bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross case analysis on internal early preparation of stakeholder engagement for infrastructure projects
Authors: Azrin Baharuddin Har Einur , Adillah Ismail Noor Akmal , Adnan Hamimah , Wan Ismail Wan Norizan , Piri Imelda
Published: October 2022

Characterised as uncertain, complex, politically-sensitive, and extensive in nature define a mega infrastructure project which counting multiple stakeholders with various interest. Common problems during construction on stakeholder conflict were due to project stakeholders have different interests. Such problems are reworks, disagreements, cost overruns, lack of communication. As the project getting complex and massive, the importance of stakeholder engagement element in project management process is undeniable. The stakeholders in infrastructure project must be efficiently engaged and need earlier involvement during the pre-construction phase either direct or indirectly. This paper aims to recommend improvement to the initial process in stakeholder engagement in infrastructure which involved the internal preparation of engaging the stakeholder before later stage of consultation take place. Two case studies across New Zealand and Malaysia applies through a comparative qualitative analysis and observations. This research obtained information from project documentation and interviews. Such documents are engagement reports, public engagement report and project documentation. The result from the comparative analysis shows the attributes obtained from two case studies during the initial early preparation process of large/mega infrastructure projects. Lesson learnt derived from these two case studies will adding on the improvement to the stakeholder engagement process for an infrastructure project. The findings provide insight into how the factors of engaging stakeholders and public early and closely, improve transparency of information, and understanding of the design concept would help in improving international early preparation of stakeholder in both projects. The paper provides a point of reference for project owner and project team to assist them in emerging best practices of stakeholder engagement in major infrastructure construction projects.
A Quantitative Study on the Relationship of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation on Job Performance in The Malaysian Public Projects.
Authors: Abd Shukor Ani Saifuza , Rosman Azzri Fazril , Khaderi Shamsida Saidan , Bakri Anis Sazira
Published: October 2022

BIM is a collaborative platform that involves several technologies and tools which transform the construction process from traditional methods into a digital representation. However, the implementation of this technology in Malaysia has faced many issues and challenges, including the productivity and overall project implementation performance. The objective of this research is to determine the relationship of BIM implementation factors on job performance. A total population of 242 professionals which consist of architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors that involved in public project, were chosen using a stratified sampling method and were used as the research sample. Data were collected using the questionnaire method and distributed through Google Form. The research findings from the hierarchical multiple regression found that the four factors studied, namely commitment and knowledge, culture orientation, ICT utilization, and collaborative synergy have a significant positive relationship with job performance. Nonetheless, the research findings are unable to confirm the relationship of the other two variables, which are digital skills and management support. This research has implications for the related theories, professionals in the industry, top management, and other researchers.
Development of Professional Post-graduate Interior Architecture Program for Public University in Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Sarah , Aris Nurul Nabilah , Yaman Rostam , Mustapha Arniatul Aiza
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to present the development of a professional interior architecture program for a post-graduate level at a Public University in Malaysia and fulfil the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. This study aims to instil professional requirements based on the industry stakeholders needs and practices. The methodology used in this study is a content analysis of Accreditation Board requirements, program mapping with MQF 2.0 & future outcomes domain, sustainable development goals, Education 5.0 UiTM and industry survey questionnaires to related stakeholders of industry professionals. The validation of findings was conducted with curriculum experts of the Central Curriculum Committee of the University. The results aim to indicate the requirements stated by policy and act and fulfil the gap between academia and the industry.
Experimental verification of a simulation model of high-speed train aerodynamic impact on railway infrastructure
Authors: Labutin N A , Benin A V , Diachenko L K
Published: October 2022

The article shows the results of an experimental measurement of the air pressure change occurring due to the passing of an electric high-speed train. These data are then used to verify the elaborated simulation model of a high-speed train aerodynamic impact on the infrastructure facilities. According to the outcomes of research, the proposed model is quite reliable and suitable for further application.
The carbon dioxide generation rate from burning of candle and its effect on room ventilation
Authors: Kapalo P , Eštoková A , Voznyak O
Published: October 2022

In construction, the emphasis is currently on high energy efficiency of buildings. A ventilation system ensuring the indoor air quality has a significant share of energy consumption in buildings. Open fire sources, such as gas stoves and candles result in the air pollution in the indoor environment that causes more intensively operation of ventilation systems. The aim of this research is to quantify the pollutants arising from the burning of a randomly selected wax candle that commonly is used in households. Experimental measurements were performed with a special regard to carbon dioxide (CO2) production. The weight loss of the wax during the burning of the candle was has been measured and subsequently the production of CO2 was estimated using a chemical formula. Based on the amount of CO2 produced, the intensity of air exchange using ventilation system has been calculated to achieve the required quality of the indoor environment. The calculated air volume flow rate required to remove the pollutants generated during the burning of the candle is in this case approximately 54% of the air volume flow required per one person.
Long term accumulation of heat energy from the sun
Authors: Gorás M , Domanický J , Vranay F
Published: October 2022

The source of hot water production for the investigated storage tanks are solar collectors. Solar collectors provide recharging of underground storage tanks all year round. Due to the large active area of solar collectors - 225 m2, there are also large tanks for long-term accumulation. Accumulation tanks are in 3 sizes with a total volume of 160 m3. With regard to the size of the tanks, the mode is switched between the tanks according to the season. The tanks are made of a reinforced concrete packaging structure and are stored under the terrain of the Center of Research anf Innovation in Construction (CVIS laboratory).
Experimental determination of dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete with ultrasonic pulse velocity method and ultrasonic pulse echo method
Authors: Ivanchev I
Published: October 2022

In this article are presented the author's experimental studies for determining the dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete in tests of reinforced concrete beams at the age of concrete 1926 days. For two years the reinforced concrete elements were indoors, and for the next more than three years they were left outdoors, exposed to external atmospheric influences. The results of the measured velocities of P-longitudinal and S-transverse waves generated by piezoelectric transducers are presented. The research used a combination of two modern non-destructive methods in the study of concrete - ultrasonic pulse velocity and ultrasonic pulse echo. The dynamic Poisson's ratio and the dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete are determined on the basis of the measured velocities of the longitudinal and transverse waves. The measurements were made respectively by means of portable instruments Proceq Tico and Pundit Live Array Pro of the company Proceq. The obtained results are compared with the theoretically calculated modulus of elasticity according to BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2015.
Design and Evaluation of Building Structures Planned for Harsh Conditions
Authors: Katunský D , Dolníková E , Lopušniak M , Vertaľ M , Baroš T , Hutkai K , Jaroš P , Kabošová L , Katunská J , Karla V , Zozulák M
Published: October 2022

The paper describes a scientific project that is solved at the authors' workplace. The scope of the project is the analysis and experimental research of fragments and details of building envelope structures designed for demanding conditions. It will be a question of determining the physical properties (thermal, humidity, energy, aerodynamic, light and other) of building structures and the internal environment of buildings, for demanding conditions. In this case, it is the conditions in the design process - the assumption of environmental conditions (climatic conditions of the exterior, conditions of the interior, such as humidity), or the effect of other conditions in the implementation and use of the building. Measurements will be performed in buildings (in situ) and in experimental conditions in the laboratory. After verifying the boundary conditions, the tools leading to virtual reality will be used in the compilation of experimental models with the help of simulation programs for the effects of individual influences. The task of the project is to analyze these influences and solve them in mutual cooperation, i.e. in the interconnection and action of individual influences (heat, light, energy and others).
Evaluation of daylight comfort in industrial building
Authors: Dolnikova E , Katunsky D , Lopusniak M
Published: October 2022

Industrial halls have a very high energy consumption due to existing production processes, heating, cooling, lighting. To reduce energy consumption, it is necessary to make a number of technical modifications to the structure itself, or the interior. The industrial sector is one of the largest consumers of energy. One way to save energy is to take advantage of daylight. Natural daylight is an important part of our daily lives at home and at work. Providing natural daylight to the work environment is essential for the personal well-being, work efficiency and safety of the users of this environment. This paper deals with the evaluation of visual comfort in an industrial hall. Visual well-being is assessed on the basis of physical calculations. These were implemented by the RADIANCE simulation program. The lighting calculation was performed for both the cloudy sky and the clear sky. The program also qualified and quantified the brightness distribution. Potential sources of glare have also been identified.
Renewable energy in a dense urban fabric: solar gain estimation in the case of a turn of the century district
Authors: Sugár V , Fáczányi Zs
Published: October 2022

Buildings are responsible for significant amount of energy consumption. The new constructions already obliged to use decreased amount of energy, but the older buildings are ineffective compared to them. The new building energetic prescriptions in force since 2021 in Hungary require considerable share of renewable energy produced on-site. In case of a densely built urban fabric, the above renewable ratio can mostly be reached by using solar technologies. The author surveys the solar characteristics of a Budapest downtown area. Considerable ratio of the stock is residential, traditional apartment house type built around the turn of the 19th-20th century. The retrofit solutions and renewable power generation are restricted by the dense fabric and the heritage protection rules as well. In present paper the estimation of solar energy potential of the above characteristic building type is introduced. The European Union conform Hungarian calculations used system is used to define the values. The methodology contains 3D modelling and irradiation software simulation. As result, the connection between the footprint and irradiation data of the characteristic heritage buildings are introduced, as well as the solar power generation potential of the building type in question. Also, the heritage protection compatibility of the solar systems are studied.
Studying the potential microbial risk of construction cementitious materials in the urban environment
Authors: Hološová M , Eštoková A , Luptáková A
Published: October 2022

The presented work aimed at analysis of elements in the soil and cementitious materials from the selected locations to study the presence of various microorganisms on the surface of buildings. The methodology of the sampling was focused on the interface of the construction containing cement and the soil around the construction in foundation. The chemical analysis by performing X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed leaching of the element cations of the clinkers. During the carrying out the investigation of the soil, the results additionally showed exceeded limited values of some of the metals elements in the soil which is considered as an environment burden. Moreover, in this research some of the cultivated microorganisms swabbed from the surfaces of the buildings from 14 selected locations are mentioned. These outputs gradually generate the image of the environmental conditions for cementitious materials of selected location in Košice.
Thermodynamic Aspects of Viscoelastic Materials’ Linear and Nonlinear Behavior
Authors: Minárová M , Tvrdá K
Published: October 2022

Materials that exhibit neither purely elastic nor purely viscous behavior, are dealt by viscoelasticity theory. Therein, each material is represented by a viscoelastic model. In this paper a viscoelastic exploration is dealt, focused to the quantification of energy acting during the load – response processes of viscoelastic material. In line with thermodynamic principles, nonnegativity of dissipated energy is supposed within the process, whereby the only reason of energy dissipation is the dashpot, i.e. the viscous member of viscoelastic matter present in the model. The assumption of potential energy storing by and only by the elastic member is taken into account at the same time. Each time we refer a model, the material matching with the model is meant. This work is a continuation, the enhancement of previous research of authors where particular investigations in this field were focused.
Natural vibration of a membrane hypar in a steel frame
Authors: Stulerova L , Kapolka L , Kmet S
Published: October 2022

This paper deals with a subject of a natural vibration. Modal analysis was performed on a simple membrane structure. Examined model is prepared in FEM software Dlubal. The membrane structure has geometry of a hyperbolic paraboloid or so called hypar. This membrane is basically a technical textile with no bending stiffness so therefore to carry different types of external loads it needs to be pre-stressed. This stress is provided by the edge ropes located in the sleeves around the circumference of the membrane. Stated construction is anchored by 2 anchor rods and 2 actuators to the steel frame which is supported with hinged sliding supports. Natural analysis with an add-on module RF DYNAM Pro was performed. The results of the natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained which represents first phase of a complex dynamic analysis.
Nonvisual aspects of daylight in the built environment
Authors: Hraška Jozef
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates melanopic equivalent daylight vertical and horizontal illuminances within an indoor space as a metric for the nonvisual effects of its lighting. The article is based on the findings of photobiological research and the recommendations of several institutions for the threshold values of melanopic illuminance at the eyes of users of indoor spaces, which is sufficient for the proper functioning of the circadian system. This study uses a computer workplace as an environment to investigate experimentally the applicability of melanopic daylight metrics for the practical evaluation of the circadian potential of the indoor daylight environment. The article points out a number of problems associated with the practical evaluation of vertical melanopic daylight illuminance in a specific space. The paper also outlines practical guidelines for designing facades and color treatment of building surfaces in terms of their circadian potential.
Analysis of stress concentration at the edge of hole in plates with different widths by using FEM
Authors: Safaei B , Pezeshki Z , Kotrasova K , Kormanikova E
Published: October 2022

The aim of this work was to investigate the concentration of stress due to circular cut out in sheets under tensile loads. Geometrical changes and loading create stress concentration. Under this condition, stress has increased in the regions of geometrical changes and if its value exceeds yield stress, the material fails in these regions. In this work, the distribution of stress in sheets with circular cut out was numerically investigated to study stress concentration at the edge of hole and the obtained results were compared with analytical solutions. In addition, relationships among stress concentration factors and relative dimensions of hole were determined using the equations acquired from elasticity theory. It is worth mentioning that the obtained results proved the validity of numerical analysis of all parameters by ANSYS.
Benefits of BIM models and mixed reality in the implementation phase of construction projects
Authors: Čabala J , Kozlovská M , Struková Z , Tažíková A
Published: October 2022

The current trend based on the current needs of construction industry points to the increasing application of digital technologies in construction projects. Nowadays, digital technologies are becoming an essential part of construction in the phase of preparation and implementation of construction projects. Probably the greatest progress in the use of digital technologies is seen in the development of a virtual object data model of the building. The main advantages of this trend can be presented by the use of BIM technology, thus an information model of building, where other information attributes are assigned to the geometric model itself. The model created in this way has great information potential in the process of planning and preparation of construction, but also during its implementation. The technology of mixed reality (MR) has recently been added to the BIM technology, which significantly contributes to the expansion of workers' knowledge and at the same time has the potential to reveal the shortcomings that have arisen during the construction. The paper offers solutions of the possible use of BIM technology and mixed reality as tools to support the implementation of construction projects. These technologies were applied to the construction project Bastion Office Center in Košice - an administrative building.
Numerical simulations for time-dependent corrosion surface of unpainted structural steel plates using spatio-temporal data
Authors: Jiang F , Hirohata M
Published: October 2022

Structural failure due to corrosion of steel members is a long-term process. A method to precisely simulate the development of corrosion on steel surfaces is of great significance. In this study, 9 specimens of unpainted steel plates, SM400A were used for the experiments. The experiments were conducted under artificial seawater corrosive environments to accelerate the corrosion process. The corrosion depth data of each unpainted steel plate for the spatial statistical analysis was measured by a laser focus measuring system when the accelerated corrosion experiments of 28, 84, and 168 days. Semivariogram was used in this spatial statistical analysis to research the spatial autocorrelation structures of the corrosion surface. By using this and the technique of ordinary kriging, the method to simulate the spatial features of corrosion surface was proposed. The results of the simulation indicated that the corrosion depth and surface topography of corrosion surfaces were highly consistent with the experiments. In addition, a prediction method for time-dependent corrosion surface was proposed by investigating the relationship between the spatial autocorrelation structures and their time-dependence data.
Finite amplitude electro-thermo convection in a cubic box
Authors: Peng Yu-xing , Liu Qiang , Li Zhong-xian , Wu Jian
Published: October 2022

Three-dimensional electro-thermo-hydrodynamic (ETHD) flows of dielectric fluids driven by simultaneous Coulomb and buoyancy forces in a cubic box is numerically studied. The set of coupled equations associated with the ETHD phenomena are solved with the finite volume method. The code is first validated by comparing the numerically obtained linear critical values of the pure electro-convection and thermal convection with the previous studies. Then the neutral stability curve of the system is given and the finite amplitude instability thresholds with different Rayleigh numbers (

Ra

) are presented. It is found that along the neutral stability curve, the flow strength becomes weaker with the increase of

Ra

and the decrease of electric Rayleigh number (T). Besides, the gap between the linear and nonlinear critical values expressed in terms of T decreases with the increase of

Ra

. Primarily, the distributions of charge density, temperature and velocity fields with different governing parameters near neutral stability curve are presented. The temperature and charge density profiles near the linear and nonlinear critical values are given, showing that higher T results in wider charge void region and shorter distance between the charge void region’s lower boundary and injection electrode. Finally, the symmetries of the flow patterns along the neutral stability curve are also discussed briefly.
Experimental observation of enhanced reverse saturable absorption in Bi
2
Se
3 nanoplates doped PMMA thin film
Authors: Mondal Partha , Choubey Priyanka , Gupta Anu , Wan Meher , Massoud Yehia
Published: October 2022

By employing the ultrafast Z-scan technique, we characterize the nonlinear absorption property of PMMA/Bismuth Selenide (Bi
2
Se
3) composite with varying concentrations. We report the fabrication of bismuth selenide (Bi
2
Se
3) nanoplate (topological insulator (TI)) doped poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin film with varying doping concentrations. The effect of Bi
2
Se
3 on structural and linear properties of PMMA thin film has been investigated through UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping techniques. Furthermore, the nonlinear optical absorption property of PMMA and PMMA/Bi
2
Se
3 composites have been performed employing a single beam open aperture z-scan technique under femtosecond laser excitation at 750 nm. The z-scan results exhibit an enhancement of reverse saturable absorption (RSA) property with an increased nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) of the PMMA/Bi
2
Se
3 composites compared to pure PMMA measured with intensity at 320 GW cm−2. The RSA response gets enhanced with the increase in doping concentration also. Our experimental observations reveal that PMMA/Bi
2
Se
3 composite can provide a promising platform to realize photonic devices such as optical limiters, optical switches, and efficient protectors from high power sources.
Mechanical behaviors of a novel auxetic honeycomb characterized by re-entrant combined-wall hierarchical substructures
Authors: Zhou Yang , Pan Yi , Chen Lin , Gao Qiang , Sun Beibei
Published: October 2022

The current focus of the metamaterials is to further improve their performance by the unit cell innovation, while for the auxetic metamaterials, the compromise between the mechanical properties and auxetic effect still needs more efforts. Given this issue, here we developed a novel auxetic honeycomb, named re-entrant combined-wall (RCW) honeycomb, by introducing four hierarchical substructures to the RE cell. Analytical expressions were derived and used to study the in-plane elastic constants of the RCW honeycomb, which were well confirmed by the established finite element model. Further, we investigated its crushing behaviors under large deformation by the explicit numerical method, and the quasi-static crushing experiments were also carried out by the 3D-printed specimens. Results show that the properties of the proposed RCW honeycomb have a high degree of orthogonality and tunability. Compared with the traditional RE honeycomb, the Young’s modulus of the RCW honeycomb in the y direction increases by more than 120%, and the Poisson’s ratio decreases by about 43%. Besides, behaviors of the cell wall contact induced by the adding substructure can lead to an interesting stress enhancement phenomenon under large deformation, which significantly increases its crushing strength, up to 140%, compared with the RE honeycomb. Therefore, the results in this work effectively demonstrate the improved mechanical properties and auxetic performance of the proposed RCW honeycomb. Besides, the adopted design strategy of hierarchical substructure also exhibits great potential for developing novel and excellent auxetic mechanical metamaterials.
Study on layer formation behavior of Ag joints sintered with pressureless sintering process
Authors: Wang Liujue , Ding Taojie , Gu Lin , Sun Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on investigating the relationship between sintering performance and bond layer thickness for the hybrid Ag paste consisting of micrometer-sized Ag particles and sub-micrometer Ag spherical particles. The surface morphology showed that the sub-micrometer Ag particles would contribute to improving the densification and bonding strength of the sintered Ag joint. The x-ray results indicated that the bonding quality was achieved when the bonding layer thickness was 50 μm, whereas a thinner or thicker bonding layer would lead to cracks or voids. Moreover, the microstructure of sintered Ag joints with different bonding layer thicknesses was found to be in good agreement with the results of x-ray by SEM observations. There are many cracks in the sintering structure due to the insufficient Ag paste when the bonding layer thickness is below 50 μm, while more voids appeared in sintered Ag joints when the thickness reached 120 μm, which was caused by the organic solvent volatilization. In addition, the poor densifications lead to low strengths of 7.6 MPa and 23.42 MPa for 15 μm and 30 μm thickness, respectively. The shear test results revealed that the highest shear strength was achieved on the bonding layer with a 50 μm-thick bonding layer. However, the bonding strength would decrease to 24.67 MPa and 18.64 MPa when the bonding layer thickness was 90 μm and 120 μm, respectively. The SEM observations indicated that many dimples were formed on the fracture surface with a thickness of 50 μm, which was the reason for the enhancement of bonding strength in the sintered Ag joint.
Local electron correlation effects on the fermiology of the weak itinerant ferromagnet ZrZn2
Authors: Chen Wenhan , James A D N , Dugdale S B
Published: October 2022

The Fermi surface topology plays an important role in the macroscopic properties of metals. It can be particularly sensitive to electron correlation, which appears to be especially significant for the weak itinerant ferromagnet ZrZn2. Here, we look at the differences in the predicted Fermi surface sheets of this metallic compound in its paramagnetic phase for both density functional theory (DFT) and the combination of DFT with dynamical mean field theory (DFT + DMFT). The theoretical spectral functions evaluated at the Fermi level were used along with calculations of the electron–positron momentum density (also known as the two-photon momentum density) in k-space to provide insights into the origin of certain features of the Fermi surface topology. We compare this two photon momentum density to that extracted from the positron annihilation experimental data (2004 Phys. Rev. Lett.
92 107003). The DFT + DMFT densities are in better agreement with the experiment than the DFT, particularly with regard to the flat bands around the L and W high symmetry points. The experimental neck around L, which relates to a van Hove singularity, is present in DFT + DMFT but not in the DFT. We find that these flat bands, and as such the Fermi surface topology, are sensitive to the many body electron correlation description, and show that the positron annihilation technique is able to probe this. This description is significant for the observed behavior such as the Lifshiftz transition around the quantum critical point.
An experimental investigation of Quench Polish Quench (QPQ) coating on AISI 4150 steel
Authors: Boopathi Sampath
Published: October 2022

In this research, the hardness, layer thickness, and corrosion rate of the nitro-carburizing coating on AISI 4150 steel using the Quench-Polish-Quench (QPQ) process have been investigated. Nitro-carburizing temperature (T), nitro-carburizing time (tc), and oxidation time (to) are considered coating parameters. The experiments were designed and analyzed to investigate the effects of coating parameters on responses by the Taguchi method. A 590 °C temperature of the nitro-carburizing solution and a 145 min duration of both the nitro-carburizing and oxidizing processes have been predicted to obtain the maximum micro-hardness (504.71 HV) and coating-layer thickness (13.60 μm). A 570 °C temperature of the nitro-carburizing solution with the same process time is predicted to obtain the lowest corrosion rate (1.27 mm/miles). The optimum parameters set are used to perform Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy-Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses.
Influence of cut-out shape on the dynamic behavior of carbon nanotubes reinforced functionally graded plates
Authors: Kumar Manish , Sarangi Saroj Kumar
Published: October 2022

This research investigates the effects of cut-out on the dynamic behaviour of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FGCNTRC) plates. Finite element method (FEM) is utilized and SHELL181 type element of the ANSYS Workbench 17.2 program is utilized. To understand the vibration characteristics of the FG plates, various shapes of cut-outs such as triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, circular etc are considered. For comparison, solid FGCNTRC plate is modeled and natural frequencies of plates integrated with cut-outs of different shapes are determined using free vibration study. The mode superposition method is used to address the harmonic response analysis problem keeping the damping ratio constant. The stress, phase changes and displacement responses for definite frequency ranges have been used to interpret the findings. To learn more about the effects of cut-outs on the dynamic response, the plates are designed considering various grading patterns. The findings show that the shape of cut-outs significantly affects the harmonic responses as well as the fundamental frequency of the FG plates and are also depending on the grading patterns of these plates.
A question of Gol’dberg and Ostrovskii concerning linear differential equations with coefficients of completely regular growth
Authors: Bergweiler Walter
Published: October 2022

We show that a linear differential equation whose coefficients are entire functions of completely regular growth may have an entire solution of finite order which is not of completely regular growth. This answers a question of Gol′dberg and Ostrovskii.
Ranked masses in two-parameter Fleming–Viot diffusions
Authors: Forman Noah , Pal Soumik , Rizzolo Douglas , Winkel Matthias
Published: October 2022

Previous work constructed Fleming–Viot-type measure-valued diffusions (and diffusions on a space of interval partitions of the unit interval[0,1][0,1]) that are stationary with respect to the Poisson–Dirichlet random measures with parametersα∈(0,1)\alpha \in (0,1)andθ>−α\theta > -\alpha. In this paper, we complete the proof that these processes resolve a conjecture by Feng and Sun [Probab. Theory Related Fields 148 (2010), pp. 501–525] by showing that the processes of ranked atom sizes (or of ranked interval lengths) of these diffusions are members of a two-parameter family of diffusions introduced by Petrov [Funct. Anal. Appl. 43 (2009), pp. 279–296], extending a model by Ethier and Kurtz [Adv. in Appl. Probab. 13 (1981), pp. 429–452] in the caseα=0\alpha =0.
Trinomials, torus knots and chains
Authors: Barrera Waldemar , Magaña Julio , Navarrete Juan
Published: October 2022

Letn>mn>mbe fixed positive coprime integers. Forv>0v>0, we give a topological description of the setΛ(v)\Lambda (v), consisting of points[x:y:z][x:y:z]in the complex projective plane for which the equationxζn+yζm+z=0x\zeta ^n +y \zeta ^m+z=0has a root with normvv. It is shown that the setΩ(v)=PC2∖Λ(v)\Omega (v)= {\mathbb P_{\mathbb C}} ^2 \setminus \Lambda (v)hasn+1n+1components. Moreover, the topological type of each component is given. The same results hold forΛ\LambdaandΩ=PC2∖Λ\Omega ={\mathbb P_{\mathbb C}}^2 \setminus \Lambda, whereΛ\Lambdadenotes the set obtained as the union of all the complex tangent lines to the33-sphere at the points of the torus knot, that is, the knot obtained by intersecting<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartSet left-bracket x colon y colon 1 right-bracket element-of double-struck upper P Subscript double-struck upper C Superscript 2 Baseline colon StartAbsoluteValue x EndAbsoluteValue squared plus StartAbsoluteValue y EndAbsoluteValue squared equals 1 EndSet">{[x:y:1]∈PC2:|x|2+|y|2=1}\{[x:y:1] \in \mathbb {P}_{\mathbb C}^2 : |x|^2+|y|^2=1\}and the complex curve{[x:y:1]∈PC2:ym=xn}\{[x:y:1] \in {\mathbb P_{\mathbb C}} ^2 : y^m=x^n\}. Finally, we use the linking number of a distinguished family of circles and the torus knot to give a numerical invariant which determines the components ofΩ\Omegain a unique way.
A genus two arithmetic Siegel-Weil formula on 𝑋₀(𝑁)
Authors: Sankaran Siddarth , Shi Yousheng , Yang Tonghai
Published: October 2022

We define a family of arithmetic zero cycles in the arithmetic Chow group of a modular curve

X
0

(
N
)

X_0(N)

, for

N
>
3

N>3

odd and squarefree, and identify the arithmetic degrees of these cycles as

q
q

-coefficients of the central derivative of a Siegel Eisenstein series of genus two. This parallels work of Kudla-Rapoport-Yang for Shimura curves.
“None of You Have Read It?”: Membership Categorization among Adult MLLs in Collaborative Writing Tasks
Authors: Bergstrom Tait
Published: October 2022

Collaborative writing tasks are common in multilingual university-level writing-intensive classes, but how multilingual language learners (MLLs) are socialized into this group work as a discursive practice is still poorly understood. This case study of adult MLLs in multilingual writing classes at a large public university provides insight into how this socialization can conflict with teaching goals. Membership Categorization Analysis (MCA), a micro-analytic approach, is used to investigate how students inter-subjectively assemble categories of identity in order to articulate their understanding of collaborative writing tasks and how they are obligated to negotiate them. Analysis of classroom talk reveals a conflict between student articulations of how to perform writing tasks when they interact with one another as group members and when they interact individually with instructors. Implications and a possible pedagogical intervention for the framing of collaborative writing tasks are discussed.
Analysis of Y chromosome haplogroups in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Grenn Francis P , Makarious Mary B , Bandres-Ciga Sara , Iwaki Hirotaka , Singleton Andrew B , Nalls Mike A , Blauwendraat Cornelis ,   The International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC)
Published: October 2022

Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that is about 1.5 times more prevalent in males than females. Extensive work has been done to identify the genetic risk factors behind Parkinson’s disease on autosomes and more recently on Chromosome X, but work remains to be done on the male-specific Y chromosome. In an effort to explore the role of the Y chromosome in Parkinson’s disease, we analysed whole-genome sequencing data from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership—Parkinson’s disease initiative (1466 cases and 1664 controls), genotype data from NeuroX (3491 cases and 3232 controls) and genotype data from UKBiobank (182 517 controls, 1892 cases and 3783 proxy cases), all consisting of male European ancestry samples. We classified sample Y chromosomes by haplogroup using three different tools for comparison (Snappy, Yhaplo and Y-LineageTracker) and meta-analysed this data to identify haplogroups associated with Parkinson’s disease. This was followed up with a Y-chromosome association study to identify specific variants associated with disease. We also analysed blood-based RNASeq data obtained from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership—Parkinson’s disease initiative (1020 samples) and RNASeq data obtained from the North American Brain Expression Consortium (171 samples) to identify Y-chromosome genes differentially expressed in cases, controls, specific haplogroups and specific tissues. RNASeq analyses suggest Y-chromosome gene expression differs between brain and blood tissues but does not differ significantly in cases, controls or specific haplogroups. Overall, we did not find any strong associations between Y-chromosome genetics and Parkinson’s disease, suggesting the explanation for the increased prevalence in males may lie elsewhere.
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment: Broad in Theory, Narrow in Reality
Authors: Waters Laura , de Miguel-Buckley Rosa , Poulin Sébastien , Arribas Jose R
Published: October 2022

In this viewpoint, we briefly review the status of antiretroviral therapy (ART), its unmet needs, and the role that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) might have in the near future for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We summarize advances in the development of bNAbs as antiretroviral therapy, the results of main clinical trials of bNAbs for HIV treatment and prevention, and its role in cure trials. The limitations of broadly neutralizing antibodies are the current need for primary resistance testing, the still unclear number of antibodies that must be combined, the lack of penetration in anatomical reservoirs, and the role they might play in cure studies. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of “classical ART” and therapy based on broadly neutralizing antibodies. We conclude that broadly neutralizing antibodies still need considerable improvements before they can be considered an alternative to classical ART.
A Quick “Environment Check” for All Ages: Validating the New Age-Inclusive Work Environments Instrument
Authors: Owen Mikaela S , Berthelsen Hanne , Jamieson Stephanie D , Westerlund Hugo
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

The global aging workforce necessitates new approaches in designing work environments to cater to the needs of increasingly age-diverse work groups. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has in reaction outlined that organizations need to provide age-inclusive work environments that support the needs of their multigenerational workforce, to ensure their sustainability and profitability. To capture the age inclusiveness of the work environment, the present study proposes and validates an age-inclusive “environment check” for organizations referred to as the Age-Inclusive Work Environment Instrument (AIWEI), which covers discrimination, inclusion, and development opportunities.

Research Design and Methods

We validate the 9-item AIWEI using cross-sectional and multilevel data from 2,892 Swedish workers across 101 workplaces who completed an online survey, using confirmatory factor analyses across young, middle-age, and older workers. Using a nomological approach, we also evaluate the concurrent validity of the AIWEI with a 2-1-1 path analysis.

Results

The factor analyses supported a 3-factor model comprising of inclusion, discrimination, and development opportunities, across 3 age groups (i.e., young, middle-age, and older workers). These 3 factors had high Intraclass Coefficient (ICC) scores showing consistency in responding in the workplace. In accordance with the nomological approach, the factors of the AIWEI were linked with Psychosocial Safety Climate, burnout, and engagement, demonstrating concurrent validity for the AIWEI.

Discussion and Implications

This new “environment check” provides a way to capture age-inclusive work environments for both younger and older workers, in an age-diverse workforce. In the validation process, age-inclusive work environments were found to exist as a group phenomenon, through shared perceptions within an organization, as well as an individual phenomenon, as experiences specific to an individual. This is important for the development and implementation of policies and strategies designed to benefit workers and organizations.
Rapid Analysis of Taurine in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gill Brendon D , Wood Jackie E
Published: October 2022

Background

Taurine is recognized as an essential growth factor and as being critical in the maintenance of functional tissue regulation.

Objective

A rapid compliance method for the analysis of taurine that is applicable to infant formula and milk-based nutritional products is described.

Method

Following protein precipitation with Carrez solutions, taurine in the sample extract is separated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with detection by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Stable isotope-labeled taurine internal standard is used for quantification to correct for losses in extraction and variations in ionization in the ion source.

Results

The method was shown to be accurate, with acceptable recovery of 99.6% (range = 91.1–106.5%). Results for National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-certified reference materials showed no statistical bias for NIST 1849a (P = 0.96) and NIST 1869 (P = 0.88) when compared with reference values. No bias was found when results were compared with those of an international reference method, AOAC Official MethodSM997.05 (P = 0.18). Repeatability was estimated to be 3.1% RSDr (range: 2.4–4.0%, HorRat: 0.3), and intermediate precision was estimated to be 4.9% RSDiR (range: 2.2–7.7%).

Conclusions

Successful single-laboratory validation demonstrates that this rapid method is suitable for use in high-throughput laboratories as part of routine product compliance release testing of taurine in nutritional products.

Highlights

A method for the analysis of taurine in infant formula and adult nutritionals by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) is described. The method is suitable for use in high-throughput laboratories for routine product compliance testing of taurine. A single-laboratory validation study demonstrated the method to be accurate, precise, and fit for purpose.
A new hernia: Meckel’s diverticulum within a parastomal hernia
Authors: Sarofim Mina , Ashrafizadeh Amir , Kabir Shahrir
Published: October 2022

A Meckel’s diverticulum is a true diverticulum containing all layers of bowel wall. An infrequently encountered sequela of this is a Littre’s hernia, typically inguinal or femoral. This is the first description of a Meckel’s diverticulum within a parastomal hernia. When encountered incidentally at surgery, resection should be considered on a case-by-case basis to prevent future complications of bleeding, obstruction or perforation.
Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis diagnosed on routine PET scan: a case report
Authors: Skoczek Alexandra C , Fernandez Dennis L
Published: October 2022

Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis (XGA) is a rare process affecting the appendix vermiformis. Due to the atypical presentation of XGA, it is most commonly diagnosed post operatively on surgical pathology and is associated with interval appendectomies. Here, we describe a rare case of XGA diagnosed on pathology after acute appendicitis was found on routine Positron emission tomography scan for a minimally symptomatic patient with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the atypical presentation of XGA and the use of interval appendectomies following acute appendicitis diagnosis.
Retracted: Estimating the losses in tourism revenues due to traveller’s diarrhoea
Authors: Lalloo Ricardo
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a new method that more accurately estimates the losses in tourism revenues due to traveller’s diarrhoea. The results show that the previous method underestimates these losses. For 2018 and 2019, the losses for developing countries were between US$2 billion and US$8 billion, under the new method.
Microbial Matters: Form and Process in Thomas Hardy’s The Woodlanders
Authors: MacVeagh Molly
Published: October 2022

This essay reads Thomas Hardy’s 1887 novel, The Woodlanders, alongside nineteenth-century fermentation science in order to make a case for the value of ‘process’ as an interpretive keyword complementary to traditional questions of form and progress. In examining Hardy’s emphasis on maintenance work, it offers an interpretive path through the divergent poles of ‘new’ and ‘old’ materialism. Looking to the novel’s lively descriptions of consumption, fermentation, and decay, I suggest that attention to The Woodlanders’ processes offers both an alternate to modes of reading dictated by the assumption of an organic whole, and insights into Hardy’s politics of interdependence. To make this case, I begin by examining the way the woodlanders’ bioregional consumption patterns both index the entanglement of humans and their environments and reveal the precarity that exists within seemingly stable rural lifestyles. In the second section, I argue that reading the precarious processes of rural life alongside nineteenth-century fermentation science offers a surprising account of preservation through change: the decay of old socio-ecological relations opens possibilities for catalysing new ones. The third section builds on the second by reading The Woodlanders along with Marx’s theories of societal metabolism. Rather than a vision of social purity or boundedness, this conjunction yields a model of the social body that sees interdependence as a condition of continuity.