bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Likelihood of Financial Behaviours Using Nearest Neighbors
Authors: Mendes-Neves Tiago , Seca Diogo , Sousa Ricardo , Ribeiro Cláudia , Mendes-Moreira João
Published: March 2023

As many automated algorithms find their way into the IT systems of the banking sector, having a way to validate and interpret the results from these algorithms can lead to a substantial reduction in the risks associated with automation. Usually, validating these pricing mechanisms requires human resources to manually analyze and validate large quantities of data. There is a lack of effective methods that analyze the time series and understand if what is currently happening is plausible based on previous data, without information about the variables used to calculate the price of the asset. This paper describes an implementation of a process that allows us to validate many data points automatically. We explore the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm to find coincident patterns in financial time series, allowing us to detect anomalies, outliers, and data points that do not follow normal behavior. This system allows quicker detection of defective calculations that would otherwise result in the incorrect pricing of financial assets. Furthermore, our method does not require knowledge about the variables used to calculate the time series being analyzed. Our proposal uses pattern matching and can validate more than 58% of instances, substantially improving human risk analysts’ efficiency. The proposal is completely transparent, allowing analysts to understand how the algorithm made its decision, increasing the trustworthiness of the method.
The association between night shift work and breast cancer risk in the Finnish twins cohort
Authors: Schernhammer Eva , Bogl Leonie , Hublin Christer , Strohmaier Susanne , Zebrowska Magda , Erber Astrid , Haghayegh Shahab , Papantoniou Kyriaki , Ollikainen Miina , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is highly prevalent yet a more complete understanding of the interplay between genes and probable environmental risk factors, such as night work, remains lagging. Using a discordant twin pair design, we examined the association between night shift work and breast cancer risk, controlling for familial confounding. Shift work pattern was prospectively assessed by mailed questionnaires among 5,781 female twins from the Older Finnish Twin Cohort. Over the study period (1990–2018), 407 incident breast cancer cases were recorded using the Finnish Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for potential confounders. Within-pair co-twin analyses were employed in 57 pairs to account for potential familial confounding. Compared to women who worked days only, women with shift work that included night shifts had a 1.58-fold higher risk of breast cancer (HR = 1.58; 95%CI, 1.16–2.15, highest among the youngest women i.e. born 1950–1957, HR = 2.08; 95%CI, 1.32–3.28), whereas 2-shift workers not including night shifts, did not (HR = 0.84; 95%CI, 0.59–1.21). Women with longer sleep (average sleep duration > 8 h/night) appeared at greatest risk of breast cancer if they worked night shifts (HR = 2.91; 95%CI, 1.55–5.46; Pintx=0.32). Results did not vary by chronotype (Pintx=0.74). Co-twin analyses, though with limited power, suggested that night work may be associated with breast cancer risk independent of early environmental and genetic factors. These results confirm a previously described association between night shift work and breast cancer risk. Genetic influences only partially explain these associations.
The wisdom of crowds for improved disaster resilience: a near-real-time analysis of crowdsourced social media data on the 2021 flood in Germany
Authors: Moghadas Mahsa , Fekete Alexander , Rajabifard Abbas , Kötter Theo
Published: March 2023

Transformative disaster resilience in times of climate change underscores the importance of reflexive governance, facilitation of socio-technical advancement, co-creation of knowledge, and innovative and bottom-up approaches. However, implementing these capacity-building processes by relying on census-based datasets and nomothetic (or top-down) approaches remains challenging for many jurisdictions. Web 2.0 knowledge sharing via online social networks, whereas, provides a unique opportunity and valuable data sources to complement existing approaches, understand dynamics within large communities of individuals, and incorporate collective intelligence into disaster resilience studies. Using Twitter data (passive crowdsourcing) and an online survey, this study draws on the wisdom of crowds and public judgment in near-real-time disaster phases when the flood disaster hit Germany in July 2021. Latent Dirichlet Allocation, an unsupervised machine learning technique for Topic Modeling, was applied to the corpora of two data sources to identify topics associated with different disaster phases. In addition to semantic (textual) analysis, spatiotemporal patterns of online disaster communication were analyzed to determine the contribution patterns associated with the affected areas. Finally, the extracted topics discussed online were compiled into five themes related to disaster resilience capacities (preventive, anticipative, absorptive, adaptive, and transformative). The near-real-time collective sensing approach reflected optimized diversity and a spectrum of people’s experiences and knowledge regarding flooding disasters and highlighted communities’ sociocultural characteristics. This bottom-up approach could be an innovative alternative to traditional participatory techniques of organizing meetings and workshops for situational analysis and timely unfolding of such events at a fraction of the cost to inform disaster resilience initiatives.
New lower bounds for optimal horoball packing density in hyperbolic n-space for $$6 \le n \le 9$$
Authors: Kozma Robert Thijs , Szirmai Jenő
Published: March 2023

Koszul type Coxeter simplex tilings exist in hyperbolic n-space $$\mathbb {H}^n$$

H

n

up to $$ n = 9$$

n
=
9

, and their horoball packings achieve the highest known regular ball packing densities for $$n = 3, 4, 5$$

n
=
3
,
4
,
5

. In this paper we determine the optimal horoball packing densities of Koszul simplex tilings in dimensions $$6 \le n \le 9$$

6
≤
n
≤
9

, which give new lower bounds for optimal packing density in each dimension. The symmetries of the packings are given by Coxeter simplex groups, and a parameter related to the Busemann function gives an isometry invariant description of different optimal horoball packing configurations.
Thompson-like groups, Reidemeister numbers, and fixed points
Authors: Lins de Araujo Paula M. , de Oliveira-Tosti Altair S. , Santos Rego Yuri
Published: March 2023

We investigate fixed-point properties of automorphisms of groups similar to Richard Thompson’s group$$F$$F. Revisiting work of Gonçalves and Kochloukova, we deduce a cohomological criterion to detect infinite fixed-point sets in the abelianization, implying the so-called property$$R_\infty $$R∞. Using the Bieri–Neumann–Strebel$$\varSigma $$Σ-invariant and drawing from works of Gonçalves–Sankaran–Strebel and Zaremsky, we show that our tool applies to many$$F$$F-like groups, including Stein’s group$$F_{2,3}$$F2,3, cleary’s irrational-slope group$$F_\tau $$Fτ, the Lodha–Moore groups, and the braided version of$$F$$F.
Thalidomide interaction with inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Dsouza Nikitha Naomi , Alampady Varun , Baby Krishnaprasad , Maity Swastika , Byregowda Bharath Harohalli , Nayak Yogendra
Published: March 2023

The “Thalidomide tragedy” is a landmark in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. Despite limited clinical trials, there is a continuous effort to investigate thalidomide as a drug for cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lepromatous leprosy, and COVID-19. This review focuses on the possibilities of targeting inflammation by repurposing thalidomide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Articles were searched from the Scopus database, sorted, and selected articles were reviewed. The content includes the proven mechanisms of action of thalidomide relevant to IPF. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic mechanisms are major pathogenic factors in IPF. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the major biomarker of IPF. Thalidomide is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in inhibiting TGF-β, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thalidomide binds cereblon, a process that is involved in the proposed mechanism in specific cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer. Cereblon is involved in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-TGF-β/Smad signalling, thereby attenuating fibrosis. The past few years have witnessed an improvement in the identification of biomarkers and diagnostic technologies in respiratory diseases, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, investment in clinical trials with a systematic plan can help repurpose thalidomide for pulmonary fibrosis.

Graphical Abstract
Ancient Conflagration: a Reconstruction of a Middle Formative Fire at the Chiripa Mound, Bolivia
Authors: Goodman-Elgar Melissa A. , Langlie BrieAnna S. , Davenport Nichole S. , Moore Katherine M. , Hastorf Christine A.
Published: March 2023

In this study, we assess competing interpretations of a burnt ceremonial structure from the terminal Middle Formative period (ca. 300–100 BCE) by analyzing the stepped platform mound at Chiripa, Bolivia, through a systematic reconstruction of the fire that destroyed it. We developed a model of potential fire pathways, their social contexts, and material indicators. Our approach contrasts incipient fires from accident or arson to planned fires initiated for functional or social ends. We assessed these pathways for the Chiripa mound fire through experimental, geoarchaeological, faunal, and botanical data. Experiments were aimed at deducing the temperature, duration, and oxidation conditions of the fire. The fire temperature and duration were approximated from geoarchaeological analyses of construction materials in comparison with controls, and thermal alteration of faunal bone. Fuels were reconstructed through paleoethnobotanical analysis of charred remains from discrete areas within the burnt structure. We conclude that an intentional fire burned the structures on the Chiripa mound to temperatures of 700 °C or higher under oxidizing conditions for several hours. The pattern of heat-altered materials recovered would have required a substantial supplemental fuel load. At the 3840 masl elevation of Chiripa, the effective control of a high temperature oxidizing fire demonstrates technical expertise in fire management. Our findings indicate the fire appears intentional, likely a ritual event. We believe the structures were burned to facilitate a socio-political change during a period of social transition at the end of the Middle Formative period in Bolivia.
The influence of spin state of the Cr ions on the structural and magnetic behavior of orthorhombic LaFe1−xCrxO3 Perovskites (0.0<x<0.5)
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Abbas Yehia M. , Aziz Randa A. Abdel , Mosaad S.
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report, for the first time, the influence of the state of spin of the Cr3+ ions on the structure and magnetic behavior of LaFe1−xCrxO3 (0.0 < x < 0.5) perovskite crystal structures to improve their magnetic properties for memory storage and magneto-optical application potential. A series of LaFe1−xCrxO3 (0.0 < x < 0.5) nanocrystals was prepared using the citrate-nitrate auto-combustion route. The influence of the Cr3+ ions on the structure and morphology of the LaFe1−xCrxO3 nanostructures was emphasized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the selected area of electron diffraction (SAED), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the inclusion of the Cr3+ ions into the Fe3+ sites leads to an increase in the crystallite size of the LaFe1−xCrxO3 (0.0 < x < 0.5) nanocrystals, from 16.12 to 57.29 nm, to preserve their orthorhombic crystal symmetry. The phase stability and the electron density mapping of the prepared orthoferrite nanocrystals were verified using the Goldschmidt tolerance factor and Rietveld refinement. The magnetic properties were evaluated and discussed based on Kanamori–Goodenough (KG) regulations and Heisenberg Hamiltonian notation. The results showed that the inclusion of the 20 mol% of Cr3+ ions in the Fe sites results in an enhancement of the magnetic parameters. The enhancement of the magnetic behavior was argued to the tendency of the Cr3+ ions to be in the high spin state when included in the Fe3+ ions site. This improvement in the magnetic performance of the LaFe1−xCrxO3 (x = 0.2) nanocrystals will open a new avenue for using this nanomagnetic material in the fields of memory storage and magneto-optical devices.
Effects of tidal volume challenge on the reliability of plethysmography variability index in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries: a prospective interventional study
Authors: Botros J. M. , Salem Y. S. M. , Khalil M. , Algyar M. F. , Yassin H. M.
Published: March 2023

Background

The plethysmography variability index (PVI) is a non-invasive, real-time, and automated parameter for evaluating fluid responsiveness, but it does not reliably predict fluid responsiveness during low tidal volume (VT) ventilation. We hypothesized that in a ‘tidal volume challenge’ with a transient increase in tidal volume from 6 to 8 ml Kg− 1, the changes in PVI could predict fluid responsiveness reliably.

Method

We performed a prospective interventional study in adult patients undergoing hepatobiliary or pancreatic tumor resections and receiving controlled low VT ventilation. The values for PVI, perfusion index, stroke volume variation, and stroke volume index (SVI) were recorded at baseline VT of 6 ml Kg− 1, 1 min after the VT challenge (8 ml Kg− 1), 1 min after VT 6 ml Kg− 1 reduced back again, and then 5 min after crystalloid fluid bolus 6 ml kg− 1 (actual body weight) administered over 10 min. The fluid responders were identified by SVI rise ≥ 10% after the fluid bolus.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for PVI value change (ΔPVI6–8) after increasing VT from 6 to 8 ml Kg− 1 was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.96), P < 0.001, 95% sensitivity, 68% specificity, and with best cut-off value of absolute change (ΔPVI6–8) = 2.5%.

Conclusion

In hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries, tidal volume challenge improves the reliability of PVI for predicting fluid responsiveness and changes in PVI values obtained after tidal volume challenge are comparable to the changes in SVI.
The Efficacy of Voluntary Self-Exclusions in Reducing Gambling Among a Real-World Sample of British Online Casino Players
Authors: Hopfgartner Niklas , Auer Michael , Helic Denis , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2023

Online gambling is a socially acceptable means of entertainment, but it can also have a negative impact on many areas of life and lead to problem gambling for a minority of individuals. In recent years, gambling operators have increasingly implemented responsible gambling tools to help at-risk gamblers control and limit their gambling. One such tool is voluntary self-exclusion (VSE), where gamblers can exclude themselves from the gambling platform for a self-selected period of time. Despite the widespread use of VSE, there are few published studies on the efficacy of VSE among online gamblers and none on whether (and what type of) gamblers return to gambling after self-exclusion and how VSE affects their wagering if they return. Using a secondary dataset, the present study empirically analyzed a real-world sample of 3,203 British online casino players who opted for a VSE between January 2021 and August 2022. Analysis showed that most players who took a short-term VSE (up to 38 days) started gambling again on the platform after their self-exclusion ended, while players who opted for long-term self-exclusion (more than 90 days) did not start gambling again on the platform. A return to the gambling platform after VSE was positively associated with (i) a shorter duration of the self-exclusion, (ii) being female, (iii) gambling on more days, (iv) placing more bets, (v) playing fewer type of games, and (vi) having a lower average number of deposits per day. Players who returned from VSE did not change their wagering compared to a matched control group. These results suggest that short-term VSE may not be as effective as long-term VSE in reducing gambling. Overall, the present findings suggest that gamblers returning from VSE should be closely monitored, especially if the reason for self-exclusion is related to problem gambling.
The effect of preparation conditions of chalcone based benzoxazine/magnetite nanocomposites on magnetization properties
Authors: Mandour Hamada S. A. , Rehab Ahmed , Elnahrawy Mohamed , Salahuddin Nehal
Published: March 2023

In the current study, a hydroxylated chalcone (1-phenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 4-aminobenzoic acid, and paraformaldehyde were combined in ethanol/toluene solvent to form a new benzoxazine monomer. 1H NMR and FTIR analysis were used to confirm the produced monomer. Polybenzoxazine was prepared by the thermal curing of chalcone-based benzoxazine monomer and examined using FTIR and XRD. Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared using two different solvents and mixed with benzoxazine monomer at various ratios, followed by insitu thermal curing to prepare polybenzoxazine/magnetite nanocomposites. These nanocomposites were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, DSC and TGA were used to examine the thermal characteristics of the resulted materials. The surface morphology was investigated using SEM, and the magnetic property was measured by VSM. The resulting benzoxazine monomer has a low curing temperature (160 °C). The addition of nanoparticles of magnetite to benzoxazine improved its thermal stability. Also, the inclusion procedure of magnetite into benzoxazine has a significant impact on its saturation magnetization.
Robustly embodied imagination and the limits of perspective-taking
Authors: Clavel Vázquez María Jimena , Clavel-Vázquez Adriana
Published: March 2023

Experiential imagination consists in an imaginative projection that aims at simulating the experiences one would undergo in different circumstances. It has been traditionally thought to play a role in how we build our lives, engage with other agents, and appreciate art. Although some philosophers have recently expressed doubts over the capacity of experiential imagination to offer insight into the perspective of someone other than our present-selves, experiential imagination remains a much sought-after tool. This paper substantiates pessimism about the epistemological value of these uses of experiential imagination by developing an embodied approach. Our thesis is that experiential imagination is robustly embodied because the sociohistorically situated body makes an irreducible contribution to the imaginative project, and that, as such, it is constrained by who we are as concrete agents. We argue that experiential imagination is an embodied, virtual exploration of imagined scenarios that depends on our situated history of sensorimotor and affective interactions. We conclude that experiential imagination is much more limited than commonly acknowledged, as it can hardly be divorced from who we are and where we have been.
Carsharing users’ behaviour and attitudes. The role of car availability in households
Authors: Vejchodská Eliška , Brůhová Foltýnová Hana , Rybičková Alena
Published: March 2023

This paper provides insights into differences in carsharing users' attitudes, motives for joining carsharing, and transport behaviour between users with and without another car at their disposal. It builds on revealed and stated data about members of the oldest carsharing company in the Czech Republic. Carsharing adopters without a car utilise shared cars more intensively than carsharing users with a car available in their household. On the other hand, unlike the second group, they drive fewer kilometres by car in total. The car availability in households also influences the shift in car use after joining carsharing. The sale of a car thanks to adopting carsharing is a factor leading to a decrease in overall car use. Those who have a car at their disposal within their household have a lower probability of decreasing kilometres driven after joining carsharing. Households without an additional car available seem to be less car-dependent on average than those utilising carsharing as a second or third car. They tend to be more environmentally conscious and more inclined towards policies supporting alternative modes and restricting private car use, although both groups share these beliefs. The findings open a debate over whether carsharing increases the legitimacy of restrictive transport measures against private car ownership and use.
Scheduling IDK classifiers with arbitrary dependences to minimize the expected time to successful classification
Authors: Abdelzaher Tarek , Agrawal Kunal , Baruah Sanjoy , Burns Alan , Davis Robert I. , Guo Zhishan , Hu Yigong
Published: March 2023

This paper introduces and evaluates a general construct for trading off accuracy and overall execution duration in classification-based machine perception problems—namely, the generalized IDK classifier cascade. The aim is to select the optimal sequence of classifiers required to minimize the expected (i.e. average) execution duration needed to achieve successful classification, subject to a constraint on quality, and optionally a latency constraint on the worst-case execution duration. An IDK classifier is a software component that attempts to categorize each input provided to it into one of a fixed set of classes, returning “I Don’t Know” (IDK) if it is unable to do so with the required level of confidence. An ensemble of several different IDK classifiers may be available for the same classification problem, offering different trade-offs between effectiveness (i.e. the probability of successful classification) and timeliness (i.e. execution duration). A model for representing such characteristics is defined, and a method is proposed for determining the values of the model parameters for a given ensemble of IDK classifiers. Optimal algorithms are developed for sequentially ordering IDK classifiers into an IDK cascade, such that the expected duration to successfully classify an input is minimized, optionally subject to a latency constraint on the worst-case overall execution duration of the IDK cascade. The entire methodology is applied to two real-world case studies. In contrast to prior work, the methodology developed in this paper caters for arbitrary dependences between the probabilities of successful classification for different IDK classifiers. Effective practical solutions are developed considering both single and multiple processors.
Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci as a cause of mastitis in domestic ruminants: current knowledge, advances, biomedical applications, and future perspectives – a systematic review
Authors: Ruiz-Romero Rocio Angélica , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar
Published: March 2023

Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM) are one of the most common causes of subclinical mastitis in dairy animals and the extent of damage by intramammary infections (IMI) caused by NASM is still under debate. The different effects of NASM on the mammary gland may be associated with differences between bacterial species. NASM are normal and abundant colonizers of humans and animals and become pathogenic only in certain situations. The veterinary interest in NASM has been intense for the last 25 years, due to the strongly increasing rate of opportunistic infections. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide a general background of the NASM as a cause of mastitis and the most recent advances that exist to prevent and fight the biofilm formation of this group of bacteria, introduce new biomedical applications that could be used in dairy herds to reduce the risk of chronic and recurrent infections, potentially responsible for economic losses due to reduced milk production and quality. Effective treatment of biofilm infection requires a dual approach through a combination of antibiofilm and antimicrobial agents. Even though research on the development of biofilms is mainly focused on human medicine, this technology must be developed at the same time in veterinary medicine, especially in the dairy industry where IMI are extremely common.
Chemical Activation of Sludge from Drinking Water Treatment Plant for Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Soliman Mohamed F. , Rashed M. Nageeb , Ahmd Abeer Ali
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to explore the preparation and application of sludge produced in plants of drinking water treatment, to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from polluted water. Adsorbate (methylene blue) is prepared in the lab. as a stock solution. To create new adsorbents, chemical activation of the used sludge has been carried out. The activation is performed by HCl and H2O2 and a mixture of HCl and H2O2. The experiments were carried out under different boundary conditions, like the initial concentration of dye, dosage of adsorbent, solution pH, contact time, and temperature of the adsorption, to determine the optimum boundary conditions for operation. All of the experiments in this study were carried out in a batch system. The results show that sludge activation by a mixture of 2:1 HCl/ H2O2 was selected as the best chemically activated adsorbent (removal of 99.9%). For the best MB adsorption results, the following criteria must be met: 50 ppm initial dye concentration, 90 min of contact time, pH 7, and a dosage of 0.25 g of the adsorbent. Adsorbents suit the Langmuir and Freundlich models well, according to applications of the Freundlich Isotherm and Langmuir models.
Enhancing data protection with a distributed storage system based on the redundant residue number system
Authors: Gao Zhen , Shi Lu , Reviriego Pedro
Published: March 2023

Big data becomes the key for ubiquitous computing and intelligence, and Distributed Storage Systems (DSS) are widely used in large-scale data centers or in the cloud for efficient data management. However, the data on stored are likely to be unavailable due to hardware failures and cyberattacks, e.g. DDoS. Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) codes are commonly used for the recovery of faulty storage nodes or unavailable data. However, the recovery of data nodes usually involves access to multiple nodes, which introduces significant communication overheads to the DSS. In this paper, a new DSS based on the Redundant Residue Number System (RRNS) is proposed, where efficient recovery is enabled by applying the second version of Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT-II). The complexity and network traffic of the proposed data protection scheme is analyzed theoretically and compared with that of traditional MDS based DSSs. Experimental results show that the proposed DSS achieves lower encoding complexity, lower recovery complexity and lower network traffic than the MDS based schemes. Although the proposed data protection scheme introduces computation overheads for the case on which there are no failing nodes, its complexity is still lower for scenarios with frequent data updates. In addition, the proposed scheme introduces additional advantages in terms of security and storage flexibility.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of dust control measures adopted to reduce workplace exposure
Authors: Anlimah Frederick , Gopaldasani Vinod , MacPhail Catherine , Davies Brian
Published: March 2023

The recent increase in silicosis cases in several countries casts doubt on dust control practices and their effectiveness in preventing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Apart from silicosis, RCS may lead to other illnesses, health-related quality of life losses for workers and their families, and economic losses for companies. Thus, this systematic literature review examined the effectiveness of interventions employed to prevent exposure to RCS and increase the use of dust control measures. The review used keywords related to dust control interventions to search seven databases. Search results were screened and extracted for synthesis. The narrative synthesis showed the extent of research investment in China. In several designs and combinations, the interventions utilized water, surfactant, foam, and air currents to reduce dust exposure. These interventions offer varying degrees of dust control effectiveness against RCS and respirable dust. Although evidence indicates that interventions significantly decrease dust concentration levels, the control measures in place may not effectively prevent workplace overexposure to RCS. The review found that education and training interventions are employed to improve dust controls and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) use. Also, marketing strategies promote the use of RPE. These interventions can increase the frequency of use of RPE and the adoption of best practice dust control measures. Interventions increase knowledge, awareness, and attitudes about RPE usage and generate positive perceptions while reducing misconceptions. However, the benefits obtained from an intervention may diminish after its implementation, indicating that the interventions may not continually motivate workers to adopt control measures or use RPE.
Plasma levels of neurology-related proteins are associated with cognitive performance in an older population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Llaurador-Coll Martí , Rios Santiago , García-Gavilán Jesus F. , Babio Nancy , Vilella Elisabet , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: March 2023

Cognitive impairment is present in a broad spectrum of medical conditions and in aging. Here, we aimed to identify plasma proteins related to cognitive function in a sample of older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. A total of 129 subjects (mean age 64.7 years; 36% females) were grouped according to low (l-GCF, N=65) or high (h-GCF, N=64) global cognitive function and matched according to education, sex, age, and body mass index. Cognitive performance was assessed using neuropsychological tests. Plasma levels of 92 neurology-related proteins were assessed using a proximity extension assay. An elastic net regression analysis was used to identify proteins more associated with cognitive performance. Additionally, the protein expression levels were compared between the two groups by means of a t-test with false discovery rate correction. Pearson correlations were used to assess associations between the protein levels and scores from the neurocognitive tests. Six proteins (alpha-2-MRAP, HAGH, Siglec-9, MDGA1, IL12, and EDA2R) were identified as potential contributors to cognitive performance, remaining significantly increased in l-GCF compared to h-GCF participants after correction for multiple testing. Negative correlations (r= −0.23 to −0.18, i.e., lower protein levels, higher cognitive function) were found between global cognitive function and Siglec-9, NMNAT1, HAGH, LXN, gal-8, alpha-2-MRAP, IL12, PDGF-R-alpha, NAAA, EDA2R, CLEC1B, and LAT. Mini-mental state examination z scores showed the strongest correlations with protein levels, specifically negative correlations with CLEC1b, LXN, LAT, PLXNB3, NMNAT1, gal-8, HAGH, NAAA, CTSS, EZR, KYNU, MANF (r=−0.38 to −0.26) and a positive correlation with ADAM23 (r= 0.26). In summary, we identified several plasma proteins that were significantly associated with cognitive performance in older adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome, although further research is needed to replicate the results in larger samples and to include a predictive perspective.
Applying an iterative prospective LCA approach to emerging wood-based technologies: three German case studies
Authors: Sander-Titgemeyer Anna , Risse Michael , Weber-Blaschke Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The innovative utilization of hardwood as a future material resource can contribute to a wood-based bioeconomy. Many hardwood-based products are still at the developmental stage, so it is crucial to assess and improve their environmental performance now. Given the lack of knowledge about future conditions, and accounting for potential changes in emerging technologies at an industrial scale, mean that many parameters must be considered.

Methods

A stepwise approach for prospective LCA has been refined, resulting in two LCA iterations. In the first iteration, a preliminary prospective LCA was conducted to understand the emerging technology, using an uncertainty analysis to identify the most influential parameters. The results were incorporated in the second LCA iteration, the final prospective LCA, to develop future scenarios based on the identified parameters. The approach is applied to three case studies that cover the range of technological readiness levels (TRL) from laboratory to pilot and industrial scale. The first case study is a lignin-based phenol–formaldehyde (LPF) adhesive (TRL 4). The second case study is a hardwood glued-laminated (glulam) load-bearing beam (TRL 7). The third case study is a cellulose-based viscose fiber for clothing (TRL 9).

Results and discussion

Numerous parameters were narrowed down to a few parameters important for the scenarios; from 25 to 4 in the LPF adhesive case study, from 5 to 2 in the glulam case study, and from 24 parameters to 3 in the viscose fiber case study. The LCIA scenario results for climate change showed differences based on the effects of the important scenario-related parameters, such as the total energy demand or the renewable energy share in foreground and background systems. The LCIA scenario results for land use depend on the amount of wood input and the size of the allocation factor, which was also shown in the local sensitivity analyses. Their variation significantly affected the land use, while having a negligible effect on the other impact categories.

Conclusions and recommendations

The prospective LCIA results for climate change depend mostly on the energy demand for the manufacture of emerging hardwood-based products. The effects of a high energy demand cannot be compensated for by inputting a higher share of renewable energy production, neither for on-site production nor in the electricity mix. To reduce the climate change impacts, it is crucial to reduce the overall energy demand of the product system. The results for land use are not robust against variations of the allocation factors. Local sensitivity analyses of different allocation methods are recommended. Overall, the inclusion of an uncertainty analysis in the first iteration of the prospective LCA can reduce complexity for the scenario development, especially when the emerging technology to be evaluated presents with a high number of uncertain parameters.
Brief Review: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Care with a Focus on Congenital Heart Disease and Precision Medicine
Authors: Bayne Joseph , Garry Jonah , Albert Michelle A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

This is a brief review about racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare with focused attention to less frequently covered areas in the literature such as adult congenital heart disease, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. Although diverse racial and ethnic populations such as Black and Hispanic groups are at an increased risk for CHD and have worse related outcomes, they are woefully underrepresented in large clinical trials. Additionally, although artificial intelligence and its application to precision medicine are touted as a means to individualize cardiovascular treatment and eliminate racial and ethnic bias, serious concerns exist about insufficient and inadequate available information from diverse racial and ethnic groups to facilitate accurate care. This review discusses relevant data to the aforementioned topics and the associated nuances.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have shown that racial and ethnic minorities have increased morbidity and mortality related to congenital heart disease. Artificial intelligence, one of the chief methods used in precision medicine, can exacerbate racial and ethnic bias especially if inappropriate algorithms are utilized from populations that lack racial and ethnic diversity.

Dedicated resources are needed to engage diverse populations to facilitate participation in clinical and population-based studies to eliminate racial and ethnic healthcare disparities in adult congenital disease and the utilization of artificial intelligence to improve health outcomes in all populations.
The 5th edition of WHO classification of tumors of endocrine organs: changes in the diagnosis of follicular-derived thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Basolo Fulvio , Macerola Elisabetta , Poma Anello Marcello , Torregrossa Liborio
Published: March 2023

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of endocrine tumors was released in 2022. Several novelties have been introduced concerning the nomenclature and histopathological diagnosis of follicular-derived thyroid neoplasms. Tumor types have been sharply classified according to prognostic risk categories into benign tumors, low-risk neoplasms and malignant neoplasms. A grading system for differentiated thyroid carcinomas has been implemented with the aim of improving the stratification of tumors. Particular attention has been paid to the molecular profile of well-differentiated histotypes. In this review, the main changes introduced by the latest edition of the WHO system are presented. The practical effects on the diagnostic pathology of thyroid tumors, along with the clinical implications expected with the new classification scheme, are critically discussed.
Combining Language Training and Work Experience for Refugees with Low-Literacy Levels: a Mixed-Methods Case Study
Authors: Kuschel Anne , Hansen Nina , Heyse Liesbet , Wittek Rafael P.M.
Published: March 2023

Learning the host society’s language and finding a job are important steps for the societal integration of refugees. Especially language proficiency is a key barrier for the integration of low literates. Often language training and gaining work skills are separated during the integration procedure. We investigated a 1-year pilot program for refugees with low-literacy levels in the Netherlands, which combined language training (daily classes, work-related language) with work experience in sheltered employment (second-hand shop) to facilitate language learning and prepare this group better for the labour market. Building on Ager and Strang’s conceptual integration framework (2008), we expected that this combined program should improve agency (communication strategies, preparedness for the labour market) via intergroup contact at work. We used a mixed-method approach to follow the development of participants (N=10) longitudinally (baseline, after 6 months, after 11 months). We gathered questionnaire data, interviewed teachers and students, and observed interactions in classes and at work. Overall, use of communication strategies increased. Analyzing individual cases (profiles) offered nuanced insights into for whom and why the program seems to have differential impact, especially in terms of labour market preparation. We discuss results and the importance of creating intergroup contact to facilitate integration in a new society.
Are the schema modes suitable for explaining borderline and narcissistic behaviours?
Authors: Mącik Dorota
Published: March 2023

Jeffrey Young assumes that people suffering from personality disorders differ from healthy ones in schema modes intensity but not diversity. Besides, healthy people also present behaviours typical for personality disorders, but to a lesser extent. However, research lacks the interrelationships between modes, especially in healthy individuals. The presented study aimed to investigate the mutual relations between the schema modes using path analysis to understand better problematic behaviour in borderline and narcissistic types in a non-clinical sample and to verify Young assumption about the continuum of the schema modes. A sample of 467 healthy adults aged 18–50 (M = 32.87, SD = 10.56), 52.9% of whom were women, completed SMI 1.1 and SCID-II. Descriptive statistics, matrix of correlation and structural equation modelling were used. Results confirmed the significance of the theoretically assumed and previously empirically proved schema modes also for healthy people. The most important modes for both borderline and narcissistic behaviours are the Punitive Parent, the Angry Child and the Enraged Child modes. For borderline behaviour, the Detached Protector coping mode, connected to a sense of emptiness, is significant. Narcissistic behaviour relates to Bully and Attack, and Self-Aggrandiser modes and is connected to aggressive and dominant behaviour. The obtained models explain 47% of the variance in borderline and 44% in narcissistic behaviours. The study indicates the validity of analysing the modes among people with lower intensity of behaviours typical for personality disorders and also confirms Young’s assumptions about the universality of schema modes. Results are discussed in the context of their relevance for practitioners.
Acute pancreatitis as the initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia with chromosome 16 rearrangements
Authors: Fukushima Hidehito , Morita Ken , Ikemura Masako , Tanaka Mariko , Nakai Yudai , Maki Hiroaki , Suzuki Tatsunori , Mizuno Suguru , Nakai Yousuke , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: March 2023

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that is becoming an increasingly common clinical issue. The most frequent underlying etiologies include gallstones and chronic alcohol use, which account for more than two-thirds of cases. We recently experienced a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting with recurrent acute pancreatitis, which we later discovered was caused by diffusely infiltrating extramedullary sarcoma in the pancreas. Comprehensive analysis of previous cases of AML presenting as acute pancreatitis suggested involvement of cytogenetic alterations in chromosome 16 in its pathogenesis. Further improvement in management of acute pancreatitis is needed, and clinicians should note that this occasionally fatal condition can be the initial and only manifestation of AML. In practice, prompt initiation of intensive chemotherapy is critical for treating such cases of AML-induced acute pancreatitis.
Expected vs. real growth of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange
Authors: Pietraszewski Piotr , Gniadkowska-Szymańska Agata , Bolek Monika
Published: March 2023

The aim of this paper is related to the growth opportunity measures representing the expected growth and their relationship with the real growth of companies. The motivation for this research is based on the evidence that growth opportunity measures may fail to predict future growth as measured by earnings per share. In the presented paper the companies listed on LSE are divided for two groups depending on the market they are traded: FTSE100 index and AIM all-share index. It was found that in both samples the growth opportunity measures relationship with the real growth is significant. The difference between companies listed on the main and alternative markets may influence the efficiency of growth opportunity measures predicting the future growth, and therefore the samples should be analyzed separately. The methods applied in this paper include the correlation analysis between growth opportunity and real growth variables, panel data OLS models with fixed effects and the differences between the correlation and regression tests. It can be concluded that growth opportunity measures predict the growth of companies as measured by EPS.
A two-temperature model and fractional order derivative in a rotating thick hollow cylinder with the magnetic field
Authors: Said Samia M. , Abd-Elaziz Elsayed M. , Othman Mohamed I. A.
Published: March 2023

A novel multi-phase-lags model with fractional order derivative is introduced to study a thick hollow cylinder with two temperatures under the influence of magnetic field and rotation. The basic non-dimensional equations of the problem are discussed by using harmonic wave analysis. Numerical computations are carried out with the help of Matlab software. Comparisons are made with the results of the refined-phase-lag theory for different values of rotation and magnetic field. Comparisons also are made with the results of the refined-phase-lag theory for different values of the fractional order parameter. Some particular cases of special interest have been deduced from the present investigation.
Information Technology, Inequality, and Adult Literacy in Developing Countries
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M. , Rahman Mushfiqur
Published: March 2023

The study
assesses linkages between information technology, inequality, and adult literacy in 57 developing countries for the period 2012–2016. Income inequality is measured with the Gini coefficient while six dynamics of information technology are taken on board, namely use of a virtual social network, Internet access in schools, Internet penetration, mobile phone penetration, fixed broadband subscription, and a number of personal computer users. The empirical evidence is based on interactive Tobit regressions. The findings show that only Internet access in schools unconditionally promotes adult literacy. The corresponding inequality threshold that should not be exceeded for Internet access in schools to continue promoting adult literacy is 0.739 of the Gini coefficient. Policy implications are discussed.
Prior assessment of CO2 leak rate through cracks sealed by nanoparticle gels
Authors: Olayiwola Olatunji , Nguyen Vu , Liu Ning , Guo Boyun
Published: March 2023

The leakage of hydrocarbon fluids through cracks in the annular cement and CO2 storage is a major concern to the Petroleum Industry. A significant risk is posed when repairing leakage in a micro annuli channel with smaller apertures. A low-viscosity sealant that can generate a long-lasting resilient seal is desired. The solution to sealing these channels might lie in a novel application using nano-silica Gel. In this study, laboratory tests were carried out to examine the capabilities of nano-silica gels to seal the cracks. Analyzing its rheological property, the gel strengths of nano-silica gels were found to increase with an increase in nano-silica concentration. Additionally, it was discovered that as the concentration of nano-silica increases, the sealing and leakage pressures, defined as the pressures before and after water breakthrough, respectively, increase as well. With a typical 15% concentration of nano silica in gel, a sealing pressure gradient of 80.2 psi/in and a leakage pressure gradient of 30 psi/in at a leaking rate of 1 cc/min were noted. To validate the validity of the experimental results, a mathematical model was developed to predict the leakage rate of sealed fractures. The model suggests that the young’s modulus of sealant is a key property of nano-sealants and further investigations are needed to validate the mathematical model for quantitative use. This study suggests a novel strategy for enhancing cement zonal isolation and reducing cement failure in oil and gas sector.