bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Attached Afterbody Shapes on Wind Forces on Rectangular Tall Buildings
Authors: Li Mao‐Jie , Li Qiu‐Sheng , Li Yong‐Gui
Published: October 2024

The knowledge of aerodynamic forces has important implications for the wind‐resistant design of tall buildings. At present, the aerodynamic characteristics of conventional rectangular‐shaped tall buildings have been extensively studied, while those of irregular‐shaped tall buildings have received relatively less attention. Therefore, in the current study, several tall building models are designed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of a rectangular tall building with and without attaching different shapes of afterbody. The influences of the afterbody shapes (i.e., semicircle, rectangle, and triangle attached to a rectangular tall building called the basic model in this paper), atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows, and models' aspect ratios on the aerodynamic forces are analyzed and discussed in detail based on wind tunnel test of pressure measurements on the models. It is shown that the attached afterbodies can significantly increase the local fluctuating lift coefficients and base fluctuating moment coefficients comparing to those of the basic model. Moreover, a larger aspect ratio causes the increase of local fluctuating lift coefficients and base fluctuating moment coefficients of the basic model attached with rectangular afterbody in suburban terrain. On the other hand, the above increases are strongly attenuated or even suppressed by the ABL flow over urban terrain. The results of this study are expected to provide useful information for the wind‐resistant design of irregular‐shaped tall buildings.
Intragastric botulinum toxin‐A injection: A novel approach to successfully manage feline obesity as an alternative technique to conventional treatment
Authors: Antakyalioglu Burak , Ozturan Yalcin Alper , Parlatir Yasin , Akin Ibrahim , Ural Kerem
Published: October 2024

Feline obesity, a global concern, poses health risks and affects the well‐being of cats. This case report explores an innovative treatment for feline obesity using intragastric botulinum toxin‐A injections in a cat that did not respond favourably to conventional methods. A 3‐year‐old, tabby cat, weighing 8.480 kg, exhibited excessive appetite and lameness, with a body condition score of 9. Despite a year of conventional management and dietary supplements, no significant improvement was observed, and an alternative technique to conventional treatment was performed. Under anaesthesia and gastroscopic guidance, 24 units of botulinum toxin‐A were injected subserosally into the antrum. Six months after intervention, the cat's weight reduced to 4.220 kg, with a body condition score of 5, indicating excellent health. The present approach may offer an alternative to traditional obesity management, but further research is required to assess its full potential.
Application‐Based Review of Soft Computational Methods to Enhance Industrial Practices Abetted by the Patent Landscape Analysis
Authors: Tamilselvan S. , Dhanalakshmi G. , Balaji D. , Rajeshkumar L.
Published: October 2024

Soft computing is a collective methodology that touches all engineering and technology fields owing to its easiness in solving various problems while comparing the conventional methods. Many analytical methods are taken over by this soft computing technique and resolve it accurately and the soft computing has given a paradigm shift. The flexibility in soft computing results in swift knowledge acquisition processing and the information supply renders versatile and affordable technological system. Besides, the accuracy with which the soft computing technique predicts the parameters has transformed the industrial productivity to a whole new level. The interest of this article focuses on versatile applications of SC methods to forecast the technological changes which intend to reorient the progress of various industries, and this is ascertained by a patent landscape analysis. The patent landscape revealed the players who are in the segment consistently and this also provides how this field moves on in the future and who could be a dominant country for a specific technology. Alongside, the accuracy of the soft computing method for a particular practice has also been mentioned indicating the feasibility of the technique. The novel part of this article lies in patent landscape analysis compared with the other data while the other part is the discussion of application of computational techniques to various industrial practices. The progress of various engineering applications integrating them with the patent landscape analysis must be envisaged for a better understanding of the future of all these applications resulting in an improved productivity.
Exploring Serum Ferritin's Connection to the Acute Phase Response in Zoo‐Managed African Rhinoceroses
Authors: Rispoli Louisa A. , Wojtusik Jessye , Roth Terri L.
Published: October 2024

Despite serum ferritin's potential as an iron status indicator, its concentrations vary significantly throughout a black rhinoceros's (Diceros bicornis) life, sometimes irrespective of iron load. We explored acute phase response‐related biomarkers, serum amyloid A (SAA) and ceruloplasmin (Cp), to better understand the mechanisms influencing serum ferritin changes in managed black rhinoceroses. The objective was to evaluate the relationships between circulating levels of ferritin, SAA, and Cp in black and white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum). We analyzed banked serum samples collected serially from 11 black (n = 222) and 7 white (n = 134), rhinoceroses (rhinos) and classified samples based on SAA values: clinically healthy (< 1 mg/L), subclinical (1–7 mg/L), or clinically abnormal (> 7 mg/L). In black rhinos, serum ferritin was not different between health status categories (p = 0.5292), nor was it correlated with SAA (p = 0.4164). However, Cp activity was significantly lower in clinically healthy sera (p < 0.0001) and had a moderate positive association with SAA (r = 0.477, p < 0.0001). Among the white rhino samples, only five had SAA values greater than 1 mg/L, limiting the assessment of ferritin and Cp activity in the health context. Minor, yet significant, relationships were observed between serum ferritin and Cp activity, negative in black rhinos (r = −0.206; p = 0.0022) and positive in white rhinos (r = 0.289, p = 0.0008). Cp activity may aid in diagnosing illness in black and white rhinos, based on values observed in sera collected near the time of death. However, acute inflammatory processes do not appear to be one of the primary drivers of the high ferritin concentrations detected in some black rhinos.
Systemic Potential Aspects of CBDCs
Authors: Ghymers Christian
Published: October 2024

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) appear as a necessary step for preserving monetary sovereignty and seizing the benefits of digitalization for the efficiency of payments and financial inclusion. Their blockchain technology permits significantly faster, safer, cheaper payments than cash or bank accounts, particularly for cross-border payments. They will probably affect bank profitability, increasing competition for funding them and they will also increase the effects of interest rate adjustments on the economy (higher efficiency of monetary policy). But, more importantly, CBDCs carry the necessary potential to shake up the status quo of the international monetary system thanks to their technological properties. Basically, CBDCs eradicate the difference between domestic and cross-border transactions, eliminating the intermediary costs, risks (credit and liquidity risks), and delays required by the traditional cross-border payments. Moreover, they might act as a systemic “game-changer” by triggering two mutually supportive developments: (i) a strong increase in currency substitution implying higher exchange-rate volatility and (ii) a fast-growing demand for digital SDRs that will become costless by bundling and unbundling their five CBDCs components, therefore providing the most competitive safe asset and the best vehicle for the Forex and “repo” transactions. This e-SDR could become the missing tool for stabilizing global liquidity and emerge as a multilateral reserve currency, which would upgrade the IMF into a global Lender-of-Last-Resort. The IMF could issue or withdraw e-SDRs for stabilizing global liquidity, and the costly Triffin Dilemma could be efficiently solved.
Consumer Protection and Financial Innovation: Microeconomic, Policy, and Behavioral Considerations for the Digital Era
Authors: Barkas Panagiotis
Published: October 2024

In the digital era, financial innovation has transformed the financial services landscape, providing greater accessibility and convenience for consumers. Yet, the comparative advantages it presents and the facilities it has recently offered to firms and investors do not always come at a low cost, particularly in the form of externalities. These costs may appear while consumers use financial innovations or services that may engender predatory lending practices, the misuse of complex financial products, or other consumer threats. At the same time, governments and international bodies have introduced various investor protection measures, such as consumer disclosures, consumer education programs, and stricter regulatory oversight. While financial innovation has brought about great opportunities for international portfolio allocation and risk diversification, the contagion and regulatory shortcomings render the international regulatory cooperation imperative. The chapter closes by examining the way that future regulatory frameworks should ensure their relevance by embedding more behavioral components in the analysis of digital and other financial innovations when endeavoring to align efficiency and growth targets with consumer protection.
Fighting Crime and Preserving Democracy in Latin America
Authors: Breda Tiziano
Published: October 2024

This academic article examines the expansion of Nayib Bukele’s popular crackdown on gangs throughout Latin America and its potential risks to democratic setbacks. While Bukele’s approach has garnered widespread attention for its effectiveness in reducing gang-related violence, questions arise regarding its implications for democracy. This article evaluates whether Bukele’s tactics have been an electoral game changer in the region by analysing the experiences of Latin American countries, particularly focusing on the 2023 elections where candidates proposing similar anti-gang strategies have not ascended to the presidency. Through a comprehensive examination of these cases, we elucidate the complex interplay between anti-gang policies, democratic stability, and electoral outcomes in Latin America.
Revisiting the Democratic Foundations of European Integration During the Permacrisis
Authors: Katsikas Dimitris
Published: October 2024

The European Union (EU) has experienced several shocks in recent years. During this time, its performance as crisis manager was not consistent; in some cases, like the Eurocrisis and the refugee crisis, its handling cannot be considered successful, while in others, like the pandemic and, up to a point, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU’s performance was undoubtedly better. Given the EU’s inconsistent performance across different crisis episodes, we employ Easton’s diffuse support concept, to gauge the impact of permacrisis, as an extended period of stress and insecurity, on citizens’ support for European integration. We use Eurobarometer data on different aspects of public attitudes vis-à-vis the EU during the last 15 years. The findings show that overall, the EU seems to have benefited in terms of popular support, strengthening thereby its democratic legitimacy. On the other hand, the share of people who state that they do not trust the EU or that they are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in the EU has also risen over time. In other words, we observe a bifurcation of citizens’ attitudes, whereby both positive and negative answers have risen. This outcome is consistent with the idea that the EU has become more politicized during a period marked by successive crises.
Introduction and Background
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

The origins of the book are introduced. The book derives from a knowledge exchange set of meetings primarily between industrial experts and academics. The chapter introduces the principal issues around hydrogen as an energy carrier. In particular its potential role in a low carbon energy system is described. The concept of the ‘rainbow colours of hydrogen’ is introduced and key colours of hydrogen denoting various production methods are explained.
Innovations to Watch
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces a set of ideas that go beyond those presented in chapter 3. The chapter gives voice to independent experts, sometimes in collaboration with book authors to explore emerging concepts. The ideas presented have the potential to shape the future trajectory of the hydrogen industry. The key concepts include: geological hydrogen, hydrogen and nuclear energy, methane pyrolysis, hydrogen cryomagnetics, and hydrogen for aviation.
Circularity Criteria and Indicators at the Construction Material Level
Authors: Pineda-Martos Rocío , Askar Rand , Karaca Ferhat , De Simone Marilena , Borg Ruben Paul , Malešev Mirjana , Radonjanin Vlastimir , Bas Bilge , Çavdar Ayfer Dönmez , Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Rosado Leonardo , Bragança Luís
Published: October 2024

Circular economy (CE) approaches highlight the potential of construction materials to achieve circularity and sustainability in resource-efficient construction systems and industries. Implementing CE at the material level involves factors such as efficiency, durability, waste reduction through recirculation, and replacement, while encompassing criteria that define circularity in building materials. Understanding the inherent characteristics and behaviours of these materials is crucial for maximising their circularity potential. This chapter analyses key properties of traditional construction materials, such as concrete and steel, alongside novel sustainable materials like bamboo, timber, and biomaterials. It identifies and proposes methods to promote circularity at the material level. Additionally, the chapter explores the application of CE principles to both traditional and innovative construction materials. Furthermore, the chapter discusses indicators designed to assess circularity at the material level, serving as valuable tools for informing decision-making and implementation practices in the construction sector. Various types of indicators are presented, categorised as strategic, generic performance, performance, and water consumption indicators. Strategies aligned with waste hierarchy principles are outlined, emphasising the reduction of construction and demolition waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, and optimising costs and water resources.
Material and Building Passports as Supportive Tools for Enhancing Circularity in Buildings
Authors: Leindecker Gerald , Askar Rand , Güngör Bengü , Blázquez Teresa , Turbina Nika , Gómez-Gil Marta , Karanafti Aikaterina , Bragança Luís , De Wolf Catherine
Published: October 2024

The twin transition driven by European agendas emphasises the dual benefits of integrating digital technologies with green sustainability concepts. In the built environment and construction sector, this integration is exemplified by leveraging digitalisation to enhance circularity in construction processes. This chapter explores this synergy by focusing on the development and application of Material and Building Passports (MPs and BPs). It discusses how these passports are digitally utilised to optimise circularity aspects of buildings and construction materials. The chapter delineates the evolution of MPs and BPs, clarifying their various definitions, variants, and potential applications to support the sector's twin transition. Additionally, it examines numerous initiatives and pilot projects aimed at defining the passports, including their requirements and conditions, and the standardisation efforts to ensure their widespread adoption through a unified content structure. The roles of MPs and BPs across different lifecycle stages are elaborated, with a particular emphasis on the enhanced functionalities enabled by Building Information Modelling (BIM). Moreover, the chapter identifies several barriers impeding the full adoption of these passports, such as legislative and standardisation challenges, information security concerns, lack of collaboration, and issues with information accessibility and sharing. It concludes by suggesting future research directions to further refine the passports for optimised use by construction industry stakeholders.
Implementation and Consideration of Circularity Within International Sustainability Assessment Methods
Authors: Giarma Christina , Lombardi Patrizia , Askar Rand , Trubina Nika , Santana Tovar Daniela , Salles Adriana , Oral Hasan Volkan , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Karanafti Aikaterina , Feizollahbeigi Bahar , Mateus Ricardo , Torabi Moghadam Sara , Turk Janez , Borg Ruben Paul , Bragança Luís
Published: October 2024

The construction sector is a major contributor to environmental degradation, prompting the need for integrating sustainability into its practices. This need has driven the development of sustainability assessment methods across various scales of the built environment. Simultaneously, the recent emphasis on Circular Economy (CE) principles has introduced challenges in translating these principles into measurable outcomes within the construction sector. This study aims to investigate the extent to which circularity principles are embedded within existing sustainability assessment methods for new buildings. The study begins by addressing the interrelationships and distinctions between circularity and sustainability concepts, establishing a foundation for the subsequent analysis. Five internationally recognised sustainability assessment methods for new buildings—BREEAM, DGNB, LEED, Level(s), SBTool—were examined to assess their incorporation of circularity aspects. Each component of these methods was scrutinised for alignment with the 10 circularity strategies outlined in the well-established 10-R framework of waste hierarchy. Expert groups, consisting of CircularB COST Action members, independently evaluated the methods and provided opinions on the direct and indirect associations between the assessed components and the 10-R principles. Disagreements were resolved through group discussions. The analysis revealed varying degrees of integration and explicit reference to circularity principles across the assessed methods. The study also highlighted the subjectivity inherent in identifying correlations and the challenges connected to linking certain circularity-related concepts in the built environment—such as resilience and adaptability—with the 10-R strategies. The findings underscore the need for a more in-depth analysis before making direct comparisons of the integration of circularity principles among different sustainability assessment methods, given their methodological differences. The study also identifies directions for future research.
Stakeholders’ Role, Inter-Relationships, and Obstacles in the Implementation of Circular Economy
Authors: Bajare Diana , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Yiatros Stylianos , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Cidik Mustafa Selcuk , Schiller Georg , Zhang Ning , Rizzo Agatino , Tambovceva Tatjana , Hendawy Mennatullah , Cavdar Ayfer Donmez , Borg Paul Ruben
Published: October 2024

The building sector contributes around 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions and consumes nearly 40% of all the energy produced. Over the whole life cycle, the building sector yields over 35% of the EU's total waste generation. These facts substantiate the necessity to implement circular economy in the built environments, in order to mitigate global warming and climate change emergency. This chapter highlights the state-of-the-art knowledge and research gap with respect to the stakeholders’ influences, inter-relationships, and obstacles for circular economy implementation on building stocks. In this chapter, a robust critical literature review of key documentations such as research articles, industry standards, policy reports, strategic roadmaps, case studies, and white papers has been rigorously conducted together with expert interviews. The state-of-the-art review addresses multi scales of CE practices adopted within the built environments. This chapter spells out current challenges and obstacles often encountered by various stakeholders. Case studies related to circular economy implementation have been drawn in order to promote such the CE practices across value chains in different regions and counties; and to overcome the barriers for circular economy implementation.
Circular Value Chain Management—Barriers and Opportunities
Authors: Bajare Diana , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Rizaov Denis , Tambovceva Tatjana , Cudečka-Purina Natālija , Atstāja Dzintra , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Kripa Dorina , Nano Xhesila , Marangos Orestes , Nisiforou Olympia , Yiatros Stylianos , Tornaghi Marco Lamperti , Tleuken Aidana , Bragança Luís , Salles Adriana , Askar Rand , Turkyilmaz Ali , Laudal Thomas , Giarma Christina , Azhgaliyeva Dina , Karaca Ferhat , Cavdar Ayfer Donmez
Published: October 2024

This section is devoted to analyzing the construction industry as one of the significant industries within the economy of any country with a high potential for circularity. According to Huovila and Westerholm [1], the buildings and construction sector is an essential contributor to environmental impacts and wealth creation in society, with social consequences. Globally, construction uses 36% of the energy, produces 39% of emissions, up to 40% of waste, and uses 50% of all the extracted materials. This undoubtedly emphasizes the significance of the industry and the necessity to transform it from a linear business model development towards a circular one to maintain the higher added value of the resources already currently in the economic cycle and significantly impact the consumption of primary resources. This section will provide an overview of different obstacles in the industry, followed by gaps in awareness and knowledge of the stakeholders and various case studies carried out during the research to highlight the potential solutions for shifting the mindsets and business models operating within the construction sector. The section also provides high-quality examples of successful study courses that can be integrated into different study programs to prepare highly-professional specialists in the construction industry or provide general knowledge on the industry and it’s potential for circularity for any other stakeholders.
CE Management
Authors: Bajare Diana , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Vaiciukyniene Danute , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Cidik Mustafa Selcuk , Tambovceva Tatjana , Kahraman Ilker , Kilic Gokhan , Cavdar Ayfer Donmez
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents a deep discussion of the recent case studies on implementation of best practices and strategies for the circular economy, and an integrated approach to CE management in the built environment. The case studies were evaluated by the following aspects: Design for Circular Economy; Resource Optimization; Collaborative Approaches; Digital Technologies; Policy and Regulatory Frameworks; Consumer Engagement; Life Cycle Assessment; Circular Business Models; Smart Monitoring and Evaluation; Stakeholder Collaboration. These studies indicated the diversity of best practices in CE management in different fields. On the other hand, a strategic planning and collaborative development of circular practices with relevant stakeholders are crucial for the effective development and implementation of circular capabilities and initiatives in the built environment.
Design for Circularity, Design for Adaptability, Design for Disassembly
Authors: Tsoka Stella , Tsikaloudaki Katerina
Published: October 2024

This chapter summarizes the basic principles of the Design for Circularity, Design for Adaptability and Design for Disassembly in the design face of building projects. The chapter initially provides a general overview of the circularity principles and the 10R incorporation in the design of circular buildings. At a second step, the basic actions to promote the adaptability and the modularity are presented and discussed.
Conformal anomalies for (maximal) 6d conformal supergravity
Authors: Casarin Lorenzo , Kennedy Christian , Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We compute the conformal anomalies for 6d (2,0) conformal supergravity by direct calculation in component fields. The main novel results consist of the type-B anomaly coefficients for the gravitino and the 3-form, as well as their explicit quadratic action on some specific backgrounds. We also comment on the graviton contribution, whose Lagrangian is essentially given by the 𝒬-curvature. We confirm the expectation that, when coupling (2,0) conformal supergravity to 26 copies of the (2,0) tensor multiplet, the resulting theory is free of conformal anomalies. We also consider the conformal anomalies for its (1,0) truncation and confirm their relation with the chiral anomaly polynomial recently derived. For calculating the anomalies, we work with an Einstein on-shell background and make a factorised Ansatz for the operators governing the quadratic fluctuations. This reduces the calculation to evaluating heat-kernel coefficients of standard 2-derivative operators. We fix and check our Ansatz against the explicit evaluation of the component-field supergravity action in some cases.
Inverse problem of correlation functions in holography
Authors: Fan Bo-Wen , Yang Run-Qiu
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper shows that the bulk metric of a planar/spherically/hyperbolically symmetric asymptotically anti-de Sitter static black brane/hole can be reconstructed from its boundary frequency 2-point correlation functions of two probe scalar operators by solving Gel’fand-Levitan-Marchenko integral equation. Since the frequency correlation function is easily handled in experiments and theories, this paper not only proposes a new method to “measure” the corresponding holographic spacetime for a material that has holographic dual but also provides an approach to experimentally check if a system has holographic dual.
Axion production via trapped misalignment from Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking
Authors: Di Luzio Luca , Sørensen Philip
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry does not need to be exact, and even a tiny source of PQ breaking not aligned with the QCD anomaly might have significant phenomenological implications. In this study, we examine the effects of a general class of PQ-breaking operators on the axion cosmological production via misalignment, focussing on both temperature-dependent and independent PQ-breaking potentials. In particular, we show that a variant of the trapped misalignment mechanism can delay the onset of axion oscillation, leading to an axion dark matter window with ma ≫ 10−5 eV. This scenario is testable through various experimental approaches, including standard axion haloscopes and helioscopes, as well as searches for electric dipole moments and axion-mediated forces.
Gender attitudes and business venturing in low gender egalitarianism culture: a study of Egypt and Jordan
Authors: Nguyen Bach , Shami Muntasir , Li Fujia
Published: October 2024

This study examines the link between individuals’ gender attitudes and their engagement in entrepreneurial activities. Grounded in the social feminist perspective within institutional theory, the research posits that those holding egalitarian views on gender are more inclined to participate in business ventures. The analysis focuses on Egypt and Jordan, where institutional frameworks of gender-based discrimination significantly shape social dynamics. Employing an instrumental variable approach to address endogeneity concerns, the findings suggest a positive association between egalitarian gender attitudes and involvement in entrepreneurship. This relationship appears particularly pronounced for women, older individuals, and those with higher educational attainment. Given the limited understanding of how gender attitudes influence entrepreneurial engagement, this study contributes to the literature by identifying which attitudes may foster greater involvement in business venturing. Furthermore, it adds value by examining the relatively underexplored contexts of Egypt and Jordan.
Present Trends in Analytical Methods for Determination of Multi-groups Environmental Contaminants Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons, Phthalates, Alkylphenol Ethoxylates, Alkylphenols, and Butylated Hydroxytoluene in River Sediments
Authors: Rusiňáková Katarína , Brenkus Marcel , Návojová Veronika Koperová , Kirchner Michal , Hrouzková Svetlana
Published: October 2024

This paper is focused on an overview of developments and validation procedures in analytical methods for the detection and quantification of emerging contaminants from multiple groups of environmental contaminants in the environment: polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate esters (PEs), alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), alkylphenols (APs), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in river sediments. Especially, the simultaneous extraction of several analyte groups from sediment samples is currently uncommon, but from the perspective of green analytical chemistry, it is highly desirable. In simultaneous analysis, multiple groups of substances are determined at once instead of through several individual analyses, saving energy, time, and chemicals while significantly increasing laboratory throughput. This review reports different approaches for monitoring the presence of environmental contaminants from four different groups of contaminants from river sediments. There are plenty of sampling techniques, with the core and grab sampling being the most employed at present. Sample preparation is a challenging part of the whole analytical method, providing ample opportunity for optimization in accordance with green analytical chemistry principles. Various extraction schemes, including ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques, accelerated solvent extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction are energy-intensive techniques but may be considered "green" due to their possibility to reduce the consumption of organic solvents, which are usually considered toxic. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe extraction (QuEChERS) in the case of satisfactory validation parameters is well-evaluated and utilized. The most recent developments in extraction and clean-up techniques for simultaneous analysis of two, three or four groups of contaminants are showing promising results. Separation and detection techniques are shortly discussed. Further optimizations of analytical methodologies are needed, and future developments in the field of analytical methods for sediment samples are expected for more efficient and faster acquisition of data on the presence of contaminants in real monitoring samples.
LCA standards for environmental product assessments in the bioeconomy with a focus on biogenic carbon: A systematic review
Authors: Pscherer Theresa , Krommes Sandra
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Climate change mitigation is one of the priorities of the European Bioeconomy Strategy (BES). In this regard, renewable raw materials are a crucial resource, as they help to substitute fossil resources and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by storing biogenic carbon (C). To control the environmental impact of the European BES, the life cycle assessment (LCA) is the preferred method. Standards provide guidance for LCA. This review aims to present the state of the art of LCA-related standards, focusing on the assessment of biogenic C and its global warming potential (GWP) to evaluate them for decision-making with regard to the transition to a bioeconomy (BE) and climate change mitigation.

Methods

A systematic review is conducted using the database Nautos to reveal the relevant standards guiding LCA in the BE. In an iterative process, criteria for a comparative analysis are defined. The eligible standards are then qualitatively analysed and compared based on criteria previously derived in the iterative process.

Results and discussion

In the context of LCA and bio-based products, 13 documents are identified. Differences are revealed in the accounting of biogenic C flows, the calculation of the duration of biogenic C storage and the biogenic C content as well as the consideration of substitution effects. Furthermore, the standards do not provide any information on the assessment of biogenic C in the circular economy so far.

Conclusion

The importance of biogenic C aspects in LCA has been reflected in the standards over the last 20 years. However, further research is needed to harmonise the different aspects and integrate new relevant ones related to biogenic C and BE to support decision-making for the transition to a BE. This becomes more important as new legislation refers to LCA standards as the preferred assessment method.
Shape and stability of rotation sets for incompressible flows on the torus
Authors: Bonomo Wescley , Lima Heides , Varandas Paulo
Published: October 2024

In this paper we introduce the concept of rotation cones, determined by rotation sets, and use these to describe the stability of rotation sets of incompressible and fixed-point free continuous flows on the torus

$$\mathbb{T}^{d}$$

T

d

, d ⩾ 2. The previous concept is equivalent and extends the stability of rotation numbers (and rotation vectors) in the special case of fixed-point free continuous flows on

$$\mathbb{T}^{2}$$

T

2

. We prove that incompressible Lipschitz vector fields with stable rotation sets have convex rotation cones with non-empty interior, and that all extremal edges are collinear with vectors in ℤ
d
. If, in addition, the rotation cones are proper, then these are polyhedral with finitely many edges. Finally we prove that the set of vector fields with stable rotation sets is C
0-open and dense among those having proper rotation cones.
Extrusion-Based Three-Dimensional Printing of Metronidazole Immediate Release Tablets: Impact of Processing Parameters and in Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Bhatkande Atharva , Narala Sagar , Wang Honghe , Narala Nagarjuna , Karnik Indrajeet , Vemula Sateesh Kumar , Repka Michael A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The current study assessed the potential of a pneumatic 3D printer in developing a taste-masked tablet in a single step. Metronidazole (MTZ) was chosen as the model drug, and Eudragit® E PO was used as a taste-masking polymer to produce taste-masked tablets.

Methods

The study focused on optimizing processing parameters, such as the nozzle's printing speed, the printhead's heating temperature, and the pressure. Oval-shaped tablets were printed with a rectilinear printing pattern of 30% and 100% infill and evaluated for in vitro drug release and taste masking. The 3D-printed tablets are also characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Results

The infill density impacts the drug release profile of the tablets. F9, F10, and F11 displayed desired printability among the formulations, with F9 and F10 exhibiting over 85% drug release within 60 min in the in vitro dissolution study. The F9 formulation, with 30% infill, effectively masked the bitter taste of MTZ in the in vitro dissolution study carried out in a pH 6.8 artificial salivary medium. The observed release was below the tasting threshold concentration of the model drug.

Conclusion

In summary, 3-dimensional extrusion-based printing combines the effects of hot-melt extrusion and fused deposition modeling techniques in a single-step process, demonstrating potential as an alternative to the fused-deposition model 3D printing technique and warranting further exploration.

Graphical Abstract
Grain size control in quasi-two-dimensional perovskite thin film via intermediate phase engineering for efficient bound exciton generation
Authors: Li Guohui , Zhao Wenhui , Lin Kai , Zhao Kefan , Wang Yujing , Niu Aohua , Weng Rong , Zheng Kaibo , Cui Yanxia
Published: October 2024

Quasi-two dimensional (2D) perovskites have emerged as a promising class of materials due to their remarkable photoluminescence efficiency, which stems from their exceptionally high exciton binding energies. The spatial confinement of excitons within smaller grain sizes could enhance the formation of biexcitons leading to higher radiative recombination efficiency. However, the synthesis of high-quality quasi-2D perovskite thin films with controllable grain sizes remains a challenging task. In this study, we present a facile method for achieving quasi-2D perovskite thin films with controllable grain sizes ranging from 500 to 900 nm. This is accomplished by intermediate phase engineering during the film fabrication process. Our results demonstrate that quasi-2D perovskite films with smaller grain sizes exhibit more efficient bound exciton generation and a reduced stimulated emission threshold down to 15.89 µJ cm−2. Furthermore, femtosecond transient absorption measurements reveal that the decay time of bound excitons is shorter in quasi-2D perovskites with smaller grain sizes compared to that of those with larger grains at the same pump density, which is 230.5 ps. This observation suggests a more efficient exciton recombination process in the smaller grain size regime. Our findings would offer a promising approach for the development of efficient bound exciton lasers.
Exploring Vygotsky’s Archives
Authors: van der Veer René
Published: October 2024

In this paper it is argued that a full understanding of Vygotsky’s legacy should be based on the study of not just his published writings but also on his notebooks, manuscripts, and correspondence. The author provides several examples of hitherto unknown findings that illustrate his argument.
Myth and Territory in the Spartan Mediterranean
Authors: Malkin Irad , Purcell Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Greek attitudes to settlement and territory were often articulated through myths and cults. This book emphasizes less the poetic, timeless qualities of the myths than their historical function in the archaic and Classical periods, covering the spectrum from explicit charter myths legitimating conquest, displacement, and settlement to the 'precedent-setting' and even aetiological myths, rendering new landscapes 'Greek'. This spectrum is broadest in the world of Spartan colonization – the Spartan Mediterranean – where the greater challenges to territorial possession and Sparta's acute self-awareness of its relative national youthfulness elicited explicit responses in the form of charter myths. The concept of a Spartan Mediterranean, in contrast to the image of a land-locked Sparta, is a major contribution of this book. This revised edition contains a substantial new Introduction which engages with critical and scholarly developments on Sparta since the original publication.
Study on electric towing tractor quantity based on cellular automata
Authors: Liu Y. , Cheng X. , Tang D. , Zhang J. , Luo X.
Published: October 2024

Aircraft ground taxiing contributes significantly to carbon emissions and engine wear. The electric towing tractor (ETT) addresses these issues by towing the aircraft to the runway end, thereby minimising ground taxiing. As the complexity of ETT towing operations increases, both the towing distance and time increase significantly, and the original method for estimating the number of ETTs is no longer applicable. Due to the substantial acquisition cost of ETT and the need to reduce waste while ensuring operational efficiency, this paper introduces for the first time an ETT quantity estimation model that combines simulation and vehicle scheduling models. The simulation model simulates the impact of ETT on apron operations, taxiing on taxiways and takeoffs and landings on runways. Key timing points for ETT usage by each aircraft are identified through simulation, forming the basis for determining the minimum number of vehicles required for airport operations using a hard-time window vehicle scheduling model. To ensure the validity of the model, simulation model verification is conducted. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of vehicle speed and airport scale on the required number of ETTs. The results demonstrate the effective representation of real-airport operations by the simulation model. ETT speed, airport runway and taxiway configurations, takeoff and landing frequencies and imbalances during peak periods all impact the required quantity of ETTs. A comprehensive approach considering these factors is necessary to determine the optimal number of ETTs.
Community Engagement Studios to advance multi-site research with older adults
Authors: Masel Meredith C. , Cavanaugh Kerri L. , Croisant Sharon P. , Bohn Krista , Goodwin James S. , Bruce Martha L. , Barr Paul J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Operationalizing multi-site Community Engagement (CE) Studios to inform a research program is valuable for researchers. We describe the process and outcomes of hosting three CE Studios with Community Experts aged 65 years or older with chronic conditions and care partners of older adults. Experts gave feedback about processes for testing the feasibility, efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation of audio recording clinic visits and sharing recordings with patients who have multimorbidity and their care partners.

Methods:

The CE Cores of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Programs at three academic health science centers created a joint CE Studio guide. Studios were conducted iteratively by site. Following receipt of the final reports, responses were compared to find themes, similarities, and differences on four topics in addition to overall commentary: Recruitment and Retention, Study Protocol, Study Reminders and Frequency, and Recording Technology.

Results:

Eighteen older adults and care partners in three states provided valuable feedback to inform multi-site trials. Feedback influenced multiple aspects of trials in process or subsequently funded. Experts provided critique on the wording of study invitations, information sheets, and reminders to engage in study procedures. Experts were concerned for participants being disappointed by randomization to a control arm and advised how investigators should prepare to address that.

Conclusions:

Multi-site CE Studios should be consecutive, so each team can learn from the previous teams. Using the CES Toolkit ensures that final reports were easily comparable and utilized to develop a research program that now includes three federally funded clinical trials.
Examining the impact of the QUARTET USA trial using the translational science benefits model
Authors: Iyer Guhan , Lazar Danielle , Baldridge Abigail S. , Mejia Jairo , Chow Clara K. , Kandula Namratha R. , Sanuade Olutobi A. , Rosul Linda , Ciolino Jody D. , Huffman Mark D.
Published: October 2024

Evaluation of benefits beyond quantitative academic outputs is essential in determining translational research value. We used the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) to examine the impact of the QUARTET USA trial using 30 benefits across 4 domains: Clinical, Community, Economic, and Policy. We found that the QUARTET USA trial demonstrated impact in six areas within the Clinical, and Community domains and had potential impact in two additional areas within the Community and Economic domains. Use of the TSBM supports the value of the QUARTET USA trial, which can be used as a template for future cardiovascular trials.
Context-aware crowd monitoring for sports games using crowd-induced floor vibrations
Authors: Dong Yiwen , Wu Yuyan , Chang Yen-Cheng , Aggarwal Jatin , Codling Jesse R , Latapie Hugo , Zhang Pei , Noh Hae Young
Published: October 2024

Crowd monitoring for sports games is important to improve public safety, game experience, and venue management. Recent crowd-crushing incidents (e.g., the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster) have caused 100+ deaths, calling for advancements in crowd-monitoring methods. Existing monitoring approaches include manual observation, wearables, video-, audio-, and WiFi-based sensing. However, few meet the practical needs due to their limitations in cost, privacy protection, and accuracy.

In this paper, we introduce a novel crowd monitoring method that leverages floor vibrations to infer crowd reactions (e.g., clapping) and traffic (i.e., the number of people entering) in sports stadiums. Our method allows continuous crowd monitoring in a privacy-friendly and cost-effective way. Unlike monitoring one person, crowd monitoring involves a large population, leading to high uncertainty in the vibration data. To overcome the challenge, we bring in the context of crowd behaviors, including (1) temporal context to inform crowd reactions to the highlights of the game and (2) spatial context to inform crowd traffic in relation to the facility layouts. We deployed our system at Stanford Maples Pavilion and Michigan Stadium for real-world evaluation, which shows a 14.7% and 12.5% error reduction compared to the baseline methods without the context information.
Enhancing First Responder Safety in Nuclear Radiological Emergencies: A Systematic Literature Review of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training to Promote Self-Efficacy Among First Responders
Authors: Noel Chaverle K , Bruce Erica , Ryan Benjamin
Published: October 2024

Objective

Nuclear radiological emergencies are classified as low frequency, but high impact events. Radiophobia and fear of deleterious outcomes often evokes hesitancy among responders. This review explored PPE use as a protective mechanism for responders’ safety and identified tools that promote PPE efficacy among first responders during nuclear radiological events.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using five scientific databases. More than 5,500 articles were screened to identify literature relating to “PPE use” by first responders during “nuclear radiological events”.

Results

Regulatory agencies such as the IAEA and the NRC assert that PPE, (when worn correctly and consistently) minimizes radiation exposure. Adequate training of first responders emerged as a critical determinant to support appropriate PPE selection and usage during radiological emergencies. This included new employee trainings and refresher courses for existing employees. Pedagogical tools highlighted in the literature included tabletop exercises, safety huddles, trial runs for donning and doffing of new gear (with emphasis on air-fed suits), just-in-time training and virtual reality simulations.

Conclusions

Education on the effective use of PPE is essential to promote self-efficacy among medical staff and other first responders during nuclear radiological events. Comprehensive training will reduce unintended exposures, decrease hesitancy, and maximize employee safety.