bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of empagliflozin on liver fat in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease without diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Ng Ho Yu , Hui Rex Wan Hin , Lam Lok Ka , Mak Lung Yi , Ho Yuen Chi , Tan Jing Tong , Chan Esther W. , Seto Wai Kay , Yuen Man Fung , Leung Wai K.
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:

We investigated whether empagliflozin reduces hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease without diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results:

This was an investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial recruiting adult subjects from the community. Eligible subjects without diabetes mellitus (fasting plasma glucose < 7 mmol/L and HbA1c < 6.5%) who had magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) ≥ 5% were randomly allocated to receive empagliflozin 10 mg daily or placebo (1:1 ratio) for 52 weeks (end of treatment, EOT). MRI-PDFF was conducted at baseline and EOT. The primary outcome was the difference in change of MRI-PDFF between the 2 groups at EOT. Secondary outcomes were hepatic steatosis resolution (MRI-PDFF < 5%), alanine aminotransferase drop ≥ 17 U/L, MRI-PDFF decline ≥ 30%, a combination of both, and changes of anthropometric and laboratory parameters at EOT. All outcomes were based on intention-to-treat analysis. Of 98 recruited subjects (median age: 55.7 y [IQR:49.5–63.4]; male:54 [55.1%]), 97 (empagliflozin:49, placebo:48; median MRI-PDFF:9.7% vs 9.0%) had MRI-PDFF repeated at EOT. The Empagliflozin group had a greater reduction in median MRI-PDFF compared to the placebo group (–2.49% vs. –1.43%; p = 0.025), with a nonsignificant trend of resolution of hepatic steatosis (44.9% vs. 28.6%; p = 0.094). There was no significant difference in alanine aminotransferase drop ≥ 17 U/L (16.3% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.564), MRI-PDFF drop ≥ 30% (49.0% vs. 40.8%; p = 0.417), and composite outcome (8.2% vs. 8.2%; p = 1.000). Empagliflozin group had a greater drop in body weight (–2.7 vs. –0.2 kg), waist circumference (–2.0 vs. 0 cm), fasting glucose (–0.3 vs. 0 mmol/L), and ferritin (–126 vs. –22 pmol/L) (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Empagliflozin for 52 weeks reduces hepatic fat content in subjects with nondiabetic metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04642261).
What Happens Next? Maintenance of Gains After Discharge From VA Residential PTSD Treatment
Authors: Grau Peter P. , Harpaz-Rotem Ilan , Ilgen Mark A. , Ganoczy Dara , Sripada Rebecca K.
Published: March 2024

Residential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs is helpful for many Veterans, yet the majority experience symptom rebound after discharge. This study examined a national cohort of Veterans (n = 1872) who completed VA residential PTSD treatment and identified factors associated with maintenance of gains from discharge to 4-month follow-up. We generated three logistic regression models based on response profiles during residential treatment. In the “marginal responders” group, 1–3 “booster” sessions of PTSD treatment were associated with decreased odds of maintenance of gains (odds ratio [OR], 0.42), whereas in the “clinically significant responders” group, these sessions were associated with increased odds of maintenance of gains (OR, 2.89). Greater pain severity was associated with decreased odds of maintenance of gains in the “clinically significant responder” group (OR, 0.90). Results demonstrate several avenues for intervention including targeting pain severity and matching aftercare psychotherapy to Veteran residential treatment response.
68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in 2 Siblings With Von Hippel–Lindau Disease
Authors: G.B. Priyanka , Damle Nishikant Avinash , Reddy K. Ravindranath , Tandon Nikhil , Naranje Priyanka , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Subudhi Kishan
Published: March 2024

Von Hippel–Lindau disease is a rare multisystem disorder that shows autosomal dominant inheritance. It is a cancer syndrome that is characterized by the development of a variety of benign and malignant tumors—CNS hemangioblastomas, retinal angiomas, endolymphatic sac tumors, renal cysts and tumors, pancreatic cysts and tumors, adrenal pheochromocytomas, and epididymal cystadenomas. Here we present the 68Ga-labeled DOTANOC scans of 2 siblings who show an interesting spectrum of findings consistent with Von Hippel–Lindau disease.
Charting the Course of Targeted α Therapy With First-in-Human, Postadministration Image-Guided Dosimetry and Response Assessment of 212Pb-VMT-α-NET in Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Singh Navneet , Rana Nishant , Thakral Parul , Malik Dharmender , Schultz Michael K. , Sen Ishita B.
Published: March 2024

212Pb emerges as a compelling in vivo α-particle generator for targeted α therapy due to its favorable half-life (t
1/2 = 10.6 hours) aligning with the biological half-lives of small peptides and its potent α-particle emissions within the decay series. However, one of the challenges with 212Pb is to perform appropriate image-guided dosimetry. To date, all the data have been extrapolated from its imaging analog, 203Pb. We present the first-in-human posttherapy image-guided dosimetric estimates of a single cycle of 212Pb VMT-α-peptide, administered in a 41-year-old woman with an advanced grade 2 NET. The patient also demonstrated partial response on treatment.
Recurrent Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma Involving Only in the Muscles of Extremities Shown on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Fleury Anilawan S. , Zhuang Hongming
Published: March 2024

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common osseous malignancy in pediatric patient. Metastasis is common due to its aggressive nature, with 25% of patients with metastasis at diagnosis, commonly to the lungs, bone, or bone marrow. Muscle metastasis is uncommon. We report FDG PET/CT findings of multifocal muscle metastases of recurrent Ewing sarcoma in the extremities without lung and bone involvement in a 6-year-old boy.
Benchmark Outcomes for Distal Pancreatectomy: A Multicenter Prospective Snapshot Study from the Spanish Distal Pancreatectomy Project (SPANDISPAN)
Authors: Ramia José M , Alcázar-López Cándido F , Villodre-Tudela Celia , Rubio-García Juan J , Hernández Belén , Aparicio-López Daniel , Serradilla-Martín Mario ,   for the SPANDISPAN Collaborative Study Group
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Improving the quality of care is a priority for health systems to obtain better care and reduce costs. One of the tools for measuring quality is benchmarking (BM). We presented a 1-country prospective study of distal pancreatectomies (DPs) and determined BM.

STUDY DESIGN:

Prospective, multicenter, observational snapshot study of DP carried out at Spanish hepatopancreatobiliary centers for a year (February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023). Hepatopancreatobiliary centers were defined as high volume if they performed more than 10 DPs per year. Inclusion criteria include any scheduled DP for any diagnosis and age older than 18 years. The low-risk group was defined following the criteria given by Durin and colleagues and major complications as Clavien-Dindo ≥III.

RESULTS:

A total of 313 patients from 42 centers and 46.6% from high-volume centers were included. Median DP by center was 7 (interquartile range 5 to 10), median age was 65 years (interquartile range 55 to 74), and 53.4% were female. The surgical approach was minimally invasive in 69.3%. Major complications were 21.1%. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C rate was 20.1%, and 90-day mortality was 1.6%. One hundred forty-three patients were in low-risk group (43.8%). Compared with previous BM data, an increasing MIS rate and fewer hospital stay were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS:

We present the first determination of DP-BM in a prospective series, obtaining similar results to the previous ones, but our BM values include a shorter hospital stay and a higher percentage of minimally invasive surgery probably related to Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols and prospective data collection. BM is a multiparameter valuable tool for reporting outcomes, comparing centers, and identifying the points to improve surgical care.
The Robin boundary condition for modelling heat transfer
Authors: Marušić-Paloka Eduard , Pažanin Igor
Published: March 2024

The heat exchange between a rigid body and a fluid is usually modelled by the Robin boundary condition saying that the heat flux through the interface is proportional to the difference between their temperatures. Such interface law describes only the unilateral heat exchange. The goal of this paper is to compare the Robin boundary condition starting with the transmission condition (the temperature and the flux continuity) using rigorous mathematical analysis. Our main results are the following. We first show that a generalized version of the Robin boundary condition can be justified. Second, we prove that replacing the generalized by the standard Robin condition can be justified for high convection velocity if the conductivity of the surrounding liquid is much lower than that of the body. On the other hand, if the fluid conducts much better than the body, then the effective boundary condition is shown not to be the Robin one, but it involves second-order derivatives. We strongly believe that those findings bring new insights to the physics of the heat exchange processes and, thus, could prove useful in engineering practice.
Parasite escape mechanisms drive morphological diversification in avian lice
Authors: Kolencik Stanislav , Stanley Edward L. , Punnath Aswaj , Grant Avery R. , Doña Jorge , Johnson Kevin P. , Allen Julie M.
Published: March 2024

Organisms that have repeatedly evolved similar morphologies owing to the same selective pressures provide excellent cases in which to examine specific morphological changes and their relevance to the ecology and evolution of taxa. Hosts of permanent parasites act as an independent evolutionary experiment, as parasites on these hosts are thought to be undergoing similar selective pressures. Parasitic feather lice have repeatedly diversified into convergent ecomorphs in different microhabitats on their avian hosts. We quantified specific morphological characters to determine (i) which traits are associated with each ecomorph, (ii) the quantitative differences between these ecomorphs, and (iii) if there is evidence of displacement among co-occurring lice as might be expected under louse–louse competition on the host. We used nano-computed tomography scan data of 89 specimens, belonging to four repeatedly evolved ecomorphs, to examine their mandibular muscle volume, limb length and three-dimensional head shape data. Here, we find evidence that lice repeatedly evolve similar morphologies as a mechanism to escape host defences, but also diverge into different ecomorphs related to the way they escape these defences. Lice that co-occur with other genera on a host exhibit greater morphological divergence, indicating a potential role of competition in evolutionary divergence.
Virulence genes, resistome and mobilome of Streptococcus suis strains isolated in France
Authors: Dechêne-Tempier Manon , de Boisséson Claire , Lucas Pierrick , Bougeard Stéphanie , Libante Virginie , Marois-Créhan Corinne , Payot Sophie
Published: March 2024

Streptococcus suis is a leading cause of infection in pigs, causing extensive economic losses. In addition, it can also infect wild fauna, and can be responsible for severe infections in humans. Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described in S. suis worldwide and most of the AMR genes are carried by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). This contributes to their dissemination by horizontal gene transfer. A collection of 102 strains isolated from humans, pigs and wild boars in France was subjected to whole genome sequencing in order to: (i) study their genetic diversity, (ii) evaluate their content in virulence-associated genes, (iii) decipher the mechanisms responsible for their AMR and their association with MGEs, and (iv) study their ability to acquire extracellular DNA by natural transformation. Analysis by hierarchical clustering on principal components identified a few virulence-associated factors that distinguish invasive CC1 strains from the other strains. A plethora of AMR genes (n=217) was found in the genomes. Apart from the frequently reported erm(B) and tet(O) genes, more recently described AMR genes were identified [vga(F)/sprA, vat(D)]. Modifications in PBPs/MraY and GyrA/ParC were detected in the penicillin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates respectively. New AMR gene–MGE associations were detected. The majority of the strains have the full set of genes required for competence, i.e for the acquisition of extracellular DNA (that could carry AMR genes) by natural transformation. Hence the risk of dissemination of these AMR genes should not be neglected.
Computational Deconvolution of Cell Type-Specific Gene Expression in COPD and IPF Lungs Reveals Disease Severity Associations
Authors: Ryu Min Hyung , Yun Jeong H. , Kim Kangjin , Gentili Michele , Ghosh Auyon , Sciurba Frank , Barwick Lucas , Limper Andrew , Criner Gerard , Brown Kevin K. , Wise Robert , Martinez Fernando J. , Flaherty Kevin R. , Cho Michael H. , Castaldi Peter J. , DeMeo Dawn L. , Silverman Edwin K. , Hersh Craig P. , Morrow Jarrett D.
Published: March 2024

Rationale

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are debilitating diseases associated with divergent histopathological changes in the lungs. At present, due to cost and technical limitations, profiling cell types is not practical in large epidemiology cohorts (n>1000). Here, we used computational deconvolution to identify cell types in COPD and IPF lungs whose abundances and cell type-specific gene expression are associated with disease diagnosis and severity.

Methods

We analyzed lung tissue RNA-seq data from 1026 subjects (COPD, n=465; IPF, n=213; control, n=348) from the Lung Tissue Research Consortium. We performed RNA-seq deconvolution, querying thirty-eight discrete cell-type varieties in the lungs. We tested whether deconvoluted cell-type abundance and cell type-specific gene expression were associated with disease severity.

Results

The abundance score of twenty cell types significantly differed between IPF and control lungs. In IPF subjects, eleven and nine cell types were significantly associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), respectively. Aberrant basaloid cells, a rare cells found in fibrotic lungs, were associated with worse FVC and DLCO in IPF subjects, indicating that this aberrant epithelial population increased with disease severity. Alveolar type 1 and vascular endothelial (VE) capillary A were decreased in COPD lungs compared to controls. An increase in macrophages and classical monocytes was associated with lower DLCO in IPF and COPD subjects. In both diseases, lower non-classical monocytes and VE capillary A cells were associated with increased disease severity. Alveolar type 2 cells and alveolar macrophages had the highest number of genes with cell type-specific differential expression by disease severity in COPD and IPF. In IPF, genes implicated in the pathogenesis of IPF, such as matrix metallopeptidase 7, growth differentiation factor 15, and eph receptor B2, were associated with disease severity in a cell type-specific manner.

Conclusion

Utilization of RNA-seq deconvolution enabled us to pinpoint cell types present in the lungs that are associated with the severity of COPD and IPF. This knowledge offers valuable insight into the alterations within tissues in more advanced illness, ultimately providing a better understanding of the underlying pathological processes that drive disease progression.
Equal, equitable or exacerbating inequalities? Patterns and predictors of social prescribing referrals in 160,128 UK patients
Authors: Bu Feifei , Hayes Daniel , Burton Alexandra , Fancourt Daisy
Published: March 2024

Background

Social prescribing (SP) is growing rapidly globally as a way to tackle social determinants of health. However, whom it is reaching and how effectively it is being implemented remains unclear.

Aims

To gain a comprehensive picture of SP in the UK, from referral routes, reasons, to contacts with link workers and prescribed interventions.

Methods

This study undertook the first analyses of a large database of administrative data from over 160,000 individuals referred to SP across the UK. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses and regression modelling, including logistic regression for binary outcomes and negative binomial regression for count variables.

Results

Mental health was the most common referral reason and mental health interventions the most common interventions prescribed. Between 72% and 85% of SP referrals were from medical routes (primary or secondary health care). While these referrals demonstrate equality in reaching across socio-demographic groups, individuals from more deprived areas, younger adults, men, and ethnic minority groups were reached more equitably via non-medical routes (e.g. self-referral, school, charity). Despite 90% of referrals leading to contact with a link worker, only 38% resulted in any intervention being received. A shortage of provision of community activities - especially ones relevant to mental health, practical support, and social relationships - was evident. There was also substantial heterogeneity in how SP is being implemented across UK nations.

Conclusions

Mental health is the leading reason for SP referrals, demonstrating its relevance to psychiatrists. But there are inequalities in referrals. Non-medical referral routes could play an important role in addressing inequality in accessing social prescribing, therefore should be prioritised. Additionally, more financial and infrastructural resource and strategic planning are needed to address low intervention rates. Further investment into large-scale data platforms and staff training are needed to continue monitoring the development and distribution of social prescribing.
Strengthening a collaborative approach to implementing surveillance systems: Lessons from the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) in Malawi and Zimbabwe
Authors: Vumbugwa Phiona , Maatouk Ismael , Machiha Anna , Matoga Mitch , Mitambo Collins , Nyirenda Rose , Nyasulu Ishmael , Mugabe Muchaneta , Ngwenya Mkhokheli , Mundade Yamuna , Wi Teodora , Unemo Magnus , Soge Olusegun O.
Published: March 2024

Background

With the number of antimicrobials available to effectively treat gonorrhoea rapidly diminishing, surveillance of antimicrobial–resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) is critical for global public health security activity. Many low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) have gaps in their existing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) surveillance systems that negatively impact global efforts geared towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper explains the contribution of collaborative surveillance systems to health systems strengthening (HSS) learning from integrating NG surveillance into existing Ministries of Health’s (MoH) antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance services in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Methods

We used the WHO Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) implementation experiences in Malawi and Zimbabwe to demonstrate the collaboration in AMR and STI surveillance. We conducted qualitative interviews with purposively selected health managers directly participating in the AMR and STI programs using a standardized key informant guide to describe how to plan for a collaborative surveillance system. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to delineate stakeholders’ recommendations using the health systems’ building blocks.

Results

Stakeholder engagement, prioritization of needs, and power to negotiate were key drivers to a successful collaborative surveillance system. Weak governance, policies, lack of accountability, and different priorities, coupled with weak collaborations, workforce, and health information systems, were challenges faced in having effective collaborative surveillance systems. Data availability, use, and negotiation power were key drivers for the prioritization of collaborative surveillance. Including collaborative surveillance in primary health services and increasing government budget allocation for surveillance were recommended.

Conclusions

Strengthening collaborative surveillance systems in LMICs using a people-centered approach increases transparency and accountability and empowers national institutions, communities, and stakeholders to engage in sustainable activities that potentially strengthen health systems. EGASP implementations in Zimbabwe and Malawi serve as models for other countries planning to implement or improve collaborative surveillance systems in their context.
QED based on an eight-dimensional spinorial wave equation of the electromagnetic field and the emergence of quantum gravity
Authors: Partanen Mikko , Tulkki Jukka
Published: March 2024

Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the most accurate of all experimentally verified physical theories. How QED and other theories of fundamental interactions couple to gravity through special unitary symmetries, on which the standard model of particle physics is based, is, however, still unknown. Here we develop a coupling between the electromagnetic field, Dirac electron-positron field, and the gravitational field based on an eight-component spinorial representation of the electromagnetic field. Our spinorial representation is analogous to the well-known representation of particles in the Dirac theory but it is given in terms of 8×8 bosonic gamma matrices. In distinction from earlier works on the spinorial representations of the electromagnetic field, we reformulate QED using eight-component spinors. This enables us to introduce the generating Lagrangian density of gravity based on the special unitary symmetry of the eight-dimensional spinor space. The generating Lagrangian density of gravity plays, in the definition of the gauge theory of gravity and its symmetric stress-energy-momentum tensor source term, a similar role as the conventional Lagrangian density of the free Dirac field plays in the definition of the gauge theory of QED and its electric four-current density source term. The fundamental consequence, the Yang-Mills gauge theory of unified gravity, is studied in a separate work [], where the theory is also extended to cover the other fundamental interactions of the standard model. We devote ample space for details of the eight-spinor QED to provide solid mathematical basis for the present work and the related work on the Yang-Mills gauge theory of unified gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum homogenization as a quantum steady-state protocol on noisy intermediate-scale quantum hardware
Authors: Yosifov Alexander , Iyer Aditya , Ebler Daniel , Vedral Vlatko
Published: March 2024

Quantum homogenization is a reservoir-based quantum state approximation protocol, which has been successfully implemented in state transformation on quantum hardware. In this work we move beyond that and propose the homogenization as a novel platform for quantum state stabilization and information protection. Using the Heisenberg exchange interactions formalism, we extend the standard quantum homogenization protocol to the dynamically equivalent (SWAP)α formulation. We then demonstrate its applicability on the available noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors by presenting a shallow quantum circuit implementation consisting of a sequence of and single-qubit gates. In light of this, we employ the Beny-Oreshkov generalization of the Knill-Laflamme (KL) conditions for near-optimal recovery channels to show that our proposed (SWAP)α quantum homogenization protocol yields a completely positive, trace-preserving (CPTP) map under which the code subspace is correctable. Therefore, the protocol protects quantum information contained in a subsystem of the reservoir Hilbert space under CPTP dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cosmic-ray boosted dark matter confronted by constraints on new light mediators
Authors: Bell Nicole F. , Newstead Jayden L. , Ali Iman Shaukat
Published: March 2024

The detectability of light dark matter in direct detection experiments is limited by the small kinetic energy of the recoiling targets. Thus, scenarios where dark matter is boosted to relativistic velocities provide a useful tactic to constrain sub-GeV dark matter particles. Of the possible dark matter boosting mechanisms, cosmic-ray upscattering is an appealing paradigm as it does not require any additional assumptions beyond dark matter coupling to nucleons or electrons. However, detectable signals are obtained only with relatively large cross sections which, in turn, can only be realized with large couplings, light mediators or composite dark matter. In this work we consider a general set of light mediators that couple dark matter to hadrons. Using data from Borexino, XENON1T, LZ and Super-K, we show that existing constraints on such mediators preclude appreciable cosmic-ray dark matter upscattering. This finding highlights the limited applicability of cosmic-ray upscattering constraints and suggests they only be used in model-dependent studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Untangling influences of information relevance and media richness on health anxiety and COVID-19-related stress: perspective of stimulus-organism-response
Authors: Pang Hua , Zhou Enhui , Xiao Yi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In light of the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theoretical paradigm, this paper explores how information relevance and media richness affect social network exhaustion and, moreover, how social network exhaustion ultimately leads to health anxiety and COVID-19-related stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is explicitly analyzed and estimated by using data from 309 individuals of different ages in mainland China. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were utilized to validate the proposed hypotheses through the use of online data.

Findings

The findings suggest that information relevance is negatively associated with social network exhaustion. In addition, social network exhaustion is a significant predictor of health anxiety and stress. Furthermore, information relevance and media richness can indirectly influence health anxiety and stress through the mediating effect of social network exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this paper verifies the causes and consequences of social network exhaustion during COVID-19, thus making a significant contribution to the theoretical construction and refinement of this emerging research area. Practically, the conceptual research model in this paper may provide inspiration for more investigators and scholars who are inclined to further explore the different dimensions of social network exhaustion by utilizing other variables.

Originality/value

Although social network exhaustion and its adverse consequences have become prevalent, relatively few empirical studies have addressed the deleterious effects of social network exhaustion on mobile social media users’ psychosocial well-being and mental health during the prolonged COVID-19. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications for the rational development and construction of mobile social technologies to cultivate proper health awareness and mindset during the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 epidemic.
Deep learning algorithms for temperature prediction in two-phase immersion-cooled data centres
Authors: Suresh Pratheek , Chakravarthy Balaji
Published: March 2024

Purpose

As data centres grow in size and complexity, traditional air-cooling methods are becoming less effective and more expensive. Immersion cooling, where servers are submerged in a dielectric fluid, has emerged as a promising alternative. Ensuring reliable operations in data centre applications requires the development of an effective control framework for immersion cooling systems, which necessitates the prediction of server temperature. While deep learning-based temperature prediction models have shown effectiveness, further enhancement is needed to improve their prediction accuracy. This study aims to develop a temperature prediction model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Networks based on recursive encoder-decoder architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the use of deep learning algorithms to predict the temperature of a heater in a two-phase immersion-cooled system using NOVEC 7100. The performance of recursive-long short-term memory-encoder-decoder (R-LSTM-ED), recursive-convolutional neural network-LSTM (R-CNN-LSTM) and R-LSTM approaches are compared using mean absolute error, root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error and coefficient of determination (R2) as performance metrics. The impact of window size, sampling period and noise within training data on the performance of the model is investigated.

Findings

The R-LSTM-ED consistently outperforms the R-LSTM model by 6%, 15.8% and 12.5%, and R-CNN-LSTM model by 4%, 11% and 12.3% in all forecast ranges of 10, 30 and 60 s, respectively, averaged across all the workloads considered in the study. The optimum sampling period based on the study is found to be 2 s and the window size to be 60 s. The performance of the model deteriorates significantly as the noise level reaches 10%.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed models are currently trained on data collected from an experimental setup simulating data centre loads. Future research should seek to extend the applicability of the models by incorporating time series data from immersion-cooled servers.

Originality/value

The proposed multivariate-recursive-prediction models are trained and tested by using real Data Centre workload traces applied to the immersion-cooled system developed in the laboratory.
Prediction and comparative analysis of friction material properties using a GA-SVM optimization model
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Wang Leilei , Wang Guodong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the rapid advancement in the automotive industry, the friction coefficient (FC), wear rate (WR) and weight loss (WL) have emerged as crucial parameters to measure the performance of automotive braking systems, so the FC, WR and WL of friction material are predicted and analyzed in this work, with an aim of achieving accurate prediction of friction material properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Genetic algorithm support vector machine (GA-SVM) model is obtained by applying GA to optimize the SVM in this work, thus establishing a prediction model for friction material properties and achieving the predictive and comparative analysis of friction material properties. The process parameters are analyzed by using response surface methodology (RSM) and GA-RSM to determine them for optimal friction performance.

Findings

The results indicate that the GA-SVM prediction model has the smallest error for FC, WR and WL, showing that it owns excellent prediction accuracy. The predicted values obtained by response surface analysis are closed to those of GA-SVM model, providing further evidence of the validity and the rationality of the established prediction model.

Originality/value

The relevant results can serve as a valuable theoretical foundation for the preparation of friction material in engineering practice.
Assessing the moderating effects of involvement on tourist attitudes and intentions through virtual reality applications
Authors: Talawar Abhishek , Suresh Sheena , Alathur Sreejith
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of various preview modes on tourist attitudes and intentions to visit a destination based on consumers’ level of involvement in travel decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a between-subjects one-factor [preview mode: static images vs 360-degree tour vs virtual reality (VR) mode] in a laboratory experiment setup to examine how consumers with different levels of involvement in travel decision-making respond to destination marketing toward three different preview modes.

Findings

The findings indicated that VR preview mode highly influences tourist attitudes and visit intentions toward a destination compared to static images and 360-degree tours. This effect is more significant among participants with higher levels of customer involvement. Finally, the results from the study offer empirical evidence of the effectiveness of VR in shaping user behavior compared to traditional preview modes.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations are using a non-probability sampling method, a small sample size and affordable mobile-compatible VR headsets.

Practical implications

This study offers empirical evidence on the effectiveness of VR in shaping tourist behavior compared to traditional preview modes. It helps destination marketers develop appropriate strategies for promoting tourist destinations.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in understanding the effectiveness of VR in shaping tourist behavior with different levels of customer involvement in travel decision-making.
Science mapping the knowledge base on microlearning: using Scopus database between 2002 and 2021
Authors: Pham Hiep-Hung , Nguyen Ngoc-Thi Nhu , Dinh Hai Luong , Nguyen Tien-Trung , Nguyen Van An Le
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the advancement of technology, microlearning has emerged as a promising method to improve the efficacy of teaching and learning. This study aims to investigate the document types, volume, growth trajectory, geographic contribution, coauthor relationships, prominent authors, research groups, influential documents and publication outlets in the microlearning literature.

Design/methodology/approach

We adapt the PRISMA guidelines to assess the eligibility of 297 Scopus-indexed documents from 2002 to 2021. Each was manually labeled by educational level. Descriptive statistics and science mapping were conducted to highlight relevant objects and their patterns in the knowledge base.

Findings

This study confirms the increasing trend of microlearning publications over the last two decades, with conference papers dominating the microlearning literature (178 documents, 59.86%). Despite global contributions, a concentrated effort from scholars in 15 countries (22.39%) yielded 68.8% of all documents, while the remaining papers were dispersed across 52 other nations (77.61%). Another significant finding is that most documents pertain to three educational level categories: lifelong learning, higher education and all educational levels. In addition, this research highlights six key themes in the microlearning domain, encompassing (1) Design and evaluation of mobile learning, (2) Microlearning adaptation in MOOCs, (3) Language teaching and learning, (4) Workflow of a microlearning system, (5) Microlearning content design, (6) Health competence and health behaviors. Other aspects analyzed in this study include the most prominent authors, research groups, documents and references.

Originality/value

The finding represents all topics at various educational levels to offer a comprehensive view of the knowledge base.
Agronomic non‐native species are overrepresented across habitat types in central Canada
Authors: Murillo Raytha de Assis , Pätsch Ricarda , Wagner Viktoria
Published: March 2024

In response to non‐native plant invasions, many governments have established noxious weed lists to control and eradicate introduced invasive plants. However, invasive agronomic species are often unregulated, and the extent of their invasion across habitat types has never been determined.

Using vegetation surveys across 222 plots, we investigated the contribution of agronomic versus noxious non‐native species to the levels of invasion across seven habitat types in central Canada.

Although agronomic non‐native species, such as Poa pratensis and Bromus inermis, only made up 21.3% of the non‐native species pool, they accounted for 43.6% of non‐native plant species frequency and 74.4% of relative non‐native plant cover. They were also disproportionately overrepresented compared with noxious non‐native species across all habitat types, except saline marshes.

The overabundance of agronomic non‐native plants in central Canada is likely the legacy of cultivar breeding, intentional seeding of introduced forage species and a lack of incentive for the use of native species.

Synthesis and applications: Decelerating the invasion by agronomic non‐native plants will require approaches beyond noxious weed lists and initiatives in research, policy and education. These tools can include incentives to use native seed material, for example, in reclamation and forage and turf production, to reduce propagule pressure from invasive agronomic non‐native plants.
Factors controlling germination and seedling growth of an endangered Saussurea species (Asteraceae) endemic to serpentine areas in Japan
Authors: Inoue Ryusuke , Yamamoto Akihiro , Wasaki Jun , Nakatsubo Takayuki
Published: March 2024

Saussurea ochiaiana Kadota (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb endemic to serpentine areas in western Japan. To date, only two locations are known habitats for this species of unknown ecological requirements. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the environmental factors that limit the germination and seedling growth of this species, which is an essential requirement for designing a suitable conservation strategy. Our germination experiments, in which the achenes were subjected to a gradually increasing temperature and a gradually decreasing temperature after short (1 month) or long (4 months) storage, indicated that the achenes required a long cold stratification for germination. In an experiment where plants collected at the study site were potted individually, they did not grow under strongly shaded conditions consisting of only 10% relative photosynthetic photon flux density (RPPFD), but grew well under moderately shaded conditions (50% RPPFD). No significant differences in seedling growth were observed among the three pH conditions tested (pH 4, 6, and 8). Although average seedling shoot weight was significantly larger at low Ca:Mg molar ratios (0.6 and 0.3) than at high substrate Ca:Mg molar ratios (15 and 1.5) in pot culture experiments, the difference between treatments was not very large (<20%). Habitat conditions suitable for the regeneration of this species are decreasing because of climate change and the depopulation of rural communities (reduction in management); therefore, urgent conservation strategies, including ex situ conservation, are needed.
Impact de l'intégration financière régionale sur le commerce intra régional des produits manufacturés dans la zone CEDEAO
Authors: Issoufou Dogo Abdoul Rachid
Published: March 2024

Cet article évalue l'impact de l'intégration financière régionale sur le commerce intra régional des produits manufacturés dans les pays de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) en utilisant un modèle de gravité augmenté sur la période 2005–2019. En utilisant une mesure de régionalisation financière basée sur l'intégration des marchés de crédits et la différence des taux d'intérêts, les résultats empiriques indiquent que l'intégration financière régionale a un impact positif et significatif sur le commerce intra régional des produits manufacturés aussi bien dans les pays exportateurs que dans les pays importateurs dans la zone CEDEAO. Les résultats des différents tests de robustesse effectués corroborent cette conclusion et confirment la consistance de nos résultats. L'étude suggère aux décideurs politiques d'encourager les reformes politiques visant à renforcer davantage le processus de régionalisation financière afin de faciliter l'accès aux capitaux et de réduire les contraintes des financements pour booster les investissements et le commerce dans le secteur manufacturier au niveau régional.
In‐package cold plasma treatment to extend the shelf life of food
Authors: Alaguthevar Ramalakshmi , Packialakshmi Jeyakumar Saranya , Murugesan Balakrishnan , Rhim Jong‐Whan , Thiyagamoorthy UmaMaheshwari
Published: March 2024

Conventional food preservation methods such as heat treatment, irradiation, chemical treatment, refrigeration, and coating have various disadvantages, like loss of food quality, nutrition, and cost‐effectiveness. Accordingly, cold plasma is one of the new technologies for food processing and has played an important role in preventing food spoilage. Specifically, in‐package cold plasma has become a modern trend to decontaminate, process, and package food simultaneously. This strategy has proven successful in processing various fresh food ingredients, including spinach, fruits, vegetables, and meat. In particular, cold plasma treatment within the package reduces the risk of post‐processing contamination. Cryoplasm decontamination within packaging has been reported to reduce significantly the microbial load of many foods’ spoilage‐causing pathogens. However, studies are needed to focus more on the effects of in‐package treatments on endogenous enzyme activity, pest control, and removal of toxic pesticide residues. In this review, we comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of in‐package low‐temperature plasma treatment to extend the shelf life of various foods. The mechanisms by which cold plasma interacts with food were investigated, emphasizing its effects on pathogen reduction, spoilage mitigation, and surface modification. The review also critically assessed the effects of the treatments on food quality, regulatory considerations, and their potential as viable technologies to improve food safety and packaging life. In‐package cold plasma treatment could revolutionize food storage when combined with other sophisticated technologies such as nanotechnology.
From sound check to encore: A journey through high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based food analyses and metabolomics
Authors: Díaz‐Galiano Francisco José , Murcia‐Morales María , Fernández‐Alba Amadeo Rodríguez
Published: March 2024

This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of high‐resolution mass spectrometry in the field of food analysis and metabolomics. We have followed the historical evolution of metabolomics, its associated techniques and technologies, and its increasing role in food science and research. The review provides a critical comparison and synthesis of tentative identification guidelines proposed for over 15 years, offering a condensed resource for researchers in the field. We have also examined a wide range of recent metabolomics studies, showcasing various methodologies and highlighting key findings as a testimony of the versatility of the field and the possibilities it offers. In doing so, we have also carefully provided a compilation of the software tools that may be employed in this type of studies. The manuscript also explores the prospects of high‐resolution mass spectrometry and metabolomics in food science. By covering the history, guidelines, applications, and tools of metabolomics, this review attempts to become a comprehensive guide for researchers in a rapidly evolving field.
Pause artificial intelligence research? Understanding AI policy challenges
Authors: Goldfarb Avi
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the next general purpose technology. General purpose technologies, such as the steam engine and computing, can have an outsized impact on productivity through a positive feedback loop between producing and application industries. Along with the discussion of AI's potential to improve productivity come a number of policy concerns related to AI's potential to automate jobs and to create existential risk for humanity. Because of these worries, in March 2023, a widely circulated petition called for a pause in AI research. That letter asked several questions about AI's potential impact on society. This paper examines those questions through an economic lens. It highlights reasons to be optimistic about the long‐run impact of AI, while underscoring short‐run risks. Economic models provide an understanding of where the ambiguity lies and where it does not. Our models suggest no ambiguity on whether there will be jobs and little ambiguity on long‐term productivity growth if AI diffuses widely. In contrast, there is substantial ambiguity on the implications of AI's diffusion for inequality.
Think tanks and climate obstruction: Atlas affiliates in Canada
Authors: Graham Nicolas
Published: March 2024

This paper provides a longitudinal social network and content analysis of Canadian think tanks affiliated with the Atlas network, analyzing their efforts to obstruct climate action over the last two decades. Network analysis reveals extensive and deepening board interlocks and joint memberships between these think tanks and the fossil fuel industry, other policy‐planning organizations within and beyond Canada, and academic institutions. Consistent with and rooted in network ties, Atlas members produce a large and growing volume of climate‐related content, including content that denies the reality and impacts of climate change, promotes and defends the fossil fuel sector, and opposes climate policy and action. Atlas affiliates are argued to be at the core of a reactionary segment of Canada's elite policy‐planning network opposed to virtually all forms of climate action, while the frames and campaigns they deploy are seen as a force obstructing progress on climate change.
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C enhances vesicular storage of dopamine and counters dopaminergic toxicity
Authors: Bucher Meghan L. , Dunn Amy R. , Bradner Joshua M. , Egerton Kristen Stout , Burkett James P. , Johnson Michelle A. , Miller Gary W.
Published: March 2024

Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra exist in a persistent state of vulnerability resulting from high baseline oxidative stress, high‐energy demand, and broad unmyelinated axonal arborisations. Impairments in the storage of dopamine compound this stress because of cytosolic reactions that transform the vital neurotransmitter into an endogenous neurotoxicant, and this toxicity is thought to contribute to the dopamine neuron degeneration that occurs Parkinson's disease. We have previously identified synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C (SV2C) as a modifier of vesicular dopamine function, demonstrating that genetic ablation of SV2C in mice results in decreased dopamine content and evoked dopamine release in the striatum. Here, we adapted a previously published in vitro assay utilising false fluorescent neurotransmitter 206 (FFN206) to visualise how SV2C regulates vesicular dopamine dynamics and determined that SV2C promotes the uptake and retention of FFN206 within vesicles. In addition, we present data indicating that SV2C enhances the retention of dopamine in the vesicular compartment with radiolabelled dopamine in vesicles isolated from immortalised cells and from mouse brain. Further, we demonstrate that SV2C enhances the ability of vesicles to store the neurotoxicant 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and that genetic ablation of SV2C results in enhanced 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced vulnerability in mice. Together, these findings suggest that SV2C functions to enhance vesicular storage of dopamine and neurotoxicants and helps maintain the integrity of dopaminergic neurons.