bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Making of the Modern State: Social Scientization and Education Legislation in the United Kingdom, 1800–1914
Authors: Smith Daniel Scott
Published: October 2023

Until the 19th century, the UK state stayed out of education. Only in 1833 would Parliament first pass an act that subsidized education for the poor. By 1914, 160 education acts had been passed, consolidating into the state schooling system we recognize today. This paper seeks to explain this remarkable progression. I argue that the emergence of social-knowledge institutions across the West was a powerful force of cultural construction. What I term social scientization, this process was multidimensional and translocal, entailing the elaboration, reification, and diffusion of functionalist theories of the nation-state that centered national education as means to greater cultural rationalization. Longitudinal analyses on comprehensive population data comprising over 10,100 UK parliamentary acts support the core historical insight of this piece: increasingly routine and aggressive forms of state intervention in education were the progressive instantiation of the 19th-century nation-state model, which was fundamentally epistemic in character and inextricably linked to the expansive cultural content of the ascendant social sciences.
Political trust and informal traders in African cities
Authors: Resnick Danielle , Sivasubramanian Bhavna
Published: October 2023

How do cities foster political trust among informal workers? This question is particularly salient in Africa's growing cities where local governments must reconcile policy priorities across highly heterogeneous constituencies, including a burgeoning middle-class and a large informal economy. We argue that expectations about reciprocity and procedural justice shape the probability that informal traders trust their local government. In doing so, we analyse a survey of approximately 1000 informal traders in Ghana's three main cities – Accra, Kumasi and Tamale. We find that traders who paid requisite fees to local assemblies and could attribute a benefit from those payments were more likely to trust their local government while those who had experienced harassment by city authorities were less likely to do so. The paper highlights that drivers of trust among diverse urban constituencies deserve greater empirical and comparative attention, especially as countries deepen decentralisation initiatives and cities commit to development goals around inclusivity.
Which psychological interventions improve quality of life in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Petkari Eleni , Nikolaou Elena , Oberleiter Sandra , Priebe Stefan , Pietschnig Jakob
Published: October 2023

Quality of life (QoL) is a major patient reported outcome used to measure the psychological treatments success in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. To date, the specific impact of different interventions on QoL remains undefined. A meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) was carried out for this purpose. We searched Proquest, PUBMED/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, WOS, Scopus, the Cochrane Library for RCTs published until January 2023. We used multilevel meta-analysis to examine differences between intervention effectiveness of experimental and control conditions whilst accounting for data dependencies. By means of subgroup analyses, we investigated influences of intervention types (i.e. psychoeducation v. CBT v. cognitive v. combination of several types v. other, such as psychodynamic, systemic, etc.) and continuous moderators were examined with precision-weighted meta-regressions. The generalizability of results across moderators, their combinations, and analytical approaches was investigated with multiverse meta-analyses. We examined data of 60 independent studies, reporting intervention effects for objective and subjective QoL (k = 19 and 70 effect sizes based on N = 1024 and 6254 participants, respectively). Overall, psychological interventions seemed to be more effective for objective than for subjective QoL. However, specific intervention results were differentiated, suggesting largest effects of psychoeducation on objective and combined interventions on subjective QoL. Our findings suggest that QoL is a valid outcome criterion for testing intervention effectiveness, as it is sensitive to change. Additionally, psychological interventions can improve patients' QoL, though the effects are small. Further testing of less widely used interventions and a shift toward the multidimensional nature of QoL is still necessary.
Social functioning and personal development among individuals with low literacy skills; the role of active labour market policy
Authors: Nordheim Oda , Huijts Tim
Published: October 2023

Even as education becomes increasingly important for functioning in society, and many welfare states have taken responsibility for providing education, many individuals have insufficient skill levels to fully participate in society. This paper investigates the relationship between literacy skills and basic functioning and participation in society, focusing on the role of the welfare state, and whether individuals with low literacy skills are better off in terms of labour market outcomes, quality of life, digital participation and adult learning in countries with higher investments in active labour market policies (ALMPs), and three underlying spending categories: 1) public employment services, 2) training and 3) private sector employment incentives. Through multi-level analysis of 25 Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and 139,449 individuals, using individual-level data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and country-level data from the OECD, our results show that while low literacy is associated with less favourable conditions related to all outcome variables investigated, ALMPs do not always moderate these negative associations. This is especially true for labour market participation, health and on-the-job training. However, higher ALMP spending is associated with more favourable conditions among low-literate individuals when it comes to job satisfaction, digital participation and life-long learning.
Improved intraindividual variability in cognitive performance following cognitive and exercise training in older adults
Authors: Boa Sorte Silva Nárlon C. , ten Brinke Lisanne F. , Bielak Allison A. M. , Handy Todd C. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Increased intraindividual variability (IIV) of cognitive performance is a marker of cognitive decline in older adults. Whether computerized cognitive training (CCT) and aerobic exercise counteracts cognitive decline by reducing IIV is unknown. We investigated the effects of CCT with or without aerobic exercise on IIV in older adults.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis of an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Older adults (aged 65–85 years) were randomized to CCT alone (n = 41), CCT with aerobic exercise (n = 41), or an active control group (n = 42). The CCT group trained using the Fit Brains® platform 3×/week for 1 hr (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The CCT with aerobic exercise group received 15 min of walking plus 45 min of Fit Brains® 3×/week (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The control group received sham exercise and cognitive training (3×/week for 1 hr). We computed reaction time IIV from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PACPS).

Results:

Compared with the control group, IIV reduced in a processing speed task (PACPS) following CCT alone (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: −0.144 [−0.255 to −0.034], p < 0.01) and CCT with aerobic exercise (−0.113 [−0.225 to −0.001], p < 0.05). Attention (Flanker congruent) IIV was reduced only after CCT with aerobic exercise (−0.130 [−0.242 to −0.017], p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A CCT program promoted cognitive health via reductions in IIV of cognitive performance and combining it with aerobic exercise may result in broader benefits.
Country-level, mandatory, self-financeable pension replacement rates in OECD countries
Authors: Castro Rubén
Published: October 2023

The replacement rate (RR) is a quintessential property of pension systems. Yet, current measures of the RR are plagued with problems. We argue that the concept of RR should be based on the replacement of lifetime permanent income rather than pre-retirement income, and we show that the self-financeable RR with respect to the permanent income has the advantage of being independent of labor income (wages and density of contributions). We define an RR measure, called CRR, as the country-level RR of the permanent labor income that the working-age population could buy with their mandatory pension deposits if they stay constant over time. Pension deposits refer to national mandatory contributions plus the fraction of non-contributory pensions whose financing could be attributed to the working-age population, all as a percentage of the gross domestic product. The CRR is easy to compute and interpret, is nationally representative, and provides an international ranking because it is independent of pension rules, GDP, intertemporal and intergenerational redistributions, and sustainability. The application of the CRR to most OECD countries using the available data shows a 65% average across them, with several countries achieving a 100% RR, all mostly due to their high mandatory contributions as a percentage of GDP.
3D Simulations of the Archean Earth Including Photochemical Haze Profiles
Authors: Mak M. T. , Mayne N. J. , Sergeev D. E. , Manners J. , Eager‐Nash J. K. , Arney G. , Hébrard E. , Kohary K.
Published: October 2023

We present results from 3D simulations of the Archean Earth including a prescribed (non‐interactive) spherical haze generated through a 1D photochemical model. Our simulations suggest that a thin haze layer, formed when CH4/CO2 = 0.1, leads to global warming of ∼10.6 K due to the change of water vapor and cloud feedback, compared to the simulation without any haze. However, a thicker haze layer, formed when CH4/CO2 > 0.1, leads to global cooling of up to ∼65 K as the scattering and absorption of shortwave radiation from the haze reduces the radiation from reaching the planetary surface. A thermal inversion is formed with a lower tropopause as the CH4/CO2 ratio increases. The haze reaches an optical threshold thickness when CH4/CO2 ∼ 0.175 beyond which the atmospheric structure and the global surface temperature do not vary much.
Enhanced Radiation Levels at Aviation Altitudes and Their Relationship to Plasma Waves in the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Aryan Homayon , Bortnik Jacob , Tobiska W. Kent , Mehta Piyush , Siddalingappa Rashmi
Published: October 2023

It is believed that galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles are the two major sources of ionizing radiation. However, the radiation source may also be due to relativistic electrons that are associated with precipitation from the Van Allen radiation belts. In this study, we use Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) measurements to investigate the precipitation mechanism of energetic radiation belt electrons. ARMAS instruments are flown on agency‐sponsored (NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, Federal Aviation Administration, DOE) flights, commercial space transportation companies and airliners (>9 km) in automated radiation collection mode. We identified magnetic conjunction events between ARMAS and NASA's Van Allen Probes to study the highly variable, dynamic mesoscale radiation events observed by ARMAS instruments at aviation altitudes and their relationship to various plasma waves in the inner magnetosphere measured by the Van Allen Probes. The results show that there is a strong correlation between dose rates observed by ARMAS and plasmaspheric hiss wave power measured by the Van Allen Probes, but no such relationship with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves and only a modest correlation with whistler mode chorus waves. These results suggest that the space environment could have a potentially significant effect on passenger safety.
Association of mineral and bone biomarkers with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) cohort
Authors: Reimer Katharina Charlotte , Nadal Jennifer , Meiselbach Heike , Schmid Matthias , Schultheiss Ulla T. , Kotsis Fruzsina , Stockmann Helena , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Krane Vera , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Schneider Markus P. , Kramann Rafael , Floege Jürgen , Saritas Turgay ,   on behalf of the GCKD study investigators, Schiffer Mario , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Bärthlein Barbara , Beck Andreas , Reis André , Ekici Arif B. , Becker Susanne , Alberth-Schmidt Ulrike , Weigel Anke , Marschall Sabine , Schefler Eugenia , Walz Gerd , Köttgen Anna , Kotsis Fruzsina , Meder Simone , Mitsch Erna , Reinhard Ursula , Schaeffner Elke , Baid-Agrawal Seema , Theisen Kerstin , Schmidt-Ott Kai , Zeier Martin , Sommerer Claudia , Aykac Mehtap , Wolf Gunter , Paul Rainer , Börner-Klein Antje , Bauer Britta , Raschenberger Julia , Kollerits Barbara , Forer Lukas , Schönherr Sebastian , Weissensteiner Hansi , Oefner Peter , Gronwald Wolfram
Published: October 2023

Mineral and bone disorder (MBD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is tightly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we aimed to compare the prognostic value of nine MBD biomarkers to determine those associated best with adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and mortality. In 5 217 participants of the German CKD (GCKD) study enrolled with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30–60 mL·min−1 per 1.73 m2 or overt proteinuria, serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), C-terminal fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), cross-linked C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX1), procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), phosphate, calcium, and 25-OH vitamin D were measured at baseline. Participants with missing values among these parameters (n = 971) were excluded, leaving a total of 4 246 participants for analysis. During a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 387 non-CV deaths, 173 CV deaths, 645 nonfatal major adverse CV events (MACEs) and 368 hospitalizations for congestive heart failure (CHF) were observed. OPG and FGF23 were associated with all outcomes, with the highest hazard ratios (HRs) for OPG. In the final Cox regression model, adjusted for CV risk factors, including kidney function and all other investigated biomarkers, each standard deviation increase in OPG was associated with non-CV death (HR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.35–2.30), CV death (HR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.50–3.16), MACE (HR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12–1.71) and hospitalization for CHF (HR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.56–2.69). Out of the nine biomarkers examined, stratification based on serum OPG best identified the CKD patients who were at the highest risk for any adverse CV outcome and mortality.
SONAR, a nursing activity dataset with inertial sensors
Authors: Konak Orhan , Döring Valentin , Fiedler Tobias , Liebe Lucas , Masopust Leander , Postnov Kirill , Sauerwald Franz , Treykorn Felix , Wischmann Alexander , Kalabakov Stefan , Gjoreski Hristijan , Luštrek Mitja , Arnrich Bert
Published: October 2023

Accurate and comprehensive nursing documentation is essential to ensure quality patient care. To streamline this process, we present SONAR, a publicly available dataset of nursing activities recorded using inertial sensors in a nursing home. The dataset includes 14 sensor streams, such as acceleration and angular velocity, and 23 activities recorded by 14 caregivers using five sensors for 61.7 hours. The caregivers wore the sensors as they performed their daily tasks, allowing for continuous monitoring of their activities. We additionally provide machine learning models that recognize the nursing activities given the sensor data. In particular, we present benchmarks for three deep learning model architectures and evaluate their performance using different metrics and sensor locations. Our dataset, which can be used for research on sensor-based human activity recognition in real-world settings, has the potential to improve nursing care by providing valuable insights that can identify areas for improvement, facilitate accurate documentation, and tailor care to specific patient conditions.
Deep learning personalized recommendation-based construction method of hybrid blockchain model
Authors: Yu Xiaomo , Li Wenjing , Zhou Xiaomeng , Tang Ling , Sharma Rohit
Published: October 2023

This study aims to explore the construction of a personalized recommendation system (PRS) based on deep learning under the hybrid blockchain model to further improve the performance of the PRS. Blockchain technology is introduced and further improved to address security problems such as information leakage in PRS. A Delegated Proof of Stake-Byzantine Algorand-Directed Acyclic Graph consensus algorithm, namely PBDAG consensus algorithm, is designed for public chains. Finally, a personalized recommendation model based on the hybrid blockchain PBDAG consensus algorithm combined with an optimized back propagation algorithm is constructed. Through simulation, the performance of this model is compared with practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance, Byzantine Fault Tolerance, Hybrid Parallel Byzantine Fault Tolerance, Redundant Byzantine Fault Tolerance, and Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance. The results show that the model algorithm adopted here has a lower average delay time, a data message delivery rate that is stable at 80%, a data message leakage rate that is stable at about 10%, and a system classification prediction error that does not exceed 10%. Therefore, the constructed model not only ensures low delay performance but also has high network security performance, enabling more efficient and accurate interaction of information. This solution provides an experimental basis for the information security and development trend of different types of data PRSs in various fields.
Thermodynamic model of the oxidation of Ln-doped UO2
Authors: Vinograd V. L. , Bukaemskiy A. A. , Deissmann G. , Modolo G.
Published: October 2023

Ln-doped UO2 is often considered as a model system of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) helping to reveal effects of fission and activation products on its chemical stability. Comparing thermodynamics of UO2-UO3 and LnO1.5-UO2-UO3 systems provides a means to understand the phenomenon of an increased resistivity of Ln-doped UO2 to oxidation in air relative to pure UO2. Here a thermodynamic model is developed and is applied to investigate detailed phase changes occurring along the oxidation of Ln-doped fluorite to U3O8. The study proposes that an enhanced resistivity to oxidation of Ln-doped UO2 is likely caused by a thermodynamically driven partitioning of Ln between a fluorite-type phase and a U3O8 polymorph, which at ambient temperatures becomes hindered by slow diffusion.
CFD-based design optimization of ducted hydrokinetic turbines
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Knight Bradford G. , Liao Yingqian , Mangano Marco , Pacini Bernardo , Maki Kevin J. , Martins Joaquim R. R. A. , Sun Jing , Pan Yulin
Published: October 2023

Hydrokinetic turbines extract kinetic energy from moving water to generate renewable electricity, thus contributing to sustainable energy production and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It has been hypothesized that a duct can accelerate and condition the fluid flow passing the turbine blades, improving the overall energy extraction efficiency. However, no substantial evidence has been provided so far for hydrokinetic turbines. To investigate this problem, we perform a CFD-based optimization study with a blade-resolved Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver to explore the design of a ducted hydrokinetic turbine that maximizes the efficiency of energy extraction. A gradient-based optimization approach is utilized to effectively deal with the high-dimensional design space of the blade and duct geometry, with gradients being calculated through the adjoint method. The final design is re-evaluated through higher-fidelity unsteady RANS (URANS) simulations. Our optimized ducted turbine achieves an efficiency of about 54% over a range of operating conditions, higher than the typical 46% efficiency of unducted turbines.
Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing by methyl gallate from Mangifera indica
Authors: Naga Nourhan G. , Zaki Ahmed A. , El-Badan Dalia E. , Rateb Heba S. , Ghanem Khaled M. , Shaaban Mona I.
Published: October 2023

Antipathogenic drugs are a potential source of therapeutics, particularly following the emergence of multiple drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms in the last decade. The inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) is an advanced antipathogenic approach for suppression of bacterial virulence and dissemination. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of some Egyptian medicinal plants on the QS signaling system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the tested plants, Mangifera indica exhibited the highest quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) activity against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Four pure compounds were extracted and identified; of these, methyl gallate (MG) showed the most potent QSI. MG had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 512 g/mL against P. aeruginosa strains PAO1, PA14, Pa21, Pa22, Pa23, Pa24, and PAO-JP2. The virulence factors of PAO1, PA14, Pa21, Pa22, Pa23, and Pa24 were significantly inhibited by MG at 1/4 and 1/2 sub-MICs without affecting bacterial viability. Computational insights were performed by docking the MG compound on the LasR receptor, and the QSI behavior of MG was found to be mediated by three hydrogen bonds: Trp60, Arg61, and Thr75. This study indicates the importance of M. indica and MG in the inhibition and modulation of QS and QS-related virulence factors in P. aeruginosa.
Characterizing the profiles of patients with acute concussion versus prolonged post-concussion symptoms in Ontario
Authors: Scott Olivia F. T. , Bubna Mikaela , Boyko Emily , Hunt Cindy , Kristman Vicki L. , Gargaro Judith , Khodadadi Mozhgan , Chandra Tharshini , Kabir Umme Saika , Kenrick-Rochon Shannon , Cowle Stephanie , Burke Matthew J. , Zabjek Karl F. , Dosaj Anil , Mushtaque Asma , Baker Andrew J. , Bayley Mark T. ,   CONNECT, Matheson Flora , Wilcock Ruth , Hardie Billie-Jo , Cusimano Michael , Marshall Shawn , Green Robin , Hoshizaki Thomas , Hutchison James , Schweizier Tom , Hutchison Michael , Zych Justina , Murty David , Tartaglia Maria Carmela
Published: October 2023

Identifying vulnerability factors for developing persisting concussion symptoms is imperative for determining which patients may require specialized treatment. Using cross-sectional questionnaire data from an Ontario-wide observational concussion study, we compared patients with acute concussion (≤ 14 days) and prolonged post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) (≥ 90 days) on four factors of interest: sex, history of mental health disorders, history of headaches/migraines, and past concussions. Differences in profile between the two groups were also explored. 110 patients with acute concussion and 96 patients with PPCS were included in our study. The groups did not differ on the four factors of interest. Interestingly, both groups had greater proportions of females (acute concussion: 61.1% F; PPCS: 66.3% F). Patient profiles, however, differed wherein patients with PPCS were significantly older, more symptomatic, more likely to have been injured in a transportation-related incident, and more likely to live outside a Metropolitan city. These novel risk factors for persisting concussion symptoms require replication and highlight the need to re-evaluate previously identified risk factors as more and more concussions occur in non-athletes and different risk factors may be at play.
Glucocorticoid receptor-NECAB1 axis can negatively regulate insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Udagawa Haruhide , Funahashi Nobuaki , Nishimura Wataru , Uebanso Takashi , Kawaguchi Miho , Asahi Riku , Nakajima Shigeru , Nammo Takao , Hiramoto Masaki , Yasuda Kazuki
Published: October 2023

The mechanisms of impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cells in obesity have not yet been completely elucidated. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of adipocyte-derived factors on the functioning of pancreatic β-cells. We prepared a conditioned medium using 3T3-L1 cell culture supernatant collected at day eight (D8CM) and then exposed the rat pancreatic β-cell line, INS-1D. We found that D8CM suppressed insulin secretion in INS-1D cells due to reduced intracellular calcium levels. This was mediated by the induction of a negative regulator of insulin secretion—NECAB1. LC–MS/MS analysis results revealed that D8CM possessed steroid hormones (cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone). INS-1D cell exposure to cortisol or corticosterone increased Necab1 mRNA expression and significantly reduced insulin secretion. The increased expression of Necab1 and reduced insulin secretion effects from exposure to these hormones were completely abolished by inhibition of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). NECAB1 expression was also increased in the pancreatic islets of db/db mice. We demonstrated that the upregulation of NECAB1 was dependent on GR activation, and that binding of the GR to the upstream regions of Necab1 was essential for this effect. NECAB1 may play a novel role in the adipoinsular axis and could be potentially involved in the pathophysiology of obesity-related diabetes mellitus.
Comparative study on free vibration analysis of rotating bi-directional functionally graded beams using multiple beam theories with uncertainty considerations
Authors: Taima Moustafa S. , Shehab Mohamed B. , El-Sayed Tamer A. , Friswell Michael I.
Published: October 2023

The present study investigates the free vibration behavior of rotating beams made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) with a tapered geometry. The material properties of the beams are characterized by an exponential distribution model. The stiffness and mass matrices of the beams are derived using the principle of virtual energy. These matrices are then evaluated using three different beam theories: Bernoulli–Euler (BE) or Classical Beam Theory (CBT), Timoshenko (T) or First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT), and Reddy (R) or Third-order Shear Deformation Theory (TSDT). Additionally, the study incorporates uncertainties in the model parameters, including rotational velocity, beam material properties, and material distribution. The mean-centered second-order perturbation method is employed to account for the randomness of these properties. To ensure the robustness and accuracy of the probabilistic framework, numerical examples are presented, and the results are compared with those obtained through the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The investigation explores the impact of critical parameters, including material distribution, taper ratios, aspect ratio, hub radius, and rotational speed, on the natural frequencies of the beams is explored within the scope of this investigation. The outcomes are compared not only with previously published research findings but also with the results of 3-Dimensional Finite Element (3D-FE) simulations conducted using ANSYS to validate the model’s effectiveness. The comparisons demonstrate a strong agreement across all evaluations. Specifically, it is observed that for thick beams, the results obtained from FSDT and TSDT exhibit a greater agreement with the 3D-FE simulations compared to CBT. It is shown that the coefficient of variation (C.O.V.) of first mode eigenvalue of TSDT, FSDT and CBT are approximately identical for random rotational velocity and discernible deviations are noted in CBT compared to FSDT and TSDT in the case of random material properties. The findings suggest that TSDT outperforms FSDT by eliminating the need for a shear correction coefficient, thereby establishing its superiority in accurately predicting the natural frequencies of rotating, tapered beams composed of FGMs.
The innovative technology of dough preparation for bread by the accelerated ion–ozone cavitation method
Authors: Iztayev Auyelbek , Kulazhanov Talgat , Iskakova Galiya , Alimardanova Mariam , Zhienbaeva Saule , Iztayev Baurzhan , Tursunbayeva Sholpan , Yakiyayeva Madina
Published: October 2023

Due to the fact that bakery, pasta and flour confectionery products are produced mainly from premium or first-grade flour, which is poor in the content of nutrients and fiber, the issue of developing technology for new types of flour products based on whole-ground flour of different fineness is very relevant and in demand. In the production of wholemeal flour, all parts of the whole grain are used—germ, grain shells, and endosperm. Also, recently the shortage of quality wheat has been growing. Therefore, the use of whole-milled flour from low-class wheat varieties will solve the problem of meeting the needs of the population. Using ion–ozone technology for preparing bread, high-quality bakery products from third-class flour with high nutritional and biological value were obtained. Using the obtained system of equations and constraints, the optimal modes of ion–ozone cavitation processing of dough were determined by a nonlinear programming method, which, subject to all the constraints (limitations) on the dough quality, provided the maximum dough strength of y2 = 181.0% and the dough parameter values of C × 10–4 = 25 units/mg, P = 1 atm, and τ = 5 min, which, in compliance with all constraints (restrictions) on the bread quality, provided a maximum volume of z11 = 232.1 cm3. A new innovative technology was created to increase productivity, efficiency and shorten the preparation time of bread. The method of making bread with the effect of ion–ozone cavitation of dough is very important for the bread industry, which affects the effectiveness of whole wheat flour obtained from the lower class of wheat, increases the quality of bread, shortens the technological processes of production, and increases labor productivity indicators. This method increases the economic efficiency of bread-making industries and the productivity of bread.
Stingy bots can improve human welfare in experimental sharing networks
Authors: Shirado Hirokazu , Hou Yoyo Tsung-Yu , Jung Malte F.
Published: October 2023

Machines powered by artificial intelligence increasingly permeate social networks with control over resources. However, machine allocation behavior might offer little benefit to human welfare over networks when it ignores the specific network mechanism of social exchange. Here, we perform an online experiment involving simple networks of humans (496 participants in 120 networks) playing a resource-sharing game to which we sometimes add artificial agents (bots). The experiment examines two opposite policies of machine allocation behavior: reciprocal bots, which share all resources reciprocally; and stingy bots, which share no resources at all. We also manipulate the bot’s network position. We show that reciprocal bots make little changes in unequal resource distribution among people. On the other hand, stingy bots balance structural power and improve collective welfare in human groups when placed in a specific network position, although they bestow no wealth on people. Our findings highlight the need to incorporate the human nature of reciprocity and relational interdependence in designing machine behavior in sharing networks. Conscientious machines do not always work for human welfare, depending on the network structure where they interact.
Allograft bone vs. bioactive glass in rehabilitation of canal wall-down surgery
Authors: Fieux Maxime , Tournegros Romain , Hermann Ruben , Tringali Stéphane
Published: October 2023

Canal wall-down (CWD) mastoidectomy creates a radical cavity that modifies the anatomy and physiology of the middle ear, thus preventing it from being self-cleaning and causing epidermal stagnation in the posterior cavities. Canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy with reconstruction (CWDTwR) can obliterate such radical cavities. The main objective of this study was to compare postoperative results after CWDTwR by using either bone allografts or 45S5 bioactive glass as a filling tissue with an 18-month follow-up. This was a single-center observational trial including all patients undergoing CWDTwR. Patients were divided into two groups according to the filling material used: allograft bone (AB group) or 45S5 bioactive glass (BG group). Clinical monitoring was performed regularly, with control imaging performed at 18 months (CT scan and DW MRI). The two groups were compared with the t test for quantitative variables and the chi square test for qualitative variables (no revision surgery, audiometric results, complications, mastoid obliteration volume). Thirty-two patients underwent CWDTwR between October 2015 and 2018. The mean age was 48 years, and 71.9% (23/32) were men. A total of 46.9% (15/32) of the patients had undergone at least 3 middle-ear surgeries prior to CWDTwR. The most frequent preoperative symptom was otorrhea (100.0%, 32/32), and only 12.5% (4/32) experienced dizziness. Fifteen and 17 patients underwent surgery with bone allografts and 45S5 bioactive glass, respectively. At 18 months post-operation, 53.3% of the patients (8/15) in the AB group presented with recurrent otorrhea versus 5.9% (1/17) of patients in the BG group (p = 0.005). Seventy-eight percent (7/9) of symptomatic patients had undergone revision surgery at 18 months postoperation: 40.0% (6/15) in the AB group and 5.9% (1/17) in the BG group (p = 0.033). One patient’s surgery was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one patient refused surgery. The effects of CWDTwR with bone allografts are disappointing in early follow-up, with significant resorption leading to a 40.0% revision surgery rate. 45S5 BG is a simple solution, with preliminary results that are superior to those of AB. However, prospective controlled studies with longer follow-up times are needed to evaluate the value of BG versus other synthetic materials (such as hydroxyapatite) in surgical management of CWDTwR.

Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Predicting female pelvic tilt and lumbar angle using machine learning in case of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction
Authors: Abdel Hady Doaa A. , Abd El-Hafeez Tarek
Published: October 2023

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any uncontrolled urine leakage. Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) appear to be a crucial aspect of trunk and lumbo-pelvic stability, and UI is one indication of pelvic floor dysfunction. The evaluation of pelvic tilt and lumbar angle is critical in assessing the alignment and posture of the spine in the lower back region and pelvis, and both of these variables are directly related to female dysfunction in the pelvic floor. UI affects a significant number of women worldwide and can have a major impact on their quality of life. However, traditional methods of assessing these parameters involve manual measurements, which are time-consuming and prone to variability. The rehabilitation programs for pelvic floor dysfunction (FSD) in physical therapy often focus on pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), while other core muscles are overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the activity of various core muscles in multiparous women with FSD using multiple scales instead of relying on Ultrasound imaging. Decision tree, SVM, random forest, and AdaBoost models were applied to predict pelvic tilt and lumbar angle using the train set. Performance was evaluated on the test set using MSE, RMSE, MAE, and R2. Pelvic tilt prediction achieved R2 values > 0.9, with AdaBoost (R2 = 0.944) performing best. Lumbar angle prediction performed slightly lower with decision tree achieving the highest R2 of 0.976. Developing a machine learning model to predict pelvic tilt and lumbar angle has the potential to revolutionize the assessment and management of this condition, providing faster, more accurate, and more objective assessments than traditional methods.
BDNF-loaded PDADMAC-heparin multilayers: a novel approach for neuroblastoma cell study
Authors: Dąbkowska Maria , Stukan Iga , Kowalski Bogusław , Donerowicz Wiktoria , Wasilewska Monika , Szatanik Alicja , Stańczyk-Dunaj Małgorzata , Michna Aneta
Published: October 2023

Biomaterial science has contributed tremendously to developing nanoscale materials for delivering biologically active compounds, enhancing protein stability, and enabling its therapeutic use. This paper presents a process of formation of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) prepared by sequential adsorption of positively charged polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) and negatively charged heparin sodium salt (HP), from low polyelectrolyte concentration, on a solid substrate. PEM was further applied as a platform for the adsorption of a brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), which is a protein capable of regulating neuronal cell development. The multilayers containing BDNF were thoroughly characterized by electrokinetic (streaming potential measurements, SPM) and optical (optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, OWLS) techniques. It was found that BDNF was significantly adsorbed onto polyelectrolyte multilayers terminated by HP under physiological conditions. We further explore the effect of established PEMs in vitro on the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed that BDNF was released from multilayers, and the use of the PEMs intensified its cellular uptake. Compared to the control, PEMs with adsorbed BDNF significantly reduced cell viability and mitochondrial membrane polarization to as low as 72% and 58%, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that both PDADMAC-terminated and HP-terminated multilayers have antioxidative properties as they almost by half decreased lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, enhanced formation of spheroid-like, 3D structures was observed by light microscopy. We offer a well-characterized PEM with antioxidant properties acting as a BDNF carrier, stabilizing BDNF and making it more accessible to cells in an inhomogeneous, dynamic, and transient in vitro environment. Described multilayers can be utilized in future biomedical applications, such as boosting the effect of treatment by selective anticancer as adjuvant therapy, and in biomedical research for future development of more precise neurodegenerative disease models, as they enhance cellular 3D structure formation.
Characterization of aluminum composite reinforced by silver nanoparticles
Authors: Gassour H. , El-Magd Gamal El-Din Ali Abu , Mazen Asaad , Ibrahim Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: October 2023

This research investigates the mechanical properties improvement of reinforced Al6061 using powder metallurgy (PM) route. It utilizes the nanoparticles strengthening mechanism to enhance the prepared samples’ mechanical properties. For this purpose, Silver Nano-Particles (AgNPs) with contents of 0 wt%, 1 wt%, and 2 wt% were used to reinforce the Al6061 Matrix Composition (AMC). For optimization purposes, many parameters have been considered during the research journey namely: compaction pressure, sintering temperature, dwelling time, and reinforcement contents. All samples are examined in terms of density, hardness, and compression strength. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, mapping analysis, and XRD were used to investigate the microstructure. The experimental results revealed highest hardness values at 2 wt% AgNPs reinforced sample that was sintered at 600 °C, while the lowest was obtained at un-reinforced sample sintered at 550 °C. Furthermore, the compression strength of sample reinforced with 2 wt% AgNPs and sintered at 600 °C recorded an improvement of 25.8% of the maximum compression strength compared to the un-reinforced sample, as it reached 216 N/mm2. Regarding microstructural analysis, SEM imaging and EDX played an important role in exploring and interpreting many unusual test behaviors including the formation of intermetallic bonding, minor pores formation, and reinforcement dispersion un-homogeneity.
Comparison of sacroiliac CT findings in patients with and without ankylosing spondylitis aged over 50 years
Authors: Fakih Olivier , Ramon André , Chouk Mickaël , Prati Clément , Ornetti Paul , Wendling Daniel , Verhoeven Frank
Published: October 2023

Diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is nowadays commonly made with the help of pelvic radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is an important inter-observer variability in radiography, and MRI is subject to possible false positives and is not the best modality for studying structural lesions. Conversely, pelvic computed tomography (CT) has excellent specificity and appears to be more effective than radiography for the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, its findings in patients over 50 years of age have not yet been studied. The objectives of this study were to describe the CT characteristics of sacro-iliac joints (SIJ) and the presence of intra-articular gas in patients with AS aged over 50 years and to compare them with controls of the same age and sex. This two-center, cross-sectional, observational study was performed using the medical records of the rheumatology departments of two University Hospitals. We included patients with a clinical diagnosis of axSpA, who had both definite radiographic sacroiliitis according to the modified New York criteria and met the ASAS 2009 criteria for axSpA (that is, AS), and who had undergone any CT scan including the whole SIJ. Each patient was matched for age and sex to a control randomly selected on the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), symptomatic or asymptomatic, and without spondyloarthritis. For each individual, CT scans were interpreted blindly by two independent rheumatologists and scored for joint space narrowing (JSN), erosions, sclerosis, intra-articular gas, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). Ninety patients and 90 controls were included in the study. The rates of positive JSN, erosion, and sclerosis scores were higher in the AS group (91% vs. 21%, p < 0.0001; 31% vs. 2%, p < 0.0001; 27% vs. 13%, p = 0.03, respectively), but the rates of intra-articular gas and DISH were higher in the control group (24% vs. 68%, p < 0.0001; 7% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001, respectively). 58% of patients had complete bilateral ankylosis. A total of 83 (92.2%) patients had a CT scan considered positive for AS, compared with only seven controls (7.8%). Sclerosis and erosions were predominantly on the anterosuperior part and iliac side of the joint in controls and were more diffuse in patients with AS. CT findings in patients with AS over 50 years of age are mostly represented by changes in the joint space; patients with AS have more erosions and sclerosis changes, but less intra-articular gas than controls.
Chaotic vibration control of a composite cantilever beam
Authors: Liu Xiaopei , Sun Lin
Published: October 2023

In this research, an adaptive control strategy adapted from fuzzy sliding mode control is established and applied in chaotic vibration control of a multiple-dimension nonlinear dynamic system of a laminated composite cantilever beam. The third order shearing effect on the vibration of the beam is considered in the nonlinear dynamic model establishment, and the Hamilton principle as well as the Galerkin method is employed. It is discovered that a multi-dimensional nonlinear dynamic system of the cantilever beam needs to be considered for accurate vibration estimation. Therefore, the control strategy appropriate for the chaotic vibration control of a multiple-dimension system of the laminated composite beam is necessary, and then proves to be effective in chaotic vibration control in numerical simulation.
Sympathetic activity regulates epithelial proliferation and wound healing via adrenergic receptor α2A
Authors: ten Hove Anne S. , Mallesh Shilpashree , Zafeiropoulou Konstantina , de Kleer Janna W. M. , van Hamersveld Patricia H. P. , Welting Olaf , Hakvoort Theodorus B. M. , Wehner Sven , Seppen Jurgen , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: October 2023

Innervation of the intestinal mucosa by the sympathetic nervous system is well described but the effects of adrenergic receptor stimulation on the intestinal epithelium remain equivocal. We therefore investigated the effect of sympathetic neuronal activation on intestinal cells in mouse models and organoid cultures, to identify the molecular routes involved. Using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets we show that the α2A isoform is the most abundant adrenergic receptor in small intestinal epithelial cells. Stimulation of this receptor with norepinephrine or a synthetic specific α2A receptor agonist promotes epithelial proliferation and stem cell function, while reducing differentiation in vivo and in intestinal organoids. In an anastomotic healing mouse model, adrenergic receptor α2A stimulation resulted in improved anastomotic healing, while surgical sympathectomy augmented anastomotic leak. Furthermore, stimulation of this receptor led to profound changes in the microbial composition, likely because of altered epithelial antimicrobial peptide secretion. Thus, we established that adrenergic receptor α2A is the molecular delegate of intestinal epithelial sympathetic activity controlling epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and host defense. Therefore, this receptor could serve as a newly identified molecular target to improve mucosal healing in intestinal inflammation and wounding.
Understanding public perceptions toward sustainable healthcare through psychological network analysis of material preference and attitudes toward plastic medical devices
Authors: Chambon Monique , Elberse Janneke E. , Dalege Jonas , Beijer Nick R. M. , van Harreveld Frenk
Published: October 2023

Recent and potential future health-care users (i.e., the public) are important stakeholders in the transition toward environmentally sustainable healthcare. However, it remains unclear whether, according to the public, there is room for sustainable innovations in materials for plastic medical devices (PMD). This study explores preferences regarding conventional or bio-based PMD, and psychological mechanisms underlying these preferences. We administered two surveys among Dutch adults from a research panel. Results from the first survey (i.e., open-text survey on attitude elements; NStudy1 = 66) served as input for the second survey (i.e., Likert-scale survey on beliefs, emotions, perceived control, social norms, trust, related to current and bio-based PMD, and health and age; NStudy2 = 1001; Mage = 47.35; 54.4% female). The second survey was completed by 501 participants who, in the last two years, received care in which PMD were used, and 500 participants who did not. Cross-sectional psychological networks were estimated with data from the second study using the EBICglasso method. Results showed that participants preferred bio-based over conventional PMD, and this applied regardless of whether devices are used inside or outside of the body. Results also showed emotions play an important role, with emotions regarding bio-based PMD being strongly related to preference. Furthermore, comparing recent and potential future receivers of PMD revealed differences in preference but comparable relations between preference and other psychological variables. This study shows that receivers’ perspectives should not be seen as potential barriers, but as additional motivation for transitioning toward sustainable healthcare. Recommendations for implementation are discussed.