bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Interface Stacking and Composition of Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Bilayers on the Solar Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Alfurhud Saber , Saleem Luqman , Samad Abdus , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: February 2024

Janus transition metal dichalcogenides hold great promise for achieving highly efficient solar cells. Therefore, the MoXY and WXY (X, Y = S, Se, Te; X ≠ Y) monolayers are examined using first‐principles calculations to identify candidates with direct bandgap. A systematic analysis in terms of the interface stacking and composition of bilayers constructed of these monolayers is performed. Out of the 40 studied cases, 12 cases exhibit a direct bandgap with type‐II band alignment and therefore are explored in detail. It is discovered that the composition (for the same stacking) can strongly enhance the power conversion efficiency, while the stacking (for the same composition) has minor effects.
Effect of Second Phase on the Tensile Properties of a High‐Mn High‐Al Austenitic Lightweight Steel Processed by Thin‐Strip Casting
Authors: Ji Fengqin , Li Chengning , Song Wenwen , Bleck Wolfgang , Wang Guodong
Published: February 2024

The effects of the second phase on the tensile properties of a high‐Mn high‐Al austenitic lightweight steel processed by thin‐strip casting and subsequently aged at 600 °C for different times are studied. Depending on the aging time, the second phase includes short‐range ordered (SRO) phase, nanosized κ phase, and/or microsized κ phase. At aging time of 1 min, the 2 nm SRO phase precipitates and evolves into 6 nm intragranular κ phase when the time is 60 min, and microsized intergranular κ phases exist at austenite grain boundaries at aging time of 480 min. The precipitation of SRO phase increases the yield strength from 470 to 610 MPa, and the elongation only decreases from 55.9% to 52.1%, with ductile fracture for 380 MJ m−3. Although the precipitation of intragranular κ phase increases the yield strength to 910 MPa, but elongation decreases to 33.4%, there is a mixture of ductile and brittle fracture for 316 MJ m−3. The presence of intergranular κ phase increases the yield strength to 960 MPa, but reduces the elongation to only 3.6% with brittle fracture for 35 MJ m−3. All the second phases reduce strain hardening rate, and SRO has smaller effect.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analytical method for the determination of nitrosamine drug substance‐related impurity in sitagliptin base and salts
Authors: Bessa‐Jambrina Sergio , Marlés‐Torres Anna , Galán‐Rodríguez Cristóbal
Published: February 2024

A reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method is presented for the quantification of the mutagenic impurity 7‐nitroso‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrazine found in three sitagliptin drug substances (sitagliptin base [SG], sitagliptin hydrochloride monohydrate [SG HCl{H}] salt, and sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate [SG P{H}] salt). A simple and highly sensitive method was developed for SG, SG HCl(H) salt, and SG P(H) salt. Sample preparation was adapted to each product considering solubility, sensitivity, and accuracy issues. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity HSS T3 column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of formic acid 0.1% in water combined with methanol. Detection and quantification of the impurity were carried out using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry detection with electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 0.1–0.3 and 10 ppb, respectively. The accuracy and precision of the method were satisfactorily determined with recovery values between 74.1% and 119.4%. Linearity is demonstrated in the range of 10 and 2000 ppb with regression coefficients (R) within the range of 0.9918–0.9972. The method is currently used for the analysis of the mutagenic impurity in the three‐drug substances in the Moehs Group.
Potential of Hydroxypropylated Corn and Sorghum Starch Extrudates as Simultaneous Fat and Casein Mimetics in Analogue Mozzarella Cheese: Insights from Functional, Rheological, Textural, and Sensory Analysis
Authors: Zehra Nusrat , Ali Tahira Mohsin
Published: February 2024

This study demonstrates that inclusion of modified starch extrudates as casein and fat replacers in analogue mozzarella cheese array is a statistically echo loom for hydroxypropylation of sorghum and corn starch extrudates involving lesser number of researches than the predictable approach. The hydroxypropylated starches are prepared by using propylene oxide and are found to have DS values between 0.0083 and 0.153, which complied with food grade limit approved by Codex Alimentarius. Inclusion of native and hydroxypropylated corn and sorghum starch extrudates in analogue cheese results in better melt characteristics as compared to their counterpart control cheese. The storage modulus (Gʹ) and loss modulus (Gʹʹ) of analogue cheese increase with the rising frequency. Hydroxypropylated extrudates (HEx) containing cheese is softer and shows elastic behavior. Replacement of casein and fat with native and hydroxypropylated starch extrudates improves the analogue cheese melt and stretch but this strengthening is at the expense of hardness. Inclusion of native and hydroxypropylated starch extrudates permits easy instantaneous replacement of casein by 15% and fat by 10% in analogue mozzarella cheese. This study provides a theoretical guidance for industrialization of analogue cheese with improved rheology, texture, melt, and stretch.
Rail‐Lane Extraction Based on Cutting‐Edge Deep Neural Networks and Graph‐Based Segmentation
Authors: Yasue Noboru , Futagami Takuya
Published: February 2024

This study aims to enhance the accuracy of rail‐lane extraction, which determines the rail lane and its background at a pixel‐wise level from an ego‐perspective image captured by the front camera of a train. For this purpose, cutting‐edge deep neural network (DNN)‐based semantic segmentation models, MANet and UNet++, were applied. In addition, a method that effectively enlarges the rail lane extracted by DNN‐based segmentation was proposed based on thoroughly analyzing the issues of DNN‐based segmentation. Our experiment, which employed 601 ego‐perspective images, demonstrated that the proposed method using the cutting‐edge DNN‐based segmentation method increased the balanced accuracy by 6.66% compared with the conventionally employed ERFNet in the literature. Further discussions and useful analyses are presented herein. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Polychlorinated biphenyls exposure and type 2 diabetes: Molecular mechanism that causes insulin resistance and islet damage
Authors: Shan Qiuli , Liu Jingyu , Qu Fan , Chen Anhui , He Wenxing
Published: February 2024

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are typical persistent organic pollutants that have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in cohort studies. This review aims to comprehensively assess the molecular mechanisms of PCBs‐induced T2DM. Recent progress has been made in the research of PCBs in liver tissue, adipose tissue, and other tissues. By influencing the function of nuclear receptors, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnancy X receptor (PXR), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), as well as the inflammatory response, PCBs disrupt the balance of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. This is associated with insulin resistance (IR) in the target organ of insulin. Through androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α/β (ERα/β), and pancreato‐duodenal‐homeobox gene‐1 (PDX‐1), PCBs affect the secretion of insulin and increase blood glucose. Thus, this review is a discussion on the relationship between PCBs exposure and the pathogenesis of T2DM. It is hoped to provide basic concepts for diabetes research and disease treatment.
Bringing RAVC history up to date
Authors: Winton Graham
Published: February 2024

Reviewed by historian Graham Winton.
Active allyship: helping everyone to thrive in the workplace
Authors: Whitmore James
Published: February 2024

As LGBT+ History Month kicks off, BVLGBT+ president James Whitmore explains how the whole profession can help foster inclusive workplaces through active allyship.
Production animal residency: my experiences of the RVC's programme
Authors: Fitzsimmonds Hannah
Published: February 2024

Embarking on a veterinary residency in any discipline is a big commitment and here Hannah Fitzsimmonds shares what's involved on the farm side along with tips on how to survive.
Analyzing the nitrogen removal performance and cold adaptation mechanism of immobilized cold‐acclimation ANAMMOX granules at low temperatures
Authors: Zhang Lin‐hua , Zhang Jing , Hu Xiang
Published: February 2024

To improve the treatment performance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) processes at low temperatures, the immobilized cold‐acclimation ANAMMOX granules (R3) were prepared and their low‐temperature nitrogen removal ability as well as the cold adaptation mechanism were analyzed. The results indicated that the total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal efficiency of R3 was significantly higher than that of R2 (cold‐acclimation granules without immobilization) and R1 (common granules), especially at 11 ± 2 and 7 ± 2°C (68% and 54%). These were attributed to the remarkable biomass retention capacity of R3, high up to 4.3–4.9 mg/gVSS even at 5–18°C. Besides, higher protein (PN) content of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB‐EPS) also facilitated microbial aggregation in R3. Meanwhile, R3 granules retained higher ANAMMOX activity and heme c content at 5–25°C. The original dominant ANAMMOX genus (Candidatus Kuenenia) in R3 kept higher abundance (49%–57%) at 23 ± 2 and 16 ± 2°C, whereas Candidatus Brocadia became the dominant ANAMMOX genus (25%–32%) in R3 at 11 ± 2 and 7 ± 2°C. Notably, different ANAMMOX genera in R3 may adapt to cold environment by regulating the expression of cold‐stress proteins (CspA, CspB, PpiD, and UspA).

Practitioner Points

Immobilized cold‐acclimation ANAMMOX granules showed higher nitrogen removal efficiency at 23°C → 5°C.

Immobilization method effectively retained biomass (Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Brocadia).

Immobilization facilitated TB‐EPS release and biological aggregation in cold‐acclimation granules.

Expression of cold‐stress proteins in immobilized cold‐acclimation granules was more active.
Electrode material impact on microbial fuel cell and electro‐Fenton systems for enhanced slaughterhouse wastewater treatment: A comparative study of graphite and titanium
Authors: Mkilima Timoth , Saspugayeva Gulnur , Tussupova Zhazgul , Kaliyeva Gulzhan , Dakieva Kulzipa , Kumarbekuly Sanat , Tungushbayeva Zukhra , Kalelova Gulfat
Published: February 2024

The treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater is a complex task demanding careful consideration due to its challenging nature. Therefore, exploring more sustainable treatment methods for this particular type of wastewater is of utmost significance. This research focused on the impact of electrode materials, specifically graphite and titanium, on the efficiency of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and electro‐Fenton systems in treating slaughterhouse wastewater. Both graphite and titanium electrodes displayed increasing current density trends, with titanium outperforming graphite. Titanium showed superior electron transfer and current generation (2.2 to 21.2 mA/m2), while graphite ranged from 2.4 to 18.9 mA/m2. Titanium consistently exhibited higher power density, indicating better efficiency in converting current to power (0.059 to 22.68 mW/m2), compared to graphite (0.059 to 12.25 mW/m2) over the 48‐h period. In removal efficiency within the MFC system alone, titanium exhibited superior performance over graphite in key parameters, including zinc (45.5% vs. 37.19%), total hardness (39.32% vs. 29.4%), and nitrates (66.87% vs. 55.8%). For the electro‐Fenton system with a graphite electrode, the removal efficiency ranged from 34.1% to 87.5%, with an average efficiency of approximately 56.2%. This variability underscores fluctuations in the efficacy of the graphite electrode across diverse wastewater treatment scenarios. On the other hand, the electro‐Fenton system employing a titanium electrode showed removal efficiency values ranging from 26.53% to 89.99%, with an average efficiency of about 68.4%. The titanium electrode exhibits both a comparatively higher and more consistent removal efficiency across the evaluated scenarios. On the other hand, the integrated system achieved more than 90% removal efficiency from most of the parameters. The study underscores the intricate nature of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches.

Practitioner Points

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) and electro‐Fenton were investigated for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment.

The MFC microbial activity started to decrease after 24 h.

The integrated system achieved up to 99.8% removal efficiency (RE) for total coliform bacteria.

Up to 99.4% of RE was also achieved for total suspended solids (TSS).

The integrated system highly improved RE of the pollutants.
Theoretical Background of Mathematical Statements and Proof
Authors: Damrau Milena
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, the theoretical basis for the conceptualization of understanding generality and proof is built. Thereby, characteristics of mathematical statements and generality are highlighted, particularly elaborating on how mathematical generality differs from generality in other sciences, it is explained how proof is shaped historically by so-called socio-mathematical norms, and different views and characteristics of proof are discussed. Further, this chapter also discusses usages and relations of the terms reasoning, argumentation, and proving, before different types of arguments widely used in mathematics education are introduced.
State of Research
Authors: Damrau Milena
Published: February 2024

This second theoretical chapter provides an overview of the current state of research on students’ understanding of generality of statements and proofs as well as proof-related activities relevant for this thesis. Thereby, the framework on proof-related activities proposed by Mejía Ramos and Inglis (2009) is adapted and used for structuring the discussion of prior research findings.
Derivation of Research Questions
Authors: Damrau Milena
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, the author summarizes research desiderata regarding several proof-related activities based on the previous chapter. She then derives and specifies the research questions of the present thesis and discusses respective hypotheses based on previous research.
A fresh look at the nested soft-collinear subtraction scheme: NNLO QCD corrections to N-gluon final states in $$ q\overline{q} $$ annihilation
Authors: Devoto Federica , Melnikov Kirill , Röntsch Raoul , Signorile-Signorile Chiara , Tagliabue Davide Maria
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We describe how the nested soft-collinear subtraction scheme [1] can be used to compute the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD corrections to the production of an arbitrary number of gluonic jets in hadron collisions. We show that the infrared subtraction terms can be combined into recurring structures that in many cases are simple iterations of those terms known from next-to-leading order. The way that these recurring structures are identified and computed is fairly general, and can be applied to any partonic process. As an example, we explicitly demonstrate the cancellation of all singularities in the fully-differential cross section for the $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

→ X + Ng process at NNLO in QCD. The finite remainder of the NNLO QCD contribution, which arises upon cancellation of all ϵ-poles, is expressed via relatively simple formulas, which can be implemented in a numerical code in a straightforward way. Our approach can be extended to describe arbitrary processes at NNLO in QCD; the largest remaining challenge at this point is the combinatorics of quark and gluon collinear limits.
CAT(0) Spaces of Higher Rank I
Authors: Stadler Stephan
Published: February 2024

A CAT(0) space has rank at least n if every geodesic lies in an n-flat. Ballmann’s Higher Rank Rigidity Conjecture predicts that a CAT(0) space of rank at least 2 with a geometric group action is rigid – isometric to a Riemannian symmetric space, a Euclidean building, or splits as a metric product. This paper is the first in a series motivated by Ballmann’s conjecture. Here we prove that a CAT(0) space of rank at least n≥2 is rigid if it contains a periodic n-flat and its Tits boundary has dimension (n−1). This does not require a geometric group action. The result relies essentially on the study of flats which do not bound flat half-spaces – so-called Morse flats. We show that the Tits boundary ∂TF of a periodic Morse n-flat F contains a regular point – a point with a Tits-neighborhood entirely contained in ∂TF. More precisely, we show that the set of singular points in ∂TF can be covered by finitely many round spheres of positive codimension.
Student advanced trauma management and skills (SATMAS): a validation study
Authors: Kumar Prakrit R. , Large Jamie , Konda Nagarjun , Hashmi Yousuf , Adebayo Oluwasemilore , Sivaraman Meenakshi , Lee Justine J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Despite trauma accounting 9% of global mortality, it has been demonstrated that undergraduate trauma teaching is inadequate nationally and worldwide. With COVID-19 exacerbating this situation, a scalable, accessible, and cost-effective undergraduate trauma teaching is required.

Methods

Our Continual Professional Development United Kingdom (CPUDK)-accredited University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Major Trauma Service (MTS) affiliated programme consisted of seven biweekly pre-recorded sessions that were delivered online through the Moodle educational platform to University of Birmingham students. Pre- and post-randomised session-specific multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and anonymous feedback forms were administered.

Results

There were 489 student responses, with 63 students completing all seven sessions. On an 8-point scale, students’ objective knowledge scores increased by a mean of 1.2 (p < 0.001). Using a 5-point Likert scale, students also showed improvement in subjective outcomes including their confidence in assessing trauma patient (absolute difference (AD) 1.38, p < 0.001), advising initial investigations and formulating initial management plans (AD 1.78, p < 0.001) and thereby their confidence to manage a trauma patient overall (AD 1.98, p < 0.001). A total of 410 student responses endorsed the online delivery of SATMAS through Moodle and recommended SATMAS to future medical students.

Conclusion

SATMAS has demonstrated positive student feedback and extensive recruitment from only one centre, demonstrating that our programme can be an indispensable low-cost learning resource that prepares undergraduate medical students for their trauma exams and informs the implementation of clinical skills required by all doctors. We publish our pilot study findings to encourage similar teaching programmes to be adopted at other universities nationally and internationally, to synergistically benefit students, tutors, and ultimately patients, on a larger scale.
Numerical parameter sensitivity analysis of residual stresses induced by deep rolling for a 34CrNiMo6 steel railway axle
Authors: Pertoll Tobias , Buzzi Christian , Leitner Martin , Boronkai László
Published: February 2024

To optimise the benefits of the deep-rolling process in the service life context of treated components, the process application must be investigated. In addition to the reduction in surface roughness and near-surface material strengthening, compressive residual stresses are introduced, which are primarily responsible for the increase in service life for components, especially in the case of high-strength steel materials. A numerical parameter sensitivity analysis is performed in order to investigate the introduced residual stresses in detail. For this purpose, a validated deep-rolling simulation model is used, which replicates the deep rolling of a railway axle made of the high-strength steel material 34CrNiMo6. The model is based on an elastic-plastic Chaboche material model parameterised on uniaxial tensile and LCF test results and validated with residual stress measurements. Using this model as a basis, the effect of the main process parameters deep-rolling force, feed rate, friction coefficient, number of overruns, tool geometry, and shaft geometry on the resulting residual stress state are investigated. The results reveal that the deep-rolling force has the most significant influence on the introduced residual stress state and should therefore be highlighted. In the case of applying a deep-rolling force of more than 10 kN, maximum compressive residual stresses of around − 1000 MPa are introduced, and a strong saturating behaviour is shown. Maximum compensating tensile residual stresses of + 100 MPa occur below the surface. The main influence of the deep-rolling force is the effective depth achieved, which is determined by the depth of the zero crossing. This varies from 1 mm with an applied force of 2 kN to more than 3.5 mm with 20 kN. Furthermore, the results are analysed to conclude suggestions for the process’s applicability, and a proposal for an optimised deep-rolling treatment is presented. There multiple deep rolling with decreased deep-rolling forces is used to achieve a comparably optimised residual stress state. In summary, with the presented results, a contribution to a deeper understanding of the deep-rolling process can be achieved; the influence of the most important process parameters on the residual stress in-depth profiles is established; an optimisation proposal is presented; and correlations are found. Thus, the base work for further fatigue strength assessments and the optimisation of the deep-rolling process regarding the increase of service is laid.
Semigroup collaborations between elementary operations
Authors: López-Permouth Sergio R. , Nicely Aaron , Zailaee Majed
Published: February 2024

Given two operations $$*$$

∗

and $$\circ $$
∘
on a set S, an operation $$\star $$
⋆
on S is said to be a collaboration between $$*$$

∗

and $$\circ $$
∘
if for all $$a,b \in S$$

a
,
b
∈
S

, $$a \star b$$

a
⋆
b

$$\in \{a *b, a\circ b \}$$

∈
{
a

∗
b
,
a
∘
b
}

. Another term for collaborations is two-option operations. We are interested in learning what associative collaborations of two given operations $$*$$

∗

and $$\circ $$
∘
there may be. We do not require that $$*$$

∗

and $$\circ $$
∘
themselves be associative. For this project, as an initial experiment, we consider Plus-Minus operations (i.e. collaborations between addition and subtraction on an abelian group) and Plus-Times operations (i.e. collaborations between the addition and multiplication operations on a semiring.) Our study of Plus-Minus operations focuses on the additive integers but extends to ordered groups. For Plus Times operations, we make some headway in the case of the semiring of natural numbers. We produce an exhaustive list of associative collaborations between the usual addition and multiplication on the natural numbers $${\mathbb {N}}$$
N
. The Plus-Times operations we found are all examples of a type of construction which we define here and that we call augmentations by multidentities. An augmentation by multidentities combines two separate magmas A and B to create another, A(B), having $$A \sqcup B$$

A
⊔
B

as underlying set, and in such a way that the elements of B act as identities over those of A. Hence, B consists of a sort of multiple identities (explaining the moniker multidentities.) When A and B are both semigroups then so is A(B). Understanding the connection between certain collaborations and augmentation by multidenties removes, in several cases, the need for cumbersome computations to verify associativity. A final section discusses connections between group collaborations and skew braces.
Ventral mesh rectopexy for recurrent rectal prolapse after Altemeier perineal proctosigmoidectomy: feasibility and outcomes
Authors: Schabl Lukas , Hull Tracy , Erozkan Kamil , Alipouriani Ali , Ban Kristen A. , Steele Scott R. , Spivak Anna R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Recurrence of rectal prolapse following the Altemeier procedure is reported with rates up to 40%. The optimal surgical management of recurrences has limited data available. Ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) is a favored procedure for primary rectal prolapse, but its role in managing recurrences after Altemeier is unclear. VMR for recurrent prolapse involves implanting the mesh on the colon, which has a thinner wall, more active peristalsis, no mesorectum, less peritoneum available for covering the mesh, and potential diverticula. These factors can affect mesh-related complications such as erosion, migration, or infection. This study assessed the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of VMR for recurrent rectal prolapse after the Altemeier procedure.

Methods

We queried our prospectively maintained database between 01/01/2008 and 06/30/2022 for patients who had experienced a recurrence of full-thickness rectal prolapse following Altemeier’s perineal proctosigmoidectomy and subsequently underwent ventral mesh rectopexy.

Results

Ten women with a median age of 67 years (range 61) and a median BMI of 27.8 kg/m2 (range 9) were included. Five (50%) had only one Altemeier, and five (50%) had multiple rectal prolapse surgeries, including Altemeier before VMR. No mesh-related complications occurred during a 65-month (range 165) median follow-up period. Three patients (30%) experienced minor postoperative complications unrelated to the mesh. Long-term complications were chronic abdominal pain and incisional hernia in one patient, respectively. One out of five (20%) patients with only one previous prolapse repair had a recurrence, while all patients (100%) with multiple prior repairs recurred.

Conclusion

Mesh implantation on the colon is possible without adverse reactions. However, high recurrence rates in patients with multiple previous surgeries raise doubts about using VMR for secondary or tertiary recurrences.
Exploring CCL11 in breast cancer: unraveling its anticancer potential and immune modulatory effects involving the Akt-S6 signaling
Authors: Chen Xiao , Meng Chenxu , Wang Xinyu , Wu Zanhui , Sun Xinyue , Sun Chenyu , Zheng Lu , Li Wanwan , Jia WenJun , Tang Tong
Published: February 2024

Background

CCL11, a chemokine known for recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME), has an unclear role in the context of its expression, patient prognosis, and the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TILs) in breast cancer.

Methods

The expression of CCL11 in invasive breast cancer (BRCA) was analyzed using TCGA database. Survival curve and Cox regression analysis determined the potential of CCL11 as an independent prognostic indicator. GSEA performed functional analysis on genes related to CCL11. CIBERSORT algorithm quantified the infiltration level of immune cells with varying CCL11 expression. Lastly, the correlation between CCL11 expression and anticancer drug sensitivity was examined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR confirmed CCL11 expression in clinical tissue samples. The anti-tumor efficacy of CCL11 was investigated using CCK-8, plate formation, transwell assay, and Western blot.

Results

CCL11 expression was elevated in BRCA tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was longer in patients with high expression of CCL11. Enrichment and co-expression analyses revealed CCL11's association with numerous immune-related signaling pathways and genes. Validation studies confirmed high CCL11 expression in breast cancer tissues. In vitro experiments substantiated CCL11's anticancer effects in BRCA.

Conclusion

CCL11 expression correlates with immune cell infiltration in breast cancer, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker for BRCA.
Application of waste biomass for the production of biofuels and catalysts: a review
Authors: Quevedo-Amador Ricardo A. , Escalera-Velasco Blanca Paloma , Arias Aida M. Ramírez , Reynel-Ávila Hilda E. , Moreno-Piraján Juan C. , Giraldo Liliana , Bonilla-Petriciolet A.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable development is imperative, and the worldwide energy production must focus on the transition from petroleum derivatives to biomass-based biofuels and bioproducts to achieve a bio-based economy. The global interest in the processing of waste biomass to obtain bio-based products is continuously increasing. However, biorefineries have not yet been consolidated. The effective conversion of biomass components for the generation of value-added biochemicals and biofuels is a determining factor for the economic success of biorefineries. Therefore, exhaustive research has been performed to consolidate the biorefinery industry. This review summarizes the current advances in liquid biofuel production and solid catalysts prepared from waste biomass, as well as their advantages, drawbacks, and statistical data. It offers an extensive perspective, covering conventional methods and cutting-edge techniques such as biochemical and thermochemical biomass conversion technologies (e.g., hydrolysis, fermentation, pyrolysis, and gasification) to produce bioalcohols, biodiesel, renewable diesel, bio-jet, and bio-oil. In addition, the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts using residual biomass and different synthesis routes and their role in biofuel production were analyzed. This review contributes to the analysis of the importance of identifying and valorizing a wide spectrum of raw materials (i.e., urban, forestry, industrial, and agricultural) that have the potential to be used as catalyst precursors and biofuel feedstock. Finally, a techno-economic analysis, the main challenges, and the future scope of the diverse methods used to prepare biofuels and catalysts are discussed. This review examines numerous aspects from biomass to catalysts, thus providing relevant information for researchers, students, policymakers, and industry experts.

Graphical abstract
Maritime decision-makers and cyber security: deck officers’ perception of cyber risks towards IT and OT systems
Authors: Haugli-Sandvik Marie , Lund Mass Soldal , Bjørneseth Frøy Birte
Published: February 2024

Through a quantitative study of deck officers’ cyber risk perceptions towards information (IT) and operational (OT) systems, this paper contributes to substantiate the importance of considering human behaviour within maritime cyber security. Using survey data from 293 deck officers working on offshore vessels, statistical analyses were conducted to measure and predict the participants cyber risk perceptions towards IT and OT systems. Performing a Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant discrepancy in the levels of cyber risk perception between the system categories. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to develop statistical models, considering multiple independent variables, including perceived benefit, cyber security training, experience with cyber-attacks, and trust towards various stakeholders. Key findings revealed distinct results for IT and OT systems, and the regression models varied in both predictive power and significance of the independent variables. Perceived benefit positively predicts deck officers cyber risk perception for both IT and OT systems, while trust, which included measures of social trust and confidence, was not found to be significant. Cyber security training and experience with cyber-attacks only influence deck officers’ perception of cyber risks related to operational technology. Practical implications of this work provide actionable recommendations for the maritime industry, including tailored risk communication tools, training programs, reporting systems, and holistic policies.
Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of sustainable bioenergy production: a review
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Fang Bingbing , Zhang Yubing , Liu Yunfei , Yu Jiacheng , Farghali Mohamed , Rashwan Ahmed K. , Chen Zhonghao , Chen Lin , Ihara Ikko , Rooney David W. , Yap Pow-Seng
Published: February 2024

The global expansion of the bioenergy industry raises concerns, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and sustainable management. To facilitate this, life cycle assessments beyond greenhouse gas emissions and energy balance are essential, along with the standardization of assessment methodologies to enable meaningful comparisons. Here, we review life cycle assessment, chemical aspects, and policy implication of bioenergy production. We discuss life cycle assessment in terms of concepts, methods, impacts, greenhouse gases, land use, water consumption, bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and techno-economic analysis. Chemical aspects comprise reaction processes and means to improve efficiency. Concerning policies, tools, and frameworks that encourage sustainable energy production are presented. We found that carbon dioxide removal ranges from 45 to 99% in various bioenergy processes. The review also emphasizes the importance of chemistry in advancing sustainable bioenergy production for a more sustainable and secure energy future.
An Assessment of Sikh Turban’s Head Protection in Bicycle Incident Scenarios
Authors: Yu Xiancheng , Singh Gurpreet , Kaur Amritvir , Ghajari Mazdak
Published: February 2024

Due to religious tenets, Sikh population wear turbans and are exempted from wearing helmets in several countries. However, the extent of protection provided by turbans against head injuries during head impacts remains untested. One aim of this study was to provide the first-series data of turbans’ protective performance under impact conditions that are representative of real-world bicycle incidents and compare it with the performance of bicycle helmets. Another aim was to suggest potential ways for improving turban’s protective performance. We tested five different turbans, distinguished by two wrapping styles and two fabric materials with a size variation in one of the styles. A Hybrid III headform fitted with the turban was dropped onto a 45 degrees anvil at 6.3 m/s and head accelerations were measured. We found large difference in the performance of different turbans, with up to 59% difference in peak translational acceleration, 85% in peak rotational acceleration, and 45% in peak rotational velocity between the best and worst performing turbans. For the same turban, impact on the left and right sides of the head produced very different head kinematics, showing the effects of turban layering. Compared to unprotected head impacts, turbans considerably reduce head injury metrics. However, turbans produced higher values of peak linear and rotational accelerations in front and left impacts than bicycle helmets, except from one turban which produced lower peak head kinematics values in left impacts. In addition, turbans produced peak rotational velocities comparable with bicycle helmets, except from one turban which produced higher values. The impact locations tested here were covered with thick layers of turbans and they were impacted against flat anvils. Turbans may not provide much protection if impacts occur at regions covered with limited amount of fabric or if the impact is against non-flat anvils, which remain untested. Our analysis shows that turbans can be easily compressed and bottom out creating spikes in the headform’s translational acceleration. In addition, the high friction between the turban and anvil surface leads to higher tangential force generating more rotational motion. Hence, in addition to improving the coverage of the head, particularly in the crown and rear locations, we propose two directions for turban improvement: (i) adding deformable materials within the turban layers to increase the impact duration and reduce the risk of bottoming out; (ii) reducing the friction between turban layers to reduce the transmission of rotational motion to the head. Overall, the study assessed Turbans’ protection in cyclist head collisions, with a vision that the results of this study can guide further necessary improvements for advanced head protection for the Sikh community.
Effect of basket height and stocking density on production of the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla: insights and recommendations
Authors: De Vos Bas C. , Cyrus Mark D. , Bolton John J. , Macey Brett M.
Published: February 2024

Basket height and stocking density are crucial and related factors for successful commercial sea urchin aquaculture, but these factors have not been definitively determined for production of Tripneustes gratilla. This study investigated the effects of varying basket heights (deep 30 cm vs. shallow 15 cm) and stocking densities (4, 6 and 8 kg.m−2 or 13, 19 and 24% coverage of available basket surface area) on aquacultural production of T. gratilla. Contrary to previous suggestions, reduced consumption was identified as the cause of decreased production in deeper baskets. Consumption was significantly higher in shallow baskets than deep baskets for both the fresh seaweed, Ulva lacinulata, (W = 38, p = 0.026) and formulated feed (W = 76.5, p = 0.007). Consequently, baskets of approximately 15 cm deep are recommended to enhance production of T. gratilla and possibly other urchin species. Two subsequent trials assessed production of T. gratilla at different stocking densities. Trial 1 aimed to maximize urchin size over a three-month grow-out period using fresh U. lacinulata, while trial 2 focused on enhancing gonad production over two months using formulated feed. Although greater stocking density significantly reduced the specific growth rates of individual urchin mass in both trials (p < 0.044), there was no significant impact on mortality, net production or gonad size and quality. The variations in growth rates were attributed to spine loss resulting from negative behavioural interactions (F2, 9 = 9.551; p = 0.005). Based on the objectives of both grow-out and gonad-enhancement phases, we recommend a stocking density of approximately 20% coverage.
Traditional Mexican dietary pattern and cancer risk among women of Mexican descent
Authors: Loroña Nicole C. , Santiago-Torres Margarita , Lopez-Pentecost Melissa , Garcia Lorena , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Sun Yangbo , Kroenke Candyce H. , Snetselaar Linda G. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Neuhouser Marian L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To examine the association of a traditional Mexican diet score with risk of total, breast, and colorectal cancer among women of Mexican ethnic descent in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).

Methods

Participants were WHI enrollees who self-identified as being of Mexican descent. Data from food frequency questionnaires self-administered at study baseline were used to calculate the MexD score, with higher scores indicating greater adherence to an a priori-defined traditional Mexican diet (high in dietary fiber, vegetables, and legumes). Incident cancers were self-reported by participants from 1993 to 2020 and adjudicated by trained physicians. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 2,343 Mexican descent women (median baseline age: 59 years), a total of 270 cancers (88 breast, 37 colorectal) occurred during a mean follow-up of 14.4 years. The highest tertile of MexD score was associated with a lower risk of all-cancer incidence (HR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.49–0.91; p-trend: 0.01) and colorectal cancer (HR: 0.38; 95% CI 0.14–0.998; p-trend < 0.05), with each unit increase in the MexD score associated with a 6% lower risk of all-cancer incidence (HR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.88–0.99). There was no statistically significant association with risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Consumption of a traditional Mexican diet was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cancer incidence and colorectal cancer. Confirmation of these findings in future studies is important, given the prevalence of colorectal cancer and a growing U.S. population of women of Mexican descent.
Long-term stability of cellulose membranes in spent deep eutectic solvent used in the recovery of lignin from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Ippolitov Vadim , Anugwom Ikenna , Mänttäri Mika , Kallioinen-Mänttäri Mari
Published: February 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a novel class of solvents that can be used to fractionate biomass compounds. However, their sustainability depends strongly on their recyclability. In previous research, it was seen that membrane filtration with commercial cellulose membranes (RC70PP and Ultracel 5 kDa) might be a solution for purification of spent deep eutectic solvent (DES) that has been used in lignin extraction (Choline Chloride: Lactic Acid 1:10 molar ratio) from woody biomass. This DES is, however, very acidic (pH 1.3), which can have detrimental effects on the longevity of the membrane. In a previous study, the time that the membranes were exposed to the spent DES was relatively short. This study aims to increase knowledge of how cellulose membranes withstand spent DES over longer time periods of up to 8 weeks. The results show that cellulose membranes are quite stable under exposure to spent DES in terms of pure water flux and PEG retention for up to 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, the RC70PP membrane demonstrated an increase in pure water permeability of 45% and a noticeable decrease in PEG retention. Surface characterization revealed, however, that the chemical structure of the cellulose membranes changed already after 2 weeks of exposure prior to any changes in pure water permeability were observed. Experimentally revealed esterification of cellulose membrane by Lactic Acid of DES led to more negative charge of the exposed samples compared to their references. This esterification was accompanied by hydrolysis that removed amorphous parts and increased the crystallinity of the membrane.
Exact-matching algorithms using administrative health claims database equivalence factors for real-world data analysis based on the target trial emulation framework
Authors: Nishioka Yuichi , Morita Emiri , Takeshita Saki , Tamamoto Sakura , Myojin Tomoya , Noda Tatsuya , Imamura Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Real-world data have become increasingly important in medical science and healthcare. A new, effective, and practically feasible statistical design is needed to unlock the potential of real-world data that decision-makers and practitioners can use to meet people’s healthcare needs. In the first half of the study, we validated our proposed new method by simulation, and in the second half, we conducted a clinical study on actual real-world data. We proposed the “Exact Matching Algorithm Using Administrative Health Claims Database Equivalence Factors (AHCDEFs)” using a target trial emulation framework. The simulation trials were conducted 500 times independently, considering the misclassification and chance errors of all variables and competing events of outcome. Two conventional methods, multivariate and propensity score analyses, were compared. Next, we estimated the effect of specific health guidance provided in Japan on the prevention of diabetes onset and medical expenditures. Our proposed novel method for real-world data returns improved estimates and fewer type I errors (the probability of erroneously determining that there is a difference when, in fact, there is no difference) than conventional methods. We quantitatively demonstrated the effectiveness of specific health guidance in Japan in preventing the onset of diabetes and reducing medical expenditures during five years. We proposed a new method for analyzing real-world data and an exact-matching algorithm using AHCDEFs. The larger the number of patients available for analysis, the more the AHCDEFs that can be matched, thereby removing the influence of confounding factors. This method will generate significant evidence when applied to real-world data.
Contentment and Self-acceptance: Wellbeing Beyond Happiness
Authors: Cordaro Daniel T. , Bai Yang , Bradley Christina M. , Zhu Franklyn , Han Rachel , Keltner Dacher , Gatchpazian Arasteh , Zhao Yitong
Published: February 2024

Contentment is an emotion felt when the present situation is perceived to be complete as it is. Six studies are presented showing the difference between contentment and other positive emotions, documenting contentment’s unique relationship with self-acceptance, and exploring the positive associations between contentment and wellbeing. First, we demonstrated that contentment is perceived as different from happiness and other positive emotions using an emotion concept mapping methodology (Study 1), a dimensional analysis (Study 2), and a free-response narrative analysis (Study 3). We then demonstrated that both trait (Study 4 and 5) and state levels (Study 6) of contentment are associated with a sense of self-acceptance, and further related to increased wellbeing. We conclude that contentment is a unique positive emotion that is central to wellbeing and life satisfaction, and we discuss important implications for future research.
ON HARDY-TYPE INEQUALITIES AS AN INTELLECTUAL ADVENTURE FOR 100 YEARS
Authors: Persson Lars-Erik , Samko Natasha
Published: February 2024

We describe some chosen ideas and results for more than 100 years prehistory and history of the remarkable development concerning Hardy-type inequalities. In particular, we present a newer convexity approach, which we believe could partly have changed this development if Hardy had discovered it. In order to emphasize the current very active interest in this subject, we finalize by presenting some examples of the recent results, which we believe have potential not only to be of interest for a broad audience from a historical perspective, but also to be useful in various applications.
A Robust Sequential Recommendation Model Based on Multiple Feedback Behavior Denoising and Trusted Neighbors
Authors: Cai Hongyun , Meng Jie , Yuan Shilin , Ren Jichao
Published: February 2024

At present, most of the personalized sequential recommendations utilize users’ implicit positive feedback (such as clicks) to predict user behavior, ignoring the impact of implicit negative feedback and explicit feedback on the accuracy of recommendation results prediction. In this paper, we propose a robust sequence recommendation model based on multi feedback behavior denoising and trusted neighbors, which utilizes multiple feedback behavior data for feature denoising and considers trusted nearest neighbor information to improve model performance. Firstly, by learning the feature representations and interactions of various types of feedback, explicit feedback is used to map and purify implicit feedback with the same and different attributes, resulting in unbiased user performance. Then, we design a filter attention network to identify highly trusted neighbor information. Finally, we integrate pure user interest representations and trusted nearest neighbor representations to improve the accuracy and robustness of the model. The experimental results on two publicly available datasets show that the proposed sequential recommendation model can achieve superior results to baseline methods in both AUC and RelaImpr.
Managing Potable Water in Southeastern Spain, Los Angeles, and Sydney: Transcontinental Approaches to Overcome Water Scarcity
Authors: Bernabé-Crespo Miguel Borja , Loáiciga Hugo
Published: February 2024

Climate change and the increase of population pose challenges to ensuring suitable water supply in water-scarce regions. This work presents a comparative analysis of the water-supply approaches adopted in Los Angeles, Southeastern Spain, and Sydney. Results show a decrease in per-capita water use in the period 2000–2020, which reflects an improvement in water conservation. Social factors in the domain of hydropolitics and economic efficiency explain the divergence of water policies adopted. The adaptation to water scarcity and growing population in three regions of developed countries located in different continents sheds light on challenges facing the achievement of water security worldwide.