bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of air emissions from open burning of municipal waste in Ilorin Metropolis, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Adeniran Jamiu A. , Aremu Adeniyi S. , Abdulraheem Khadijat A.
Published: November 2023

Increased urbanization and population growth have led to a rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, necessitating the need for improved infrastructure and handling methods. Improper disposal practices, particularly open burning at dumpsites, have become common in emerging urban cities, posing serious environmental and health risks. This study aims at evaluating the pollutants often emitted into the environment during the open burning of solid wastes using the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) model under three scenarios. The ground‐level concentrations of pollutants emitted were compared with the statutory limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) at selected receptor locations. The predicted maximum concentrations from the model for PM2.5 were 4184, 8633, and 10,419 μg/m3 and for PM10 were 16,481, 20,915, and 23,114 μg/m3 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The WHO limits of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed to be exceeded from 2500%–17,400% and 312.5%–4200% for scenario three representing the worst‐case scenario. Ilorin metropolis was revealed to be the receptor location with the highest impact. Waste‐to‐energy and other cleaner waste treatment options should be adopted to protect public health and environment.
MKT1 alleles regulate stress responses through posttranscriptional modulation of Puf3 targets in budding yeast
Authors: Chaithanya Koppisetty Viswa , Sinha Himanshu
Published: November 2023

MKT1 is a pleiotropic stress response gene identified by several quantitative trait studies with MKT189G as a causal variant, contributing to growth advantage in multiple stress environments. MKT1 has been shown to regulate HO endonuclease posttranscriptionally via the Pbp1–Pab1 complex. RNA‐binding protein Puf3 modulates a set of nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial transcripts whose expression was found to be affected by MKT1 alleles. This study attempts to relate the MKT1 allele‐derived growth advantage with the stability of Puf3 targets during stress and elucidate the roles of Pbp1 and Puf3 in this mechanism. Our results showed that the growth advantage of the MKT189G allele in cycloheximide and H2O2 was PBP1‐dependent, whereas in 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide, the growth advantage was dependent on both PUF3 and PBP1. We compared the messenger RNA decay kinetics of a set of Puf3 targets in multiple stress environments to understand the allele‐specific regulation by MKT1. In oxidative stress, the MKT189G allele modulated the differential expression of nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial genes in a PBP1‐ and PUF3‐dependent manner. Additionally, MKT189G stabilised Puf3 targets, namely, COX17, MRS1 and RDL2, in an allele and stress‐specific manner. Our results showed that COX17, MRS1 and RDL2 had a stress‐specific response in stress environments, with the MKT189G allele contributing to better growth; this response was both PBP1‐ and PUF3‐dependent. Our results indicate that the common allele, MKT189G, regulates stress responses by differentially stabilising Puf3‐target mitochondrial genes, which allows for the strain's better growth in stress environments.
Looking Ahead: 2022–2035 and Beyond
Authors: Zhao Yingmin , Hanson Arthur
Published: November 2023

One of the most eloquent statements from CCICED in recent times is the introduction to the September 2021 AGM recommendations.
Detection of inorganic arsenic in rice using a field-deployable method with Cola extraction
Authors: Wehmeier Silvia , Preihs Marc , Dressler Julia , Raab Andrea , Feldmann Jörg
Published: November 2023

Rice is a staple food and known to accumulate inorganic arsenic (iAs), which is a class 1 carcinogen to humans. Arsenic field-deployable method kits, designed for water testing, are able to screen iAs in rice, to assure food safety and quick decision-making without the need for laboratory analysis. For the arsenic extraction within the field method, nitric acid is used. To make the field method on-site safer, cost-effective and easier to handle, the method was adapted using a Cola in the extraction process. The adapted field-deployable method was tested by screening a total of 30 rice and rice products from the Austrian market. To verify the results obtained by the Cola extraction field-deployable method, the obtained iAs concentration was compared to HPLC-ICP-MS results. The Cola extraction field method obtained an LOD of 39 µg iAs kg−1 rice, and with an average reproducibility of 14% RSD, the method was capable of recording no false-negative but 7% false-positive values at the 2023 updated European Commission (EC) limits for rice. All, but one, screened rice samples were within the EU limits for iAs in rice and rice products.
Voluntary running wheel exercise induces cognitive improvement post traumatic brain injury in mouse model through redressing aberrant excitation regulated by voltage-gated sodium channels 1.1, 1.3, and 1.6
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Hui-Xiang , Yan Guo-Ji , Zhao Hao-Ran , Dong Xiao-Han , Tan Ya-Xin , Li Shan , Lu Min-Nan , Mei Rong , Liu Li-Na , Wang Xu-Yang , Xiyang Yan-Bin
Published: November 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to disturbed brain discharge rhythm, elevated excitability, anxiety-like behaviors, and decreased learning and memory capabilities. Cognitive dysfunctions severely affect the quality of life and prognosis of TBI patients, requiring effective rehabilitation treatment. Evidence indicates that moderate exercise after brain injury decreases TBI-induced cognitive decline. However, the underlying mechanism remains unelucidated. Our results demonstrate that TBI causes cognitive impairment behavior abnormalities and overexpression of Nav1.1, Nav1.3 and Nav1.6 proteins inside the hippocampus of mice models. Three weeks of voluntary running wheel (RW) exercise treatments before or/and post-injury effectively redressed the aberrant changes caused by TBI. Additionally, a 10% exercise-conditioned medium helped recover cell viability, neuronal sodium current and expressions of Nav1.1, Nav1.3 and Nav1.6 proteins across cultured neurons after injury. Therefore, the results validate the neuroprotection induced by voluntary RW exercise treatment before or/and post-TBI. The RW exercise-induced improvement in cognitive behaviors and neuronal excitability could be associated with correcting the Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6 expression levels. The current study proves that voluntary exercise is an effective treatment strategy against TBI. The study also highlights novel potential targets for rehabilitating TBI, including the Navs proteins.
Reducing alertness does not affect line bisection bias in neurotypical participants
Authors: Smaczny Stefan , Bauder Dominik , Sperber Christoph , Karnath Hans-Otto , de Haan Bianca
Published: November 2023

Alertness, or one’s general readiness to respond to stimulation, has previously been shown to affect spatial attention. However, most of this previous research focused on speeded, laboratory-based reaction tasks, as opposed to the classical line bisection task typically used to diagnose deficits of spatial attention in clinical settings. McIntosh et al. (Cogn Brain Res 25:833–850, 2005) provide a form of line bisection task which they argue can more sensitively assess spatial attention. Ninety-eight participants were presented with this line bisection task, once with and once without spatial cues, and both before and after a 50-min vigilance task that aimed to decrease alertness. A single participant was excluded due to potentially inconsistent behaviour in the task, leaving 97 participants for the full analyses. While participants were, on a group level, less alert after the 50-min vigilance task, they showed none of the hypothesised effects of reduced alertness on spatial attention in the line bisection task, regardless of with or without spatial cues. Yet, they did show the proposed effect of decreased alertness leading to a lower level of general attention. This suggests that alertness has no effect on spatial attention, as measured by a line bisection task, in neurotypical participants. We thus conclude that, in neurotypical participants, the effect of alertness on spatial attention can be examined more sensitively with tasks requiring a speeded response compared to unspeeded tasks.
Effectiveness of virtual reality compared to video training on acetabular cup and femoral stem implantation accuracy in total hip arthroplasty among medical students: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kenanidis Eustathios , Boutos Panagiotis , Voulgaris Grigorios , Zgouridou Aikaterini , Gkoura Eleni , Gamie Zakareya , Papagiannakis George , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) training effectiveness in improving hip arthroplasty surgical skills requires further evaluation. We hypothesised VR training could improve accuracy and the time taken by medical students compared to a control group with only video teaching.

Methods

This single-centre randomized controlled clinical trial collected data from March to June 2023. Surgically naïve volunteer undergraduate medical students performed three sessions on a VR training platform, either cup (VR-Cup=Control-Stem) or stem (VR-Stem=Control-Cup) implantation. The primary outcome was the mean difference between predefined cup inclination (60°) and stem anteversion (20°) compared to the actual implanted values in sawbones between VR and control groups. Secondary outcomes were task completion time and mistake number between the groups.

Results

A total of 101 students participated (VR-Cup 47, VR-Stem 54). Groups did not significantly differ concerning age (p = 0.879), gender (p = 0.408), study year (p = 0.938), previous VR use (p = 0.269) and baseline medical and procedural knowledge. The VR-Cup implanted the cup closer to the intended target (p < 0.001) and faster than the Control-Cup group (p = 0.113). The VR-Stem implanted the stem closer to the intended target (p = 0.008) but not faster than the Control-Cup group (p = 0.661). Stem retroversion was commoner in the Control-Stem than in the VR-Stem group (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

VR training resulted in higher rates of accurate procedure completion, reduced time and fewer errors compared to video teaching. VR training is an effective method for improving skill acquisition in THA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05807828
Diurnal variations of summer rainfall response to large-scale circulations and low-level winds over the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Haoming , Jiang Xingwen , Li Puxi
Published: November 2023

The evident nocturnal peak dominates the summer rainfall over the Sichuan Basin (SCB), which is closely related to the nocturnal intensification of low-level winds. Based on 21-year IMERG rainfall product and reanalysis data during summertime (June–August) from 2000 to 2020, the low-level winds are classified into four groups, with strong or weak daily mean wind accompanied by a large or small diurnal amplitude, to clarify their influences on rainfall over the SCB. The results show that under strong daily mean wind conditions, the westward extension of the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) determines the southwesterly monsoon airflow to be tuned to the southerly over the eastern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, which provides abundant warm and moist air resources for rainfall within the basin through the southeastern side of the SCB. Strong mean winds, coupled with a large diurnal amplitude due to the acceleration of easterly, strengthen the moisture convergence at night, and contribute to the rainfall increasing remarkable over the SCB with a peak at midnight. Meanwhile, there is an apparent anomalous low-level warming over the SCB, creating more unstable atmospheric conditions. In addition, the weak upward motion associated with the afternoon heating over the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) enhances the easterly and facilitates the development of upward motion over the western SCB in the early night, which is responsible for the larger diurnal amplitude of rainfall. On the contrary, rainfall is suppressed and the diurnal amplitude of rainfall is gentle under the condition of weak daily wind with small diurnal amplitude, due to the weak moisture transport and cooling planetary boundary layer related to the deepened midlatitude trough, as well as more active convection over the eastern slope of TP during the day. The results imply that atmospheric conditions associated with diurnal variation of low-level winds should be considered as a key component in regulating the rainfall and moisture budget over the SCB, the strength of low-level winds in the early evening may provide a predictive signal for the development of nocturnal rainfall over the SCB.
In the eye of the ophthalmologist: the corneal microbiome in microbial keratitis
Authors: Sagerfors Susanna , Edslev Sofie , Lindblad Birgitta Ejdervik , Lilje Berit , Stegger Marc , Söderquist Bo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To describe the bacterial findings by a targeted sequencing approach from corneal samples of patients with microbial keratitis and factors influencing culture outcome of indirectly inoculated corneal specimen.

Methods

Prospective inclusion of patients fulfilling predefined criteria of microbial keratitis. Samples from the corneal lesion were collected and dispensed in liquid transport medium, from which both culture and targeted amplification and sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were carried out. Additional standard corneal culture from the corneal lesions was also performed. Factors influencing culture outcome of indirectly inoculated corneal samples were identified by a multivariate regression model incorporating quantitative data from sequencing.

Results

Among the 94 included patients with microbial keratitis, contact lens wear (n = 69; 73%) was the most common risk factor. Contact lens wearers displayed significant differences in the bacterial community composition of the corneal lesion compared to no lens wearers, with higher abundance of Staphylococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Targeted sequencing detected a potential corneal pathogen in the highest proportional abundance among 9 of the 24 (38%) culture-negative patients with microbial keratitis. Age, bacterial density in the sample, and prior antibiotic treatment significantly influenced culture outcome of indirectly inoculated corneal samples.

Conclusion

Targeted sequencing may provide insights on pathogens in both culture negative episodes of microbial keratitis and among subgroups of patients with microbial keratitis as well as factors influencing culture outcome of indirectly inoculated corneal samples.
Jagged1 contained in MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles promotes squamous differentiation of cervical cancer by activating NOTCH pathway
Authors: Li Weizhao , Zhang Xunzhi , Gao Tianshun , Liu Lixiang , Zhang Chi , Yang Huan , Xie Jiayuan , Pan Wei , Deng David Y. B. , Zhang Changlin , Li Tian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and poses a major threat to women's health, urgently requiring new treatment methods.

Methods

This study first successfully extracted and identified small extracellular vesicles secreted by human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. We studied the effects of MSC-sEV on the squamous differentiation levels of cervical cancer CaSki cells in vitro, and explored the effects of MSC-sEV on the NOTCH pathway, the growth, proliferation, migration abilities and squamous differentiation levels of cervical cancer cells. The roles of MSC-sEV were also verified in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.

Results

The results showed that Jagged1 protein on MSC-sEV can bind to NOTCH1 on cervical cancer cells, activate NOTCH signaling, and promote squamous differentiation levels in CaSki cells, thus inhibiting the growth, proliferation and migration abilities of CaSki cells. MSC-sEV can also activate the NOTCH pathway in HaCaT cells, but promote the viability of HaCaT cells.

Conclusion

MSC-sEV can activate the NOTCH pathway to promote squamous differentiation of CaSki cells and inhibit the growth proliferation and migration abilities of CaSki cells which may be a new mechanism for cervical cancer treatment.
Innovative supraleitende Energiekabel für die Umsetzung der Energiewende
Authors: Bach Robert , Prusseit Werner
Published: November 2023

Die bevorstehende Energiewende erfordert im Vergleich zur heutigen Situation den Transport einer viel größeren Menge elektrischer Energie in die Städte, die die fossil erzeugte Energie ersetzt. Damit werden die bestehenden Energiekabelsysteme in Zukunft noch nie dagewesenen Herausforderungen ausgesetzt sein. Problematisch könnte dabei insbesondere werden, dass die meisten der bestehenden 110-kV-Kabelsysteme in den Städten in den 70er- und 80er-Jahren des letzten Jahrhunderts gelegt wurden bzw. in dieser Zeit in Betrieb gingen. Damals wurden sie für die Bewältigung einer solchen Belastung, oder Belastungszyklen, wie wir sie in Zukunft erwarten, nicht ausgelegt.

Da der Platz unter der Straßenoberfläche von Großstädten immer ein Thema ist, wirbt der Artikel für eine weitere innovative Kabeltechnologie, die viele Vorteile für die kommenden Herausforderungen mit sich bringt. Supraleitende Kabel, sogenannte HTS-Kabel, können bei sehr kleinem Querschnitt eine sehr große Menge elektrischer Energie transportieren. Das Münchner Projekt namens Superlink zielt darauf ab, ein 110-kV-HTS-Kabel mit 500 MVA zu verlegen, wobei der Querschnitt des gesamten Drehstromkabels etwa 200 mm betragen wird. Darüber hinaus gibt es keine thermischen oder magnetischen Feldemissionen, was diesen Kabeltyp in Zukunft zu einer echten Alternative zu Standard-VPE-Kabeln macht. Da es im Vergleich zu Kabeln mit Aluminium- oder Kupferleiter keine Strom-Wärme-Verluste gibt, verringert das HTS-Kabel die Belastung der bestehenden alten Kabelleitungen und verschafft somit Zeit für den Austausch der gealterten Kabelanlagen. Schließlich zeigen erste Berechnungen, dass der Nettobarwert des HTS-Kabels deutlich niedriger ist als der eines vergleichbaren VPE-Kabelsystems. Viele Vorteile, die HTS-Kabel in naher Zukunft immer mehr in den Fokus von Verteilnetzbetreibern rücken lassen könnten, um diese Technologie einzusetzen.
Cefepime versus carbapenems for treatment of AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections
Authors: Herrmann Julia , Burgener-Gasser Anne-Valérie , Goldenberger Daniel , Roth Jan , Weisser Maja , Tamma Pranita D. , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Cefepime is recommended for treating infections caused by AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (AmpC-PE), though supporting evidence is limited. Therefore, this study compared outcomes associated with cefepime versus carbapenem therapy for bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by AmpC-PE after phenotypic exclusion of ESBL-co-producing isolates.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared definite cefepime versus carbapenem treatment for AmpC-PE BSI in hospitalized patients of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, between 01/2015 and 07/2020. Primary outcomes included in-hospital death, renal impairment and neurologic adverse events; secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and recurrent infection.

Results

Two hundred and seventy episodes of AmpC-PE BSI were included, 162, 77 and 31 were treated with a carbapenem, cefepime and other antibiotics, respectively. Patients treated with carbapenems were more likely to be transferred to the ICU on admission and more frequently had central venous catheter as a source of infection. In uni- and multivariable analyses, primary and secondary outcomes did not differ between the two treatment groups, except for more frequent occurrence of neurological adverse events among patients treated with carbapenems and shorter length of hospital stay among survivors treated with cefepime.

Conclusion

After excluding isolates with phenotypic ESBL-co-production, cefepime was not associated with adverse outcomes compared to carbapenems when used to treat BSIs caused by AmpC-PE. Our study provides evidence to support the use of cefepime as a safe treatment strategy for AmpC-PE BSI, particularly in clinically stable patients without initial renal impairment or increased susceptibility to neurological adverse events.
Clinical impact of diarrhea during enteral feeding after esophagectomy
Authors: Haneda Ryoma , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kawata Sanshiro , Soneda Wataru , Booka Eisuke , Murakami Tomohiro , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Morita Yoshifumi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: November 2023

Background

Enteral feeding (EF) is recommended to enhance nutritional status after esophagectomy; however, diarrhea is a common complication of EF. We investigated the clinical and prognostic impact of diarrhea during EF after esophagectomy.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-two patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy were enrolled. The King's stool chart was used for stool characterization. The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between a non-diarrhea (Group N) and diarrhea group (Group D).

Results

A higher dysphagia score (≥ 1) was observed more frequently in Group D than in Group N (45.7% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.002). Deterioration of serum total protein, serum albumin, serum cholinesterase, and the prognostic nutritional index after esophagectomy was greater in Group D than in Group N (p = 0.003, 0.004, 0.014, and 0.001, respectively). Patients in Group D had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than those in Group N (median survival time (MST): OS, 21.9 vs. 30.6 months, p = 0.001; RFS, 12.4 vs. 27.7 months, p < 0.001). In stratified analysis due to age, although there was no difference in OS with or without diarrhea in young patients (MST: 24.1 months in a diarrhea group vs. 33.6 months in a non-diarrhea group, p = 0.218), patients in a diarrhea group had significantly worse OS than those in a non-diarrhea group in elderly patients (MST: 17.8 months vs. 27.9 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Diarrhea during EF can put elderly patients at risk of postoperative malnutrition and a poor prognosis after esophagectomy.
The emergence of chaos in productivity distribution dynamics
Authors: Gomes Orlando
Published: November 2023

The distribution of productivity levels, and its evolution over time, is a research topic of utmost importance in empirical and theoretical economics. On the theory side, simple analytical models, involving intertemporal optimization, typically characterize agents’ investment decisions about ways to upgrade technology and enhance productivity. The prototypical model endogenously splits the productivity distribution in two: the right-hand side of the distribution is populated by innovators; the left-hand side is occupied by agents who follow a strategy of adoption or imitation. Given the assumptions of the model, the productivity of innovators grows at a constant rate (which directly depends on a constant probability of innovation). The evolution of the productivity of adopters may, in turn, implicate complex dynamics. Because the pace of productivity growth for adopters depends on the shape of the productivity distribution, different distributions might induce distinct growth paths, some of them potentially leading to the emergence of nonlinearities, such as limit cycles and chaos. This study investigates the presence of nonlinearities in technology adoption, for different configurations of the productivity distribution. Under reasonable parameterizations, endogenous fluctuations emerge as a plausible long-term equilibrium.
Potential impacts of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming levels on drought modes over Eastern Africa
Authors: Nguvava Mariam , Abiodun Babatunde J.
Published: November 2023

This study examines the impacts of 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels (GWLs) on the characteristics of four major drought modes over Eastern Africa in the future under two climate forcing scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The droughts were quantified using two drought indices: the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and the standardized precipitation index (SPI) at 12-month scale. Four major drought modes were identified with the principal component analysis (PCA). Multi-model simulation datasets from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) were analysed for the study. The skill of the models to reproduce the spatial distribution and frequency of past drought modes over Eastern Africa was examined by comparing the simulated results with the Climate Research Unit (CRU) observation. The models give realistic simulations of the historical drought modes over the region. The correlation between the simulated and observed spatial pattern of the drought modes is high (r ≥ 0.7). Over the hotspot of the drought modes, the observed drought frequency is within the simulated values, and the simulations agree with the observation that the frequency of SPI-12 droughts is less than that of SPEI-12 droughts. For both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the simulation ensemble projects no changes in the spatial structure of the drought modes but suggests an increase in SPEI-12 drought intensity and frequency over the hotspots of the drought modes. The magnitude of the increase, which varies over the drought mode hotspots, is generally higher at 2 °C than at 1.5 °C global warming levels. More than 75% of the simulations agree on these projections. The projections also show that the increase in drought intensity and frequency is more from increased potential evapotranspiration than from reduced precipitation. Hence, the study suggests that to reduce impacts of global warming on future drought, the adaptation activities should focus on reducing evaporative loss surface water.
Away from Home or Returned Home? What Iranian Participants with Dementia Experience while Living in a Culturally Profiled Nursing Home in Sweden
Authors: Kiwi Mahin
Published: November 2023

This study explores Iranian immigrants with dementia living in a culturally profiled Swedish nursing home and what it means to be at “home.” The meaning given to a place, in general, is understood to be generated and formed by experiences, expectations, hopes, and chains of events, and its significance can change over time. Life changes will mainly affect the understanding of what constitutes “home.” Such a concept can be challenging to define, especially amongst some immigrant populations and those with dementia, for whom parameters change and choice can be limited. This qualitative research study is based on ethnographic fieldwork following ten participants. The data was analyzed, and three main categories that contribute to understanding “home” as part of the delivery of care to elderly immigrants with dementia, namely “a place to escape to”, “a place to be”, and “a place to live”, were identified. The findings show that living in a culturally profiled nursing home in Sweden gave residents a feeling of self-rule, although the institution did have its codes and rules. Considering the feeling of home, none of the participants felt at home; instead, they stated that the culturally profiled nursing home was merely a place to live. Factors that strengthened their independence were the ability to speak the language they were familiar with and receiving medical help without relying on their children.
Enhancement of energy, exergy and soot characteristics with the utilization of MEK in diesel engine
Authors: Almanzalawy M. S. , Mori S. , Elkady M. F. , Elwardany A. E.
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) on a diesel engine’s energy, exergy and emissions. The evaporation of a bi-component droplet of MEK and heptane was modeled. Furthermore, the soot morphology and nanostructure were quantified. Different blends were examined at other engine conditions. Running the engine under idle conditions and optimum speed considerably reduced engine emissions. MEK noticeably decreased the maximum reachable load of the diesel engine. Both specific fuel consumption and thermal efficiency increased with MEK. The exergetic efficiency increased while the fuel exergy decreased at the same work exergy. The effects of MEK on combustion characteristics were insignificant. However, a stronger premixed combustion phase was obtained where MEK evaporated first and caused a slightly longer droplet lifetime. Low percentages of MEK reduced CO emissions, while NOx emissions increased consistently with the MEK addition. The engine conditions noticeably influenced the unburned hydrocarbon emissions with MEK. Both smoke opacity and primary particle diameter decreased. The fringe analysis emphasized that MEK decreased fringe length, soot intensity, and alignment, increasing fringe tortuosity and spacing. Clearly, methyl ethyl ketone suppressed soot formation in a diesel engine and decreased its reactivity.

Graphical abstract
An Improved Model to Help University Students Understand and Assess Results of Science in the Making
Authors: Goddiksen Mads Paludan
Published: November 2023

Developing an adequate understanding of the nature of science includes developing an understanding of the uses and importance of models in science. General accounts of science aimed at university students, however, tend to neglect this aspect. A noticeable exception is the simple model of the key elements of a scientific result presented by Giere, Bickle, and Mauldin in their book Understanding Scientific Reasoning (2006, Ch. 2). The model—referred to here as the Giere model—is a valuable tool in nature of science teaching that aims to help university-level science students understand how scientists can claim that a result is justified and to evaluate whether this is in fact the case. However, students tend to have difficulty applying the model to real cases. This is partly due to ambiguities and (over)simplifications in the model. This paper therefore aims to improve the applicability of the Giere model under its original scope by clarifying and nuancing key concepts in the original model. Furthermore, the paper aims to adapt the Giere model to make it applicable to knowledge claims about the results of scientific design.
Wind farm layout optimization under uncertainty
Authors: Agra Agostinho , Cerveira Adelaide
Published: November 2023

Wind power is a major source of green energy production. However, the energy generation of wind power is highly affected by uncertainty. Here, we consider the problem of designing the cable network that interconnects the turbines to the substation in wind farms, aiming to minimize both the infrastructure cost and the cost of the energy losses during the wind farm’s lifetime. Nonetheless, the energy losses depend on wind direction and speed, which are rarely known with certainty in real situations. Hence, the design of the network should consider these losses as uncertain parameters. We assume that the exact probability distribution of these parameters is unknown but belongs to an ambiguity set and propose a distributionally robust two-stage mixed integer model. The model is solved using a decomposition algorithm. Three enhancements are proposed given the computational difficulty in solving real problem instances. Computational results are reported based on real data.
Digital technology and healthcare delivery in insulin-treated adults with diabetes: a proposal for analysis of self-monitoring blood glucose patterns using a dedicated platform
Authors: Irace Concetta , Acmet Elena , Cutruzzolà Antonio , Parise Martina , Ponzani Paola , Scarpitta Antonietta Maria , Candido Riccardo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

A remote platform for diabetes care (Roche Diabetes® Care Platform, RDCP) has been developed that allows combined face-to-face consultations and remote patient monitoring (RPM).

Methods

A dedicated flowchart is proposed as a clinical approach to help healthcare professionals in the appropriate interpretation of structured self-monitoring blood glucose data, as visualized on the RDCP during the visits, and in the optimal management of patients using the integrated RDCP-RPM tools.

Results

The platform organizes patterns in different blocks: (i) hypoglycemia; (ii) hyperglycemia; (iii) blood glucose variability; (iv) treatment adherence, which identifies a possible individual pattern according to glycemic control challenges, potential causal factors, and behavioral type patterns. The flowchart proposed for use of the RDCP-RPM is self-explanatory and entails 3 steps: (1) evaluation of quality and quantity of self-monitoring blood glucose data; (2) pattern analysis; (3) personalized suggestions and therapy changes.

Conclusion

The main aim of the remote treatment flowchart proposed is to support healthcare professionals in the identification of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic patterns using the RDCP regardless of the HbA1c value and ongoing treatment, which however, become crucial in combination with pattern analysis in the therapeutical choice.
Gradient-Based Competitive Learning: Theory
Authors: Cirrincione Giansalvo , Randazzo Vincenzo , Barbiero Pietro , Ciravegna Gabriele , Pasero Eros
Published: November 2023

Deep learning has been recently used to extract the relevant features for representing input data also in the unsupervised setting. However, state-of-the-art techniques focus mostly on algorithmic efficiency and accuracy rather than mimicking the input manifold. On the contrary, competitive learning is a powerful tool for replicating the input distribution topology. It is cognitive/biologically inspired as it is founded on Hebbian learning, a neuropsychological theory claiming that neurons can increase their specialization by competing for the right to respond to/represent a subset of the input data. This paper introduces a novel perspective by combining these two techniques: unsupervised gradient-based and competitive learning. The theory is based on the intuition that neural networks can learn topological structures by working directly on the transpose of the input matrix. At this purpose, the vanilla competitive layer and its dual are presented. The former is representative of a standard competitive layer for deep clustering, while the latter is trained on the transposed matrix. The equivalence of the layers is extensively proven both theoretically and experimentally. The dual competitive layer has better properties. Unlike the vanilla layer, it directly outputs the prototypes of the data inputs, while still allowing learning by backpropagation. More importantly, this paper proves theoretically that the dual layer is better suited for handling high-dimensional data (e.g., for biological applications), because the estimation of the weights is driven by a constraining subspace which does not depend on the input dimensionality, but only on the dataset cardinality. This paper has introduced a novel approach for unsupervised gradient-based competitive learning. This approach is very promising both in the case of small datasets of high-dimensional data and for better exploiting the advantages of a deep architecture: the dual layer perfectly integrates with the deep layers. A theoretical justification is also given by using the analysis of the gradient flow for both vanilla and dual layers.
Detecting Shape-Based Interactions Among Environmental Chemicals Using an Ensemble of Exposure-Mixture Regression and Interpretable Machine Learning Tools
Authors: Midya Vishal , Gennings Chris
Published: November 2023

There is growing interest in discovering interactions between multiple environmental chemicals associated with increased adverse health effects. However, most existing approaches (1) either use a projection or product of multiple chemical exposures, which are difficult to interpret and (2) cannot simultaneously handle multi-ordered interactions. Therefore, we develop and validate a method to discover shape-based interactions that mimic usual toxicological interactions. We developed the Multi-ordered explanatory interaction (Moxie) algorithm by merging the efficacy of Extreme Gradient Boosting with the inferential power of Weighted Quantile Sum regression to extract synergistic interactions associated with the outcome/odds of disease in an adverse direction. We evaluated the algorithm’s performance through simulations and compared it with the currently available gold standard, the signed-iterative random forest algorithm. We used the 2017–18 US-NHANES dataset (n = 447 adults) to evaluate interactions among nine per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and five metals measured in whole blood in association with serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In simulations, the Moxie algorithm was highly specific and sensitive and had very low false discovery rates in detecting true synergistic interactions of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th order through moderate (n = 250) to large (n = 1000) sample sizes. In NHANES data, we found a two-order synergistic interaction between cadmium and lead detected in people with whole-blood cadmium concentrations and lead above 0.605 ug/dL and 1.485 ug/dL, respectively. Our findings demonstrate a novel validated approach in environmental epidemiology for detecting shape-based toxicologically mimicking interactions by integrating exposure-mixture regression and machine learning methods.
Interpretation of empirical results in intervention studies: a commentary and kick-off for discussion
Authors: Büsch Dirk , Loffing Florian
Published: November 2023

Sports science as an empirical science produces study results that are to be interpreted hypothesis-oriented. The validity of the interpretation of statistically and practically significant results depends on the one hand on the theoretical foundation of the research question and on the other hand on the concrete methodological procedure in intervention studies. Considering hypotheses at the empirical-content and statistical level, recurring interpretation difficulties arise when numbers are translated into words or recommendations for action. On the basis of two examples, a discussion in the scientific community is to be initiated, which could be continued in this journal in case of corresponding interest in methodological issues.
Seasonal temperature and precipitation record breakings in Hungary in a warming world
Authors: Szabó Péter , Bartholy Judit , Pongrácz Rita
Published: November 2023

Climate change is leading to new daily record-breaking values globally. Since there is a clear shift towards the higher temperature values, the ratio of the numbers of new record high temperatures to record lows indicates the acceleration of global warming differently at regional levels—but is there an amplification for precipitation records as well? The main purpose of this regional analysis is to determine how many record highs/lows are broken on a seasonal level, and how large the area affected is, which enables us to assess the potentially large impacts at a local scale. The analysis is based on the statistical characteristics that the number of record breakings decreases exponentially with time for a stationary climate (when natural variability prevails). The assessment focuses on Hungary and considers the past from 1971 and the future from 2021. Results suggest that (1) currently the ratio of the numbers of new record high to record low temperatures is higher in Hungary than globally, particularly for summer and autumn (around 3.5); (2) substantially more new warm records and almost no cold records are expected by the late century (with a ratio of 140–160) following a high emission scenario, particularly in summer, when the impacts of these record breakings are the largest; (3) new precipitation records in the region are much less affected by the anthropogenic activity.
Lean Ergonomics—an empirical combination of Management Science and Ergonomics
Authors: Brunner Stefan , Kühnel Klaus , Bengler Klaus
Published: November 2023

This paper presents Lean Ergonomics (LE) as an employee- and process-related method in a practice-oriented way. Stagnations in economic improvements of the processes, combined with known, high stresses of the basic workers on the shopfloor with ambiguous starting points of ergonomic measures hold broad analysis and optimization potential. This can be shown exploratively based on LE. 12 representative work processes at large reactors in the chemical industry form the study area. Each individual work process receives a Lean Ergonomics data set consisting of time data [standard deviation in min & %], objective ergonomics [EAWS] and subjective ergonomics [Borg, NASA-TLX; both pseudonymized]. Two process-identical production halls are provided, which is why KFzA (short questionnaire for work analysis) is also collected anonymously for additional general analysis of work system design. Consequently resulting in a diverse data structure of quantifiable person-related methods, objective, process-related loads and economically relevant, likewise process-related KPIs.
Level and Program Analytics of MUM-T System
Authors: Kim Byung Woon , Choi Ga Eun
Published: November 2023

This study establishes the concept and classification system of MUM-T for the operation and development of AI-based complex combat systems. We analyze the core aspects of this system: autonomy, interoperability, and program level. AI MUM-T can improve the survivability of manned systems, expand their operational range, and increase combat effectiveness. We analyze technical challenges and program levels using data from the USA and UK, which are building the AI MUM-T integrated combat system. Currently, MUM-T is at the level of complex operation of a manned platform and an unmanned aerial vehicle platform. In the mid to long term, interoperable communication between heterogeneous platforms such as unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles, and unmanned underwater vehicles is possible. Depending on the level of development of the common architecture and standard protocols for interoperability between AI MUM-T systems, MUM-T can evolve from the “1 to N” concept to various combinations of operating concepts from “N to N.” The difference of this study from existing studies is that the core technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, such as AI, autonomy, and data interoperability, are reflected in the MUM-T system. In addition, an AI-enabled autonomous MUM-T operation and facility classification system was established by reflecting AI and autonomy in the existing unmanned system taxonomy, and the level and program were analyzed taking this into consideration.
Literature review on the application of 5 mm endostaplers in pediatric endoscopic surgery
Authors: Rafe Tanvir , Ross Andrew
Published: November 2023

This non-systematic Pubmed review was performed to evaluate the use of 5 mm endostaplers in pediatric endoscopic surgery with results available in children aged between 1 day and 17 years. Three reports identified the use of the endostapler in bowel anastomosis, two in laparoscopic anorectoplasty and one in thoracoscopic resections of congenital lung malformations. Although the actual surgical application may be in larger number of patients, the number of published reports with regards to the application of the 5 mm endostapler in pediatric endoscopic procedures are limited and further reporting will provide better insights into further possible applications and outcomes.
A comparative analysis of design and analysis methods for steel connections: contrasting American and European perspectives
Authors: Naqash Muhammad Tayyab , Alluqmani Ayed Eid , Farooq Qazi Umar
Published: November 2023

Load transmission from one element to another is achieved using steel connections, making them an integral part of any structural design. This article examines the differences between the American Codes (AISC) and Eurocode 3 for the design and analysis of steel connections. Moment connections' stiffness, strength, and ductility as expressed in both codes are the core focus of this research. Each tactic's advantages and disadvantages have been detailed, and the effect of seismic load on steel connection design has been investigated. The feasibility of using techniques like haunches and stiffeners to enhance connection design is also explored. The study focuses on moment connections and how they fare under different loads and conditions like stiffness, strength, and ductility. Additionally, the effect of seismic loading on the development of steel connections is analyzed. Finally, the significance of testing and documentation to guarantee the safety and dependability of steel connections has been evaluated. This research can help engineers select a suitable code and connection typology for their projects for improved performance of the overall structural behaviour.
Drag on a plate perpendicular to the flow of an elasto-viscoplastic fluid
Authors: Jossic Laurent , Ouattara Zemihori , Gueye Moctar , Dufour Frédéric , Magnin Albert
Published: November 2023

The flow with no inertia of an elasto-viscoplastic fluid around a plate perpendicular to the flow direction was considered. Firstly, experiments were performed with a model yield stress fluid, an aqueous Carbopol gel. The viscoelastic behavior of the fluid is identified by steady and transient rheological measurements. The drag force on the plate has been measured as a function of the plate velocity in steady state and in relaxation after stopping the movement. The role of the initial stress state in the fluid was highlighted. Secondly, numerical simulations were carried out using the finite element method with Lagrangian integration points. As a first approach, the elasto-viscoplastic behaviour of the gel has been simplified by a constitutive equation based on the Maxwell and Herschel-Bulkley models. The solid–liquid transition is defined by the von Mises criterion. The comparison between experimental and numerical data are quite satisfactory.
A Social Psychology of Protest
Authors: van Stekelenburg Jacquelien , Klandermans Bert
Published: November 2023

Protest is typically rare behavior, yet the ﬁrst decade of the twenty-ﬁrst century has been named the era of protest. Successful protests bring masses to the streets, and the emergence of social media has fundamentally changed the process of mobilization. What protests need to be successful is demand (grievances, anger, and indignation), supply (protest organizations), and mobilization (eﬀective communication networks). Motivation to participate can be instrumental, expressive, and identity driven, and politicized collective identity plays an important role in the dynamics of collective action. This volume brings together insights from social psychology, political psychology, sociology, and political science to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of protest participation, particularly to the question of why some people protest while others do not. It is essential reading for scholars interested in the social and political psychology of individuals in action.