bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ductility and strength of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with aluminum CNC waste
Authors: Almeshal Ibrahim , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Aksoylu Ceyhun , Karalar Memduh , Alharthai Mohammad
Published: April 2024

The sustainable utility of industrial waste and by‐products is crucial to reduce environmental impact. Particularly relevant for the cement and concrete industry, where recycling and utilization of industrial waste can help to replace normal concrete and promote stable growth. One such waste material is aluminum computer numerical control waste (ALCNCW). This study investigated the performance of reinforced concrete beams incorporated with ALCNCW. It was decided to use the effects of the ALCNCW ratio and the proportion of longitudinal reinforcement as parameters. A total of 12 reinforced concrete beams were cast and tested with varying levels of lower reinforcement ratios (0.0125, 0.0074, and 0.0032) and ALCNCW ratios (1%, 2%, and 3% by weight), in addition to a control beam. The load‐carrying capacity, failure mode, crack patterns, ductility, and serviceability were analyzed. The findings of the experiments demonstrated that the cracking and bending effects of reinforced concrete beams were different depending on the quantity of tension reinforcement and ALCNCW that was used. The results indicate that adding 1% or 2% of ALCNCW to concrete beams has a negligible effect on the load capacity. However, the ductility of the beams was adversely affected. Nevertheless, adding ALCNCW to the concrete mix can still be implemented with a specific ratio. Finally, all 12 beams met the serviceability limit state requirements.
Religion as a tool for authoritarian legitimation: The case of Bangladesh
Authors: Riaz Ali
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, the relationships between religion and politics, particularly between religion and the state, have been widely discussed, yet relationships between authoritarian rulers and religion have not received their due attention. This fourth article in the 2024 World Affairs special issue addresses this lacuna and argues against the conventional wisdom that these two entities are always hostile to each other. The study contends that authoritarian rulers have used three strategies vis‐à‐vis religion as an ideology and religious actors as a political force. Autocrats have adopted repression and cooptation strategies to deal with religious actors and utilized religion as a tool of legitimation. The article offers a case study of Bangladesh which has witnessed the growing salience of religion in politics since 1976, although its 1972 constitution pledged secularism as a state principle. The article examines the strategies used during three phases of military and civilian authoritarianism—1976–1981, 1982–1990, and since 2011—and discusses the relationship between the authoritarian rulers and religion.
Introduction
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

This introductory chapter sets out the context for the book, the questions it addresses and the content of each chapter. It explains the focus on migrants with a ‘precarious status’ and summarises the research study on which the book draws and research questions it addressed.
Contextualising Three Cities: Migrant Populations and Regulatory Frameworks
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

In this chapter we begin by setting out what is known of the migrants with a precarious status in the three countries in which our cities are located, Austria, Germany and the UK, and highlight the challenges posed by the lack of robust data. We then consider the governance and policy frameworks relevant to precarious migrants in the three countries, highlighting differences in their national legal and institutional frameworks on immigration, health and welfare, as well as similarities – including in each case a mix of formal exclusion and inclusion measures and the complexity that this brings.
Frankfurt
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides background information on the City of Frankfurt, Germany, before exploring what is known of its residents with a precarious status. It explains Frankfurt City Council’s relevant duties and powers, relative to those of the region in which it is situated, Hesse, and of the Federal Government, and the complexity created by the overlapping legal and policy remits of these different authorities. The chapter sets out our research findings in relation to the city, providing detail on the ways in which migrants with a precarious status are granted access, or excluded, from services; the range of barriers that they face; the Council’s relationship with NGOs in relation to service provision and its internal governance arrangements; as well as the capacity issues the Council itself faces in relation to this group of residents.
Dodecyl creatine ester therapy: from promise to reality
Authors: Mabondzo Aloïse , van de Kamp Jiddeke , Mercimek-Andrews Saadet
Published: April 2024

Pathogenic variants in SLC6A8, the gene which encodes creatine transporter SLC6A8, prevent creatine uptake in the brain and result in a variable degree of intellectual disability, behavioral disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder), epilepsy, and severe speech and language delay. There are no treatments to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for creatine transporter deficiency (CTD). In this spotlight, we summarize recent advances in innovative molecules to treat CTD, with a focus on dodecyl creatine ester, the most promising drug candidate.
Fixation strength of conformal additively manufactured Ti6Al4V implants in large animal model
Authors: Downing David , Lozanovski Bill , Williamson Tom , Namvar Arman , Kastrati Endri , Hill Dave , Shidid Darpan , Buehner Ulrich , Ryan Stewart , Qian Ma , Choong Peter , Leary Martin , Brandt Milan
Published: April 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables patient-specific lattice-based implants with porosity engineered to encourage bone ingrowth and to mimic bone’s mechanical stiffness. The strength of the bone-implant interface can be measured through a destructive ‘push-out’ testing. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of implant-bone stiffness ratio (γ) on the push-out force using numerical simulation and a small experimental study. Numerical simulations of an implant-bone interface during a push-out test showed a fundamental change of failure mode for γ ranging from 0.1 to 10. For the geometry considered, the largest push-out forces were predicted for γ ≈ 0.7, essentially doubling the push-out force compared to a solid titanium implant. The experimental and simulation results also demonstrated that using an intermediate stiffness metal implant lattice geometry, γ ≈ 1.35, does not significantly improve the peak force of the push-out test compared to the solid implant. For the experimental study, critical-sized defects were simulated via robotic bone resection in the right lateral distal femur of a group of ~ 2.5-year-old healthy sheep, and then solid or lattice-based Ti6Al4V implants inserted. The femurs were harvested 6 months after implantation. Nine of the implanted femurs (six solid and three lattice-based) were used for fixation testing. The experimental study showed no significant difference in push-out force between a solid and moderately stiff lattice metal implant as indicated by the numerical simulation.
Case of pediatric cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) syndrome in a 2-year-old girl
Authors: Koenigsberg Robert A. , Ross Luke , Timmerman Jason , Surineni Rithika , Breznak Kara , Loven Tina C.
Published: April 2024

Cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) syndrome is a recently described entity that refers to a specific pattern of cerebellar edema with restricted diffusion and crowding of the fourth ventricle among other findings. The syndrome is commonly associated with toxic opioid exposure. While most commonly seen in adults, we present a case of a 2-year-old girl who survived characteristic history and imaging findings of CHANTER syndrome.
Purification and Characterization of Desferrioxamine B of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Its Application to Improve Oil Content, Nutrient Uptake, and Plant Growth in Peanuts
Authors: Nithyapriya S. , Sundaram Lalitha , Eswaran Sakthi Uma Devi , Perveen Kahkashan , Alshaikh Najla A. , Sayyed R. Z. , Mastinu Andrea
Published: April 2024

Microorganisms produce siderophores, which are low-molecular-weight iron chelators when iron availability is limited. The present analyzed the role of LNPF1 as multifarious PGPR for improving growth parameters and nutrient content in peanut and soil nutrients. Such multifarious PGPR strains can be used as effective bioinoculants for peanut farming. In this work, rhizosphere bacteria from Zea mays and Arachis hypogaea plants in the Salem area of Tamil Nadu, India, were isolated and tested for biochemical attributes and characteristics that stimulate plant growth, such as the production of hydrogen cyanide, ammonia (6 µg/mL), indole acetic acid (76.35 µg/mL), and solubilizing phosphate (520 µg/mL). The 16S rRNA gene sequences identified the isolate LNPF1 as Pseudomonas fluorescens with a similarity percentage of 99% with Pseudomonas sp. Isolate LNPF1 was evaluated for the production of siderophore. Siderophore-rich supernatant using a Sep Pack C18 column and Amberlite-400 Resin Column (λmax 264) produced 298 mg/L and 50 mg/L of siderophore, respectively. The characterization of purified siderophore by TLC, HPLC, FTIR, and 2D-NMR analysis identified the compound as desferrioxamine, a hydroxamate siderophore. A pot culture experiment determined the potential of LNPF1 to improve iron and oil content and photosynthetic pigments in Arachis hypogaea L. and improve soil nutrient content. Inoculation of A. hypogea seeds with LNPF1 improved plant growth parameters such as leaf length (60%), shoot length (22%), root length (54.68%), fresh weight (47.28%), dry weight (37%), and number of nuts (66.66) compared to the control (untreated seeds). This inoculation also improved leaf iron content (43.42), short iron content (38.38%), seed iron (46.72%), seed oil (31.68%), carotenoid (64.40%), and total chlorophyll content (98.%) compared to control (untreated seeds). Bacterized seeds showed a substantial increase in nodulation (61.65%) and weight of individual nodules (95.97) vis-à-vis control. The results of the present study indicated that P. fluorescens might be utilized as a potential bioinoculant to improve growth, iron content, oil content, number of nuts and nodules of Arachishypogaea L., and enrich soil nutrients.
Multicenter evaluation of complex urinary diversion for renal transplantation: outcomes of complex surgical solutions
Authors: Flegar Luka , Huber Johannes , Putz Juliane , Thomas Christian , Apel Hendrik , Wullich Bernd , Friedersdorff Frank , Fechner Guido , Ritter Manuel , Kernig Karoline , Weigand Karl , Heynemann Hans , Stöckle Michael , Zeuschner Philip ,   the Working Group Kidney Transplantation of the German Association of Urology, Flegar Luka , Huber Johannes , Putz Juliane , Thomas Christian , Apel Hendrik , Wullich Bernd , Friedersdorff Frank , Ritter Manuel , Kernig Karoline , Weigand Karl , Heynemann Hans , Stöckle Michael , Zeuschner Philip
Published: April 2024

Purpose

An abnormal lower urinary tract poses significant challenges for transplant surgeons. Besides the ureteral anastomosis to an ileal conduit, there are diverse complex reconstructive solutions. Due to its rarity, standardization and teaching of complex urinary diversion is extremely difficult.

Methods

The indications and outcomes of complex urinary diversions after kidney transplantation (KT) were retrospectively investigated at eight urologic transplant centers including a current follow-up.

Results

Of 37 patients with 21 (56%) males, vesicoureteral reflux (24%), spina bifida (22%), and glomerulonephritis (12%) were the most common causes of terminal renal failure. In 30 (81%) patients, urinary diversion was performed before KT, at a median of 107.5 (range, 10; 545) months before. Transplantations were held at a median patient age of 43 (10; 68) years, including six (16%) living donations. Urinary diversion was modified during 12 (32%) transplantations. After KT, the ileal conduit was the most common incontinent urinary diversion in 25 (67%) patients; a Mainz pouch I and bladder augmentation were the most frequent continent diversions (each n = 3). At a median follow-up of 120 months (range 0; 444), 12 (32%) patients had a graft failure with a 5-year graft survival of 79% (95%CI 61; 90). The median overall survival was 227 months (168; 286) and the 5-year overall survival 89% (69.3; 96.4).

Conclusion

The mid-term kidney transplant function with complex urinary diversion appears to be comparable to transplants with regular urinary diversions. Hence, complex urinary diversion should always be considered as a surgical option, even during transplantation, if necessary.
Meat consumption and the risk of hip fracture in women and men: two prospective Swedish cohort studies
Authors: Warensjö Lemming Eva , Byberg Liisa , Höijer Jonas , Baron John A. , Wolk Alicja , Michaëlsson Karl
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To study the association between meat intake (predominantly red and processed meats) and the risk of hip fracture, as well as the association between meat intake and biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, bone turnover, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Data from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Cohort of Swedish men (n = 83,603, 54% men) with repeated investigations and their respective clinical sub-cohorts was utilised. Incident hip fractures were ascertained through individual linkage to registers. Associations were investigated using multivariable Cox and linear regression analyses.

Results

During up to 23 years of follow-up (mean 18.2 years) and 1,538,627 person-years at risk, 7345 participants (2840 men) experienced a hip fracture. Each daily serving of meat intake conferred a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00; 1.06) for hip fracture. In quintile 5, compared to quintile 2, the HR was 1.11 (95% CI 1.01; 1.21) among all participants. In the sub-cohorts, meat intake was directly associated with circulating levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, leptin, ferritin, parathyroid hormone, and calcium.

Conclusion

A modest linear association was found between a higher meat intake and the risk of hip fractures. Our results from the sub-cohorts further suggest that possible mechanisms linking meat intake and hip fracture risk may be related to the regulation of bone turnover, subclinical inflammation, and oxidative stress. Although estimates are modest, limiting red and processed meat intake in a healthy diet is advisable to prevent hip fractures.
Enhanced pyramidal residual networks for single image super-resolution
Authors: Babaoğlu İsmail , Kahveci Semih , Kılıç Alper
Published: April 2024

Several super-resolution (SR) techniques are introduced in the literature, including traditional and machine learning-based algorithms. Especially, deep learning-based SR approaches emerge with demands for better quality images providing deeper subpixel enhancement. Dealing with the image enhancement task in the satellite images domain, a new SR method for single image SR, namely Enhanced Deep Pyramidal Residual Networks, is introduced in this study. The proposed method overcomes the potential instability problem of Enhanced Deep Residual Networks for Single Image Super-Resolution (EDSR) approach by gradually increasing the feature maps depending upon Pyramidal Residual Networks architecture. The EDSR itself is a good algorithm in the SR domain. However, it has a strict structure for increasing the block size. To overcome this problem with the aim of increasing the algorithm’s performance, the pyramidal residual networks gradually increasing hypothesis is utilized in the proposed approach, which is the main contribution and novelty of this study. Besides, by using the pyramidal residual networks gradually increasing hypothesis in the proposed approach, the parameter size of the models is also reduced, which affects the computational time. Two different models are proposed by considering addition and multiplication manners, and the proposed models are evaluated using well-known remote sensing datasets NWPU-RESISC45 and UC Merced. The results obtained by the proposed model are compared with the results of traditional image enhancement algorithms together with the EDSR itself, EDSR with deeper structure, Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks approach, and Residual Local Feature Networks approach in terms of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) metrics and showed that the proposed models present better quality images. Moreover, considering the computational time and complexity, it is shown that some proposed models achieve approximately 27% less output parameter having similar PSNR and SSIM values and computational time for EDSR itself and 65% less output parameter having better PSNR and SSIM values and 16% lower computational time for EDSR with deeper structure.
Existence and asymptotic behavior for $$L^2$$-norm preserving nonlinear heat equations
Authors: Antonelli Paolo , Cannarsa Piermarco , Shakarov Boris
Published: April 2024

We consider a nonlinear parabolic equation with a nonlocal term which preserves the $$L^2$$

L
2

-norm of the solution. We study the local and global well-posedness on a bounded domain, as well as the whole Euclidean space, in $$H^1$$

H
1

. Then we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions. In general, we obtain weak convergence in $$H^1$$

H
1

to a stationary state. For a ball, we prove strong convergence to the ground state when the initial condition is positive.
Modeling of sustainable integrated supply chains under the consideration of European Union regulations
Authors: Karakostas Panagiotis , Sifaleras Angelo
Published: April 2024

This work introduces a multi-period, multi-commodity, inventory-routing problem with strategic fleet scheduling decisions, under the consideration of speed limits, as well as strict European Union regulations on truck drivers’ working and driving time. To address the new problem, a mixed integer linear programming model was developed. Several artificial but realistic problem instances were randomly generated following relative guidelines from the open literature, to validate and assess the performance of the novel mathematical model. Furthermore, in an effort to produce useful managerial insights, several sensitivity analyses were performed considering different fluctuation rates on key model parameters.
Exposure to pornographic material and perpetration of intimate partner violence among young men in Mwanza Tanzania
Authors: Aloyce Diana , Stöckl Heidi , Mosha Neema , Malibwa Donati , Sichalwe Simon , Hashim Ramadhan , Ayieko Philip , Kapiga Saidi , Mshana Gerry
Published: April 2024

Aim

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health concern that negatively impacts women’s health. Preliminary evidence from high-income countries suggests that IPV is linked with exposure to pornographic materials among men, by encouraging negative norms of masculinity. To generate evidence from low and middle-income countries, we examined the relationship between frequent exposure to pornography and IPV perpetration among young men in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Subject and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1002 randomly selected young men aged 18 to 24 living in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Results

Of the 828 ever-partnered young men included in the study, 396 (47.8%) reported viewing pornography in the past 12 months, with 14.1% viewing it at least once a week. In the last 12 months, 21.4% of participants reported perpetrating sexual IPV, while 43.2% and 15% reported to have perpetrated emotional and physical IPV respectively. After adjusting for covariates, exposure to pornography was significantly associated with sexual (aOR = 2.77 95% CI 1.51 – 5.08), emotional (aOR = 1.84 95% CI: 1.01 – 3.37) and physical (aOR = 1.65 95% CI 1.00 – 2.74) IPV perpetration.

Conclusion

Frequent exposure to pornography was associated with sexual, emotional, and physical IPV perpetration. Interventions to prevent violence against women therefore need to address men’s exposure to pornography.
Rearing a child with a language disorder: parents experiences with speech and language therapy services in 10 countries
Authors: Harding Sam , Kelić Maja , Ulfsdottir Thora , Baena Sofia , Feilberg Julie , de López Kristine M. Jensen , Klatte Inge S. , Lyons Rena , Mantel Tina C. , Novogrodsky Rama , Rodriguez-Ortiz Isabel R. , Zajdó Krisztina
Published: April 2024

Aim

Collaboration between speech and language therapists and parents to help children with language disorders has always been important. The majority of published work is from the perspective of the therapist and what they think and feel parents need to help their children. However, less is known about (1) the processes parents try to access and receive services; (2) how they perceive the journey; and (3) what they think about the service provided to their child. This paper describes an exploration of how parents experience identification and access of services for their children living with language disorders.

Subjects and methods

Parents from ten countries, with a child who had received services for speech language disorder participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results

Two main themes were constructed: (1) Parental recognition of the need for services; and (2) difficulties accessing services. Parents detailed how they recognised that their children needed services and how they went about securing them. Parents recounted the process they undertook; from their initial concerns about their child’s development, the feelings this engendered, and how they tried to get support and treatment. Parents talked about the factors that made them decide they had to fight to gain access to services for their children.

Conclusions

Across countries, parents encounter similar experiences. The major obstacles identified by parents lead to the perception of delay in obtaining access to services. Identifying the services that children required was the first hurdle, even before getting a referral to them.
Assessment of atherosclerotic plaque burden: comparison of AI-QCT versus SIS, CAC, visual and CAD-RADS stenosis categories
Authors: Khan Hufsa , Bansal Kopal , Griffin William F. , Cantlay Catherine , Sidahmed Alfateh , Nurmohamed Nick S. , Zeman Robert K. , Katz Richard J. , Blankstein Ron , Earls James P. , Choi Andrew D.
Published: April 2024

This study assesses the agreement of Artificial Intelligence-Quantitative Computed Tomography (AI-QCT) with qualitative approaches to atherosclerotic disease burden codified in the multisociety 2022 CAD-RADS 2.0 Expert Consensus. 105 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for chest pain were evaluated by a blinded core laboratory through FDA-cleared software (Cleerly, Denver, CO) that performs AI-QCT through artificial intelligence, analyzing factors such as % stenosis, plaque volume, and plaque composition. AI-QCT plaque volume was then staged by recently validated prognostic thresholds, and compared with CAD-RADS 2.0 clinical methods of plaque evaluation (segment involvement score (SIS), coronary artery calcium score (CACS), visual assessment, and CAD-RADS percent (%) stenosis) by expert consensus blinded to the AI-QCT core lab reads. Average age of subjects were 59 ± 11 years; 44% women, with 50% of patients at CAD-RADS 1–2 and 21% at CAD-RADS 3 and above by expert consensus. AI-QCT quantitative plaque burden staging had excellent agreement of 93% (k = 0.87 95% CI: 0.79–0.96) with SIS. There was moderate agreement between AI-QCT quantitative plaque volume and categories of visual assessment (64.4%; k = 0.488 [0.38–0.60]), and CACS (66.3%; k = 0.488 [0.36–0.61]). Agreement between AI-QCT plaque volume stage and CAD-RADS % stenosis category was also moderate. There was discordance at small plaque volumes. With ongoing validation, these results demonstrate a potential for AI-QCT as a rapid, reproducible approach to quantify total plaque burden.
Droplet impact onto a porous substrate: a Wagner theory for early-stage spreading
Authors: Moreton Gavin , Purvis Richard , Cooker Mark J.
Published: April 2024

An analytical model for droplet impact onto a porous substrate is presented, based on Wagner theory. An idealised substrate boundary condition is introduced, mimicking the effect of fluid entry into a genuinely porous substrate. The asymptotic analysis yields a solution for a small porous correction with free-surfaces and pressures compared with the impermeable case. On a global scale, it is found that the impact region on the substrate grows more slowly with porosity included due to loss of mass into the substrate. The spatial distribution of liquid volume flux into the substrate is also described. Locally near the turn-over regions, the expected jetting along the surface is calculated with the same volume flux but the jet is found to be slower and thicker than for an impermeable substrate.
Comprehensive soliton solutions of fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle equations in ferromagnetic materials
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Rahman Tobibur , Inc Mustafa , Akbar Md. Ali
Published: April 2024

The inner characteristics of numerous nonlinear phenomena that arise in real-life problems are stated through nonlinear partial differential equations. This exploration is conducted with fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle model in ferromagnetic materials and achieved ample soliton solutions by adapting enhanced rational $$({G}^{\prime}/G)$$

(

G

′

/
G
)

-expansion and improved tanh schemes. Ferromagnetic materials play a vital role in telecommunications applications, data storage, and manipulation. A new wave variable in the sense of confirmable fractional derivative is utilized to convert the governing model into the ordinary system. The motions of ultra-short-wave pulses in ferrite’s materials are analyzed by showing the effects of fractional derivatives and noise terms on the Brownian motion through multiple diverse 3D, 2D and contour plots. Periodic, singular periodic, kink, anti-kink etc. are visualized under the different parameter’s values involved in the obtained solitary wave solutions. The outcomes made available in the current study might play vital role to depict relevant intricate nonlinear phenomena and inspire the researchers to consider the utilized techniques in further studies.
The Factualist Interpretation of the Skeptical Solution and Semantic Primitivism
Authors: Wieczorkowski Michał
Published: April 2024

According to the factualist interpretation, the skeptical solution to the skeptic’s problem hinges on rejecting inflationary accounts of semantic facts, advocating instead for the adoption of minimal factualism. However, according to Alexander Miller, this account is unsound. Miller argues that minimal factualism represents a form of semantic primitivism, a position expressly rejected by Kripke’s Wittgenstein. Furthermore, Miller states that minimal factualism presupposes the conformity of meaning ascriptions with rules of discipline and syntax. However, he contends that this maneuver is also undermined by Kripke’s skepticism. In this paper, I demonstrate that Miller’s arguments against minimal factualism are unsound. To achieve this goal, I argue that the minimalist account of semantic facts should not be equated with semantic primitivism. Moreover, I argue that statements regarding the conformity of meaning ascriptions are either beside the criticism of Kripke’s skeptic or should be interpreted from the perspective of the account on assertibility offered by the skeptical solution. On this basis, I conclude that the factualist interpretation provides a conducive environment for solving the problem posed by Kripke’s skeptic.
Recent advances, challenges, and perspectives on carbon capture
Authors: Zhang Shihan , Shen Yao , Zheng Chenghang , Xu Qianqian , Sun Yifang , Huang Min , Li Lu , Yang Xiongwei , Zhou Hao , Ma Heliang , Li Zhendong , Zhang Yuanhang , Liu Wenqing , Gao Xiang
Published: April 2024

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies play an essential role in achieving Net Zero Emissions targets. Considering the lack of timely reviews on the recent advancements in promising CCUS technologies, it is crucial to provide a prompt review of the CCUS advances to understand the current research gaps pertained to its industrial application. To that end, this review first summarized the developmental history of CCUS technologies and the current large-scale demonstrations. Then, based on a visually bibliometric analysis, the carbon capture remains a hotspot in the CCUS development. Noting that the materials applied in the carbon capture process determines its performance. As a result, the state-of-the-art carbon capture materials and emerging capture technologies were comprehensively summarized and discussed. Gaps between state-of-art carbon capture process and its ideal counterpart are analyzed, and insights into the research needs such as material design, process optimization, environmental impact, and technical and economic assessments are provided.
Why does advertising work? exploring the neural mechanism of concreteness and emotional effects of donation advertising slogans
Authors: Zhang Dianyuan , Yao Jie , Han Wenhao
Published: April 2024

Advertising is methods to encourage donations, and text is one of the most crucial fundamental elements in advertising. Therefore, we chose advertising slogans as the focus of this study. The main goal of this research is to investigate how the emotional and concrete aspects of advertising slogans can impact information processing procedures and neural mechanisms, ultimately influencing advertising effectiveness. We conducted a two-factor experiment with a 2 × 2 design, using the ERPs experimental paradigm. The results reveal that slogans with an emotionally positive appeal outperformed in terms of advertising memory (recognition response time) and audience intention (liking, acting, and sharing). Emotional-negative advertising slogans performed better in eliciting early attention (P1). Concrete advertising slogans excelled in enhancing advertising memory (recognition response time, correct recognition rate), as well as in the later stages of information processing stage (N400 and LPC). Furthermore, abstract advertising slogans performed better in capturing early attention (P2) and influencing action intention. We introduce a framework comprising five distinct phases for individuals to process the advertising slogans and emphasize the foundational role of emotions in individual cognition and the processing of advertising. These findings uncover the underlying mechanism behind the effectiveness of donation advertising and provide valuable insights for the design of philanthropic advertising practices.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway: an important driver and therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Huan-ping , Jiang Rui-yuan , Zhu Jia-yu , Sun Ke-na , Huang Yuan , Zhou Huan-huan , Zheng Ya-bing , Wang Xiao-jia
Published: April 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. It has higher aggressiveness and metastasis than other subtypes, with limited effective therapeutic strategies, leading to a poor prognosis. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is prevalently over-activated in human cancers and contributes to breast cancer (BC) growth, survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis, which could be an interesting therapeutic target. This review summarizes the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation mechanism in TNBC and discusses the relationship between its activation and various TNBC subtypes. We also report the latest clinical studies on kinase inhibitors related to this pathway for treating TNBC. Our review discusses the issues that need to be addressed in the clinical application of these inhibitors.
Restored Wetland Size and Age Influence Small Mammal Communities in West Virginia, USA
Authors: Noe Krista L. , Rota Christopher T. , Frantz Mack W. , Anderson James T.
Published: April 2024

Small mammals are important, albeit often overlooked, fauna in wetland restoration projects. However, it is essential to evaluate factors that influence small mammal community metrics in restored wetlands to maximize wetland restoration effectiveness. Previous studies found that vegetation differed as restored wetlands aged and that wetland age may play a role in the presence of amphibians and birds. Therefore, we assessed whether wetland age influenced small mammals. We also evaluated 17 environmental factors in restored wetlands that could influence small mammal communities in these wetlands. To assess and evaluate the effects of age and environmental factors on the small mammal community, we appraised 14 restored wetlands in West Virginia, USA, in the summers of 2020 and 2021 for small mammal community metrics, specifically relative abundance, diversity, richness, and evenness. We captured six species of small mammals: deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius), northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda), and eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus). We found that the relative abundance of deer mice, white-footed mice, and meadow voles decreased with wetland age. However, both species diversity and evenness increased with wetland age. Wetland size influenced the relative abundance of white-footed mice, meadow jumping mice, and all small mammals combined. Although the relative abundance of white-footed mice and total small mammals decreased with wetland size, the relative abundance of meadow jumping mice increased with wetland size. Wetland managers should consider wetland age and size when designing wetlands to facilitate small mammal communities.
Uncovering Digital Platforms’ Ethics and Politics: The Case of Airbnb
Authors: Spier Shaked
Published: April 2024

The paper deploys the disclosive computer ethics (DCE) approach to reconstruct the ethics and politics of one of the sharing economy’s flagships—Airbnb. I investigate Airbnb’s technical design to identify the moral and political values that are embedded in the platform’s technology. I then analyze the platform’s ethics and politics towards a generalization of relevant ethical and political aspects by reconnecting them to the mechanisms, operations, rationales, and ideologies of the sharing economy in general. The paper contributes to the existing literature by linking between the ethics and politics of digital platforms and their technical design, using the case study of Airbnb. Additionally, it explores Airbnb as a specific platform technology with unique ethical and political values. Thus, the paper refutes the neutrality thesis and similar claims made by sharing economy platforms. Finally, the paper makes a methodological contribution to the literature on the ethics and politics of technology. It develops a practical DCE research methodology for uncovering the values, ethics, and politics of digital technologies.
Does the miR-105–1-Kisspeptin Axis Promote Ovarian Cell Functions?
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Loncová Barbora , Harrath Abdel Halim , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to elucidate the intricate interplay among miR-105–1, kisspeptin, and their synergistic influence on basic ovarian granulosa cell functions. The effects of miR-105–1 mimics or miR-105–1 inhibitor, kisspeptin (0, 1, and 10 ng/ml), and its combinations with miR-105–1 mimics on porcine granulosa cells were assessed. The expression levels of miR-105–1, viability, proliferation (accumulation of PCNA, cyclin B1, XTT-, and BrdU-positive cells), apoptosis (accumulation of bcl-2, bax, caspase 3, p53, TUNEL-positive cells), proportion of kisspeptin-positive cells, and the release of steroid hormones and IGF-I were analyzed. Transfection of cells with miR-105–1 mimics promoted cell viability and proliferation, the occurrence of kisspeptin, and the release of progesterone and IGF-I; in contrast, miR-105–1 mimics inhibited apoptosis and estradiol output. MiR-105–1 inhibitor had the opposite effect. Kisspeptin amplified the expression of miR-105–1, cell viability, proliferation, steroid hormones, and IGF‐I release and reduced apoptosis. Furthermore, the collaborative action of miR-105–1 mimics and kisspeptin revealed a synergistic relationship wherein miR-105–1 mimics predominantly supported the actions of kisspeptin, while kisspeptin exhibited a dual role in modulating the effects of miR-105–1 mimics. These findings not only affirm the pivotal role of kisspeptin in regulating basic ovarian cell functions but also represent the inaugural evidence underscoring the significance of miR-105–1 in this regulatory framework. Additionally, our results show the ability of kisspeptin to promote miR-105–1 expression and the ability of miR‐105–1 to promote the occurrence and effects of kisspeptin and, therefore, indicate the existence of the self‐stimulating kisspeptin‐miR‐105–1 axis.
Die psychologische Bedeutung des Romans. Phänomenologische Anmerkungen zur Literaturpsychologie
Authors: Wendt Alexander Nicolai , Müller Janis
Published: April 2024

Eine methodologische Antwort auf die Frage, welche Bedeutung der Roman für die empirische Psychologie hat, lässt sich in der Literaturpsychologie suchen, nach der Texte entweder als Verhaltensdaten behandelt oder inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet werden können. Zur Bestimmung eines spezifischen Unterschieds zu anderen Textgattungen reicht diese Perspektive allerdings nicht aus. Um die psychologische Bedeutung des Romans zu begreifen, ist es notwendig, seine wesentlichen Eigenheiten zu bestimmen. Äußerliche Merkmale können nicht ausreichen, dem Roman als Roman gerecht zu werden, stattdessen bedarf es einer innerlichen Bestimmung, einer Phänomenologie des Romans. Die fiktionale Welt, die sich im Roman entwirft, ist in einer eigenen Struktur konstituiert. Ein Roman ist weder die bloße Aneinanderreihung von Ereignissen noch ein akkurater wohl formulierter Informationsbericht. Er ist ein Kunstwerk, das eine eigene Welt erschafft, in welcher der lesende Geist zu neuen Erkenntnissen voranschreiten kann. Das literaturschaffende Genie versetzt das lesende Subjekt in die Perspektiven der Figuren. Hier wird das Subjekt konfrontiert mit den Wertgefügen innerhalb der Romanwelt. Auf diesem Wege kann der lesende Geist zu Erfahrungen gelangen, die ihm sonst verborgen bleiben würden. Der Roman ist für die Psychologie eine methodologische Herausforderung, aber zugleich auch eine Gelegenheit. Um die psychologische Bedeutung des Romans verständlich zu machen, müssen Theorien der Werterfahrung, der Narrativität und der Einbildungskraft zum Thema werden.
Green extraction of anthocyanins from Syzygium cumini fruit pulp using aqueous glycerol through ultrasound-assisted extraction
Authors: Kaur Darshanjot , Qadri Ovais Shafiq
Published: April 2024

Aqueous glycerol is a proposed green extractant for anthocyanins and polyphenols as an alternative to conventional solvents. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of aqueous glycerol to extract anthocyanins from Syzygium cumini fruit pulp with high yields. The ultrasound-assisted extraction process was also examined to enhance the extraction yield. The application of ultrasound-assisted extraction along with glycerol as a modifier remarkably enhanced the extraction of anthocyanins compared to the conventional extraction. Aqueous glycerol (70%) was screened against conventional solvents (ethanol, methanol and water), where glycerol showed promising outcomes. The optimised ultrasonication time and extraction temperature (25 °C for 5 min) were selected based on our previous study of NADESs. The results showed that glycerol gave the highest amount of anthocyanin content (201.05 mg C3G/100 g fresh weight) compared to conventional solvents for retrieving anthocyanins from S. cumini fruit pulp. Besides the anthocyanin content, the extract yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant activities using DPPH and FRAP were also determined. Glycerol showed a higher phenolic recovery (0.9 mg GAE/g dry sample), resulting in higher antioxidant activity (DPPH activity-73.35% inhibition). Therefore, the application of UAE with aqueous glycerol provides accessibility and enhanced anthocyanin extraction efficiency, thus fulfilling the green and sustainable approach to anthocyanin extraction.
Population, Climate Change and the Philosopher’s Message
Authors: Stanbury Craig
Published: April 2024

Population size is a significant variable that can be addressed to help combat climate change. If global fertility rates dropped by only 0.5 births per woman, almost a third of the emissions needed to avoid catastrophic climate change could be saved. This is equivalent to the annual emissions that would be saved from doubling the fuel efficiency of cars, increasing wind energy 50-fold or improving nuclear energy three times over. It accounts for over half of the Earth’s yearly emissions. Yet, is there a way to address population size without violating human rights? To what extent should individual reproductive practices change? These are live questions. However, various philosophers claim that procreators should limit themselves to having no more than one child. Doing so, they say, strikes the most appropriate balance between protecting reproductive justice for people who want to have children and achieving a sustainable future.

This paper pushes back on this claim. There are plausibly too many sexist, racist, classist and eugenic outcomes in demanding people limit their procreation to one child. Therefore, philosophers should relax their messaging about permissibility limits and be more concerned with helping people cultivate the right character to think through procreation and overpopulation.
One British Archive: Seeing the Rev. John Clifford Archives and the Gender of Passive Resistance
Authors: Koven Seth
Published: April 2024

This article discusses the archives of Westbourne Park Baptist Church in London and its world-renowned pastor in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Dr. John Clifford. As leader of the National Passive Resistance League, the fiery Clifford came to be synonymous with the Nonconformist conscience at the height of its political influence in the early twentieth century. The article foregrounds the tension between what I call archival intimacy and archival precarity, while analyzing the power of seeing the diverse photographs in this collection as evidence of the gendered politics of passive resistance in the early twentieth century. Some— though not all—of the collection that I consulted at Westbourne Park Baptist Church in 2016 has now been transferred to the Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.
The last remnants of the Italian Apennine glaciers: 3-D modeling of the Lower Calderone Glacieret by the IDW spatial interpolation of GPR data
Authors: Dossi Matteo , Mattei Elisabetta , Pecci Massimo , Cosciotti Barbara , Lauro Sebastian Emanuel , Monaco Angelo , Scozzafava Marco , Pettinelli Elena
Published: April 2024

We present a quantitative ground-penetrating radar (GPR) analysis of the Lower Calderone Glacieret to highlight the recent evolution of one of the southernmost glacial systems in Europe. The Upper and Lower Calderone Glacierets are the last two perennial ice bodies in the Apennine Mountains (Italy), and their continuous monitoring is important for glaciology, hydrology and climate science. We applied a proprietary auto-picking algorithm to track reflections accurately and objectively within three pseudo-3-D GPR data sets that were acquired over the Lower Glacieret in different years. After the time-to-depth conversion, the basal reflections were projected onto the normal versors of a 3-D topographic model of the survey area, at the different GPR trace positions. We then applied an Adjusted Inverse-Distance Weighted Spatial Interpolation method to extrapolate the ice-bedrock interface within the areas not directly covered by the GPR profiles and compare it with the topographic surface to recover the glacieret volume. In this paper, we critically examine the accuracy of the reconstructed models, including possible issues related to the challenging survey areas, such as local artifacts in the interpolated interface caused by irregular GPR coverage. We further discuss the various advantages of the implemented procedure with respect to more traditional glacier monitoring techniques.
Hot electron emission characteristics from thin metal foil targets irradiated by terawatt laser
Authors: Singh Sushil K. , Krupka Michal , Krasa Josef , Istokskaia Valeria , Dostal Jan , Dudzak Roman , Pisarczyk Tadeusz , Cikhardt Jakub , Agarwal Shubham , Klir Daniel , Rezac Karel , Giuffrida Lorenzo , Chodukowski Tomasz , Rusiniak Zofia , Burian Tomas , Margarone Daniele , Krus Miroslav , Juha Libor
Published: April 2024

The interaction of focused high power laser beam with solid targets leads to acceleration of charged particles among other by non-linear effects in the plasma. In this experiment, the hot electrons are characterized from the interaction of sub-nanosecond and kilo-joule class laser pulse with thin metal foil targets (Cu, Ta, Ti, Sn, Pb). The energy distribution functions of electrons were measured by angularly resolved multichannel electron spectrometer. The hot electron temperatures were observed in range from 30 to 80 keV for laser intensities between

${\sim}10^{15}$

and

$3 \times 10^{16}\ \mathrm{W\,cm^{-2}}$

. The measured energy distribution and electron temperature were compared with published results and known scaling laws at higher laser intensities. For foil targets of different materials, the temperature and flux of hot electrons were scaled with target thickness in the range of 1–100

$\unicode{x03BC}\mathrm{m}$

from low Z to high Z materials where Z is the atomic number. The profile of conversion efficiency from laser energy to hot electrons is discussed in the energy range from 100 to 600 J. For the given laser and target parameters, the nonlinear behaviour of conversion efficiency and relevant physics are also described in detail.
How Local Context Affects Populist Radical Right Support: A Cross-National Investigation Into Mediated and Moderated Relationships
Authors: Arzheimer Kai , Berning Carl , de Lange Sarah , Dutozia Jerome , Evans Jocelyn , Gould Myles , Harteveld Eelco , Hood Nick , Ivaldi Gilles , Norman Paul , van der Brug Wouter , van der Meer Tom
Published: April 2024

Populist radical right (PRR) parties are often more successful in some regions of their countries than in others. However, previous research shows that the relationship between context and PRR support is not straightforward. We develop and test an expanded framework linking local conditions to PRR support through two causal mechanisms. First, we argue economic and cultural contextual factors can influence citizens by fostering a sense of perceived local decline, which in turn predicts both populist and nativist attitudes and, hence, PRR support (mediation). Second, we expect that citizens with fewer resources and stronger local embeddedness are more strongly influenced by the context in which they live (moderation). Combining geocoded survey data with contextual data from four countries (DE, FR, GB and NL), we show that the link between local context and PRR support is indeed mediated and moderated, providing a better understanding of the spatial distribution behind recent PRR success.