bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generative deep learning for data generation in natural hazard analysis: motivations, advances, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Ma Zhengjing , Mei Gang , Xu Nengxiong
Published: May 2024

Data mining and analysis are critical for preventing or mitigating natural hazards. However, data availability in natural hazard analysis is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to economic, technical, and environmental constraints. Recently, generative deep learning has become an increasingly attractive solution to these challenges, which can augment, impute, or synthesize data based on these learned complex, high-dimensional probability distributions of data. Over the last several years, much research has demonstrated the remarkable capabilities of generative deep learning for addressing data-related problems in natural hazards analysis. Data processed by deep generative models can be utilized to describe the evolution or occurrence of natural hazards and contribute to subsequent natural hazard modeling. Here we present a comprehensive review concerning generative deep learning for data generation in natural hazard analysis. (1) We summarized the limitations associated with data availability in natural hazards analysis and identified the fundamental motivations for employing generative deep learning as a critical response to these challenges. (2) We discuss several deep generative models that have been applied to overcome the problems caused by limited data availability in natural hazards analysis. (3) We analyze advances in utilizing generative deep learning for data generation in natural hazard analysis. (4) We discuss challenges associated with leveraging generative deep learning in natural hazard analysis. (5) We explore further opportunities for leveraging generative deep learning in natural hazard analysis. This comprehensive review provides a detailed roadmap for scholars interested in applying generative models for data generation in natural hazard analysis.
Clinical relevance of double heterozygosity revealed by next-generation sequencing of homologous recombination repair pathway genes in South African breast cancer patients
Authors: van der Merwe Nerina C. , Buccimazza Ines , Rossouw Bianca , Araujo Monica , Ntaita Kholiwe S. , Schoeman Mardelle , Vorster Karin , Napo Kgabo , Kotze Maritha J. , Oosthuizen Jaco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Genetically predisposed breast cancer (BC) patients represent a minor but clinically meaningful subgroup of the disease, with 25% of all cases associated with actionable variants in BRCA1/2. Diagnostic implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) resulted in the rare identification of BC patients with double heterozygosity for deleterious variants in genes partaking in homologous recombination repair of DNA. As clinical heterogeneity poses challenges for genetic counseling, this study focused on the occurrence and clinical relevance of double heterozygous BC in South Africa.

Methods

DNA samples were diagnostically screened using the NGS-based Oncomine™ BRCA Expanded Research Assay. Data was generated on the Ion GeneStudio S5 system and analyzed using the Torrent Suite™ and reporter software. The clinical significance of the variants detected was determined using international variant classification guidelines and treatment implications.

Results

Six of 1600 BC patients (0.375%) tested were identified as being bi-allelic for two germline likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants. Most of the variants were present in BRCA1/2, including two founder-related small deletions in three cases, with family-specific variants detected in ATM, BARD1, FANCD2, NBN, and TP53. The scientific interpretation and clinical relevance were based on the clinical and tumor characteristics of each case.

Conclusion

This study increased current knowledge of the risk implications associated with the co-occurrence of more than one pathogenic variant in the BC susceptibility genes, confirmed to be a rare condition in South Africa. Further molecular pathology-based studies are warranted to determine whether clinical decision-making is affected by the detection of a second pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2 and TP53 carriers.
Photocatalytic bioheteronanostructures by integrating multicomponent Cu2O–Au nanoparticles into ZnO-coated butterfly wings colored by photonic nanoarchitectures
Authors: Piszter Gábor , Kertész Krisztián , Nagy Gergely , Kovács Dávid , Zámbó Dániel , Baji Zsófia , Pap József Sándor , Biró László Péter
Published: May 2024

Complex biological photocatalytic heteronanostructures were produced by the integration of different multicomponent Au–Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) into the blue-colored photonic nanoarchitectures occurring in the wings of male Polyommatus icarus butterflies. Both bare wings and wings conformally coated by 15-nm ZnO by atomic layer deposition were used as substrates. The NPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, focus stacking optical microscopy, and electron microscopy. After the deposition of the different NPs, the photocatalytic performance of the samples under visible light illumination was tested by the photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution monitored continuously by an immersion probe. It was found that the components of the biological hetero-nanoarchitecture: ZnO-coated wings and wings without ZnO with deposited NPs exhibited poor catalytic performance. But the combined system: ZnO-coated wings with NPs deposited onto them exhibited sixfold to eightfold increase in their catalytic performance. This increase is attributed to the extension of the ZnO absorption into the visible range and to the formation of the heterojunction between the n-type ZnO and the p-type Cu2O NPs which resulted in the charge transfer of the photogenerated carriers. As the samples exhibited good stability under the continuous magnetic stirring, they can be used in flow-through systems suitable for wastewater remediation. The biological templates for the hetero-nanoarchitectures were produced by the controlled breeding of herbivorous insects, which does not raise any environmental concerns.
What’s behind pro-poor growth? An investigation of its drivers and dynamics
Authors: Klasen Stephan , Kneib Thomas , Lo Bue Maria C. , Prete Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

Standard growth incidence curves describe how growth episodes impact on the overall income distribution. However, measuring the pro-poorness of the growth process is complex due to measurement errors, and to the effect of shocks that may hit the percentiles of the income distribution in different ways. Therefore, standard growth incidence curves may misrepresent the true growth process and its distributive impact. Relying on a non-anonymous approach, we compare actual growth episodes at each percentile of the initial personalized distribution with counterfactual mobility profiles which rule out the presence of shocks. We consider Indonesia in 2000–2007 and 2007–2014, two growth spells in which there was substantial, significant upward mobility among the initially poorer, a sizeable part of which cannot be explained by unobserved individual endowments or standard socio-economic attributes. The difference between actual and expected growth is related, in the early 2000s, to the economy-wide transformations, which characterized the early years of the post-Suharto era. However, in the more recent years, it can be largely attributed to individual recovery from previous negative losses and high vulnerability and reactivity to shocks for the poor.
Thermalization and Hydrodynamics in an Interacting Integrable System: The Case of Hard Rods
Authors: Singh Sahil Kumar , Dhar Abhishek , Spohn Herbert , Kundu Anupam
Published: May 2024

We consider the relaxation of an initial non-equilibrium state in a one-dimensional fluid of hard rods. Since it is an interacting integrable system, we expect it to reach the Generalized Gibbs Ensemble (GGE) at long times for generic initial conditions. Here we show that there exist initial conditions for which the system does not reach GGE even at very long times and in the thermodynamic limit. In particular, we consider an initial condition of uniformly distributed hard-rods in a box with the left half having particles with a singular velocity distribution (all moving with unit velocity) and the right half particles in thermal equilibrium. We find that the density profile for the singular component does not spread to the full extent of the box and keeps moving with a fixed effective speed at long times. We show that such density profiles can be well described by the solution of the Euler equations almost everywhere except at the location of the shocks, where we observe slight discrepancies due to dissipation arising from the initial fluctuations of the thermal background. To demonstrate this effect of dissipation analytically, we consider a second initial condition with a single particle at the origin with unit velocity in a thermal background. We find that the probability distribution of the position of the unit velocity quasi-particle has diffusive spreading which can be understood from the solution of the Navier–Stokes (NS) equation of the hard rods. Finally, we consider an initial condition with a spread in velocity distribution for which we show convergence to GGE. Our conclusions are based on molecular dynamics simulations supported by analytical arguments.
Generalized extended (2+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in fluid dynamics: analytical solutions, sensitivity and stability analysis
Authors: Demirbilek Ulviye , Nadeem Muhammad , Çelik Furkan Muzaffer , Bulut Hasan , Şenol Mehmet
Published: May 2024

This study discusses a new version of the $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. This equation is used to model the behavior of nonlinear waves in various fields like ferromagnetic media, ion-acoustic waves in plasma physics, and fluid dynamics. It is instrumental in modeling surface and internal waves in straits or channels. The main goal of the research is to determine the exact solutions for this equation and analyze their physical characteristics. We obtain exact solutions using two improved techniques, namely the modified extended tanh-function and the modified generalized Kudryashov methods. These techniques investigate various exact solutions, such as exponential, rational, hyperbolic, and trigonometric. Besides, the sensitivity and the stability analysis of the model are presented. Additionally, three- and two-dimensional contour plots are created to present the physical behavior of the exact solutions.
Were Parents Synchronizing Their Home-Based Working Arrangements During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Heydari Barardehi Ilyar , Kurowska Anna
Published: May 2024

Little research has been done on parents’ coordination of their work arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synchronized work arrangements (e.g., both parents work from home) could enable working parents to maximize their togetherness, whereas desynchronized working arrangements could enable them to address some pandemic-induced challenges, such as an increased need for child care and distance education. We draw upon the Familydemic Harmonized Dataset a cross-county study offering data on work and family outcomes collected in Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the US. Using a sample of dual-earner heterosexual parents, this study examines whether working parents harmonized their transitions between home-based work and the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores factors that potentially contributed to this coordination process. The findings reveal that working couples’ transitions to home-based work from the workplace were synchronized. Parents with similar educational attainment were more likely to experience such coordination than couples with different levels of education. Cohabiting couples in married/registered unions were more likely to transition to home-based work simultaneously than non-registered cohabiting couples. The duration of synchronized home-based work episodes decreased with the number of children, and the length of synchronized workplace attendance increased with the age of the children.
Effect factors for marine invasion impacts on biodiversity
Authors: Gjedde Philip , Carrer Fabio , Pettersen Johan Berg , Verones Francesca
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Marine vertebrate populations have halved in the past decades, and invasive species are a major driver for this loss. While many model the spread of invasive species, a model to assess impacts of marine invasions, after introduction, has hitherto been missing. We present the first regionalized effect factors for marine invasions. These factors gauge differences in biodiversity impacts after invasions, enabling life cycle impact assessments to highlight biodiversity impacts from invasive species.

Methods

Alien species are species that are introduced by humans to ecosystems where they are not native. We combine data from the IUCN red list and the MarINvaders database to identify the potentially disappeared fraction of native species within each marine coastal ecoregion after alien introduction. The effect factors indicate the biodiversity impact from invasions per alien introduction. However, the IUCN red list has a performance bias between taxonomic groups, and both the IUCN and the harmonized citizen science data from MarINvaders have a geographic observer’s bias. We address some of this bias by evaluating the number of threatened species per number of assessed species, as well as including machine-learning derived data for data deficient species.

Results and discussion

The resulting regional effect factors demonstrate high effects of invasions at high latitudes, which is in line with other findings. Our approach is founded on continuously growing citizen science data and so reflects the biases and uncertainties that follow with this uneven way of data sampling. On the other hand, the continuous data collection by citizen scientists will improve data coverage and thus improve the model. Vice versa, the model itself may be motivation for citizens scientists to collect more data.

Conclusion

The effect of marine invasions presented herein reflects current global information on the issue viewed in a perspective relevant for life cycle impact assessments. The developed effect factors can be used for further assessments that will aid decision-making for policies, industries, and consumers to work towards minimizing impacts of marine invasions and are developed to be compatible with different relevant fate factors.
Relative permeability estimation using mercury injection capillary pressure measurements based on deep learning approaches
Authors: Duan Ce , Kang Bo , Deng Rui , Zhang Liang , Wang Lian , Xu Bing , Zhao Xing , Qu Jianhua
Published: May 2024

Relative permeability (RP) curves which provide fundamental insights into porous media flow behavior serve as critical parameters in reservoir engineering and numerical simulation studies. However, obtaining accurate RP curves remains a challenge due to expensive experimental costs, core contamination, measurement errors, and other factors. To address this issue, an innovative approach using deep learning strategy is proposed for the prediction of rock sample RP curves directly from mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) measurements which include the mercury injection curve, mercury withdrawal curve, and pore size distribution. To capture the distinct characteristics of different rock samples' MICP curves effectively, the Gramian Angular Field (GAF) based graph transformation method is introduced for mapping the curves into richly informative image forms. Subsequently, these 2D images are combined into three-channel red, green, blue (RGB) images and fed into a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) model within our established self-supervised learning framework. Simultaneously the dependencies and evolutionary sequences among image samples are captured through the limited MICP-RP samples and self-supervised learning framework. After that, a highly generalized RP curve calculation proxy framework based on deep learning called RPCDL is constructed by the autonomously generated nearly infinite training samples. The remarkable performance of the proposed method is verified with the experimental data from rock samples in the X oilfield. When applied to 37 small-sample data spaces for the prediction of 10 test samples, the average relative error is 3.6%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in mapping MICP experimental results to corresponding RP curves. Moreover, the comparison study against traditional CNN and LSTM illustrated the great performance of the RPCDL method in the prediction of both So and Sw lines in oil–water RP curves. To this end, this method offers an intelligent and robust means for efficiently estimating RP curves in various reservoir engineering scenarios without costly experiments.
Tyndallized bacteria prime bronchial epithelial cells to mount an effective innate immune response against infections
Authors: Di Vincenzo Serena , Di Sano Caterina , D’Anna Claudia , Ferraro Maria , Malizia Velia , Bruno Andreina , Cristaldi Marta , Cipollina Chiara , Lazzara Valentina , Pinto Paola , La Grutta Stefania , Pace Elisabetta
Published: May 2024

Airway epithelium represents a physical barrier against toxic substances and pathogens but also presents pattern recognition receptors on the epithelial cells that detect pathogens leading to molecule release and sending signals that activate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, impaired airway epithelial function and poor integrity may increase the recurrence of infections. Probiotic use in respiratory diseases as adjuvant of traditional therapy is increasingly widespread. There is growing interest in the use of non-viable heat-killed bacteria, such as tyndallized bacteria (TB), due to safety concerns and to their immunomodulatory properties. This study explores in vitro the effects of a TB blend on the immune activation of airway epithelium. 16HBE bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to different concentrations of TB. Cell viability, TB internalization, TLR2 expression, IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-βl expression/release, E-cadherin expression and wound healing were assessed. We found that TB were tolerated, internalized, increased TLR2, E-cadherin expression, IL-6 release and wound healing but decreased both IL-8 and TGF-βl release. In conclusion, TB activate TLR2 pathway without inducing a relevant pro-inflammatory response and improve barrier function, leading to the concept that TB preserve epithelial homeostasis and could be used as strategy to prevent and to manage respiratory infection, exacerbations included.
Training Behavior Analysis Graduate Students to Work with an Interpreter
Authors: Vazquez Danika J. , Lechago Sarah A. , McCarville Morgan J.
Published: May 2024

There has been a substantial increase in the racial and ethnic diversity of the United States population in the past 10–12 years, with the second most prevalent racial or ethnic group being Hispanic or Latino (Jensen, 2021). As a result, it is crucial that behavior analysts are prepared to serve consumers from all backgrounds, including those who do not speak English fluently. One important component for service delivery for linguistically diverse consumers is the incorporation of an interpreter. Given that few peer-reviewed articles in behavior analysis have been published regarding working with interpreters, the current study evaluated the effectiveness of Behavioral Skills Training (Fleming et al., 1996 Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 16(1), 3–25) to teach behavior analysis graduate students to work with an interpreter during behavior analytic service provision with Spanish-speaking families. The results of this study show that practitioners can be trained to work with an interpreter in a relatively short amount of time. However, training with an interpreter did not affect caregiver comprehension. The results of the satisfaction surveys suggest that the interpreters noted significant improvements in the practitioners’ responding following training, whereas the caregivers did not. The participants also completed satisfaction surveys following the study and indicated positive experiences with the training.
Mild liver dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome is associated with abdominal obesity and elevated lipids but not testosterone treatment
Authors: Øzdemir C. M. , Ridder L. O. , Chang S. , Fedder J. , Just J. , Gravholt C. H. , Skakkebæk A.
Published: May 2024

Context

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which contributes to characteristic phenotypical manifestations including metabolic alterations. Extensive research has demonstrated important associations between androgens and liver function.

Objectives

Investigation of the association between metabolic parameters, sex hormones and liver function in males with KS, both treated (T-KS) and untreated (U-KS) and healthy control males.

Methods

A total of 65 KS males were recruited, of which 32 received testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Also, 69 healthy controls were recruited. We used alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase and PP (prothrombin-proconvertin time ratio) as the main liver markers. Multivariable regression was performed within the three groups. All statistics were calculated using STATA. Principal component analysis was utilized to demonstrate the interconnected patterns among all measured biomarkers, and to elucidate how the different groups were linked to these patterns.

Results

Higher levels of main liver markers were observed in U-KS compared to controls, with no significant differences between U-KS and T-KS. T-KS had lower abdominal fat, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol than U-KS. Using multivariable models, variation in ALAT in U-KS was explained by HOMA2%S; in T-KS by BMI and SHBG; and in controls by hip circumference and estradiol. We found no multivariable models explaining variation in PP in U-KS; in T-KS, PP was explained by BMI and LDL cholesterol, and in controls by total cholesterol. Using principal component analysis U-KS was positively associated to D1 (an obese profile, which also included ALAT) and controls negatively associated with D1 (non-obese profile).

Conclusion

KS males have mild liver dysfunction reflected by a significant increase in the main liver markers and decrease in albumin. The presented data underscore a primary role of metabolic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and unfavourable lipid profile, in the elevated liver function markers seen in males with KS. Whether TRT can improve liver function in KS warrants further studies. Our findings, highlight that an evaluation of the liver function should be part of the clinical care in males with KS.
Automatic Control of Polymer Dosage Using Floc Images in Sludge Dewatering Plant
Authors: Fukasawa Atsuki , Yamato Tsuneo , Watanabe Shinya
Published: May 2024

This study introduces a novel method for estimating floc conditions in sludge dewatering plants by employing image analysis and automatic control of polymer dosage. While previous research has focused on drinking water treatment plants, few reports address polymer dosage optimization using image analysis in sludge dewatering plants. The challenge lies in the high sludge dry solids hindering individual floc recognition due to overlap. The study aims to estimate floc conditions by focusing on gap areas between flocs and implementing automatic polymer dosage control accordingly. The proposed method uses images from an Internet Protocol camera and semantic segmentation to identify the floc gap area. For validation of the estimation method, variations of over and under polymer dosage scenarios were investigated and compared with commonly used floc area methods. The findings indicate that the gap area estimation effectively reproduces the theory of polymer cohesion. Automatic polymer dosage control based on this method demonstrates stable operation in both scenarios. Notably, automatic control outperformed manual operation during continuous operation, resulting in a significant reduction in polymer dosage and a notable increase in heating efficiency compared to manual control. This study presents an efficient approach to optimize polymer dosage in sludge dewatering plants, utilizing image analysis for real-time monitoring and control. By focusing on the gap area between flocs, the method enhances accuracy in estimating floc conditions, thereby improving overall dewatering efficiency. The findings highlight the practical benefits of implementing automatic control systems in sludge treatment plants, potentially reducing costs and environmental impact.
All Road User Casualties (Killed) in Great Britain from 1926. Linear and Nonlinear Trends with Persistent Data
Authors: Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko
Published: May 2024

This paper deals with the analysis of road casualties in Great Britain, using annual data since 1926. Based on the persistent nature of the data, fractional integration methods are used that include linear and non-linear (structural breaks) models. The results indicate that when the whole data set is employed the series is nonstationary I(1) implying permanency of shocks. However, considering data starting in 1964 we observe a significant negative time trend along with a lower degree of integration that implies transitory shocks. In order to avoid the abrupt change produced by the break, a nonlinear deterministic trend model based on Chebyshev polynomials in time is also considered with the whole sample, and though the order of integration is much lower than 1, the unit root null hypothesis cannot yet be rejected.
On simulation of the 2D P colony with evolving environment
Authors: Langer Miroslav , Valenta Daniel , Patnaik Pawan Kumar
Published: May 2024

To obtain more results in the field of formal models of multi-agent systems it is necessary to step outside of the research done on the paper and move forward to computer simulation. The simulation opens the possibilities to study the behavior of studied model in real-time, or verify designed configurations. To develop suitable application of a good quality and fulfilling all the needs, it is necessary to base the development on detailed analysis. In this paper, we present a development of a simulator of a 2D P colony with the evolving environment. The simulator replaces the previous version of the software we used to simulate the behavior of the 2D P colony with evolving environment. In the previous version, the configuration of the colony was hardcoded into the source code of the simulator; hence, any changes had to be done by developing a new version of the simulator. Recent version is modular and the definition of the simulated colony is held in the separate configuration file. The result of the development is an application in the Python programming language with desired features defined in the analysis of the application. The application was developed under the Open Source license; hence, it is freely accessible and can be used or modified by anyone.
Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kennedy Reeve S. , Dendy Kaylee
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to use meta-analysis to assess the rates of bullying victimization in the United States (US) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a systematic search of academic databases and a previous meta-analysis database, we collected studies published between 1995 and 2023. Included studies used US-based data and reported on bullying involvement rates among children/adolescents across at least two data points (years), where 1 year had to be from 2020 to 2023. Data were extracted by type of bullying, gender, race, grade level, as well as numerous study-level features. Analyses included random effects meta-analyses, meta-regressions, and moderator analysis. Findings across the 79 studies and 19,033 effect sizes indicate that reported rates of traditional bullying victimization were significantly lower during the COVID pandemic years of 2020 to 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic years (23% vs 19%). This pattern was reflected across gender, grade, and most racial/ethnic groups examined. Overall, rates of cyberbullying victimization remained similar pre-pandemic vs during COVID (16% vs 17%). However, for boys, American Indian/Alaska Native youth, Asian, multi-racial, and White youth rates of cyberbullying victimization were significantly higher during COVID compared to the pre-pandemic period, while rates were significantly lower for transgender/non-binary youth during COVID (39% vs 25%). In addition, we conducted a moderator analysis and used meta-analysis to calculate pooled rates by year. Findings inform the current state of bullying involvement in the US and have implications for school-based bullying prevention practices and policies.
Enhancing chromosomal analysis efficiency through deep learning-based artificial intelligence graphic analysis
Authors: Zhou Ying , Xu Lingling , Zhang Lichao , Shi Danhua , Wu Chaoyu , Wei Ran , Song Ning , Wu Shanshan , Chen Changshui , Li Haibo
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and diagnostic utility of an advanced chromosomal analysis approach. A total of 2663 amniotic fluid samples were chosen for chromosomal karyotype profiling between January 2022 and June 2023. Two sets of tests were carried out: experiment 1 involved randomly selecting 1168 examples to test the accuracy of machine learning-based chromosomal karyotypes. The aim was to determine the method’s general applicability when cases were naturally dispersed. Experiment 2 concentrated on randomly selecting the most common examples of chromosomal number anomalies and cases with structural defects that did not affect the visual assessment of chromosome categories. The goal was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of the artificial intelligence (AI) analysis system in detecting these flaws. The results of experiment 1 demonstrated the resilience of the intelligent analysis system in cases with significant differences in chromosomal karyotypes, resulting from manual shooting and film-making. Experiment 2 results showed that the intelligent analysis system surpassed the standard chromosomal image analysis program in terms of automated analysis accuracy, for both normal and defect cases. Furthermore, the intelligent analysis system demonstrated detection and analysis speeds that were 3–15 times faster. The average speed of regular case analysis increased by a factor of 4–6, cases with quantitative defects increased by a factor of 3–5, and cases with structural defects increased by a factor of 5–7. Implementing a chromosome intelligence analysis system in clinical practice could improve the efficiency of chromosome identification and analysis, allow for more widespread chromosomal examination, and reduce the likelihood of congenital defects.
An in vitro evaluation of partial energy replacement in a total mixed ration with volatile fatty acids derived from agro-industrial residues
Authors: Parchami Milad , Rustas Bengt-Ove , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Mahboubi Amir
Published: May 2024

The scientific interest in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as an energy source and chemical precursor in ruminant diets has been longstanding, as it has significant implications for animal physiology and well-being. The present study explores the substitution of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from agro-food residues via acidogenic fermentation as an alternative energy source in ruminant feed. Utilizing the gas production method, rumen digestibility assays were conducted, wherein the recovered VFA effluent from the acidogenic fermentation of apple pomace and potato protein liquor was substituted for 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total mixed ration (TMR) energy. Various parameters such as gas, VFA yield and composition, VFA peak intervals, changes in pH, and ammonium nitrogen content were investigated. Based on the results obtained, provision of 20% and 30% of the energy with VFAs did not increase methane production or did not cause significant pH alternations. Nevertheless, such supplementation resulted in increased production and accumulation of VFAs in the rumen media. The bioconversion of agro-food side streams into VFAs opens a new path in sustainable nutrient recovery and feed production from low value agro-industrial residues.

Graphical Abstract
Determinants of birth registration and certification in Southwest Ethiopia: implication for a new strategy to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Ayele Bizuayehu , Getachew Dawit , Oginni Oreoluwa , Bekele Bayu Begashaw
Published: May 2024

Birth registration is a child's basic legal and social right that grants them presence and security in their lifetime. However, it was initiated very recently, and its magnitude has not been well examined in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude of birth registration of children under two years old in Southwestern Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 689 mothers or caregivers who had children less than 24 months from 15 April 2023 to 05 June 2023. The study was carried out in Bench Sheko Zone, located in the South West Region of Ethiopia. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the factors associated with birth registration. In this study, 26.4%, 95% CI (23.2–29.6%) children were registered for birth. Mothers/caregivers who had a notification about birth registration and certification during pregnancy (AOR = 21.8, 95% CI 11.7–40.9) and information about birth registration after delivery (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.4–11.3) were more likely to register for birth and certification compared to their counterparts while mothers/caregivers who had lower income and poor knowledge were less likely to register for birth and certification of their children. The region's current birth registration rate is low, with only one-fourth of all births registered. Birth notification, information about birth registration, knowledge and income level were all significant predictors of registration. Key strategies such as improving information dissemination, promoting institutional deliveries, empowering economic capacity, and increasing community engagement for improving the current birth registration level are needed to ensure that every child's birth is officially recognized. Subsequently, this will establish a foundation for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Platinum nanoparticles: tiny titans in therapy
Authors: Dutta Shrestha , Hazra Richismita , Kar Aishila , Ghosh Prama , Patra Prasun
Published: May 2024

Nanotechnology is a swiftly expanding domain with significant applications across various disciplines. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) represent a focal point in scientific investigations, drawing considerable research attention due to their potential applicability in diverse fields. Their inherent non-toxicity and remarkable stability confer distinctive plasmonic properties, rendering them particularly valuable in the realm of bioengineering. This review aims to comprehensively assess the ongoing global research landscape pertaining to the synthesis, mimicry, and utilization of PtNPs. The review covers the biosynthesis, as well as chemical and physical synthesis of PtNPs, incorporating both in-vivo and in-vitro experimental analyses. After their synthesis, a range of nanometrological characterization techniques is explored as analytical tools to facilitate the measurement of physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. Additionally, the review delves into recent advancements in the functionalization of PtNPs for biomedical applications, encompassing areas such as nanomedicine, combination therapy, cancer treatment, and antibacterial properties.
Physical methods for preparation of nanomaterials, their characterization and applications: a review
Authors: Al-Harbi Nuha , Abd-Elrahman Nabil K.
Published: May 2024

Nanotechnology refers to nanomaterials of different dimensions, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. Shape and size, as well as properties of nanomaterials, depend on the materials based on their production. Nanomaterials are classified according to the type of substrate into carbon-based nanomaterials, metal-based nanomaterials, ceramic nanomaterials, lipid-based nanomaterials, semiconductor nanomaterials, and polymer nanomaterials. There are many physical methods that are widely used to produce nanomaterials, among these methods are inert gas condensation (IGC), physical evaporation, electric arc discharge, sputtering, and laser methods. Many characterization analysis techniques of nanomaterials, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–V) spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray diffraction), BET (Brunauere emmette teller), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), FTIRS (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) and Zeta size analysis. The unique properties that distinguish nanomaterials, allows them to penetrate many applications that directly serve the world. Nanomaterials have been utilized in various applications in the environment, agriculture, food industries, medical industries, chemical processing, and military industries.
Combatting comorbidity: the promise of schema therapy in substance use disorder treatment
Authors: Talbot Daniel , Harvey Logan , Cohn Victoria , Truscott Melanie
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the bidirectional relationship between trauma and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), emphasising the need for integrated treatment approaches. Trauma exposure, often associated with various psychological disorders, contributes to the high comorbidity observed in SUDs. Early childhood trauma, in particular, is linked to vulnerability in developing SUDs later in life. In response to the challenges of treating SUDs, this paper outlines emerging evidence for schema therapy as a transdiagnostic intervention. Schema therapy, an extension of cognitive behavioural therapy, targets maladaptive schemas and core beliefs by integrating cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques. Schema therapy recognises the role of unmet core emotional needs in the development of early maladaptive schemas, offering a holistic approach to address entrenched psychological patterns. Empirical evidence suggests a significant association between early maladaptive schemas and SUDs, highlighting the potential of schema therapy in addressing substance use. Despite limited research, studies demonstrate promising outcomes, including reductions in SUD severity and symptoms of comorbid conditions. Clinical implications include the integration of trauma screening in SUD assessments, adopting a holistic approach to treatment, and exploring schema therapy as a viable intervention through rigorous research methodologies. Ultimately, this paper highlights that the integration of schema therapy into substance use treatment programs holds promise in revolutionising the approach to SUDs, providing a nuanced and effective therapeutic intervention for individuals seeking lasting recovery and improved quality of life.
Politicising Commodification
Authors: Erne Roland , Stan Sabina , Golden Darragh , Szabó Imre , Maccarrone Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

This book examines the new economic governance (NEG) regime that the EU adopted after 2008. Its novel research design captures the supranational formulation of NEG prescriptions and their uneven deployment across countries (Germany, Italy, Ireland, Romania), policy areas (employment relations, public services), and sectors (transport, water, healthcare). NEG led to a much more vertical mode of EU integration, and its commodification agenda unleashed a plethora of union and social-movement protests, including transnationally. The book presents findings that are crucial for the prospects of European democracy, as labour politics is essential in framing the struggles about the direction of NEG along a commodification–decommodification axis rather than a national–EU axis. To shed light on corresponding processes at EU level, it upscales insights on the historical role that labour movements have played in the development of democracy and welfare states. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Evolution of Authoritarianism and Contentious Action in Russia
Authors: Mamaev Bogdan
Published: May 2024

This Element examines the evolution of authoritarianism in Russia from 2011 to 2023, focusing on its impact on contentious action. It argues that the primary determinant of contention, at both federal and regional levels, is authoritarian innovation characterized by reactive and proactive repression. Drawing on Russian legislation, reports from human rights organizations, media coverage, and a novel dataset of contentious events created from user-generated reports on Twitter using computational techniques, this Element contributes to the understanding of contentious politics in authoritarian regimes, underscoring the role of authoritarianism and its innovative responses in shaping contentious action.
Evidence-Based Physiotherapeutic Interventions Enhancing Hand Dexterity, Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life of Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vasu Deepak Thazhakkattu , Hui Lim Ming , Fong Wei Han , Choong Pui Kuan , Chou Li-Wei
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This systematic review primarily aims to identify the optimal physiotherapeutic intervention to improve hand dexterity in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. The secondary objectives were to identify the hand dexterity physiotherapeutic interventions available for PD patients, and to determine the quality of these interventions.

Review Methods:

Eight electronic databases were systematically searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trial full-text articles using the established search strategy. The primary outcomes of interest were measurements for hand dexterity and activities of daily living (ADL).

Results:

A total of 11 studies comprising 647 participants with PD were included. Most studies had a high risk of performance bias and an unclear risk of selection bias. The intervention training period ranged from a single session to 12 weeks. Compared to their respective control group, eight out of 11 studies revealed significant results in hand dexterity, two out of three studies reported positive effects on ADL, four of seven studies showed significant improvements in upper limb motor performance, and two studies perceived positive benefits in terms of overall quality of life. Five out of 11 studies that recorded the occurrence of adverse events reported no adverse events post-intervention.

Conclusion:

The dearth of evidence made it difficult to support any one intervention as the best intervention when compared to the other PD treatments in upper limb rehabilitation. Regardless, a home-based dexterity rehabilitation programme is still a promising approach to enhance dexterity-related functional abilities.
From Roman Table to Anglo-Saxon Grave: An Archaeological Biography of the Scremby Cup
Authors: Willmott Hugh , Thompson Lenore , Lundy Jasmine , Crichton-Turley Courtenay-Elle
Published: May 2024

The presence of Roman material in early Anglo-Saxon graves in England is well documented, and recent excavations at Scremby in Lincolnshire have revealed a complete copper-alloy enamelled drinking cup in a sixth-century ad female burial. Not only is such a Roman vessel a very rare find, but also its inclusion in an early medieval grave makes it a unique example of the reuse of an antique object in a funerary context. This article presents a typological and metallurgical analysis of the cup and selected comparative examples from England and France are discussed. The context of deposition and the role the cup played as a burial container for animal fat are examined, as are the mechanisms that lay behind the cup's continued life several centuries after its manufacture.
Transcending the fog of war? US military ‘AI’, vision, and the emergent post-scopic regime
Authors: Huelss Hendrik
Published: May 2024

The integration of ‘AI’ technologies into weapon systems introduces a complex dimension to international relations and security, championing technological solutions for enduring warfare challenges, notably enhancing ‘situational awareness’ through advances such as automated ‘vision’. However, the discourse, particularly in Western militaries like that of the United States, often overlooks inherent limitations and issues in AI-based warfare. This paper explores ‘AI’s’ implications for military vision by inter alia scrutinising the US military’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) process. It argues that the US military actively transforms the observation, decision, and action apparatus, progressively substituting human vision and decision-making, leading to a multidimensional de-visualisation. This denotes fundamental changes in human perception, reshaping knowledge, control, and agency dynamics. In conclusion, the paper suggests an imminent era of de-visualisation in the military – a deliberate relinquishment of human control for perceived military efficiency and effectiveness. This marks a transformative shift, urging nuanced consideration of the profound impact of ‘AI’ technologies on warfare dynamics.
L-invariants for cohomological representations of PGL(2) over arbitrary number fields
Authors: Gehrmann Lennart , Pati Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2024

Let

$\pi $

be a cuspidal, cohomological automorphic representation of an inner form G of

$\operatorname {{PGL}}_2$

over a number field F of arbitrary signature. Further, let

$\mathfrak {p}$

be a prime of F such that G is split at

$\mathfrak {p}$

and the local component

$\pi _{\mathfrak {p}}$

of

$\pi $

at

$\mathfrak {p}$

is the Steinberg representation. Assuming that the representation is noncritical at

$\mathfrak {p}$

, we construct automorphic

$\mathcal {L}$

-invariants for the representation

$\pi $

. If the number field F is totally real, we show that these automorphic

$\mathcal {L}$

-invariants agree with the Fontaine–Mazur

$\mathcal {L}$

-invariant of the associated p-adic Galois representation. This generalizes a recent result of Spieß respectively Rosso and the first named author from the case of parallel weight

$2$

to arbitrary cohomological weights.
Volunteering among Older Adults and Effects of Ethnic Minority Status before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Analyses of the CLSA
Authors: O’Dea Eireann , Wister Andrew , Li Lun , Canham Sarah L. , Mitchell Barbara
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges to older adults in Canada, including the ability to volunteer. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the social context surrounding volunteering in Canada, by (a) determining changes in associations between human, social, and cultural capital and volunteering among older adults; and (b) examining the relationship between ethnic minority status and volunteering, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), collected prior to and during the pandemic. This study utilized data from 24,306 CLSA Baseline, Follow-up 1 (FUP1), and COVID-19 Baseline Survey participants (aged 55+). Results confirm a decrease in volunteering during the early stages of the pandemic. Compared to pre-pandemic associations, volunteers during the early stages of the pandemic were more likely to be young–old, male, employed, and not involved in religious activities. Findings provide evidence of pandemic effects on volunteering among older adults in Canada.