bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathognomonic features of Pasteurella multocida isolates among various avian species in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: El-Demerdash Azza S. , Mowafy Rehab E. , Fahmy Hanan A. , Matter Ahmed A. , Samir Mohamed
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to isolate Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) from pulmonary cases in several avian species and then investigate the histopathological features, antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence characteristics, and risk factors analysis of the isolates in each species in correlation with epidemiological mapping of pasteurellosis in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The obtained data revealed a total occurrence of 9.4% (30/317) of P. multocida among the examined birds (chickens, ducks, quails, and turkeys). The incidence rate was influenced by avian species, climate, breed, age, clinical signs, and sample type. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates were sensitive to florfenicol and enrofloxacin, while 86.6 and 73.3% of the isolates displayed resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and erythromycin, respectively. All of the P. multocida isolates showed a multiple-drug resistant pattern with an average index of 0.43. Molecular characterization revealed that the oma87, sodA, and ptfA virulence genes were detected in the all examined P. multocida isolates. The ermX (erythromycin), blaROB-1 (β-lactam), and mcr-1(colistin) resistance genes were present in 60, 46.6, and 40% of the isolates, respectively. Ducks and quails were the most virulent and harbored species of antimicrobial-resistant genes. These results were in parallel with postmortem and histopathological examinations which detected more severe interstitial pneumonia lesions in the trachea and lung, congestion, and cellular infiltration especially in ducks. Epidemiological mapping revealed that the Fakous district was the most susceptible to pasteurellosis infection. Thus, farmers are recommended to monitor their flocks for signs of respiratory disease, seek veterinary care promptly if any birds are sick, and avoid the random usage of antibiotics. In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive picture of the risk factors in correlation to the pathognomonic characteristics of P. multocida infection in poultry sectors to help in developing more effective strategies for prevention and control.
The virtuous cycle of entrepreneurial identity and experience – a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Belchior Ricardo Figueiredo , Castro-Silva Hugo
Published: October 2023

Entrepreneurial identity represents a powerful motivating force that can help explain individuals’ entrepreneurial activity and has been found to be relevant to several new business venturing decisions. Although identity may entail some degree of temporal stability, personal agency and social interactions may change it. While understanding entrepreneurial identity formation and development is a promising research topic, longitudinal analyses are lacking. In this study, we propose a longitudinal model in which intra-individual entrepreneurial identity aspirations exhibit path dependency, and test different types of entrepreneurial experiences as mediators affecting this relationship. Applying structural equation modeling to a longitudinal sample composed of individuals formerly enrolled in higher education programs, we found that past entrepreneurial identity aspirations predicted identity aspirations 11 years later. We also found that, while prior successful entrepreneurial experiences positively influenced current identity aspirations, unsuccessful experiences did not decrease them. It is noteworthy that these results hold even when considering working for others in new business projects as an (indirect) entrepreneurial experience. Our study contributes to the literature by extending the scarce longitudinal evidence that supports the temporal stability of entrepreneurial identity and by adding novel evidence regarding the mediating impact of real-life entrepreneurial experiences while considering both their direct and indirect nature and their positive and negative outcomes. This study may be relevant to policymakers and entrepreneurship educators by providing evidence of a virtuous cycle between entrepreneurial identity and action and its boundary conditions.
Actualization of teaching conceptions in lesson design: how teaching conceptions shape TPACK regarding spherical video-based virtual reality-supported writing instruction
Authors: Chen Mengyuan , Chai Ching-sing , Jong Morris Siu-Yung
Published: October 2023

The effective application of spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) in writing education depends on teachers’ lesson design, which is deeply influenced by their technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). However, how teaching conceptions, as the fundamental viewpoint that influences teachers’ teaching focuses, shape their TPACK remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore how teachers’ conceptions shape their TPACK regarding SVVR-supported writing instruction. Twenty-one secondary school teachers participated in this study and conducted one semester of SVVR-supported writing lessons. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and the interview transcriptions were analyzed using content analysis to explore the association between the teaching conceptions and TPACK. Teaching conceptions were classified into three orientations, namely skill, community, and identity, to reflect the teachers’ teaching focuses. TPACK was classified into three categories, namely Replacement, Amplification, and Transformation, to indicate the levels of integrating SVVR into the writing lessons. The results showed that teachers with students’ identity-focused conceptions shaped their TPACK at the Transformation level of SVVR integration. Teachers with community-focused conceptions developed students’ emotional connections with people and places through their TPACK for deeper writing. Teachers with skill-focused conceptions, on the other hand, shaped their TPACK at the Replacement level that replaced the existing teaching activities and resources with SVVR to teach students writing skills. The findings suggest that teachers may need to shift the conceptions of writing instruction toward identity orientation to develop transformative TPACK.
Young People’s Perceptions of the Effects and Value of Sports Betting Inducements
Authors: Di Censo Gianluca , Delfabbro Paul , King Daniel L.
Published: October 2023

Recent research has focused on investigating the impact of sports betting inducements on individuals' gambling behaviour. Younger people are an important demographic, as they exhibit higher rates of sports betting engagement and are at a formative stage of life where they may be more vulnerable to potential harm. This study investigates how young people perceive the impact of four different types of betting inducements on betting behaviour. These inducements included sign-up, bonus bets, increased odds and stake-back offers. We recruited 130 participants (71.5% male) aged between 18 and 24 to complete an online survey. Participants were presented with four betting inducements that resembled social media betting advertisements. Participants were subsequently asked about how likely they were to place a bet and if they would be more likely to engage in higher-risk betting had they received each inducement. They also reported their perceived value of each inducement. The findings indicate that sign-up and bonus bet inducements were perceived to have a stronger influence on increasing betting behaviour and engaging in higher-risk gambling compared to stake-back and increased odds inducements. These inducements were also seen as having greater promotional value. Those who experience gambling problems were found to be more inclined to believe that incentives could motivate them to engage in riskier gambling behaviours. The study provides needed data on the effects of exposing participants to purposely designed promotions for betting inducements. The findings suggest that implementing policies to restrict inducements for sports betting could help mitigate gambling-related harm among young people. This appears especially true for incentives that lower the cost of betting or offer free bets.
Low-cost system for real-time verification of personal protective equipment in industrial facilities using edge computing devices
Authors: Lema Darío G. , Usamentiaga Rubén , García Daniel F.
Published: October 2023

Ensure worker safety in the industry is crucial. Despite efforts to improve safety, statistics show a plateau in the reduction of these accidents in recent years. To decrease the number of accidents, compliance with established industrial safety standards and regulations by competent authorities must be ensured, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE usage is of paramount importance, as it is essential to prevent accidents from occurring. This work aims to improve worker safety by verifying PPE usage. Technology plays a key role here. A cost-effective solution is proposed to monitor PPE usage in real time. Most existing safety control systems are costly and require considerable maintenance. A low-cost computer vision system is proposed to supervise safety in industrial facilities. This system uses object detection and tracking technology in low-cost embedded devices and can generate alarms in real time if PPE is not used. Unlike other works, temporal information is used to generate the alarms. Safety managers receive this information to take necessary actions. Emphasis has been placed on cost, scalability, and ease of use to facilitate system implementation in industrial plants. The result is an effective system that improves worker safety by verifying established safety measures at a reduced cost. The methodology used improves the Average Precision of PPE detection by 6%. In addition, unlike other studies, the problem of application deployment is addressed, which has an impact on its cost.
Shape and Size Variation in Elapid Snake Fangs and the Effects of Phylogeny and Diet
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Lee Michael S. Y. , Crowe-Riddell Jenna M. , Sherratt Emma
Published: October 2023

Recent studies have found correlations between the shape of snake teeth/fangs and diet. These studies were done at a very broad phylogenetic scale, making it desirable to test if correlations are still detectable at a narrower evolutionary scale, specifically within the family Elapidae. To this end, we studied fang shape in a dense selection of elapids representing most genera worldwide (74%). We used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to analyse fang diversity and evaluate possible correlations between fang shape, fang size, and diet. We detected weak phylogenetic signal for both shape and absolute fang size, and found that evolutionary allometry contributes a small proportion of the among-species variation. The distribution of elapid fangs in morphospace was found to be surprisingly conservative, with only a few outliers. The only three dietary categories that were found to have a significant effect on fang shape are mammals, lizards, and reptile eggs, with mammals having a significant effect also on absolute but not relative fang size. Our results show that there are disparate patterns in fang-diet relationships at different evolutionary scales. Across all venomous snakes, previous work found that fangs are strongly influenced by diet, but within elapids our study shows these same associations are weaker and often non-significant. This could result from limitations in these types of studies, or could reflect the fact that elapids are a relatively young clade, where recent extensive divergences in diet have yet to be mirrored in fang shape, suggesting a lag between changes in ecology and dental morphology.
On the automatic design of multi-objective particle swarm optimizers: experimentation and analysis
Authors: Nebro Antonio J. , López-Ibáñez Manuel , García-Nieto José , Coello Coello Carlos A.
Published: October 2023

Research in multi-objective particle swarm optimizers (MOPSOs) progresses by proposing one new MOPSO at a time. In spite of the commonalities among different MOPSOs, it is often unclear which algorithmic components are crucial for explaining the performance of a particular MOPSO design. Moreover, it is expected that different designs may perform best on different problem families and identifying a best overall MOPSO is a challenging task. We tackle this challenge here by: (1) proposing AutoMOPSO, a flexible algorithmic template for designing MOPSOs with a design space that can instantiate thousands of potential MOPSOs; and (2) searching for good-performing MOPSO designs given a family of training problems by means of an automatic configuration tool (irace). We apply this automatic design methodology to generate a MOPSO that significantly outperforms two state-of-the-art MOPSOs on four well-known bi-objective problem families. We also identify the key design choices and parameters of the winning MOPSO by means of ablation. AutoMOPSO is publicly available as part of the jMetal framework.
Sleep: An Overlooked Lifestyle Factor in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
Authors: Topan Rabia , Scott S. Mark
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

This review outlines the relationship between sleep and the GI tract in health, before appraising the association between sleep and the GI tract in disease, namely disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). We aim to explore whether sleep disturbance exacerbates DGBI symptoms or vice versa, and summarise the evidence for pharmacological and psychological treatment options.

Recent findings

Sleep disorders are more common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to healthy subjects, with a pooled prevalence of 37.6%. Sufficient evidence exists to support the use of melatonin to ameliorate overall IBS symptom severity and improve quality of life.

DGBIs are stress-sensitive disorders and simple lifestyle advice is recognised as first-line management. Sleep, a cornerstone of lifestyle management, appears to be the forgotten factor. Sleep disturbance (both duration and quality) has been associated with DGBI, namely IBS; however, further studies are required to determine whether treatment options targeted at sleep can lead to GI symptom improvement.
Variability of the Ionome of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in a Dutch National Park, with Implications for Biomonitoring
Authors: Wenting Elke , Siepel Henk , Jansen Patrick A.
Published: October 2023

The ionome—an important expression of the physiological state of organisms—is poorly known for mammals. The focus on particular tissues—such as liver, kidney, and bones—in biomonitoring of environmental pollution and potential deficiencies is based on widely held assumptions rather than solid knowledge of full mammalian ionomes. We examined the full ionome of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa), two commonly used mammals for biomonitoring, in a Dutch protected nature reserve (Veluwezoom). We used four individuals per species. We dissected 13 tissues and organs from each individuals (eight in total) of each species and measured 22 elemental concentrations in each. We assessed, for each element, how concentrations varied across tissues within and between individuals. Based on existing literature, we put our findings in the context of their function in the mammalian body. We found that the ionome was highly variable between as well as within the two species. For most elements, tissues containing the highest and lowest concentration differed between individuals. No single tissue accurately represented the accumulation of toxic elements or potential deficiencies in the bodies. Our assessment of the element’s biological roles revealed a serious lack of reference values. Our findings imply that analyses of commonly used tissues in biomonitoring do not necessarily capture bioaccumulation of toxins or potential deficiencies. We recommend establishing a centralized database of mammalian ionomes to derive reference values in future. To our knowledge, our study is one of the most complete assessments of mammalian ionomes to date.
Recent case law on equal treatment of agency workers: broad interpretation of a limited concept?
Authors: Kártyás Gábor
Published: October 2023

Directive 2008/104/EC calls for the equal treatment of agency workers and directly employed staff at the user company. This article focuses on the limits of this principle inherent in the Directive and on how the European Court of Justice has recently striven to interpret agency workers’ right to equal treatment as broadly as possible. The article also explores how the European Court of Justice has tried to broaden the material scope of agency workers’ right to equal treatment and points out the possible shortcomings of the narrow interpretation given to derogations by collective agreements. Finally, possible ways of enhancing the Directive’s effectiveness are addressed.
Memory Trace for Fear Extinction: Fragile yet Reinforceable
Authors: Liu Ying , Ye Shuai , Li Xin-Ni , Li Wei-Guang
Published: October 2023

Fear extinction is a biological process in which learned fear behavior diminishes without anticipated reinforcement, allowing the organism to re-adapt to ever-changing situations. Based on the behavioral hypothesis that extinction is new learning and forms an extinction memory, this new memory is more readily forgettable than the original fear memory. The brain’s cellular and synaptic traces underpinning this inherently fragile yet reinforceable extinction memory remain unclear. Intriguing questions are about the whereabouts of the engram neurons that emerged during extinction learning and how they constitute a dynamically evolving functional construct that works in concert to store and express the extinction memory. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the engram circuits and their neural connectivity plasticity for fear extinction, aiming to establish a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic competition between fear and extinction memories in adaptive control of conditioned fear responses.
Long-term prognostic value of the GenesWell BCT score in Asian women with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer
Authors: Fujiki Yoshitaka , Kashiwaba Masahiro , Sato Mutsumi , Kawano Junko , Teraoka Megumi , Kanemitsu Shuichi , Rai Yoshiaki , Taira Tetsuhiko , Sagara Yoshiaki , Ohi Yasuyo , Jo Uiree , Lee Young-Won , Lee Sae Byul , Gong Gyungyub , Shin Young Kee , Kwon Mi Jeong , Sagara Yasuaki
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate prediction of the risk of recurrence is crucial for optimal treatment decisions in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer. The GenesWell BCT is a molecular assay to predict the 10-year risk of distant metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the long-term prognostic value of the GenesWell BCT assay.

Methods

The BCT score was assessed in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer who did not receive chemotherapy. We compared the 15-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) between risk groups classified based on the BCT score. The risk of early (0–5 years) and late (5–15 years) recurrence was evaluated based on the BCT score classification.

Results

According to the BCT score, 366 patients from Japan and Korea were categorized as BCT low risk (83.6%) and high risk (16.4%) for distant metastasis. Median follow-up time was 17.4 years. The 15-year DMFS rate was significantly lower in the BCT high-risk group (63.3%) than in the BCT low-risk group (93.6%) (P < 0.001). The BCT risk group was an independent prognostic factor for 15-year DMFS (hazard ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval 2.13–9.88; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the BCT score was a significant predictor of late recurrence (5–15 years) in patients aged ≤ 50 years and those aged > 50 years, and added prognostic information to traditional clinical prognostic factors.

Conclusion

The BCT score can identify patients at low risk for recurrence who may not require adjuvant chemotherapy or extended endocrine therapy, regardless of age.
A story-driven gamified education on USB-based attack
Authors: Rikkers Vasco , Sarmah Dipti Kapoor
Published: October 2023

In recent years, gamification has seen a rise in usage for cyber-security training, with some of the most used elements being story and narrative. Yet there seems to be a lack of research on story-based gamification as well as how this type of gamification affects a training’s effectiveness. The goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of story-driven gamification in the prevention of USB-based attacks among students. To do this a story-driven gamified training was designed and deployed among students. It was found that story-elements were perceived to have a positive impact on the effectiveness of gamification. Testing the game showed that adding elements such as a guide and introducing characters caused the game to be more engaging and participants to learn more. Even to the extent that it was stated to be better than other gamification attempts lacking a focus on narrative. Because this research focuses on just story-elements and not other often used gamification elements such as rewards and leaderboards, it creates a clear image of how they should be used. It aids the design of a gamified training by showing what questions need to be answered to make story-elements work as effectively as possible towards the goal of the training. This also provides a foothold for future frameworks that could be made in regard to the usage of story-elements in gamification and education. During the research, there were also some questions raised that could be researched further such as a difference in results between participants with different study backgrounds.
Complex Study of the Composite Building Material Based on Flax Straw Organic Waste: Hygrothermal and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Cerny Pavel , Babenko Maryna , Bartos Petr , Kononets Yevhen , Kriz Pavel , Rabenseifer Roman , Spalek Frantisek
Published: October 2023

The focus of this study is on the hygrothermal and mechanical properties of the elaborated insulating composite based on flax straw. Flax straw is considered as an agricultural waste of organic origin, which has a high sorption capacity and a low thermal conductivity potential due to its natural porosity. Investigations on sorption moisture, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties under laboratory conditions have allowed us to develop a perspective building material suitable for use in ‘green’ construction, especially in rural areas, due to the relative accessibility of the base component. Liquid glass is proposed as a binder. The optimal composition of the filler and binder, sorption moisture, thermal conductivity and surface mapping of the proposed material were investigated. The thermal conductivity reached a minimum value of 0.0728 W m−1 K−1 at relative humidity of 50% during desorption, which is highly competitive to the values for conventional insulation materials on an organic basis. The binder was visually distributed evenly over the surface according to the SEM analysis. Corresponding to the spectral analysis by chemical elements, Na and SiO2 in total showed 17.69% quantity volume on the composite surface of 2–5 μm in depth.

Graphical Abstract
At-Home use of App-Based Mindfulness for Children: A Randomized Active-Controlled Trial
Authors: Treves Isaac N. , Olson Halie A. , Ozernov-Palchik Ola , Li Cindy E. , Wang Kimberly L. , Arechiga Xochitl M. , Goldberg Simon B. , Gabrieli John D. E.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

School-based mindfulness interventions in children have shown benefits to child well-being. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of a remote, app-based mindfulness intervention for promoting well-being in children.

Method

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two control groups to examine the effects of an 8-week mindfulness intervention in U.S. children ages 8–10. We compared pre-post effects between a mindfulness intervention using the Inner Explorer app, and two audiobook control interventions. The 279 children who participated in the interventions were assessed on self-report measures of anxiety and depression symptoms, perceived stress and trait mindfulness and we also collected parental reports.

Results

Over 80% of children completed the intervention in each condition. There was evidence for reduced self-perceived stress in children and reduced negative affect in children by parental reports using the mindfulness app, but no significant reduction for anxiety or depression symptoms. In general, between-group effect sizes were small (d < 0.45). Regular use, defined as at least 30 days of mindfulness practice within the study period, was associated with reduced child negative affect by parental reports, as well as reduced parental stress and child self-perceived stress.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that home use of a mindfulness app in young children can have a positive impact on children’s emotional well-being if the app is used regularly, specifically for at least 30 days in the 8-week study period. Strategies aimed at promoting regular use of the mindfulness app at home could lead to even better outcomes for children.

Preregistration

Preregistered on OSF at https://osf.io/23vax
Changes in Genotype Composition and Morphology at an Experimental Site of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Over a Quarter of a Century
Authors: Kuprina Kristina , Seeber Elke , Rudyk Anna , Wichmann Sabine , Schnittler Martin , Bog Manuela
Published: October 2023

The cultivation of common reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the most promising practices of paludiculture on fen peatlands. This highly productive grass has a high adaptation capacity via high levels of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity. In this study, a reed experimental site established on a degraded fen in 1996/97 with a mixture of monoclonally (meristematically propagated plantlets) and polyclonally (pre-grown seedlings) planted plots was investigated by microsatellite genotyping. All nine genotypes of the monoclonal planted plots were recovered and could be genetically characterized; invasion by other genotypes was negligible. Similarly, the polyclonal plots sustained high clonal diversity with no prevalence of a single genotype. The growth characteristics of the five quantitatively investigated genotypes significantly differed from each other (α = 0.05): dry biomass per stem 5–18 g, panicles per m2 20–60, average stem diameter 3.5–6 mm, height 170–250 cm. Similarly, the persistence of genotypes at the planted plots and their invasiveness (ability to invade neighboured plots) varied. These results show that common reed stands are extremely persistent even if established with genotypes that are likely not to be locally adapted. Their genetic structure remained stable for at least 24 years regardless of the planting density (1, 4, and 10 plants per m2). Our results indicate that farmers may be able to maintain favourable genotypes for many years, thus the selection and breeding of common reed as a versatile crop for rewetted peatlands is a promising objective for paludiculture research.
Crop-livestock synergies and by-products recycling: major factors for agroecology in West African agro-sylvo-pastoral systems
Authors: Vall Eric , Orounladji Boko Michel , Berre David , Assouma Mohamed Habibou , Dabiré Der , Sanogo Souleymane , Sib Ollo
Published: October 2023

In Western Africa, agro-sylvo-pastoral systems are dominant and food demand is booming. To meet this demand, many farmers intensify the production with industrial inputs (mineral fertilizers, feeds, pesticides, herbicides). However, the price of these inputs is rocketing. To face this issue, some farmers reconsider crops, livestock, and tree synergies and by-product recycling to increase their production sustainably at a lower cost. The study aimed to characterize the diversity of Koumbia’s farming systems and to assess farming systems’ technical performance in an agroecological perspective. We surveyed 391 farms in the county of Koumbia (Burkina Faso). Considering 15 agricultural practices (4 on by-products recycling, 4 on soil protection, 4 on industrial inputs limitation, 2 on smart use of natural resources, and 1 on cropping diversification), a multivariate analysis (PCA+HAC) combined to an agroecology (Ae) scoring system (−15 to +15) based on 15 specific indicators (one/practice), we highlighted 3 agroecological farming systems clusters. These clusters are distributed along a gradient of agroecology intensity (Ae+: high degree of Ae, Ae+/−: medium degree, and Ae−: poor degree). Ae+ farms (Ae score: +3.0) group 17% of the farms, Ae+/− (Ae score: −4.5) group 58% of the farms, and Ae− (Ae score: −10.5) group 25% of the farms. Ae+ raise more livestock and recycle a higher rate of crop-livestock by-products in fodder, organic manure, and mulch. These recycling practices are facilitated by better levels of equipment for transportation and storage and soil water and crop residue conservation measures, including maintenance of the wooded park on the cultivated fields. This set of practices, which close better the agricultural system, produces a systemic effect which has a positive impact on yields and on the whole ecosystem. Our findings outline for the first time that crop-livestock synergies and by-product recycling are major factors of agroecological transition in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
Effect of the air flows ratio on energy behavior and NOx emissions from a top-lit updraft biomass cookstove
Authors: Muñoz Duvan F. , Gutiérrez Jonatan , Pérez Juan F.
Published: October 2023

Biomass as an energy source for three-stone cookfires is commonly used for cooking and heating rural and isolated households in developing countries; therefore, indoor air quality decreases. In this work, the effect of the air flows ratio (combustion air/gasification air, CA/GA: 2.8, 3.0, and 3.2), and the start type, cold (CS), and hot (HS), on the energy behavior and emissions from a forced-draft top-lit updraft (TLUD) cookstove, using wood pellets as fuel, is studied. Furthermore, the gasification process was thermodynamically characterized. The TLUD cookstove assessment was carried out following a modified water boiling test (WBT). The highest thermal efficiency of the cookstove was 26.74%. The lowest specific CO, NOx, and total suspended particle matter (TSPM) emissions were 1.8 g/MJd, 106 mg/MJd, and 78.32 mg/MJd, respectively; this was attributed to a proper mixture between the producer gas and the combustion air. The gasification process showed a better energy yield under the hot start due to the preheating induced in the cookstove reactor. The optimal values of the producer gas heating value (LHVpg), cold gas efficiency (CGE), and the biochar yield (Ychar) were 3.53 MJ/Nm3, 58.61%, and 12.49%, respectively. Here, an opposite effect was found for the air flows ratios assessed. The cookstove behavior improved as the mixture between CA and GA was suitable, achieving the maximum at CA/GA = 3.0. However, the NOx emissions increased with the increment of CA/GA ratios (from 2.8 to 3.2). Therefore, future works must address the NOx emission reduction without penalizing performance or permanent emissions from the TLUD cookstoves.
High-Performance Silicon-Rich Microparticle Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Enabled by Internal Stress Mitigation
Authors: Gao Yao , Fan Lei , Zhou Rui , Du Xiaoqiong , Jiao Zengbao , Zhang Biao
Published: October 2023

Si is a promising anode material for Li ion batteries because of its high specific capacity, abundant reserve, and low cost. However, its rate performance and cycling stability are poor due to the severe particle pulverization during the lithiation/delithiation process. The high stress induced by the Li concentration gradient and anisotropic deformation is the main reason for the fracture of Si particles. Here we present a new stress mitigation strategy by uniformly distributing small amounts of Sn and Sb in Si micron-sized particles, which reduces the Li concentration gradient and realizes an isotropic lithiation/delithiation process. The Si8.5Sn0.5Sb microparticles (mean particle size: 8.22 μm) show over 6000-fold and tenfold improvements in electronic conductivity and Li diffusivity than Si particles, respectively. The discharge capacities of the Si8.5Sn0.5Sb microparticle anode after 100 cycles at 1.0 and 3.0 A g−1 are 1.62 and 1.19 Ah g−1, respectively, corresponding to a retention rate of 94.2% and 99.6%, respectively, relative to the capacity of the first cycle after activation. Multicomponent microparticle anodes containing Si, Sn, Sb, Ge and Ag prepared using the same method yields an ultra-low capacity decay rate of 0.02% per cycle for 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1, corroborating the proposed mechanism. The stress regulation mechanism enabled by the industry-compatible fabrication methods opens up enormous opportunities for low-cost and high-energy–density Li-ion batteries.
Surface Co-application of Dolomitic Lime with Either Biochar or Compost Changes the Fractionation of Cd in the Soil and Its Uptake by Cacao Seedlings
Authors: López Julián E. , Saldarriaga Juan F.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the application of compost or biochar on the mobility of soil-applied dolomite lime in the soil and its impact on Cd bioavailability, as well as its uptake by cacao seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 120 days. Dolomite lime was applied superficially without incorporation, individually or in co-application with commercial compost or corn straw-derived biochar. Soil samples were collected at four depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm). Subsequently, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved organic carbon were measured. Bioavailable Cd and geochemical fractionation of Cd were measured at each soil depth. Root- and leaf-Cd concentrations in cacao seedlings were also determined. The results illustrate that the application of either compost or biochar has a pronounced impact on enhancing the mobility of dolomite lime within the soil (up to 40 cm). Notably, heightened alkalinity penetration was observed when dolomite lime and biochar were jointly applied. Concurrently applying biochar with dolomite lime led to a significant elevation in soil pH and a marked reduction in the concentration of bioavailable Cd. Furthermore, the concentration of leaf-Cd underwent a reduction exceeding 50% (± 2%) due to the application of dolomite lime and biochar. Potential mechanisms connected to Cd immobilization may encompass ion exchange and the formation of co-precipitates. Overall, the simultaneous use of dolomite lime and biochar was effective in decreasing Cd concentrations in cacao seedlings.
Genetic algorithm with a Bayesian approach for multiple change-point detection in time series of counting exceedances for specific thresholds
Authors: Suárez-Sierra Biviana Marcela , Coen Arrigo , Taimal Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2023

Although the applications of Non-Homogeneous Poisson Processes (NHPP) to model and study the threshold overshoots of interest in different time series of measurements have proven to provide good results, they needed to be complemented with an efficient and automatic diagnostic technique to establish the location of the change-points, which, when taken into account, make the estimated model fit poorly in regards of the information contained in the real one. Because of this, a new method is proposed to solve the segmentation uncertainty of the time series of measurements, where the generating distribution of exceedances of a specific threshold is the focus of investigation. One of the great contributions of the present algorithm is that all the days that trespassed are candidates to be a change-point, so all the possible configurations of overflow days under the heuristics of a genetic algorithm are the possible chromosomes, which will unite to produce new solutions. Also, such methods will be guarantee to non-local and the best possible one solution, reducing wasted machine time evaluating the least likely chromosomes to be a feasible solution. The analytical evaluation technique will be by means of the Minimum Description Length (MDL) as the objective function, which is the joint posterior distribution function of the parameters of the NHPP of each regime and the change-points that determines them and which account as well for the influence of the presence of said times. Thus, one of the practical implications of the present work comes in terms of overcoming the need of modeling the time series of measurements, where the distributions of exceedances of certain thresholds, or where the counting of certain events involving abrupt changes, is the main focus with applications in phenomena such as climate change, information security and epidemiology, to name a few.
Nitriding of hardfaced layers as a method of improving wear resistance of hot forging tools
Authors: Widomski Paweł , Kaszuba Marcin , Sokołowski Paweł , Lange Artur , Walczak Mariusz , Długozima Marcin , Gierek Mateusz , Chocyk Dariusz , Gładyszewski Grzegorz , Boryczko Bożena
Published: October 2023

The article deals with novel hybrid layers combining hardfacing and nitriding to improve forging tool durability. It includes a study of the nitriding capabilities of hardfacings made of typical materials used to repair key groups of hot forging tools. Tests were conducted on samples and on tools in forging processes. Tests on samples included hardfacing, nitriding, microstructure, microhardness, XRF phase analysis and abrasive wear tests. Experimental tests on forging tools included operational tests and comprehensive wear analysis by scanning, macroscopic and microscopic observations by light and scanning microscopy, and analysis of wear mechanisms. Tests on the samples confirmed the positive effect of nitriding on performance properties at room and elevated temperatures. They revealed the reduced susceptibility to nitriding of some welds and the variable composition of nitrides present on the surface of the samples, which has a key effect on the observed wear mechanisms in the ball-on-disc test. Operational tests showed the effect of improved durability, which is greatest for the DO*15 (Fe–Cr–Mo–W) + nitriding layer which is due to the increased hardness of the weld itself and the increased susceptibility to nitriding.
Topological regularity of isoperimetric sets in PI spaces having a deformation property
Authors: Antonelli Gioacchino , Pasqualetto Enrico , Pozzetta Marco , Violo Ivan Yuri
Published: October 2023

We prove topological regularity results for isoperimetric sets in PI spaces having a suitable deformation property, which prescribes a control on the increment of the perimeter of sets under perturbations with balls. More precisely, we prove that isoperimetric sets are open, satisfy boundary density estimates and, under a uniform lower bound on the volumes of unit balls, are bounded. Our results apply, in particular, to the class of possibly collapsed

$\mathrm {RCD}(K,N)$

spaces. As a consequence, the rigidity in the isoperimetric inequality on possibly collapsed

$\mathrm {RCD}(0,N)$

spaces with Euclidean volume growth holds without the additional assumption on the boundedness of isoperimetric sets. Our strategy is of interest even in the Euclidean setting, as it simplifies some classical arguments.
Decoding neural reactivation of threat during fear learning, extinction, and recall in a randomized clinical trial of L-DOPA among women with PTSD
Authors: Cisler Josh M. , Dunsmoor Joseph E. , Privratsky Anthony A. , James G. Andrew
Published: October 2023

Background

Laboratory paradigms are widely used to study fear learning in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent basic science models demonstrate that, during fear learning, patterns of activity in large neuronal ensembles for the conditioned stimuli (CS) begin to reinstate neural activity patterns for the unconditioned stimuli (US), suggesting a direct way of quantifying fear memory strength for the CS. Here, we translate this concept to human neuroimaging and test the impact of post-learning dopaminergic neurotransmission on fear memory strength during fear acquisition, extinction, and recall among women with PTSD in a re-analysis of previously reported data.

Methods

Participants (N = 79) completed a context-dependent fear acquisition and extinction task on day 1 and extinction recall tests 24 h later. We decoded activity patterns in large-scale functional networks for the US, then applied this decoder to activity patterns toward the CS on day 1 and day 2.

Results

US decoder output for the CS+ increased during acquisition and decreased during extinction in networks traditionally implicated in human fear learning. The strength of US neural reactivation also predicted individuals skin conductance responses. Participants randomized to receive L-DOPA (n = 43) following extinction on day 1 demonstrated less US neural reactivation on day 2 relative to the placebo group (n = 28).

Conclusion

These results support neural reactivation as a measure of memory strength between competing memories of threat and safety and further demonstrate the role of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the consolidation of fear extinction memories.
Relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion: a cross-sectional study from southwest China
Authors: Xiao Kaiyong , Xv Zhe , Liu Liang , Yang Bin , Cao Huili , Wang Jianping , Xv Yuling , Li Qingrui , Hou Yulin , Feng Feifei , Wang Jie , Feng Hui
Published: October 2023

Background:

Chronic total coronary occlusion is among the most complex coronary artery diseases. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for coronary artery diseases. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion.

Methods:

1295 individuals from Southwest China were enrolled in the study. Chronic total coronary occlusion was defined as complete occlusion of coronary artery for more than three months. Homocysteine was divided into quartiles according to its level. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curves, and subgroup analysis were applied to assess the relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion.

Results:

Subjects in the higher homocysteine quartile had a higher rate of chronic total coronary occlusion (P < 0.001). After adjustment, the odds ratio for chronic total coronary occlusion in the highest quartile of homocysteine compared with the lowest was 1.918 (95% confidence interval 1.237–2.972). Homocysteine ≥ 15.2 μmol/L was considered an independent indicator of chronic total coronary occlusion (odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.23; P = 0.0265). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.659 (95% confidence interval, 0.618–0.701; P < 0.001). Stronger associations were observed in elderly and in those with hypertension and diabetes.

Conclusions:

Elevated homocysteine is significantly associated with chronic total coronary occlusion, particularly in elderly and those with hypertension and diabetes.
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and SMAD4 mutation in a patient with complex single ventricle heart disease
Authors: Grasty Madison A. , Mavroudis Constantine D. , DeWitt Aaron G. , Kozyak Benjamin W. , Mamula Peter , MacFarland Suzanne P. , Nuri Muhammad A.K. , Rogers Lindsay S. , Rome Jonathan J. , Gaynor J. William , Goldberg David J.
Published: October 2023

We report a case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and with subsequent aortopathy and then found to have hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia/juvenile polyposis syndrome due to a germline SMAD4 pathologic variant. The patient’s staged palliation was complicated by the development of neoaortic aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and gastrointestinal bleeding thought to be secondary to Fontan circulation, but workup revealed a SMAD4 variant consistent with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia/juvenile polyposis syndrome. This case underscores the importance of genetic modifiers in CHD, especially those with Fontan physiology.
A cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence and predictors of malnutrition among children and adolescents visiting an urban academic hospital in Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Ram , Giri Bishnu , Bhattarai Tribhuwan , Dhungana Juna , Walters Michelle , Damasco Erika , Blanco Jessica , Ladas Kyriaki D , Antoniades Andreas , Ladas Elena
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To examine the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents visiting Kanti Children’s Hospital (KCH) and identify predictors associated with malnutrition. Results will guide the development of a newly established nutrition programme at KCH.

Design:

This cross-sectional pilot study recruited children and adolescents over a 1-month period. Nutritional anthropometrics (height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)) and socio-demographic questionnaires were administered. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical chart.

Setting:

KCH in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Participants:

370 children and adolescents.

Results:

Most participants were male (65·1 %); mean age was 3·9 years (±3·4 years). The prevalence of stunting was 25·9 %, wasting was 17·3 % and 24·0 % when classified by BMI-for-age Z-score or MUAC, respectively. Two percent of participants were overweight. Notably, 32·1 % of children ≥5 years were classified with wasting based on MUAC-for-age Z-score, which is higher than that observed in children <5 (20·2 %). Food insecurity was reported among 58·2 % of children with stunting and 34·0 % with wasting. Chronic medical conditions predicted stunting and wasting. The lowest level of wealth predicted stunting, while ethnicity predicted wasting. Ethnicity and education level predicted food insecurity.

Conclusions:

We found that the prevalence of stunting and wasting at KCH are higher than previously published studies in Nepal. Malnutrition persists beyond 5 years, and we identified several predictors of malnutrition. Increased provision of and access to clinical nutrition programmes is an essential need for KCH. Twinning programs that provide local clinicians with increased opportunities for education and mentorship of local staff remains a pressing need in Nepal.
Representation and Reality in Kant’s Antinomy of Pure Reason
Authors: Melamedoff-Vosters Damian
Published: October 2023

In this article, I take on a classic objection to Kant’s arguments in the Antinomy of Pure Reason: that the arguments are question-begging, as they draw illicit inferences from claims about representation to claims about reality. While extant attempts to vindicate Kant try to show that he does not make such inferences, I attempt to vindicate Kant’s arguments in a different way: I show that, given Kant’s philosophical backdrop, the inferences in question are not illicit. This is because the transcendental realists that Kant was arguing against have certain philosophical commitments about the nature of ground which, if true, warrant the inferences that Kant draws. This historical corrective not only allows us to better understand Kant’s own thinking in the Antinomies but it also has important upshots for our understanding of Kant’s transcendental idealism.