bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peritectic orthopyroxene entrainment during partial melting of garnet peridotite produced the Bushveld Complex chromite deposits
Authors: Otto Tahnee , Stevens Gary , Moyen Jean-François , Mayne Matthew J , Clemens John D
Published: May 2024

One of the largest chromium deposits on Earth occurs in the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) of the Bushveld Complex as laterally continuous chromitite layers. None of the hypotheses proposed for the origin of the chromitites can explain both the abundance of Cr in the RLS and the unusual enrichment in Cr and V over Ni, relative to typical depleted mantle values. This study investigates the possibility that the layering and chromitite formation are consequences of the entrainment of source components into the magmas that formed the RLS. Thermodynamic modelling results reveal a wedge-shaped domain in pressure-temperature space in the subcratonic mantle within which Cr-bearing orthopyroxene forms as a peritectic product of incongruent melting. Entrainment of this orthopyroxene produces magmas that crystallise peritectic olivine and chromite on ascent, due to the consumption of orthopyroxene by melt. The chromite- and olivine-bearing magmas intrude as sills and can produce chromite and dunite layers by density separation. This model, which interprets the RLS Sr-isotopic composition to reflect prior mantle metasomatism by crustal fluids (ideally ancient and of low volume), readily explains the formation of chromitite layers from relatively thin sills, as well as the very high ratios of Cr and V to other compatible elements relative to typical mantle compositions. The special circumstances required to produce the RLS chromitites do not relate to some oddity of repetitive crustal assimilation or magma compositions that allow chromite-only saturation. Rather, they relate to speed of melting and magma extraction which enabled peritectic orthopyroxene entrainment to the magmas.
From the idea to the research question and hypothesis
Authors: Ackermann Jakob ,   the Research Committee of the AGA
Published: May 2024

The research idea, research question, hypothesis, and research objective collectively form the bedrock of every scientific study and thus demand careful and precise development. Guidelines such as the FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant) and PICOT (population, intervention, comparison group, outcome of interest, and time) criteria provide a structured approach to establishing the study’s foundation. Ultimately, clinical relevance and a well-defined study concept are pivotal for a successful publication process and the scientific contribution that a study can make to the current literature.
Social Darwinism Revisited: How four critics altered the meaning of a near-obsolete term, greatly increased its usage, and thereby changed social science
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M.
Published: May 2024

Many social scientists still resist Darwinian insights. A possible reason for this is a fear of being associated with Social Darwinism. This article updates a 2002 search for appearances of Social Darwinism in articles and reviews on the JSTOR database. This database has since increased substantially in size, and it now includes far more publications in languages other than English. Use of the term Social Darwinism was rare before the 1940s. Talcott Parsons used it in 1932 to criticise the analytic use of the core Darwinian concepts in social science. Subsequently, and for the first time, Herbert Spencer and Willam Graham Sumner were described as Social Darwinists. This led to a major change of meaning of the term, where it was associated more, but not entirely, with free market individualism. With this reconstructed meaning, a 1944 bestselling book by Richard Hofstadter provoked an explosion of usage of the term in postwar years. The continuing use of the term is partly ideologically motivated and has served to deter consideration of Darwinian ideas in social science.
Invariant relations for affine loops
Authors: Ghardallou Wided , Mohammadi Hessamaldin , Linger Richard C. , Pleszkoch Mark , Loh JiMeng , Mili Ali
Published: May 2024

Invariant relations are used to analyze while loops; while their primary application is to derive the function of a loop, they can also be used to derive loop invariants, weakest preconditions, strongest postconditions, sufficient conditions of correctness, necessary conditions of correctness, and termination conditions of loops. In this paper we present two generic invariant relations that capture the semantics of loops whose loop body applies affine transformations on numeric variables.
Cranial and extracranial manifestations of giant cell arteritis: a single-center observational study
Authors: Kudraszew Emilia , Nowakowska-Płaza Anna , Wroński Jakub , Płaza Mateusz , Wisłowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) presents two major phenotypes – cranial (cGCA) and extracranial (exGCA). exGCA may be overlooked. The study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics between cGCA and exGCA.

Methods

Electronic medical records of patients treated between January 2015 and July 2023 at the Department of Rheumatology were searched for the diagnosis of GCA. The clinical characteristics of patients with cGCA, exGCA, and overlapping GCA manifestations were compared.

Results

Out of 32 patients with GCA, 20 had cGCA, 7 had exGCA, and 5 had overlap manifestations. The groups did not differ significantly in demographics, clinical signs/symptoms, or laboratory test results. Importantly, the combined group of patients with exGCA and overlap GCA had a statistically significant delay in initiating treatment (median 12 weeks) compared to patients with cGCA (median 4 weeks; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the insidious nature of exGCA, which lacks distinctive clinical symptoms and consequently leads to delayed treatment.
Incidence and pattern of urgent revascularization in acute coronary syndromes treated with ticagrelor or prasugrel
Authors: Aytekin Alp , Scalamogna Maria , Coughlan J. J. , Lahu Shqipdona , Ndrepepa Gjin , Menichelli Maurizio , Mayer Katharina , Wöhrle Jochen , Bernlochner Isabell , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Hochholzer Willibald , Sibbing Dirk , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Hemetsberger Rayyan , Tölg Ralph , Valina Christian , Müller Arne , Kufner Sebastian , Liebetrau Christoph , Xhepa Erion , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Sager Hendrik B. , Joner Michael , Richardt Gert , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Neumann Franz Josef , Schunkert Heribert , Schüpke Stefanie , Kastrati Adnan , Cassese Salvatore
Published: May 2024

Background

The ISAR-REACT 5 trial compared the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and prasugrel in patients with ACS managed invasively. The present study sought to investigate the impact of ticagrelor and prasugrel on the incidence and pattern of urgent revascularization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results

This post-hoc analysis of the ISAR-REACT 5 trial included all ACS patients who underwent PCI. The primary endpoint for this analysis was the incidence of urgent revascularization at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome was the pattern of urgent revascularization procedures (namely, urgent target vessel/non-target vessel revascularization – TVR/NTVR). Among 3,377 ACS patients who underwent PCI, 1,676 were assigned to ticagrelor and 1,701 to prasugrel before PCI. After 12 months, the incidence of urgent revascularization was higher among patients assigned to ticagrelor as compared to prasugrel (6.8% vs. 5.2%; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.75; p = 0.051), mostly attributable to significantly more urgent NTVR in the ticagrelor group (3.8% vs. 2.4%; HR = 1.62 [1.09–2.41]; p = 0.017). The risk of urgent TVR did not differ between treatment groups (3.3% vs. 3.0%; HR = 1.13 [0.77–1.65]; p = 0.546).

Conclusions

In ACS patients treated with PCI, the cumulative rate of urgent revascularizations after 12 months is higher with ticagrelor compared to prasugrel, due to a significant increase in urgent revascularizations involving remote coronary vessels.

Graphic abstract
Recreational music exposure and hearing health in young adults
Authors: Ergun Onur , Cakmak Eda , Alniacik Asuman
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare daily and total recreational music exposure levels and extended-spectrum audiogram results in young adults without pre-existing hearing problems.

Design

The study included healthy volunteers aged 18–25 with no known ear disease or hearing loss. Participants completed a questionnaire, underwent otoscopic and tympanometric examinations, and determined preferred music volumes in an audiometry booth using calibrated music samples of their preferred genres. Hearing thresholds up to 16 kiloHertz (kHz) were measured. Daily music exposure for each participant was normalized to 8 h to calculate a time-weighted average of 8 h (TWA8). Total exposure (TE) was calculated by multiplying TWA8 by the number of years of music listening.

Results

A total of 32.4% of participants had TWA8s above 65 dB. Their hearing thresholds at 125, 250, 500, and 16,000 Hz and the average of 125 Hz–8 kHz were significantly higher. Participants with TWA8s above 65 dB were also more prone to speaking loudly and experiencing communication difficulties on the phone. Those with a TE of more than 400 experienced significantly more speech discrimination difficulty in noisy environments and temporary hearing loss/tinnitus after exposure to loud music. Participants with a TE above 700 had worse thresholds at 4, 14, and 16 kHz frequencies, as well as 125–8000 Hz and 500–4000 Hz averages compared to those with a TE below 700.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that recreational music with much lower exposure levels than the universally accepted TWA8 of 85 dB could negatively impact hearing in healthy young adults. Therefore, maintaining a maximum TWA8 of 65 dB is recommended.
Characterization of cognitive symptoms in post COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ruzicka Michael , Sachenbacher Simone , Heimkes Fides , Uebleis Aline Olivia , Karch Susanne , Grosse-Wentrup Fabienne , Ibarra Fonseca Gerardo Jesus , Wunderlich Nora , Bogner Johannes , Mayerle Julia , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Falkai Peter , Subklewe Marion , Ruzicka Thomas , Benesch Christopher , Valdinoci Elisabeth , Pernpruner Anna , Thomas Anabel , Heindl Bernhard , Stubbe Hans Christian , Adorjan Kristina
Published: May 2024

Cognitive symptoms (CS) belong to the most common manifestations of the Post COVID-19 (PC) condition. We sought to objectify CS in PC patients using routine diagnostic assessments: neurocognitive testing (NCT) and brain imaging (BI). Further, we investigated possible associations of CS with patient reported outcomes (PROs), and risk factors for developing CS. Clinical data and PROs of 315 PC patients were assessed at a mean of 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. 231 (73.3%) patients reported any sort of CS. Among them, 78 underwent NCT and 55 received BI. In NCT, the cognitive domains most affected were the working memory, attention, and concentration. Nonetheless, pathological thresholds were exceeded only in few cases. Neurocognitive performance did not differ significantly between patients complaining of severe (n = 26) versus non-severe (n = 52) CS. BI findings were abnormal in 8 (14.5%) cases with CS but were most likely not related to PC. Patients reporting high severity of CS scored worse in the PHQ-9, FSS, WHOQOL-BREF, were more likely to report impaired sleep, and had a higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses. Overall, NCT could confirm mild impairment in some but not all PC patients with CS, while BI studies were abnormal in only few cases. CS severity did not affect NCT results, but severe CS were associated with symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), fatigue (FSS), reduced quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and higher prevalence of psychiatric illnesses. These findings support the importance of NCT, BI, and neuro-psychological assessment in the work-up of PC patients reporting CS.

Trial registration

Trial registration number and date of registration: DRKS00030974, 22 Dec 2022, retrospectively registered.
Boldness predicts foraging behaviour, habitat use and chick growth in a central place marine predator
Authors: Pereira Jorge M. , Ramos Jaime A. , Ceia Filipe R. , Krüger Lucas , Marques Ana M. , Paiva Vitor H.
Published: May 2024

Animal personality can shape individual’s fitness. Yet, the mechanistic relationship by which individual’s personality traits lead to variations in fitness remains largely underexplored. Here, we used novel object tests to measure boldness of chick-provisioning Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) from a coastal colony off west Portugal, and deployed GPS loggers to study their at-sea behaviour and distribution. We then tested whether boldness predicts individual differences in adult’s trophic ecology and variations in chick growth, to assess potential implications of personality-specific foraging behaviours. Foraging effort was higher for shyer than for bolder individuals, which, during short forays, exhibited larger foraging ranges, and foraged in regions of higher and more variable bathymetry. This suggests that nearby the colony bolder individuals expanded their foraging area to maximize resource acquisition and increase the probability of foraging success. When endeavouring to longer distances, bolder individuals exhibited comparably shorter foraging ranges and targeted low bathymetry regions, likely with enhanced prey availability, while shyer individuals exhibited much larger foraging ranges indicating greater flexibility when foraging in oceanic realms. Despite such differences between bolder and shyer individuals their isotopic niches were similar. Yet, chicks raised by bolder parents grew at a faster rate than those raised by shyer parents. Together, our results suggest that differences in resource acquisition strategies could play a key role through which individual’s boldness may influence breeding performance, even when individuals have similar isotopic preferences.
Is checkworthiness generalizable? Evaluating task and domain generalization of datasets for claim detection
Authors: Nenno Sami
Published: May 2024

The spread of misinformation has reached a level at which neither research nor fact-checkers can monitor it only manually anymore. Accordingly, there has been much research on models and datasets for detecting checkworthy claims. However, the research in NLP is mostly detached from findings in communication science on misinformation and fact-checking. Checkworthiness is a notoriously vague concept whose meaning is contested among different stakeholders. Against the background of news value theory, i.e., the study of factors that make an event relevant for journalistic reporting, this is not surprising. It is argued that this vagueness leads to inconsistencies and poor generalization across different datasets and domains. For the experiments, models are trained on one dataset, tested on the remaining, and evaluated against the results on the original performance, against a random baseline, and against the scores when the models are not trained at all. The study finds that there is a drastic reduction in comparison with the performance on the original dataset. Moreover, often the models are outperformed by the random baseline and training on one dataset has no or even a negative impact on the performance on the other datasets. This paper proposes that future research should abandon this task design and instead take inspiration from research in communication science. In the style of news values, Claim Detection should focus on factors that are relevant for fact-checkers and misinformation.
Ergodic mean field games: existence of local minimizers up to the Sobolev critical case
Authors: Cirant Marco , Cosenza Alessandro , Verzini Gianmaria
Published: May 2024

We investigate the existence of solutions to viscous ergodic Mean Field Games systems in bounded domains with Neumann boundary conditions and local, possibly aggregative couplings. In particular we exploit the associated variational structure and search for constrained minimizers of a suitable functional. Depending on the growth of the coupling, we detect the existence of global minimizers in the mass subcritical and critical case, and of local minimizers in the mass supercritical case, notably up to the Sobolev critical case.
Sollen wir wieder wissen, wo’s langgeht? Gedankengänge zur Vermittlung des systemischen Psychotherapieverständnisses in der Ausbildung
Authors: Klar Sabine , Arn-Stieger Danielle
Published: May 2024

Die gesellschaftliche Umgebung ist im Gesundheits- und Sozialbereich zunehmend von neoliberalistischer Kosten-Nutzen-Optimierung und Standardisierung geprägt. Klient:innen und deren Störungen sollen mit diversen psychotherapeutischen Techniken behandelt werden, um damit möglichst effizient gesellschaftlich erwünschte therapeutische Ziele zu erreichen. Systemische Ausbildungseinrichtungen geraten dadurch in ein Spannungsverhältnis – sie vertreten ihrer Tradition gemäß ein anderes Therapieverständnis und wollen gleichzeitig Studierende darauf vorbereiten, auch aktuellen Erwartungen zu entsprechen. Aus der Sicht der Autorinnen (die eine seit vielen Jahrzehnten Lehrtherapeutin, die andere erst seit kurzem in dieser Funktion tätig) wird eine (selbst)kritische Reflexion möglicher zukünftiger Entwicklungen als notwendig erachtet.
Hydrogeological characterization of low permeability medium for conceptualization of a mine site in Eastern Turkey
Authors: Tayyar Dogukan , Ekmekci Mehmet , Yazicigil Hasan
Published: May 2024

The mining site in Eastern Anatolia of Turkey were encounter a significant risk of slope instability within the operational area. One of the processes that govern slope stability is the pore water pressure distribution. The conceptualization and characterization of porous media serve as fundamental prerequisites for the implementation of numerical methods aimed at predicting pore water distribution. This study aims to characterize the hydrogeological properties of water bearing rocks in the active mining site in Eastern Anatolia of Turkey. A total of 21 wells and drill holes were drilled in the study area to conduct in-situ tests, monitoring, and sampling. The large diameter wells drilled in surrounding the carbonate rocks were to determine the groundwater flow and boundary conditions and also wells tapped metasediments and diorite unit for hydraulic testing. The lugeon tests and installation of vibrating wire piezometers were carried out at small diameter drill holes to obtain localized hydraulic conductivity of metasediments and diorite at different depths and monitoring pore water pressure distribution along some critical cross-sections. The results obtained from these tests are used for developing hydrogeological conceptual model for groundwater flow. The results of in-situ tests show that the metasediment and diorite units act as a single hydrostratigraphic unit. The metasediments and diorite have high total porosity and low specific yield indicating that the pore water is retained by electrostatic forces in the medium and it resists flow due to low hydraulic conductivity. The vertical variation in hydraulic conductivity values indicates that the medium is highly heterogeneous.
Cost-effective topology optimization of masonry structure reinforcements by a linear static analysis-based GA framework
Authors: Sberna Antonio Pio , Demartino Cristoforo , Vanzi Ivo , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Di Trapani Fabio
Published: May 2024

The paper presents a novel optimization framework aimed at the minimization of seismic retrofitting-related costs for existing unreinforced masonry building structures. The framework provides topology optimization of reinforcements (reinforced plasters) to implement in masonry walls for the accomplishment of seismic safety checks under the reference seismic load combinations. Optimization is carried out by a genetic algorithm (GA) developed in MATLAB®, which controls a 3D finite element equivalent frame model of the masonry structure developed in OpenSees. The GA routine iterates the reinforcement configurations employing specific genetic operators. The feasibility of each candidate retrofitting solution is assessed by performing in-plane shear and flexural safety checks of masonry walls. The framework is finally tested with a case study masonry structure supposed to be made of average-quality or poor-quality masonry. Results will show that the proposed framework can effectively provide the minimization of seismic retrofitting costs for existing masonry structures, giving as output the optimal configuration of the reinforcements within the structural layout.
News coverage of climate change and generation Z
Authors: Novak Alison N.
Published: May 2024

This study examines 2021 and 2022 news coverage of Generation Z and climate change to understand how this discursive relationship is constructed. This is important to understanding how Generation Z’s climate change activism is perceived by other groups such as other generations, activist groups, and journalists. This study answers the central question: In what ways do news articles construct and represent the relationship between Generation Z, climate change, activism, and intergenerational relationships? The study identifies five common discourses from the most popular news articles on the subject that reflect nuances in reporting and discursive construction of the group and issue: (1) climate change as inherited and chosen by Generation Z, (2) passive and active motivations for activism, (3) activism negatively impacting relationships with older groups, (4) future responsibilities, and (5) overuse of figureheads. The nuances of these news discourses impact opinions of Generation Z and the impact the group have on climate change activism with the potential to impact activist group outreach strategies, policy development, and relationships with the news media.
When royalties impede technology transfer
Authors: Doran Patrick , Thomson Russell , Webster Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

We use data on over 800 early-stage technology transaction negotiations to model the impact of different types of risk on whether the transaction was executed and then test for contractual factors that may ameliorate these risks. Our data highlight the importance of project risk in determining which negotiations result in a signed contract. We find that transactions aiming to sell early-stage technology to large corporates are less likely to be executed when the buyer is large, and the contract contains royalties, holding constant five different types of risk involved in the transaction. Other risk-reducing contract modes do not appear to increase the probability of an executed contract. Our results support the view that technology sellers’ reliance on royalties may reflect organisational preferences or capabilities which may not be economically or managerially optimal. We also find that ‘people risk’ matters more than ‘technological’, ‘market’, ‘appropriation’ and ‘freedom-to-operate’ risks.
On the entropy inequality and its exploitation in continuum physics
Authors: Morro Angelo
Published: May 2024

The paper deals with the statement and the application of the entropy principle, through the Clausius–Duhem inequality, in continuum physics. The conceptual role is taken from the Coleman–Noll paper of 1963 thus leading to the physical admissibility of constitutive equations. The statement is generalized by letting the rate of entropy production be a constitutive property per se. This generalization proves essential in connection with the modelling of hysteretic phenomena. As to the application, the view of the Coleman–Noll procedure is maintained but a representation formula is shown to generalize the consequences of the entropy principle; as an example the modelling of heat conduction is investigated. Furthermore, while applying the entropy principle to magnetic materials, it is shown an interesting connection between the balance of angular momentum and the thermodynamic restrictions. Also, the modelling through rate-type equations shows the need of Lagrangian fields to obey objectivity and that of the entropy production as a constitutive function to account for the difference between loading and unloading processes.
Triple band diamond-shaped polarization insensitive plasmonic nano emitter for thermal camouflage and radiative cooling
Authors: Şanlı Atıf Kerem , Tabaru Timuçin Emre , Kılıç Veli Tayfun
Published: May 2024

This study proposes the design of a novel Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) nano-infrared emitter that uses a unique diamond-shaped grating to achieve selective infrared absorption. Diamond-shaped nano emitter (DNE) structure exhibits four narrow resonant peaks within key absorption windows such as short-wave infrared (SWIR) mid-wave infrared (MWIR), alongside with a wide absorption band in the Non-Transmissive Infrared Range (NTIR) for thermal camouflage applications compatible with radiative cooling. Moreover, the proposed DNE is polarization insensitive as it has an in-plane symmetric design. Using the 3D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations, we demonstrate the nanoantenna’s superior performance characterized by its high absorption rates and tuned effective impedance matching. As of our knowledge, the findings suggest that this is the first time that a MIM structure achieved multiple narrow resonance peaks, located in SWIR and MWIR simultaneously, with a wide absorption range in NTIR. Represented DNE stands as a significant innovation in the field of stealth technology, providing a tunable, high-efficiency solution for managing and controlling thermal emissions across diverse applications.
Stress-mediated polysorbate 20 degradation and its potential impact on therapeutic proteins
Authors: Aryal Baikuntha , Lehtimaki Mari , Rao V. Ashutosh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Polysorbates are the most commonly used surfactants in formulations to stabilize therapeutic proteins against interfacial stresses. Polysorbates can undergo oxidative or enzyme-mediated hydrolytic degradation to produce free fatty acids (FFAs) and subvisible particles in formulations. To determine which product related variables contribute to PS20 degradation, we investigated the effects of storage temperature, formulation, pH, presence of hydrolytic enzymes, and specific fatty acid composition on different grades of PS20 in relation to their PS20 degradation profile and consequently the quality of protein drug products.

Methods

Bevacizumab and T-DM1 were reformulated in the freshly prepared therapeutic protein formulations containing either compendial PS20 or non-compendial PS20 with high % lauric acid and spiked with exogenous esterase or lipase. The release of FFAs and formation of particles were monitored at 4°C and 37°C. Protein quality was assessed for secondary structures, purity, and biological activity.

Results

Hydrolytic release of FFAs and formation of subvisible particles were found to be dependent on grades of PS20, types of enzymes used, incubation temperature, and pH. Esterase- or lipase-mediated degradation of PS20 and formation of subvisible particles in drug formulation showed no significant impact on the biological activity and stability of therapeutic proteins against degradation or aggregation.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that degradation of PS20 and formation of FFA particles depend on the fatty acid composition of PS20, types of hydrolytic enzymes, pH, and temperature. The presence of FFA subvisible particles showed no significant impact on the purity and biological activity of the therapeutic proteins under the tested conditions.
Quality of life in a high-risk group of elderly primary care patients: characteristics and potential for improvement
Authors: Döhring Juliane , Williamson Martin , Brettschneider Christian , Fankhänel Thomas , Luppa Melanie , Pabst Alexander , Weißenborn Marina , Zöllinger Isabel , Czock David , Frese Thomas , Gensichen Jochen , Hoffmann Wolfgang , König Hans-Helmut , Thyrian Jochen René , Wiese Birgitt , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Quality of Life (QoL) is associated with a bandwidth of lifestyle factors that can be subdivided into fixed and potentially modifiable ones. We know too little about the role of potentially modifiable factors in comparison to fixed ones. This study examines four aspects of QoL and its associations with 15 factors in a sample of elderly primary care patients with a high risk of dementia. The main objectives are (a) to determine the role of the factors in this particular group and (b) to assess the proportion of fixed and potentially modifiable factors.

Method

A high-risk group of 1030 primary care patients aged between 60 and 77 years (52.1% females) were enrolled in “AgeWell.de,” a cluster-randomized, controlled trial. This paper refers to the baseline data. The multi-component intervention targets to decrease the risk of dementia by optimization of associated lifestyle factors. 8 fixed and 7 modifiable factors potentially influencing QoL served as predictors in multiple linear regressions.

Results

The highest proportion of explained variance was found in psychological health and age-specific QoL. In comparison to health-related QoL and physical health, the modifiable predictors played a major role (corr. R2: 0.35/0.33 vs. 0.18), suggesting that they hold a greater potential for improving QoL.

Conclusion

Social engagement, body weight, instrumental activities of daily living, and self-efficacy beliefs appeared as lifestyle factors eligible to be addressed in an intervention program for improving QoL.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, reference number: DRKS00013555. Date of registration: 07.12.2017.
The sensitivity of legal proof
Authors: Melchior Guido
Published: May 2024

The proof paradox results from conflicting intuitions concerning different types of fallible evidence in a court of law. We accept fallible individual evidence but reject fallible statistical evidence even when the conditional probability that the defendant is guilty given the evidence is the same, a seeming inconsistency. This paper defends a solution to the proof paradox, building on a sensitivity account of checking and settling a question. The proposed sensitivity account of legal proof not only requires sensitivity simpliciter but sensitivity of each relevant step of the proof procedure and/or sensitivity concerning all relevant alternatives. This account avoids problems that have been identified for other sensitivity views of legal proof. Moreover, it is argued that sensitivity, rather than safety, is the crucial modal condition for legal proof. It is, finally, shown that the provided account can fruitfully support very different existing views on the relationship between knowledge and legal proof.
PaCO2 Association with Outcomes of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury at High Altitude: A Prospective Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Cáceres Eder , Divani Afshin A. , Rubinos Clio A. , Olivella-Gómez Juan , Viñan Garcés André Emilio , González Angélica , Alvarado Arias Alexis , Bhatia Kunal , Samadani Uzma , Reyes Luis F.
Published: May 2024

Background

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is generally known to influence outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at normal altitudes. Less is known about specific relationships of PaCO2 levels and clinical outcomes at high altitudes.

Methods

This is a prospective single-center cohort of consecutive patients with TBI admitted to a trauma center located at 2600 m above sea level. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) score < 4 at the 6-month follow-up.

Results

We had a total of 81 patients with complete data, 80% (65/81) were men, and the median (interquartile range) age was 36 (25–50) years. Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission was 9 (6–14); 49% (40/81) of patients had severe TBI (GCS 3–8), 32% (26/81) had moderate TBI (GCS 12–9), and 18% (15/81) had mild TBI (GCS 13–15). The median (interquartile range) Abbreviated Injury Score of the head (AISh) was 3 (2–4). The frequency of an unfavorable outcome (GOSE < 4) was 30% (25/81), the median GOSE was 4 (2–5), and the median 6-month mortality rate was 24% (20/81). Comparison between patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes revealed that those with unfavorable outcome were older, (median age 49 [30–72] vs. 29 [22–41] years, P < 0.01), had lower admission GCS scores (6 [4–8] vs. 13 [8–15], P < 0.01), had higher AISh scores (4 [4–4] vs. 3 [2–4], P < 0.01), had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II scores (17 [15–23] vs. 10 [6–14], P < 0.01), had higher Charlson scores (0 [0–2] vs. 0 [0–0], P < 0.01), and had higher PaCO2 levels (mean 35 ± 8 vs. 32 ± 6 mm Hg, P < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.30, P < 0.01), AISh (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.55–21.0, P < 0.05), and PaCO2 levels (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.53, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with the unfavorable outcomes. When applying the same analysis to the subgroup on mechanical ventilation, AISh (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.61–28.5, P = 0.017) and PaCO2 levels (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13–1.78, P = 0.015) remained significantly associated with the unfavorable outcome.

Conclusions

Higher PaCO2 levels are associated with an unfavorable outcome in ventilated patients with TBI. These results underscore the importance of PaCO2 levels in patients with TBI and whether it should be adjusted for populations living at higher altitudes.
Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Boulton Matthew , Al-Rubaie Ali
Published: May 2024

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) commonly occur following head trauma. TBI may result in short- and long-term complications which may lead to neurodegenerative consequences, including cognitive impairment post-TBI. When investigating the neurodegeneration following TBI, studies have highlighted the role reactive astrocytes have in the neuroinflammation and degeneration process. This review showcases a variety of markers that show reactive astrocyte presence under pathological conditions, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Crystallin Alpha-B (CRYA-B), Complement Component 3 (C3) and S100A10. Astrocyte activation may lead to white-matter inflammation, expressed as white-matter hyperintensities. Other white-matter changes in the brain following TBI include increased cortical thickness in the white matter. This review addresses the gaps in the literature regarding post-mortem human studies focussing on reactive astrocytes, alongside the potential uses of these proteins as markers in the future studies that investigate the proportions of astrocytes in the post-TBI brain has been discussed. This research may benefit future studies that focus on the role reactive astrocytes play in the post-TBI brain and may assist clinicians in managing patients who have suffered TBI.
An in-depth analysis of the hydrodynamic behaviour of a high-rate lamellar DAF tank by means of CFD simulations
Authors: Hlukhov Dmytro , Larraona Gorka S. , Rivas Alejandro , Ramos Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

This research is based on computational fluid dynamics simulations of water and microbubble flow within the tank of a lamellar DAF (L-DAF) clarification system operating under high-rate DAF conditions (12–30 m/h). Firstly, performance of the DAF tank with lamellae was evaluated under two operating conditions in which the flow was either short-circuited or stratified in the absence of lamellae. In addition, the improvement in bubble removal efficiency achieved by the incorporation of lamellae in each scenario was assessed. Secondly, an in-depth analysis was conducted of the flow that develops in the separation zone as a result of placing the lamella pack in that part of the tank. The significant density difference that the lamellae cause to exist between the bubble blanket and clarified water below is responsible for the complex three-dimensional flow observed between the two regions. Analysis of this flow showed a previously undescribed mechanism in which the density gradient plays a crucial role in preventing bubbles from passing through the lamellae and ultimately escaping with the effluent. Finally, the effect of hydraulic loading on the bubble removal efficiency of the L-DAF tank under consideration was researched, and it was found that an L-DAF with a height/length ratio of 0.72 is able to operate at hydraulic loading close to 30 m/h, evidencing good debubbling performance.
Water in nigella oil microemulsion for enhanced oral bioavailability of linagliptin
Authors: Eid Rania K. , Arafa Mona F. , El Maghraby Gamal M.
Published: May 2024

Linagliptin is hydrophilic antidiabetic with poor oral bioavailability due to poor permeability and pre-systemic metabolism. The objective was to assess w/o microemulsion for enhanced oral bioavailability of linagliptin. Nigella oil was used as oily phase based on its reported antidiabetic effect. Isopropyl myristate (IPM) or capryol were combined with nigella oil to impart intestinal membrane permeabilizing abilities. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed utilizing nigella oil in presence and absence of isopropyl myristate or capryol as oily phase using Tween 60 as surfactant. W/O microemulsion formulations were selected from the constructed phase diagrams and linagliptin was loaded in the internal aqueous phase at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. The prepared formulations were physically evaluated and linagliptin in vitro release was monitored. Eventually, the in vivo hypoglycemic effect was assessed using diabetic rats. The developed microemulsions were of w/o type and exhibited Newtonian flow behavior with nigella/capryol microemulsion recording the lowest viscosity. The recorded droplet size values were 104.9, 121.2 and 86.4 nm for nigella, nigella/IPM and nigella/capryol microemulsions, respectively. All microemulsion formulations showed slower drug release rate compared with aqueous suspension with nigella/capryol microemulsion showing the highest release rate compared to other microemulsions. Release data from microemulsion best fitted to Higuchi model. In vivo oral hypoglycemic activity measurement reflected a more intensified hypoglycemic effect with rapid onset after oral ingestion of microemulsion compared to linagliptin dispersion. Nigella oil/IPM-based microemulsion was ranked as the most effective. The investigation highlighted the feasibility of w/o microemulsion for enhanced oral bioavailability of hydrophilic drugs like linagliptin.

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Modelling the Response of Timber Beams Under Fire
Authors: Khelifa Mourad , Thi Van Diem , Oudjène Marc , Khennane Amar , El Ganaoui Mohammed , Rogaume Yann
Published: May 2024

A fundamental requirement for analysing timber structures under fire is to consider the degradation of material properties with temperature. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose a model that accounts for the variation of the thermo-physical properties, the development of char, and its evolution with temperature. This model integrates a sequential coupling of heat transfer analysis with structural response. The degradation of the material properties is accounted for through the regulatory approach recommended in Eurocode 5. The stress analysis employs an elasto-plastic model with nonlinear isotropic hardening. Implementation of the model is achieved within the Abaqus suite of finite element software using external subroutines. The model's predictions align well with experimental data, accurately reproducing both thermal and structural responses. Specifically, the model accurately predicts temperature profiles, displacements, and the depth of the charred layer, which initiates above 300 °C. Additionally, for rectangular sections, it was observed that exposure of all faces to fire results in a non-rectangular residual section. Furthermore, employing the temperature-dependent thermal property curves suggested by EC5 yields satisfactory results when predicting the fire resistance of softwood timber structures.
Investigating the influence of clustering techniques and parameters on a hybrid PSO-driven ANFIS model for electricity prediction
Authors: Oladipo Stephen , Sun Yanxia , Amole Abraham Olatide
Published: May 2024

The availability of reliable electrical power, which is essential for a comfortable lifestyle worldwide, requires realistic power usage projections for electric utilities and policymakers, leading to the adoption of machine learning-based modelling tools due to the limitations of traditional power usage projection approaches. However, successful modeling of power usage in neuro-fuzzy models depends on the optimal selection of hyper-parameters. Consequently, this research looked at the major impact clustering methods and hyper-parameter modifications on a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model. The study examined two distinct clustering methods and other key hyperparameters such as the number of clusters and cluster radius, resulting in a total of 10 sub-models. The performance of the developed models was assessed using four widely recognized performance indicators: root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of variation of the root mean square error (CVRMSE). Additionally, the robustness of the optimal sub-model was evaluated by comparing it with other hybrid models based on three different PSO variants. The results revealed that the combination of the ANFIS approach and PSO, specifically with two clusters, yielded the most accurate forecasting scheme with the optimal values for MAPE (7.7778%), MAE (712.6094), CVRMSE (9.5464), and RMSE (909.4998).
Self-Adaptive Incremental PCA-Based DBSCAN of Acoustic Features for Anomalous Sound Detection
Authors: Tan Xiao , Yiu Siu Ming
Published: May 2024

In modern industry, maintaining continuous machine operations is important for improving production efficiency and reducing costs. Therefore, the smart technology of acoustic monitoring to detect anomalous machine conditions earlier before breakdowns works as part of predictive maintenance and is applied not only in industry fault detection but also in safety monitoring and surveillance systems. This paper proposes a self-adaptive unsupervised machine learning algorithm with dimension-reduction technology to detect anomalous sounds after extracting acoustic machine features. Technically, the automatic EPS calculation algorithm-based genetic algorithm optimizes the automatic clustering algorithm’s configuration for incremental principal component analysis and density-based spatial clustering algorithms with noise. IPCA is enhanced by the sequential Karhunen–Loeve (SKL) algorithm, and the condensation algorithm works as the second layer of the algorithm to reduce the number of effective components. This architecture could select an optimized set of parameters based on different test environments and keeps performance quality with fewer computational requirements. In the experiments, 228 sets of normal sounds and 100 sets of anomaly sounds are used. The sound files are collected from the same machine type (stepper motors) at a real plant site. We compare the proposed algorithm with K-means++, one-class SVM, agglomerative clustering, DCGAN and DCNN-Autoencoder, and this new algorithm performs best, with an AUC of 0.84 and the shortest execution time. The algorithm is generic and can be applied to detect anomalies in machines to provide early warning to people to avoid serious accidents or disasters.
Exploring the key factors influencing the actual usage of digital tax platforms
Authors: Abu-Silake Samar Abdallah , Alshurafat Hashem , Alaqrabawi Merwiey , Shehadeh Maha
Published: May 2024

In this groundbreaking study, we explore the behavioral determinants critical to the acceptance and effective utilization of Jordan's digital tax platform among taxpayers. Utilizing an unprecedented combination of frameworks from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Social Capital Theory (SCT), and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this study pioneers a unique integrated approach. Data gathered through questionnaires across Jordan's multiple governorates lay the groundwork for this analysis. Employing the sophisticated Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) within SPSS, our results uncover the profound impact of both social factors (trust, subjective norms) and technological attributes (perceived ease, utility), as conceptualized in TAM, SCT, and TRA. This research is distinct in its focus on Jordan, providing new insights into the nexus of tax compliance and technology adoption, a relatively uncharted area in existing literature.
Fly into the light: eliminating Drosophila melanogaster with chlorophyllin-based Photodynamic Inactivation
Authors: Fellner Andreas , Bresgen Nikolaus , Fefer Michael , Liu Jun , Plaetzer Kristjan
Published: May 2024

Fruit flies spoil crops in agricultural settings. As conventional pesticides may generate negative off-target effects on humans or the environment, existing treatment methods need eco-friendly and safe alternatives. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is based on the photosensitizer-mediated and light-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species in targets. We here explore the potential of PDI for the control of fruit fly pests. Drosophila melanogaster serves as well-established model organism in this study. Two distinct experimental approaches are presented: the feed assay, in which fruit flies are provided with sodium magnesium chlorophyllin (Chl, approved as food additive E140) along with sucrose (3%) as their food, and the spray assay, where the photosensitizer is sprayed onto the insects. We show that PDI based on Chl can induce moribundity rates of Drosophila melanogaster of more than 99% with 5 mM Chl and LED illumination (395 nm, 8 h incubation in the dark, radiant exposure 78.9 J/cm2) with the feed assay. If the radiant exposure is doubled to 157.8 J/cm2, 88% of insects are killed by PDI based on 1 mM Chl. The photoactive compound is also effective if presented on strawberries without addition of sucrose with somewhat lower moribundity (71% at 5 mM Chl). Spraying Chl onto insects is less effective than feeding the photosensitizer: 5 mM Chl resulted in 79.5% moribundity (drug to light interval 8 h, radiant exposure 78.9 J/cm2), but if 5 h of sun light (532 J/cm2) and overnight (14 h) dark incubation is used for activation of Chl, more than 95% of insects are killed. As conclusion, Chl serves as effective photoinsecticide against Drosophila melanogaster if a drug to light interval of 8 h is maintained. Feeding the photoactive compound together with sucrose is more effective than spraying it onto insects and increasing the radiant exposure allows for lowering the photosensitizer concentration. Photodynamic Inactivation might therefore represent an eco-friendly addition to the farmers armamentarium against (semi-transparent) insects.

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