bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Testing in Patients with Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome: Experience of 802 Patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Authors: Xu Xinxiu , Denton James , Wu Yaning , Liu Jie , Guan Qiaoning , Dawson D. Brian , Bleesing Jack , Zhang Wenying
Published: July 2024

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare genetic disorder featuring chronic lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, cytopenias, and increased lymphoma risk. Differentiating ALPS from immunodeficiencies with overlapping symptoms is challenging. This study evaluated the performance and the diagnostic yield of a 15-gene NGS panel for ALPS at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Samples from 802 patients submitted for ALPS NGS panel were studied between May 2014 and January 2023. A total of 62 patients (7.7%) had a definite diagnosis: 52/62 cases (84%) showed 37 unique pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline FAS variants supporting ALPS diagnosis (6.5%, 52/802). The ALPS diagnostic yield increased to 30% in patients who additionally fulfilled abnormal ALPS immunology findings criteria. 17/37 (46%) diagnostic FAS variants were novel variants reported for the first time in ALPS. 10/802 cases (1.2%) showed diagnostic findings in five genes (ADA2, CTLA4, KRAS, MAGT1, NRAS) which are related to autoimmune lymphoproliferative immunodeficiency (ALPID). Family studies enabled the reclassification of variants of unknown significance (VUS) and also the identification of at-risk family members of FAS-positive patients, which helped in the follow-up diagnosis and treatment. Alongside family studies, complete clinical phenotypes and abnormal ALPS immunology and Fas-mediated apoptosis results helped clarify uncertain genetic findings. This study describes the largest cohort of genetic testing for suspected ALPS in North America and highlights the effectiveness of the ALPS NGS panel in distinguishing ALPS from non-ALPS immunodeficiencies. More comprehensive assessment from exome or genome sequencing could be considered for undefined ALPS-U patients or non-ALPS immunodeficiencies after weighing cost, completeness, and timeliness of different genetic testing options.
The Distance Between: An Algorithmic Approach to Comparing Stochastic Models to Time-Series Data
Authors: Sherlock Brock D. , Boon Marko A. A. , Vlasiou Maria , Coster Adelle C. F.
Published: July 2024

While mean-field models of cellular operations have identified dominant processes at the macroscopic scale, stochastic models may provide further insight into mechanisms at the molecular scale. In order to identify plausible stochastic models, quantitative comparisons between the models and the experimental data are required. The data for these systems have small sample sizes and time-evolving distributions. The aim of this study is to identify appropriate distance metrics for the quantitative comparison of stochastic model outputs and time-evolving stochastic measurements of a system. We identify distance metrics with features suitable for driving parameter inference, model comparison, and model validation, constrained by data from multiple experimental protocols. In this study, stochastic model outputs are compared to synthetic data across three scales: that of the data at the points the system is sampled during the time course of each type of experiment; a combined distance across the time course of each experiment; and a combined distance across all the experiments. Two broad categories of comparators at each point were considered, based on the empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF) of the data and of the model outputs: discrete based measures such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance, and integrated measures such as the Wasserstein-1 distance between the ECDFs. It was found that the discrete based measures were highly sensitive to parameter changes near the synthetic data parameters, but were largely insensitive otherwise, whereas the integrated distances had smoother transitions as the parameters approached the true values. The integrated measures were also found to be robust to noise added to the synthetic data, replicating experimental error. The characteristics of the identified distances provides the basis for the design of an algorithm suitable for fitting stochastic models to real world stochastic data.
Zur Bedeutung der Ambiguitätstoleranz in stürmischen Zeiten
Authors: Möller Heidi , Zimmermann Jannik
Published: July 2024

Dieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ führt in das Konzept der Ambiguitätstoleranz ein und verdeutlicht seine Relevanz im gegenwärtigen Zeitgeschehen. Ambiguitätstoleranz wird gemeinhin als wichtige Kompetenz auch im organisationalen Kontext gesehen, um Mehrdeutigkeiten und Unsicherheiten auszuhalten und in krisenhaften Zeiten handlungsfähig zu bleiben. Nachdem die Autor:innen des Beitrags detaillierter auf die Entstehung des aus den 1940ern stammenden Konzeptes eingegangen sind, verdeutlichen sie seine hohe gesellschaftspolitische Relevanz anhand des Diskurses um die documenta 15, des Streites um den Konflikt in Nahost und der Reaktionen auf die Enthüllungen von Correctiv zur Neuen Rechten. Daran anknüpfend zeigen sie auf, was sich daraus für den Organisationskontext ableiten lässt. Abschließend widmet sich der Beitrag der Frage der Erlernbarkeit von Ambiguitätstoleranz und zeigt dessen Voraussetzungen auf.
Bridging the Gap Between Sīla and Samādhi: The Role of Mindfulness in Pre-Meditative Practice
Authors: Ben-David Aviran
Published: July 2024

This article explores the dynamic aspect of sīla, which entails divergent constructions of the moral practice in the schemes of the path in the Pāli canonical and post-canonical texts. In early Buddhist tradition, sīla is usually defined as the moral discipline consisting of three factors of the Eightfold Path (Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood), corresponding with varied lists of precepts applied to different agents. In addition to that partial understanding, this paper aspires to enrich the concept of sīla that goes beyond mere observance of precepts and includes practices related to the extended category of mindfulness. In the advanced stages of the path, mindfulness is usually incorporated with samādhi (concentration) to access deep meditative states. Nonetheless, the different interpretations of the path imply that some features of mindfulness practice have an active role in the prior mental dimension of moral development. Practices such as sati-sampajañña (mindfulness and clear comprehension), bhojane mattaññū (moderation in eating), jāgariyā (wakefulness), and santosa (contentment) all precede formal meditative development. However, they are included under the wide framework of mindfulness. Although these practices are not identified as ethical per se, they play a vital role in the practice of sīla and provide the necessary conditions for advanced mental development in formal meditative practice. As a result of these findings, this paper aspires to expand the notion of sīla as an integrated stage that combines bodily, verbal, and mental development, which comprises the pre-meditative practice.
From the head of the snake to the unity of the world: mapping blurred transitions at the Congo estuary, 1859–1880
Authors: Schürmann Felix
Published: July 2024

The Congo estuary is a space of transitions not only in hydrological but also in historical terms. When from the 1860s the centuries-old slave trade ended and foreign companies established trading posts along the lower river to export raw materials, mapmakers from Europe began to relate the Congo with what they perceived as “world traffic” in new ways. Grounded in a close reading and contextualisation of two nautical charts by the British Admiralty, a general map from a German geographic journal, and an economic map by a French officer, this article discusses how maps reflected the dynamics at the lower section of the river under the conditions of colonial globalisation. During the nineteenth century, mapping rivers and oceans translated notions of globality into a visual language and thus significantly contributed to envisioning aquatic and terrestrial parts of the earth as a spatial continuum. Driven by an underlying capitalist desire increasingly directed towards the Congo basin, the maps in question transformed the river area from a terra incognita into a potentially controllable area and confirmed interpretations of the estuary as a portal of global relevance. Royal Navy officers mapped the estuary in contexts of unfolding imperial power and at times during military operations. While aiming at demystifying the river, the maps also formed projection surfaces for fantasies, fictions, and imaginations. Mapmakers processed knowledge from the riverine BaKongo communities only selectively and filtered it through a standardised repertoire of cartographic signs, thus participating in a “nihilisation” (Luckmann/Berger) of African knowledge.
Meteorological drought in the upper Noteć catchment area (Central Poland) in the light of NDVI and SPI indicators
Authors: Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Pilarska Agnieszka , Kamiński Dariusz
Published: July 2024

The currently used standardised precipitation index (SPI) does not allow for a reliable assessment of the impact of drought due to the small and unevenly distributed network of meteorological stations. Hopes for developing methods to assess the impact of droughts are pinned on remote data acquisition and the use of analysis of aerial photographs and satellite scenes. The aim of this study is to assess the occurrence of drought based on the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and SPI at multiple time scales (1-, 3-, and 6-, 9- and 12-month). NDVI values do not simply reflect meteorological drought. However, the spatial co-occurrence of meteorological drought with drought defined on the basis of the NDVI index was demonstrated. The study presents a new approach to identifying drought characterized by SPI and NDVI based on the bivariate choropleth map method, which can indicate the actual places of drought occurrence. The study was carried out for the upper Noteć catchment located in Central Poland.
Novel Hybrid Composites Based on HKUST-1 and a Matrix of Magnetite Nanoparticles with Sustainable Materials for Efficient CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Toledo-Jaldin Helen Paola , Flores Alien Blanco , Pinzón-Vanegas Cristian L. , Ávila-Marquez Delia Montserrat , Domínguez Iván A. Reyes , Mahdavi Hamidreza , Dorazco-González Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Developing new sustainable and functional materials for greenhouse gas adsorption, such as carbon dioxide, is a central field of material chemistry that impacts the environmental sciences. Herein, two novel magnetic composites based on a nanoporous Cu2+-MOF, [Cu3(trimesate)2(H2O)3]n (HKUST-1) supported on a matrix of magnetite nanoparticles with sugarcane bagasse 1 or peanut shells 2 were prepared and studied in detail as adsorbent materials for CO2, CH4, and N2 at different pressures. The chemical composition and physical characteristics of the composites 1–2 were thoroughly studied by multiple spectroscopic tools (FTIR, PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and BET measurements. The surface areas were estimated to be 91.3 m2 g−1 and 65.9 m2 g−1, respectively. In general, CO2 has a greater affinity to composites 1–2 compared to the other tested gases. The CO2 maximum adsorption capacities were estimated at 14.55 mmol g−1 and 3.76 mmol g−1 for 1 and 2, respectively. The CO2 adsorption efficiency of 1 is similar to those reported with the best adsorbent nanoporous materials that require a more laborious chemical synthesis. The capture mechanism of CO2 is attributed to multilayer adsorption on the heterogeneous surface of 1–2 as evidenced by the isotherm adsorption model parameters and spectroscopic experiments. The usage of magnetic composites of Cu2+-MOFs with these sustainable materials for gas adsorption has not been explored till now.
Non-universality Relationships for Charged Higgs Boson Yukawa Couplings in the Two Higgs Doublet Model Type III
Authors: Gutiérrez J. S.
Published: July 2024

In the context of the two Higgs doublet model type III with flavor-changing neutral currents at the tree level, I obtain non-universality relationships of charged Higgs boson Yukawa coupling constants by calculating the widths of the pure leptonic decays of the tau lepton $$\tau \rightarrow e \bar{\nu }_e \nu _\tau$$

τ
→
e

ν

¯

e

ν
τ

and $$\tau \rightarrow \mu \bar{\nu }_\mu \nu _\tau$$

τ
→
μ

ν

¯

μ

ν
τ

. To this end, I first calculate these total widths by including the effects of the exchanges of the Higgs boson $$H^-$$

H
-

and the gauge boson $$W^-$$

W
-

, with the purpose to obtain the flavor-violating contribution $$\Delta _l^{H^-}$$

Δ
l

H
-

and then to calculate the fraction $$\Delta _\mu ^{H^-}/\Delta _e^{H^-}$$

Δ
μ

H
-

/

Δ
e

H
-

. By writing this fraction in terms of the experimental and electroweak standard model branching ratios of these decays and assuming that flavors of neutrino and antineutrino in the final state are defined but unknown, I obtain fractions of charged Higgs boson Yukawa coupling constants that differ from one. These fractions establish non-universality relationships associated with the scalar interaction in contrast to the universality relationships associated with the electroweak interaction.
Incidental detection of pancreatic cancer by F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a patient with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
Authors: Uchida Naotaka , Takehita Miho , Suda Takako
Published: July 2024

Patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer (PC) than the general population. There is no consensus about the clinical value of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with HBOC. We report a patient with HBOC in whom PC was detected incidentally by PET/CT. A 48-year-old woman complaining of a right breast mass sought evaluation at our hospital. Her older brother died of PC at 49 years of age. Histologic analysis of the breast mass revealed breast cancer (BC). FDG-PET/CT showed unanticipated FDG accumulation in the pancreas. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed a mass in the pancreas approximately 25mm in size. Endoscopic ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) demonstrated PC. Genetic testing showed a BRCA2 pathologic variant [NM_000059.4(BRCA2): c.9076C > T (p.Gln3026Ter)]. She was referred to a university hospital and underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for PC. It is difficult to detect operable PC in most patients. The diagnostic utility of PET/CT for PC in high-risk patients, such as those with HBOC, is undetermined. Our case has demonstrated the clinical value of PET/CT in detecting incidental PC in HBOC patients.
A Comparative Study Between Conventional Outrigger System and Hybrid Outrigger System considering Performance Index Criterion
Authors: John Neethu Elizabeth , Kamath Kiran
Published: July 2024

Outriggers are regarded as a structural component which can effectively lessen the reactions generated by lateral loads in tall buildings. Depending on the connectivity between the core and the peripheral columns, the outrigger system can be divided into virtual outrigger system and conventional outrigger system (COS). The hybrid outrigger system (HOS) has one conventional outrigger and one virtual outrigger at two distinct floor levels. This study gives a comparison of optimal position and performance between COS and HOS based on formulated performance index criterion (PIC) for building heights of 140, 210, 280 and 350 m by considering variations in stiffness of the outrigger belt wall and beam, the stiffness of the building's core, the height of the structure and the length of the outrigger arm under static wind and equivalent static earthquake load. The outrigger behaviour assessed using PIC takes into account the combined response of displacement at top, absolute maximum inter storey drift ratio and acceleration response at the roof. Based on PIC, performance of both COS and HOS at their evaluated optimal position are compared, and is found that HOS are less effective than COS. Therefore, to enhance the performance of HOS to be in par with COS, an optimization study is performed by increasing the axial stiffness of column, stiffness of outrigger, and stiffness of slab while maintaining the increase in total concrete volume of the structure a minimum. From the findings, PIC values of HOS (PICHOS) for 40 to 100 storeys exhibits an increase of 10 to 1.1, 20.2 to 2.2 and 12.5 to 1.9% for variation in core thickness, length of outrigger arm, and outrigger thickness, respectively, compared to PIC values of COS (PICCOS). For PICHOS to be comparable with PICCOS, increase in the total concrete volume of HOS reduces from 1.4–16.5 to 0.6–2.5% as the model's height increases from 40 to 100 storeys, respectively, suggesting that the HOS with marginal increase in total concrete volume can perform effectively for taller structures.
Liouville type theorems for generalized P-harmonic maps
Authors: Cherif Ahmed Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Some theorems of Liouville type are given for such P-harmonic maps when target manifold have conformal vector field or convex function or have non-positive sectional curvature.
Effects of the switch from dulaglutide to tirzepatide on glycemic control, body weight, and fatty liver: a retrospective study
Authors: Sawamura Toshitaka , Mizoguchi Ren , Ohmori Ai , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Yoneda Takashi , Karashima Shigehiro
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Tirzepatide belongs to a new class of anti-diabetic agents that stimulate both glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors, resulting in a greater blood glucose-lowering effect and body weight reduction than glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs. However, data on the effects of switching from glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs to tirzepatide on the blood glucose level, body weight, and liver functions are unavailable.

Methods

Data from 40 patients with type 2 diabetes who received a prescription change from dulaglutide to tirzepatide were retrospectively analyzed at the 3 and 6 months after the switch. The analyzed data included glycosylated hemoglobin, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, and fibrosis-4 index.

Results

Six months after the treatment switch, average reductions of 1.2% and 3.6 kg were observed in the glycosylated hemoglobin and body weight, respectively. The change in glycosylated hemoglobin level was negatively correlated with the baseline glycosylated hemoglobin level. However, body weight reduction was observed regardless of the baseline characteristics. Moreover, the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels decreased 6 months after the switch. Reductions in alanine aminotransferase levels was greater in patients with higher baseline aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Although the fibrosis-4 index did not improve during the study period, a trend toward a decrease was observed in patients with a higher baseline fibrosis-4 index.

Conclusions

Switching from dulaglutide to tirzepatide has a beneficial effect on the blood glucose level, body weight, and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Response of vegetation variation to climate change and human activities in the Shiyang River Basin of China during 2001–2022
Authors: Sun Chao , Bai Xuelian , Wang Xinping , Zhao Wenzhi , Wei Lemin
Published: July 2024

Understanding the response of vegetation variation to climate change and human activities is critical for addressing future conflicts between humans and the environment, and maintaining ecosystem stability. Here, we aimed to identify the determining factors of vegetation variation and explore the sensitivity of vegetation to temperature (SVT) and the sensitivity of vegetation to precipitation (SVP) in the Shiyang River Basin (SYRB) of China during 2001–2022. The climate data from climatic research unit (CRU), vegetation index data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and land use data from Landsat images were used to analyze the spatial-temporal changes in vegetation indices, climate, and land use in the SYRB and its sub-basins (i.e., upstream, midstream, and downstream basins) during 2001–2022. Linear regression analysis and correlation analysis were used to explore the SVT and SVP, revealing the driving factors of vegetation variation. Significant increasing trends (P<0.05) were detected for the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the SYRB during 2001–2022, with most regions (84%) experiencing significant variation in vegetation, and land use change was determined as the dominant factor of vegetation variation. Non-significant decreasing trends were detected in the SVT and SVP of the SYRB during 2001–2022. There were spatial differences in vegetation variation, SVT, and SVP. Although NDVI and EVI exhibited increasing trends in the upstream, midstream, and downstream basins, the change slope in the downstream basin was lower than those in the upstream and midstream basins, the SVT in the upstream basin was higher than those in the midstream and downstream basins, and the SVP in the downstream basin was lower than those in the upstream and midstream basins. Temperature and precipitation changes controlled vegetation variation in the upstream and midstream basins while human activities (land use change) dominated vegetation variation in the downstream basin. We concluded that there is a spatial heterogeneity in the response of vegetation variation to climate change and human activities across different sub-basins of the SYRB. These findings can enhance our understanding of the relationship among vegetation variation, climate change, and human activities, and provide a reference for addressing future conflicts between humans and the environment in the arid inland river basins.
Racial Disparities in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of ALS Patients in the United States
Authors: Raymond Jaime , Nair Theresa , Gwathmey Kelly Graham , Larson Theodore , Horton D. Kevin , Mehta Paul
Published: July 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal disease with largely unknown etiology. This study compares racial differences in clinical characteristics of ALS patients enrolled in the National ALS Registry (Registry).

Methods

Data from ALS patients who completed the Registry’s online clinical survey during 2013–2022 were analyzed to determine characteristics such as site of onset, associated symptoms, time of symptom onset to diagnosis, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for White, Black, and other race patients.

Results

Surveys were completed by 4242 participants. Findings revealed that Black ALS patients were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, to have arm or hand initial site of onset, and to experience pneumonia than were White ALS patients. ALS patients of other races were more likely than White ALS patients to be diagnosed at a younger age and to experience twitching. The mean interval between the first sign of weakness and an ALS diagnosis for Black patients was almost 24 months, statistically greater than that of White (p = 0.0374; 16 months) and other race patients (p = 0.0518; 15.8 months). The mean interval between problems with speech until diagnosis was shorter for White patients (6.3 months) than for Black patients (17.7 months) and other race patients (14.8 months).

Conclusions and Relevance

Registry data shows racial disparities still exist in the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of ALS patients. Increased recruitment of non-White ALS patients and better characterization of symptom onset between races might aid clinicians in diagnosing ALS sooner, leading to earlier therapeutic interventions.
Surveying neuro-symbolic approaches for reliable artificial intelligence of things
Authors: Lu Zhen , Afridi Imran , Kang Hong Jin , Ruchkin Ivan , Zheng Xi
Published: July 2024

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the Internet of Things (IoT), known as the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), enhances the devices’ processing and analysis capabilities and disrupts such sectors as healthcare, industry, and oil. However, AIoT’s complexity and scale are challenging for traditional machine learning (ML). Deep learning offers a solution but has limited testability, verifiability, and interpretability. In turn, theneuro-symbolic paradigmaddresses these challenges by combining the robustness of symbolic AI with the flexibility of DL, enabling AI systems to reason, make decisions, and generalize knowledge from large datasets better. This paper reviews state-of-the-art DL models for IoT, identifies their limitations, and explores how neuro-symbolic methods can overcome them. It also discusses key challenges and research opportunities in enhancing AIoT reliability with neuro-symbolic approaches, including hard-coded symbolic AI, multimodal sensor data, biased interpretability, trading-off interpretability, and performance, complexity in integrating neural networks and symbolic AI, and ethical and societal challenges.
A survey on graph neural network-based next POI recommendation for smart cities
Authors: Yu Jian , Guo Lucas , Zhang Jiayu , Wang Guiling
Published: July 2024

Amid the rise of mobile technologies and Location-Based Social Networks (LBSNs), there’s an escalating demand for personalized Point-of-Interest (POI) recommendations. Especially pivotal in smart cities, these systems aim to enhance user experiences by offering location recommendations tailored to past check-ins and visited POIs. Distinguishing itself from traditional POI recommendations, the next POI approach emphasizes predicting the immediate subsequent location, factoring in both geographical attributes and temporal patterns. This approach, while promising, faces with challenges like capturing evolving user preferences and navigating data biases. The introduction of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) brings forth a transformative solution, particularly in their ability to capture high-order dependencies between POIs, understanding deeper relationships and patterns beyond immediate connections. This survey presents a comprehensive exploration of GNN-based next POI recommendation approaches, delving into their unique characteristics, inherent challenges, and potential avenues for future research.
Effects of triangular reinforcing on flexural and deformation behaviour of concrete beams
Authors: Ekolu S. O. , Thomas T. , Lawrence W. , De Freitas L. , van Vuuren I. , Solomon F.
Published: July 2024

An investigation was conducted to evaluate structural performance of rectangular beams that had been reinforced with the triangular cage (TRC) of steel layout or triangular reinforcing. In the experiment, flexural behaviour of TRC beams was compared with that of conventional beams reinforced with the rectangular cage (RRC) of steel layout i.e. rectangular reinforcing. A set of 16 rectangular concrete beams of size 110 × 130 × 2000 mm were cast, comprising eight (8) TRC beams and eight (8) RRC beams. The main variables in the investigation were:- different concrete strengths of 30 and 60 MPa, triangular or rectangular stirrups spaced at 100 mm or 200 mm, along with varied steel areas of the bottom (tension) and top (compression) reinforcements. Experimental results showed that the load carrying capacity values of TRC beams were similar to those of RRC beams. Interestingly, TRC beams consistently gave 14% to 49% lower deflections, relative to those of their counterpart RRC beams. It was found that the limit state theory accurately predicts the deformation behaviours of TRC beams as it similarly does for RRC beams, but it tends to underestimate the load carrying capacity of the former. Use of TRC steel layout contributed up to 10.5% cost saving.
Effect of specimen size and shape on the compressive performance of high strength engineered cementitious composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Rawat S. , Zhang Y. X. , Lee C. K.
Published: July 2024

This study provides detailed insights into the effect of specimen size on the residual compressive strength of hybrid polyethylene-steel fibre reinforced high strength engineered cementitious composite after exposure to elevated temperatures. A mix design with high residual performance was selected and a total of 120 specimens with different cross-section shape (square and circular), aspect ratio (1 and 2) and sizes (cylinders of 40 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm diameter with height to diameter ratio of 2:1, cubes of 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm side and prism of size 75 × 75 × 150 mm) were cast. These specimens were subjected to temperatures ranging from 200 to 800 °C and the residual compressive strength and change in microstructure was then analysed after air cooling. Experimental results indicated that cubic specimens experienced less strength loss compared to prism specimens with the same cross-sectional area and the damage was found to decrease with increase in the volume to surface area ratio of the specimens. Furthermore, no spalling occurred in any of the specimens despite the change in specimen size or cross-section. Unlike previous studies that did not present any clear influence of specimen size, the present work established that the residual strength is dependent on aspect ratio and volume to surface area ratio of the specimen. As a result, these findings are valuable for selecting appropriate specimen size in elevated temperature studies and for the development of suitable guidelines to facilitate meaningful comparisons with the existing data.
Unmasking Malicious Stance Indicators and Attitudinal Priming: An ‘Evaluative Textbite’ Approach to Identity Attacks in Violent Extremist Discourse
Authors: Etaywe Awni
Published: July 2024

The article explores the patterning and functioning of attitude semantics in the practice of identity attacks within terrorist communications. Positioned in facework and stance-taking research (e.g. Tracy & Tracy, 1998, 2008, 2017), it introduces the concepts of ‘evaluative textbites’ and ‘attitudinal priming’ to linguistic examinations, advocating a functional approach to unravelling identity attacks, drawing on corpus analysis methods (e.g. word frequency, and concordance-line qualitative analysis) and the Appraisal framework (Martin & White, 2005). Findings reveal that, linked with stance-taking activity, attitudinal priming offers insights into how specific ideational targets are primed for particular attitudinal, evaluative functions. Evaluative textbites provide linguistic evidence of an author’s encoded hostile attitude and the nuanced patterning and functioning of ‘ideation-attitude’ co-occurrences in these attacks. Identity attacks are a rhetorical tool, normative and valuation-based, targeting individuals’ or out-groups’ immoral behaviours and devaluing victims by reference to their personal traits, power-distance relationships, interactional roles, and master identities. This article offers implications for future study of identity attacks in hate crimes, genocidal rhetoric, and defamation texts, and strengthens counter-extremism efforts by illuminating the investigative value of identity work.
Self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of ZrC-TiC nanocomposites: Comparison of Mg and Al reductant usage and process optimization
Authors: Bugdayci Mehmet , Baslayici Serkan , Coban Ozan , Kaya Faruk
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the production of ZrC-TiC composite nanopowders by SHS process in TiO2-ZrO2-C-Mg/Al systems. Mg and Al charge stoichiometries and composite charge stoichiometries were optimized for SHS processes. The most precise procedural stages were identified for refining the SHS product; acid concentrations were optimized for Mg usage and an innovative chemical method was developed to eliminate and/or decrease the amount of Al2O3 by-product, enabling the utilization of Al. Thermochemical simulations were conducted for thermodynamic evaluations (adiabatic temperature and specific heat) and characterizations were performed by XRD and SEM-EDS analysis. The findings indicated that utilizing both reductants allowed for the synthesis of ZrC-TiC-(Al2O3) particles that have considerable surface area and commercial purity. The outcomes demonstrated that Magnesium is a more effective reductant, yet Aluminium, also serves as a viable reductant, even though leading to an increase in process steps, but enabling in-situ formation of sinterability and toughness enhancing Al2O3. A novel chemical route including pre-acid leaching, NaOH fusion, water leaching, HCl leaching was identified for the synthesis of ZrC-TiC-Al2O3 composite powder where the amount of Al2O3 could be organized (according to the desired mechanical properties) by optimization.
Examining the Unexpected: The Occurrence and Impact of Chance Events on Life Science Graduate Students’ Career Intentions
Authors: Ferguson Hope , Schussler Elisabeth E.
Published: July 2024

Previous studies have linked experiences with chance events to shifts in career intentions, but they have not investigated chance events as agents of career shifts in graduate students. This study investigated the types of chance events and perceived impacts of those events on the career intentions of life science graduate students at a university in the southeastern United States. We used a survey to investigate three questions: (1) Do life science graduate students experience chance events, and if so, what types of chance events were most common? (2) What is the relationship between impact level and valence of chance events on participants’ career intentions? (3) How do participants describe the impacts of chance events on their career intentions? Of the 39 respondents, 92% reported a chance event during graduate school, with 85% reporting high impacts on their career intentions; none perceived these impacts as solely negative. Participants described chance events’ impacts on their careers as presenting challenges, affording insights, spurring evaluations, and providing opportunities. These findings highlight the positive opportunities chance events may provide graduate students. Understanding how these events shape career intentions can inform career development resources that empower graduate students to see chance events as opportunities for growth.
Self-reinforced biodegradable thermoplastic composites
Authors: Colwell John , Halley Peter , Varley Russell , Heidarian Pejman , McNally Tony , Peijs Ton , Vandi Luigi
Published: July 2024

Improvements in the mechanical performance of biodegradable plastics are required to facilitate replacement of commodity plastics as part of a global push for the use of more sustainable materials. Reinforcing biodegradable plastics with fillers or fibres to create composite materials is an obvious choice for increasing mechanical properties but may affect recyclability and biodegradability. To avoid these issues, self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPCs), where the polymer matrix is reinforced with highly oriented films, fibres, or particles of the same polymer may be used. However, the use of biodegradable thermoplastics in SRPCs is currently limited to a few polymers, mostly focusing on poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Here, we have assessed the potential for a broader range of biodegradable thermoplastics to replace commercially available commodity-plastic-based SRPCs. This assessment was done using literature data for the oriented and isotropic bulk mechanical properties of commercially relevant biodegradable thermoplastics, along with properties for their SRPCs where available. It was found that despite polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA), and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) not being suitable replacements for current commercially available SRPCs, they nonetheless exhibit increased modulus and strength after orientation. PLA, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) have more potential, with PGA being the most promising, although PLA and PHAs appear to offer potentially more sustainable alternatives to commercially available SRPCs and a wider range of end-of-life disposal options.
Single-point calibration process based integrated electrical impedance analyzer for multi-selective gas detection
Authors: Routier Louis , Westrelin Alexandre , Cerveaux Anthyme , Louis Gaël , Horlach Thomas , Foulon Pierre , Lmimouni Kamal , Pecqueur Sébastien , Hafsi Bilel
Published: July 2024

Impedance analysis is a powerful technique that has become increasingly important in various applications, it represents a leap forward in the field of electronic measurments and diagnostics. In this work, we present the development of miniaturized, multiplexed, and connected platform for impedance spectroscopy. Designed for online measurements and adapted to wireless network architectures, our platform has been tested and optimized to be used for multi-selective chemical organic sensor nodes. This compact and versatile circuit is built from low cost and low power consumption (250 mW) microelectronics components that achieve long duration operability (5 days and 16 h) without compromising on sensor measurement accuracy and precision. We used the well-known impedance network analyzer AD5933 (Analog Devices, Norwood, MA, USA) chip which can measure a spectrum of impedances in the range 5 kHz to 100 kHz. The proposed system is based on ESP32-C3 Microcontroller enabling the management of the AD5933 through its I2C interface. Our system benefits from two multiplexer components CD74HC4067 allowing calibration process and the interface of 15 conductimetric sensors with real time acquisition (less than 90 ms per acquisition). The system is capable of relaying information through the network for data analysis and storage. The paper describes the microelectronics design, the impedance response over time, the measurement’s sensitivity and accuracy and the testing of the platform with embedded chemical sensors for gas classification and recognition.
Multispezies Assemblagen, interspezifische Gemenge und relationale Praktiken. Ein Literaturbericht zur interdisziplinären Tierforschung nach dem animal turn
Authors: Roscher Mieke
Published: July 2024

Das Feld der human-animal studies hat sich seit der Proklamation des animal turn signifikant diversifiziert. Dies betrifft sowohl die theoretischen Grundannahmen wie auch die ethischen Positionierungen. Grundsätzlich liegt der Fokus der Aufmerksamkeit in erster Linie auf den Beziehungen zwischen Menschen und Tieren, die sich in gemeinsamen Praktiken offenbaren, welche je nach fachlicher Ausrichtung manchmal als relational, interspezifisch oder im Rahmen von multispecies studies betrachtet werden. Insbesondere im Kontext der historischen Tierstudien wird versucht, Quellen im Licht dieses relationalen Charakters neu zu interpretieren, ohne notwendigerweise auf die Handlungsfähigkeit der Tiere einzugehen. Angesichts einer zunehmend wahrgenommenen Krise in der Beziehung zwischen Menschen und Natur, die sich sowohl in Nachhaltigkeitsdebatten als auch in jener um das Anthropozän manifestiert, wird das Feld der Tierstudien hier auch politisch neu definiert. Der Rezensionsaufsatz zeigt, auf welchen Vorüberlegungen diese neuen, durchaus divergenten Positionierungen beruhen und welche Linien sich auch in den einzelnen, das Feld bestimmenden Disziplinen herauskristallisieren.
The contribution of microorganisms to sustainable development: towards a green future through synthetic biology and systems biology
Authors: Qumsani Alaa T.
Published: July 2024

Microorganisms, though invisible, they play a pivotal role in influencing both the global economy and societal progress., and job market. This discussion highlights their significant impact on various sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These versatile microorganisms act as efficient cell factories, producing chemicals from renewable sources and aiding in waste degradation. The historical development of microbial cell factories has relied on a trial-and-error approach, following a cyclic process of design, construction, testing, and refinement. The essay delves into the critical role of microorganisms in sustainable development, highlighting their capacity for sustainable chemical production and waste degradation. The incorporation of microbial technology presents significant opportunities for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Microorganisms contribute significantly to sustainable development by influencing the economy, creating jobs, improving food and pharmaceutical production, and advancing chemical manufacturing. Their utilization brings advantages like cleaner production methods, renewable resource utilization, and healthcare contributions. Overall, microorganisms are essential players in sustainable development, offering solutions for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable future.
Shallow water table rise and fluctuation between 1977 and 2010 in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassan Ikrema , Salamah Sultan , Bob Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Madinah City in Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing with high population growth, water demand, sewage generation, and agricultural activities. The hydrogeological layering sequence in Madinah City reveals that there are three main layers that extend within the areas between wadi systems. The shallow water table rise (SWTR) problem has risen in several areas of the city, and the fluctuations in the piezometric water observed from the shallow aquifer systems. The research aims to investigate the changes in shallow groundwater levels within the Madinah City. Sources of water table rise and fluctuations are investigated through an extensive field hydro-geological survey comprising wells drilling and water level monitoring, which indicated the following results between 1977 and 2010 including those of newly drilled wells: (i) water flow is partially blocked along wadi Alaqiq and this has caused an increased regional flow moving from west along wadi Alaqiq towards the central area; (ii) groundwater levels have changed in the agricultural areas as indicated by 15–26 m rise along wadi Alaqiq; (iii) groundwater level fluctuations as indicated by 590 m amsl (1977) against less than 575 m amsl (2010) in the east and southeast of the study area as a result of increased heavy pumping since past 37 years. The overall flow phenomenon is reflected in the groundwater gradients on an increasing trend with orientation from the western region along the wadi Alaqiq towards the central area and southeast which has invariably resulted in the overall declining of water levels throughout the affected area.
The impact of the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel on empiric antibiotic prescriptions in patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis
Authors: Pathak Aaron , Pham Caitlynn , Shay Sabra , Lasco Todd , Al Mohajer Mayar
Published: July 2024

The BioFire® FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis (FA/ME) panel provides rapid testing for common cerebrospinal fluid pathogens. We compared empiric antibiotic utilization between patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis with and without an FA/ME panel ordered. No significant differences in antibiotic use were found.
Occurrence of the hydromedusa Moerisia cf. inkermanica (Hydrozoa, Moerisiidae) in the ballast water of oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ahuatzin-Hernández José María , Ordóñez-López Uriel , Herrera-Rodríguez Miguel , Olvera-Novoa Miguel A.
Published: July 2024

The introduction of non-native species is a constant concern around the world since it represents one of the main threats to biodiversity, impacting negatively on native populations, some of them with commercial importance. Hence, monitoring these introductions is fundamental to the management and conservation of the biodiversity of a region. Herein, we report the presence of Moerisia cf. inkermanica in the ballast water of oil tankers loaded at the Cayo Arcas oil terminal. The taxonomy of Moerisia members is uncertain due to the lack of comprehensive morphological descriptions and the few molecular data available. So, we provide a detailed morphological comparison among its congeners. The taxonomic identity of the specimens was determined based on the length of the perradial lobes of the manubrium, the number of tentacles, and the features of their nematocyst rings. Some Moerisids are considered invasive in different localities of the world. However, this genus had not been reported in coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico over the years until now. Sampled tankers came from different ports of the region, mainly from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, we encourage systematic monitoring of these ecosystems to recognize the establishment of this species as invasive in the region, know its population dynamics over time, and evaluate the possible ecological impacts that could exert on native populations.
Klimaangst – angebracht oder dysfunktional?
Authors: Wagner Lukas , Witthöft Michael
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Klimawandel beeinflusst die mentale Gesundheit, auch durch Klimaangst. Ob Klimaangst eine adaptive Reaktion auf die Klimakriese darstellt, wird gegenwärtig diskutiert. Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie untersucht Zusammenhänge zwischen Klimaangst und Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit. Ferner wird überprüft, ob ein mittleres Ausmaß an Klimaangst umweltbezogene Verhaltensweisen fördert und ob extreme Ausprägungen ein solches Verhalten verringern. Methode: N = 415 Personen wurden über einen Onlinefragebogen zu Klimaangst, Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit, klimabezogenem Verhalten sowie Klimawandel-Wissen und Selbstwirksamkeit befragt. Ergebnisse: Es besteht eine signifikante positive Korrelation zwischen Klimaangst und Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit. Es wurde keine Evidenz für einen umgekehrt u-förmigen Zusammenhang zwischen Klimaangst und klimabezogenem Verhalten gefunden. In einer multiplen Regression erwies sich Klimaangst als stärkster Prädiktor für klimabezogenes Verhalten. Schlussfolgerung: Es zeigt sich eine mögliche Verbindung von Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit mit Klimaangst. Deren Adaptivität zeigt sich allerdings im Fördern umweltfreundlichen Verhaltens. Die Differenzierung zwischen dysfunktionaler Ängstlichkeit und adaptiver Reaktion ist komplex. Zukünftig sind klare Definitionen von Klimaangst und Längsschnittstudien nötig.