bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N,S‐Co‐Doped Activated Carbon Prepared by a Thiourea‐Assisted “Cutting” Method and their Application as High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Xingchen , Fu Yukang , Li Yang , Mi Panpan , Liu Zhiqing , Ma Xinlei , Wang Yarong , Liu Fengrui , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2024

Biomass has been considered a potential source for preparing carbon materials due to its environmentally friendly and renewable characteristics. In this work, N, S co‐doping activated carbon materials were easily prepared by using rice straw as the carbon source. In addition to being heteroatom source, thiourea can fragment the carbon particles into smaller pieces and create plenty of micropores during the carbonization process. Both theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate that the incorporation of S and N species into carbon can improve the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. The as‐made N, S co‐doping activated carbon materials, when used as electrodes, exhibit a high specific capacitance of 256 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and maintain a good rate capacitance of 65 % even at a high current density of 50 A g−1. This work may offer valuable guidance for the application of rice straw derived carbon in supercapacitors.
Humic Acid: A Promising and Green Bioorganic Catalyst in Organic Syntheses
Authors: Swaraj Acharya Swadhin , Bhusan Parida Bibhuti
Published: March 2024

The growing pollution and threat to the environment demand green synthetic methods. Green chemistry mainly focuses on minimizing the waste and utilization of green solvents, energy sources, and catalysts and prefers one‐pot reactions. In this context, humic acid (HA), a natural bioorganic catalyst found in rivers, peat coal and sewage; is a high molecular weight macromolecule containing multifunctional groups, mainly contains quinone, phenolic OH, and COOH groups which make it acidic and activate carbonyl groups by protonation. Owing to its green aspect such as biodegradability, recyclability and reusability, humic acid is considered as sustainable bioorganic catalyst which meets the criteria for industrial requirements. The HA is mild acidic in nature, thus many functional groups tolerate in the HA catalyzed reactions. After few initial reports in 2001 and 2009, the HA catalyzed reactions gained much attention by the organic synthetic community from 2019 in aldol condensation, Knoevenagel condensation, Claisen‐Schmidt reaction, Michael addition, Strecker synthesis, tetrazole synthesis, Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis, hydrosilylation of terminal alkenes, hydrogenation, α‐aminophosphonate synthesis, cross coupling reactions such as Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions. Herein we report the comprehensive analysis on the role of HA in organic transformations providing diverse array of molecular scaffolds till date and future perspective.
Optimization and Applications of Instrumental and Preconcentration Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Rapid Determination of Selected REE by Utilizing their Short‐Lived Activation Products**
Authors: Samanta Sudeep Kumar , Sengupta Arijit , Gupta Santosh Kumar , Acharya Raghunath
Published: March 2024

Determination of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) using spectroscopic methods is challenging. Conventional Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method utilizing Pneumatic Carrier Facility (PCF) of Dhruva research reactor has been optimized with the short‐lived isotopes such as 161Gd, 165mDy and 153/155Sm for quantification of Gd, Dy and Sm respectively. Such isotopes are difficult to observe by conventional INAA with longer cooling periods owing to their very short half‐lives (1–3 mins). In this work, such isotopes are not only observed but also utilized as activation product for rapid determination of these REEs. The standardized method has been utilized for the first time in liquid samples involving nuclear fuel like U3O8 wherein TBP/n‐dodecane has been applied for chemical separation of Uranium prior to analysis. The INAA method has also been applied for validating the stoichiometry of Gd in Gd3+ co‐doped Zn2P2O7:Tb3+ green emitting solid‐state phosphors, which plays a very pivotal role in sensitizing the terbium ion in its performance for solid state lighting. We believe with huge current demand of REEs in research, science and technology; INAA can be a game changer wherever needed for quantification with high precision and accuracy and can also be extended to other REEs of interest.
Zirconium Oxide Doped Organosilica Nanodots as Light‐ and Charge‐Management Cathode Interlayer for Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Cui Mengqi , Rong Qikun , Wang Rong , Ye Dechao , Li Na , Nian Li
Published: March 2024

In this work, it is reported that zirconium oxide (ZrO2) doped organosilica nanodots (OSiNDs: ZrO2) with light‐ and charge‐management properties serve as efficient cathode interlayers for high‐efficiency inverted organic solar cells (i‐OSCs). ZrO2 doping effectively improves the light harvesting of the active layer, the physical contact between the active layer, as well as the electron collection property by habiting charge recombination loss. Consequently, all devices utilizing the OSiNDs: ZrO2 cathode interlayer exhibit enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Specifically, i‐OSCs based on PM6:Y6 and PM6:BTP‐eC9 achieve remarkable PCEs of 17.16% and 18.43%, respectively. Furthermore, the PCE of device based on PM6:Y6 maintains over 97.2% of its original value following AM 1.5G illumination (including UV light) at 100 mW cm−2 for 600 min.
Atomic Strain Wave‐Featured LaRuIr Nanocrystals: Achieving Simultaneous Enhancement of Catalytic Activity and Stability toward Acidic Water Splitting
Authors: Li Rongchao , Liu Jingjun , Xiao Mingyue , Sun Yanhui , Liu Feng , Gan Jun , Gao Shixin
Published: March 2024

Rare earth microalloying nanocrystals have gotten widespread attention due to their unprecedented performances with customization‐defected nanostructures, divided energy bands, and ensembled surface chemistry, regarded as a class of ideal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a lanthanide microalloying strategy is proposed to fabricate strain wave‐featured LaRuIr nanocrystals with oxide skin through a rapid crystal nucleation, using thermally assisted sodium borohydride reduction in aqueous solution at 60 °C. The atomic strain waves with alternating compressive and tensile strains, resulting from La‐stabilized edge dislocations in form of Cottrell atmospheres. In 0.5 m H2SO4, the LaRuIr displays an overpotential of 184 mV at 10 mA cm−2, running at a steadily cell voltage for 60 h at 50 mA cm−2, eightfold enhancement of IrO2||Pt/C assemble in PEMWE. The coupled compressive and tensile profiles boost the OER kinetics via faster AEM and LOM pathways. Moreover, the tensile facilitates surface structure stabilization through dynamic refilling of lattice oxygen vacancies by the adsorbed oxyanions on La, Ru, and Ir sites, eventually achieving a long‐term stability. This work contributes to developing advanced catalysts with unique strain to realize simultaneous improvement of activity and durability by breaking the so‐called seesaw relationship between them during OER for water splitting.
Malicious clouds coalition management for business processes deployment
Authors: Ahmed Nacer Amina , Abdmeziem Mohammed Riyadh , Aid Asma
Published: March 2024

Cloud computing has raised concerns about security, causing many companies to hesitate in adopting it. Despite these concerns, there are methods available to address the risks associated with implementing a business process (BP) in the cloud. One common approach involves breaking down the BP model into smaller fragments, allowing each cloud provider access to a specific part of the overall model. However, this method fails to protect against collaboration between malicious cloud providers, which, by pooling their knowledge, can exploit the logic of the process. To tackle this issue, our paper proposes an approach that effectively manages coalitions when they arise. To do this, we introduce observer and deceiver fragments, which play a crucial role in redirecting the process execution toward a fake task. This strategic redirection prevents access to important information. The obtained results demonstrate that our proposed solution enhances security, mitigates risks, and does not necessarily lead to higher costs compared to other methods based solely on splitting.
Cracking and failure mode behavior of hybrid FRP strengthened RC column members under flexural loading
Authors: Balla Taraka M. R. , Prakash S. Suriya
Published: March 2024

Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members in bridges and buildings is often required to improve flexural performance. Strengthening using fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has become popular as FRPs offer multiple advantages compared with conventional strengthening practices like steel jacketing and concrete enlargement. External bonding (EB) using carbon FRP (CFRP) laminates/fabric has become a common strengthening practice. The effectiveness of the EB strengthened system is reduced due to possible debonding of FRP from concrete substrate. The near‐surface mounting (NSM) of FRP laminates is efficient in reducing the debonding failure, but it is not effective under dominant compression loading. Hybrid FRP (HYB) strengthening combines the advantages of both the NSM and EB techniques. HYB strengthening can enhance the performance of RC members under all loading combinations. The main objective of this study is to understand the flexural crack opening behavior of control and hybrid FRP strengthened RC column members under pure bending. The digital image correlation (DIC) analysis shows that the crack width and its propagation are significantly reduced due to hybrid FRP strengthening. The crack widths measured using the DIC are compared with the analytical predictions based on Eurocode 2 and fib bulletin 90. HYB FRP strengthening increased the strength and post‐cracking stiffness of RC elements under flexure without compromising the ductility. In addition, the HYB strengthening distributed the damage under flexural loading, unlike localized damage observed in control RC elements.
Strongly Coupled Circuit‐Magnetic‐Structural Effect on Winding Vibration Process of Power Transformer
Authors: Jin Mingkai , Sha Zhiyuan , Zhao Yi , Chen Weijiang , Zhang Qiaogen , Wen Tao
Published: March 2024

Short‐circuit forces, which result in violent vibration of power transformer windings, are induced by the interaction between the short‐circuit currents and the leakage magnetic induction. During vibration, the rearrangements of disks affect the magnetic flux distribution, which leads to time‐varying equivalent reactance and further changes of currents and forces. When a short‐circuit accident occurs, these processes happen simultaneously and constantly. In this article, the influence of circuit parameters on short‐circuit currents is analyzed. The strongly coupled phenomenon between equivalent circuit, magnetic field and structural field is explicated, and the method to obtain vibration process with strongly coupled phenomenon considered is proposed. Then the strongly coupled effect on vibration process is investigated. The vibration process is characterized by the time‐varying currents, electromagnetic forces and displacements. The space coefficient is defined to represent the magnetic flux distribution. The changes of maximum value and its occurrence time of the characteristic parameters are obtained. The peak values of the short‐circuit forces and displacements increase and the waveforms change, which is caused by the distortions of leakage magnetic flux and the changes of spatial ampere‐turn balance during vibration. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Successful management of a mixed epithelial and stromal renal tumor masquerading as lower pole renal cyst: A laparoscopic deroofing approach
Authors: Mukendi Alain M. , de Heer‐Menlah Phaladi Emelia K. C. , Mathye Charles E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Renal cysts are common in clinical practice, but some may harbor rare pathological entities such as mixed epithelial and stromal tumors (MEST). Imaging studies are crucial for accurate diagnosis. While laparoscopic deroofing is an established approach for symptomatic renal cysts, encountering MEST within a cyst is uncommon.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 37‐year‐old female who presented with persistent left flank pain. Imaging revealed a large renal cyst in the lower pole of the left kidney, classified as Bosniak 2. Despite analgesia, the patient's symptoms persisted, leading to a laparoscopic deroofing procedure. Histopathological examination postprocedure revealed a MEST. The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

This unique case presents the successful identification and surgical management of a MEST masquerading as a lower pole renal cyst through laparoscopic deroofing. It also contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of considering rare pathological entities in the evaluation of renal cysts and the value of laparoscopic techniques in their management.
Enabling policy environment for water operator partnerships in the Southern African Development Community
Authors: Malemba Edith , Chiumya Don , Anyanwu Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Camkin Jeff
Published: March 2024

Water service provision has typically been primarily regarded as a government endeavor, especially in developing countries. Various concepts of partnerships have been promoted over the past five decades in the sector, primarily to improve service provision. Among these partnerships, water operator partnerships (WOPs) have been distinguished as a leading concept that promotes easy access to water supply and sanitation. Several WOPs exist worldwide with varying partnership types and characteristics. For WOPs to thrive effectively globally, an enabling environment has to be provided. More so for developing countries that are more susceptible to socio‐economic and climate change factors that affect water service delivery. This paper evaluates the enabling policy environment for WOPs in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Data used for the study include literature from the Global Water Operator Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) WOPs database, as well as other online resources, enabling a detailed understanding of different case studies in the SADC region on a North–South and South–South basis. It must, however, be noted that data availability on the database is dependent on the utilities engaged in the WOP recording and uploading it, and this affected the scope of the study. The database provided three in‐depth case studies from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, and extensive literature review provided an additional in‐depth case study from Malawi. Strategies such as water reforms and multi‐stakeholder partnerships are highlighted in aiding the WOPs. Findings show that current policies in the region make provisions for partnerships but are not explicit or exhaustive on the different forms of partnerships. The lack of an intermediate third party in countries such as Malawi negatively affects the relationship between the utilities and, subsequently, the success of the WOP. Strategies such as capacity building and stakeholder participation can assist in creating a more enabling policy environment for WOPs.
Entropy and energy transfer analysis of a Maxwell thin‐film fluid over an inclined surface with viscous dissipation effect
Authors: Murugan Revathi Devi , Sivakumar Narsu , Tarakaramu Nainaru , Alhazmi Hadil , Abdullaev Sherzod
Published: March 2024

Non‐Newtonian fluid plays a vital role in the field of manufacturing and engineering sector, because of its immense heat transfer rate. The two‐dimensional incompressible unsteady Maxwell nanofluid thin‐film flow with MHD and viscous dissipation over an inclined surface is investigated. One of the mechanisms in the second law of thermodynamics, that is irreversibility which also analyzed. The Maxwell nanofluid thin film energy and motion equations in the additional information have been turned into a coupled differential system of the third order. The transformed ODE equations are further evaluated by using the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The variations of entropy rate, velocity, Bejan number and temperature field with the various emerging parameters are analyzed. This could potentially lead to the development of solar energy systems that are both affordable and highly efficient, so enabling the more efficient use of renewable energy sources and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
The ʻGlamorgan School of Translationʼ: A No Politics Phenomenon?
Authors: Parina Elena
Published: March 2024

This article endeavours to assess issues of politics and policies related to a particular group of texts said to have been produced in South Wales in the second half of the sixteenth century within the so-called Glamorgan school of translation. There are doubts that all of the texts listed by G. J. Williams are indeed products of a single “school” of translators. For three particular texts—the translations of The Voyage of the Wandering Knight, Dives et Pauper, and Gesta Romanorum—some generalizations about a late sixteenth century Glamorgan textual community might be attempted. It could be suggested that the selection mechanisms at work in this culture of translation were steered by the conservatism of the target audience. This is reflected in both the language and the style of the works, as well as by trends in the choice of source texts for translation. For originals of the two texts, Gesta Romanorum and Diues and Pauper were composed before the Reformation. How exactly their confessional fluidity should be interpreted remains a question. It is unlikely that what we see here is a sign of religious toleration in the modern sense. However, these examples of “simple and generally acceptable Christian piety” might be investigated further as landmarks in the complex dynamics of confessional identities in a peripheral region during a turbulent era in British history.
Grundlagen multidisziplinärer Wertetheorien
Authors: Höhl Karolin , Dreyer Jana , Lichtenstein Silke
Published: March 2024

In der Auseinandersetzung mit dem Wertebegriff offenbart sich die Vielschichtigkeit des Begriffs: In der klassischen Denkrichtung gibt es zunächst eine Trennung zwischen ökonomisch oder physikalisch messbaren Werten und idealen Werten, die individuell und soziokulturell verortet sind (Sánchez-Fernández & Iniesta-Bonillo, 2007).
Positionspapier zum Arbeiten in der Schwangerschaft auf der Intensivstation
Authors: Cornelius Celina , Deffner Teresa , Hill Aileen , Rohlfes Christina , Ellner Bernd , Klarmann Silke , Riedel Sabine , Pelz Sabrina , Kopp Sabrina , Borgstedt Laura , Freund Diana , Schöpfel Andreas , Meybohm Patrick , Walcher Felix , Brenner Thorsten , Klenke Stefanie
Published: March 2024

Das Mutterschutzgesetz soll die Mutter und das Kind vor Gefahren, Überforderung und Gesundheitsschädigung am Arbeitsplatz ebenso wie vor finanziellen Einbußen und dem Verlust des Arbeitsplatzes schützen. Allerdings werden die mit dem Mutterschutzgesetz definierten Ziele der Sicherheit und Gesundheit der schwangeren Mitarbeiterin einerseits und der Verhinderung von Benachteiligungen im Berufsleben andererseits derzeit auf der Intensivstation noch nicht ausreichend erfüllt. Es sollte eine für alle Beteiligten gewinnbringende Umsetzung des Mutterschutzgesetzes auch in den in der DIVI vertretenen Fachbereichen vorangetrieben werden, insbesondere das Arbeiten von Schwangeren im ärztlichen und Pflegefachpersonal sowie in weiteren Gesundheitsfachberufen (Atmungstherapie, Physiotherapie, Logopädie, Psychologie und Sozialdienst) auf Intensivstationen. Es soll dafür sensibilisiert werden, jede schwangere und stillende Mitarbeiterin individuell zu betrachten und gemeinsam eine persönliche Lösung für die Weiterbeschäftigung auch während der Schwangerschaft auf der Intensivstation zu erarbeiten. Es werden mögliche Wege und Lösungen zur Erreichung dieses Ziels skizziert und Praxisbeispiele zur Umsetzung im klinischen Alltag gegeben. Diese basieren auch auf einer umfangreichen Darstellung von Tätigkeiten nach einem Ampelsystem für alle Berufsgruppen. Aspekte, die gegen die Beschäftigung einer schwangeren Mitarbeiterin auf der Intensivstation sprechen oder diese einschränken, werden diskutiert und potenzielle Lösungsoptionen aufgezeigt.
Assessing the feasibility of the transmastoid infralabyrinthine approach without decompression of the jugular bulb to the extradural part of the petrous apex and petroclival junction prior to surgery
Authors: Cinibulak Zafer , Poggenborg Jörg , Schliwa Stefanie , Al-Afif Shadi , Ostovar Nima , Krauss Joachim K. , Nakamura Makoto
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

This study aims to define specific measurements on cranial high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images prior to surgery to prove the feasibility of the navigated transmastoid infralabyrinthine approach (TI-A) without rerouting of the facial nerve (FN) and decompression of the jugular bulb (JB) in accessing the extradural-intrapetrous part of petrous bone lesions located at the petrous apex and petroclival junction.

Materials and methods

Vertical and horizontal distances of the infralabyrinthine space were measured on cranial HRCT images prior to dissection. Subsequently, the area of access was measured on dissected human cadaveric specimens. Infralabyrinthine access to the extradural part of the petrous apex and petroclival junction was evaluated on dissected specimens by two independent raters. Finally, the vertical and horizontal distances were correlated with the area of access.

Results

Fourteen human cadaveric specimens were dissected bilaterally. In 54% of cases, the two independent raters determined appropriate access to the petrous apex and petroclival junction. A highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.99) was observed between the areas of access and the vertical distances. Vertical distances above 5.2 mm were considered to permit suitable infralabyrinthine access to the extradural area of the petrous apex and petroclival junction.

Conclusions

Prior to surgery, vertical infralabyrinthine distances on HRCT images above 5.2 mm provide suitable infralabyrinthine access to lesions located extradurally at the petrous apex and petroclival junction via the TI-A without rerouting of the FN and without decompression of the JB.
3D ultrasound-based determination of skeletal muscle fascicle orientations
Authors: Sahrmann Annika S. , Vosse Lukas , Siebert Tobias , Handsfield Geoffrey G. , Röhrle Oliver
Published: March 2024

Architectural parameters of skeletal muscle such as pennation angle provide valuable information on muscle function, since they can be related to the muscle force generating capacity, fiber packing, and contraction velocity. In this paper, we introduce a 3D ultrasound-based workflow for determining 3D fascicle orientations of skeletal muscles. We used a custom-designed automated motor driven 3D ultrasound scanning system for obtaining 3D ultrasound images. From these, we applied a custom-developed multiscale-vessel enhancement filter-based fascicle detection algorithm and determined muscle volume and pennation angle. We conducted trials on a phantom and on the human tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of 10 healthy subjects in plantarflexion (157 ± 7$$^\circ$$

∘

), neutral position (109 ± 7$$^\circ$$

∘

, corresponding to neutral standing), and one resting position in between (145 ± 6$$^\circ$$

∘

). The results of the phantom trials showed a high accuracy with a mean absolute error of 0.92 ± 0.59$$^\circ$$

∘

. TA pennation angles were significantly different between all positions for the deep muscle compartment; for the superficial compartment, angles are significantly increased for neutral position compared to plantarflexion and resting position. Pennation angles were also significantly different between superficial and deep compartment. The results of constant muscle volumes across the 3 ankle joint angles indicate the suitability of the method for capturing 3D muscle geometry. Absolute pennation angles in our study were slightly lower than recent literature. Decreased pennation angles during plantarflexion are consistent with previous studies. The presented method demonstrates the possibility of determining 3D fascicle orientations of the TA muscle in vivo.
Ionospheric corrections tailored to Galileo HAS: validation with single-epoch navigation
Authors: Timote C. C. , Juan J. M. , Sanz J. , Rovira-Garcia A. , González-Casado G. , Orús-Pérez R. , Fernández-Hernández I. , Blonski D.
Published: March 2024

The Galileo high accuracy service (HAS) is a new capability of the European global navigation satellite system, currently providing satellite orbit and clock corrections and dispersive effects such as satellite instrumental biases for code and phase. In its full capability, Galileo HAS will also correct the ionospheric delay on a continental scale (initially over Europe). We analyze a real-time ionospheric correction system based on the fast precise point positioning (F-PPP), and its potential application to the Galileo HAS. The F-PPP ionospheric model is assessed through a 281-day campaign, confirming previously reported results, where the proof of concept was introduced. We introduce a novel real-time test that directly links the instantaneous position error with the error of the ionospheric corrections, a key point for a HAS. The test involved 15 GNSS receivers in Europe acting as user receivers at various latitudes, with distances to the nearest reference receivers ranging from tens to four hundred kilometers. In the position domain, the test results show that the 95th percentile of the instantaneous position error depends on the user-receiver distance, as expected, ranging in the horizontal and vertical components from 10 to 30 cm and from 20 to 50 cm, respectively. These figures not only meet Galileo HAS requirements but outperform them by achieving instantaneous positioning. Additionally, it is shown that formal errors of the ionospheric corrections, which are also transmitted, are typically at the decimeter level (1 sigma), protecting users against erroneous position by weighting its measurements in the navigation filter.
The evaluation of a non-invasive respiratory monitor in ards patients in supine and prone position
Authors: Pozzi Tommaso , Coppola Silvia , Chiodaroli Elena , Cucinotta Federico , Becci Francesca , Chiumello Davide
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The Prone positioning in addition to non invasive respiratory support is commonly used in patients with acute respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an impedance-based non-invasive respiratory volume monitor (RVM) in supine and in prone position. Methods: In sedated, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated patients in volume-controlled mode with acute respiratory distress syndrome scheduled for prone positioning it was measured and compared non-invasively tidal volume and respiratory rate provided by the RVM in supine and, subsequently, in prone position, by maintaining unchanged the ventilatory setting. Results: Forty patients were enrolled. No significant difference was found between measurements in supine and in prone position either for tidal volume (p = 0.795; p = 0.302) nor for respiratory rate (p = 0.181; p = 0.604). Comparing supine vs. prone position, the bias and limits of agreements for respiratory rate were 0.12 bpm (-1.4 to 1.6) and 20 mL (-80 to 120) for tidal volume. Conclusions: The RVM is accurate in assessing tidal volume and respiratory rate in prone compared to supine position. Therefore, the RVM could be applied in non-intubated patients with acute respiratory failure receiving prone positioning to monitor respiratory function.
When are they coming? Understanding and forecasting the timeline of arrivals at the FC Barcelona stadium on match days
Authors: Serra-Burriel Feliu , Delicado Pedro , Cucchietti Fernando M. , Graells-Garrido Eduardo , Gil Alex , Eguskiza Imanol
Published: March 2024

Futbol Club Barcelona operates the largest stadium in Europe (with a seating capacity of almost one hundred thousand people) and manages recurring sports events. These are influenced by multiple conditions (time and day of the week, weather, adversary) and affect city dynamics—e.g., peak demand for related services like public transport and stores. We study fine grain audience entrances at the stadium segregated by visitor type and gate to gain insights and predict the arrival behavior of future games, with a direct impact on the organizational performance and productivity of the business. We can forecast the timeline of arrivals at gate level 72 h prior to kickoff, facilitating operational and organizational decision-making by anticipating potential agglomerations and audience behavior. Furthermore, we can identify patterns for different types of visitors and understand how relevant factors affect them. These findings directly impact commercial and business interests and can alter operational logistics, venue management, and safety.
Structure discovery in PAC-learning by random projections
Authors: Kabán Ata , Reeve Henry
Published: March 2024

High dimensional learning is data-hungry in general; however, many natural data sources and real-world learning problems posses some hidden low-complexity structure that permit effective learning from relatively small sample sizes. We are interested in the general question of how to discover and exploit such hidden benign traits when problem-specific prior knowledge is insufficient. In this work, we address this question through random projection’s ability to expose structure. We study both compressive learning and high dimensional learning from this angle by introducing the notions of compressive distortion and compressive complexity. We give user-friendly PAC bounds in the agnostic setting that are formulated in terms of these quantities, and we show that our bounds can be tight when these quantities are small. We then instantiate these quantities in several examples of particular learning problems, demonstrating their ability to discover interpretable structural characteristics that make high dimensional instances of these problems solvable to good approximation in a random linear subspace. In the examples considered, these turn out to resemble some familiar benign traits such as the margin, the margin distribution, the intrinsic dimension, the spectral decay of the data covariance, or the norms of parameters—while our general notions of compressive distortion and compressive complexity serve to unify these, and may be used to discover benign structural traits for other PAC-learnable problems.
CP_DeepNet: a novel automated system for COVID-19 and pneumonia detection through lung X-rays
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Hamza , Hassan Farman , Rahman Auliya Ur , Khan Wasiat , Mostafa Samih M. , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Algarni Abdulmohsen , Ali Mudasser
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the COVID-19 outbreak has affected humanity across the globe. The frequent symptoms of COVID-19 are identical to the normal flu, such as fever and cough. COVID-19 disseminates rapidly, and it has become a prominent cause of mortality. Nowadays, the new wave of COVID-19 has created significant impacts in China. This virus can have detrimental effects on people of all ages, particularly the elderly, due to their weak immune systems. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) examination is typically performed for the identification of coronavirus. RT-PCR is an expensive and time requiring method, accompanied by a significant rate of false negative detections. Therefore, it is mandatory to develop an inexpensive, fast, and reliable method to detect COVID-19. X-ray images are generally utilized to detect diverse respiratory conditions like pulmonary infections, breathlessness syndrome, lung cancer, air collection in spaces of the lungs, etc. This study has also utilized a chest X-ray dataset to identify COVID-19 and pneumonia. In this research work, we proposed a novel deep learning model CP_DeepNet, which is based on a pre-trained deep learning model such as SqueezeNet, and further added three blocks of convolutional layers to it for assessing the classification efficacy. Furthermore, we employed a data augmentation method for generating more images to overcome the problem of model overfitting. We utilized COVID-19 radiograph dataset for evaluating the performance of the proposed model. To elaborate further, we obtained significant results with accuracy of 99.32%, a precision of 100%, a recall of 99%, a specificity of 99.2%, an area under the curve of 99.78%, and an F1-score of 99.49% on CP_DeepNet for the binary classification of COVID-19 and normal class. We also employed CP_DeepNet for the multiclass classification of COVID-19, pneumonia, and normal person, in which CP_DeepNet achieved accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, area under curve, and F1-score of 99.62%, 99.79%, 99.52%, 99.69, 99.62, and 99.72%, respectively. Comparative analysis of experimental results with different preexisting techniques shows that the proposed model is more dependable as compared to RT-PCR and other prevailing modern techniques for the detection of COVID-19.
Low Cubilin/Myeloperoxidase ratio as a promising biomarker for prognosis of high-grade T1 bladder cancer
Authors: Silva Medeiros Mariana , Botelho de Carvalho Luís André , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana , Baptista Carreira dos Santos Hugo Miguel , Capelo-Martínez José-Luis , Viegas de Campos Pinheiro Luís Manuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

T1 bladder cancer is known for its high progression and recurrence rates. Identifying aggressive tumours at the non-muscle-invasive stage is crucial to allow early interventions and subsequently increase patient survival. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the cubilin/myeloperoxidase (CUBN/MPO) ratio as a high-grade T1 bladder cancer biomarker.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from 30 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the tumour with high-grade T1 bladder cancer (June 2015 to December 2019) before surgery. The urinary proteome was analysed using high-resolution mass spectrometry and the CUBN/MPO ratio was calculated. The primary outcome was the recurrence during the follow-up (around 31.5 months after resection). Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves were used for data analysis.

Results

Patients with a low CUBN/MPO ratio exhibited upregulated MPO and/or downregulated CUBN. This group of patients had a higher incidence of disease recurrence and progression. Low CUBN/MPO ratio was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence, progression, and death. It is worth noting that this study was exploratory and conducted on a small sample size, so further research is needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of the CUBN/MPO ratio as a prognostic biomarker for high-grade T1 bladder cancer.
The Functional Study of Response Regulator ArlR Mutants in Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Zhou Jinhong , Refat Moath , Guo Yucheng , Zhang Jiaxin , Jiao Min , He Wenbo , He Xiaoyu , Rabie Mai A. , Ouyang Zhenlin , Zheng Fang
Published: March 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of hospital-associated infections worldwide. The organism’s ability to form biofilms has led to resistance against current treatment options such as beta-lactams, glycopeptides, and daptomycin. The ArlRS two-component system is a crucial regulatory system necessary for S. aureus autolysis, biofilm formation, capsule synthesis, and virulence. This study aims to investigate the role of the arlR deletion mutant in the detection and activation of S. aureus. We created an arlR deleted mutant and complementary strains and characterized their impact on the strains using partial growth measurement. The quantitative real-time PCR was performed to determine the expression of icaA, and the microscopic images of adherent cells were captured at the optical density of 600 to determine the primary bacterial adhesion. The biofilm formation assay was utilized to investigate the number of adherent cells using crystal violet staining. Eventually, the Triton X-100 autolysis assay was used to determine the influence of arlR on the cell autolytic activities. Our findings indicate that the deletion of arlR reduced the transcriptional expression of icaA but not icaR in the ica operon, leading to decrease in polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) synthesis. Compared to the wild-type and the complementary mutants, the arlR mutant exhibited decreased in biofilm production but increased autolysis. It concluded that the S. aureus response regulatory ArlR influences biofilm formation, agglutination, and autolysis. This work has significantly expanded our knowledge of the ArlRS two-component regulatory system and could aid in the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against S. aureus.
An innovative approach for investigation of overpressure due to hydrocarbon generation: a regional study on Kazhdumi formation, South-western Zagros Basin, Iran
Authors: Sadeghtabaghi Zahra , Kadkhodaie Ali , Mehdipour Vali , Kadkhodaie Rahim
Published: March 2024

Overpressure is always considered as a severe problem in the oil industry. Besides creating life risks through serious accidents while drilling, failure to correctly identify high-pressure intervals causes a significant increase in costs and prolongs the drilling process. Kazhdumi Formation in the Abadan Plain is considered as a high-pressure formation in several wells. Various reasons can cause overpressure problem. Hydrocarbon generation is one cause of abnormal pressure in source rocks. Understanding hydrocarbon generation potential can be a helpful approach since the Kazhdumi Formation is considered as a probable source rock in this area. In this paper, in order to better understand the problem of abnormal pressure in Kazhdumi Formation, geochemical concepts and tools have been applied. To that way, 1D petroleum system modeling of five wells was done, and the thermal maturity level of Kazhdumi Formation was determined and then, compared with drilling records. The results indicate that in wells where this formation has sufficient organic matter and has reached an early mature level, there is an abnormal pressure problem. Otherwise, this formation does not show abnormal pressure. Also, geochemical data are not available in all drilled wells, which makes impossible the assessing of hydrocarbon generation role. Therefore, petrophysical well logs (sonic (DT), neutron (NPHI), density (RHOB), spectral gamma ray (SGR), and resistivity (RES)) as well as 137 sets of geochemical data belonging to 13 wells from 7 oilfields in the Abadan Plain were used to predict geochemical indicators. Using artificial neural networks, geochemical data of a well in Abadan Plain were predicted. This selected well has a high-pressure problem in Kazhdumi Formation, but no geochemical data are available in this well. The results of predicted geochemical data show that the high-pressure phenomenon in this well may also be due to hydrocarbon generation. The precise understanding of the abnormal pressure, resulting from hydrocarbons generation, requires comprehensive studies and a full investigation of the studied area. However, the results of this paper help to predict approximately the behavior of the source rocks before drilling. Acquiring this overview will aid in reducing drilling hazards and costs.
Changes in cardiac functions in patients treated with parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Benli Sami , Yesil Emrah , Tazeoglu Deniz , Ozcan Cumhur , Ozcan Ismail Turkay , Dag Ahmet
Published: March 2024

Our study aims to investigate the changes in cardiac functions, especially myocardial performance index (MPI), in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism between June 2010 and September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent total parathyroidectomy (group 1) and those who underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy (group 2). The groups were compared according to the echocardiogram findings performed in the preoperative period and the postoperative sixth month. In addition, cardiac structure, and systolic and diastolic functions, especially myocardial performance index, were evaluated by echocardiography and Doppler imaging. Thirty-seven patients were examined; 16 (43.2%) underwent total parathyroidectomy, and 21 (56.8%) had subtotal parathyroidectomy performed. Group 1’s mean left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVES) decreased from 2.53 ± 0.57 to 2.35 ± 0.37 cm after parathyroidectomy. In Group 1, the postoperative value of LVES and end-systolic volume decreased significantly compared to the preoperative period (p = 0.042, p = 0.008, respectively). EF increased from 59.25 ± 0.05 to 67.81 ± 4.04. In Group 1, EF and EV postoperatively increased significantly compared to the preoperative period (p = 0.023, p = 0.021, respectively). The mean MPI decreased from 0.45 ± 0.07 to 0.39 ± 0.04 after parathyroidectomy in group 1. In group 2, it decreased from 0.46 ± 0.06 to 0.40 ± 0.04 (p < 0.001). The present study provides an improvement in myocardial functions after parathyroidectomy. While LVES, EF, ejection volume, end-systolic volume, and MPI improved in both groups, the MPI improvement was more evident in the total parathyroidectomy group.

Graphical Abstract
Estimates for low Steklov eigenvalues of surfaces with several boundary components
Authors: Perrin Hélène
Published: March 2024

R\'esum\'e

In this article, we give computable lower bounds for the first non-zero Steklov eigenvalue $$\sigma _1$$

σ
1

of a compact connected 2-dimensional Riemannian manifold M with several cylindrical boundary components. These estimates show how the geometry of M away from the boundary affects this eigenvalue. They involve geometric quantities specific to manifolds with boundary such as the extrinsic diameter of the boundary. In a second part, we give lower and upper estimates for the low Steklov eigenvalues of a hyperbolic surface with a geodesic boundary in terms of the length of some families of geodesics. This result is similar to a well known result of Schoen, Wolpert and Yau for Laplace eigenvalues on a closed hyperbolic surface.
Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Microgrids in Developing Economies: A Review of Practical Applications
Authors: Bodewes William , de Hoog Julian , Ratnam Elizabeth L. , Halgamuge Saman
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

This paper reviews practical challenges for microgrid electrification projects in low- and middle-income economies, proposing a Social-Technical-Economic-Political (STEP) framework. With our STEP framework, we review recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods capable of accelerating microgrid adoption in developing economies.

Recent Findings

Many authors have employed novel AI methods in microgrid applications including to support energy management systems, fault detection, generation sizing, and load forecasting. Despite these research initiatives, limited works have investigated the specific challenges for developing economies. That is, high-income countries often have high-quality power, reliable wireless communication infrastructure, and greater access to equipment and technical skills. Accordingly, there are numerous opportunities for the adaptation of AI methods to meet the constraints of developing economies.

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the electrification challenges in developing economies alongside an assessment of novel AI approaches for microgrid applications. We also identify emerging opportunities for AI research in the context of developing economies and our proposed STEP framework.
Long-term pasireotide therapy in acromegaly: extensive real-life experience of a referral center
Authors: Pirchio R. , Auriemma R. S. , Vergura A. , Pivonello R. , Colao A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Pasireotide is a novel therapeutic option for patients with acromegaly resistant to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands. To date, real-life data are still scant, therefore, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the impact of long-term pasireotide therapy on disease control, pituitary tumor size, gluco-insulinemic and lipid profile in a real-life setting.

Methods

Retrospective study of data prospectively collected, evaluating hormonal, tumoral, and metabolic data of 28 patients with acromegaly administered with pasireotide in a pituitary tertiary referral center.

Results

Within the first 12 months of treatment, 70.4% of patients achieved normal IGF-I levels, which was maintained at 36-month evaluation in these responders patients. Patients who started with pasireotide 60 mg monthly exhibited significantly lower IGF-I levels after 36 months (p = 0.05) as compared to patients administered first with pasireotide 20 or 40 mg monthly. The maximal tumoral diameter was significantly decreased after 12 months of pasireotide (p < 0.001) and a further reduction was registered throughout the following months, with 41.2% of patients achieving a significant reduction (> 25% of baseline measurement) after 36 months of treatment. Fasting glucose significantly increased during the first 6 months (p < 0.001) with a gradual rise in diabetes prevalence during the following months, resulting diabetes prevalence after 36 months of pasireotide significantly increased compared to baseline (p = 0.003), although with glycated hemoglobin levels within the normal range. Diabetes was managed using oral glucose-lowering drugs or glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, with no patient requiring insulin therapy. Pasireotide improved lipid profile, mainly during the first 12 months of treatment, by increasing HDL and decreasing triglycerides levels.

Conclusion

Pasireotide is effective and safe in the long-term. Hyperglycemia is a common event and is manageable even without insulin treatment.
The Unseen Threat of the Synergistic Effects of Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments: A Critical Review
Authors: Adeleye Aderemi Timothy , Bahar Md Mezbaul , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Fang Cheng , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

The synergistic effects of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are becoming major threats to aquatic life and human well-being. Therefore, understanding synergistic interactions between MPs and heavy metals is crucial to comprehend their environmental impacts.

Recent Findings

The mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, surface interactions, ion exchange, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic forces, and π–π interactions behind the synergistic effects of MPs and heavy metals were critically reviewed and justified. In addition, the roles of surface chemistry in these interactions were also emphasized. Finally, efficient remediation techniques aligning with a circular economy-based initiative to promote sustainable solutions were recommended to mitigate plastic-heavy metal pollution to achieve a cleaner environment.

This review examines the combined impact of MPs and heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems, detailing their mechanistic interactions, and consequences with proposed sustainable solutions. Additionally, this review highlights the MP-heavy metal contamination risks and emphasizes the need for further research to safeguard aquatic life and human health.