bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of coping strategies on health–related quality of life in acromegaly patients
Authors: Schock Lisa , Chmielewski Witold X. , Siegel Sonja , Detomas Mario , Deutschbein Timo , Giese Sabrina , Honegger Jürgen , Unger Nicole , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Patients with acromegaly oftentimes exhibit a reduced physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Maladaptive coping styles are associated with poor HRQoL in a number of diseases and patients with pituitary adenomas in general exhibit less effective coping styles than healthy controls. This study aimed to assess coping strategies in acromegaly patients in order to explore leverage points for the improvement of HRQoL.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we administered self-report surveys for coping strategies and HRQoL (Short Form SF-36, Freiburg questionnaire on coping with illness, FKV-LIS) in patients with acromegaly. These were set into relation with a variety of health variables.

Results

About half of the 106 patients (44.3% female) with a mean age of 56.4 ± 1.3 years showed impaired physical and psychological HRQoL on average 11.2 years after the initial diagnosis. Body mass index, age at survey date and concomitant radiotherapy explained 27.8% of the variance of physical HRQoL, while depressive coping added an additional 9.2%. Depressive coping style and trivialization and wishful thinking were pivotal predictors of an impaired psychological HRQoL with a total explained variance of 51.6%, whereas patient health variables did not affect psychological HRQoL.

Conclusion

Our results show that maladaptive coping styles have a substantial negative impact on psychological HRQoL in patients with acromegaly, whereas physical HRQoL is influenced to a lesser extent. Specialized training programs aimed at improving coping strategies could reduce long-term disease burden and increase HRQoL in the affected patients.
The Impacts of Visible Green Spaces on the Mental well-being of University Students
Authors: Bai Yihang , Wang Ruoyu , Yang Linchuan , Ling Yantao , Cao Mengqiu
Published: April 2024

The benefits of green spaces on individuals’ health have been widely acknowledged due to their inherent natural qualities. Currently, university students are experiencing significantly higher levels of mental health problems than other social groups. There is a scarcity of studies examining the association between built environment factors and mental health issues among university students, particularly in the Chinese context. University campuses in China are physically isolated, secluded communities, and in this respect, they differ markedly from the spatial organisation patterns of Western universities. Therefore, this study focuses on the correlation between the extent of green space exposure within closed university campuses and the occurrence of mental health issues among resident students. A deep-learning methodology incorporating streetscape images, remote sensing data, and multilevel linear modelling is employed in order to facilitate a comprehensive analysis. The results demonstrate a negative correlation between green space exposure on campus and the level of mental health issues among university students. Individual socio-demographic characteristics, such as whether a person has a partner, are also found to influence the level of mental health issues that they experience. In addition, a significant relationship is found between travel patterns and mental health issues, with students who walked regularly having a lower incidence of mental health issues than those who drove. Our research indicates that, in order to foster healthier communities and enhance social inclusion, urban planners should prioritise the development of greener campuses and urban transport services to improve accessibility to green spaces.
Giant Solitary Sinonasal Enchondroma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Almanzo Santiago , Saro-Buendía Miguel , Iommi Diez Sara , Bancalari Díaz Catalina , García Piñero Alfonso , Armengot Carceller Miguel
Published: April 2024

Enchondromas, common benign intramedullary cartilaginous tumors, typically arise asymptomatically in metaphysis and diaphysis. We report a case diagnosed and treated for a giant sinonasal enchondroma, an extremely uncommon localization. Few cases have been reported in this location, and additional data is needed to draw conclusions regarding the potential for malignancy.
Doping Existential Despair: Mindful of the Exotic Lure
Authors: Tateo Luca
Published: April 2024

The paper builds on (von Fircks, E. Integr. psych. Behav. Sci. 2023) article on mindfulness meditation analysed in a Meadian perspective. First, the selective appropriation of some concepts by hegemonic psychology is critically discussed. Then, the consequences of adopting the whole philosophical system of Eastern perspectives are envisaged. Finally, a proposal for a truly ecological shift in the study of self is proposed.
Eucalyptus grandis Forestry Residue Valorization: Distinct and Integrated Pretreatment Methods for Enhanced Xylooligosaccharide Production
Authors: Tamayo-Peña Jenniffer Andrea , Tovar Laura Plazas , Pacheco Lívia Caldas Alencar , Gonçalves Adilson Roberto , Franco Telma Texeira
Published: April 2024

Eucalyptus branches and bark represent highly abundant and available feedstocks with great potential for obtaining bio-based products. Distinct and integrated pretreatment fractionation strategies for eucalyptus branches and bark were performed for the efficient production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS). By combining pretreatments, a high yield of XOS was obtained from eucalyptus branches and bark. The branches and bark were presoaked in 8% (w/w) sodium hydroxide at 60 °C for 30 min to provide a deacetylation effect. The residues were then hydrothermally treated. The findings revealed that 4.64% of XOS originated from the bark and 6.19% from eucalyptus branches. It has been demonstrated that xylan may be selectively depolymerized during pretreatment by preventing excessive hydrolysis through the use of deacetylation in the first phase of the process. More XOS was produced using hydrothermal treatment, yielding 8.00% (w/w) in the branches and 5.12% in the bark. A significant amount of XOS with DP 2–5 might be obtained in certain experiments, up to 60%, but the most abundant XOS are usually those with DP > 5 (approximately 80% of all XOS). This work provides new insights into the effective generation of XOS under relatively mild conditions by overcoming the recalcitrant structure of eucalyptus branches and bark, representing a noteworthy advancement towards forestry leftover valorization.
Cultivation of Microalgae in Liquid Digestate to Remove Nutrients and Organic Contaminants
Authors: Sobolewska Ewelina , Borowski Sebastian , Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina
Published: April 2024

The goal of this research was to assess the efficiency of the liquid digestate treatment conducted with algal, environmental isolates illuminated entirely with sunlight. The photobioreactor was exposed to natural conditions and evaluated based on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen compounds, and soluble phosphates. Microalgal and bacterial communities growing during the treatment process were studied. A high removal rate of soluble COD (= 91%) and nutrients (= 86%) was achieved. The average concentrations of nitrogen, phosphates, and COD in the reactor effluent were 95 mgN/L, 49 mg/L, and 735 mg O2/L, respectively. The overall algae-bacteria biomass productivity of 22 mg/L/d, calculated on the total suspended solids (TSS) basis, was recorded. The microbial analysis revealed the dominance of Tetradesmus obliquus followed by Microglena sp. in the first 14 weeks of the experiment. At the end of the experimental run, Chlorella sorokiniana cells appeared as a result of illumination intensity changes. The dominating bacteria belonged to Firmicutes (26.31%), Patescibacteria (17.38%), and Actinobacteriota (14.86%) and could have been responsible for the transformation of nitrogen and oxidation of organic contaminants. The research demonstrated that natural sunlight can successfully be used for efficient liquid digestate treatment with the algae-bacterial community.
Pareto and probability distributions
Authors: Tusset Gianfranco
Published: April 2024

Although familiar with the developments in probability theory of his time, Vilfredo Pareto made little use of this tool in his writings, preferring theoretical constructions based on experimentation and observation. This article attempts to reconstruct Pareto’s overall approach to probability by examining his references to the distribution of income, an economic fact that lends itself to probabilistic investigation. The result of this research shows how Pareto alludes to the application of probability to income and social groups, but leaves the task to his followers.

JEL classification B31, B4, C1.
Long-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage: a nationwide population study from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Park Joonsik , Park Sook-Hyun , Kwon Yu-ra , Yoon So Jin , Lim Joo Hee , Han Jung Ho , Shin Jeong Eun , Eun Ho Seon , Park Min Soo , Lee Soon Min
Published: April 2024

Background

Advancements in neonatal care have increased preterm infant survival but paradoxically raised intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates. This study explores IVH prevalence and long-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Korea over a decade.

Methods

Using Korean National Health Insurance data (NHIS, 2010–2019), we identified 3372 VLBW infants with IVH among 4,129,808 live births. Health-related claims data, encompassing diagnostic codes, diagnostic test costs, and administered procedures were sourced from the NHIS database. The results of the developmental assessments  are categorized into four groups based on standard deviation (SD) scores. Neonatal characteristics and complications were compared among the groups. Logistic regression models were employed to identify significant changes in the incidence of complications and to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for each risk factor associated with mortality and morbidity in IVH. Long-term growth and development were compared between the two groups (years 2010–2013 and 2014–2017).

Results

IVH prevalence was 12% in VLBW and 16% in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Over the past decade, IVH rates increased significantly in ELBW infants (P = 0.0113), while mortality decreased (P = 0.0225). Major improvements in certain neurodevelopmental outcomes and reductions in early morbidities have been observed among VLBW infants with IVH. Ten percent of the population received surgical treatments such as external ventricular drainage (EVD) or a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, with the choice of treatment methods remaining consistent over time. The IVH with surgical intervention group exhibited higher incidences of delayed development, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and growth failure (height, weight, and head circumference) up to 72 months of age (P < 0.0001). Surgical treatments were also significantly associated with abnormal developmental screening test results.

Conclusions

The neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with IVH, especially those subjected to surgical treatments, continue to be a matter of concern. It is imperative to prioritize specialized care for patients receiving surgical treatments and closely monitor their growth and development after discharge to improve developmental prognosis.
Investigating the Impact of Friction Stir Processing on the Hydrogen Embrittlement in AA6082-T6 Heat-Treatable Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Papantoniou Ioannis G. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Manolakos Dimitrios E.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in AA6082-T6 heat-treatable aluminum alloy. The effects of different number of FSP passes and different hydrogen cathodic charging (HCC) conditions on the material’s response to HE are examined through comprehensive mechanical testing, microhardness analysis, and microstructural characterization. The results revealed that FSP leads to a decrease in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and microhardness, accompanied by an increase in energy absorption. The introduction of hydrogen through HCC significantly reduces mechanical properties, particularly in non-FSPed specimens. Notably, specimens with 8 FSP passes exhibit an interesting behavior with a slight increase in energy absorption and microhardness values after HCC. Microstructural analysis shows that FSP refines the microstructure, resulting in enhanced resistance to hydrogen-induced blistering effects. These findings contribute to the understanding of hydrogen embrittlement in FSPed aluminum alloys, providing insights for developing surface-modified materials suited for hydrogen-rich applications.

Graphical Abstract
The Impact of Raw and Composted Food Waste Anaerobic Digestates on Soil Organic Carbon Management: A Pot Study
Authors: Grigatti Marco
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Ever increasing food waste production has promoted anaerobic digestion and composting for its proper management, producing a relevant amount of recycled organic waste (OW) for possible agricultural uses. However, little is known regarding soil carbon management using this type of OW.

Methods

In this study, an anaerobic digestate from the wet digestion of food waste (WETD), and one from the dry-batch process (DRYD), along with their respective composts (WETC and DRYC), were utilized in a pot test over two growing cycles (84 + 84 days), with and without mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization, and were compared with a bio-waste compost (BWC) and a chemical reference (Chem). At the end of the two growth cycles (days 84 and 168), the ryegrass dry biomass (DW) and the N uptake were assessed.

Results

The pot soil was analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC) and the potassium permanganate (KMnO4) oxidizable fraction (CL) as well as δ13C and Δ13C. At day 84, the SOC (g kg− 1) was the highest in DRYD and DRYC (8.53) > WETD and WETC (7.71) = BWC (7.86) > Chem (6.68), and performed similarly at day 168. At day 84, the carbon management index (CMI) was > 100% in all the organic treatments in comparison with Chem, except for WETD. At day 168, a + 30% CMI was registered in WETD and WETC> BWC> DRYD and DRYC> Chem.

Conclusion

This pattern was related to a generally marked δ13C depletion being confirmed by Δ13C, thus indicating the conservation of the carbon form compost, this very likely being related to the preferential lignin accumulation.
Livestock Manure Compost Mixed with Biochar: Efficient Pelleting and Pellet Production Characteristics
Authors: Furuhashi Kenichi , Ueda Kosuke , Hatagami Taiyo , Itoh Takanori , Miyazaki Takaya , Kaizu Yutaka , Imou Kenji
Published: April 2024

Biochar is difficult to make pellets on its own. The pelleting of biochar mixed with livestock manure compost could have the following advantages: (1) use compost as a binder, (2) reduce the moisture content of compost for pelleting by simply mixing without drying, and (3) promote the application of biochar for carbon sequestration by simultaneous application with agricultural machinery for chemical fertilizers while preventing dust pollution and additional work for the farmer. Fertilizer pellets need to be produced in an economical manner. Therefore, we empirically examined the productivity of pelleting using a roller die pellet mill, which is characterized by high throughput and is commonly used in the mass production of multifertilizer and wood pellets. Although a feedstock with 25% biochar mixed with cattle manure compost produced fewer pellets than a feedstock consisting of only compost, the energy input per unit of production remained the same. The results suggest that the addition of biochar may not increase GHG emissions during the production of this new material. Durability and wettability showed similar or higher values in the mixed pellets, indicating that the new material can be used as a fertilizer in the same way as cattle manure pellets.
Effects of sediment-storage dams on suspended sediment transport in the Sera Lake Watershed, northeast Turkey
Authors: Mete Betul , Bayram Adem
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effects of cascade sediment-storage dams (SSDs) on the suspended sediment (SS) transport in the Sera Lake Watershed (northeast Turkey) were investigated. Ten SS monitoring stations from upstream (S01) to downstream (S10) were selected for the study considering the locations of the SSDs and Sera Lake. In a gauging station, where S05 was selected, the water stage monitoring studies were also conducted, and daily discharges and SS loads were computed. The Spearman correlation coefficient between SS and discharges data was computed as 0.592. The deterioration of the naturalness of the watershed with external interventions was effective on this value. While the Sera Lake trapped 33% of the SS transport, this value varied between –25.8 and 44% for SSDs. Although the SSDs have been proportionately succeed in trapping the SS, they have been insufficient in preventing sedimentation and problems caused by sediment transport in the watershed. In addition, the annual average soil erosion amount was determined by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) method in the watershed. According to the RUSLE method, the annual average soil loss of the watershed is 1.65 tons/ha. The SDR value of the watershed was calculated as 0.104. Integrating different environmental management tools to achieve a balanced and sustainable decision, a strategic environmental management plan should be constituted.
Application value of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in cerebral eloquent area glioma surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yuankun , Zhao Songyun , Huang Jin , Zhang Pengpeng , Wang Qi , Chen Zhuwen , Zhu Lingjie , Ji Wei , Cheng Chao
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Surgery for gliomas involving eloquent areas is a very challenging microsurgical procedure. Maximizing both the extent of resection (EOR) and preservation of neurological function have always been the focus of attention. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is widely used in this kind of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IONM in eloquent area glioma surgery.

Methods

Sixty-eight glioma patients who underwent surgical treatment from 2014 to 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study, which focused on eloquent areas. Clinical indicators and IONM data were analysed preoperatively, two weeks after surgery, and at the final follow-up. Logistic regression, Cox regression, and Kaplan‒Meier analyses were performed, and nomograms were then established for predicting prognosis. The diagnostic value of the IONM indicator was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

IONM had no effect on the postoperative outcomes, including EOR, intraoperative bleeding volume, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and neurological function status. However, at the three-month follow-up, the percentage of patients who had deteriorated function in the monitored group was significantly lower than that in the unmonitored group (23.3% vs. 52.6%; P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that IONM was a significant factor in long-term neurological function (OR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.07–0.70). In the survival analysis, long-term neurological deterioration indicated worsened overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A prognostic nomogram was established through Cox regression model analysis, which could predict the probability 3-year survival rate. The concordance index was 0.761 (95% CI 0.734–0.788). The sensitivity and specificity of IONM evoked potential (SSEP and TCeMEP) were 0.875 and 0.909, respectively. In the ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the SSEP and TCeMEP curves was 0.892 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of IONM could improve long-term neurological function, which is closely related to prognosis and can be used as an independent prognostic factor. IONM is practical and widely available for predicting postoperative functional deficits in patients with eloquent area glioma.
The seeds of invasion: a comparison of endophytic seed bacteria of Acacia longifolia between its native and invasive ranges
Authors: Condessa Mónica , Jesus Joana G. , Máguas Cristina , Le Roux Johannes J. , Trindade Helena
Published: April 2024

Acacia longifolia is an aggressive invader in Mediterranean-type ecosystems severely impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The species’ invasiveness has been linked to its ability to thrive in nutrient poor soils, high seed production, and quick establishment after fire. In this study, we identify and compare the bacterial endophytes of A. longifolia seeds collected from populations in the species’ native (Australia) and invasive (Portugal) ranges. For this, we characterised the morphology (length, width, and weight) of seeds from two sites in each range and isolated and cultivated bacteria from seeds. DNA fingerprinting and cluster analyses revealed slightly higher, and distinct, bacterial diversity associated with seeds collected from native range populations in comparison to those collected from invasive populations. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene identified 119 bacterial isolates from 15 genera, with Curtobacterium strains being common in both ranges. Several differences in bacterial genera were found among ranges and sites: Dermacoccus, Frigoribacterium, Kocuria, Pantoea and Phyllobacterium taxa were each unique to seeds from the native populations, while Brevundimonas, Microbacterium, Rhizobium and Sphingomonas taxa were only found in the invasive seeds. The genus Paraburkholderia occurred in all invasive-range seeds but was not isolated from the native-range. Bacillus and Paenibacillus co-occurred in seeds collected from all invaded sites, but the simultaneous presence of both taxa was not found in native-range seeds. We propose that the bacterial endophytes present in invasive-range seeds may be important players for the invasiveness of A. longifolia, due to their role as plant growth promoters, providing extra capabilities helping acacia expansion.
Removal of Staphylococcus aureus using electro-fenton, UV/H2O2, and combination of electro-fenton and UV/H2O2 processes; optimization of operational parameters
Authors: Dokhani Asiyeh , kheirkhah Babak , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood , Rokhbakhsh-Zamin Farokh , Dolatabadi Maryam , Ahmadzadeh Saeid
Published: April 2024

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen of the gram-positive variety, known to cause a range of severe infections including cellulitis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and sepsis. These infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates in both hospital and community settings. Therefore, it is important to remove S. aureus from the aqueous solution. The present study employed response surface methodology as an effective strategy to optimize the removal of S. aureus through the electro-Fenton (EF), UV/H2O2, and combination EF-UV/H2O2 processes. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum removal efficiency in the EF process of 48.5%, UV/H2O2 process of 36.2%, and combination EF-UV/H2O2 process of 100%. The optimum condition for removal efficiency using combination EF-UV/H2O2 process of 100% was attained at S. aureus concentration of 5 × 106 CFU mL−1, current density of 8.0 mA cm−2, H2O2 dosage of 170 µL L−1, and 2 lamps UV during 7.0 min. Both the production of •OH in the EF and UV/H2O2 process and the additive oxidation effect of UV/H2O2 are the main reasons for the better performance of combination EF-UV/H2O2 process. The results indicate that the EF-UV/H2O2 process is highly promising and environmentally sustainable method for treating wastewater samples contaminated with S. aureus.
Assessment of contamination dispersion in a porous aquifer environment using explicit and implicit methods in the MODFLOW–MODPATH model
Authors: Ghandehari Yaser , Nouri Alireza Zamani , Aminnejad Babak
Published: April 2024

This study presents a meticulously edited article that assesses the uncertainty associated with contamination dispersion in a porous aquifer environment. The article employs a conceptual model incorporating finite difference flow modeling and particle tracking methods grounded in particle movement theory within groundwater flow. The groundwater flow model utilizes an automatic calibration technique, PES, and independent verification, to minimize statistical discrepancies in the optimized parameters. The statistical summary of the model output reveals the average pollution concentration in the study area, specifically the landfill aquifer in northern Iran. The results indicate that the initial contamination value at the boundaries is zero, whereas 91,802 units are discharged into the sea. Moreover, approximately 3,317,290,003 pollution units have been extracted from pumping wells along the contamination plume over 10 years. Furthermore, the drainage network releases 1,778,680,001 pollution units, resulting in a net outflow of 5,082,740,007 units from the same drainage network. Additionally, 9,912,180,003 units were discharged from the leaky boundaries. It should be noted that these statistics can be reversed depending on the specified period. The difference between the input and output pollution values in the study area indicates a net accumulation of 8192 units. To analyze the sensitivity of contamination dispersion in the porous aquifer environment and the variations in coastal drainage patterns obtained from the finite difference simulation, the explicit and implicit methods, as well as the random walk particle tracking method, were investigated in a portion of the basin area using the South Side Implicit method. One of the main objectives of this sensitivity analysis is to evaluate the results of the uncalibrated qualitative model and examine the particle dispersion in the adjacent area of the contaminated landfill region to assess the error of the proposed model by developing a limited test. The calculated error or computational difference between the explicit and implicit methods and the applet model is considered negligible. For example, the calculated error between the explicit and backward methods and the applet model ranges from 0.086 to 0.372 units for a concentration interval of 0.512 units and 0.680 units for a time interval 0.537. Therefore, the computational differences are not significant. Furthermore, based on theoretical sensitivity analysis of contamination dispersion, the laboratory model demonstrates that the flow direction in this modeling is from west to east, as expected.
Learning Normative Behaviour Through Automated Theorem Proving
Authors: Neufeld Emery A.
Published: April 2024

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a powerful tool for teaching agents goal-directed behaviour in stochastic environments, and many proposed applications involve adopting societal roles which have ethical, legal, or social norms attached to them. Though multiple approaches exist for teaching RL agents norm-compliant behaviour, there are limitations on what normative systems they can accommodate. In this paper we analyse and improve the techniques proposed for use with the Normative Supervisor (Neufeld, et al., 2021)—a module which uses conclusions gleaned from a defeasible deontic logic theorem prover to restrict the behaviour of RL agents. First, we propose a supplementary technique we call violation counting to broaden the range of normative systems we can learn from, thus covering normative conflicts and contrary-to-duty norms. Additionally, we propose an algorithm for constructing a “normative filter”, a function that can be used to implement the addressed techniques without requiring the theorem prover to be run at each step during training or operation, significantly decreasing the overall computational overhead of using the normative supervisor. In order to demonstrate these contributions, we use a computer game-based case study, and thereafter discuss remaining problems to be solved in the conclusion.
Causes and consequences of tipping points in river delta social–ecological systems
Authors: Cremin Emilie , Ladd Cai J. T. , Balke Thorsten , Banerjee Sumana , Bui Ly H. , Ghosh Tuhin , Large Andy , Thi Van Le Hue , Nguyen Kien V. , Nguyen Lan X. , Nguyen Tanh T. N. , Nguyen Vinh , Pal Indrajit , Szabo Sylvia , Tran Ha , Sebesvari Zita , Khan Shah Alam , Renaud Fabrice G.
Published: April 2024

The sustainability of social–ecological systems within river deltas globally is in question as rapid development and environmental change trigger “negative” or “positive” tipping points depending on actors’ perspectives, e.g. regime shift from abundant sediment deposition to sediment shortage, agricultural sustainability to agricultural collapse or shift from rural to urban land use. Using a systematic review of the literature, we show how cascading effects across anthropogenic, ecological, and geophysical processes have triggered numerous tipping points in the governance, hydrological, and land-use management of the world’s river deltas. Crossing tipping points had both positive and negative effects that generally enhanced economic development to the detriment of the environment. Assessment of deltas that featured prominently in the review revealed how outcomes of tipping points can inform the long-term trajectory of deltas towards sustainability or collapse. Management of key drivers at the delta scale can trigger positive tipping points to place social–ecological systems on a pathway towards sustainable development.
Climate change, cultural continuity and ecological grief: Insights from the Sámi Homeland
Authors: Markkula Inkeri , Turunen Minna , Rikkonen Taru , Rasmus Sirpa , Koski Veina , Welker Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2024

Arctic regions are warming significantly faster than other parts of the globe, leading to changes in snow, ice and weather conditions, ecosystems and local cultures. These changes have brought worry and concern and triggered feelings of loss among Arctic Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Recently, research has started to address emotional and social dimensions of climate change, framed through the concept of ecological grief. In this study, we examine sociocultural impacts of climate change and expressions of ecological grief among members of reindeer herding communities in the Sámi Homeland in Finland. Results indicate that ecological grief is felt in connection to major environmental concerns in the area: changes in winter weather and extreme weather events, Atlantic salmon decline and land use changes, which all have cultural and social consequences. Our results indicate that ecological grief is strongly associated with ecological losses, but also with political decisions regarding natural resource governance.
Cell-mediated nanoparticle delivery systems: towards precision nanomedicine
Authors: Cheng Ruoyu , Wang Shiqi
Published: April 2024

Cell-mediated nanoparticle delivery systems (CMNDDs) utilize cells as carriers to deliver the drug-loaded nanoparticles. Unlike the traditional nanoparticle drug delivery approaches, CMNDDs take the advantages of cell characteristics, such as the homing capabilities of stem cells, inflammatory chemotaxis of neutrophils, prolonged blood circulation of red blood cells, and internalization of macrophages. Subsequently, CMNDDs can easily prolong the blood circulation, cross biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier and the bone marrow–blood barrier, and rapidly arrive at the diseased areas. Such advantageous properties make CMNDDs promising delivery candidates for precision targeting. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in CMNDDs fabrication and biomedical applications. Specifically, ligand-receptor interactions, non-covalent interactions, covalent interactions, and internalization are commonly applied in constructing CMNDDs in vitro. By hitchhiking cells, such as macrophages, red blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets, nanoparticles can be internalized or attached to cells to construct CMNDDs in vivo. Then we highlight the recent application of CMNDDs in treating different diseases, such as cancer, central nervous system disorders, lung diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, with a brief discussion about challenges and future perspectives in the end.

Graphical abstracts
Differential characterization of quadratic surfaces
Authors: Zawalski Bartłomiej
Published: April 2024

Let $$f\in W^{3,1}_{\textrm{loc}}(\Omega )$$

f
∈

W
loc

3
,
1

(
Ω
)

be a function defined on a connected open subset $$\Omega \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

Ω
⊆

R

2

. We will show that its graph is contained in a quadratic surface if and only if f is a weak solution to a certain system of $${3}{\hbox {rd}}$$

3
rd

order partial differential equations unless the Hessian determinant of f is non-positive on the whole $$\Omega $$
Ω
. Moreover, we will prove that the system is in some sense the simplest possible in a wide class of differential equations, which will lead to the classification of all polynomial partial differential equations satisfied by parametrizations of generic quadratic surfaces. Although we will mainly use the tools of linear and commutative algebra, the theorem itself is also somehow related to holomorphic functions.
Group invariant variational principles
Authors: Falcó Javier , Isert Daniel
Published: April 2024

In this paper we introduce a group invariant version of the well-known Ekeland variational principle. To achieve this, we define the concept of convexity with respect to a group and establish a version of the theorem within this framework. Additionally, we present several consequences of the group invariant Ekeland variational principle, including Palais-Smale minimizing sequences, the Brønsted-Rockafellar theorem, and a characterization of the linear and continuous group invariant functionals space. Moreover, we provide an alternative proof of the Bishop-Phelps theorem and proofs for the group-invariant Hahn-Banach separating theorems. Finally, we discuss some implications and applications of these results.
Formulas for p-adic q-integrals including falling-rising factorials, combinatorial sums and special numbers
Authors: Simsek Yilmaz
Published: April 2024

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a novel approach to deriving formulas for thep-adicq-Volkenborn integral including the Volkenborn integral andp-adic fermionic integral. By applying integral equations and these integral formulas to the falling factorials, the rising factorials and binomial coefficients, we derive some various identities, formulas and relations related to several combinatorial sums, well-known special numbers such as the Bernoulli and Euler numbers, the harmonic numbers, the Stirling numbers, the Lah numbers, the Harmonic numbers, the Fubini numbers, the Daehee numbers and the Changhee numbers. Applying these identities and formulas, we give some new combinatorial sums. Finally, by using integral equations, we derive generating functions for new families of special numbers and polynomials. By using generating functions, we give relations between the Lah numbers, the Bernoulli numbers, the Euler numbers and the Laguerre polynomials. We also give further comments and remarks on these functions, numbers and integral formulas related toq-type operators potentially used to solve problems in the areas such as physics, quantum mechanics, quantum systems and the others. In addition, we provide some tables containing some of thep-adic integral formulas obtained in this paper.
The Role of the Spatial Network in Urban Disaster Risk Variations: Reimagining the Notion of Spatial Vulnerability at the Urban Scale
Authors: Del Pinto Monia , Chmutina Ksenia , Palaiologou Falli , Bosher Lee
Published: April 2024

The notion of “spatial vulnerability” is present in most disaster studies with a strong geographical connotation and accordingly is adopted at all scales, including the urban. While enabling mapping and visualizing risk patterns at macroscales, this geocentric foundation fails to capture disaster risk dynamics associated with the urban spatial network—an element that plays a significant role in the everyday and emergency functioning of cities, enabling users’ movement and interaction. Yet, urban vulnerability assessment overlooks this aspect and thus leaves urban disaster risk mechanisms partially unexplored. This study investigated the role of the network of urban public open spaces (UPOS) in the creation and progression of urban disaster risk in earthquake-prone settlements. Through a multimethod approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods and explores spatial configuration, planning policies, and practices of use of UPOS in everyday and emergency scenarios, our study demonstrated that UPOS configuration plays an active role in urban disaster risk. Urban public open spaces impact risk by influencing the exposure of pedestrians and their capacity for self-protection. The study further reconceptualized spatial vulnerability at the urban scale, as the fraction of vulnerability associated to the spatial network, highlighting the interplay of planning policies and spatial practices in its production and progression. Our findings make the notion of spatial vulnerability less ambiguous at the urban scale, by viewing the variable as an imbalance in capacities and exposure that generates spatially unsafe conditions. This refined conceptualization of spatial vulnerability becomes a lens for a more granular approach to urban disaster risk reduction and city planning by identifying and integrating sociospatial considerations.
Sustainable Performance of Recycled Rubber and Mining Waste Utilized for Efficient Rail Infrastructure
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima , Malisetty Rakesh Sai , Arachchige Chathuri , Qi Yujie , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat
Published: April 2024

Utilizing waste byproducts from mining industries and recycled rubber as alternate materials in railway tracks promotes sustainability of transportation infrastructure, while also increasing track longevity by reducing ballast degradation. This paper provides an overview of two such applications including (i) rubber-intermixed ballast stratum (RIBS) by replacing 10% ballast aggregates with granulated rubber particles with the particle sizes carefully selected according to Australian Standards, (ii) synthetic energy absorbing layer using a mixture of steel furnace slag, coal wash and rubber crumbs to replace traditional capping layer. These materials when tested using large-scale triaxial apparatus and field trials proved that tracks with waste materials performed better than the conventional ballasted tracks by reducing ballast breakage and exploiting the higher damping potential of these materials. Though the vertical deformations of the track slightly increased by using these materials albeit within the specified standards, the overall stability improved by reduced dilation and track vibrations. Increasing the life of ballast layer can lead to long-term cost benefits by saving millions of dollars in track maintenance and provide environment benefits through minimizing quarrying of natural rock aggregates and reducing the carbon footprint of mining industries.
Beautiful Gini
Authors: Eliazar Iddo
Published: April 2024

You may very well be familiar with the Gini Coefficient, also known as the Gini index: a quantitative gauge with which socioeconomic inequality is measured, e.g. income disparity and wealth disparity. However, you may not know that the Gini Coefficient is an exquisite mathematical object. Enter this review paper—whose aim is to showcase (some of) the mathematical beauty and riches of the Gini Coefficient. The paper does so, in a completely self-contained manner, by illuminating the Gini Coefficient from various perspectives: Euclidean geometry vs. grid geometry; maxima and minima of random variables; statistical distribution functions; the residual lifetime and the total lifetime of renewal processes; increasing and decreasing failure rates; socioeconomic divergence from perfect equality; and weighted differences of statistical distribution functions. Together, these different perspectives offer a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Gini Coefficient. In turn, a profound understanding of the Gini Coefficient may lead to novel ‘Gini applications’ in science and engineering—such as recently established in the multidisciplinary field of restart research.
Evaluating the Effect of Deposition Strategy on Mechanical Characteristics of 316L Parts Produced by Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition Process
Authors: Piscopo Gabriele , Iuliano Luca
Published: April 2024

The production of large components, the possibility to repair damaged parts and the ability to produce components of multi-graded or functional-graded materials are the main drivers of the research and the application of the Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) process. However, the knowledge of the process and of the relationships among the process parameters and the characteristics of the produced part is currently not completely understood. The aim of this paper is to fill the current gap in the scientific literature related to the effect of the deposition strategy on the part quality. Therefore, the influence of two of the most important parameters, namely the deposition path and the idle time, on the residual stresses and porosity is evaluated on 316L samples produced by the LP-DED process. The obtained results show that both parameters have a high influence on the porosity level and the residual stresses. In particular, it can be seen that a high value of idle time worsens both porosity and residual stresses. Then, it is also observed that the raster deposition path leads to a lower value of stresses.
Semi-empirical model for abrasive particle velocity prediction in abrasive waterjet based on momentum transfer efficiency
Authors: Hwang Hyun-Joong , Cha Yohan , Kang Seok-Jun , Cho Gye-Chun
Published: April 2024

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) is a technology that removes a target material with an abrasive accelerated by ultra-high-pressure water. Recently, its application for rock excavations in civil and geotechnical engineering has increased. AWJ excavation performance is affected by the abrasive velocity formed by momentum transfer during mixing and acceleration. The abrasive velocity varies owing to changes in the abrasive flow rate, focusing tube diameter, and focusing tube length. In this study, the momentum transfer efficiency (MTE) according to the abrasive flow rate and focusing tube geometry was investigated by a numerical analysis to better understand the multiphase flow inside the AWJ system. The MTE was defined based on the theoretical relationship between the abrasive velocity ratio and focusing tube factor, and evaluated through the empirical relationship between the water stiffness and focusing tube length. The optimal abrasive flow rate for generating efficient MTE was approximately 15 g/s, which enabled economical and effective acceleration of abrasive particles. Accordingly, a prediction model based on the derived MTE was developed for the final abrasive velocity generated at the tip of the focusing tube. Using the prediction model, it is possible to evaluate the comprehensive relationship between various AWJ parameters. Based on the prediction model, the abrasive–water flow ratio to generate the optimal abrasive velocity was 0.83. The developed prediction model provides guidelines for selecting the optimal focusing tube geometry and applying an economical abrasive flow rate when designing an AWJ system.
Suicide-preventive compulsory admission is not a proportionate measure – time for clinicians to recognise the associated risks
Authors: Lundahl Antoinette
Published: April 2024

Suicide is considered a global public health issue and compulsory admission is a commonly used measure to prevent suicide. However, the practice has been criticised since several studies indicate that the measure lacks empirical support and may even increase suicide risk. This paper investigates whether the practice has enough empirical support to be considered proportionate. To that end, arguments supporting compulsory admission as a suicide-preventive measure for most suicidal patients are scrutinized. The ethical point of departure is that the expected benefits of compulsory admission should outweigh the potential harms of the measure to be proportionate and defensible. It is concluded that, for most suicidal patients, suicide-preventive compulsory admission cannot be presumed to be a proportionate measure. To be so, the expected medical benefits of the measure should be greater than the potential increase in suicide risk and other harms that compulsory admission could entail. Instead of using compulsory admission as a suicide-preventive measure, extra safety measures may be needed during and after compulsory admission to prevent the risk of hospitalisation-induced suicide.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Determinants of Health Issues of Marginalized Black and Asian Communities: A Social Media Analysis Empowered by Natural Language Processing
Authors: Whitfield Christopher , Liu Yang , Anwar Mohd
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social determinants of health (SDOH) of marginalized racial/ethnic US population groups, specifically African Americans and Asians, by leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) techniques on race-related spatiotemporal social media text data. Specifically, this study establishes the extent to which Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Gibbs Sampling Dirichlet Multinomial Mixture (GSDMM)-based topic modeling determines social determinants of health (SDOH) categories, and how adequately custom named-entity recognition (NER) detects key SDOH factors from a race/ethnicity-related Reddit data corpus.

Methods

In this study, we collected race/ethnicity-specific data from 5 location subreddits including New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; and Houston, TX from March to December 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and from March to December 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic). Next, we applied methods from natural language processing and machine learning to analyze SDOH issues from extracted Reddit comments and conversation threads using feature engineering, topic modeling, and custom named-entity recognition (NER).

Results

Topic modeling identified 35 SDOH-related topics. The SDOH-based custom NER analyses revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted SDOH issues of marginalized Black and Asian communities. On average, the Social and Community Context (SCC) category of SDOH had the highest percent increase (366%) from the pre-pandemic period to the pandemic period across all locations and population groups. Some of the detected SCC issues were racism, protests, arrests, immigration, police brutality, hate crime, white supremacy, and discrimination.

Conclusion

Reddit social media platform can be an alternative source to assess the SDOH issues of marginalized Black and Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By employing NLP/ML techniques such as LDA/GSDMM-based topic modeling and custom NER on a race/ethnicity-specific Reddit corpus, we uncovered various SDOH issues affecting marginalized Black and Asian communities that were significantly worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of conducting this research, we recommend that researchers, healthcare providers, and governments utilize social media and collaboratively formulate responses and policies that will address SDOH issues during public health crises.