bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility‐guaranteed safety‐critical control with high‐order control barrier function method
Authors: Zhang Sihua , Zhai Di‐Hua , Xiong Yuhan , Xia Yuanqing
Published: December 2023

The optimization of control systems under the presence of safety constraints and input constraints frequently involves the decomposition into a sequence of quadratic programs (QPs) facilitated by the utilization of high‐order control barrier function (HOCBF). When the safety constraint conflicts with the input constraint, however, it leads to infeasibility within the QPs. In this article, a feasibility‐guaranteed QP is proposed to tackle the challenge posed by the conflict between HOCBF constraint and input constraint. Firstly, the classical QP is added with a feasibility constraint which is derived from input constraint and HOCBF constraint, where the parameter of feasibility constraint is updated via a new QP obtained by control sharing property. Then, Type‐2 HOCBF is investigated for the system with multiple HOCBF constraints, which effectively confines the system within a single HOCBF at the current time step. Finally, the efficacy of this approach is demonstrated through the application of obstacle avoidance in a 3‐DOF robot system.
Rapid Electrochemical Investigation of Gemfibrozil Using NiONPs/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Modified Carbon Paste Electrode: Analysis of Human Urine Sample and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Kathrikenahalli Somashekarappa Siddegowda , Basavaraju Mahesh , Nelligere Arakeshwaraiah Chamaraja , Kotthathi Papanna Roopa , Swamy Ningappa Kumara , Soorly Gopala Divakara , Gowda Jayarame
Published: December 2023

In this study, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were produced by the co‐precipitation method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared and Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. XRD analysis showed an average crystal size of 6 nm, while SEM analysis exemplified the oblong form with a particle size of 12 nm. As‐prepared NiONPs were combined with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphite powder to prepare NiONPs‐MWCNTs modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE). The fabricated NiONPs‐MWCNTsMCPE sensor was used to analyze Gemfibrozil (GEM) in pharmaceutical formulations. Electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy employed in sensor characterization and electroanalysis of GEM. The sensor exhibited excellent electrochemical behavior towards GEM. It showed a lower limit of detection (LOD, 2.7×10−8 M), the limit of quantification (LOQ, 9.07×10−8 M), higher sensitivity, higher linear range, and long‐term stability compared to the reported methods. The NiONPs‐MWCNTsMCPE sensor was evaluated for practical application by performing spiking tests in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine samples, demonstrating significant recovery, high effectiveness, and accuracy. Further, nanoparticles manifested promising antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella aerogenes.
Development of comprehensive approaches to characterizing CuII complexes: structures in solution and solid‐state, dynamic behavior, and bioactivity
Authors: Ermolaev Anton V. , Shtyrlin Valery G. , Gizatullin Amir I. , Zhernakov Maksim A. , Serov Nikita Yu. , Urazaeva Kira V. , Bukharov Mikhail S. , Gilyazetdinov Edward M. , Islamov Daut R. , Rodionov Alexander A. , Mirzayanov Ildar I. , Garifzyanov Ayrat R. , Kuramshin Bulat K.
Published: December 2023

CuII ternary systems with aromatic N‐donors (1,10‐phenanthroline, dipyrido‐[3,2‐f:2’,3’‐h]‐quinoxaline, and 2‐methyldipyrido‐[3,2‐f:2’,3’‐h]‐quinoxaline) and amino acids have been extensively studied in water solution under closely physiological conditions using several techniques, including potentiometric pH titration, mathematical modeling, nuclear magnetic relaxation, EPR, and DFT calculations. Based on the distribution diagrams of the complex species, single crystal syntheses of the ternary systems CuII‐aromatic N‐donor‐L‐amino acid were carried out. As a result, several crystal structures of the complexes with the desired copper‐to‐ligand ratio were established by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The most successful synthetic attempts were with L‐proline and L‐serine, resulting in the crystals with the desired copper(II) to ligand ratio. The developed approach made it possible to thoroughly describe systems with major proteinogenic amino acids in the L‐configuration. Numerous non‐covalent interactions such as H‐bonds, π‐π stacking, d‐π interactions, lone electron pair‐π interactions between CuII atom, conjugated aromatic ligand system, counterions, and water molecules were found to affect the stability and structure of the resulting complex particles. It has been found that in the CuII–N‐donor–amino acid systems there is an acceleration of ligand exchange by a factor of 2–25 compared to CuII‐amino acid systems, which is explained by taking into account steric effects, d‐π interactions, and the pseudo Jahn‐Teller effect. The investigated systems were tested for antitumor activity against MCF‐7, PC‐3, OVCAR‐4, SNB‐19, and M‐14 cell lines, and most samples, in particular, CuII–Phen–L‐His, CuII–MeDPQ−L‐Val and CuII–MeDPQ−L‐Ser, showed a therapeutic activity index greater than 2 for all selected cell types, which opens up prospects for their medical application.
Correlating Young's Modulus with High Thermal Conductivity in Organic Conjugated Small Molecules
Authors: Zeng Jianhui , Liang Ting , Zhang Jingjing , Liu Daoqing , Li Shiang , Lu Xinhui , Han Meng , Yao Yimin , Xu Jian‐Bin , Sun Rong , Li Liejun
Published: December 2023

Attaining elevated thermal conductivity in organic materials stands as a coveted objective, particularly within electronic packaging, thermal interface materials, and organic matrix heat exchangers. These applications have reignited interest in researching thermally conductive organic materials. The understanding of thermal transport mechanisms in these organic materials is currently constrained. This study concentrates on N, N'‐dioctyl‐3,4,9,10‐perylenedicarboximide (PTCDI‐C8), an organic conjugated crystal. A correlation between elevated thermal conductivity and augmented Young's modulus is substantiated through meticulous experimentation. Achievement via employing the physical vapor transport method, capitalizing on the robust C═C covalent linkages running through the organic matrix chain, bolstered by π–π stacking and noncovalent affiliations that intertwine the chains. The coexistence of these dynamic interactions, alongside the perpendicular alignment of PTCDI‐C8 molecules, is confirmed through structural analysis. PTCDI‐C8 thin film exhibits an out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity of 3.1 ± 0.1 W m−1 K−1, as determined by time‐domain thermoreflectance. This outpaces conventional organic materials by an order of magnitude. Nanoindentation tests and molecular dynamics simulations elucidate how molecular orientation and intermolecular forces within PTCDI‐C8 molecules drive the film's high Young's modulus, contributing to its elevated thermal conductivity. This study's progress offers theoretical guidance for designing high thermal conductivity organic materials, expanding their applications and performance potential.
Exploring the links between types 2 diabetes and liver‐related complications: A comprehensive review
Authors: Otero Sanchez Lukas , Chen Yuping , Lassailly Guillaume , Qi Xiaolong
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily increasing, presenting a significant global public health challenge. These epidemiological trends can be attributed to significant lifestyle changes in modern societies, characterized by sedentary behavior and the consumption of hypercaloric, highly processed foods, along with the aging of the human population. As a result, it has become crucial for both public healthcare systems and healthcare providers to prioritize the management of diabetes and identify its systemic consequences. Emerging research has shed light on the links and risks between diabetes and liver events. This comprehensive review aims to explore the complex interplay between type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver‐related outcomes, especially hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis, offering insights into effective methods for detecting liver risk in individuals with diabetes. Additionally, the review will assess the various treatments that could hold the potential for positive outcomes in managing both diabetes and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis.
Sliding wear characterization of epoxy composites filled with wood apple dust using Taguchi analysis and finite element method
Authors: Purohit Abhilash , Pradhan Priyabrat , Gupta Gaurav , Jena Hemalata , Singh Jayshree
Published: December 2023

In this research, a new class of composite made up of wood apple dust (WAD) and epoxy is developed using the hand lay‐up process. The impact of WAD filler on the physical and wear characteristics of epoxy‐based composites are examined. The composite samples are prepared by varying the weight content of WAD (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt%). The composites are subjected to dry sliding wear testing in accordance with the L25 Taguchi design to calculate the specific wear rate (SWR). An optimum parametric combination of control factors is established for the composites to have the least amount of wear loss. The SWR of WAD/epoxy composites is also predicted using commercial finite element method (FEM) software ANSYS 2019 R2. The experimental findings are compared with the predicted wear rates of the composites. The results revealed that addition of WAD powder improved the wear resistance of the composites. A remarkable increase in tensile, compressive and flexural strength values of 34.79%, 10.12%, and 22.66% respectively, is observed. Neat polymer has tensile, compressive and flexural strengths of 48, 82, and 22.5 MPa respectively, and the values increased to 64.7, 90.3, and 27.6 MPa with addition of 12 wt% WAD. It is further observed that out of the four control factors the most influencing control factor affecting the wear rate of the composites in decreasing order are WAD content, sliding velocity, sliding distance, and normal load.

Highlights

In this study a natural fiber‐based waste, wood apple dust (WAD) is successfully used as a potential filler material in epoxy matrix.

Physical and mechanical properties of the epoxy‐WAD composites are analyzed.

Effects of filler contents on the wear behavior are studied using design of experiment.

The wear rate of WAD/epoxy composites is predicted using finite element method.
Die Situiertheit der sozialrechtsbezogenen Beratung – Methodisch-methodologische Zugänge
Authors: Weyrich Katharina
Published: December 2023

Für das Forschungsdesign der vorliegenden Studie wählte ich ein qualitatives Untersuchungsdesign, das als Fallstudie angelegt ist. Die qualitative Forschung ermöglicht mir die sozialrechtsbezogene Beratung „als Ergebnis gemeinsam in sozialer Interaktion hergestellter Bedeutungen und Zusammenhänge [zu: KW] verstehen“ und die Herstellung eines Zugangs zum System sozialer Sicherung anhand beobachteter Beratungsgespräche zu rekonstruieren. Fallstudien dienen in diesem Zusammenhang der genauen Beschreibung und Rekonstruktion einzelner Fälle, die typisch oder besonders aufschlussreich für das Erkenntnisinteresse sind.
Die sozialrechtsbezogene Beratung ein Gatekeeper zum System sozialer Sicherung? Methodische Reflexion, zusammenfassende Darstellung der Ergebnisse und weiterführende Forschungsperspektiven
Authors: Weyrich Katharina
Published: December 2023

Zunächst möchte ich mein methodisches Vorgehen reflektieren. Es erwies sich auch nach Abschluss der Erhebungsphasen als sinnvoll, den Zugang zum Forschungsfeld über die beratenden Einrichtungen zu wählen. Mit den Kontakt- und Vernetzungsmöglichkeiten des Forschungsverbundes für Sozialrecht und Sozialpolitik (FoSS) der Hochschule Fulda und der Universität Kassel gelang es mir, Kontakt zu zwei der drei großen Sozialverbände und vielen weiteren Beratungseinrichtungen herzustellen. Von insgesamt 28 kontaktierten Beratungsstellen haben 13 ihre Bereitschaft zur Teilnahme an meiner Studie erklärt. Mit der Durchführung der 13 Expert:inneninterviews gewann ich Anfang 2018 erste Erkenntnisse über die jeweiligen Strukturen der Verbände und Beratungseinrichtungen, die inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte ihrer Beratungsangebote, die Vorgehensweisen in der Beratungsarbeit und über die beratenen Personen.
Energy trading strategy of community shared energy storage
Authors: Khojasteh Meysam , Faria Pedro , Gomes Luis , Vale Zita
Published: December 2023

One of the challenges of renewable energy is its uncertain nature. Community shared energy storage (CSES) is a solution to alleviate the uncertainty of renewable resources by aggregating excess energy during appropriate periods and discharging it when renewable generation is low. CSES involves multiple consumers or producers sharing an energy storage system. This work presents an optimal strategy for CSES operators and community members to determine their optimal energy trading strategy based on social welfare maximization. Energy communities contain diverse resources, demand patterns, and constraints. The Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) technique is an iterative nature that decomposes the original problem into smaller sub-problems and enables parallel processing of these sub-problems. The final decomposed subproblems enable community agents to determine their optimal strategies independently decreasing the solving time, speeding up convergence to the optimal solution, and improving the scalability. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated by a case study. The presented model demonstrates that by leasing the capacity of CSES, community members could decrease their energy supply costs. Moreover, the CSES can supply the required charging and discharging power of community members from the local grid.
Presentation of the obsolete drug reserpine in three German-language pharmacology textbooks
Authors: Misera Nikolas , Seifert Roland
Published: December 2023

For several decades, reserpine was used to treat hypertension and, to a limited extent, psychoses. Over time, however, the indication became more and more restricted to the point of obsolescence. This study examines the extent to which textbooks are up to date in their content and oriented towards therapeutic guidelines, using the obsolete drug reserpine as a paradigm. Three German pharmacology textbook series were examined for the coverage of reserpine from 1964-2023: Allgemeine und Spezielle Pharmakologie und Toxikologie (Aktories), Allgemeine und Spezielle Pharmakologie und Toxikologie (Karow) and Pharmakologie und Toxikologie (Lüllmann). We compared the textbook content with data on reserpine prescriptions and hypertension guidelines and analysed the relevance of reserpine in examinations using German federal exam questions by the Institute for medical and pharmaceutical exam questions (IMPP). The textbooks differ conceptually from each other. The indication of reserpine for hypertension has become more restricted over time in all three textbooks, yet they partially show discrepancies with hypertension guidelines. The reserpine prescription figures show a strong decline , and reserpine has not been queried by the IMPP, which underlines the obsolescence of the drug. Overall, our study shows that the presentation of a representative obsolete drug in pharmacology textbooks lags current medical practice. We also unmasked more differences in the presentation of an obsolete drug in standard textbooks than anticipated. In conclusion, the analysis of obsolete drugs in pharmacology textbooks is an informative way of assessing how up-to-date they are.
Dynamically computed characteristic adjustment time scale for Zhang–McFarlane convective parameterization scheme
Authors: Wang Minghao , Wang Lanning , Wu Qizhong , Cheng Huaqiong
Published: December 2023

Characteristic adjustment time scale τ is an important parameter in convective parameterization scheme. In this paper, we propose a dynamic calculation formula of τ in the Zhang–McFarlane scheme based on convective available potential energy (CAPE) in order to improve the simulation of precipitation. The performance of using the new formula is tested and evaluated using the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5) for numerical experiments. The results indicate that the root mean square errors of mean precipitation amount over the Northern Hemisphere eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, the central Indo-Pacific Warm Pool, the Tibetan Plateau, and northern South America are reduced by 20.15, 16.40, 12.56, and 6.45% in summer, respectively, after a dynamic τ is adopted. The dynamically computed τ improves the Pacific Walker circulation by strengthening the western ascending and eastern descending, and increases the intensity of deep convective precipitation in tropical areas by at least 1 mm/day. Dynamic τ also increases the frequency of large deep convective precipitation in the equatorial Pacific by almost 50%, and decreases the frequency of light deep convective precipitation in many other regions. The dynamic τ has positive effects in the areas with large CAPE and spatiotemporal variability, and also leads to an increase in deep convective precipitation and a significant decrease in large-scale precipitation over high-altitude regions of windward slopes. Therefore, the generation of exaggerated precipitation in the highlands is reduced in the CAM5. Overall, the dynamic calculation of characteristic adjustment time scale can improve precipitation simulation.
The impact of aspirin use on outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Insights from a national database
Authors: Iqbal Humzah , Arora Gagandeep Singh , Singh Ishandeep , Kohli Isha , Chaudhry Hunza , Sohal Aalam , Prajapati Devang
Published: December 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disorder that can increase the risk of mortality. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug used for primary prevention of cardiovascular events. A single center analysis previously reported that aspirin use did not impact major outcomes in IBD. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of aspirin use on mortality and other outcomes in patients with IBD using national data.

Methods

National inpatient sample (NIS) 2016–2020 was used to identify adult patients with IBD. Data were collected on patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidities. The outcomes studied were in-hospital mortality, sepsis, shock, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and need for surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 1,524,820 IBD hospitalizations were included. Of these, 137,430 (9%) were long-term aspirin users. The majority of the patients in the aspirin group were aged > 65 years (34.11%), female (56.37%), White (78.83%) and had Medicare insurance (36.77%). Aspirin users had a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality (1.6% vs 1.4%, P = 0.06), sepsis (2.5% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001), shock (2.9% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001), ICU admission (2.6% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001), need for surgery (2.1% vs 4.2%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, aspirin was associated with a reduction in mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.49, 95%CI 0.45–0.55, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study reports that aspirin use among patients with IBD was associated with a lower risk of death, sepsis, and shock. Aspirin use may have a protective effect in patients with IBD. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
The resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP): an old dog, with new tricks
Authors: Martinez-Sebastian Carlos , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel , Ramos-Petersen Laura , Molina-Garcia Cristina , Sánchez-Gómez Rubén , Evans Angela M.
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to establish the accuracy of the resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) for the assessment of flat foot (FF) in children, aligned to the validity of the foot posture index (FPI). The RCSP cut-off point was explored, in context of both FF prevalence and the relationship between FF and body weight. A total of 205 healthy children, aged 5 to 10 years, participated in a cross-sectional study. Correlation was performed between RCSP and FPI. ROC curve technique was calculated to assess differentiation between groups. A score equal to or greater than 7 on the FPI was used as the ‘gold standard’ for analysis. The correlation between FPI and RCSP was significant (r = 0.63; p < 0.01). The discrimination score on the ROC curve (6 points/degrees) shows that the model can be used to identify FF through RCSP, with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 85% returned.

  Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the role of RCSP for simple, accessible and quick screening of paediatric FF. This is especially pertinent for non-podiatric healthcare professional without specialised paediatric foot knowledge.

What is Known:• Most children develop a normal arch quickly, and flat feet usually resolve on their own between 2 and 6 years of age.• The measurement used to diagnose flat foot in children must be accurate, consistent, and valid to characterize the standard foot position. The Resting Calcaneal Stance Position (RCSP) is another widely used measure to evaluate the position of the flat foot in children.

What is New:• The RCSP cut-off point 6 shows a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 85% thanks to the FPI as the Gold standard.• The RCSP is useful for health professionals who are not specialised in pediatric foot health. The RCSP is useful to detect flat foot in children.
Physical activity and its impact on cardiovascular health in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kohlmeier Lena , von der Born Jeannine , Lehmann Elena , Fröde Kerstin , Grabitz Carl , Greiner Anne-Sophie , Albrecht Alexander A. , Memaran Nima , Sugianto Rizky I. , Tegtbur Uwe , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Melk Anette
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity after kidney transplantation (KTx) in childhood is of increasing importance. In light of a high prevalence of CV risk factors, protective measures such as physical activity (PA) come into focus. Our aim was to comprehensively assess PA in pediatric KTx recipients and evaluate its impact on CV health.

Methods

Forty-eight patients were assessed for frequency, duration, intensity, and setting of PA using the “Motorik–Modul” PA questionnaire. Walking-based activity was measured by accelerometer in a subgroup (n = 23). CV risk factors and subclinical CV organ damage were determined. The impact of PA on CV parameters was analyzed using linear regression models.

Results

Fifty-two percent of pediatric KTx recipients did not reach WHO recommended PA level; 54% did not engage in PA with vigorous intensity (VPA). Twenty-nine percent indicated an extremely inactive lifestyle (< 120 min/week of moderate to vigorous intensity PA, MVPA). Compared to the healthy German KiGGS cohort, KTx recipients specifically lacked engagement in sport activities (KTx: 129 min/week; 95%CI, 97–162 vs. KiGGS, 242 min/week; 95%CI, 230–253). VPA was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.024) and resting heart rate (p = 0.005), MVPA with fewer components of the post-transplant metabolic syndrome (p = 0.037), and better left ventricular diastolic function (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

A considerable lack of PA, especially VPA, exists in young KTx recipients. PA was positively associated with important parameters of CV health. While long-term CV protection through PA seems promising in pediatric KTx recipients, specific educational approaches are most likely needed to increase patients’ engagement in sport activities.

Graphical abstract
Para-Abelian Varieties and Albanese Maps
Authors: Laurent Bruno , Schröer Stefan
Published: December 2023

We construct for every proper algebraic space over a ground field an Albanese map to a para-abelian variety, which is unique up to unique isomorphism. This holds in the absence of rational points or ample sheaves, and also for reducible or non-reduced spaces, under the mere assumption that the structure morphism is in Stein factorization. It also works under suitable assumptions in families. In fact the treatment of the relative setting is crucial, even to understand the situation over ground fields. This also ensures that Albanese maps are equivariant with respect to actions of group schemes. Our approach depends on the notion of families of para-abelian varieties, where each geometric fiber admits the structure of an abelian variety, and representability of tau-parts in relative Picard groups, together with structure results on algebraic groups.
The synthesis of higher-carbon sugar alcohols via indium-mediated acyloxyallylation as potential phase change materials
Authors: Draskovits Markus , Biedermann Nina , Mihovilovic Marko D. , Schnürch Michael , Stanetty Christian
Published: December 2023

In recent years, sugar alcohols have gained significant attention as organic phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage due to their comparably high thermal storage densities up to 350 J/g. In a computational study, outstandingly high values of up to ~ 450500 J/g have been postulated for specific higher-carbon sugar alcohols. These optimized structures feature an even number of carbon atoms in the backbone and a stereochemical configuration in which all hydroxyl groups are in an 1,3-anti-relationship, as found in the natural hexitol d-mannitol. However, these manno-configured higher-carbon sugar alcohols have not been experimentally investigated as PCMs yet and described synthetic routes are elaborate multiple steps syntheses. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize sugar alcohols of the manno-series with a concise synthetic protocol based on the indium-mediated acyloxyallylation (IMA) of aldoses. En route the C2-epimers were easily accessible, namely gluco-configured sugar alcohols, bearing one set of hydroxyl groups in a suboptimal 1,3-syn-realtionship. The synthesized compounds were found to possess thermal properties consistent with the predicted values, and the “perfect” higher-carbon sugar alcohol with eight carbon atoms was found to have indeed an outstanding high latent heat of fusion of ~ 380 J/g with a melting point of 260 °C.

Graphical abstract
Patients with oral lichen planus display lower levels of salivary acidic glycoproteins than individuals without oral mucosal disease
Authors: Çevik‐Aras H. , Musa Shehed , Olofsson Richard , Almståhl Annica , Almhöjd Ulrica
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Salivary proteins, acidic glycoproteins, and free calcium might take part in oral mucosal defence against inflammation in oral lichen planus (OLP). The study aimed to investigate whether the levels of sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins, total protein, and free calcium in saliva from patients with OLP differ from those of individuals without oral mucosal diseases.

Material and Methods

Patients diagnosed with OLP (n = 25) and two control groups without any oral mucosal disease; age- and gender-matched controls (n = 25, 65.6 ± 2.9 years), and younger controls (n = 25, 41.8 ± 2.5 years) were included. Subjective dry mouth (xerostomia) was assessed by asking a single-item question. Chew-stimulated whole saliva was collected to measure sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins by the Alcian Blue method. The total protein was determined spectrophotometrically, and the free calcium measured using an electrode.

Results

The output of salivary sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins in the OLP group (21.8 ± 2.4 µg/min) was lower than in the age- and gender-matched controls (43.0 ± 2.9 µg/min, p = 0.0002), whereas the total protein and calcium output did not differ between the three groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher in the OLP group compared to both control groups (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Patients with OLP showed a high prevalence of xerostomia and lower levels of salivary acidic type glycoproteins compared to the individuals without oral mucosa disease.

Clinical relevance

It is relevant to investigate the role of acidic glycoproteins in the pathogenesis of OLP.
Future treatment options for facial nerve palsy: a review on electrical stimulation devices for the orbicularis oculi muscle
Authors: Scherrer Elena , Chaloupka Karla
Published: December 2023

Facial nerve palsy can cause diminished eyelid closure (lagophthalmos). This occurs due to functional deficits of the orbicularis oculi muscle, potentially leading to sight-threatening complications due to corneal exposure. Current management options range from frequent lubrication with eye drops, to the use of moisture chambers and surgery. However, achieving functional restoration may not always be possible. Recent efforts have been directed towards the support of orbicularis oculi muscle function through electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the orbicularis oculi muscle has been demonstrated as feasible in human subjects. This article offers a comprehensive review of electrical stimulation parameters necessary to achieve full functionality and a natural-looking eye blink in human subjects. At present, readily available portable electrical stimulation devices remain unavailable. This review lays the foundation for advancing knowledge from laboratory research to clinical practice, with the ultimate objective of developing a portable electrical stimulation device. Further research is essential to enhance our understanding of electrical stimulation, establish safety standards, determine optimal current settings, and investigate potential side effects.
Post-processing for Bayesian analysis of reduced rank regression models with orthonormality restrictions
Authors: Aßmann Christian , Boysen-Hogrefe Jens , Pape Markus
Published: December 2023

Orthonormality constraints are common in reduced rank models. They imply that matrix-variate parameters are given as orthonormal column vectors. However, these orthonormality restrictions do not provide identification for all parameters. For this setup, we show how the remaining identification issue can be handled in a Bayesian analysis via post-processing the sampling output according to an appropriately specified loss function. This extends the possibilities for Bayesian inference in reduced rank regression models with a part of the parameter space restricted to the Stiefel manifold. Besides inference, we also discuss model selection in terms of posterior predictive assessment. We illustrate the proposed approach with a simulation study and an empirical application.
Addition of green and black liquor in kraft pulping of Eucalyptus dunnii wood: possible solutions for the problems with kraft pulping caused by high calcium content
Authors: Vegunta Vijaya , Sevastyanova Olena , Deshpande Raghu , Lindén Pär A. , Garcia Andres , Björk Maria , Jansson Ulla , Henriksson Gunnar , Lindström Mikael E.
Published: December 2023

In our previous study, we demonstrated that Eucalyptus dunnii samples containing high calcium content show inferior pulping properties concerning delignification and polysaccharide degradation. This led us to investigate alternative methods for improving the pulping process of these samples. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of incorporating black and green liquors into the Eucalyptus dunnii chips before kraft pulping, aiming to enhance the pulping process and overcome the negative impact of high calcium content. The addition of both black and green liquors resulted in specific enhancements, with the green liquor having a more significant impact on the pulping process. Even wood samples with the highest calcium content demonstrated satisfactory pulping results when treated with green liquor. Delignification occurred more rapidly, and selectivity was higher for samples pre-treated with green liquor before kraft pulping. Moreover, calcium tended to follow the fiber under these conditions rather than being released into the black liquor, which may contribute to the improved pulping performance. Subsequent bleaching tests revealed that the bleachability of green liquor-treated pulp was nearly identical to that of a control pulp, while maintaining a higher viscosity. This suggests that incorporating green liquor into the pre-treatment process not only improves the pulping performance of Eucalyptus dunnii samples with high calcium content but also maintains desirable bleachability characteristics. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of these findings, we discuss the potential chemical explanations behind the observed improvements.
Changes in the macro and nano-structure of paper during moisture cycling
Authors: Larsson Per Tomas , Alfthan Johan , Simeonova Galya , Holmqvist Claes
Published: December 2023

Hygroexpansion, CP/MAS 13C-NMR, WAXS and SAXS measurements were carried out on sheets made from four different commercial pulps of varying lignin content. Non-directional laboratory sheets were made at different press levels from the pulps following different degrees of beating. The sheets were dried both freely and with restraints. Measurements were made on sheets before and after moisture cycling to determine hygroexpansion coefficients, changes in cellulose average lateral fibril dimensions and average cellulose crystallite sizes, with the aim of understanding macroscale and nanoscale changes as the result of moisture cycling. Within the sheets consistent and statistically significant structural changes were observed on both macro and nanoscale. On the macroscale, moisture cycling consistently induced irreversible shrinkage in sheets dried with restraints, but less so in the case of sheets dried freely. The hygroexpansion coefficients were typically higher for freely dried sheets compared with sheets dried with constraints. On the nanoscale, moisture cycling consistently caused an increase in the average crystallite sizes (WAXS) and the average lateral fibril dimensions (CP/MAS 13C-NMR), though the latter occurred with poor statistical significance. These changes were interpreted as an increase in the degree of order in the cellulose fibril interior/cellulose crystallite. There were no profound differences in the nanoscale changes observed for sheets dried with restraints and for sheets dried freely. Changes in the fibre wall nanostructure were of similar magnitudes when comparing results from freely dried low grammage sheets (less abundant inter-fibre joints) with freely dried sheets of higher grammage (more abundant inter-fibre joints). No obvious correlations were found between the macroscale and nanoscale measurements. The proposed explanation for this was that the nanoscale structural changes occurred similarly throughout the entirety of the fibre wall, independent of the proximity to an inter-fibre joint, and that the nanoscale structural changes were mainly the result of water penetrating into the interior of cellulose fibril aggregates. By using the same fibril model for evaluation of CP/MAS 13C-NMR and WAXS data, good-to-reasonable agreement were found for estimates of the degree of cellulose crystallinity.
SAFe transformation in a large financial corporation
Authors: Putta Abheeshta , Paasivaara Maria , Lassenius Casper
Published: December 2023

As agile software development is increasingly adopted in the software industry, the popularity of scaling frameworks supporting adoption in large development contexts is increasing rapidly. While several such frameworks exist, the most popular one at the moment is the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Despite its popularity, there exists limited research on its usage and adoption. In this paper, we contribute by presenting a single case study in a large financial organization, studying the transformation reasons, transformation process, as well as the benefits, and challenges of SAFe adoption. We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with 27 interviewees and analyzed the transcribed interviews using open and axial coding. We identified 17 reasons for SAFe adoption in this organization, of which the most salient ones were to shorten the time to market, improve collaboration, and use a well-described and comprehensive framework. An industry context-specific reason was the popularity of SAFe in the financial sector. The transformation in the case organization was top-down and proceeded step-wise. The most significant activities during the transformation were piloting, education, coaching, and the forming of agile release trains. Our case also implemented "Scrum tours" to increase the understanding of lean and agile principles. We identified 13 benefits of SAFe, of which improved collaboration, transparency, and shorter time to market were considered the most important. We identified a total of 16 challenges, with the most salient one being aligning the release trains with value streams. Failing with this led to cross-release train dependencies and coordination overhead, inhibiting agility. Further, the organization did not get rid of projects and project managers, which led to priority clashes and coordination overhead.
Genome-wide association mapping of genes for anthocyanin and flavonoid contents in Vietnamese landraces of black rice
Authors: Pham Cuong Hung , Do Tuyen Duc , Nguyen Hoa Thi Lan , Hoang Nga Thi , Tran Trung Duc , Vu Mi Thi Thao , Doi Hanh Hong , Bui Thu-Giang Thi , Henry Robert James
Published: December 2023

Pigmented rice is desirable in healthy human diets because of potential health benefits compared to white rice. Based on the high diversity of Vietnamese black rice landrace, mapping the loci and predicting putative candidate genes for anthocyanin and flavonoid contents in these landraces would be useful to support the improvement of pigmented rice. A panel of 94 black rice accessions from the National Plant Genebank of Vietnam was analyzed to determine the anthocyanin and flavonoid levels in the whole grain and genotyped using an improved 7 K SNP array. Phenotypic and genotypic data were integrated in a genome wide association study. This identified 32 SNPs significantly associated with total anthocyanin content and 16 SNPs associated with total flavonoid content located on Chromosomes (Chrs.) 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 and on Chrs. 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12, respectively. A total of 72 candidate genes were co-located with the significant SNPs, of which 44 were predicted to be related to the pathways of biosynthesis of anthocyanin and flavonoid. Twenty candidate genes first reported in this study including the structural genes, LOC_Os03g62300.1 coding for chalcone isomerase and LOC_Os06g41800.1 coding for dihydroflavonol reductase and the regulatory gene, LOC_Os06g43090.1 coding for a MYB transcription factor, were strongly associated with anthocyanin synthesis. These candidate genes and significant SNPs could be used to analyze the function of genes and factors involved in anthocyanin synthesis and to improve pigmented rice by marker-assisted selection.
Point process convergence for symmetric functions of high-dimensional random vectors
Authors: Heiny Johannes , Kleemann Carolin
Published: December 2023

The convergence of a sequence of point processes with dependent points, defined by a symmetric function of iid high-dimensional random vectors, to a Poisson random measure is proved. This also implies the convergence of the joint distribution of a fixed number of upper order statistics. As applications of the result a generalization of maximum convergence to point process convergence is given for simple linear rank statistics, rank-type U-statistics and the entries of sample covariance matrices.
A “Mean Quarrelsome Spirit:” Controversy in British Systematics, 1822–1836
Authors: Mursinna Jordan Thomas
Published: December 2023

British systematics was distinctly marked by a raft of vituperative controversies around the turn of the 1830s. After the local collapse of broad consensus in the Linnaean system by 1820, the emergence of new schemes of classification—most notably, the “quinarian” system of William Sharp Macleay—brought with it an unprecedented register of public debate among zoologists in Britain, one which a young Charles Darwin would bitterly describe to his friend John Stevens Henslow in October 1836 as possessing a “mean quarrelsome spirit,” conducted in “a manner anything but like that of gentlemen.” This article aims to provide a social and conceptual account of the remarkable tenor of zoological discourse in Britain in the late 1820s and early 1830s, with joint attention to the philosophical and interpersonal commitments at play. In doing so, it analyzes the three of the period’s most striking public controversies, each of which counted key advocates of the quinarian system as central participants.
Reassessing the Interpretative Potential of Ethnographic Collections for Early Hunting Technologies
Authors: Milks Annemieke , Hoggard Christian , Pope Matt
Published: December 2023

Archaeological studies of early weaponry have relied for decades on ethnographic parallels—whether from ethnohistorical accounts, ethnographic literature, or from objects studied in museum collections. While such accounts and collected objects provided key data in the past, including of morphometrics and functionality, few studies have explored the quality of such data. In this paper, we critically assess a dominant theoretical paradigm, namely the utility of ethnographic collections to assess Pleistocene archaeological material. Our focus is how ethnographic spear morphometrics are used to propose delivery methods of archaeological weapons. We discuss the archaeological significance of early spears, and the role that ethnography has played in interpreting them. We provide new morphometric data of ethnographic wooden spears, which have been used analogically to assess the earliest archaeological hunting tools. We systematically collected data from ethnographic collections of wooden spears in five museums in the UK and Australia including mass, length, diameters and point of balance, alongside any recorded information on provenance and use. Older datasets, as well as the data in this paper, are limited due to collection bias and a lack of detailed museum records. By subjecting the new data to statistical analyses, we find that with a few exceptions morphometrics are not reliable predictors of delivery as thrusting or hand-thrown spears (javelins). Prevalent hypotheses linking variables such as mass, tip design, or maximum diameter with delivery are unsupported by our results. However, the descriptive statistics provided may remain useful as a means of comparative data for archaeological material. We conclude that using simple morphometrics to parse weapon delivery has had a drag effect on forming new and interesting hypotheses about early weapons.
Techno-economic analysis of solar thermal collector for sustainable built environment
Authors: Khargotra Rohit , Kumar Raj , Kovács András , Singh Tej
Published: December 2023

India has an abundance of solar energy resources. Nearly 90% of the urban dwellers in different parts of India used electricity for heating water. Using electricity for resident water heating not only contributes to negative environment impact via the emission of a substantial quantity of carbon dioxide but also places a financial burden on households. The examination of solar irradiance, economic feasibility, and hot water demands is crucial in assessing the potential of solar thermal collector (STC) to fulfill hot water requirement. In order to enhance the value of the STC, it is essential for the collector to effectively manage operations with a focus on minimizing cost. To get an optimal heating effect, the present STC is fastened with an obstruction inside the tube. The collector is examined in three distinct seasons to observe temperature variations and the appropriate use of the device during non-operational hours. The recommended average temperatures for summer, rainy season, and winter are 68, 57, and 47 °C, respectively. Additionally, a thorough examination of the economic analysis and payback period for STC was also conducted.
Extensions to generalized disjunctive programming: hierarchical structures and first-order logic
Authors: Perez Hector D. , Grossmann Ignacio E.
Published: December 2023

Optimization problems with discrete–continuous decisions are traditionally modeled in algebraic form via (non)linear mixed-integer programming. A more systematic approach to modeling such systems is to use generalized disjunctive programming (GDP), which extends the disjunctive programming paradigm proposed by Egon Balas to allow modeling systems from a logic-based level of abstraction that captures the fundamental rules governing such systems via algebraic constraints and logic. Although GDP provides a more general way of modeling systems, it warrants further generalization to encompass systems presenting a hierarchical structure. This work extends the GDP literature to address two major alternatives for modeling and solving systems with nested (hierarchical) disjunctions: explicit nested disjunctions and equivalent single-level disjunctions. We also provide theoretical proofs on the relaxation tightness of such alternatives, showing that explicitly modeling nested disjunctions is superior to the traditional approach discussed in literature for dealing with nested disjunctions.
Large-Time Behavior of Two Families of Operators Related to the Fractional Laplacian on Certain Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Papageorgiou Effie
Published: December 2023

This note is concerned with two families of operators related to the fractional Laplacian, the first arising from the Caffarelli-Silvestre extension problem and the second from the fractional heat equation. They both include the Poisson semigroup. We show that on a complete, connected, and non-compact Riemannian manifold of non-negative Ricci curvature, in both cases, the solution with$$L^1$$L1initial data behaves asymptotically as the mass times the fundamental solution. Similar long-time convergence results remain valid on more general manifolds satisfying the Li-Yau two-sided estimate of the heat kernel. The situation changes drastically on hyperbolic space, and more generally on rank one non-compact symmetric spaces: we show that for the Poisson semigroup, the convergence to the Poisson kernel fails -but remains true under the additional assumption of radial initial data.