bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correcting for Temperature When Calculating Calcium Carbonate Saturation
Authors: Trussell R. Rhodes , Kenny John D. , Hokanson David R.
Published: February 2016

Calcium carbonate saturation is frequently of interest at temperatures other than the temperature at which the pH was measured. Because calcium carbonate saturation is influenced by temperature, error is introduced into calcium carbonate saturation estimates for temperatures other than the temperature at which the pH was measured unless temperature effects are taken into account. This article describes a method to correct for temperature effects, which allows the user to estimate calcium carbonate saturation for temperatures other than that at which pH was measured. The authors provide a tool for conducting such calculations and offer example applications, which show that the degree of calcium carbonate saturation can either increase or decrease with an increase in temperature, depending on the quality of the water in question.
Reflexões sobre a proteção penal do patrimônio histórico e cultural brasileiro
Authors: Freitas Vladimir Passos de , Freitas Gilberto Passos de
Published: February 2016

O Brasil protege seu patrimônio histórico e cultural de forma ampla, a partir do contido no artigo 216 da Constituição. Esta proteção dá- no âmbito administrativo, através do tombamento de bens de reconhecido valor histórico ou arquitetônico e de outras medidas. Na esfera civil, via responsabilização do infrator impondo-lhe o dever de indenizar a coletividade por danos que eventualmente cause. E penal, sendo esta última forma de proteção, cuja base está nos artigos 62 a 65 da Lei 9.605, de 12 de fevereiro de 1998, o complemento das demais. Neste artigo busca-se demonstrar a importância das normas penais na proteção do patrimônio histórico e cultural e a efetividade de sua aplicação.
Limitações na interpretação das normas tributárias com base no formalismo normativo
Authors: Kronbauer Eduardo Luís
Published: February 2016

O presente trabalho tem por objeto a análise crítica da influência do positivismo – em sua dimensão extremamente formalista – sobre o Direito Tributário. Inicia-se pelo breve estudo do normativismo como Teoria Geral do Direito para, posteriormente, verificar o seu impacto na Ciência do Direito Tributário. Este formalismo clássico defende que o papel do teórico do Direito se limita à descrição do direito posto, e, assim, o conteúdo pré-existente à produção da norma não pode ser considerado pelo intérprete. Para ser Ciência, o Direito deve ater-se somente à estrutura semântica e sintática do texto normativo. Após esse primeiro estudo, passa-se a demonstrar a deficiência na aplicação deste formato de interpretação, apontando problemas em decisões proferidas pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal. Essa limitação a discussões e alterações de conteúdos meramente semânticos pode acarretar em justificações ambíguas e incertas, em virtude da complexidade e diversidade de significados que a linguagem apresenta. Por fim, aponta-se para a busca de um novo paradigma que não esteja limitado à interpretação do Direito com base apenas na lógica semântica, sintática e pragmática da linguagem jurídica.
O controle social a partir do modelo da gestão pública compartida: da insuficiência da representação parlamentar à atuação dos conselhos populares como espaços públicos de interação comunicativa
Authors: Bitencourt Caroline Müller , Beber Carlos Augusto De Menezes
Published: February 2016

O controle social tem se tornado um assunto rotineiro nos debates jurídicos, especialmente pelo seu potencial concretizador da democracia e das demandas sociais. Além disso, uma das mais chamativas razões de sua crescente notoriedade encontra-se no fato de que o modelo de exercício do poder político galgado essencialmente na representatividade mostrou-se insuficiente para resolver as complexas relações de poder construídas a partir da modernidade. Nestes termos, em cenários pensados através de modelos como a gestão pública compartida, que são marcados, entre outras características, pela atuação emparceirada do Estado e da Sociedade, encontram-se instrumentos como os conselhos populares, que, dependendo da atuação, podem assumir momentos tanto de participação quanto de controle social.
Geoeconomia do Aquífero Guarani-Serra Geral: uma abordagem preliminar
Authors: Borges Graça Pedro , Bessa Pacheco Miguel , Rio Cardoso Jorge
Published: February 2016

Com extensões na Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai, o Aquífero Guarani-Serra Geral é uma reserva de água natural estratégica para o Brasil, abrangendo oito unidades estaduais. No futuro é possível a ocorrência de tensões no âmbito das fronteiras administrativas e fronteiras gestoras, no sentido de estas últimas corresponderem aos requisitos efectivos de gestão dos territórios delimitados pelas fronteiras naturais ou aquíferas, envolvendo uma pluralidades de poderes concorrentes indutores de complexidade no processo da tomada de decisão e gestão da região hidrográfica. Os mercados da água, embora inevitáveis face à crescente escassez dos recursos, são também potencialmente indutores de conflitualidade resultante de disfunções várias, nomeadamente ambientais. É esta cultura de competitividade, disruptora da região hidrográfica, que é possível “subverter” em benefício das comunidades através de uma metodologia de inteligência cooperativa.
Benefícios intergeracionais do planejamento na utilização dos recursos minerais
Authors: Marques Rogério Cesar
Published: February 2016

O princípio da solidariedade intergeracional é importante elemento a ser considerando quando analisadas a exploração dos recursos minerais, bem como na aplicação dos royalties decorrentes dessa atividade. No Brasil, dentro do setor minerário, houve a apresentação de um plano de mineração e um novo marco regulatório, objetivando modernizar o tratamento econômico e financeiro deste setor. Esta iniciativa é importante uma vez que o planejamento é fundamental para o sucesso da política de exploração dos recursos minerais, contudo, terminou por ter um viés mais arrecadatório do que propriamente voltado ao planejamento de longo prazo. A constituição de fundos soberanos, que estabilizam as receitas em forma de poupança pública, possibilita que os frutos da exploração dos recursos minerais sejam usufruídos pelas futuras gerações, sendo uma saída a ser considerada quando do planejamento de aplicação dos royalties provenientes da exploração dos recursos minerais
Fundamentos filosóficos e políticos da responsabilidade penal das pessoas jurídicas por atos de corrupção
Authors: Gesta Leal Rogério
Published: February 2016

No presente trabalho busca-se problematizar o tormentoso tema da responsabilidade penal das pessoas jurídicas por atos de corrupção, a partir de alguns fundamentos filosóficos e políticos que atualmente se colocam no debate nacional e internacional
O direito do consumo voltado à sustentabilidade: uma análise a partir da carta encíclica Laudato Si’ sobre o cuidado da casa comum
Authors: Serraglio Diogo Andreola , Efing Antônio Carlos
Published: February 2016

O presente estudo volta-se a análise da sustentabilidade no direito do consumo pautada na Carta Encíclica “Laudato Si”: sobre o cuidado da casa comum, recentemente publicada pela Igreja Católica Apostólica Romana, cuja finalidade é de orientar a todos os cristãos sobre algo que já é de conhecimento da comunidade científica: o cuidado com o meio ambiente é uma necessidade emergente e a forma de consumo adotada pelos países é insustentável e compromete a qualidade de vida das presentes e das futuras gerações. Por meio de método dedutivo, fazendo-se a subsunção da Carta Encíclica assinada pelo Papa Francisco aos atos de consumo e aos seus efeitos, pretende-se atingir os seguintes objetivos específicos: inicialmente fazer uma distinção entre consumo e consumismo frente à evolução da sociedade industrial; posteriormente tratar da obsolescência e os seus efeitos, e, por fim, abordar a premente necessidade de um consumo sustentável. Portanto, entende-se que a Encíclica traz uma nova roupagem ao tão propalado desenvolvimento socioambiental, apelando a valores éticos e morais, resgatando a ideia de uma casa comum e que exige de todos os cidadãos um pensamento solidário sobre o ato de consumir.
Aurora-A mediated histone H3 phosphorylation of threonine 118 controls condensin I and cohesin occupancy in mitosis
Authors: Wike Candice L , Graves Hillary K , Hawkins Reva , Gibson Matthew D , Ferdinand Michelle B , Zhang Tao , Chen Zhihong , Hudson Damien F , Ottesen Jennifer J , Poirier Michael G , Schumacher Jill , Tyler Jessica K
Published: February 2016

Phosphorylation of histone H3 threonine 118 (H3 T118ph) weakens histone DNA-contacts, disrupting the nucleosome structure. We show that Aurora-A mediated H3 T118ph occurs at pericentromeres and chromosome arms during prophase and is lost upon chromosome alignment. Expression of H3 T118E or H3 T118I (a SIN mutation that bypasses the need for the ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeler SWI/SNF) leads to mitotic problems including defects in spindle attachment, delayed cytokinesis, reduced chromatin packaging, cohesion loss, cohesin and condensin I loss in human cells. In agreement, overexpression of Aurora-A leads to increased H3 T118ph levels, causing cohesion loss, and reduced levels of cohesin and condensin I on chromatin. Normal levels of H3 T118ph are important because it is required for development in fruit flies. We propose that H3 T118ph alters the chromatin structure during specific phases of mitosis to promote timely condensin I and cohesin disassociation, which is essential for effective chromosome segregation.
Elevation of CpG frequencies in influenza A genome attenuates pathogenicity but enhances host response to infection
Authors: Gaunt Eleanor , Wise Helen M , Zhang Huayu , Lee Lian N , Atkinson Nicky J , Nicol Marlynne Quigg , Highton Andrew J , Klenerman Paul , Beard Philippa M , Dutia Bernadette M , Digard Paul , Simmonds Peter
Published: February 2016

Previously, we demonstrated that frequencies of CpG and UpA dinucleotides profoundly influence the replication ability of echovirus 7 (Tulloch et al., 2014). Here, we show that that influenza A virus (IAV) with maximised frequencies of these dinucleotides in segment 5 showed comparable attenuation in cell culture compared to unmodified virus and a permuted control (CDLR). Attenuation was also manifested in vivo, with 10-100 fold reduced viral loads in lungs of mice infected with 200PFU of CpG-high and UpA-high mutants. However, both induced powerful inflammatory cytokine and adaptive (T cell and neutralising antibody) responses disproportionate to their replication. CpG-high infected mice also showed markedly reduced clinical severity, minimal weight loss and reduced immmunopathology in lung, yet sterilising immunity to lethal dose WT challenge was achieved after low dose (20PFU) pre-immunisation with this mutant. Increasing CpG dinucleotide frequencies represents a generic and potentially highly effective method for generating safe, highly immunoreactive vaccines.
A comparison of postnatal arterial patterns in a growth series of giraffe (Artiodactyla:Giraffa camelopardalis)
Authors: O’Brien Haley D. , Gignac Paul M. , Hieronymus Tobin L. , Witmer Lawrence M.
Published: February 2016

Nearly all living artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates) possess a derived cranial arterial pattern that is highly distinctive from most other mammals. Foremost among a suite of atypical arterial configurations is the functional and anatomical replacement of the internal carotid artery with an extensive, subdural arterial meshwork called the carotid rete. This interdigitating network branches from the maxillary artery and is housed within the cavernous venous sinus. As the cavernous sinus receives cooled blood draining from the nasal mucosa, heat rapidly dissipates across the high surface area of the rete to be carried away from the brain by the venous system. This combination yields one of the most effective mechanisms of selective brain cooling. Although arterial development begins from the same embryonic scaffolding typical of mammals, possession of a rete is typically accompanied by obliteration of the internal carotid artery. Among taxa with available ontogenetic data, the point at which the internal carotid obliterates is variable throughout development. In small-bodied artiodactyls, the internal carotid typically obliterates prior to parturition, but in larger species, the vessel may remain patent for several years. In this study, we use digital anatomical data collection methods to describe the cranial arterial patterns for a growth series of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), from parturition to senescence. Giraffes, in particular, have unique cardiovascular demands and adaptations owing to their exceptional body form and may not adhere to previously documented stages of cranial arterial development. We find the carotid arterial system to be conserved between developmental stages and that obliteration of the giraffe internal carotid artery occurs prior to parturition.
Persons With Cancer Rather Than Cancer Patients—Semantics Matter
Authors: Ting Frederic Ivan L.
Published: September 2024

This essay describes a physician’s shift to patient-focused language in treatment of patients with cancer.
Frequency of ERBB2-Low Expression in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Krakstad Camilla , Berg Hege F. , Lindemann Kristina , Halle Mari Kyllesø
Published: September 2024

This study reanalyzes epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) data from a previous study to characterize patient subgroups with ERBB2-low tumors.
Asymmetric Aqueous Supercapacitor Based on Zinc Oxide‐Manganese Oxide Cathode Material and Fe─Ni Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Anode Material
Authors: Paul Aparna , Dey Shraban , Goswami Gopal Sebak , Chakraborty Anjan , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in negative electrode materials for supercapacitors have garnered significant attention due to their potential to enhance energy density. These materials are crucial in improving the performance of supercapacitors, particularly in terms of specific capacitance. Fe oxide‐based composites are attractive negative electrode materials for cutting‐edge supercapacitor technologies because of their high specific capacitance, broad potential window, outstanding cycle stability and adaptability in asymmetric design. The synthesized Fe─Ni oxide/reduced graphene oxide (FNG) composite delivered ≈500 F g−1 specific capacitance at ≈2 A g−1 current density. The work also describes the hydrothermal synthesis of a bimetallic oxide like zinc oxide‐manganese oxide (ZMO) as a positive material to fabricate asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC). The electrochemical results achieved from the three‐electrode configuration of ZMO indicate true pseudocapacitive behavior with the triangular charge–discharge curve. The fabricated ASC with ZMO as cathode and FNG as anode delivered energy, and power densities are ≈32 W h kg−1 and ≈2.3 kW kg−1, respectively.
Low‐Grade Water as a Promising Candidate for Green Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Chauhan Deepak , Itagi Mahesh , Ahn Young‐Ho
Published: September 2024

In this study, low‐grade water as an alternative to pure water for generating green hydrogen is studied using non‐precious hafnium nickel diselenide/reduced graphene oxide (HfNiSe2/rGO) electrocatalyst. The model electrocatalyst has performed well for hydrogen and oxygen generation. To attain 10 mA cm−2 of current density, it requires only 1.56, 1.58, and 1.61 V for deionized water (DI), tertiary effluent (TE), and raw wastewater (RWW), respectively, with high durability. In addition to generating green energy, pollutants are successfully removed during electrolysis. The synthesized hafnium‐based electrocatalyst is active toward urea electrolysis, requiring only 1.46 V for 10 mA cm−2 with high stability. Replacing high‐purity water with low‐grade water opens a new opportunity window for establishing a sustainable hydrogen economy and water management strategies.
SPP1+ TAM Regulates the Metastatic Colonization of CXCR4+ Metastasis‐Associated Tumor Cells by Remodeling the Lymph Node Microenvironment
Authors: Dong Liang , Hu Shujun , Li Xin , Pei Shiyao , Jin Liping , Zhang Lining , Chen Xiang , Min Anjie , Yin Mingzhu
Published: September 2024

Lymph node metastasis, the initial step in distant metastasis, represents a primary contributor to mortality in patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the underlying mechanisms of lymph node metastasis in OSCC remain incompletely understood. Here, the transcriptomes of 56 383 single cells derived from paired tissues of six OSCC patients are analyzed. This study founds that CXCR4+ epithelial cells, identified as highly malignant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), exhibited a propensity for lymph node metastasis. Importantly, a distinct subset of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) characterized by exclusive expression of phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is discovered. These TAMs may remodel the metastatic lymph node microenvironment by potentially activating fibroblasts and promoting T cell exhaustion through SPP1‐CD44 and CD155‐CD226 ligand‐receptor interactions, thereby facilitating colonization and proliferation of disseminated tumor cells. The research advanced the mechanistic understanding of metastatic tumor microenvironment (TME) and provided a foundation for the development of personalized treatments for OSCC patients with metastasis.
Emergence delay effect on maize (Zea mays L.) nitrogen uptake
Authors: Albarenque Susana , Basso Bruno , Melchiori Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Spatial and temporal variability in plant emergence may cause differences in nitrogen (N) uptake by crops leading to a mismatch between plant nitrogen requirements and nitrogen supply, with negative environmental and economic impacts. We aimed to understand N uptake and concentration (%) in unevenly emerged plants by conducting experiments in pre‐determined yield stability zones (YSZs) in three farmers’ fields planted to maize (Zea mays L.). We found that maize emergence ranged from 64 to 124.1°C day, with significant variability between YSZ in two of three fields. Maize biomass plant‐to‐plant variation decreased from maize six leaves stage (V6) to maize silking stage (R1). At maize physiological maturity (R6), biomass ranged from 54 to 736 g plant−1 and was significantly affected by YSZ (p < 0.001). In the cases where late‐emerging plants accumulated less N than early emerging plants, this led to altered N partitioning within the plant (i.e., nitrogen harvest index decrease). Although N concentration in the grains remained unaffected by late emergence, the N concentration in the biomass increased. This was likely due to a reduced total biomass and the lack of a N sink (i.e., less yield per plant due to less grain per plant). The absence of variations in N utilization across emergence classes, coupled with the significant impact observed in the YSZ, reinforces the advantages of focusing on N management fitted to YSZ. Understanding the impact that the spatial and temporal variation of plant emergence has on maize N uptake is important in helping to improve N input prescription maps, N‐use efficiency, and reduce N losses to the environment.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity with in silico ADMET Prediction, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Studies of Carbazole Ring Containing Thiazole Schiff Bases
Authors: Marufa Sumita Saznin , Rahman Mohammad Mostafizur , Rahman Mizanur , Jahan Rownok , Ara Gulshan , Nishino Hiroshi , Alam Mohammad Sayed , Haque Md. Aminul
Published: September 2024

Twelve thiazole hybrids (2 a–2 l) were synthesized in this study incorporating with Schiff base and carbazole scaffolds and characterized by spectral analyses. Antimicrobial activity and antioxidant potency were investigated by agar disc diffusion method and DPPH free radical scavenging assays where trimethyldihydrothiazole 2 c had revealed its higher efficacy in both biological studies. It had displayed IC50 of 25.55±0.40 μg/mL which is higher than the standard ascorbic acid (IC50=41.31±1.83 μg/mL) as well as dihydrothiazoylchromenone 2 e showed promising antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 40.82±0.54. The compound 2 c satisfied all the ADME properties and toxicological parameters with maximum drug score value (0.39) among all derivatives. Molecular docking was undertaken for higher bioactive compounds where 2 c revealed its wide range of interactions with different amino acid residues which was also endorsed with the output of molecular dynamics simulation.
Dearomative Addition of Carboranyl Anions to Isoquinolinium Salts and Subsequent Reduction to Access Carborane‐Functionalized 1,2‐Dihydroisoquinolines and 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Gao Yun‐Fan , Xu Chen‐Ming , Yu Ming‐Hui , Zhang Yongna , Wu Xiao‐Jun , Wang You‐Qing
Published: September 2024

A dearomative addition of readily available carboranyllithium reagents to isoquinolinium salts gave a series of carborane cage C‐substituted 1,2‐dihydroisoquinolines in 43–85 % yields. Subsequent hydrogenation enabled the facile synthesis of corresponding carboranyl 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines in 65–95 % yields. The addition‐reduction pathway is applicable to a wide range of substituted isoquinolinium salts and o‐carborane or m‐carborane.
Token economies: Evidence‐based recommendations for practitioners
Authors: degli Espinosa Francesca , Hackenberg Timothy D.
Published: September 2024

Token economies are among the oldest and most successful teaching programs in applied behavior analysis. Despite a rich history of basic and applied research on token systems, there remains a research‐to‐practice gap. Our aim in this paper is to bridge this gap between research and application, by providing evidence‐based recommendations and practical guidelines for application of token reinforcement methods. The recommendations in Part 1 are for building a token economy from the ground up, in learners without a history of token reinforcement, whereas those in Part 2 are concerned with existing token economies without regard to how they were established. Although token economies have proven generally effective across a range of settings and populations, they could be even more effective when based on the latest research and theory. Thus, apart from specific recommendations, we hope to show the benefits of an integrated evidence‐based approach to the application of token reinforcement principles in educational and clinical settings.
Antioxidant, Apoptotic, and Wound Healing Effects of Xantolis Cambodiana Extracts in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Buranrat Benjaporn , Laoprom Nonglak , Saenmanot Soraya , Chaisri Patcharaporn
Published: September 2024

Xantolis cambodiana has demonstrated significant antioxidant properties; however, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects against oxidative stress in cellular systems remain unexplored. This work investigated the efficacy of methanolic extracts in exhibiting oxidative damage and examined their mechanisms. The methanolic extract had a high phenolic content (116.89±29.01 mg GAE/g FW) and exhibited scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals with an IC50 value of 42.35±9.20 μg/ml. In addition, it had the highest antioxidant activity based on ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (467.45±50.74 mg AA/100 g). Normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells were pretreated with the methanolic extract in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 500 mM)‐induced oxidative stress model, which resulted in a significant decrease in apoptosis and autophagy. Not only did the methanolic extract reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, it also stimulated NHDF cell migration and reduced reactive oxygen species production through mitochondrial dysfunction in the H2O2‐induced stress model. These findings suggested that the methanolic extract (25 μg/ml) attenuated H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in NHDF cells, significantly reducing apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, this extract has the potential to support the wound healing process due to its antioxidant activity.
Rescaling NMR for a Larger Deployment in Drug Discovery: Hyperpolarization and Benchtop NMR as Potential Game‐Changers
Authors: Bütikofer Matthias , Stadler Gabriela R. , Torres Felix
Published: September 2024

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is recognized as the gold standard method in fragment‐based drug design for screening, hit validation, and affinity determination. However, its deployment at a large scale is limited by the cost and expertise needed to implement NMR as a routine drug discovery method. The increase in the adoption of fragment‐based drug design created a need for biophysics to provide high‐quality data for weak ligand‐target interactions that can be implemented at scale. NMR must adapt its position in drug design operations to enter this new era. The recent development of commercially available benchtop NMR spectrometers in combination with hyperpolarization methods represents an opportunity for highly deployable and scalable systems.
Large language model evaluation for high‐performance computing software development
Authors: Godoy William F. , Valero‐Lara Pedro , Teranishi Keita , Balaprakash Prasanna , Vetter Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2024

We apply AI‐assisted large language model (LLM) capabilities of GPT‐3 targeting high‐performance computing (HPC) kernels for (i) code generation, and (ii) auto‐parallelization of serial code in C ++, Fortran, Python and Julia. Our scope includes the following fundamental numerical kernels: AXPY, GEMV, GEMM, SpMV, Jacobi Stencil, and CG, and language/programming models: (1) C++(e.g., OpenMP [including offload], OpenACC, Kokkos, SyCL, CUDA, and HIP), (2) Fortran (e.g., OpenMP [including offload] and OpenACC), (3) Python (e.g., numpy, Numba, cuPy, and pyCUDA), and (4) Julia (e.g., Threads, CUDA.jl, AMDGPU.jl, and KernelAbstractions.jl). Kernel implementations are generated using GitHub Copilot capabilities powered by the GPT‐based OpenAI Codex available in Visual Studio Code given simple +  + prompt variants. To quantify and compare the generated results, we propose a proficiency metric around the initial 10 suggestions given for each prompt. For auto‐parallelization, we use ChatGPT interactively giving simple prompts as in a dialogue with another human including simple “prompt engineering” follow ups. Results suggest that correct outputs for C++correlate with the adoption and maturity of programming models. For example, OpenMP and CUDA score really high, whereas HIP is still lacking. We found that prompts from either a targeted language such as Fortran or the more general‐purpose Python can benefit from adding language keywords, while Julia prompts perform acceptably well for its Threads and CUDA.jl programming models. We expect to provide an initial quantifiable point of reference for code generation in each programming model using a state‐of‐the‐art LLM. Overall, understanding the convergence of LLMs, AI, and HPC is crucial due to its rapidly evolving nature and how it is redefining human‐computer interactions.
A high‐throughput flexible lossless compression and decompression architecture for color images
Authors: Xu Tongqing , Yao Tan , Li Ning , Li JunMing , Min Xinlong , Xiao Hao
Published: September 2024

Lossless image compression techniques shrink the image size to improve the transmission efficiency and reduce the occupied storage space while ensuring the quality of the image is lossless. Among them, the LOCO‐I/JPEG‐LS algorithm benefits high lossless compression ratio and low computational complexity and thus is widely used for various real‐time applications. However, due to the problems of the context dependency in the LOCO‐I, the parallelism in the algorithm is greatly constrained, which significantly limits the throughput and the real‐time performance of hardware implementations. Existing designs achieve more parallelism by using a lot of hardware costs or straightforward chunking with losing compression ratio. In order to trade off the parallelism and the compression ratio, this paper proposes a chunk‐oriented error modeling scheme for LOCO‐I, which enables parallelism in both compression and decompression and achieves a better compression ratio in chunks. Based on the optimized algorithm, a high‐throughput flexible lossless compression and decompression architecture (HFCD) is proposed, which achieves higher pixel per clock (PPC) with less hardware cost. Additionally, HFCD introduces a parameter sharing mechanism to enable random access of image chunks to improve the flexibility for decompression. Experimental results show that, compared with state‐of‐the‐art works, HFCD achieves 3.02–13.50 times improvement for the PPC of compression. For decompression, benefiting from our optimizations, HFCD achieves 22.4 times speedup compared to the software solution.
A high step‐up single switch DC‐DC quadratic boost converter based on coupled inductor with reduced voltage stress of power components
Authors: Modaberi Seyyed Alireza , Bolandi Tohid Ghanizadeh , Hassanifar Mahyar , Neyshabouri Yousef
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a coupled inductor (CI)‐based high step‐up DC‐DC converter. Cascaded or quadratic DC–DC converters are the most practical solution to achieve a wide conversion ratio and reduced current ripple. The proposed structure (P1) is achieved by a combination of a base structure of two‐stage boost converter with one active switch, a CI, and a voltage multiplier cell (VMC). The secondary side of the CI is placed at the output side, where it is combined with a VMC. In the proposed topology, a passive clamp consisting of a diode and a capacitor is added to minimize the voltage stress on the active switch. In addition, the passive clamp recycles the leakage energy of the CI and causes to increase the efficiency. The input source current ripple is low, and the input current is continuous, which are very suitable for renewable energy applications. Additionally, the voltage stresses on switches are less than some quadratic DC‐DC boost converters that have been presented. Also, an extended topology of P1 is proposed as the second proposed converter (P2), to enhance the operation of P1. Moreover, to show the feasibility and performance of the presented converter, a laboratory prototype circuit is examined. The results accredit the theoretical analysis and experimental outcomes of the presented converter.
Halogenated Adenine and Adenosine Natural Products in Streptomyces sp. JCM9888
Authors: Chen Yawen , Lowe Phillip T. , Deng Hai , O'Hagan David
Published: September 2024

Ascamycin 1 and dealanylascamycin 2 are adenosine containing nucleoside antibiotics carrying the rare 5’‐O‐sulfamoyl ribose motif and a chlorine atom attached to C2 of the adenine ring. Gene knockouts (ΔacmK and ΔacmJ) in the producing strain, Streptomyces sp. JCM9888, generated mutants that were disabled in the assembly of the sulfamoyl moiety. This resulted in the production of 2‐chloroadenosine 3 and 2‐chloroadenine 4, indicating that purine halogenation can occur independently of sulfamoylation. Incubations in media enriched in bromide content resulted also in the identification of 2‐bromoadenine 5, 2‐bromoadenosine 6 and 5′‐O‐sulfamoyl‐2‐bromoadenosine 7.
Optimizing the performance of solar evacuated tube collector systems for seawater desalination
Authors: Patel Nitesh , Joshi Unnati , Patel Vijay , Joshi Anand , Oza Ankit D. , Kumar Abhinav , Velkin Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: September 2024

Solar thermal collectors, such as evacuated tube collectors (ETCs), are essential for harnessing renewable energy, yet their efficiency is often hindered by thermal losses and limited heat transfer. This study focuses on enhancing ETC performance for seawater desalination by using nanofluids as heat transfer fluids. These modifications aim to improve heat transfer rates, reduce thermal losses, increase the maximum temperature attainable, and minimize the collector area required. An experimental setup has been developed at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Key parameters such as air mass flow rate, inclination angle, water mass flow rate, nanofluid volume percentage, and screw conveyor speed were optimized to achieve ideal temperature levels. Results indicate that the optimal configuration for steam generation includes a high air mass flow rate and a 40° inclination angle for the ETC. Additionally, a water mass flow rate of 10 LPH and a screw conveyor speed of 30 rpm are crucial for optimal performance. Data collected showed the highest solar energy levels between 12 PM and 1 PM, which significant decreases post this peak period. These findings highlight the potential of nanomaterial‐based enhancements in improving the efficiency and cost‐effectiveness of solar thermal systems for renewable energy applications.
Quality of life and cannabis use among patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy—An observational study from a Canadian tertiary care referral center
Authors: Jhanji Kanika , Shivji Zaitoon , Lazaj Marion , Lomax Lysa Boisse , Winston Gavin P. , Shukla Garima
Published: September 2024

Objective

Very few publications have reported the impact of artisanal cannabis use on overall quality of life among people with drug‐resistant epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the association of artisanal cannabis use among adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy with quality of life, and to determine if an association exists between Quality‐of‐Life in Epilepsy Inventory‐31 (QOLIE‐31) ‘T scores’ and different clinical variables.

Methods

This study included patients admitted to a Canadian tertiary care epilepsy center as part of a larger study. These patients were confirmed to have drug‐resistant epilepsy by an epileptologist at the Ambulatory Epilepsy Clinic. Patients were categorized into cannabis users (CAN group) (n = 25) and Non‐cannabis users (Non‐CAN group) (n = 21). Data was collected on RedCap® for epilepsy and cannabis use details. These were analyzed for an association using a binary multivariable logistic regression model between QOLIE‐31 ‘T scores’ and age, sex, epilepsy duration, age at initiation of use, duration of cannabis use and psychiatric related comorbidity for all patients. Additionally, different ‘T subscores’ of the questionnaire were compared between the CAN group and Non‐CAN group.

Results

A statistically significant difference between the CAN group and Non‐CAN group for the T subscore ‘energy and fatigue’ (p = .004) was found, with the CAN group scoring higher. However, for the ‘overall T score’ between the two groups there was no statically significant difference (p = .11). Additionally, a significant negative correlation between ‘overall T score’ and cannabis use disorder (p = .032) was found.

Significance

This study provides new data on association of quality of life in epilepsy with cannabis use and can serve as a foundation for larger future studies to better assess this association.
Microgrid Disruptors or Enablers
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: September 2024

Microgrids continue to prove their value to electric grids around the world by improving reliability and resiliency across many different use cases. Microgrids support the interests of connected customers by ensuring electricity is available during electric grid disruptions and outages—regardless of their duration. The ability of the controlling entity to connect and disconnect loads from the utility grid can prevent localized outages from cascading to larger scale outages by providing grid operators a mechanism by which to isolate disruptions to preserve service to other critical facilities and loads.
Development and validation of a metacognitive assessment tool for Turkish preschool children: A test for 48–66 months‐old
Authors: İmir Hatice Merve , Kaynak‐Ekici K. Büşra , Temel Z. Fulya
Published: September 2024

This study examines metacognitive monitoring in Turkish preschoolers aged 48–66 months, crucial for their learning and development. A specialised paired‐association task was designed to assess higher‐order thinking skills in this age group. Data from 160 children (52.5% girls, 47.5% boys; mean age 57.6 months, standard deviation 4.8) were analysed. The Metacognitive Thinking Test includes Recall and Judgement sections, where children rate confidence after recall attempts. Factor analysis of the Judgement Part revealed a two‐factor structure with 14 items demonstrating memory‐confidence alignment. The overall test's Cronbach's alpha value is 0.820. Notably, children tended to overestimate inaccurate recollections, aligning with the Dunning–Kruger effect. Despite limitations, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between confidence and accuracy in young children's metacognitive monitoring development, laying the foundation for further research in this area.
Caregiver executive functions are associated with infant visual working memory
Authors: Amaireh Ghada , Caes Line , Theyer Aimee , Davidson Christina , Wijeakumar Sobanawartiny
Published: September 2024

Caregiver executive functions (EFs) play an integral role in shaping cognitive development. Here, we investigated how caregiver EF abilities (86 caregivers; mean age = 33.4 years, SD = 4.5) was associated with visual working memory (VWM) in infants (86 infants females; mean age = 250.6 days, SD = 35.8). The BRIEF‐A was used to assess caregiver EFs, and a preferential looking task along with fNIRS was used to assess VWM function in infants. Our findings revealed that better caregiver behavioral regulation was associated with better VWM performance, greater right‐lateralized parietal activation, and left‐lateralized frontal suppression, while better caregiver metacognition and emotional control was associated with greater right‐lateralized temporal suppression in infants. Taken together, these associations suggest that better caregiver EF abilities might shape visuo‐spatial attention and memory, guide fixation on task‐relevant goals, and suppress distractions in children from as early as the first year of life.

Highlights

The study investigated the association between caregiver executive functions (EF) and visual working memory (VWM) function in infants.

Caregiver EFs were assessed using the BRIEF‐A questionnaire, and infant VWM function was assessed using the preferential‐looking task and brain imaging.

Better caregiver EF abilities were associated with better VWM behavior and fronto‐temporo‐parietal engagement in infants.
Study of evapotranspiration and crop coefficients for eggplant in a Venlo‐type greenhouse in South China
Authors: Wang Biyu , Bao Rongxuan , Yan Haofang , Zheng Hexiang , Wu Jiabin , Zhang Chuan , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2024

Determination of greenhouse evapotranspiration (ETc) and the response mechanism of environmental factors are important for accurate irrigation management and greenhouse environmental control. Models for predicting ETc under greenhouse conditions are extremely scarce in comparison to those under open field conditions. Meteorological data inside and outside a Venlo‐type greenhouse were measured from April to July 2015 to estimate the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) based on four approaches (the Penman–Monteith model, a revised Penman–Monteith model, a modified Priestley–Taylor approach and the Irmark–Allen fitting approach). The daily ET0 values inside the greenhouse calculated from these four methods presented similar variation trends but were somewhat different. The ETc for eggplant in the greenhouse was measured by lysimeters to estimate the crop coefficient with the FAO‐56 method (Kc = ETc/ET0), and the response mechanism of environmental factors on the ETc was analysed. The results showed that the crop coefficients of the eggplant were different, with values of 0.94–1.97, 0.83–1.87, 0.64–1.34 and 0.58–1.21 based on the ET0 from the Penman–Monteith model, revised Penman–Monteith model, modified Priestley–Taylor approach and Irmark–Allen fitting approach, respectively; the net radiation showed the highest correlation with the ETc; the secondary parameters were the air temperature and solar radiation, with R2 values equal to 0.77 and 0.75, respectively; and the relative humidity and soil temperature showed different extents of influence on the ETc. The results of this study provide more options for greenhouse cultivars to accurately determine the ETc of eggplants using the FAO‐56 method based on the availability of different meteorological data.
Radiography students' knowledge, attitude and practice relating to infection prevention and control in the use of contrast media injectors in computed tomography
Authors: Abu Awwad Dania , Hill Suzanne , Chau Minh , Lewis Sarah , Jimenez Yobelli Alexandra
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Radiography students complete professional placements in various clinical settings and must adhere to distinct infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. The aim of this study was to explore radiography students' training, knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) relating to IPC in the use of contrast media injectors in computed tomography (CT).

Methods

An online survey study was undertaken with radiography students enrolled at two Australian universities. Survey questions related to contrast media training and KAP regarding IPC in CT. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics, with comparisons between experience in public and private practice. One free‐text response question focused on non‐adherence to IPC best practice, analysed using content analysis.

Results

In total, 40 students completed the survey (9% response rate). Reports of IPC and contrast media equipment training was high, with disposition for further training. Regarding IPC knowledge, 65% of students responded correctly to all ‘knowledge’ items (individual scores range: 60–100%). Low consensus was observed regarding whether gloves replace the need for hand hygiene and if CT contrast tubing poses risk to healthcare workers (85% each). Mean scores ranged from 41% to 100% regarding identification of sterile syringe and tubing components. Responses to the open‐ended question were categorised into four themes: ‘High non‐adherence risk working conditions’, ‘attitudes and practice’, ‘knowledge’, and ‘prioritise good IPC practice’.

Conclusions

Radiography students demonstrate varied comprehension of IPC regarding contrast media equipment, and results suggest need for collaborative efforts between academic institutions and clinical training sites to integrate IPC protocols into curricula and on‐site training.
Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Berkemeyer Andrea , Wagner Ellen , Hashmat Shireen , Azzam Ruba K.
Published: September 2024

Hepatotoxicity is an under‐recognized and potentially fatal side effect of high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) chemotherapy, and this risk is compounded in children with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and/or metabolic‐associated steatohepatitis. We present the case of a 12‐year‐old obese, Hispanic male with elevated hepatic transaminases of unknown etiology at initiation of high‐risk B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia chemotherapy. He developed acute kidney injury within 24 hours of receiving intravenous HDMTX which progressed to acute hepatic failure. Liver biopsy confirmed methotrexate toxicity aggravated by undiagnosed metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. Rapid deterioration precluded liver transplantation, and he died 21 days after HDMTX treatment. This case highlights the need for comprehensive hepatic evaluation in patients with known or suspected liver disease when administering HDMTX. Dialysis should be considered if delayed methotrexate clearance occurs due to potential for rapid, irreversible hepatotoxicity.
How Residents' Perceived Justice and Emotional Solidarity Interact With Their Quality of Life and Support for Tourism Development?
Authors: Gautam Vikas , Bhalla Saubhagya
Published: September 2024

Current study developed and validated an integrated model for examining the relationships among perceived justice, residents' quality of life, emotional solidarity, and support for tourism development. Study's integral model was estimated by using covariance based structural equation modeling with the help of 365 sample data. Procedural justice was discovered as the most reliable indicator of residents' quality of life. Additionally, it was discovered that inhabitants' support for tourism development was most strongly predicted with emotional closeness, followed by welcoming nature, and sympathetic understanding. Results confirmed that locals' support for tourism development is primarily due to procedural justice, which is followed by distributive and interactional justice. Findings also supported the hypothesis that residents' quality of life predicts their support for tourism development. Academic contributions and practical implications of the study are discussed at large.
Exploring Negative Restaurant Experiences Through an Extended Mehrabian‐Russell Model: An Attributional Perspective
Authors: Ülker Pembe , Karamustafa Kurtuluş
Published: September 2024

The study aims to explore the relationships between service failure severity, negative emotions, level of dissatisfaction, switching intention, and the intention to spread negative word‐of‐mouth (nWOM) in the restaurant context. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how customers' perceptions of the controllability and stability of failures moderate these relationships. Employing a quantitative research approach, data collection was conducted through surveys using a convenience sampling method, resulting in 561 valid responses from Turkish customers. The collected data underwent multi‐group structural equation modeling to examine the proposed relationships, revealing that the severity of failure positively impacts negative emotions and dissatisfaction levels, negative emotions influence the intention to spread nWOM, and dissatisfaction levels positively affect switching intention and the intention to spread nWOM. Furthermore, both controllability and stability perceptions play a moderating role between the severity of the failure and negative emotions, thereby confirming the stimulus, organism, and response model to a significant extent.
Robust pricing and inventory decisions in ship‐from‐store omnichannel operations
Authors: Sun Yue , Qiu Ruozhen , Sun Minghe
Published: September 2024

This work studies the deployment of the ship‐from‐store omnichannel strategy and the pricing and inventory decisions for an online retailer. Robust optimization models are constructed for the online‐only and the ship‐from‐store modes under a budgeted uncertainty set. The ARIMA model is used to predict the parameter values of the budgeted uncertainty set using historical demand data. The closed‐form optimal solution for the online‐only mode is obtained. The robust counterpart model for the ship‐from‐store mode is converted to a mixed integer quadratic programming model. Numerical studies are conducted to validate the theoretical results and to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the developed robust optimization solution approach. The results show that adopting a ship‐from‐store strategy may hurt the retailer's profit if a significant proportion of consumers are time‐sensitive with high travel cost. The ship‐from‐store strategy is optimal if it significantly boosts market growth.