bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Pleroma (Melastomataceae: Melastomateae) endemic to Southern Cadeia do Espinhaço, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: MEYER FABRÍCIO SCHMITZ , PACIFICO RICARDO , ALMEDA FRANK
Published: August 2022

A new species of Pleroma, endemic to Southern Cadeia do Espinhaço in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described. Pleroma piranii is morphologically similar to Pleroma velutinum but differs in having larger leaves 2.5 ̶ 7.1 × 1.4 ̶ 4.7 cm (vs. 2.4 ̶ 4.1 × 1.3 ̶ 2.1 cm in P. velutinum), that are densely sericeous on the adaxial surface (vs. moderately strigose), with 7 veins (vs. 5 veins), with obtuse to slightly cordate base (vs. obtuse base only), and completely glabrous style (vs. moderately beset with appressed white eglandular trichomes along much of their length). The distributions of these two species are allopatric; P. piranii occurs only in Minas Gerais, while P. velutinum occurs only in Bahia. According to our assessments based on IUCN criteria, P. piranii is Endangered (EN), because its occurrence is restricted, its populations are small, and most of them occur in unprotected areas. Here we present a description for this new species, taxonomic notes, a distribution map, a chromosome number count, illustration and photos, and a conservation assessment.
Helvella cystidiata sp. nov. (Helvellaceae, Ascomycota) from Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: XU RONG-JU , LI LU , ZHAO QI
Published: August 2022

During investigations into fungal diversity in the Tibetan Plateau, two Helvella collections were made. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data revealed one collection represents a distinct new species that is introduced as Helvella cystidiata. Helvella cystidiata is characterized by having loosely saddle-shaped pileus, greyish to grey brown hymenium, lacunose stipe and inflated ectal excipulum cells. Furthermore, a known species Helvella lacunosa is reported in Tibetan Plateau. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of two taxa are provided.
Revisiting Diagrams of Ice Growth Environments
Authors: Hueholt Daniel M. , Yuter Sandra E. , Miller Matthew A.
Published: August 2022

Ice habit diagrams published prior to 2009—and many since—do not accurately describe in situ observations of ice shapes as a function of temperature and moisture. Laboratory studies and analysis of field observations by Bailey and Hallett in a series of papers in 2002, 2004, and 2009 corrected several errors from earlier studies, but their work has not been widely disseminated. We present a new, simplified diagram based on Bailey and Hallett’s work that focuses on several ice growth forms arising from the underlying surface processes by which mass is added to a crystal: tabular, columnar, branched, side branched, two types of polycrystalline forms, and a multiple growth regime at low ice supersaturations. To aid interpretation for a variety of applications, versions of the ice growth diagram are presented in terms of relative humidity with respect to water as well as the traditional formats of relative humidity with respect to ice and vapor density excess. These diagrams are intended to be understandable and useful in classroom settings at the sophomore undergraduate level and above. The myriad shapes of pristine snow crystals can be described as the result of either a single growth form or a sequence of growth forms. Overlays of data from upper-air soundings on the ice growth diagrams aid interpretation of expected physical properties and processes in conditions of ice growth.
Different ENSO Teleconnections over East Asia in Early and Late Winter: Role of Precipitation Anomalies in the Tropical Indian Ocean and Far Western Pacific
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Ding Shuoyi , Song Lei , Li Zhibo , Tang Yulian , Huangfu Jingliang , Gong Hainan , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2022

This study aims to better understand the ENSO impacts on climate anomalies over East Asia in early winter (November–December) and late winter (January–February). In particular, the possible mechanisms during early winter are investigated. The results show that ENSO is associated with a Rossby wave train emanating from the tropical Indian Ocean toward East Asia (denoted as tIO-EA) in early winter. This tIO-EA wave train in El Niño (La Niña) is closely related to a weakening (strengthening) of the East Asian trough, and thereby a weakened (strengthened) East Asian winter monsoon and warm (cold) temperature anomalies over northeastern China and Japan. By using partial regression analysis and numerical experiments, we identify that the formation of tIO-EA wave train is closely related to precipitation anomalies in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific (denoted as eIO/wP). In addition, the ENSO-induced North Atlantic anomalies may also contribute to formation of the tIO-EA wave train in conjunction with the eIO/wP precipitation. The response of eIO/wP precipitation to ENSO is stronger in early winter than in late winter. This can be attributed to the stronger anomalous Walker circulation over the Indian Ocean, which in turn is caused by higher climatological SST and stronger mean precipitation state in the Indian Ocean during early winter.
Time Series Construction of Oregon and Washington Snowfall since 1890 and an Update of California Snowfall through 2020
Authors: Christy John R.
Published: August 2022

Time series of snowfall observations from over 500 stations in Oregon (OR) and Washington (WA) were generated for subregions of these states. Data problems encountered were as follows: 1) monthly totals in printed reports prior to 1940 that were not in the digital archive, 2) archived data listed as “missing” that were available, 3) digitized reports after 2010 eliminated good data, and 4) “zero” totals incorrectly entered in the official archive rather than “missing,” especially after 1980. Though addressing these was done, there is reduced confidence that some regional time series are representative of true long-term trends, especially for regions with few systematically reporting stations. For most regions characterized by consistent monitoring and with the most robust statistical reproducibility, we find no statistically significant trends in their periods of record (up to 131 years) for November–April seasonal totals through April 2020. This result includes the main snowfall regions of the Cascade Range. However, snowfall in some lower-elevation areas of OR and WA appear to have experienced declining trends, consistent with an increase in northeastern Pacific Ocean temperatures. Finally, previously constructed time series through April 2011 for regions in California are updated through April 2020 to include the recent, exceptionally low seasonal totals on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. This update indicates 2014/15 was the record lowest, 2013/14 was the 5th lowest, and 2012/13 was the 14th lowest of 142 years. Even so, the 1879–2020 linear trend in this key watershed region, though −2.6% decade−1, was not significantly different from zero due to high interannual variability and reconstruction uncertainty.
Diabatic Transformations along the Global Routes of the Middepth Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Rousselet Louise , Cessi Paola
Published: August 2022

The diabatic transformations of the middepth meridional overturning circulation (MOC) as it exits and reenters the South Atlantic to close the AMOC are studied using a state estimate assimilating data into a dynamically consistent ocean model. Virtual Lagrangian parcels in the lower branch of the MOC are followed in their global tour as they return to the upper branch of the MOC. Three return pathways are identified. The first pathway enters the abyssal Indo-Pacific as Circumpolar Deep Water, directly from the northern Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), and before sampling the Antarctic margin. The second pathway sinks to abyssal densities exclusively in the Southern Ocean, then upwells while circulating within the ACC and eventually enters the Indo-Pacific or Atlantic at mid- to upper depths. The third pathway never reaches densities in the abyssal range. Parcels sinking in the Antarctic Bottom Water range upwell to mid- to upper depths south of 55°S. Parcels in all three pathways experience additional diabatic transformations after upwelling in the Southern Ocean, with more diabatic changes north of about 30°S than elsewhere. Diabatic changes are predominantly in the mixed layer of the tropical and subpolar gyres, enabled by Ekman suction. A simple model of the wind-driven flow illustrates that parcels always reach the surface in the tropical and subpolar gyres, regardless of their initial condition, because of coupling among gyres, the Ekman transport, and its return.
An Experimental 1-km Warn-on-Forecast System for Hazardous Weather Events
Authors: Wang Yaping , Yussouf Nusrat , Kerr Christopher A. , Stratman Derek R. , Matilla Brian C.
Published: August 2022

An experimental Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) ensemble data assimilation (DA) and prediction system at 1-km grid spacing is developed and tested using two landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) events, one springtime severe thunderstorm event, and one summertime flash flood event. To evaluate the impact of DA at 1-km grid spacing, two experiments are conducted. One experiment, namely, the WoFS-1km, generates 3-h ensemble forecasts from the 1-km WoFS analyses while another experiment, namely, the Downscaled-1km, generates 3-h ensemble forecasts from downscaled 3-km analyses. With 1-km DA, the two landfalling TC events and the summertime event show some improvement in predicting high reflectivity, while the springtime event performs worse. Meanwhile, WoFS-1km is slightly better at predicting heavier precipitation (>20 mm h−1) with lower bias. However, heavy precipitation spatial placement error is only mitigated in one TC event and the summertime event with 1-km DA but is neutral or worse in the other two events. Object-based verification for rotation objects indicates that WoFS-1km performs better in one of the TC events, but worse in the springtime event with lower probability of detection and higher false alarm ratio due to fewer strong rotation objects being generated. The forecast skill of WoFS-1km for the springtime event is degraded mainly because the convective cores do not sufficiently develop as the forecast advances. The conditional benefits from 1-km DA in this study highlights the need for evaluation of a larger sample of convective storm cases and further development of the system.
Why Your Doctor Didn’t Go to Class: Student Culture, High-Stakes Testing, and Novel Coupling Configurations in an Allopathic Medical School
Authors: Everitt Judson G. , Johnson James M. , Burr William H.
Published: August 2022

A clear pattern has emerged in allopathic medical schools across the United States: Most medical students have stopped going to class. While this trend among students is well known in medical education, few studies to date have examined the underlying sociological mechanisms driving this collective behavior or how these dynamics are related to institutional change in medical education. Drawing on 33 in-depth interviews with medical students in an allopathic medical school, we examine medical student culture and its role in shaping how medical students make sense of the institutionalized licensing requirement of the United States Medical Licensing Exam. We find that medical students learn to rely on digital recordings of their course content and third-party digital resources for Step 1 prep and stop attending their academic courses in person altogether. We argue that medical students create novel coupling configurations between local interaction and institutionalized licensure rules via their student cultures.
What drives attitudes towards the reintegration of former fighters? Insights from a conjoint experiment in Nigeria
Authors: Godefroidt Amélie , Langer Arnim
Published: August 2022

Reintegrating ex-combatants back into society is one of the most challenging, yet fundamental components to building sustainable peace. While previous work has extensively evaluated the reintegration trajectories of ex-combatants, there is still little understanding of how citizens think about reintegration. In this article, we systematically analyze which former fighters people prefer to reintegrate into society. Based on theories of threat and justice, we develop a heuristic framework that explains how information about the motivations and behavior of ex-combatants shapes public preferences about whom to reintegrate. We test this framework using a conjoint experiment conducted among approximately 2,000 (former) university students in Nigeria. We find that our respondents are more forgiving towards former fighters who were forced to join the insurgency and expressed remorse afterwards, while being less willing to reintegrate more militant and less repentant offenders. Similar informational cues shape respondents’ evaluations of how successful the reintegration process would be and what punishment would be appropriate. Taken together, the results underscore the importance of perceptions of risk and fairness in driving attitudes towards reintegration. Finally, subgroup analyses revealed that these heuristics are broadly held across different demographic and conflict-related fault lines. While caution is warranted when generalizing these results, insights gained in this specific context are nonetheless an important step towards advancing our understanding of reintegration processes in conflict-affected countries.
‘Grant us the sun’: What Black teachers need
Authors: Stovall Jessica Lee , Sullivan Tara R.
Published: August 2022

In a time of growing teacher shortages, Black teachers are rapidly and disproportionately leaving the profession. Drawing upon their interviews with 30 Black teachers in the California Bay Area, Jessica Lee Stovall and Tara R. Sullivan provide insight into what it will take to keep Black teachers in the profession. The interviews depict both the anti-Blackness that Black teachers face and their freedom dreams for a better tomorrow for their students. Ultimately, Black teachers want schools to be transformed into healing-centered spaces where they can show up authentically to create a world in which Blackness is centered and affirmed.
How research-practice partnerships meet high-performing teachers’ needs
Authors: Wu-Pope Jennifer
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the long-standing problem of teacher attrition. Some teachers have reported that they have considered leaving the profession because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Jennifer Wu-Pope explains how research-practice partnerships can play a role in retaining these teachers while leveraging their expertise in educational improvement efforts. Participation in research-practice partnerships could be offered as a professional advancement track option for teachers. Providing that option as a hybrid position in which teachers remain in the classroom for part of their day while using the rest of their time for research can be one way to address dissatisfaction among high-performing teachers.
Policy Solutions: Defying the gravitational pull of education politics
Authors: Collins Jonathan E.
Published: August 2022

The biggest threat to an equitable and prosperous American society is not a particular educational policy, but the gravitational pull of politics, explains Jonathan Collins. Before educational policy can be developed and put into place, the politics that drive education must be acknowledged and addressed. Violence is erupting at school board meetings across the country over mask mandates, book bans, and critical race theory. Meanwhile, as has been the case throughout U.S. history, the political division and vitriol distract us from ensuring that our most vulnerable children are getting needed academic support. It is time, Collins says, for a politics of solutions that can defy the gravitational pull of politics that sidetrack leaders addressing the real problems students face.
Majority-minority Educational Success Sans Integration: A Comparative-International View
Authors: Merry Michael S. , Agirdag Orhan
Published: August 2022

Strategies for tackling educational inequality take many forms, though perhaps the argument most often invoked is school integration. Yet whatever the promise of integration may be, its realization continues to be hobbled by numerous difficulties. In this paper we examine what many of these difficulties are. Yet in contrast to how many empirical researchers frame these issues, we argue that while educational success in majority-minority schools will depend on a variety of material and non-material resources, the presence of these resources does not require school integration; indeed sometimes the most crucial resources are easier to foster in its absence. To that end, we briefly canvass the evidence from the United States on high performing majority-minority schools serving poor and minority students. Yet because these debates are so contentious in the American context, we pivot away from the U.S. to consider a different country, the Netherlands. We invite the reader to consider an analogous case where racial injustice and educational inequality are just as serious, yet where differences in the state school system might prove instructive concerning how some majority-minority schools choose to respond to existing segregation, but more importantly how educational success can occur in the absence of integration.
Bioinformatics analysis on differentially expressed genes between colorectal adenoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ding Ning , Luo Hongbiao , Peng Tianshu , Zhang Tao , Li Menglei , Deng Yu , He Yongheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Colorectal adenoma (CRA) is the main cause of the progression of Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). Therefore, it is very important to accurately reveal its developmental mechanism.

Methods

Differential expression genes (DEGs) in three microarray datasets were screened using GEO and GEO2R. R packages were used for gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) path enrichment analysis. Hub genes screened by STRING, Cytoscape and CytoHubba were used. R was used for DEGs of hub genes, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2) database was used for prognostic Analysis. R-packet were used to analyze tumor pathology, tumour, lymph-nodes, and metastases (TNM) staging, enrichment, immune invasion and prognosis.

Results

Among the 66 genes, including 36 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated genes. Survival analysis showed that COL1A1, COL5A2, COL5A1 and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) were associated with disease-free survival in patients. The four genes were related to tumor pathological stage, TNM stage and immune invasion. COL1A1 and COL5A2 were highly expressed in chromatin modification and cellular senescence. Low expression of COL5A1 and SPARC was significantly enriched in neutrophil degranulation and Wp VegfavegFR2 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Obviously, these four key genes can serve as important targets for early diagnosis, treatment, immunity and prognosis of CRA to COAD.
Does Economic Globalization Shape the International Tourism Structure? A Cross-National Panel Data Estimation
Authors: Shao Yuhong , Huo Tingting , Yang Yang , Li Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

Economic globalization, the primary mechanism of globalization, has driven the flourishing of international tourism. However, little research has empirically revealed how it affects international tourism from a structural perspective. Based on network theory, this study applies network analysis and fixed-effects panel data estimation techniques to examine the impact of economic globalization on the structure of international tourism and the moderating role of uncertainty avoidance as an inertia factor in this relationship. The statistics are derived from panel data for 47 countries from 1995 to 2018. The empirical results indicate that there is a positive relationship between economic globalization and countries’ network prominence in both outbound and inbound tourism, and the effects vary under different degrees of uncertainty avoidance. This study offers insights and practical implications for policymakers, tourism marketers, and transnational tourism corporations to formulate tourism recovery strategies against the de-globalization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction: Science popularization, dictatorships, and democracies
Authors: Florensa Clara , Nieto-Galan Agustí
Published: August 2022

The study of science popularization in dictatorships, such as Franco’s regime, offers a useful window through which to review definitions of controversial categories such as “popular science” and the “public sphere.” It also adds a new analytical perspective to the historiography of dictatorships and their totalitarian nature. Moreover, studying science popularization in these regimes provides new tools for a critical analysis of key contemporary concepts such as nationalism, internationalism, democracy, and technocracy.
Struggling for survival: The popularization of Darwinism and the elite’s fight for power in Franco’s Spain (1939–1967)
Authors: Florensa Clara
Published: August 2022

In the late 1940s in Spain, a group of young scholars, most of them newly appointed university lecturers, gained control of Arbor, the promotional journal of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC: The Spanish National Research Council), the institution that General Franco had founded after the Spanish Civil War (1936–9) to organize Spanish science. This group constituted the intellectual core of the more reactionary, Catholic traditionalist faction of Franco’s regime, and they coveted greater political power, in competition with other factions of the regime. Lacking the opportunity to launch an overt political campaign within a dictatorship, the group started a fight for the cultural conquest of Spain. In this cultural struggle for hegemony, journals, magazines, cultural associations, publishing houses, newspapers, and cultural centers became their weapons. By analyzing this faction’s views on and activities within the popularization of science, particularly regarding theories of evolution, this article argues that popular discourse on science played a critical role in the cultural struggle both as a “safe” channel in which to forward their claims and as a tool to gather popular attention through topics of general interest. A covert political campaign was conducted through the popularization of science and this, in turn, fueled the construction of a public sphere for science in a dictatorial context. Scientific popularization became a much-appreciated tool to achieve cultural hegemony and, as such, it also became a central element in constructing and legitimating the ideological foundations of Franco’s regime.
Pulse pressure within the first 2 days of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is predictive of death prior to hospital discharge, renal dysfunction requiring dialysis and pulmonary oedema
Authors: Siriwardena Maithri , Breeding Jeff , Gopalakrishnan Mani , Jansz Paul , Granger Emily K , Jackson Andrew , MacDonald Peter S , Lowe David , Buscher Hergen , Nair Priya
Published: August 2022

Background

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) flows are titrated to achieve adequate perfusion while attempting to ideally maintain arterial pulse pressure (PP). We assessed risk in patients with low PP defined as <10 mmHg within the first 2 days of support.

Methods

Demographics, haemodynamics, echocardiographic and radiological findings were recorded retrospectively in cases conducted between 2014 and 2016. Outcomes were hospital mortality, requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and severe pulmonary oedema (PO).

Results

Of 101 patients, 66.3% were male, mean age was 56 (range 18–71 years), mean duration of support was 6.3 days ± 4.1 days, 37.6% died prior to hospital discharge, 39.6% needed RRT and 11.9% had severe PO. Areas under the receiver operating curves of PP at 48 h for hospital mortality, RRT and severe PO were (respectively): 0.69 (95% CI 0.58–0.80, p = .001), 0.64 (95% CI 0.50–0.77, p = .044), 0.69 (95% CI 0.55–0.82, p = .009). The odds ratio for mortality, RRT, severe PO for those with low PP were (respectively) 2.8 (95% CI 1.01–7.5, p = .04), 3.1 (95% CI 1.11–8.40, p = .026), 7.6 (95% CI 2.06–27.89, p = .001). Central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure were not predictive.

Conclusion

PP during the first 2 days of support is predictive of clinically important outcomes in patients supported with VA-ECMO.
A rare case of adult colocolic intussusception secondary to splenosis
Authors: Tang Xuemei , Gu Peng , Lu Wenming
Published: August 2022

Intussusception is the invagination of a segment of bowel (intussusceptum) into the lumen of an adjacent segment (intussuscipiens). Adult intussusception is rare and typically asymptomatic, although bowel obstruction can be a predominant symptom, making it difficult to diagnose. Splenosis is an uncommon and benign disease, arising from the self-implantation of splenic tissue elsewhere in the body after splenectomy or splenic trauma. Colocolic intussusception secondary to splenosis is rare. We report a case of colon intussusception with a mass in the intussusception detected by ultrasound. Abdominal ultrasound identified the intussusception location but failed to distinguish its pathological properties. Colonoscopy revealed the exudation of necrotic and fibrous tissue. Surgery was performed because of suspicions of a malignant tumor.
Skeletal scintigraphy as an important complement for detecting bone metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yen Wei-Jheng , Liu Chih-Ting , Chi Ya-Min , Chang Chin-Chuan
Published: August 2022

Bone metastasis occurs frequently in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) has been proven to be more sensitive at detecting bone metastases than Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate skeletal scintigraphy in pretreatment patients with NPC in most clinical settings, there have been metastatic lesions that were positive on skeletal scintigraphy but negative on PET/CT scans. Herein, we report the case of a patient with stage IV NPC that manifested as multiple metabolically abnormal lesions on pretreatment skeletal scintigraphy and were considered malignant although they were negative on PET/CT examination. Follow-up evaluations with both skeletal scintigraphy and PET/CT scans as post-therapeutic imaging are also presented.
Parameters estimation of a steady-state wind farm wake model implemented in OpenFAST
Authors: Cioffi Antonio , Asghar Ali Raza , Schito Paolo
Published: August 2022

Wake models play a fundamental role in predicting loads and power generated by wind farms. Using them, it is possible to assess how wakes develop and interact with each other and what are the effects generated in the context of a real operating farm. In this paper, a Gaussian Wake Model implemented in OpenFAST is validated against experimental data gathered in wind tunnel GVPM @ Politecnico di Milano in the context of the European CL-Windcon project. The software used to reproduce the mechanical dynamics of the G1 wind turbines is OpenFAST. It is coupled with FLORIS, a NREL’s software based on the Gaussian Wake Model, that allows to simulate the wake and partial wake conditions. The rotor aerodynamics is calculated using the BEMT on the actual rotor flow field. However, to properly use OpenFAST and the coupled GWM, eight parameters have to be estimated. Thus, a Least Squares Minimization procedure is performed using the available experimental data.
Design of Battery Electric Bus System Considering Waiting Time Limitations
Authors: Gairola Pranav , Nezamuddin N.
Published: August 2022

Battery electric bus (BEB) is getting increasing consideration from transit agencies as a sustainable public transportation alternative. Although BEBs' limited driving range and longer charging duration cause concern for bus operators, fast-charging technology is a potential remedy for extending the daily driving range of BEBs while simultaneously reducing the charging duration and battery size. However, increased queue length at the terminals for fast charging can also cause a problem in adhering to BEB schedules. In this context, a comprehensive analysis is required to plan and design the BEB system considering waiting time limitations, and finding the right trade-off between battery sizes and charging infrastructure. In this study, we developed a base optimization model, as well as its stochastic version, accounting for varying energy demand scenarios under different operating conditions. Our models determined the effects of waiting time limitations over the BEB battery sizes and charger design variables (location, size, and capacity) while minimizing the total cost of the BEB system. The sample average across all the scenarios is used to estimate the stochastic optimization model objective, which is then solved using the Lagrangian relaxation method. We implemented our model over a public bus subnetwork proposed for electrification in the city of New Delhi, India. The results suggest that considering waiting time limitations at a fast-charging station can affect the system design and will help bus operators abide by the service level agreements covering trip delay, frequency, daily mileage, and so forth, made with the transit agency.
Big Data and Discrete Optimization for Electric Urban Bus Operations
Authors: Würtz Samuel , Bogenberger Klaus , Göhner Ulrich
Published: August 2022

The electrification of urban bus fleets is a challenging task, especially for smaller public transport operators. The main challenge lies in the uncertainty about many technical aspects, like range of vehicles under different circumstances or charging times, that are new for the operators. The purpose of this research is to introduce an approach to solve this problem by incorporating all available data from an existing bus fleet and finding an optimal solution with discrete mathematical optimization. Extensive data logging in the project enabled us to leverage tracking data from the whole bus network including trajectories, powertrain data, and operational data. This enabled us to validate assumptions about the energy demand, waiting times, and different traffic situations during the day. To get better insights into the requirements of an urban bus fleet, we simulated the potential electric buses in detail and extracted other necessary data like actual dwell times. Based on the simulation results and processed data, we implemented a linear programming model to search for a cost-optimal configuration of vehicles and charging infrastructure. We tested the framework with a scenario in which we analyzed the solutions with different numbers of diesel buses in the fleet. The application of our algorithm shows that it can produce optimal results in a short amount of time, for a medium-sized city in Germany. We also demonstrate that the flexible and constraint-based formulation of this approach allows it to be incorporated in the planning process of most public transport operators.
Remediation Ranking of High Crash Fatality Locations Involving Older Drivers in Florida’s Rural Counties
Authors: Ebrahimi Zhila Dehdari , Momenitabar Mohsen , Arani Mohammad , Bridgelall Raj
Published: August 2022

In 2019, Florida’s aging road users (65 years or older) accounted for 20% of the population but 37% of all crashes. Florida Department of Transportation has identified aging road users as one of the areas that requires attention in achieving Vision Zero—a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Research has documented that fatality rates in motor vehicle crashes are higher in rural than urban areas. Drivers in rural areas may be more vulnerable because they rely more on driving and consequently are reluctant to stop. This study identifies factors contributing to fatalities among aging drivers in 14 rural Florida counties experiencing high crash rates. The methodology used a multicriteria decision-making model, namely the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), to identify and categorize the causes of fatal crashes among drivers aged 65+, and to rank their 14 rural counties for remediation measures. FAHP methodology calculates crash factor weights and ranks the counties using pairwise comparisons of those factors to compare and quantify them. Results revealed that the top contributing factors to fatal crashes among drivers 65+ were cloudy, foggy, or rainy weather and when roadways were sandy or wet. Driving in the dark and at dawn also increased the risk of fatal crashes within this specified age group. These findings could help policy makers in each location focus on remediation measures such as older driver education and infrastructural improvements to address the most critical factors in fatal accidents.
Comparative Observational Assessment of Cyclists’ Interactions on Urban Streets with On-Street and Sidewalk Bike Lanes
Authors: Silva Cat , Moeckel Rolf , Clifton Kelly
Published: August 2022

The competition for urban space and the debate about where people can and should ride their bicycles began not long after this new form of mobility was introduced to the public. For two centuries, we have debated and eventually investigated whether bike lanes belong on the sidewalk or if they should be on the street alongside the vehicular roadway. Existing research has provided evidence of preferences for bike lane alignment based on perceived safety or comfort as well as objective measures of comparative safety based on available crash and hospital data. Much of the existing research has been driven by deductive assumptions or is limited by the lack of data describing near-miss events and the subtle everyday interactions cyclists experience when using different types of cycle facilities. To help us understand better what role everyday interactions play in the relative functionality of sidewalk and on-street bike lanes, an observational study was conducted using a new qualitative–quantitative grounded theory-driven method for identifying and interpreting the outcome of cyclists’ interactions. Using data gathered from 2,583 interactions observed at four case study street segments in Munich, Germany, four outcomes were identified: no reaction; adjusting or yielding; lane exiting; or multiple reactions. Based on inferential analyses of these outcomes, this paper presents an assessment of the safety, directness, and access afforded or hindered by the spatial conditions of observed interactions. The results of this assessment revealed a trade-off between frequent, but minor interactions in sidewalk bike lanes and infrequent, but less safe interactions in on-street bike lanes.
Circuit haemodynamics during non-citrate and regional citrate continuous renal replacement, and impact of blood flow on filter life
Authors: Sansom Benjamin , Udy Andrew , Sriram Shyamala , Presneill Jeffrey , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: August 2022

Background:

During continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), blood flow (Qb) might affect vascular access dysfunction (AD) and, thereby, circuit life.

Methods:

Circuit life and circuit haemodynamics were studied in three intensive care units (ICUs) by analysing hemofilter device data (Prismaflex®, Baxter, Chicago, IL). The three sites shared similar RCA protocols but differed in Qb (120–130 vs 150–200 mL/h). Non-RCA circuits were compared with RCA circuits in which the impact of Qb was also assessed.

Results:

About 3,981,906 min of circuit pressures were analysed in 2568 circuits in 567 patients. High-Qb RCA was associated with more extreme pressures, and greater AD (IRR 3.7 (1.93–7.08) as well as reduced filter life 21.1 (10.2–42.6) vs 27.0 (14.8–41.6) h). AD in high-Qb RCA circuits was associated with a 49% reduction in filter life, versus 24% reduction in low-Qb RCA, associated with a rise in the rate of increase in transfilter pressure.

Conclusions:

High-Qb RCA-CRRT was associated with greater access dysfunction, earlier filter loss and increased haemodynamic impacts of access dysfunction, suggesting low-Qb RCA-CRRT may improve circuit mechanics, function and longevity.
Modes of Incorporation: The Inclusion of Migrant Academics in the UK
Authors: Pustelnikovaite Toma , Chillas Shiona
Published: August 2022

This article examines the internationalisation of professions in a qualitative study of migrant academics, drawing on social closure theory to understand how professions respond to the growing numbers of migrants. While studies of closure in professions tend to focus on forms of exclusion based on ascribed characteristics, this article is concerned with how professions include migrants in their ranks. Analysis of interviews with 62 foreign-born academics working in the UK reveals differences in degree of closure towards migrant academics, indicating that inclusion and exclusion are not binary opposites. The article captures degrees of closure in a novel concept – ‘modes of incorporation’ – identifying three inclusion patterns: integration, subordination and marginalisation. ‘Modes of incorporation’ extends closure theory by showing how inclusion is controlled and designed to preserve the status quo, thereby restricting internationalisation.
The experimental investigation of springback and roughness parameters in the three-point forming process using terpolymer punch
Authors: Arunkumar T , Ravichandran M , Varatharajulu M , Maridurai T
Published: August 2022

By the application of the three-point metal forming process, copious shapes can be formed. While doing the forming process, various unavoidable sheet metal defects will occur. This paper predominantly emphasizes springback and roughness defects and investigates the effects of these parameters with terpolymer Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) fiber tool punch. Low-cost tooling and quality part development benefit from fiber tool punch over traditional steel tool punch. The springback and surface roughness are analyzed in the AA6061 sheet using steel and fiber punch in three-point U-bending operations, which are carried out as per ASTM standards. For this purpose, steel and fiber punch with nose diameters of 4, 8, and 12 mm and sheet metals of thicknesses 1 and 2 mm are used. The 8%–10% reduction in springback is achieved in fiber punch than steel punch. Also, the fiber punch offers 10%–47%better surface roughness than the steel punch. As the diameter of the punch increases, the roughness value also increases irrespective of the punch material. The fiber – reinforced ABS punch presents an attractive opportunity to reduce the springback effect and improve the surface quality of the finished product.
Design studies on NAGIC flowfield with application to integrated irregular-shaped supersonic inlet
Authors: Zhou Hang , Jin Zhiguang , Deng Shiyu , Tang Xiaosong
Published: August 2022

Fighters have increasingly demanding performance on both aerodynamic and stealth. To adapt the design requirement of various irregular-shaped supersonic inlets integrated with flat fuselages, a design method for non-axisymmetric generalized internal conical (NAGIC) flowfield is discussed and then developed. By osculating axisymmetric flow concept and method of characteristics, the developed supersonic NAGIC flowfield can be inversely designed with arbitrary capture curves, controllable incident/terminal shock wave geometries, and post terminal shock wave pressure. Employing the streamline tracing technique, a set of external-compression inward-turning inlets with triangle-like flat capture shapes for supersonic stealth fighters are obtained to verify the design method. The study find that the internal contraction ratio and flow distortion of the inlet are reduced significantly by replacing the weak reflected shock wave in the original hypersonic NAGIC flowfield with a strong one. Thus, the compatibility between inlet and engine is improved in a relatively wide range. In addition, the irregular-shaped curved-compression inlet has high mass ratio and total pressure recovery ratio with negligible cross flow and uniform flow at throat. The performance of inlets with complex configurations can be further improved by matching the entrance geometries of basic flowfields and inlets.
Conversion of biomass into biofuel by microwave pyrolysis: Assessment of energy and exergy aspect
Authors: Fodah Ahmed Elsayed Mahmoud , Abdelwahab Taha Abdelfattah Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Higher heating value, energy and exergy analysis of bio-oil and biochar from microwave pyrolysis have been assessed. The energy efficiency for the pyrolysis system has been analyzed by the comparisons of energy based on heating values. The exergy analysis was done using standard relationships by the fraction of energy actually available for practical uses as biofuel. The yield of bio-oil and its higher heating value (HHV) were increased by 2–13% and 25–130% respectively when the microwave power increased from 500 W to 700 W, then both are decreased at 900 W. Using activated carbon (AC) had a remarkable effect on increasing the yield and HHV of bio-oil by 18–31% and 3–7 times respectively more than other cases. By using the additives, the yield of biochar decreased remarkably, while its HHV increased by 12%-40% compared to without additive. The maximum energy and exergy rate (1.74 MJ/h) of the bio-oil were obtained at 700 W level of microwave power using AC additive, while for biochar were 1.95 MJ/h and 2 MJ/h when no additive used. The maximum values of energy and exergy of the bio-oil were computed to be 27% and 26% respectively at 700 W using AC as an additive. The maximum values of energy and exergy efficiency of biochar were calculated to be 33% and 32% respectively when pyrolyzed at 500 W using AC. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the pyrolysis system were computed to be maximum value of 53.3% and 52.8% respectively at 700 W using AC additive.
Modified Brier score for evaluating prediction accuracy for binary outcomes
Authors: Yang Wei , Jiang Jiakun , Schnellinger Erin M , Kimmel Stephen E , Guo Wensheng
Published: August 2022

The Brier score has been a popular measure of prediction accuracy for binary outcomes. However, it is not straightforward to interpret the Brier score for a prediction model since its value depends on the outcome prevalence. We decompose the Brier score into two components, the mean squares between the estimated and true underlying binary probabilities, and the variance of the binary outcome that is not reflective of the model performance. We then propose to modify the Brier score by removing the variance of the binary outcome, estimated via a general sliding window approach. We show that the new proposed measure is more sensitive for comparing different models through simulation. A standardized performance improvement measure is also proposed based on the new criterion to quantify the improvement of prediction performance. We apply the new measures to the data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium and compare the performance of predicting breast cancer risk using the models with and without its most important predictor.
Approximate Bayesian computation design for phase I clinical trials
Authors: Jin Huaqing , Du Wenbin , Yin Guosheng
Published: August 2022

In the development of new cancer treatment, an essential step is to determine the maximum tolerated dose in a phase I clinical trial. In general, phase I trial designs can be classified as either model-based or algorithm-based approaches. Model-based phase I designs are typically more efficient by using all observed data, while there is a potential risk of model misspecification that may lead to unreliable dose assignment and incorrect maximum tolerated dose identification. In contrast, most of the algorithm-based designs are less efficient in using cumulative information, because they tend to focus on the observed data in the neighborhood of the current dose level for dose movement. To use the data more efficiently yet without any model assumption, we propose a novel approximate Bayesian computation approach to phase I trial design. Not only is the approximate Bayesian computation design free of any dose–toxicity curve assumption, but it can also aggregate all the available information accrued in the trial for dose assignment. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate its robustness and efficiency compared with other phase I trial designs. We apply the approximate Bayesian computation design to the MEK inhibitor selumetinib trial to demonstrate its satisfactory performance. The proposed design can be a useful addition to the family of phase I clinical trial designs due to its simplicity, efficiency and robustness.
Feasibility of population-based screening of sickle cell disease through the primary health care system in tribal areas of India
Authors: Babu Bontha V. , Sharma Yogita , Sridevi Parikipandla , Surti Shaily B. , Ranjit Manoranjan , Bhat Deepa , Sarmah Jatin , Sudhakar Godi
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe the development and implementation of a population-based screening programme for sickle cell disease (SCD) implemented in 12 SCD-endemic and tribal-dominated primary/community health centres (PHCs/CHCs) across six districts of India.

Setting

India reports a huge burden of SCD, especially among indigenous (tribal) communities. However, there is no state-led SCD programme in many places, and systematic screening is absent. This situation necessitates developing a model of population screening.

Methods

This programme was meant to screen all people and was carried out in three tiers. The first tier was a symptomatic survey carried out by community health workers. Regular health workers then screened those referred by sickle cell solubility test at sub-health centres as the second tier. The third tier was confirmation by haemoglobin electrophoresis at PHCs/CHCs. Communities were mobilised and prepared to accept the screening. Capacity building of health facilities was ensured through training and supply of equipment and material.

Results

Initial observation based on six months’ data revealed that out of the 110,754 tribal population of 12 PHCs/CHCs, 8418 (7.6%) were identified in the symptomatic survey. Subsequently, 9416 people, including the above 8418, underwent the solubility test, and 2607 (27.7%) were found to be positive. Of these, 1978 (78.9%) underwent electrophoresis. About 64.2% were found to be positive for sickle haemoglobin (233 (18.4%) SCD and 1036 (81.6%) SCD trait).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a population-based screening programme in the primary health care system. It is easy to implement in tribal habitations as part of the proposed national SCD/haemoglobinopathies programme.