bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Self‐Assembly of 15‐Mer Chimeric α‐Peptide–Oligourea Foldamers toward Cl−‐Selective Ion Channels
Authors: Dutta Chiranjit , Krishnamurthy Pannaga , Su Dandan , Li Jianwei , Yoo Sung Hyun , Collie Gavin W. , Pasco Morgane , Fan Jingsong , Luo Min , Barboiu Mihail , Guichard Gilles , Kini R. Manjunatha , Kumar Prakash
Published: May 2024

Constructing artificial ion channels is a challenging task. Herein, the de novo design of transmembrane ion channels made up of amphiphilic peptide–oligourea chimeric helices is described. They consist of an oligourea segment (7‐mer) attached to the C‐terminus of a short peptide (8‐mer). Mass spectrometry (MS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses show that in an aqueous solution, two of these chimeras (HPU‐E and HPU‐N) independently form defined oligomeric structures. TEM also shows that they form fiber bundles. The third related chimera HPU‐F does not oligomerize (MS) but forms spherical nanostructures (TEM). HPU‐E and HPU‐N exhibit anion transport activity across lipid bilayers via antiport mechanism (HPU‐N > HPU‐E). The anion selectivity of HPU‐N is Cl−>NO3− > Br−>SCN− > I− > AcO−>F−, which can be due to anion binding within the channels rather than size exclusion. Patch‐clamp data support HPU‐N's Cl− selectivity (PCl−/PI− = 3.26). X‐ray crystal structure (1.77 Å) of HPU‐N reveals well‐packed α‐helices, and cryo‐electron microscopy data shows the formation of nanotubes (13.7 Å diameter pores) and transmembrane channels. The study shows that α‐peptide–oligourea‐based de novo design can yield unique bioactive molecules with defined structures and functions.
Effects of Fluorides on NaF Vaporization during Mold Powder Melting by Thermodynamic Equilibrium Calculation
Authors: Li Qiuping , Wen Guanghua , Tang Ping , Xu Yanke
Published: May 2024

Low‐basicity fluorine‐containing mold powder, which forms a porous slag film with NaF pores, is expected to solve the contradiction between heat transfer and lubrication during the continuous casting of peritectic steel. Herein, to study the influences of different fluorine raw materials (NaF, CaF2, and Na3AlF6) on NaF vaporization, thermodynamic calculations are carried out by FactSage 8.1 during mold powder melting from 600 to 1600 °C. The results show that CaF2 is the first producing NaF gas, followed by Na3AlF6 and then NaF as the temperature increases. With the same mass of fluorine addition, NaF produces the highest amount of NaF(g), followed by Na3AlF6 and CaF2. Furthermore, the effects of basicity (%CaO/%SiO2) and Al2O3 contents on NaF vaporization are investigated. Additionally, different fluorine raw materials and Al2O3 components that can form porous slag films at low basicity (from 0.7 to 1.1) are also obtained. Therefore, this work can be used to guide mold powder design for peritectic steel.
Torsional behavior of composite shear walls and load‐bearing sandwich panels: An experimental investigation
Authors: Alcan Haluk Görkem , Aydın Abdulkadir Cüneyt
Published: May 2024

This study aims to experimentally investigate the torsional behavior of acrylic latex polymer and alkali‐resistant glass fiber‐reinforced composite shear walls and load‐bearing sandwich panels. Also, this study was aimed to experimentally examine the changes in the torsional moment capacities, twist angle values, energy dissipation capacities, ductility index, and rigidity of the samples for the presence of the additives added to concrete, size, presence of reinforcement in sandwich panels, and effect of sandwich panels. Within the scope of this work, a control sample, two composite shear walls, and two sandwich panels were produced (1500 × 1200 × 150 mm). While adding 5% acrylic latex to the concrete phase of one of the composite shear wall groups, in the other group, both 5% acrylic latex and 1% alkali‐resistant glass fibers were added to the concrete. While the core structure of the sandwich panel group is reinforced, the other group is produced without reinforcement. A total of 10 samples were loaded out of the plane and a torsional moment is created. As a result of the experiment, the torsional moment, twist angle, and energy dissipation capacities were increased for the samples with acrylic latex and alkali‐resistant glass fiber. While glass fibers increased the ductility index of the test samples, they decreased the stiffness value. Acrylic latex, on the other hand, does not have much effect on the ductility index and stiffness value and increased its energy dissipation capacity. Reinforced sandwich panel samples presented greater torsional moment capacities and stiffnesses compared to composite walls, and less ultimate twist angles and energy dissipation capacities. In addition, although the experimental results of the sandwich panels without reinforcement are lower than the other groups, these also showed load‐bearing capability under the effect of the torsional moment.
Study on seismic performance of reinforced concrete shear wall with diagonally distributed reinforcement
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Yushan , Zhu Wenxing , Wang Haifeng , Liao Huan , Xiao Di , Zhang Ziyang
Published: May 2024

Reinforced concrete shear walls in multistory buildings often undergo the combined action of vertical and horizontal loads, with their failure primarily attributed to localized damage of the concrete at the bottom of edge elements, leading to premature loss of wall functionality. To enhance the performance of shear walls, this study explores the optimization of shear wall design from the perspective of the stress path within the wall, introducing a diagonally distributed reinforcements in shear walls (referred to as DDR shear walls). To investigate the seismic performance of DDR shear walls, we consider the effects of axial compression ratio, the inclination angle of distributed reinforcing bars, reinforcing bar spacing, and shear span ratio. We design 27 shear wall models with various parameter combinations and employ ABAQUS finite element analysis software to simulate the seismic performance. The simulation results reveal that the inclined distribution of reinforcing bars significantly enhances the seismic performance of shear walls. To achieve optimal structural performance, the inclination angle of reinforcing bars should be adjusted for different floor levels, with higher floors requiring a greater angle and lower floors a smaller one. Additionally, increasing the reinforcing bar spacing and altering the shear span ratio will have varying degrees of impact on the seismic performance of shear walls, necessitating rational design adjustments based on specific circumstances. Furthermore, the application of DDR shear walls in prefabricated construction can be considered to optimize construction processes.
Smart Participatory Methodologies for Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Rural Areas
Authors: Grammalidis Nikos , Grammatikopoulou Athina
Published: May 2024

Rural areas encompass an abundance of cultural and natural heritage that offers great potential for attracting tourism. Nevertheless, many of these regions are neglected and deserted, facing many hard problems like limited job opportunities, poverty, low literacy rates, and a lack of basic infrastructures. In order to deal with these problems, we need to boost sustainable development by promoting participatory methodologies, engaging all interested stakeholders (public authorities, tourism organizations, cultural and creative industries, local communities, marginalised social groups, etc.) in novel co-creation of new touristic products and services (including real, digital or hybrid experiences). Using effective local and remote stakeholder engagement strategies as well as by adopting modern ICT technologies for developing high added—social, educational or economic-value products and services is a key element for boosting cultural tourism in such areas. In this paper, we first review recent state of the art practices and methodologies for Sustainable Cultural Tourism (SCT) in rural areas based on participatory approaches and modern ICT technologies. The proposed methodology first brings together all relevant key stakeholders to form hybrid (both real and online) communities (“SCT Innovation Hubs, SCTIHs”). We then formulate a concept for the establishment of a multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral co-creation ecosystem for SCTIHs, based on (a) a participatory platform for consultation, decision-making and business model canvas creation, (b) a set of easy-to-use advanced smart apps/configurators to facilitate co-creation of new engaging hybrid cultural tourism products and services and (c) a digital marketplace to distribute these products, ensuring a fair distribution of profits for the co-creators and facilitating evaluation and identification of best practices. The main contribution of this study is to identify current challenges for SCT in rural areas and attempt to meet them by proposing a bottom-up and inclusive ICT-based methodology for co-design and co-creation.
Examination of Individual Preferences for Safety and Security in Airports. A Choice Modelling Experiment
Authors: Messaritaki Varvara , Stergiou Dimitris , Apostolakis Alexandros , Jaffry Shabbar
Published: May 2024

There is an increasing concern for safety and security in an aviation context, due to heightened terrorism threats and other security scares recently. The paper aims to evaluate the factors affecting visitors’ preferences for alternative policy initiatives in the field of security and safety in an aviation context. The paper makes use of stated choice experiments to evaluate individual preferences. This paper presents the findings from a homogeneous preference specification of a stated preferences discrete choice modelling experiment. The empirical findings indicate that they hold positive and statistically significant preferences for a wider disclosure of security related information, while at the same time; they do not mind longer waiting times in order to go through security checks. This is certainly opposite to our initial hypotheses. Finally, respondents expressed negative and statistically significant preferences for higher prices (security surcharges). In other words, they do not want to pay for higher security and safety measures at an aviation context. The paper offers interesting recommendations to decision-makers, managers and practitioners in the aviation field.
Social Problems and Innovative Solutions: Social Entrepreneurship in Brasov County, Romania
Authors: Gotea Mihaela
Published: May 2024

In a complex world there are various conditions for the generation of a vast palette of social problems, which alter the quality of life for individuals, communities and society. For these problems, the solutions are designed by decisional factors (international, national or local ones) or they are emerging in a bottom-up manner (created by actors in civil society), or a combination of them. This paper aims to explore the linkage between social problems, social innovation and social entrepreneurship, with focus on Romanian context. Social entrepreneurship is a way to find new solutions to complex social problems and a generator of sustainable development of the communities and society at large. Aspects related to the macro-social framework of the social economy in Romania are highlighted. Then, the focus is on a local community, in order to describe some of its challenges and investigate mechanisms to solve these social problems. Using case studies, the paper draws on the experiences of entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs who have succeeded in developing or growing social enterprises. The exploration of their experience intends to clarify what works, and can be seen as a model of good practice.
The Dilemma of Food: Taste or Healthy Choices?
Authors: Farinha Carlos , Avelar Sónia , Tiago Almeida , Borges-Tiago Maria Teresa
Published: May 2024

Individuals have an intricate relationship with food; trying to balance taste, authenticity, and health presents challenges, since each choice carries its own advantages and trade-offs. Tourists face this dilemma more vividly. Thus, this work, prompting a dual research approach using Eurobarometer data and TripAdvisor reviews, tries to unveil the predominant dimensions in consumer decision process. Through a cluster analysis, the data from Eurobarometer allowed unveiling four types of consumer profiles when it comes to food decisions: one centered at the food safety, one at the cost, one at the nutrient content, and the last one, on food taste. These clusters were present in all countries with different weights. Focusing only on restaurant experiences in Portugal shared online, there is a growing trend in referencing sustainability and businesses’ social responsibility besides the quality and taste of food; health and hygiene are also mentioned. Gastronomy holds a crucial position in promoting the sustainable development of local tourism; understanding the needs and desires of tourists in terms of consuming healthy foods is crucial for tourism businesses to address authentic tourism experiences.
Students’ Perception About the Role of Universities’ Online Informal Communication Platforms in Improving the Connections Between Students and Institutions
Authors: Coman Claudiu , Guta Andreea , Bularca Maria-Cristina
Published: May 2024

From a simple channel through which people can communicate at a distance, the Internet has been transformed, evolved and slowly started to dominate different aspects of their lives. In this regard, people in general, and students and universities in particular, began using online platforms for different purposes. The aim of our paper is to examine students’ perception regarding the informal online platforms used in the name of Transilvania University of Brasov, in order to identify the way in which such platforms can influence the collaboration between students and the university. Students’ perception about the Facebook page entitled “Unitbv Crush” -a page created with the purpose of helping students interact and date with each other- were analyzed. A mixed method approach included interviews with 15 top fan students based on the Facebook algorithm of the same university as part of a pilot study and a questionnaire that was applied to 848 students. Results of the research showed that most students thought that the page was created with the purpose of posting fun content and of dating, and that they did not agree with the idea that the page should be administrated by the university. Therefore, the page managed to improve the collaboration between students, but by showing that students did not want for the page to be administrated by the university, the page has little to no influence on improving collaboration between the institution and its students. Universities could benefit from the results of this research, in the case in which they would like to take control over the Crush pages created by students.
Towards natural and realistic E7 GUTs in F-theory
Authors: Li Shing Yan , Taylor Washington
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We consider phenomenological aspects of a natural class of Standard Model-like supersymmetric F-theory vacua realized through flux breaking of rigid E7 gauge factors. Three generations of Standard Model matter are realized in many of these vacua. We further find that many other Standard Model-like features are naturally compatible with these constructions. For example, dimension-4 and 5 terms associated with proton decay are ubiquitously suppressed. Many of these features are due to the group theoretical structure of E7 and associated F-theory geometry. In particular, a set of approximate global symmetries descends from the E7 group, leading to exponential suppression of undesired couplings.
The GPI-anchor biosynthesis pathway is critical for syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and placental development
Authors: Álvarez-Sánchez Andrea , Grinat Johanna , Doria-Borrell Paula , Mellado-López Maravillas , Pedrera-Alcócer Érica , Malenchini Marta , Meseguer Salvador , Hemberger Myriam , Pérez-García Vicente
Published: May 2024

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthetic pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for generating GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), which are translocated to the cell surface and play a vital role in cell signaling and adhesion. This study focuses on two integral components of the GPI pathway, the PIGL and PIGF proteins, and their significance in trophoblast biology. We show that GPI pathway mutations impact on placental development impairing the differentiation of the syncytiotrophoblast (SynT), and especially the SynT-II layer, which is essential for the establishment of the definitive nutrient exchange area within the placental labyrinth. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of Pigl and Pigf in mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) confirms the role of these GPI enzymes in syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. Mechanistically, impaired GPI-AP generation induces an excessive unfolded protein response (UPR) in the ER in mTSCs growing in stem cell conditions, akin to what is observed in human preeclampsia. Upon differentiation, the impairment of the GPI pathway hinders the induction of WNT signaling for early SynT-II development. Remarkably, the transcriptomic profile of Pigl- and Pigf-deficient cells separates human patient placental samples into preeclampsia and control groups, suggesting an involvement of Pigl and Pigf in establishing a preeclamptic gene signature. Our study unveils the pivotal role of GPI biosynthesis in early placentation and uncovers a new preeclampsia gene expression profile associated with mutations in the GPI biosynthesis pathway, providing novel molecular insights into placental development with implications for enhanced patient stratification and timely interventions.
The impact of drought duration on two Potamogeton species with different growth forms
Authors: Daumal Maya M. , Oosterhuis Dian , Verhofstad Michiel J. J. M. , Erkens Roy H. J. , Peeters Edwin T. H. M.
Published: May 2024

When facing new climate extremes, aquatic plant communities may experience more frequent or increasing durations of water shortages. Aquatic macrophytes of permanently inundated habitats (true hydrophytes) may lack the physiological or morphological characteristics that protect terrestrial plants from drying out. Aquatic hydrophytes with floating or emergent leaves are expected to be more resilient to droughts than completely submerged plants, as they have morphological characteristics adapted to air-exposed conditions. Therefore, we expected the latter to survive longer periods of air exposure and perform better with increasing drought than a completely submerged growing species. Here, we conducted a microcosm experiment and exposed two Potamogeton species—the completely submerged growing Potamogeton perfoliatus and the areal leaf producing Potamogeton nodosus—to different drought conditions (1, 5, and 15 days). We aimed to detect how two species with different growth strategies cope with and respond to increasing air exposures with waterlogged sediment. Both species showed a resistance to 1–5 days of drought but showed high mortality after 15 days. They displayed significant differences in all measured morphological responses (shoot length, side shoot, and leaf counts), plant chemistry (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate), and the produced biomass (shoot, root, leaves), and reacted significantly to increasing drought durations. Differences in their resistance were observed based on the mortality rate and morphological responses. To prevent long-term droughts and keep mortality low, we recommend to the water managers to identify areas of risk and increase water levels during dry periods.
Shock index to predict outcomes in patients with trauma following traffic collisions: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liao Te-Kai , Ho Chung-Han , Lin Ying-Jia , Cheng Li-Chin , Huang Hsuan-Yi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Taiwan, which has a rate of high vehicle ownership, faces significant challenges in managing trauma caused by traffic collisions. In Taiwan, traffic collisions contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, with a high incidence of severe bleeding trauma. The shock index (SI) and the modified shock index (MSI) have been proposed as early indicators of hemodynamic instability. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of SI and MSI in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with trauma following traffic collisions.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Chi Mei Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. The comprehensive analysis included 662 patients, with data collected on vital signs and outcomes such as mortality, blood transfusion, emergent surgical intervention (ESI), transarterial embolization (TAE), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Optimal cutoff points for SI and MSI were identified by calculating the Youden index. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess outcomes, adjusting for demographic and injury severity variables.

Results

An SI threshold of 1.11 was associated with an increased risk of mortality, while an SI of 0.84 predicted the need for blood transfusion in the context of traffic collisions. Both SI and MSI demonstrated high predictive power for mortality and blood transfusion, with acceptable accuracy for TAE, ESI, and ICU admission. Logistic regression analyses confirmed the independence of SI and MSI as risk factors for adverse outcomes, thus, providing valuable insights into their clinical utility.

Conclusions

SI and MSI are valuable tools for predicting mortality and blood transfusion needs in patients with trauma due to traffic collisions. These findings advance the quality of care for patients with trauma during their transition from the emergency room to the ICU, facilitating prompt and reliable decision-making processes and improving the care of patients with trauma.
Atrioventricular Area Difference Aids Diastolic Filling in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Johansson Martin , Hedström Erik , Steding-Ehrenborg Katarina , Bhat Misha , Liuba Petru , Arheden Håkan , Sjöberg Pia
Published: May 2024

A hydraulic force aids diastolic filling of the left ventricle (LV) and is proportional to the difference in short-axis area between the left ventricle and atrium; the atrioventricular area difference (AVAD). Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) and pulmonary regurgitation (PR) have reduced LV filling which could lead to a negative AVAD and a hydraulic force impeding diastolic filling. The aim was to assess AVAD and to determine whether the hydraulic force aids or impedes diastolic filling in patients with rToF and PR, compared to controls. Twelve children with rToF (11.5 [9–13] years), 12 pediatric controls (10.5 [9–13] years), 12 adults with rToF (21.5 [19–27] years) and 12 adult controls (24 [21–29] years) were retrospectively included. Cine short-axis images were acquired using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Atrioventricular area difference was calculated as the largest left ventricular short-axis area minus the largest left atrial short-axis area at beginning of diastole and end diastole and indexed to height (AVADi). Children and adults with rToF and PR had higher AVADi (0.3 cm2/m [− 1.3 to 0.8] and − 0.6 [− 1.5 to − 0.2]) at beginning of diastole compared to controls (− 2.7 cm2/m [− 4.9 to − 1.7], p = 0.015) and − 3.3 cm2/m [− 3.8 to − 2.8], p = 0.017). At end diastole AVADi did not differ between patients and controls. Children and adults with rToF and pulmonary regurgitation have an atrioventricular area difference that do not differ from controls and thus a net hydraulic force that contributes to left ventricular diastolic filling, despite a small underfilled left ventricle due to pulmonary regurgitation.
Quantitative evaluation of lesion response heterogeneity for superior prognostication of clinical outcome
Authors: Lokre Ojaswita , Perk Timothy G. , Weisman Amy J. , Govindan Rajkumar Munian , Chen Song , Chen Meijie , Eickhoff Jens , Liu Glenn , Jeraj Robert
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Standardized reporting of treatment response in oncology patients has traditionally relied on methods like RECIST, PERCIST and Deauville score. These endpoints assess only a few lesions, potentially overlooking the response heterogeneity of all disease. This study hypothesizes that comprehensive spatial-temporal evaluation of all individual lesions is necessary for superior prognostication of clinical outcome.

Methods

[18F]FDG PET/CT scans from 241 patients (127 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 114 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)) were retrospectively obtained at baseline and either during chemotherapy or post-chemoradiotherapy. An automated TRAQinform IQ software (AIQ Solutions) analyzed the images, performing quantification of change in regions of interest suspicious of cancer (lesion-ROI). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) models were trained to predict overall survival (OS) with varied sets of quantitative features and lesion-ROI, compared by bootstrapping with C-index and t-tests. The best-fit model was compared to automated versions of previously established methods like RECIST, PERCIST and Deauville score.

Results

Multivariable CoxPH models demonstrated superior prognostic power when trained with features quantifying response heterogeneity in all individual lesion-ROI in DLBCL (C-index = 0.84, p < 0.001) and NSCLC (C-index = 0.71, p < 0.001). Prognostic power significantly deteriorated (p < 0.001) when using subsets of lesion-ROI (C-index = 0.78 and 0.67 for DLBCL and NSCLC, respectively) or excluding response heterogeneity (C-index = 0.67 and 0.70). RECIST, PERCIST, and Deauville score could not significantly associate with OS (C-index < 0.65 and p > 0.1), performing significantly worse than the multivariable models (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Quantitative evaluation of response heterogeneity of all individual lesions is necessary for the superior prognostication of clinical outcome.
Measuring the efficiency of banks using high-performance ensemble technique
Authors: Thabet Huda H. , Darwish Saad M. , Ali Gihan M.
Published: May 2024

The importance of technology and managerial risk management in banks has increased due to the financial crisis. Banks are the most affected since there are so many of them with poor financial standing. Due to this problem, an unstable and inefficient financial system causes economic stagnation in both the banking sector and overall economy. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been used to examine decision-making units (DMUs) performance to enhance efficiency. Currently, with the rapid growth of big data, adding more DMUs will likely require a large amount of memory and CPU time on the computer system, which will be the biggest challenge. As a result, machine learning (ML) approaches have been used to analyze financial institution performance, but many of them have variances in predictions or model stability, making measuring bank efficiency extremely difficult. For this, ensemble learning is commonly used to evaluate the performance of financial institutions in this context. This paper presents a robust super learner ensemble technique for assessing bank efficiency, with four machine learning models serving as base learners. These models are the support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), and AdaBoost classifier (ADA) which represent the base learners and their results utilized to train the meta-learner. The super learner (SL) approach is an extension of the stacking technique, which generates an ensemble based on cross-validation. One important benefit of this cross-validation theory-based technique is that it can overcome the overfitting issue that plagues most other ensemble approaches. When SL and base learners were compared for their forecasting abilities using different statistical standards, the results showed that the SL is superior to the base learners, where different variable combinations were used. The SL had accuracy (ACC) of 0.8636–0.9545 and F1-score (F1) of 0.9143–0.9714, while the basic learners had ACC of 0.5909–0.8182 and F1 of 0.6897–0.9143. So, SL is highly recommended for improving the accuracy of financial data forecasts, even with limited financial data.
From theory to practice: understanding the challenges in the implementation of electrogenerated chemiluminescence for analytical applications
Authors: Giagu Gabriele , Fracassa Alessandro , Fiorani Andrea , Villani Elena , Paolucci Francesco , Valenti Giovanni , Zanut Alessandra
Published: May 2024

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) stands out as a remarkable phenomenon of light emission at electrodes initiated by electrogenerated species in solution. Characterized by its exceptional sensitivity and minimal background optical signals, ECL finds applications across diverse domains, including biosensing, imaging, and various analytical applications. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to the utilization of ECL in analytical applications. Beginning with a brief exposition on the theory at the basis of ECL generation, we elucidate the diverse systems employed to initiate ECL. Furthermore, we delineate the principal systems utilized for ECL generation in analytical contexts, elucidating both advantages and challenges inherent to their use. Additionally, we provide an overview of different electrode materials and novel ECL-based protocols tailored for analytical purposes, with a specific emphasis on biosensing applications.

Graphical abstract
Critical hydrodynamic force levels for efficient removal of oral biofilms in simulated interdental spaces
Authors: Hotic Merima , Ackermann Mario , Bopp Joshua , Hofmann Norbert , Karygianni Lamprini , Paqué Pune Nina
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Sonic toothbrushes generate hydrodynamic shear forces for oral biofilm removal on tooth surfaces, but the effective thresholds for biofilm removal remain unexplored. This in vitro study aimed to investigate various threshold values for hydrodynamic biofilm removal in vitro.

Materials and methods

A specialized test bench was designed with a known water flow field within a gap, ensuring that hydrodynamic shear forces on the wall were solely dependent on the volume flow, which was quantifiable using an integrated flow meter and proven by a computational fluid dynamics simulation. A young 20 h supragingival six-species biofilm was developed on hydroxyapatite disks (∅ 5 mm) and applied into the test bench, subjecting them to ascending force levels ranging from 0 to 135 Pa. The remaining biofilms were quantified using colony forming units (CFU) and subjected to statistical analysis through one-way ANOVA.

Results

Volume flow measures < 0.1 l/s: Error 1% of reading were established with the test bench. Untreated biofilms (0 Pa, no hydrodynamic shear forces) reached 7.7E7 CFU/harvest and differed significantly from all treated biofilm groups. CFU reductions of up to 2.3E6 were detected using 20 Pa, and reductions of two orders of magnitude were reached above wall shear forces of 45 Pa (6.9E5).

Conclusions

Critical hydrodynamic force levels of at least 20 Pa appear to be necessary to have a discernible impact on initial biofilm removal.

Clinical relevance

Pure hydrodynamic forces alone are insufficient for adequate biofilm removal. The addition of antiseptics is essential to penetrate and disrupt hydrodynamically loosened biofilm structures effectively.
Manufacturing synergies in the redesign of multi-business supply chains through linear programming to meet the evolution of demand
Authors: Anich Nicolas , Mateo-Doll Manuel
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, many companies have several plants as a result of acquisitions or mergers, i.e. horizontal integration. A similar situation occurs with groups of companies which maintain their original brands but have centralized their manufacturing operations. This leads to the same kind of product being manufactured in different plants or under different brand names. In the context of a methodology for the redesign of supply chains, this tool evaluates the synergistic manufacturing in the chains and the minimum costs. The presented linear programs analyse how a better assignment of products to plants can be achieved in terms of costs, according to the resources used, while simultaneously improving the synergistic indicators. Two optimization models are proposed: the first, to obtain the best configuration at a given time, and the second, to manage the manufacturing of car models during several years. The case study is set in the automotive sector, using data from a group of companies with several brands. The application shows that the various plants have common resources, and synergies are feasible. This is justified after evaluating the costs, according to the resources needed. The new assignment of car models to plants takes these synergies into account and the new resource requirements are defined, also considering synergies. In the case study the best decisions in cost for some synergy levels in 10 years are determined. The results show that good synergy levels can be achieved with acceptable increases in costs.
Does really educational robotics improve secondary school students’ course motivation, achievement and attitude?
Authors: Selcuk Nuray Akman , Kucuk Sevda , Sisman Burak
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of educational robotics applications in Information Technologies and Software courses on the motivation, attitude towards robotics, and academic achievement of 6th-grade secondary school students. The research employed pre-experimental method encompassing 112 students. Students got training in robotics using the Arduino education kit over the course of eight weeks consisted of programming and electronic concepts. Findings indicate that while students' motivation levels were moderate both before and after the implementation, there was a relative decrease in course motivation scores after the implementation. Students exhibited positive attitudes towards robotics and achieved a good level of success. Additionally, a significant effect of motivation on attitudes towards robotics was observed. Gender was found to have no effects on motivation, attitude, or achievement. It was determined that students held positive attitudes towards robotics and developed favorable views of their robotics skills. The implications are discussed in terms of theoretical insights, practices and directions for further research.
Parenting a Child with a Functionally Univentricular Heart: Mothers’ Experiences of Role and Identity
Authors: Dandy Shannon , Wittkowski Anja , Murray Craig
Published: May 2024

This qualitative study aimed to explore how having a child with a functionally univentricular heart (FUH) affected mothers’ experiences of their parental role and identity. Eight mothers whose children had undergone the Fontan surgical procedure were recruited via social media. Interviews were completed using Microsoft Teams and audio-recorded, then transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) being a “heart mum”, (2) managing competing roles: “you have to wear lots of different hats all at the same time”, with subthemes (a) promoting normality vs. protecting the child and (b) mothering vs. nursing roles, (3) loss and regaining of identity and (4) relinquishing control and letting go of caring roles. Parenting children and young people (CYP) with FUH presented significant challenges to mothers’ parental role and identity, which they managed in various ways. There are implications for health services to support mothers with their psychological wellbeing, managing nursing roles and their child’s transition to adulthood.
POMDP inference and robust solution via deep reinforcement learning: an application to railway optimal maintenance
Authors: Arcieri Giacomo , Hoelzl Cyprien , Schwery Oliver , Straub Daniel , Papakonstantinou Konstantinos G. , Chatzi Eleni
Published: May 2024

Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) can model complex sequential decision-making problems under stochastic and uncertain environments. A main reason hindering their broad adoption in real-world applications is the unavailability of a suitable POMDP model or a simulator thereof. Available solution algorithms, such as Reinforcement Learning (RL), typically benefit from the knowledge of the transition dynamics and the observation generating process, which are often unknown and non-trivial to infer. In this work, we propose a combined framework for inference and robust solution of POMDPs via deep RL. First, all transition and observation model parameters are jointly inferred via Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling of a hidden Markov model, which is conditioned on actions, in order to recover full posterior distributions from the available data. The POMDP with uncertain parameters is then solved via deep RL techniques with the parameter distributions incorporated into the solution via domain randomization, in order to develop solutions that are robust to model uncertainty. As a further contribution, we compare the use of Transformers and long short-term memory networks, which constitute model-free RL solutions and work directly on the observation space, with an approach termed the belief-input method, which works on the belief space by exploiting the learned POMDP model for belief inference. We apply these methods to the real-world problem of optimal maintenance planning for railway assets and compare the results with the current real-life policy. We show that the RL policy learned by the belief-input method is able to outperform the real-life policy by yielding significantly reduced life-cycle costs.
Preparing quantum statistical ensembles using mid-circuit measurements
Authors: Stenger John P. T. , Hellberg C. Stephen , Gunlycke Daniel
Published: May 2024

We explore the relationship between entropy and quantum measurements and present a variational algorithm for preparing statistical ensembles on quantum computers using mid-circuit measurements. This algorithm optimizes both the entropy and variational parameters describing the state to obtain the minimum free energy of quantum systems in thermal equilibrium with some external heat bath. We demonstrate our algorithm on IBM-Q Lagos.
Getting In: Status Stratification and the Pursuit of the Good College Party
Authors: Mears Ashley , Mooney Heather
Published: May 2024

How do social hierarchies emerge from symbolic boundaries? Based on an ethnography of a college party scene, we consider “Who parties with whom” as a way to trace the micro-interactional bases of status stratification. Based on field observations and 60 interviews with college women and men in Boston, USA, we identify two main modes of partying: “crawling” and “climbing.” Crawling is the search for a low-status house party to attend, often leading to subpar experiences in poorly-maintained frat houses. Climbing, in contrast, describes the aspirational movement into superior parties at elite institutions, an experience potentially marked with feelings of shame. Regardless of their frequently bad experiences, students continue to go out with the goal of “getting in,” which we analyze as an exchange of capitals—bodily, cultural, and social—for access to exclusive spaces. The pursuit of college parties, we discovered, forces students to position themselves in hierarchies of desirability, and through this process, they learn to connect wealth, status, and campus affiliation.
Evaluation of different glycerol fed-batch strategies in a lab-scale bioreactor for the improved production of a novel engineered β-fructofuranosidase enzyme in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Coetzee Gerhardt , García-Aparicio María del Prado , Bosman Catharine Elizabeth , van Rensburg Eugéne , Görgens Johann Ferdinand
Published: May 2024

The β-fructofuranosidase enzyme from Aspergillus niger has been extensively used to commercially produce fructooligosaccharides from sucrose. In this study, the native and an engineered version of the β-fructofuranosidase enzyme were expressed in Pichia pastoris under control of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter, and production was evaluated in bioreactors using either dissolved oxygen (DO-stat) or constant feed fed-batch feeding strategies. The DO-stat cultivations produced lower biomass concentrations but this resulted in higher volumetric activity for both strains. The native enzyme produced the highest volumetric enzyme activity for both feeding strategies (20.8% and 13.5% higher than that achieved by the engineered enzyme, for DO-stat and constant feed, respectively). However, the constant feed cultivations produced higher biomass concentrations and higher volumetric productivity for both the native as well as engineered enzymes due to shorter process time requirements (59 h for constant feed and 155 h for DO-stat feed). Despite the DO-stat feeding strategy achieving a higher maximum enzyme activity, the constant feed strategy would be preferred for production of the β-fructofuranosidase enzyme using glycerol due to the many industrial advantages related to its enhanced volumetric enzyme productivity.
Assessment of intracranial aneurysm neck deformation after contour deployment
Authors: Spitz Lena , Korte Jana , Gaidzik Franziska , Larsen Naomi , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

The contour neurovascular system (CNS) is a novel device to treat intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms, with few studies assessing its long-term effects. Particularly its impact on aneurysm morphology has not been explored yet. We present a preliminary study to explore this impact for the first time, focusing on the neck curve and ostium of the aneurysm.

Methods:

We investigated seven aneurysms treated with the CNS to assess ostium deformation after CNS deployment by comparing models extracted from in vivo medical pre-treatment and follow-up scans via morphological analysis. Time between pre- and follow-up scans was ten months on average. Size and shape indices like area, neck diameter, ellipticity index, undulation index, and more were assessed.

Results:

Ostium size was reduced after treatment. On average, ostium area was reduced at a rate of $$-$$
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0.58 (± 4.88) mm2 per year, from 15.52 (± 3.51) mm2 to 13.30 (± 2.27) mm2, and ostium width from 5.01 (± 0.54) mm to 4.49 (± 0.45) mm, with an average reduction of $$-$$
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0.59 (± 0.87) mm. This shrinking positively correlated with time passing. Shape deformation was low, though notably mean ellipticity index was reduced by 0.06 (± 0.15) on average, indicating ostia were less elongated after treatment.

Conclusion:

We interpret the shrinking of the ostium as part of the healing process. Shape changes were found to be small enough to conclude no shape deformation of the ostium from CNS deployment, but the analysis of more cases with more parameters and information is necessary.
Market or Community? An Institutional Logics Interpretation of how MNE Subsidiaries Respond to Mandated Social Innovation in India
Authors: Chu Irene , Sewak Mayank , Trivedi Rohit
Published: May 2024

Despite growing concern in the social innovation (SI) literature about the tackling of grand challenges, our understanding of the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) remains in its infancy. This article examines foreign MNE subsidiaries’ SI investments focusing on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in host countries. Using financial data from large, listed subsidiaries of foreign MNEs operating in India, along with hand-collected data from firms’ disclosures of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity for five years starting in 2015, we utilise the externalities framework propounded by Montiel et al. (2021). This neatly translates the 17 UNSDGS into actionable goals to examine the efforts of foreign MNE subsidiaries in increasing positive externalities as opposed to reducing negative externalities via SI-related investment in host countries. The study also evaluates the effects of the local embeddedness of the foreign MNE subsidiaries on SI investment. We find that MNE subsidiaries tend to favour increasing positive externalities as compared to reducing negative externalities through their SI investments. Also, older subsidiaries tend to prioritize greater investments in SI projects related to reducing negative externalities and subsidiaries with higher MNE ownership tend to reduce investments in SI projects related to increasing positive externalities. We discuss possible interpretations of the exploratory results using the institutional logics perspective and conclude with implications for policy and future research.
The Immune System Is a Complex System: Inflammatory Morbidity and Systemic Racism
Authors: Goosby Bridget J. , Cheadle Jacob E.
Published: May 2024

This article examines the relationship between social inequity and the immune system, emphasizing some of the many ways that systemic racism and other forms of marginalization can undermine health. Of much sociological concern, chronic stressors increase inflammation and consequent susceptibility to health morbidities and, ultimately, mortality by burdening marginalized group members in ways that adversely affect immune regulation and functioning. As with social systems more generally, the immune system is a cross-scale complex system of many regulating, coordinating, and interacting parts, within both itself and the other bodily systems it protects. Along these lines, we thus propose that to properly conceptualize how social conditions undermine immune functioning and health, it is important to consider the immune system beyond its component mechanisms and parts. This view is akin to the way critical race theory proposes that “systemic racism” in the United States is a collaborative arrangement of social structures whose explanatory richness and historical durability can only be fully understood as a gestalt. We therefore seek, where possible, to emphasize the systems nature of the immune system similarly to the sociological insight that society comprises complex systems whose interrelated structures interact in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable ways. We scaffold this discussion within the literature on systemic racism in the United States, emphasizing inflammation as a key marker of immune demand and dysregulation and highlighting some implications for health inequities among marginalized populations more generally.
Toward A Higher Resilience Against Cyberattacks
Authors: Brehmer Martin , Steinherr Vanessa , Stöckl Raphaela
Published: May 2024

Effective information security awareness programs are crucial for building resilience against cyberattacks,
and they are thus, a major part of an organization’s security investments. However, studies reveal that
they are often ineffective and perceived to be burdensome. Thus, we share insights from two new approaches
that are effective in both, building information security awareness and motivating participants to engage
with information security learning content profoundly.
Wie viel Open Data kann es geben?
Authors: März Elena , Guggumos Johann , Wilhelm Sebastian
Published: May 2024

In Zeiten wachsender Datenmengen und eines zunehmenden Interesses an Open Data steht die Frage im
Raum: “Wie viel Offenheit ist möglich?” Zentrale Zielsetzung jeder Veröffentlichung
von Daten als Open Data ist deren Anonymität. Nur dann liegen die Daten außerhalb des Geltungsbereichs
der Datenschutz-Grundverordnung. Die steigende Verfügbarkeit von personenbezogenen Zusatzinformationen
aus öffentlichen Quellen wie sozialen Medien erschweren allerdings die Anonymisierung, weil mit zunehmender
Datenmenge auch die Möglichkeiten einer Verknüpfung von Daten (Data Linkage) zunehmen und damit
auch das Risiko einer möglichen Re-Identifizierung steigt. Die Veröffentlichung von anonymisierten
Daten erfordert daher aufgrund des unumkehrbaren Charakters eine umfassende Analyse der Re-Identifizierungsrisiken.