bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of aluminum addition on structure, hardness, and oxidation resistance of Ta1−xAlxN thin films
Authors: Santos Jonh Yago Erikson , Dias Iago Lemos , Rezende Ronaldo Lima , de Oliveira Givanilson Brito , da Silva Neto Pedro Cardoso , Mendes Fabiana Magalhães Teixeira , Hübler Roberto , Tentardini Eduardo Kirinus
Published: July 2024

Ta1−xAlxN thin films with 5, 15, and 40 at.% Al addition were co‐deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering and characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), grazing angle X‐ray diffraction (GAXRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanohardness, and oxidation tests. GAXRD and XPS analyses showed, regardless of the % Al added, the non‐existence of ternary nitride Ta1−xAlxN, but always as individual binary nitrides, TaN and AlN. Sample TaAlN_15 obtained the highest hardness and H3/E2 values, possibly due to the AlN grains presence, which were efficient in distorting the TaN lattice. All samples failed oxidation tests at 873 K, showing that the Al addition was not efficient in improving this property for tantalum aluminum nitride thin films.
Preparation and Visible Light Catalytic Performance of Fe3O4/Ag/BiVO4/Sepiolite Composites
Authors: Gu Yao , Shi Dongjian , Wang Liang , Chen Mingqing
Published: July 2024

To increase specific surface area and light utilization of photo‐catalysts, a series of Fe3O4/Ag/BiVO4/sepiolite composites with different Fe3O4 contents were synthesized via co‐precipitation. The structure, composition, and optical properties of these composites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption and desorption (BET), UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL). The photo‐catalytic activity of the composites was further evaluated using rhodamine B as a model for photo‐catalytic degradation. The results revealed that the composites with optimal Fe3O4 loading exhibited the narrowest bandgap width, approximately 2.13 eV, and the highest electron‐hole pair separation efficiency. Rhodamine B could be almost completely degraded within a short illumination time in the presence of the Fe3O4/Ag/BiVO4/sepiolite composites. The degradation mechanism of rhodamine B was proposed to involve the improvement of the photo‐catalytic activity of the resulting composites by the Fe3O4 and the Z‐type heterojunction structure. Additionally, the composites could be recycled and reused multiple times, making them an environmentally friendly and sustainable option.
Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystal‐Doped Cellulose Triacetate Optical Films by Sol‐Gel Process
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Tang Shan , Zhang Qiang , Jiang Yuanzhang , Tan Lin , Xia Zhaoxia , Wang Zhaojiang , Liu Libin , Zhang Yong , Wang Guixin
Published: July 2024

A bio‐based nanocomposite optical film was obtained through a simple sol‐gel process and solution casting. The dispersion effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) gel and the optical properties, mechanical performance and thermal stability of CNC‐doped cellulose triacetate (TAC) films (TAC−X) were systematically evaluated. The results show that CNCs can be well dispersed in hydrophobic organic solvents and TAC matrices through the sol‐gel process. TAC−X film has excellent optical properties, its light transmittance is above 92 %, its haze value and birefringence are low, ranging from 0.21±0.01 % to 0.38±0.02 %, and (1.64±0.26)×10−6 to (2.49±0.50)×10−6 respectively. When doped with 2 wt % CNCs, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the TAC‐2 film were 33.0 % and 30.1 % higher than those of the pure TAC film, separately. At the same time, the TAC−X film also maintains good thermal stability, with its glass transition temperature and maximum decomposition temperature falling between 215–216 °C and 366–368 °C respectively. The simple sol‐gel process provides a convenient and efficient way to use CNCs doping to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of TAC optical films.
A Comprehensive Review of The Molecular Dynamic Study Of Chalcones, Coumarins and Chromones as Selective MAO‐B Inhibitors [2015‐Till Date]
Authors: Rachel Thomas Riya , Chandran Namitha , Thomas Parambi Della Grace , Kumar Sunil , Alsahli Tariq G. , Verma Shivani , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Mathew Bijo
Published: July 2024

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an in silico method used in the biomolecular level of research to study how the protein interacts with the target with time. It provides a detailed information of the protein dynamics and ligand structure with the crucial amino acid interactions. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO−B) is a crucial isoenzyme responsible for the catalyses of oxidative deamination of various biogenic amines in the brain and peripheral tissues. The selective inhibitors of MAO−B are considered as the management of symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease(AD) and Parkinson disease(PD). Recently the structural scaffolds containing chalcones, coumarins and chromones derived candidates shown potent, selective, competitive and reversible type of MAO−B inhibitors. The structural similarities between the above scaffolds can produce almost similar type of interactions in the inhibitor binding cavity of MAO−B. Numerous molecular simulation reports were supported by the above mentioned fact. The current review focus on the last ten year molecular dynamics report of chalcones, coumarins and chromones towards MAO−B inhibition. The review also focuses on the software details used in the MD dynamics simulation and the structural requirement from each class of compound for the recognition of MAO−B inhibitory activity.
Harnessing Holey MXene/Graphene Oxide Heterostructure to Maximize Ion Channels in Lamellar Film for High‐Performance Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Zhang Hao , Pang Bo , Di Andi , Chang Jian , Héraly Frédéric , Sikdar Anirban , Pang Kanglei , Guo Xin , Li Jiansheng , Yuan Jiayin , Zhang Miao
Published: July 2024

2D Ti3C2Tx MXene‐based film electrodes with metallic conductivity and high pseudo‐capacitance are of considerable interest in cutting‐edge research of capacitive deionization (CDI). Further advancement in practical use is however impeded by their intrinsic limitations, e.g., tortuous ion diffusion pathway of layered stacking, vulnerable chemical stability, and swelling‐prone nature of hydrophilic MXene nanosheet in aqueous environment. Herein, a nanoporous 2D/2D heterostructure strategy is established to leverage both merits of holey MXene (HMX) and holey graphene oxide (HGO) nanosheets, which optimize ion transport shortcuts, alleviate common restacking issues, and improve film's mechanical and chemical stability. In this design, the nanosized in‐plane holes in both handpicked building blocks build up ion diffusion shortcuts in the composite laminates to accelerate the transport and storage of ions. As a direct outcome, the HMX/rHGO films exhibit remarkable desalination capacity of 57.91 mg g−1 and long‐term stability in 500 mg L−1 NaCl solution at 1.2 V. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations and ex situ wide angle X‐ray scattering jointly demonstrate that the conductive 2D/2D networks and ultra‐short ion diffusion channels play critical roles in the ion intercalation/deintercalation process of HMX/rHGO films. The study paves an alternative design concept of freestanding CDI electrodes with superior ion transport efficiency.
What is a green capitalism? Insights from the social system theory
Authors: Brezovec Erik , Schweiger Stefan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, it is argued that the economy as a social system is a conditio sine qua non to the environmental observations of the other social systems. Economic code of payment or nonpayment pre‐code environment, observed from the other social systems (for example, politics and science). By using this approach, the paper discusses the ways in which capitalism as an economic program is interpreted by other systems most of the time as the conditio sine qua non for their own autopoiesis regarding ecological challenges.

It is debated that green capitalism is a form of a functionally differentiated economic system which is made as a conditio sine qua non for the other systems observation of ecological challenges. In the time dimension, money as a medium of economic system (and payment or nonpayment) comes first, and with it, tries to determine the ways other systems can observe ecology ‐ and it is successful.
Effect of Boron on the Solidification Characteristics and Constitutive Equation of S31254 Superaustenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Wang Jian , Chen Chao , Tian Haiyu , Han Peide
Published: July 2024

Solidification structure and segregation behavior of S31254 superaustenitic stainless steel ingot containing 0 wt% B and 0.005 wt% B are investigated. The results show that serious element segregation and massive eutectics are present in the center of the ingot. By contrast, the addition of boron reduces the secondary dendrite spacing, the degree of elemental segregation, and the σ phase. Further, the effect of boron on the solidification process is studied by using the high‐temperature confocal laser scanning microscope and combined with Thermo‐Calc thermodynamic simulation results. The results show that boron can widen the solidification temperature range and greatly retard the matrix solidification. The role of boron in refining dendrite structure and inhibiting precipitation is further confirmed. The effect of boron on the constitutive equation of S31254 superaustenitic stainless steel has also been researched through isothermal compression testing in the temperature range of 950–1200 °C and strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The activation energy of the boron‐free and boron‐containing S31254 superaustenitic stainless steels based on the constitutive equation are 427.77 and 495.80 kJ mol−1, respectively. Processing maps indicate that the instability domain is significantly reduced and the hot ductility is improved after the addition of B.
Combustion Behavior of Supersonic Jet for Single‐Flow Postcombustion Oxygen Lance with Various Secondary Nozzle Parameters
Authors: Dong Pengyuan , Zheng Shuguo , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: July 2024

A 3D model is established to discuss the influence of combustion reaction on jet characteristics. Based on this, combustion behaviors of supersonic jet for single‐flow postcombustion oxygen lance with various secondary nozzle parameters (diameter, inclination angle, and number) are analyzed. The results indicate that after activating combustion reaction, the jet velocity, dynamic pressure, density, and temperature of primary jet at H = 1.45 m are 1.27, 1.15, 0.56, and 1.97 times than those of without considering the combustion, respectively. Enlarging secondary nozzle diameter is helpful to extend the flame core lengths of primary and secondary jets (the axial distance from lance tip to isotherm of 1773 K) as well as the combustion region. With the increase of secondary nozzle angle, the two flame core lengths both decrease, while the combustion zone increases. Increasing the number of secondary nozzles, the flame core length of primary jet increases while that of the secondary jet decreases, and the combustion region first increases and then decreases. As for the influences of the above parameters on flame core lengths of primary and secondary jets as well as the combustion region, the number is the greatest, followed by the inner diameter, and the inclination angle is the smallest.
Automated data transfer for digital twin applications: Two case studies
Authors: Molin Hanna , Wärff Christoffer , Lindblom Erik , Arnell Magnus , Carlsson Bengt , Mattsson Per , Bäckman Jonas , Jeppsson Ulf
Published: July 2024

Digital twins have been gaining an immense interest in various fields over the last decade. Bringing conventional process simulation models into (near) real time are thought to provide valuable insights for operators, decision makers, and stakeholders in many industries. The objective of this paper is to describe two methods for implementing digital twins at water resource recovery facilities and highlight and discuss their differences and preferable use situations, with focus on the automated data transfer from the real process. Case 1 uses a tailor‐made infrastructure for automated data transfer between the facility and the digital twin. Case 2 uses edge computing for rapid automated data transfer. The data transfer lag from process to digital twin is low compared to the simulation frequency in both systems. The presented digital twin objectives can be achieved using either of the presented methods. The method of Case 1 is better suited for automatic recalibration of model parameters, although workarounds exist for the method in Case 2. The method of Case 2 is well suited for objectives such as soft sensors due to its integration with the SCADA system and low latency. The objective of the digital twin, and the required latency of the system, should guide the choice of method.

Practitioner Points

Various methods can be used for automated data transfer between the physical system and a digital twin.

Delays in the data transfer differ depending on implementation method.

The digital twin objective determines the required simulation frequency.

Implementation method should be chosen based on the required simulation frequency.
Symmetry‐based analysis of nonlinear mixed convection in 3D EMHD nano‐Carreau fluid flow with Riga stretched surface effects and multi‐physical interactions
Authors: Saleem Musharafa , Majeed Afraz Hussain , Ahmad Irshad , Refaie Ali Ahmed
Published: July 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of an electrically magneto‐hydrodynamic (EMHD) nano‐Carreau fluid under nonlinear mixed convection. We develop a 3D steady‐state framework that incorporates various influential factors such as nonuniform heat source‐sink terms, nonlinear thermal radiation, Joule heating, and chemical reactions, along with the effects of a Riga stretched surface. Through rigorous analysis, we explore the impact of thermophoretic and Brownian motions on flow patterns and stagnation point velocities. Our study encompasses scenarios involving a Riga stretching sheet, EMHD phenomena, porous media, suction‐injection processes, and diverse slip conditions (momentum, heat, volume fractions), in conjunction with chemical reactions. By employing symmetry transformations, we transform complex partial differential equations (PDEs) into more manageable ordinary differential equations (ODEs), facilitating effective numerical solutions using the Lobatto IIIa bvp4c method in Matlab. The findings are presented through detailed graphical representations and comparative tables. Key findings include the observation that elevated Hartmann numbers contribute to reduced velocity yet enhanced temperature profiles, influenced by factors such as nonuniform heat distribution, thermal radiation, and viscous dissipation. Additionally, concentration profiles exhibit a diminishing trend with increased Lewis numbers, chemical reactions, and specific slip parameters.
A neuro‐computational study of viscous dissipation and nonlinear Arrhenius chemical kinetics during the hypodicarbonous acid‐based hybrid nanofluid flow past a Riga plate
Authors: Ullah Asad , Yao Hongxing , Ikramullah  , Othman Nashwan Adnan , Sherif El‐Sayed M.
Published: July 2024

We examine the flow of Casson hybrid nanofluid (Cu+/) through a Riga plate sensor with perforations that act as an electromagnetic actuator. The hypodicarbonous acid is considered a base fluid. The impact of Arrhenius chemical kinetics and viscous dissipation are taken into account during the dynamics. The problem is formulated by considering the heat and mass transfer. An appropriate scaling is used to reduce the complexity of the problem, and further transform it into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The reduced system is further set for the first‐order system of equations that are analyzed with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) which is trained with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. The results for the state variables are displayed through graphs and tables by performing 1000 independent iterations with tolerance and . The Hartman, Casson, and Richardson numbers with their increasing values enhance the velocity profile. The chemical reaction parameter and the Prandtl number decline the thermal and concentration profiles, respectively. The Statistical analysis in the form of regression and histograms is also carried out in each case. The absolute error (AE) ranges up to and validations that range up to are presented for the varying values of each parameter. A comparative analysis of the nanofluid (NF) and hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is performed in each case study. The results for skin friction and Nusselt number are displayed numerically in the form of tables and are compared with the available literature, where the accuracy and performance of ANN are proved.
Akteurskreis und Akteursmanagement
Authors: Assmann Tom , Mayregger Patrick , Klauenberg Jens
Published: July 2024

Urbane Logistikplanung steht und fällt mit einer guten Akteurseinbindung. Das Kapitel gibt einen Überblick über die Akteure, zeigt, wie diese Akteure in kommunale Verkehrs- und Logistikplanungsprozesse eingebunden werden können und vertieft dies abschließend mit Praxiswissen aus vielfältigen Beratungsprojekten zur erfolgreichen Einbindung von Logistikakteuren.
Good Practice-Beispiele aus Europa
Authors: Wrighton Susanne
Published: July 2024

Die zunehmende Urbanisierung in Europa stellt Städte vor eine wachsende Herausforderung: Wie kann der stetig steigende Verkehr bewältigt werden, ohne dabei die Umwelt und die Lebensqualität der Einwohner:innnen zu beeinträchtigen? Meine Kollegen und Kolleginnen und ich haben uns diese Frage bereits 2010 gestellt und im Folgenden drei europäische Projekte initiiert und umgesetzt, die maßgeblich zum derzeitigen Lastenrad-Boom beigetragen haben. Denn, wie sich über das letzte Jahrzehnt mehr und mehr gezeigt hat, Lastenräder sind für Städte eine der vielversprechendsten Lösungen, die als nachhaltige Alternative zu herkömmlichen Liefer- und Transportfahrzeugen dienen. Aber auch in der privaten Logistik (Transport von Einkäufen oder Freizeitmaterialien) und besonders im Kindertransport haben Lastenräder ausnehmend hohes Potenzial (Reiter und Wrighton 2012; Wrighton und Reiter 2016). In diesem Kapitel soll die wachsende Rolle von Lastenrädern in europäischen Städten anhand von Good Practice-Beispielen demonstriert und ihre Auswirkungen auf Stadtplanung, Wirtschaft und Umwelt beleuchtet werden. Von den ersten zaghaften Versuchen bis hin zu umfassenden Verkehrsstrategien wird untersucht, wie Städte Lastenräder einsetzen, um den Verkehr zu entlasten und gleichzeitig eine lebenswerte und nachhaltige Zukunft zu gestalten.
Radlogistik und Transformation von Logistiksystemen
Authors: Bürklen Anna
Published: July 2024

Dieses Kapitel befasst sich mit Radlogistik und Transformation von Logistiksystemen auf der letzten Meile und unterstreicht den Bedarf an neuen Zustellkonzepten, welche durch die sich steigende Nachfrage an Onlinebestellungen und das veränderte Verbraucher:innenverhalten angetrieben werden. Der Rahmen der Multi-Level-Perspektive nach Geels (2002) bietet dabei einen umfassenden Ansatz zur Untersuchung der komplexen Dynamik der letzten Meile unter Berücksichtigung des technologischen Fortschritts, gesellschaftlicher Faktoren und institutioneller Rahmenbedingungen. Kollaborativen Geschäftsmodellen wird bei der Integration der Fahrradlogistik in die Lieferketten eine entscheidende Rolle zugesprochen, da sie das Potenzial besitzen, die letzte Meile nachhaltiger und effizienter zu gestalten.
Logistiksektoren und Geschäftsmodelle
Authors: Kania Malte , Assmann Tom
Published: July 2024

Radlogistik ist ein Baustein für (fast) alle Logistiksektoren in der Stadt. Dieses Kapitel gibt eine Einführung über die Logistik in der Stadt, Geschäftsmodelle der Logistik und stellt vertieft die Logistiksektoren mit Eignung für die Radlogistik und deren Dienstleistungen dar.
Comparison of Metabarcoding and Microscopy Methodologies to Analyze Diatom Communities in Five Estuaries Along the Southern Coast of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Kim Young-Saeng , Yun Hyun-Sik , Lee Jae-Hak , Lee Kyung-Lak , Choi Jae-Sin , Won Doo Hee , Kim Yong Jae , Kim Han-Soon , Yoon Ho-Sung
Published: July 2024

The study of microalgal communities is critical for understanding aquatic ecosystems. These communities primarily comprise diatoms (Heterokontophyta), with two methods commonly used to study them: Microscopy and metabarcoding. However, these two methods often deliver different results; thus, their suitability for analyzing diatom communities is frequently debated and evaluated. This study used these two methods to analyze the diatom communities in identical water samples and compare the results. The taxonomy of the species constituting the diatom communities was confirmed, and both methods showed that species belonging to the orders Bacillariales and Naviculales (class Bacillariophyceae) are the most diverse. In the lower taxonomic levels (family, genus, and species), microscopy tended to show a bias toward detecting diatom species (Nitzschia frustulum, Nitzschia inconspicua, Nitzschia intermedia, Navicula gregaria, Navicula perminuta, Navicula recens, Navicula sp.) belonging to the Bacillariaceae and Naviculaceae families. The results of the two methods differed in identifying diatom species in the communities and analyzing their structural characteristics. These results are consistent with the fact that diatoms belonging to the genera Nitzschia and Navicula are abundant in the communities; furthermore, only the Illumina MiSeq data showed the abundance of the Melosira and Entomoneis genera. The results obtained from microscopy were superior to those of Illumina MiSeq regarding species-level identification. Based on the results obtained via microscopy and Illumina MiSeq, it was revealed that neither method is perfect and that each has clear strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, to analyze diatom communities effectively and accurately, these two methods should be combined.
A Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Specified Microorganisms in Groundwater for Non-Sterilized Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Daddy Gaoh Soumana , Alusta Pierre , Lee Yong-Jin , LiPuma John J. , Hussong David , Marasa Bernard , Ahn Youngbeom
Published: July 2024

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring product safety involves the detection and identification of microorganisms with human pathogenic potential, including Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium sporogenes, Candida albicans, and Mycoplasma spp., some of which may be missed or not identified by traditional culture-dependent methods. In this study, we employed a metagenomic approach to detect these taxa, avoiding the limitations of conventional cultivation methods. We assessed the groundwater microbiome’s taxonomic and functional features from samples collected at two locations in the spring and summer. All datasets comprised 436–557 genera with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria accounting for > 95% of microbial DNA sequences. The aforementioned species constituted less than 18.3% of relative abundance. Escherichia and Salmonella were mainly detected in Hot Springs, relative to Jefferson, while Clostridium and Pseudomonas were mainly found in Jefferson relative to Hot Springs. Multidrug resistance efflux pumps and BlaR1 family regulatory sensor-transducer disambiguation dominated in Hot Springs and in Jefferson. These initial results provide insight into the detection of specified microorganisms and could constitute a framework for the establishment of comprehensive metagenomic analysis for the microbiological evaluation of pharmaceutical-grade water and other non-sterile pharmaceutical products, ensuring public safety.
Benefits and risks of using laparoscopic ultrasonography versus intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Edebo Anders , Andersson John , Gustavsson Joss , Jivegård Lennart , Ribokas Darius , Svanberg Therese , Wallerstedt Susanna M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) or intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) can be used for visualisation of the biliary tract during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this systematic review was to compare use of LUS with IOC.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched (last update: April 2024). PICO: P = patients undergoing intraoperative imaging of the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease; I = intervention: LUS; C = comparison: IOC; O = outcomes: mortality, bile duct injury, retained gallstone, conversion to open cholecystectomy, procedural failure, operation time including imaging time. Included articles were critically appraised using checklists. Conclusions were based on studies without major risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models. Certainty of evidence was assessed according to GRADE.

Results

Sixteen non-randomised studies met the PICO. Two before/after studies (594 versus 807 patients) contributed to conclusions regarding mortality (no events; very low certainty evidence), bile duct injury (1 versus 0 events; very low certainty evidence), retained gallstone (2 versus 2 events; very low certainty evidence), and conversion to open cholecystectomy (6 versus 21 events; risk ratio: 0.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.95); I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence). Seven additional studies, using intra-individual comparisons, contributed to conclusions regarding procedural failure; risk ratio: 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–1.78; I2 = 83%; very low certainty evidence). No studies reported operation time. Mean imaging time for LUS and IOC, reported in 12 studies, was 4.8‒10.2 versus 10.9‒17.9 min (mean difference: − 7.8 min (95% confidence interval: − 9.3 to − 6.3); I2 = 95%; moderate certainty evidence).

Conclusion

It is uncertain whether there is any difference in mortality/bile duct injury/retained gallstone using LUS compared with IOC, but LUS may be associated with fewer conversions to open cholecystectomy and is probably associated with shorter imaging time.

Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness of bedside staplers in bariatric robotic procedures
Authors: Clapp Benjamin L. , Billy Helmuth , Lutfi Rami E. , Pan I.-Wen
Published: July 2024

Background

Few studies have evaluated the use of laparoscopic staplers in robotic procedures (bedside stapling, BS). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BS compared with robotic staplers (RS) in bariatric robotic procedures.

Methods

Patients who underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass elective procedures between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2021 were extracted from PINC AI™ Healthcare Data. The following clinical outcomes were compared: blood transfusion, bleeding, anastomotic leak, intensive care unit (ICU) visit, and 30-day readmission, operating room (OR) time, inpatient costs, and length of stay. We evaluated baseline balance in BS and RS and bivariate association between covariates and outcomes using Chi-square or Fisher exact test and t-test or ANOVA. Multivariable general linear mixed models (GLMMs) with respective gamma or binomial distribution and log-link function were used to obtain adjusted outcomes variations between BS and RS.

Results

Total of 7268 discharges were included with 1603 (22.1%) BS and 5665 (77.9%) RS cases. RS cases consisted of a higher number of patients who were Hispanic (17.0% vs. 9.4%), had Medicaid (26.9% vs. 19.4%) and underwent sleeve gastrectomy (68.4% vs. 53.5%). Higher proportions of RS cases were done by providers in Northeast region (35.5% vs. 24.3%), smaller size (< 500 beds; 71.1% vs. 52.3%), and teaching hospitals (59.4% vs. 39%). The adjusted outcomes variations demonstrated that patients that had RS were significantly more likely to have blood transfusions, ICU stays, increased ORT (19 min) and costs ($1273). Sensitivity analysis showed similar results, except no significant differences in blood transfusion rates in both groups.

Conclusions

Bedside staplers significantly reduce healthcare resource utilization with equivalent effectiveness and fewer ICU stays compared to robotic staplers.

Graphical abstract
Real-time quantification of laser speckle contrast imaging during intestinal laparoscopic surgery: successful demonstration in a porcine intestinal ischemia model
Authors: Hoffman J. Tim , Heuvelings Danique J. I. , van Zutphen Tim , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Kruijff Schelto , Boerma E. Christiaan , Bouvy Nicole D. , Heeman Wido T. , Al-Taher Mahdi
Published: July 2024

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following colorectal cancer surgery, impacting patient outcome and leads to increasing healthcare consumption as well as economic burden. Bowel perfusion is a significant modifiable factor for anastomotic healing and thus crucial for reducing AL.

Aims

The study aimed to calculate a cut-off value for quantified laser speckle perfusion units (LSPUs) in order to differentiate between ischemic and well-perfused tissue and to assess inter-observer reliability.

Methods

LSCI was performed using a porcine ischemic small bowel loop model with the PerfusiX-Imaging® system. An ischemic area, a well-perfused area, and watershed areas, were selected based on the LSCI colormap. Subsequently, local capillary lactate (LCL) levels were measured. A logarithmic curve estimation tested the correlation between LSPU and LCL levels. A cut-off value for LSPU and lactate was calculated, based on anatomically ischemic and well-perfused tissue. Inter-observer variability analysis was performed with 10 observers.

Results

Directly after ligation of the mesenteric arteries, differences in LSPU values between ischemic and well-perfused tissue were significant (p < 0.001) and increased significantly throughout all following measurements. LCL levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) at both 60 and 120 min. Logarithmic curve estimation showed an R2 value of 0.56 between LSPU and LCL values. A LSPU cut-off value was determined at 69, with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87. A LCL cut-off value of 3.8 mmol/L was found, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively. There was no difference in assessment between experienced and unexperienced observers. Cohen’s Kappa values were moderate to good (0.52–0.66).

Conclusion

Real-time quantification of LSPUs may be a feasible intraoperative method to assess tissue perfusion and a cut-off value could be determined with high sensitivity and specificity. Inter-observer variability was moderate to good, irrespective of prior experience with the technique.
Evaluation of peri-implant perfusion in patients who underwent avascular augmentation or microvascular reconstruction using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry: a prospective comparative clinical study
Authors: Katz Marie Sophie , Ooms Mark , Winnand Philipp , Heitzer Marius , Peters Florian , Kniha Kristian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-implant perfusion, such as oxygen saturation, the relative amount of hemoglobin, and blood flow, in implants placed in pristine bone and avascular and microvascular grafts using a non-invasive measurement method.

Materials and methods

A total of 58 patients with 241 implants were included. Among them, 106 implants were based in native bone (group I), 75 implants were inserted into avascular bone grafts (group II), and 60 implants were placed in microvascular bone grafts (group III). Gingival perfusion was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry (LDF-TS). Implants with signs of gingival inflammation were excluded to analyze healthy implant perfusion in different bony envelopes.

Results

The mean values for oxygen saturation, relative hemoglobin levels, and blood flow did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.404,p = 0.081, andp = 0.291, respectively). There was no significant difference in perfusion between implants that were surrounded by mucosa and implants based within cutaneous transplants (p = 0.456;p = 0.628, andp = 0.091, respectively).

Conclusion

No differences in perfusion were found between implants inserted into native bone and implants involving bone or soft tissue augmentation. However, implants based in avascular and microvascular transplants showed higher rates of peri-implant inflammation.

Clinical relevance

Peri-implant perfusion seems to be comparable for all implants after they heal, irrespective of their bony surroundings. Although perfusion does not differ significantly, other factors may make implants in avascular and microvascular transplants vulnerable to peri-implant inflammation.
Exploring the correlation between courier workload, service density and distance with the success of last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics
Authors: Lorenzo-Espejo Antonio , Muñuzuri Jesús , Onieva Luis , Muñoz-Díaz María-Luisa
Published: July 2024

Given the recent surge in online sales, particularly accentuated by the health crisis in 2020 and 2021, companies operating in the retail sector have increasingly recognised the importance of business-to-consumer (B2C) distribution. Consequently, last-mile logistics optimization has garnered increased attention in both academic and industry contexts. In this study, we examine the relationship between the workloads of couriers and their proficiency in executing assigned services in a B2C last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics environment. Additionally, we evaluate the connection between service density in an area and the distance between warehouses and service points with completion rates among couriers. By analysing a dataset corresponding to the deliveries and collections made in Madrid in 2021, we identify significant and moderate correlations between the couriers’ workloads and service completion rate. It should be noted that the correlations of completion rate with distance and visit frequency to each area are weak, yet statistically significant.
Rock avalanches in northeastern Baffin Island, Canada: understanding low occurrence amid high hazard potential
Authors: Matthew Maureen C. , Gosse John C. , Hermanns Reginald L. , Normandeau Alexandre , Tremblay Tommy
Published: July 2024

Rock avalanches in fjord environments can cause direct catastrophic damage and trigger secondary submarine landslides and tsunamis. These are well-documented in Greenland, Norway, and Alaska but have gone largely unreported in the extensive fjord terrain of the eastern Canadian Arctic. We provide the first inventory of rock avalanche deposits in northeastern Baffin Island—a region characterized by moderate to high seismic hazard, steep and high-walled fjords and glacial valleys, active deglaciation, and observed climate warming. Over a broad study area of ~60,000 km2, one sixth of the terrain had sufficient slope height and gradient to potentially generate rock avalanches. Within that hazard zone, we identified eight rock avalanche deposits at six locations. Only three rock avalanche deposits at two locations are dated, using aerial imagery (1958-present), to the last century while five deposits at four locations are inferred as syn- to post-glacial, likely occurring shortly after local debuttressing. These total numbers fall well below documented inventories from Greenland, Norway, and Alaska. We hypothesize that (1) continuous permafrost persists throughout this region and continues to act as a stabilizing factor and (2) rock mass quality is high in areas of most extreme relief contrast within the study region relative to analogous high-latitude fjord systems such as those in southwestern Greenland. We suggest that Baffin Island is currently in a period of quasi-stability that follows the intense instability during initial deglaciation, yet precedes the higher anticipated slope instability that may occur during permafrost degradation.
Glimpses of embodied utopias, why Moroccan and Swiss farmers engage in alternative agricultures
Authors: Mathez Andrea
Published: July 2024

Geographies of food are not only shaped by political economic forces but also by individuals who resist dominant ways of subjectivation. Based on ethnographic research on forty-seven agroecological farms in Switzerland and Morocco, this article proposes a philosophical reconsideration of the role of utopia, hope and enchantment in shaping people’s actions. It contributes to the understanding of the emotional, spiritual and embodied experiences that lead farmers to engage in alternative agricultures at the margins of state planning and agro-industry. The adoption of an etic research approach to ‘alternativity’ allows me to capture ‘quiet alternativities’, or farming experiences with beneficial socio-ecological outcomes but which are not represented as alternative or disruptive by the farmers themselves. This is especially important for Swiss and Moroccan farmers who do not always identify with a social movement or express any explicit opposition to agricultural policies and the dominant agri-food system, although their practices may effectively incorporate an alternative experience from where to envision different agri-cultures. Drawing from diverse conceptions of utopia, hope and enchantment, I unravel different manifestations of utopia as mental creations of ‘no-where’ and as embodied experiences of ‘no-when’. This enables me to attend to ‘quiet expressions’ of hope manifested not in speech but in daily practices and to discuss farmers’ motives to engage in alternative agricultures, despite a sometimes bleak outlook. I theorise these multiple experiences as ‘glimpses of utopias’ to explore the embodied and embedded dimensions of utopia to broaden what utopia can mean beyond purely speculative thinking.
Almost Commuting Scheme of Symplectic Matrices and Quantum Hamiltonian Reduction
Authors: Goyal Pallav
Published: July 2024

Losev introduced the scheme X of almost commuting elements (i.e., elements commuting upto a rank one element) of $$\mathfrak {g}=\mathfrak {sp}(V)$$

g
=
sp
(
V
)

for a symplectic vector space V and discussed its algebro-geometric properties. We construct a Lagrangian subscheme $$X^{nil}$$

X

nil

of X and show that it is a complete intersection of dimension $$\text {dim}(\mathfrak {g})+\frac{1}{2}\text {dim}(V)$$

dim

(
g
)

+

1
2

dim

(
V
)

and compute its irreducible onents. We also study the quantum Hamiltonian reduction of the algebra $$\mathcal {D}(\mathfrak {g})$$

D
(
g
)

of differential operators on the Lie algebra $$\mathfrak {g}$$
g
tensored with the Weyl algebra with respect to the action of the symplectic group, and show that it is isomorphic to the spherical subalgebra of a certain rational Cherednik algebra of Type C. We contruct a category $$\mathcal {C}_c$$

C
c

of $$\mathcal {D}$$
D
-modules whose characteristic variety is contained in $$X^{nil}$$

X

nil

and construct an exact functor from this category to the category $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
of the above rational Cherednik algebra. Simple objects of the category $$\mathcal {C}_c$$

C
c

are mirabolic analogs of Lusztig’s character sheaves.
Immunotherapy in the Context of Aortic Valve Diseases
Authors: Bartoli-Leonard Francesca , Pennel Tim , Caputo Massimo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Aortic valve disease (AVD) affects millions of people around the world, with no pharmacological intervention available. Widely considered a multi-faceted disease comprising both regurgitative pathogenesis, in which retrograde blood flows back through to the left ventricle, and aortic valve stenosis, which is characterized by the thickening, fibrosis, and subsequent mineralization of the aortic valve leaflets, limiting the anterograde flow through the valve, surgical intervention is still the main treatment, which incurs considerable risk to the patient.

Results

Though originally thought of as a passive degeneration of the valve or a congenital malformation that has occurred before birth, the paradigm of AVD is shifting, and research into the inflammatory drivers of valve disease as a potential mechanism to modulate the pathobiology of this life-limiting pathology is taking center stage. Following limited success in mainstay therapeutics such as statins and mineralisation inhibitors, immunomodulatory strategies are being developed. Immune cell therapy has begun to be adopted in the cancer field, in which T cells (chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells) are isolated from the patient, programmed to attack the cancer, and then re-administered to the patient. Within cardiac research, a novel T cell–based therapeutic approach has been developed to target lipid nanoparticles responsible for increasing cardiac fibrosis in a failing heart. With clonally expanded T-cell populations recently identified within the diseased valve, their unique epitope presentation may serve to identify novel targets for the treatment of valve disease.

Conclusion

Taken together, targeted T-cell therapy may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to target a multitude of diseases with an autoimmune aspect, and this review aims to frame this in the context of cardiovascular disease, delineating what is currently known in the field, both clinically and translationally.
CSI-Otter: isogeny-based (partially) blind signatures from the class group action with a twist
Authors: Katsumata Shuichi , Lai Yi-Fu , LeGrow Jason T. , Qin Ling
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we construct the first provably-secure isogeny-based (partially) blind signature scheme. While at a high level the scheme resembles the Schnorr blind signature, our work does not directly follow from that construction, since isogenies do not offer as rich an algebraic structure. Specifically, our protocol does not fit into thelinear identification protocolabstraction introduced by Hauck, Kiltz, and Loss (EUROCYRPT’19), which was used to generically construct Schnorr-like blind signatures based on modules such as classical groups and lattices. Consequently, our scheme is provably secure in the random oracle model (ROM) against poly-logarithmically-many concurrent sessions assuming the subexponential hardness of the group action inverse problem. In more detail, our blind signature exploits thequadratic twistof an elliptic curve in an essential way to endow isogenies with a strictly richer structure than abstract group actions (but still more restrictive than modules). The basic scheme has public key size 128 B and signature size 8 KB under the CSIDH-512 parameter sets—these are the smallest among all provably secure post-quantum secure blind signatures. Relying on a newringvariant of the group action inverse problem ($$\textsf{rGAIP}$$rGAIP), we can halve the signature size to 4 KB while increasing the public key size to 512 B. We provide preliminary cryptanalysis of$${\textsf{rGAIP}} $$rGAIPand show that for certain parameter settings, it is essentially as secure as the standard$$\textsf{GAIP}$$GAIP. Finally, we show a novel way to turn our blind signature into a partially blind signature, where we deviate from prior methods since they require hashing into the set of public keys while hiding the corresponding secret key—constructing such a hash function in the isogeny setting remains an open problem.
Effect of soil additives on biogeochemistry of ultramafic soils—an experimental approach with Brassica napus L
Authors: Pędziwiatr Artur , Kierczak Jakub , Potysz Anna , Pietranik Anna
Published: July 2024

Ultramafic soils are characterized by low productivity due to the deficiency of macroelements and high content of Ni, Cr, and Co. Incorporation of ultramafic soils for agricultural and food production involves the use of fertilizers. Therefore, this study aims to find the soil additive that decreases the metallic elements uptake by plant using Brassica napus as an example. In this study, we evaluate the effect of manure (0.5 g N/kg of soil), humic acids (1 g of Rosahumus/1 dm3 H2O; 44% C), KNO3 (0.13 g K/kg of soil), lime (12.5 g/kg of soil), (NH4)2SO4 (0.15 g N/kg of soil), and Ca(H2PO4)2) (0.07 g P/kg of soil) on the phytoavailability of metallic elements. The effect of soil additives on metallic elements uptake by Brassica napus was studied in a pot experiment executed in triplicates. Statistical analysis was applied to compare the effects of additives in ultramafic soil on plant chemical composition relative to control unfertilized ultramafic soil (one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test). The study shows that in almost all treatments, metallic elements content (Ni, Cr, Co, Al, Fe, Mn) is higher in roots compared to the aboveground parts of Brassica napus except for (NH4)2SO4, in which the mechanism of Mn accumulation is opposite. The main differences between the treatments are observed for the buffer properties of soil and the accumulation of specific metals by studied plants. The soils with the addition of lime and manure have the highest buffer properties in acidic conditions (4.9-fold and 2.1-fold increase relative to control soil, respectively), whereas the soil with (NH4)2SO4 has the lowest effect (0.8-fold decrease relative to control soil). Also, the addition of manure increases the biomass of aboveground parts of B. napus (3.4-fold increase) and decreases the accumulation of Ni (0.6-fold decrease) compared to plants cultivated in the control soil. On the contrary, the addition of (NH4)2SO4 noticeably increases the accumulation of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al in aboveground parts of B. napus (3.2-fold, 18.2-fold, 11.2-fold, and 1.6-fold, respectively) compared to plant grown in control soil, whereas the humic acids increase the accumulation of Cr in roots (1.6-fold increase). Therefore, this study shows that manure is a promising fertilizer in agricultural practices in ultramafic soil, whereas (NH4)2SO4 and humic acids must not be used in ultramafic areas.
Failure assessment of eccentric circular holes under compressive loading
Authors: Ferrian Francesco , Sapora Alberto , Estevez Rafael , Doitrand Aurélien
Published: July 2024

The present work aims to investigate the failure size effect on flattened disks containing an eccentric circular hole under mode I loading conditions. For this purpose, uniaxial compression tests are carried out on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples with holes. Depending on the hole radius and eccentricity, the energy release rate is either an increasing or decreasing function of the crack length, thus affecting the stability of crack propagation. Experimental results are interpreted and discussed through the coupled stress and energy criterion of Finite Fracture Mechanics. The approach lies on the assumption of a finite crack advance and it is implemented through the numerical estimation of the stress field and the Incremental Energy Release Rate functions. Finally, stability and crack speed propagation are discussed under the assumption of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. Theoretical predictions reveal in agreement with experimental results thus demonstrating that the Coupled Criterion effectively captures the failure condition.
The socioeconomic gap in the development of Korean adolescents’ occupational aspirations while approaching the post-secondary transition
Authors: Yong Anna , Lee Sangwoo
Published: July 2024

This study longitudinally investigates the socioeconomic differentials in South Korean adolescents’ occupational aspiration development while they approach the post-secondary transition. It also takes into account the two-fold relation between socioeconomic status and academic performance in shaping occupational aspirations: mediation and interaction. Using the Korean Education and Employment Panel (KEEP), the study documents two main results. First, there exists a significant socioeconomic gap in Korean adolescents’ occupational aspirations which is neither widened nor narrowed over the transition period. Second, the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance is not limited to mediation but demonstrates a significant interaction in developing occupational aspirations.