bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in the Molecular Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Liu Xiuxiu , Zhang Ying , Zhao Yanming , Zhang Qian , Han Feng
Published: April 2024

Epilepsy is a multifaceted neurological syndrome characterized by recurrent, spontaneous, and synchronous seizures. The pathogenesis of epilepsy, known as epileptogenesis, involves intricate changes in neurons, neuroglia, and endothelium, leading to structural and functional disorders within neurovascular units and culminating in the development of spontaneous epilepsy. Although current research on epilepsy treatments primarily centers around anti-seizure drugs, it is imperative to seek effective interventions capable of disrupting epileptogenesis. To this end, a comprehensive exploration of the changes and the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis holds the promise of identifying vital biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets. Emphasizing early diagnosis and timely intervention is paramount, as it stands to significantly improve patient prognosis and alleviate the socioeconomic burden. In this review, we highlight the changes and molecular mechanisms of the neurovascular unit in epileptogenesis and provide a theoretical basis for identifying biomarkers and drug targets.
CoNoS: synthetische Ko-Kulturen für Grundlagenforschung und Anwendung
Authors: Zuchowski Rico , Schito Simone , Noack Stephan , Baumgart Meike
Published: April 2024

Synthetic bacterial communities are currently under intensive investigation. Using natural communities as models, we established the CoNoS (Communities of Niche-optimized Strains) approach to create synthetic communities composed of different strains of the same species. By combining CoNoS with adaptive laboratory evolution, we identified new amino acid production traits, thereby demonstrating the high potential for their use in basic research, and applied biotechnology.
Evaluation of Frost Tolerance in Sugar Beet Cultivars During Early Growth Stages
Authors: Kulan Engin Gökhan , Kaya Mehmet Demir
Published: April 2024

Late spring frost is the most hazardous abiotic stress affecting the survival of sugar beet seedlings. Therefore, it is very important to identify frost-tolerant cultivars during the early seedling development stage. In the study, the physiological and morphological responses of ten sugar beet cultivars (Ernestina, Isabella, Orthega, Serenada, Kuno, Taurus, Tuna, Mohican, Rodeo, and Smılodon) to frost stress at different growth stages (V1.1, V2.1, and V3.1) were evaluated. Seedlings were exposed to − 3 °C for 2 h at all stages. Percent damage (%), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf surface temperature (°C), electrolyte leakage (%), leaf relative water content (%), and turgidity loss (%) were examined. The results showed that higher damage percentages were observed in earlier growth stages of sugar beet, with recorded values of 29.7% in V1.1, 15.4% in V2.1, and 3.6% in V3.1. A great genotypic variation was observed among the cultivars; electrolyte leakage increased from 15.6% in control to 52.6% in frost stress, and higher electrolyte leakage was obtained from frost-stressed plants. The relative water content of leaves increased only at stage V2.1, although frost decreased turgor loss. Sugar beet showed sensitivity to frost in earlier seedling growth stages, but their tolerance levels increased in later growth stages. The study revealed that electrolyte leakage is a reliable indicator for identifying sugar beet cultivars that exhibit tolerance to frost stress during early development.
Spray pyrolysis-derived W-doped MoSe2/rGO paper-like microspheres: optimization of microstructure and mesostructure for enhanced lithium storage
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Jun-Yu , Ouyang Jie , Yin Hong , Li Ao-Jie , Chen Liang , Huang Jun-Lin , Zhu Yu-Can , Li Gang-Yong , Hou Zhao-Hui
Published: April 2024

Two-dimensional MoSe2 is a promising candidate for lithium-ion battery anodes. However, its conductivity and lithium storage volumetric effect still need to be optimized. In this work, W-doped MoSe2/rGO paper-like microspheres are successfully prepared through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, achieving optimization at both the microstructure and mesostructure to enhance the lithium storage performance of the material. Firstly, by utilizing the similar two-dimensional structure between MoSe2 and rGO, self-assembly is achieved through spray pyrolysis, resulting in a well-defined van der Waals heterostructure at the interface on the microscale, enhancing the electron and ion transfer capability of the composite. Secondly, the mesoscale paper-like microsphere morphology provides additional volume expansion buffering space. Moreover, W-doping not only increases the interlayer spacing of MoSe2 (0.73 nm), thereby reducing the diffusion resistance of Li+, but also allow for the modulation of the energy band structure of the material. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that W-doped MoSe2/rGO exhibits the narrowest bandgap (0.892 eV). Therefore, the composite demonstrates excellent lithium storage performance, maintaining a specific capacity of 732.9 mAh·g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g−1.

Graphical abstract
Long-term equilibrium in electricity markets with renewables and energy storage only
Authors: Tarel Guillaume , Korpås Magnus , Botterud Audun
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the optimal generation mix in power systems where only two technologies are available: variable renewable energy (VRE) and electric energy storage (EES). By using a net load duration curve approach, we formulate a least-cost optimization model in which EES is only limited by its power capacity. We solve this problem analytically and find least-cost and market equilibrium conditions that lead to the optimal capacities of VRE and EES. We show that, mathematically, an electricity price structure that depends on the period of the year (i.e. EES charging or discharging, VRE curtailment, load shedding) and on investments costs leads to cost recovery for VRE and EES. We show that when EES is the marginal technology (either charging or discharging) the price must be non-zero. More specifically, the equilibrium prices during EES charge or discharge are functions of the EES and VRE fixed costs. We confirm our analytical findings using a numerical model. We argue that, although the system we study is hypothetical and simplified, our findings provide insights and research directions for how to recover fixed costs in a future electricity market based on VRE and EES only.
Cyclovirobuxine D inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth by inducing ferroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Jiang Xinru , Li Hongdan , Liu Yang
Published: April 2024

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one cancer with high death rates. Nowadays, there are no effective drugs to treat it. Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) is the primary ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Buxus microphylla. Here, we try to explore the impacts of CVB-D on human HCC cells and explain the potential mechanisms.

Methods

HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were used for our experiments. The cell viability and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) were detected by MTT assays. The apoptosis ratio was examined by Annexin V-FITC/7AAD staining and flow cytometry (FCM). The Fe2+ content was examined by ferrous ion content assays. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was evaluated by lipid peroxidation MDA assays. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was examined by the DCFH-DA probe. The expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and Bcl-2) and ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4 and FSP1) was detected by western blotting. The in vivo curative effect of CVB was explored using xenograft models established in C-NKG mice.

Results

The cell viability could be inhibited by CVB-D in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. The IC50 value of CVB-D on HepG2 and Huh-7 cells are 91.19 and 96.29 µM at 48 h, and 65.60 and 72.80 µM at 72 h. FCM showed that the apoptosis rate was increased by CVB-D in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. Next, ferrous ion content assays showed that the level of Fe2+ was increased by CVB-D in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. Then, we found the level of MDA and ROS was increased by CVB-D. And the Fe2+ promotion by CVB-D could be reversed by Fer-1. Additionally, western blotting assays showed that the expression of GPX4 and FSP1 was inhibited by CVB-D in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. Moreover, in vivo, CVB-D displayed excellent anticancer effects in HCC tumor-bearing C-NKG mice.

Conclusion

CVB-D suppresses the growth in HCC cells through ferroptosis.
The combined effect of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms on the risk of digestive system cancer among a hypertensive population
Authors: He Qiangqiang , Wei Yaping , Zhu Hehao , Liang Qiongyue , Chen Ping , Li Shuqun , Song Yun , Liu Lishun , Wang Binyan , Xu Xiping , Dong Yuhan
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a crucial role in directing folate species towards nucleotide synthesis or DNA methylation. The MTHFR polymorphisms C677T and A1298C have been linked to cancer susceptibility, but the evidence supporting this association has been equivocal. To investigate the individual and joint associations between MTHFR C677T, A1298C, and digestive system cancer in a Chinese hypertensive population, we conducted a population-based case–control study involving 751 digestive system cancer cases and one-to-one matched controls from the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study (CHHRS).

Methods

We utilized the conditional logistic regression model to evaluate multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of digestive system cancer.

Results

The analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of digestive system cancer in individuals with the CT genotype (adjusted OR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.52, 0.97; P = 0.034) and TT genotype (adjusted OR: 0.57; 95% CI 0.40, 0.82; P = 0.003; P for trend = 0.003) compared to those with the 677CC genotype. Although A1298C did not show a measurable association with digestive system cancer risk, further stratification of 677CT genotype carriers by A1298C homozygotes (AA) and heterozygotes (AC) revealed a distinct trend within these subgroups.

Conclusion

These findings indicate a potential protective effect against digestive system cancer associated with the T allele of MTHFR C677T. Moreover, we observed that the presence of different combinations of MTHFR polymorphisms may contribute to varying susceptibilities to digestive system cancer.
Emerging trends in federated learning: from model fusion to federated X learning
Authors: Ji Shaoxiong , Tan Yue , Saravirta Teemu , Yang Zhiqin , Liu Yixin , Vasankari Lauri , Pan Shirui , Long Guodong , Walid Anwar
Published: April 2024

Federated learning is a new learning paradigm that decouples data collection and model training via multi-party computation and model aggregation. As a flexible learning setting, federated learning has the potential to integrate with other learning frameworks. We conduct a focused survey of federated learning in conjunction with other learning algorithms. Specifically, we explore various learning algorithms to improve the vanilla federated averaging algorithm and review model fusion methods such as adaptive aggregation, regularization, clustered methods, and Bayesian methods. Following the emerging trends, we also discuss federated learning in the intersection with other learning paradigms, termed federated X learning, where X includes multitask learning, meta-learning, transfer learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. In addition to reviewing state-of-the-art studies, this paper also identifies key challenges and applications in this field, while also highlighting promising future directions.
Characteristics of the Urban Heat Island in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Its Interaction with Heat Waves
Authors: Tabassum Abeda , Park Kyeongjoo , Seo Jaemyeong Mango , Han Ji-Young , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: April 2024

This study examines the characteristics of the urban heat island (UHI) in Dhaka, the densely populated capital city of Bangladesh under the influence of the South Asian monsoon, and its interaction with heat waves. For this, meteorological data at Dhaka (urban) and Madaripur (rural) stations and reanalysis data for the period of 1995–2019 are used for analysis. Here, the UHI intensity is defined as the urban-rural difference in 2-m temperature, and a heat wave is defined as the phenomenon which persists for two or more consecutive days with the daily maximum 2-m temperature exceeding its 90th percentile. The UHI intensity in Dhaka is in an increasing trend over the past 25 years (0.21 °C per decade). The average UHI intensity in Dhaka is 0.48 °C. The UHI is strongest in winter (0.95 °C) and weakest in the monsoon season (0.23 °C). In all seasons, the UHI is strongest at 2100 LST. The average daily maximum UHI intensity in Dhaka is 2.15 °C. Through the multiple linear regression analysis, the relative importance of previous-day daily maximum UHI intensity (PER), wind speed, relative humidity (RH), and cloud fraction which affect the daily maximum UHI intensity is examined. In the pre-monsoon season, RH is the most important variable followed by PER. In the monsoon season, RH is the predominantly important variable. In the post-monsoon season and winter, PER is the most important variable followed by RH. The occurrence frequency of heat waves in Dhaka shows a statistically significant increasing trend in the monsoon season (5.8 days per decade). It is found that heat waves in Bangladesh are associated with mid-to-upper tropospheric anticyclonic-flow and high-pressure anomalies in the pre-monsoon season and low-to-mid tropospheric anticyclonic-flow and high-pressure anomalies in the monsoon season. Under heat waves, the UHI intensity is synergistically intensified in both daytime and nighttime (nighttime only) in the pre-monsoon (monsoon) season. The decreases in relative humidity and cloud fraction are favorable for the synergistic UHI-heat wave interaction.
Effect of in-hospital delay on acute appendicitis severity: does time really matter?
Authors: Agnesi Stefano , Mauro Di Lucca Gabriele , Benedetti Fabio , Fattori Luca , Degrate Luca , Roccamatisi Linda , Braga Marco , Ceresoli Marco
Published: April 2024

Appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies. Evidence is controversial in determining if the in-hospital time delay to surgery can worsen the clinical presentation of appendicitis. This study aimed to clarify if in-hospital surgical delay significantly affected the proportion of complicated appendicitis in a large prospective cohort of patients treated with appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Patients were grouped into low, medium, and high preoperative risk for acute appendicitis based on the Alvarado scoring system. Appendicitis was defined as complicated in cases of perforation, abscess, or diffuse peritonitis. The primary outcome was correlation of in-hospital delay with the proportion of complicated appendicitis. The study includes 804 patients: 278 (30.4%) had complicated appendicitis and median time delay to surgery in low-, medium-, and high-risk group was 23.15 h (13.51–31.48), 18.47 h (10.44–29.42), and 13.04 (8.13–24.10) h, respectively. In-hospital delay was not associated with the severity of appendicitis or with the presence of postoperative complications. It appears reasonably safe to delay appendicectomy for acute appendicitis up to 24 h from hospital admission. Duration of symptoms was a predictor of complicated appendicitis and morbidity. Timing for appendicectomy in acute appendicitis should be calculated from symptoms onset rather than hospital presentation.
On Ulam stabilities of iterative Fredholm and Volterra integral equations with multiple time-varying delays
Authors: Tunç Osman , Tunç Cemil
Published: April 2024

In present study, we deal with nonlinear iterative Fredholm and Volterra integral equations (Fredholm and Volterra IEs) including variable time delays. We are interested here in the investigations of the uniqueness of solutions and Ulam type stabilities of that the iterative Fredholm and the Volterra IEs. The proofs of the new outcomes of the study with regard to these concepts are done in the light of the Banach fixed point theorem (Banach FPT) and the Bielecki metric. As for new contributions of the present study, here, first time we develop the relative outcomes that can be found in the literature to certain nonlinear iterative Fredholm and Volterra IEs including several variable time delays. Finally, a concrete example is introduced at the end of the study.
Financial intermediation and efficient risk sharing in two-period lived OLG models
Authors: Ritschel Paul , Wenzelburger Jan
Published: April 2024

This article investigates a two-period lived overlapping-generations (OLG) model that incorporates financial intermediation. A risk-neutral bank offers loan and deposit contracts that insure risk-averse agents against idiosyncratic income shocks. Agents prefer financial intermediation to capital markets if it provides efficient risk sharing. The analysis demonstrates that in any two-period lived OLG model in which productive capital is increasing in investment levels, financial intermediation, when implemented for the purpose of efficient risk sharing, cannot instigate business cycles or complex dynamics. The resulting dynamics is monotonic and qualitatively indistinguishable from the dynamics of the classical OLG model by Diamond (Am Econ Rev 55(5):1126–1150, 1965). Business cycles may only occur if banks offer inefficient contracts. Efficient contracts will, in general, not induce dynamically efficient growth paths.
A new 3D plastoelastohydrodynamic lubrication model for rough surfaces
Authors: You Shengyu , Tang Jinyuan , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2024

Plastoelastohydrodynamic lubrication of rough surfaces (R-PEHL) is a cutting-edge area of research in interface fluid-structure coupling analysis. The existing R-PEHL model calculates the elastic-plastic deformation of rough surface by the Love equation in a semi-infinite space smooth surface, which deviates from the actual surface. Therefore, it is an innovative work to study the exact solution of elastic-plastic deformation of rough surface and its influence on the solution results of R-PEHL model. In this paper, a new contact calculation model of plastoelastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) with three-dimensional (3D) rough surface is proposed by integrating numerical method of EHL and finite element method. The new model eliminates an original error introduced by the assumption of semi-infinite space in contact calculation, providing wide applicability and high accuracy. Under the given rough surfaces and working conditions, the study reveals that: (1) the oil film pressure calculated by the new model is lower than that of the smooth surface in semi-infinite space by 200–800 MPa; (2) the Mises stress of the new model is 2.5%–26.6% higher than that of the smooth surface in semi-infinite space; (3) compared with the semi-infinite space assumption, the rough surface plastic deformation of the new model is increased by 71%–173%, and the local plastic deformation singularity may appear under the semi-infinite space assumption; (4) the plastic deformation caused by the first contact cycle on the rough surface of the new model accounts for 66.7%–92.9% of the total plastic deformation, and the plastic deformation of the semi-infinite space accounts for 50%–83.3%. This study resolves the contradiction between the smooth surface assumption and the rough surface in the existing R-PEHL model, establishing a solid logic foundation for the accurate solution of R-PEHL model.
Preliminary Danish Norms for the Odense Child Trauma Screening (OCTS)
Authors: Alkærsig Mette , Elklit Ask , Løkkegaard Sille Schandorph
Published: April 2024

The Odense Child Trauma Screening (OCTS) is Danish story stem screening tool applicable for assessment of preschoolers and young children in risk of being traumatized. Having shown initial evidence of validation, Danish norms are needed to strengthen the clinical assessment with the OCTS by serving as a baseline comparison for assessment of potentially traumatized children. We tested 169 children from the Danish general population aged 4–8 with the OCTS and investigated sex and age differences in play-based behavior and narrative representations. Caregivers reported electronically on child demographic information, psychosocial functioning, and history of trauma exposure using The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and The Diagnostic Infant and Preschool Assessment (DIPA) trauma list. Across the 145 scores of the OCTS coding scheme, significant sex and age differences were only found in five and sixteen scores respectively. In the five codes where significant sex differences were observed, boys’ normative scores were higher. No significant sex differences were found in the partial story scores or the OCTS total score. Three significant age differences in partial story and OCTS total scores emerged with 4-year-olds scoring higher than 6–8-year-olds. We further found 13 significant age differences in code scores with higher scores among the youngest of the two groups in question suggesting that scores tend to decrease along older age. Few significant sex and age differences were found in children’s OCTS play-based behavior and narrative representations. Indicative of few sex and age biases of the OCTS coding scheme and stories, results suggest that the OCTS can be applied across the intended target group of children aged 4 to 8 years. As higher scores were found in the younger age groups, clinicians should be attentive to age in certain codes of the OCTS coding scheme in their assessment of children in clinical practice. The preliminary normative scores must be interpreted and clinically applied with caution due to our non-representative sample and lack of analyses on factors potentially influencing children’s responses to the OCTS (e.g., developmental, contextual, cultural factors).
Stretchable, Transparent, and Ultra-Broadband Terahertz Shielding Thin Films Based on Wrinkled MXene Architectures
Authors: Yang Shaodian , Lin Zhiqiang , Wang Ximiao , Huang Junhua , Yang Rongliang , Chen Zibo , Jia Yi , Zeng Zhiping , Cao Zhaolong , Zhu Hongjia , Hu Yougen , Li Enen , Chen Huanjun , Wang Tianwu , Deng Shaozhi , Gui Xuchun
Published: April 2024

With the increasing demand for terahertz (THz) technology in security inspection, medical imaging, and flexible electronics, there is a significant need for stretchable and transparent THz electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Existing EMI shielding materials, like opaque metals and carbon-based films, face challenges in achieving both high transparency and high shielding efficiency (SE). Here, a wrinkled structure strategy was proposed to construct ultra-thin, stretchable, and transparent terahertz shielding MXene films, which possesses both isotropous wrinkles (height about 50 nm) and periodic wrinkles (height about 500 nm). Compared to flat film, the wrinkled MXene film (8 nm) demonstrates a remarkable 36.5% increase in SE within the THz band. The wrinkled MXene film exhibits an EMI SE of 21.1 dB at the thickness of 100 nm, and an average EMI SE/t of 700 dB μm−1 over the 0.1–10 THz. Theoretical calculations suggest that the wrinkled structure enhances the film's conductivity and surface plasmon resonances, resulting in an improved THz wave absorption. Additionally, the wrinkled structure enhances the MXene films' stretchability and stability. After bending and stretching (at 30% strain) cycles, the average THz transmittance of the wrinkled film is only 0.5% and 2.4%, respectively. The outstanding performances of the wrinkled MXene film make it a promising THz electromagnetic shielding materials for future smart windows and wearable electronics.
Compositional and Hollow Engineering of Silicon Carbide/Carbon Microspheres as High-Performance Microwave Absorbing Materials with Good Environmental Tolerance
Authors: Gai Lixue , Wang Yahui , Wan Pan , Yu Shuping , Chen Yongzheng , Han Xijiang , Xu Ping , Du Yunchen
Published: April 2024

Microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) characterized by high absorption efficiency and good environmental tolerance are highly desirable in practical applications. Both silicon carbide and carbon are considered as stable MAMs under some rigorous conditions, while their composites still fail to produce satisfactory microwave absorption performance regardless of the improvements as compared with the individuals. Herein, we have successfully implemented compositional and structural engineering to fabricate hollow SiC/C microspheres with controllable composition. The simultaneous modulation on dielectric properties and impedance matching can be easily achieved as the change in the composition of these composites. The formation of hollow structure not only favors lightweight feature, but also generates considerable contribution to microwave attenuation capacity. With the synergistic effect of composition and structure, the optimized SiC/C composite exhibits excellent performance, whose the strongest reflection loss intensity and broadest effective absorption reach − 60.8 dB and 5.1 GHz, respectively, and its microwave absorption properties are actually superior to those of most SiC/C composites in previous studies. In addition, the stability tests of microwave absorption capacity after exposure to harsh conditions and Radar Cross Section simulation data demonstrate that hollow SiC/C microspheres from compositional and structural optimization have a bright prospect in practical applications.
Imagining education beyond growth: A post-qualitative inquiry into the educational consequences of post-growth economic thought
Authors: White Ricky John
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the possible consequences for education of a transition to a post-growth society. Utilising a post-qualitative approach to inquiry, this study begins by analysing post-growth economic literature. It then connects this literature to existing educational scholarship to explore the consequences for education of a transition to a post-growth society. The analysis reveals key features and arrangements proposed in the literature for a post-growth society. It discusses the ways in which education can prepare young people for a future beyond economic growth and speculates as to how education can contribute towards the realisation of this type of society. The paper concludes that education can help prepare students for a post-growth future by focusing on the development of ecological literacy, embracing a place-based approach to education, helping students to comprehend the need for social and economic change, introducing them to a plurality of ideas about how the future might look, developing their capacity to think critically about their future, enhancing their sense of personal autonomy and capacity for self-determination, and supporting their capacity to form strong social relationships.
Shaping citizens: teachers enacting democratic education in the history classroom
Authors: Golledge Claire
Published: April 2024

The work of history teachers in schools is contentious and often heavily scrutinised, characterised by conflicts between professional and ideological perspectives on the purpose of the work they do (Macintyre & Clark, 2003). History curricula in Australia have been the subject of regular, ongoing political intervention, in particular about the role of history education in constructing and maintaining narratives of Australian democracy and citizenship. Against this landscape, this paper explores how history teachers from New South Wales, Australia conceive of the contemporary role of history curriculum in the development of students’ understanding of civics and democracy, and their navigation of the tensions between the written curriculum and the contexts in which they teach. Using both observational and interview data, this paper explores teachers’ perceptions of the gap between curriculum “as intention and as reality” (Stenhouse, 1975, p. 2) illuminating the experiences of teachers who interact with and implement the curriculum in their daily work, and highlighting the role that school context plays in determining how civics and citizenship education is enacted in practice. Contrast is offered between the teachers of history in the context of a privileged, urban school community, to that of an Aboriginal teacher working in a regional context - with an exploration of the impact of these contexts in framing the possibilities for democratic and civic engagement in the history classroom. Using the theoretical framework of practice architectures (Kemmis & Grootenboer, 2008), I explore the role of curriculum as both an enabling and constraining force in the way teachers work to develop student understandings of democracy and civic identity and the complex relationship that emerges from teachers’ interaction with curriculum documents and their decision-making in relation to their students and communities.
Microstructural investigation of tensile fractography and wear properties of scrap aluminium engine head (SAEH) reinforced with fresh and spent catalysts from petrochemical industries using stir casting method
Authors: Rajan Raj Thilak Krishnan , Boppana Satish Babu , S. Ramesh , Krishnan Pradeep Kumar
Published: April 2024

This research aims to investigate the microstructural properties, tensile fractography, and wear characteristics of scrap aluminum engine head (SAEH) composites reinforced with fresh alumina catalysts (FAC) and spent alumina catalysts (SAC) derived from petrochemical industries. Utilizing the stir casting method, four composite variants were fabricated: SAEH + SAC, SAEH + FAC, LM25 + SAC, and LM25 + FAC. The materials were characterized through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, and the composition of FAC and SAC was detailed. The investigation delves into the wear properties through pin-on-disk tests conducted at different conditions. Tensile strength results revealed distinctive performance: SAEH + FAC = 208 MPa, SAEH + SAC = 217 MPa, LM25 + FAC = 92 MPa, and LM25 + SAC = 184 MPa. Fractography analysis provided insights into the fracture behavior, showcasing the influence of agglomerates, non-coherent interfaces, lack of wetting, grain refinement, and the presence of oxides. The wear behavior, evaluated under varying operating conditions, demonstrated that wear rates increased with escalating conditions and were generally higher for LM25-based composites than for SAEH-based composites. This study introduces the innovative use of SAC in composites, offers a comparative analysis between different materials, and provides a comprehensive understanding of wear behavior under diverse conditions, contributing to the advancement of metal matrix composites.
Nonparametric tests for combined location-scale and Lehmann alternatives using adaptive approach and max-type metric
Authors: Funato Mika , Murakami Hidetoshi , Kössler Wolfgang , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: April 2024

The paper deals with the classical two-sample problem for the combined location-scale and Lehmann alternatives, known as the versatile alternative. Recently, a combination of the square of the standardized Wilcoxon, the standardized Ansari–Bradley and the standardized Anti-Savage statistics based on the Euclidean distance has been proposed. The Anti-Savage test is the locally most powerful rank test for the right-skewed Gumbel distribution. Furthermore, the Savage test is the locally most powerful linear rank test for the left-skewed Gumbel distribution. Then, a test statistic combining the Wilcoxon, the Ansari–Bradley, and Savage statistics is proposed. The limiting distribution of the proposed statistic is derived under the null and the alternative hypotheses. In addition, the asymptotic power of the suggested statistic is investigated. Moreover, an adaptive test is proposed based on a selection rule. We compare the power performance against various fixed alternatives using Monte Carlo. The proposed test statistic displays outstanding performance in certain situations. An illustration of the proposed test statistic is presented to explain a biomedical experiment. Finally, we offer some concluding remarks.
The mechanisms of AI hype and its planetary and social costs
Authors: Markelius Alva , Wright Connor , Kuiper Joahna , Delille Natalie , Kuo Yu-Ting
Published: April 2024

Our global landscape of emerging technologies is increasingly affected by artificial intelligence (AI) hype, a phenomenon with significant large-scale consequences for the global AI narratives being created today. This paper aims to dissect the phenomenon of AI hype in light of its core mechanisms, drawing comparisons between the current wave and historical episodes of AI hype, concluding that the current hype is historically unmatched in terms of magnitude, scale and planetary and social costs. We identify and discuss socio-technical mechanisms fueling AI hype, including anthropomorphism, the proliferation of self-proclaimed AI “experts”, the geopolitical and private sector “fear of missing out” trends and the overuse and misappropriation of the term “AI” in emerging technologies. The second part of the paper seeks to highlight the often-overlooked costs of the current AI hype. We examine its planetary costs as the AI hype exerts tremendous pressure on finite resources and energy consumption. Additionally, we focus on the connection between AI hype and socio-economic injustices, including perpetuation of social inequalities by the huge associated redistribution of wealth and costs to human intelligence. In the conclusion, we offer insights into the implications for how to mitigate AI hype moving forward. We give recommendations of how developers, regulators, deployers and the public can navigate the relationship between AI hype, innovation, investment and scientific exploration, while addressing critical societal and environmental challenges.
Talking existential risk into being: a Habermasian critical discourse perspective to AI hype
Authors: Westerstrand Salla , Westerstrand Rauli , Koskinen Jani
Published: April 2024

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have resulted in a hype around both opportunities and risks of these technologies. In this discussion, one argument in particular has gained increasing visibility and influence in various forums and positions of power, ranging from public to private sector organisations. It suggests that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that surpasses human intelligence is possible, if not inevitable, and which can—if not controlled—lead to human extinction (Existential Threat Argument, ETA). Using Jürgen Habermas’s theory of communicative action and the validity claims of truth, truthfulness and rightness therein, we inspect the validity of this argument and its following ethical and societal implications. Our analysis shows that the ETA is problematic in terms of scientific validity, truthfulness, as well as normative validity. This risks directing AI development towards a strategic game driven by economic interests of the few rather than ethical AI that is good for all.
The effects of burosumab on growth, nephrocalcinosis and cardiovascular outcomes in children with X-linked hypophosphatemia: a single-center experience
Authors: Olivotto Bettyna , Akolly Eliane Djatougbé , Cabet Sara , Flammier Sacha , Bertholet-Thomas Aurélia , de Mul Aurélie , Bacchetta Justine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common cause of inherited rickets. It is characterized by chronic hypophosphatemia due to increased levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 hormone (FGF23), renal phosphate wasting, and decreased renal vitamin D hydroxylation. Burosumab, an anti-FGF23 antibody, was approved in 2018 for XLH children.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study assessed the progression of clinical, biological, renal, and cardiovascular outcomes of XLH patients who started burosumab before 18 years of age, between July 2018 and June 2022.

Results

In total, 12 children began burosumab treatment at a median age of 10.1(2.7–14.7) years, after 7.6 (1.1–11.3) years of conventional therapy. The last follow-up was 2.7(0.8–4.7) years after burosumab initiation, with 10 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up. Regarding the progression of anthropometric parameters, only height SDS significantly increased from baseline at the last follow-up. Regarding the biological parameters, as expected, at 12 months after starting burosumab and at the last follow-up, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels significantly improved. Although not significant, there was a trend towards an early increase of osteocalcin and crosslaps during the first months of therapy. Before starting burosumab, 5 patients (42%) had nephrocalcinosis (1 stage 1, 4 stage 2). One patient displayed a complete resolution of nephrocalcinosis after 1 year of treatment, and one patient showed improvement of nephrocalcinosis. No nephrocalcinosis appeared in a patient while being treated with burosumab. Cardiac ultrasounds remained normal in all.

Conclusion

Our real-life data confirm that burosumab improves outcomes in XLH children, including nephrocalcinosis and growth.
Uncertainty Quantification of Data-driven Quality Prediction Model For Realizing the Active Sampling Inspection of Mechanical Properties in Steel Production
Authors: Song Yong , Li Feifei , Wang Zheng , Zhang Baozhong , Zhang Borui
Published: April 2024

Pre-production quality defect inspection is a crucial step in industrial manufacturing, and many traditional inspection strategies suffer from inefficiency issues. This is especially true for tasks such as mechanical performance testing of steel products, which involve time-consuming processes like offline sampling, specimen preparation, and testing. The inspection volume significantly impacts the production cycle, inventory, yield, and labor costs. Constructing a data-driven model for predicting product quality and implementing proactive sampling inspection based on the prediction results is an appealing solution. However, the prediction uncertainty of data-driven models poses a challenging problem that needs to be addressed. This paper proposes an active quality inspection approach for steel products based on the uncertainty quantification in the predictive model for mechanical performance. The objective is to reduce both the sampling frequency and the omission rate on the production site. First, an ensemble model based on improved lower and upper bound estimation is established for interval prediction of mechanical performance. The uncertainty of the specific value prediction model is quantitatively estimated using interval probability distributions. Then, a predictive model for the mechanical performance failure probability is built based on the prediction interval size and probability distribution. By determining an appropriate probability threshold, the trade-off between prediction accuracy and defect detection accuracy (recall rate) is balanced, enabling the establishment of an active sampling strategy. Finally, this functionality is integrated into the manufacturing execution system of a steel factory, realizing a mechanical performance inspection approach based on proactive sampling. The proposed approach is validated using real production datasets. When the probability threshold is set to 30%, the prediction accuracy and recall rate for failure mechanical performance samples are 75% and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, the sampling rate is only 5.33%, while controlling the risk of omission. This represents a 50% reduction in sampling rate compared to the inspection rules commonly used in actual production. The overall efficiency of product quality inspection is improved, and inspection costs are reduced.
Semiconductor Price Index Predicting Based on a Novel Improved AdaBoost Feature-Weighted Combination Model
Authors: Chen Feng , Jiang Qi , Deng Hongyu
Published: April 2024

The semiconductor price index serves as a vital metric for assessing technological developments and related market trends. Establishing a more accurate forecasting model for the semiconductor price index is of significant importance for analyzing the industry’s trends and market directions. In this paper, a novel framework for semiconductor price index forecasting is proposed. In addition to traditional financial data, the study introduces search engine data (Google Trends) representing investor attention, and introduces text information extracted from online news headlines reflecting major market events and government policies as independent variables. Used to predict the dependent variable: The PHLX Semiconductor Sector (SOX). First, the XGBoost model is employed to compute the importance scores of each feature. Then, a feature weight coefficient indicator is constructed based on these importance scores to calculate the weight coefficient indicator values for each feature. These indicator values are then used to weight the kernel function of Support Vector Regression (SVR), resulting in weighted Support Vector Regression (WSVR). Finally, WSVR is utilized as the base learner for Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), yielding the XGBoost–WSVR–AdaBoost model based on feature weighting. The proposed model outperforms AdaBoost, RNN, ERT, LSTM, and other models in terms of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and goodness-of-fit ($${R}^{2}$$R2). It also exhibits superior predictive performance compared to models in ablation experiments, and the introduction of text data or Google trends further improves the prediction performance of the model. In conclusion, the improved AdaBoost feature-weighted combination model proposed in this study offers a more accurate prediction for semiconductor price index.
Computational Analysis of the Dissipative Casson Fluid Flow Originating from a Slippery Sheet in Porous Media
Authors: Elgendi S. G. , Abbas W. , Said Ahmed A. M. , Megahed Ahmed M. , Fares Eman
Published: April 2024

This research paper examines the characteristics of a two-dimensional steady flow involving an incompressible viscous Casson fluid past an elastic surface that is both permeable and convectively heated, with the added feature of slip velocity. In contrast to Darcy’s Law, the current model incorporates the use of Forchheimer’s Law, which accounts for the non-linear resistance that becomes significant at higher flow velocities. The accomplishments of this study hold significant relevance, both in terms of theoretical advancements in mathematical modeling of Casson fluid flow with heat mass transfer in engineering systems, as well as in the context of practical engineering cooling applications. The study takes into account the collective influences of magnetic field, suction mechanism, convective heating, heat generation, viscous dissipation, and chemical reactions. The research incorporates the consideration of fluid properties that vary with respect to temperature or concentration, and solves the governing equations by employing similarity transformations and the shooting approach. The heat transfer process is significantly affected by the presence of heat generation and viscous dissipation. Furthermore, the study illustrates and presents the impact of various physical factors on the dimensionless temperature, velocity, and concentration. From an engineering perspective, the local Nusselt number, the skin friction, and local Sherwood number are also depicted and provided in graphical and tabular formats. In the domains of energy engineering and thermal management in particular, these results have practical relevance in improving our understanding of heat transmission in similar settings. Finally, the thorough comparison analysis reveals a significant level of alignment with the outcomes of the earlier investigations, thus validating the reliability and effectiveness of our obtained results.
Recent advances in the development of 225Ac- and 211At-labeled radioligands for radiotheranostics
Authors: Munekane Masayuki , Fuchigami Takeshi , Ogawa Kazuma
Published: April 2024

Radiotheranostics utilizes a set of radioligands incorporating diagnostic or therapeutic radionuclides to achieve both diagnosis and therapy. Imaging probes using diagnostic radionuclides have been used for systemic cancer imaging. Integration of therapeutic radionuclides into the imaging probes serves as potent agents for radionuclide therapy. Among them, targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is a promising next-generation cancer therapy. The α-particles emitted by the radioligands used in TAT result in a high linear energy transfer over a short range, inducing substantial damage to nearby cells surrounding the binding site. Therefore, the key to successful cancer treatment with minimal side effects by TAT depends on the selective delivery of radioligands to their targets. Recently, TAT agents targeting biomolecules highly expressed in various cancer cells, such as sodium/iodide symporter, norepinephrine transporter, somatostatin receptor, αvβ3 integrin, prostate-specific membrane antigen, fibroblast-activation protein, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 have been developed and have made remarkable progress toward clinical application. In this review, we focus on two radionuclides, 225Ac and 211At, which are expected to have a wide range of applications in TAT. We also introduce recent fundamental and clinical studies of radiopharmaceuticals labeled with these radionuclides.

Graphical abstract
Invoice level forecasting with discrete survival methods for effective forecasting of account receivables in supply chain
Authors: Saini Sanjay , Manai Giuseppe , van den Boom Willem , De Iorio Maria , Qian Fang
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to obtain accurate and timely Account Receivables forecasts that can feed into the Cash Flow Forecasting (CFF) for a generic wholesales scenario in a supply chain company. The main components of the CFF are the Account Receivables (AR), Account Payables (AP) and Working Capital (WC). The focus of this work is on AR, in particular on how they contribute to the overall cash flow forecasting. The prediction of AR is based on the predicted payment date of each invoice, which can be obtained from the time to payment given the issue date. In this context, we propose the use of discrete survival methods for predicting the time to payment of issued invoices. To obtain more accurate predictions for time to payment, we fit a generalized linear mixed effects model with a time-varying baseline hazard function. This approach provides greater precision for subsequent account receivables predictions compared to the prediction based on simply the payment terms of each invoice, standard time series and classification models, and continuous-time survival methods. We demonstrate the approach on two financial data sets.
Digital economy and China’s path to common prosperity
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Tian Ge , Zhang Xun
Published: April 2024

The digital economy has emerged as an important force driving China’s economic development. However, little is known about its income distributive impact. This issue is even important in the context of China’s path to common prosperity, in which reducing income inequality is essential. This study combines the “Broadband China” strategy as a proxy variable for digital economic development with data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and identifies a highly significant impact of digital economy development on household income growth through a Difference-in-Differences (DID) setting. Digital economy particularly promotes the income growth among rural residents which means that the digital economy will contribute to the common prosperity. Further analysis shows that the underlying mechanisms through which the digital economy helps achieving the common prosperity involve the stimulation of agricultural production among rural residents, facilitation of non-agricultural employment opportunities for rural residents, and promotion of financial investments within rural households. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the digital economy in narrowing the income gap between urban and rural residents and fostering common prosperity.