bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transoral removal of submandibular hilar lithiasis: results on the salivary duct system, glandular parenchyma, and quality-of-life recovery
Authors: Sánchez Barrueco Alvaro , Alcalá Rueda Ignacio , Ordoñez González Cristina , Sobrino Guijarro Beatriz , Santillán Coello Jessica , Tapia Gonzalo Díaz , Guerra Gutiérrez Félix , Campos González Alfonso , Brenna Alessandra , Cenjor Españo Carlos , Villacampa Aubá José Miguel
Published: July 2023

Objective(s)

To confirm that hilar transoral submandibular sialolitectomy (TOSL) is the first treatment option for submandibular hilar lithiasis (SHL) in terms of glandular parenchyma recovery, salivary system restoration, and patient quality of life (QoL) improvement.

Methods

Depending on whether the stone was easily palpable, TOSL was carried out with or without sialendoscopy. For the first time in the literature, Magnetic Resonance Sialography (MR-Si) was performed before and after TOSL, to evaluate stone characteristics, glandular parenchyma status, hilum dilation and main duct recanalization. Radiological data was examined independently by two radiologists. COSQ, a recently validated and specific questionnaire, was used to assess associated QoL.

Results

Between 2017 and 2022, 29 TOSL patients were examined. With a high interobserver correlation, MR-Si was confirmed as a very useful radiological test in the pre- and post-surgical evaluation of SHL. The salivary main duct was completely recanalized in all cases. The presence of lithiasis was found in 4 patients (13.8%). After surgery, the majority of patients (79.31%) had hilum dilation. There was a statistically significant improvement in parenchyma status, but no significant progression to glandular atrophy. After surgery, COSQ mean values always improved (22.5 to 4.5).

Conclusions

TOSL is the ideal surgical technique for the management of SHL, resulting in improved parenchymal inflammatory changes, recanalization of Wharton’s duct, and enhancement patients’ QoL. As a result, before removing the submandibular gland, TOSL should be considered as the first treatment option for SHL.
Surgical outcome in class 4 congenital anomalies of the ossicular chain: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Henkemans S. E. , Rovers J. , Thomeer H. G. X. M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To review hearing and surgical outcomes after reconstructive middle ear surgery in class 4 congenital middle ear anomalies (CMEA), e.g., patients with oval- or round window atresia of dysplasia.

Data sources

Pubmed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane library.

Review methods

Articles containing data on hearing outcomes and complications after reconstructive ear surgery in class 4 anomalies were analyzed and critically appraised. The following data were included and reviewed: patient demographics, audiometric testing, surgical techniques, complications, revision surgeries and their outcomes. Risk of bias was determined, and GRADE certainty of evidence was assessed. Primary outcomes were postoperative air conduction thresholds (AC), change in AC, and success rates (closure of the ABG to within 20 dB), the occurrence of complications (most importantly sensorineural hearing loss) and the long-term stability of hearing results (> 6-month follow-up) and occurrence of recurrence of preoperative hearing loss.

Results

Success rates varied from 12.5 to 75% at long-term follow-up with larger cohorts reporting success rates around 50%, mean postoperative gain in AC varied from 4.7 to 30 dB and − 8.6 to 23.6 dB at, respectively, short- and long-term follow-up. No postoperative change in hearing occurred in 0–33.3% of ears, and recurrence of hearing loss occurred in 0–66.7% of ears. SNHL occurred in a total of seven ears across all studies of which three experienced complete hearing loss.

Conclusion

Reconstructive surgery can be an effective treatment option which should be considered in patients with very favorable baseline parameters, while also considering the substantial risk of recurrence of hearing loss, the possibility of unchanged hearing despite surgery and the rare occurrence of SNHL.

Level of evidence

2c.
The outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in developmental dysplasia of hip versus osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salman Loay A. , Alzobi Osama Z. , Al-Ani Abdallah , Hantouly Ashraf T. , Al-Juboori Mohammed , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and those with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Four databases were searched from inception till February 2023 for original studies that compared the outcomes of THA in DDH and OA. The primary outcome was the revision rate; the secondary outcomes were dislocation and failure modes (i.e. aseptic loosening, PJI, instability, and periprosthetic fractures), hospital stay and costs. This review was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

A total of 9 observational studies with 575,255 THA (469,224 hips) were included, with a mean age of 50.6 years and 62.1 years for DDH and OA groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in revision rate between DDH and OA patients in favour of OA (OR, 1.66; 95% CI 1.11–2.48; p-value, 0.0251). However, dislocation rate (OR, 1.78, 95% CI 0.58–5.51; p-value, 0.200), aseptic loosening (OR, 1.69; 95% CI 0.26–10.84; p-value, 0.346) and PJI (OR, 0.76; 95% CI 0.56–1.03; p-value, 0.063) were comparable across both groups.

Conclusion

A higher revision rate following total hip arthroplasty was associated with DDH compared with osteoarthritis. However, both groups had similar dislocation rates, aseptic loosening and PJI. Consideration of confounding factors, such as patient age and activity level, is crucial when interpreting these findings.

Level of evidence 

III.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration: CRD42023396192.
Symptomatic lumbar stenosis due to low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis can effectively be treated with mere decompression
Authors: van Grafhorst Judith M. P. , Dijkerman Manon L. , Peul Wilco C. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Adding instrumented spondylodesis to decompression in symptomatic spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis is subject of debate. The presence of spondylolisthesis due to degeneration is an indicator of severe facet joint and intervertebral disc degeneration, and this may fit increased instability of the spine. We aim to establish the incidence of degenerative spondylolisthesis in spinal stenosis surgical candidates and to evaluate the incidence of failure of decompressive surgery without concomitant spondylodesis as initial treatment.

Methods

Medical files of all operated patients for spinal stenosis between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, pre-operative radiological characteristics (level of stenosis, presence, and grade of spondylolisthesis), surgical technique, incidence, and indication for reoperation were summarised, as well as the type of reoperation. Patient satisfaction was classified as ‘satisfied’ or ‘unsatisfied’ after initial and secondary surgery. The follow-up was 6 to 12 years.

Results

Nine hundred thirty-four patients were included, and 253 (27%) had a spondylolisthesis. Seventeen percent of the spondylolisthesis patients receiving decompression were reoperated versus 12% of the stenosis patients (p=.059). Reoperation in the spondylolisthesis group concerned instrumented spondylodesis in 38 versus 10% in the stenosis group. The satisfaction percentage was comparable in the stenosis and the spondylolisthesis group two months after surgery (80 vs. 74%). Of the 253 spondylolisthesis patients, 1% initially received instrumented spondylodesis and 6% in a second operation.

Conclusion

Lumbar stenosis with and without (low-grade) degenerative spondylolisthesis can usually effectively be treated with mere decompression. Instrumented surgery in a second surgical procedure does not lead to less satisfaction with surgical outcomes.
Llamas use social information from conspecifics and humans to solve a spatial detour task
Authors: Pahl Annkatrin , König von Borstel Uta , Brucks Désirée
Published: July 2023

Learning by observing others (i.e. social learning) is an important mechanism to reduce the costs of individual learning. Social learning can occur between conspecifics but also heterospecifics. Domestication processes might have changed the animals’ sensitivity to human social cues and recent research indicates that domesticated species are particularly good in learning socially from humans. Llamas (Lama glama) are an interesting model species for that purpose. Llamas were bred as pack animals, which requires close contact and cooperative behaviour towards humans. We investigated whether llamas learn socially from trained conspecifics and humans in a spatial detour task. Subjects were required to detour metal hurdles arranged in a V-shape to reach a food reward. Llamas were more successful in solving the task after both a human and a conspecific demonstrated the task compared to a control condition with no demonstrator. Individual differences in behaviour (i.e. food motivation and distraction) further affected the success rate. Animals did not necessarily use the same route as the demonstrators, thus, indicating that they adopted a more general detour behaviour. These results suggest that llamas can extract information from conspecific and heterospecific demonstrations; hence, broadening our knowledge of domesticated species that are sensitive to human social behaviour.
The energy consumption and carbon footprint of the LOFAR telescope
Authors: Kruithof Gert , Bassa Cees , Bonati Irene , van Cappellen Wim , Doek Anne , Ebbendorf Nico , Gerbers Marchel , van Haarlem Michiel , Halfwerk Ronald , Holties Hanno , Kajuiter Simone , Kondratiev Vlad , Meulman Henri , Pizzo Roberto , Shimwell Timothy , Swinbank John
Published: July 2023

The LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) is a European radio telescope operating since 2010 in the frequency bands 10 - 80 MHz and 110 - 250 MHz. This article provides an analysis of the energy consumption and the carbon footprint of LOFAR. The approach used is a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). We find that one year of LOFAR operations requires 3,627 MWh of electricity, 48,714 m3 gas and 135,497 liters of fuel. The associated carbon emission is 1,867 tCO2e/year. Results include the footprint stemming from operations of all LOFAR stations and central processing, but exclude scientific post-processing and activities. The electrical energy required for scientific processing is assessed separately. It ranges from 1% (standard imaging and time-domain), to 40% (wide field long baseline imaging) of the energy consumption for the observation. The outcome provides a transparent baseline in making LOFAR more sustainable and can serve as a blueprint for the analysis of other research infrastructures.
Deleuze’s Conception of Virtuality Versus Virtual Computer Objects
Authors: Czarnocka Małgorzata , Mazurek Mariusz
Published: July 2023

Is Gilles Deleuze’s concept of virtuality sufficiently close to the concept of virtuality used in informatics and the philosophy of information for computer-created objects and virtual reality to justify the latter’s explanation by means of the former? This question is the main objective of the present paper. We aim to show that, contrary to its most widespread interpretations, the Deleuzian conception of virtuality is epistemological and not ontological, and that this invalidates the belief that Deleuze’s virtuality and that of computer science are sufficiently close to justify the transposition of one to the other.
Not all risks are equal: a risk governance framework for assessing the water SDG
Authors: Koehler Johanna Karolina Louise
Published: July 2023

While it becomes apparent that the sustainable development goal for water will likely not be met by 2030, the first UN Water Conference in almost half a century has produced a large number of non-binding commitments and pledges, thus falling short of closing the global governance gap that is widening through climate change. This article adopts a risk governance perspective and provides reflections and recommendations on the need for coordination, critical evaluation, integration and a deeper understanding of risk perceptions and responses related to the water SDG across public, private and civil society actors. Drawing on van Asselt and Renn, the paper proposes a water risk governance framework applying the principles of communication and inclusion, integration, and reflection, to assessing progress toward the water SDG. Focusing on the transformation of water services, it discusses who is represented, whose risks are perceived and responded to, and who is responsible for providing evidence and scaling innovation. It concludes that for scaling up four elements are necessary, including institutional innovation, financing mechanisms, monitoring, as well as social and policy uptake.
On the trail of fluids in the northernmost intracontinental earthquake swarm areas of the Leipzig-Regensburg fault zone, Germany
Authors: van Laaten Marcel , Wegler Ulrich , Eulenfeld Tom
Published: July 2023

The Leipzig-Regensburg fault zone is documented as a band of seismic activity extending northwards from the earthquake swarm region NW-Bohemia/Vogtland at the Czech-German border area and is intersected by several Hercynian fault zones. Along the fault zone, there are several earthquake swarm areas, the northernmost of which are Schöneck and Werdau. In this study, we investigate the presumably fluid-induced earthquake swarm activity of the Schöneck and Werdau area. For this purpose, we apply two methods: local earthquake tomography and receiver functions to identify the structural composition of the crust, the areas affected by fluids and the origin of the fluids. We detected potential fluid paths characterised by high Vp/Vs ratios and granite intrusions nearby the swarms characterised by low Vp/Vs anomalies. Receiver function analysis yields the Moho at 25 to 33 km depth and two seismic discontinuities at 55 km and 68 km depth.
Continuous-time Markov-chain models for reaction systems: fast and slow processes
Authors: MacDonald Iain L. , Pienaar Etienne A. D.
Published: July 2023

It is sometimes of interest to identify the fast and slow processes in a reaction system. We present here an approach to this problem which is based on a simple stochastic model, a continuous-time Markov chain on a small number of states. We show how it is possible to use such a stochastic model to find and plot the time-courses of concentrations, and to find simple short-time and long-time approximations to these time-courses; that is, to separate the fast and the slow processes. The most significant computation involved is the exponentiation of many small matrices, which is easily accomplished in the computing environment R.
A geophysical investigation of the urban-expanding area over the seismologically active Dahshour region, Egypt
Authors: Arafa-Hamed Tarek , Marzouk Hossam , Elbarbary Samah , Abdel Zaher Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Western Desert region between Cairo and Fayoum in Egypt is a geologically interesting area due to its active seismicity status and the continuous bidirectional urban expansions ongoing northward and southward growth. This work aims to develop a geological model of the region by combining magnetic intensity data (aeromagnetic) and potential field data (airborne gravity) with magnetotelluric (MT) data to offer decision-makers an additional evaluation tool for long-term future planning. Applying a number of filters to aerial gravity and magnetic data allowed us to calculate the subsurface density distribution and structure of the area between Cairo and Fayoum. In addition, the surface of the crust was imaged down to a depth of 6 km using a 3-D inversion of gravity data. Magnetotelluric data were gathered at eight locations over the NS-extended Cairo-Fayoum Road profile. MT data were inverted in 2-D to generate a resistivity model that defines the subsurface structure of the researched region. The subsurface geometry in the MT-derived resistivity model agrees with the results of airborne potential measurements, and no consideration was given to any faults that may have been undetected from the potential maps. Long-term seismological observations indicated that the likely active sources of earthquakes are limited to the recognized main faults and that the ongoing “1185 buildings” construction project did not and will not cause unanticipated seismicity. The paper concludes that urban growth is secure so long as the earthquake codes are rigorously considered while planning civil projects. The northern study region must be regularly monitored for induced seismicity. On the Cairo-Fayoum Road's western side, the middle sector of the study area is the safest place for future civil developments.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the Value of Early Detection
Authors: Harnik Michael Alexander , Kesselring Pascal , Ott Alexander , Urman Richard D. , Luedi Markus M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

The goal of this narrative review is to describe the current understanding of the pathology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), as well as diagnostic standards and therapeutic options. We will then make the case for early recognition and management.

Recent Findings

CRPS remains an enigmatic pain syndrome, comprising several subtypes. Recent recommendations clarify diagnostic ambiguities and emphasize the importance of standardized assessment and therapy.

Awareness of CRPS should be raised to promote prevention, early detection, and rapid escalation of therapy in refractory cases. Comorbidities and health costs (i.e., the socioeconomic impact) must also be addressed early to prevent negative consequences for patients.
Exploiting Bacterial Genera as Biocontrol Agents: Mechanisms, Interactions and Applications in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Lee Jaeyeon , Kim Soomin , Jung Hoseong , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Han Jeong A. , Lee Ho-Seok
Published: July 2023

The rising demand for sustainable agriculture necessitates alternative methods to using chemical pesticides for controlling plant pathogens. Biocontrol involves the use of natural antagonists, such as bacteria, as an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. This review discusses the potential of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas and Serratia as biocontrol agents (BCAs) against various plant pathogens. These bacteria suppress pathogen growth via various mechanisms, such as antibiosis, nutrient and space competition and systemic resistance, and significantly contribute to plant growth. We provide an overview of the secondary metabolites, plant interactions and microbiota interactions of these bacteria. BCAs offer a promising and sustainable solution to plant pathogens and help maintain the one-health principle.
Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbonyl Sulphide Removal from Biogas for Exploitation in High-Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Santoni F. , Gislon P. , Rozzi E. , Gandiglio M. , McPhail S. , Lanzini A. , Pagani M. , Fiorilli S.
Published: July 2023

Fuel cells powered by biogas for decentralised cogeneration of heat and power are an attractive alternative to combustion technologies. However, biogas contains sulfur-based compounds (H2S, COS, DMS, siloxanes), which are harmful to fuel cells. This work was carried out in the framework of the European project Waste2Watts, involving the laboratories of Politecnico di Torino, ENEA, and PSI. The aim is to design and test a flexible and cost-effective cleaning unit to remove impurities for the use of biogas in high-efficiency fuel cell systems. The focus is on small- to medium-sized farms for which deep cleaning of biogas by adsorption materials is a suitable techno-economic solution to avoid intensive gas processing treatments. The ability of commercial adsorption materials (activated carbons, metal oxides, and metal hydroxides) to remove hydrogen sulphide and carbonyl sulphide was tested under different biogas compositions (oxygen and humidity). After evaluating the results, three plant configurations were proposed to optimally utilise the potential of the sorbents. Indeed, the RGM3 sorbent has proven to be an effective solution for removing H2S and COS under humid conditions (50% RH), whilst R7H and R8C sorbents are better suited for removing H2S and COS, respectively, in dry biogas conditions.

Graphical abstract
Optimal Growths from Two Perspectives, with Conditional Macro- and Micro-consistency: Dynamic Summation of Economic Variables Under Differential Regional Representative Production Functions
Authors: Yuan Runze , Xi Xi , Zhang Yifan , Liu Zhentao , Li Chao , Liang Yu
Published: July 2023

Although the representative theory of consumer/firm is widely used in particular forms of utility and production functions, is the optimal growth model adequately supported by a multi-regional microeconomic base in a “general form of utility and production functions”? Is the “optimization of macro-aggregate functions” consistent with the “summation of micro-optimal outcomes”? Economists have explored the problem of summation of macro-variables in a special form of production and utility function setting to find some theoretical foundations of macroeconomics in the case of heterogeneous representative consumers. However, heterogeneous representative producers have not been studied enough, and the conclusions are too dependent on the functional form. This study searches for the conditions for macroeconomics to reach micro-foundations in the framework of heterogeneous producers and general functions. Linking the entire macroeconomy through inter-regional capital flows, we distinguish between using and equity capital, construct a multi-regional dynamic optimal growth model in a homogeneous representative consumer and heterogeneous representative manufacturers, compare the summation of the regional dynamics with the aggregate macro-dynamics, and find that (A) the regional and macro-perspectives are generally inconsistent in their optimization results; (B) if the population growth rate is the same across regions, the macro-steady state is a weighted summation of the steady states; and (C) if the inverse of the absolute risk aversion is linearly additive to consumption, the model is reliable. In particular, CARA and CRRA-type utility functions are eligible. The eligible utility function can only be an exponential utility function or a power function utility function (the logarithmic utility function can be considered a degenerate power function utility).
Kind Extinction: A Procedural Variation on Traditional Extinction
Authors: Tarbox Courtney , Tarbox Jonathan , Bermudez Taira Lanagan , Silverman Erin , Servellon Lauren
Published: July 2023

Operant extinction has substantial evidence to support its effectiveness across a variety of populations and behaviors. However, extinction procedures may be less-preferred by learners, caregivers, other community stakeholders, and the staff implementing them. In the current study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a “kind extinction” procedural modification, in which we provided a functionally arbitrary reinforcer in the form of genuine positive regard and validation, contingent on interfering behavior, while implementing escape and tangible extinction. The procedure produced large and rapid decreases in interfering behavior, accompanying increases in alternative behavior, and was rated as acceptable by caregivers and staff. Implications for increasing the social validity of behavioral procedures, as well as contributing to a more kind and compassionate future for the field of applied behavior analysis are discussed.
Urban expansion of Korhogo City (Côte d’Ivoire) using gis and nocturnal remote sensing
Authors: Sylla Gaoussou , Coulibaly Talnan Jean-Honoré , Coulibaly Naga , Kouadio Koffi Claude Alain , Coulibaly Houebagnon Saint Jean Patrick , Cissé Souleymane , Sie Kambiré , Camara Issa , N’guessan Kouadio Henri Joel
Published: July 2023

Temporal data series of stable Artificial Lights At Night (ALAN) obtained from sources such as DMSP/OLS and VIIRS/DNB provide valuable insights into the dynamics of urban expansion. This study introduces a novel methodology for characterizing urban boundaries, which combines textural analysis utilizing the Co-occurrence matrix and urban surface delineation employing the Wombling contour detection algorithm. Applying this method to the city of Korhogo in northern Côte d'Ivoire, the findings reveal an irregular and gradual evolution of urban surfaces between 1992 and 2012, with a rate of change of 35 km2. However, starting from 2012, a rapid urbanization process is observed, continuing until 2020, characterized by an evolution rate of approximately 45 km2. Considering the significant urban expansion witnessed in the city of Korhogo, it is imperative to implement appropriate urban management strategies and measures for ecosystem protection.
The abyss between theory and practice in business education: a reflection from teaching in Brazilian and German institutions of higher education
Authors: Vidart Klafke Renata , Arnold Maik , Picinin Claudia Tania
Published: July 2023

This conceptual point-of-view essay focuses on the authors’ teaching experiences in undergraduate business education at Brazilian and German Universities. In line with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and based on autoethnographical writing, the paper explores the question of how university business education professors can help their students become more prepared for the job market by establishing university–industry partnerships. This discussion fills a particularly pertinent gap regarding knowledge transfer, skill development, and discrepancies between academic expectations in relation to practice-based education, as well as professors’ pedagogical sensibility for students’ preparation in higher education. Overall, the significance of the research lies in the potential to improve the effectiveness and relevance of business education. This can lead to more effective knowledge transfer and skill development among students. The study concludes by stressing the importance of university–industry collaborations for academics and students. Students might be better prepared for job employment in such situations.
Radical Democracy in Modern Indian Political Thought
Authors: Parasher Tejas
Published: July 2023

Between the 1910s and the 1970s, an eclectic group of Indian thinkers, constitutional reformers, and political activists articulated a theory of robustly democratic, participatory popular sovereignty. Taking parliamentary government and the modern nation-state to be prone to corruption, these thinkers advocated for ambitious federalist projects of popular government as alternatives to liberal, representative democracy. Radical Democracy in Modern Indian Political Thought is the first study of this counter-tradition of democratic politics in South Asia. Examining well-known historical figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji, M. K. Gandhi, and M. N. Roy alongside long-neglected thinkers from the Indian socialist movement, Tejas Parasher illuminates the diversity of political futures imagined at the end of the British Empire in South Asia. This book reframes the history of twentieth-century anti-colonialism in novel terms – as a contest over the nature of modern political representation – and pushes readers to rethink accepted understandings of democracy today.
Wordsworth After War
Authors: Shaw Philip
Published: July 2023

William Wordsworth's later poetry complicates possibilities of life and art in war's aftermath. This illuminating study provides new perspectives and reveals how his work following the end of the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars reflects a passionate, lifelong engagement with the poetics and politics of peace. Focusing on works from between 1814 and 1822, Philip Shaw constructs a unique and compelling account of how Wordsworth, in both his ongoing poetic output and in his revisions to earlier works, sought to modify, refute, and sometimes sustain his early engagement with these issues as both an artist and a political thinker. In an engaging style, Shaw reorients our understanding of the later writings of a major British poet and the post-war literary culture in which his reputation was forged. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Uncertain Futures
Authors: Gazmararian Alexander F. , Tingley Dustin
Published: July 2023

Why is the world not moving fast enough to solve the climate crisis? Politics stand in the way, but experts hope that green investments, compensation, and retraining could unlock the impasse. However, these measures often lack credibility. Not only do communities fear these policies could be reversed, but they have seen promises broken before. Uncertain Futures proposes solutions to make more credible promises that build support for the energy transition. It examines the perspectives of workers, communities, and companies, arguing that the climate impasse is best understood by viewing the problem from the ground up. Featuring voices on the front lines such as a commissioner in Carbon County deciding whether to welcome wind, executives at energy companies searching for solutions, mayors and unions in Minnesota battling for local jobs, and fairgoers in coal country navigating their uncertain future, this book contends that making economic transitions work means making promises credible.
Adaptive reinforcement learning control for a class of missiles with aerodynamic uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Ning X. , Cao S. , Han B. , Wang Z. , Yin Y.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a super-twisting disturbance observer (STDO)-based adaptive reinforcement learning control scheme is proposed for the straight air compound missile system with aerodynamic uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics. Firstly, neural network (NN)-based adaptive reinforcement learning control scheme with actor-critic design is investigated to deal with the tracking problems for the straight gas compound system. The actor NN and the critic NN are utilised to cope with the unmodeled dynamics and approximate the cost function that are related to control input and tracking error, respectively. In other words, the actor NN is used to perform the tracking control behaviours, and the critic NN aims to evaluate the tracking performance and give feedback to actor NN. Moreover, with the aid of the STDO disturbance observer, the problem of the control signal fluctuation caused by the mismatched disturbance can be solved well. Based on the proposed adaptive law and the Lyapunov direct method, the eventually consistent boundedness of the straight gas compound system is proved. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed reinforcement learning-based STDO control algorithm.
Super-harmonically resonant swirling waves in longitudinally forced circular cylinders
Authors: Marcotte Alice , Gallaire François , Bongarzone Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Resonant sloshing in circular cylinders was studied by Faltinsenet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 804, 2016, pp. 608–645), whose theory was used to describe steady-state resonant waves due to a time-harmonic container's elliptic orbits. In the limit of longitudinal container motions, a symmetry breaking of the planar wave solution occurs, with clockwise and anti-clockwise swirling equally likely. In addition to this primary harmonic dynamics, previous experiments have unveiled that diverse super-harmonic dynamics are observable far from primary resonances. Among these, the so-called double-crest (DC) dynamics, first observed by Reclariet al.(Phys. Fluids, vol. 26, no. 5, 2014, 052104) for circular sloshing, is particularly relevant, as its manifestation is the most favoured by the spatial structure of the external driving. Following Bongarzoneet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 943, 2022, A28), in this work we develop a weakly nonlinear analysis to describe the system response to super-harmonic longitudinal forcing. The resulting system of amplitude equations predicts that a planar wave symmetry breaking via stable swirling may also occur under super-harmonic excitation. This finding is confirmed by our experimental observations, which identify three possible super-harmonic regimes, i.e. (i) stable planar DC waves, (ii) irregular motion and (iii) stable swirling DC waves, whose corresponding stability boundaries in the forcing frequency-amplitude plane quantitatively match the present theoretical estimates.
Slow-growth approximation for near-wall patch representation of wall-bounded turbulence
Authors: Carney Sean P. , Moser Robert D.
Published: July 2023

Wall-bounded turbulent shear flows are known to exhibit universal small-scale dynamics that are modulated by large-scale flow structures. Strong pressure gradients complicate this characterization, however. They can cause significant variation of the mean flow in the streamwise direction. For such situations, we perform asymptotic analysis of the Navier–Stokes equations to inform a model for the effect of mean flow growth on near-wall turbulence in a small domain localized to the boundary. The asymptotics are valid whenever the viscous length scale is small relative to the length scale over which the mean flow varies. To ensure the correct momentum environment, a dynamic procedure is introduced that accounts for the additional sources of mean momentum flux through the upper domain boundary arising from the asymptotic terms. Comparisons of the model's low-order, single-point statistics with those from direct numerical simulation and well-resolved large eddy simulation of adverse-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers indicate the asymptotic model successfully accounts for the effect of boundary layer growth on the small-scale near-wall turbulence.
Consumption of ultra- and non-ultra-processed foods of individuals with normal-weight obesity
Authors: Santos Acsa de Castro , Passos Anna Flavia Ferreira , de Souza Luciana Bronzi , Coelho Alexandre Siqueira Guedes , Cominetti Cristiane
Published: July 2023

The normal-weight obesity (NWO) is highly associated with an increased risk for chronic non-communicable diseases and intricately linked to diet quality. Therefore, we assessed the consumption of ultra-processed and non-ultraprocessed foods of 224 Brazilian adults with NWO (n 159) and without NWO (n 65, non-NWO) in a cross-sectional study. For that, three dietary recalls were applied and categorised according to the NOVA classification. Individuals with NWO showed lower energy intake from the ‘fresh or minimally processed food’ group, specifically for rice (P = 0⋅037), beans (P = 0⋅002) and fruits (P = 0⋅026), as well as lower consumption of dietary fibre (P < 0⋅05) compared with non-NWO subjects. Total consumption of ultra-processed foods did not differ between groups; however, individuals with NWO had a higher energy intake from processed meats compared with the non-NWO group (54⋅1 ± 73⋅5 × 32⋅5 ± 50⋅8 kcal; P = 0⋅023). Energy and added sugar from ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅02, CI 95 % 1⋅00–1⋅04, P = 0⋅0100) and total fat from non-ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅09, CI 95 % 1⋅01–1⋅18; P = 0⋅0100) were associated with the presence of NWO. In conclusion, non-NWO individuals consumed more non-ultra-processed foods compared with the NWO group. Overall, there were no differences in the consumption of ultra-processed foods between the two groups. Important associations between food compounds and the presence of NWO were observed, emphasising the importance of fresh and minimally processed foods as the basis of the diet.
HORACE IN LOVE, HORACE ON LOVE
Authors: Fedeli Giacomo
Published: July 2023

The anti-Catullan and anti-elegiac perspective characterizing Horace's erotic Odes builds on elements of the biography of his persona found in his juvenile collections, the Satires and the Epodes, where the construction of Horace's poetic autobiography as a lover brings together matters of didactics, ethics and literary criticism.
Microzooplankton community structure in a subtropical South-West Atlantic coastal site
Authors: Sampognaro L. , López-Abbate M. C. , Calliari D.
Published: July 2023

The microzooplankton community structure (species abundance, biomass, diversity) was investigated at a coastal marine station on the South-West Atlantic Ocean (34°23′S–53°45′W, Uruguay). This is a hydrographically complex site within the Subtropical Convergence zone of the SW Atlantic where knowledge of the microzooplankton is particularly scant. The main goal was to perform a first characterization of that community and evaluate its association to environmental drivers along an annual cycle. Oceanographic variables (temperature, salinity, irradiance, nutrients, chlorophyll-a) and ciliates (aloricate and loricate), and dinoflagellates were recorded monthly from July 2019 to June 2020. Over 100 microzooplankton taxa belonging to approximately 30 families and 40 genera were identified, including several subtropical and subantarctic species. Community structure followed wide transitions at the seasonal scale – particularly between summer and winter as subtropical taxa alternated with euryhaline taxa from colder subantarctic waters. The core environmental variables (temperature, salinity and dissolved inorganic nitrogen [DIN]) explained overall variance in microzooplankton community assembly. During summer, high temperatures (20.3, 16.3–22.4°C) and low nutrients (DIN: 3.5, 0.7–6.7 μM; PO4: 1.0, 0.8–1.5 μM) benefited the development of aloricate ciliates. A nutrient pulse in winter posed favourable stoichiometric conditions and the numerical abundance was dominated by dinoflagellates and loricate ciliates in the following months, while diversity remained highest (taxonomic richness: 36 [22–46]; Shannon–Wiener index: 2.5 [1.9–2.8]). Results suggested that the microzooplankton community at the study site is mainly structured by hydrographic variability linked to the seasonal replacement of offshore water masses that differed in thermohaline properties and nutrient levels, and local processes.
Spix’s Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii (Wagler, 1832) population viability analysis
Authors: Vercillo Ugo , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo , Novaes Marisa , Purchase Cromwell , Purchase Candice , Lugarini Camile , Ferreira Ariane , De Marco Paulo , Marcuk Vladislav , Franco Jose Luiz
Published: July 2023

Spix’s Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii is one of the most endangered Neotropical Psittacidae species. Extinct in the wild in the year 2000, in June 2022 the first cohort of C. spixii was reintroduced to its original habitat. For a successful reintroduction of the species, it is necessary to examine the viability of the population against natural and external threats and the environmental requirements for success. Thus, this paper presents a “Population Viability Analysis” (PVA) for Spix’s Macaw. It used the Vortex and RangeShiftR software, biological and environmental data from a bibliographic survey, and information provided by the field team responsible for the reintroduction of the species, and who work directly with the species in captivity. We found that the minimum viable population (MVP) for reintroduction of the species is 20 individuals. However, considering the impact of disease, drought, hunting, and illegal trafficking, this population can only persist if the release of individuals from captivity occurs annually over the next 20 years combined with the reforestation of natural habitat to support population growth.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: another COVID-19 sequel
Authors: Rassi Christophe El , Zareef Rana , Honeini Rawan , Latouf Christelle , Bitar Fadi , Arabi Mariam
Published: July 2023

With the rapid expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disease burden and its consequences on the paediatric population has been progressively recognised. Although COVID-19 infection in children presents as asymptomatic to mild illness, instances of hyperinflammation and multi-organ involvement following the viral infection have been described. This condition, known as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), has gained a wide global attention. Despite the global efforts to uncover the disease characteristics and management, a clear pathogenesis and a unified treatment regimen have not been reached yet. This paper tackles the epidemiology of the MIS-C, discusses its suggested pathogenesis, drives through its varying clinical presentations, and evaluates the different treatment regimens employed in managing MIS-C.
Episodic Summer Chlorophyll‐a Blooms Driven by Along‐Front Winds at Aotearoa's Southeast Shelf Break Front
Authors: Johnson Erik E. , Suanda Sutara H. , Wing Stephen R. , Currie Kim I. , Smith Robert O.
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the influence of along‐front wind forcing on chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) at the Otago Shelf Break (OSB) in southeast Aotearoa/New Zealand using remotely‐sensed and in situ data. Summer wind stress over the OSB was shelf‐aligned, oscillating between upfront and downfront. Surface Chl‐a concentrations along the OSB were shown to increase episodically (≤10 days duration) following upfront wind stress. This response occurred over most of the 350 km long shelf break, and was most intense north of the Otago Peninsula. Peak Chl‐a enhancement at the shelf break occurred following periods of upfront winds, exhibiting a lagged response of approximately 5 days. Moored thermistor data indicated that upfront wind events were followed by increased thermal stratification over the mid‐shelf, whereas downfront wind events were followed by a well‐mixed water column. In situ temperature, salinity, and nutrient measurements suggested an offshore movement of the surface expression of the front following upfront winds, and a reduction in nitrate over the shelf break. From these observations a model of Ekman restratification driven by upfront winds is proposed for this system, wherein off‐shelf Ekman transport converts strong horizontal isopycnal gradients at the shelf break front into vertical stratification. This stratification holds phytoplankton in the upper water column, allowing increased access to light, which is marked by the increased drawdown of nitrate at the shelf break. Downfront winds break down this stratification, move the shelf break front onshore, and mix phytoplankton through the water column, reducing the surface expression of chlorophyll.
Future Projections of Multiple Tropical Cyclone Events in the Northern Hemisphere in the CMIP6‐HighResMIP Models
Authors: Fu Zheng‐Hang , Zhan Ruifen , Zhao Jiuwei , Yamada Yohei , Song Kexin
Published: July 2023

How future multiple tropical cyclone events (MTCEs) could change is crucial for effective risk management and ensuring human safety, however, it remains unclear. This study projects changes in MTCEs by 2050 in the major basins of the Northern Hemisphere using high‐resolution climate models. Results show a significant increase in the frequency and duration of MTCEs over the North Atlantic (NA), a notable decrease over the western North Pacific (WNP), and little change over the eastern North Pacific (ENP). The increase in MTCEs over the NA is concentrated in August–September, while the decrease over the WNP occurs in most months. In contrast, the ENP exhibits large yet insignificant seasonal variation, suggesting considerable uncertainty in this basin. Further analysis shows that mid‐level vertical motion dominates the MTCE changes over the WNP, while vertical wind shear contributes the most to the NA, which may be linked to future changes in tropical convection.
ATP-citrate lyase controls endothelial gluco-lipogenic metabolism and vascular inflammation in sepsis-associated organ injury
Authors: Li Ranran , Meng Mei , Chen Ying , Pan Tingting , Li Yinjiaozhi , Deng Yunxin , Zhang Ruyuan , Tian Rui , Xu Wen , Zheng Xiangtao , Gong Fangchen , Liu Jie , Tang Haiting , Ding Xiaowei , Tang Yaoqing , Annane Djillali , Chen Erzhen , Qu Hongping , Li Lei
Published: July 2023

Sepsis involves endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, which contributes to multiple organ failure. To improve therapeutic prospects, elucidating molecular mechanisms of vascular dysfunction is of the essence. ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) directs glucose metabolic fluxes to de novo lipogenesis by generating acetyl-Co-enzyme A (acetyl-CoA), which facilitates transcriptional priming via protein acetylation. It is well illustrated that ACLY participates in promoting cancer metastasis and fatty liver diseases. Its biological functions in ECs during sepsis remain unclear. We found that plasma levels of ACLY were increased in septic patients and were positively correlated with interleukin (IL)-6, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), and lactate levels. ACLY inhibition significantly ameliorated lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced EC proinflammatory response in vitro and organ injury in vivo. The metabolomic analysis revealed that ACLY blockade fostered ECs a quiescent status by reducing the levels of glycolytic and lipogenic metabolites. Mechanistically, ACLY promoted forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and histone H3 acetylation, thereby increasing the transcription of c-Myc (MYC) to facilitate the expression of proinflammatory and gluco-lipogenic genes. Our findings revealed that ACLY promoted EC gluco-lipogenic metabolism and proinflammatory response through acetylation-mediated MYC transcription, suggesting ACLY as the potential therapeutic target for treating sepsis-associated EC dysfunction and organ injury.
Assessing wind field characteristics along the airport runway glide slope: an explainable boosting machine-assisted wind tunnel study
Authors: Khattak Afaq , Chan Pak-wai , Chen Feng , Peng Haorong
Published: July 2023

Aircraft landings are especially perilous when the wind is gusty near airport runways. For this reason, an aircraft may deviate from its glide slope, miss its approach, or even crash in the worst cases. In the study, we used the state-of-the-art glass-box model, the Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM), to estimate the variation in headwind speed and turbulence intensity along the airport runway glide slope and to interpret the various contributing factors. To begin, the wind field characteristics were examined by developing a scaled-down model of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) runway as well as and the surrounding buildings and complex terrain in the TJ-3 atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. The placement of probes along the glide slope of the model runway aided in the measurement of wind field characteristics at different locations in the presence and absence of surrounding buildings. Next, the experimental data was used to train the EBM model in conjunction with Bayesian optimization approach. The counterpart black box models (extreme gradient boosting, random forest, extra tree and adaptive boosting) as well as other glass box models (linear regression and decision tree) were compared with the outcomes of the EBM model. Based on the holdout testing data, the EBM model revealed superior performance for both variation in headwind speed and turbulence intensity in terms of mean absolute error, mean squared error, root mean squared error and R-square values. To further evaluate the impact of different factors on the wind field characteristics along the airport runway glide slope, the EBM model allows for a full interpretation of the contribution of individual and pairwise interactions of factors to the prediction results from both a global and a local perspective.