or indicators of pandemic patterns. In this paper, we propose a novel framework, MGLEP, that integrates temporal graph neural networks and multi-modal data for learning and forecasting. We incorporate big data sources, including social media content, by utilizing specific pre-trained language models and discovering the underlying graph structure among users. This integration provides rich indicators of pandemic dynamics through learning with temporal graph neural networks. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework in pandemic forecasting and analysis, outperforming baseline methods across different areas, pandemic situations, and prediction horizons. The fusion of temporal graph learning and multi-modal data enables a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic landscape with less time lag, cheap cost, and more potential information indicators.
Exploring the dynamics and trends of carbon emission spatiotemporal patterns in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Zone, China, from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Che Lu , Guo Sidai , Li Yangli , Zhu Yihao
Published: July 2024

Analysis of the spatial–temporal pattern and trend of carbon emissions provides an important scientific basis for the development of a low-carbon economy. Based on the corrected NPP-VIIRS and DMSP/OLS nighttime light data, a carbon emission model for the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Zone (CCEZ) in China is constructed. Furthermore, the article establishes an integrated qualitative and quantitative research system. The qualitative results show that at the city and county scales, the high carbon emission areas and counties are mainly distributed in Chengdu and Chongqing, while the low carbon emission areas are concentrated in the marginal cities of the CCEZ and the counties with low levels of industrialization around the Sichuan Basin. The high-carbon emission zone tended to expand to the north, and the low-carbon emission zone tended to expand to the south. At the grid scale, the carbon emissions of the CCEZ fluctuated and increased from 2000 to 2020, forming a trend connected with those of the central city, with high carbon emissions at the core and radiating outward expansion. Quantitative analysis revealed that carbon emissions at the county and grid scales exhibited a significant positive global spatial correlation, and the overall correlation degree exhibited an increasing trend.