bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of Contaminants from Wastewater: A Review of Adsorption Processes
Authors: Somashekara Divyashree , Mulky Lavanya
Published: June 2023

Adsorption has widespread applications in separation processes, particularly aiming at environmental decontamination owing to its economic and highly efficient outcomes. This literature studies various isotherm models concerning adsorption which is accompanied by information related to the mechanism of the adsorption process, which is a crucial aspect of the system design. Many modification techniques bring about a significant enhancement in the working capacity. The build‐up of industrial activities causes a spike in the dispersion of toxic compounds along with non‐biodegradable contaminants from industrial wastewater. The separation techniques have emerged with greater efficiency in eliminating specific pollutants in terms of discharge legislation. Such methods have been reviewed hereby in this document based on literature published lately. Concerning the process of adsorption, this review elucidates the adsorption isotherms, kinetic models, breakthrough curve modelling, thermodynamic concepts, and the regeneration of the support required in batch or continuous reactors.
Power grid investment forecasting method based onPSO‐GRUneural network
Authors: Lou Qihe , Li Yanbin , Liu Ning
Published: June 2023

Traditional power grid investment forecasting models often ignore the cyclical characteristics of historical investment data, leading to one‐sided investment allocation results and insufficient model generalization ability. This article proposed a power network investment forecasting method based on particle swarm optimization‐gate recurrent unit (PSO‐GRU) neural network. First, the temporal attention mechanism is introduced into the traditional GRU network, which improves the ability of the network to extract temporal features. Then, in order to avoid the adverse effects of unreasonable parameter configuration on model training, an optimized particle swarm optimization algorithm was proposed to optimize the parameter set of GRU and improve the training accuracy of the model. The data provided by an electric power company in China is used for experimental analysis, and the predicted results are compared with other electric power investment models. The RMSE of the PSO‐GRU model proposed in this article is 0.1223, which is superior to other algorithms and has certain effectiveness.
Conjugation of Fluorochromes to Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Lantz Larry , Holmes Kevin , Douagi Iyadh
Published: June 2023

Detection of cell surface molecules labeled by monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies conjugated to a fluorochrome is the most widely used application of flow cytometry. Here, we present protocols for tagging monoclonal antibodies with fluorescein, biotin, Texas Red, and phycobiliproteins. In addition, we provide a procedure for preparing a PE‐Texas Red tandem conjugate dye that can then be used for antibody conjugation. These protocols enable investigators to label antibodies of their choice with multiple fluorochromes and permit more combinations of antibodies for multicolor flow applications. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Labeling an antibody with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)

Basic Protocol 2: Labeling an antibody with long‐armed biotin

Basic Protocol 3: Labeling an antibody with Texas Red‐X

Basic Protocol 4: Labeling an antibody with a synthetic organic fluor kit

Basic Protocol 5: Labeling an antibody with phycobiliproteins

Basic Protocol 6: Conjugation of Texas Red to R‐phycoerythrin to produce an energy transfer fluorochrome
Brittleness mechanism of pork meatballs revealed from molecular structure to macroscopic performance
Authors: Li Jiayi , Li Shuchang , Xiao Nan , Tian Xingguo , Guo Shanguang , Cheng Weiwei , Jiang Aimin , Ai Minmin
Published: June 2023

Meatballs are manufactured with great craftsmanship, but the brittle quality of meatballs is not resistant to frozen storage, which limits the large‐scale promotion of meatballs for transportation. Meanwhile, the ‘brittle mechanism’ of meatballs is still unclear and it is difficult to solve the scientific problem of brittle quality loss of meatballs from the root. This study revealed the mechanism underlying the brittleness of pork meatballs gel. In this study, the rheological properties, textural quality, molecular forces and microstructure of meatballs were characterized using fresh meat (FsM group), ambient meat group, frozen meat group, and ground meat group. The results showed that the FsM group presented better sensorial characteristics. The rheological properties of the FsM group exhibited higher storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″), indicating better viscoelastic properties. The results of textural determination reflected that the FsM group showed improved brittleness quality and the brittleness was supported by hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds. The FsM group with good brittleness quality formed a ‘large cavity’ microstructure. The correlations analysis revealed a correlation between the texture properties of meatballs and their protein molecular forces. Our findings clearly provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the brittleness of meatballs.
Cortical and Trabecular Bone Deficit in Middle‐Aged Men Living withHIV
Authors: Hong Namki , Kim Jung Ho , Treece Graham , Kim Hyeon Chang , Choi Jun Yong , Rhee Yumie
Published: June 2023

A significant increase in the risk of hip fracture was observed in middle‐aged men living with human immunodeficiency virus (MLWH), almost a decade earlier than those without infection. Data regarding cortical and trabecular bone deficit of hip, an important determinant of bone strength, in MLWH are limited. Quantitative CT was performed in consecutive MLWH aged ≥30 years between November 2017 and October 2018 at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical bone mapping parameters of hip (cortical thickness [CTh], cortical bone vBMD [CBMD], cortical mass surface density [CMSD], endocortical trabecular density [ECTD]) were compared to age‐matched and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls (1:2) using a community‐based healthy adults cohort. Among 83 MLWH and 166 controls (mean age: 47.2 years; BMI: 23.6 kg/m2), MLWH had lower total hip vBMD (280 ± 41 versus 296 ± 41 mg/cm3), CMSD (155 versus 160 mg/cm2), and ECTD (158 versus 175 mg/cm3) than controls that remained robust after adjustment for covariates (adjusted β: total hip vBMD, −18.8; CMSD, −7.3; ECTD, −18.0;p < 0.05 for all). Cortical bone mapping revealed localized deficit of CTh, CBMD, and CMSD in the anterolateral trochanteric region and femoral neck in MLWH compared to controls, with a more extensive ECTD deficit. In MLWH, lower CD4 T‐cell count (/100 cells/mm3decrement) and protease inhibitor (PI)‐based regimen (versus non‐PI regimen) at the time of antiretroviral treatment initiation were associated with lower total hip vBMD (adjusted β −7.5 for lower CD4 count; −28.3 for PI‐based regimen) and CMSD (adjusted β −2.6 for lower CD4 count; −12.7 for PI‐based regimen;p < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for covariates including age, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, hepatitis C virus co‐infection, tenofovir exposure, and CT scanner types. MLWH had lower hip bone density with cortical and trabecular bone deficit compared to community‐dwelling controls. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Extracellular vesicle‐packaged ILK from mesothelial cells promotes fibroblast activation in peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Huang Qiang , Sun Yuxiang , Peng Long , Sun Juan , Sha Zixin , Lin Hongchun , Li Yongjie , Li Canming , Li Huiqun , Shang Hongli , Chen Yanxu , Dou Xianrui , Hu Zhaoyong , Ye Zengchun , Peng Hui
Published: June 2023

Progressive peritoneal fibrosis and the loss of peritoneal function often emerged in patients undergoing long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD), resulting in PD therapy failure. Varieties of cell‐cell communications among peritoneal cells play a significant role in peritoneal fibrogenesis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been confirmed to involve in intercellular communication by transmitting proteins, nucleic acids or lipids. However, their roles and functional mechanisms in peritoneal fibrosis remain to be determined. Using integrative analysis of EV proteomics and single‐cell RNA sequencing, we characterized the EVs isolated from PD patient's effluent and revealed that mesothelial cells are the main source of EVs in PD effluent. We demonstrated that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) can substitute for PD fluid to stimulate mesothelial cells releasing EVs, which in turn promoted fibroblast activation and peritoneal fibrogenesis. Blockade of EVs secretion by GW4869 or Rab27a knockdown markedly suppressed PD‐induced fibroblast activation and peritoneal fibrosis. Mechanistically, injured mesothelial cells produced EVs containing high level of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), which was delivered to fibroblast and activated them via p38 MAPK signalling pathway. Clinically, the expression of ILK was up‐regulated in fibrotic peritoneum of patients undergoing long‐term PD. The percentage of ILK positive EVs in PD effluent correlated with peritoneal dysfunction and the degree of peritoneal damage. Our study highlights that peritoneal EVs mediate communications between mesothelial cells and fibroblasts to initiate peritoneal fibrogenesis. Targeting EVs or ILK could provide a novel therapeutic strategy to combat peritoneal fibrosis.
FN1 and cancer‐associated fibroblasts markers influence immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ashok Gayathri , Ramaiah Sudha
Published: June 2023

Background

Altered tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) as a result of the heterogeneity observed in the TME. Modulations in TME have shown tumor metastasis promotion; hence, identifying TME‐based biomarkers can be critical for theranostics application.

Methods

Here, we performed an integrated systems biology approach utilizing differential gene expression, network metrics and clinical samples cohorts to prioritize the major deregulated genes and their associated pathways specific for metastasis.

Results

The gene expression profiling of 140 ccRCC samples resulted in 3657 differentially expressed genes, from which a network of 1867 up‐regulated genes were further computed using network metrics for screening hub‐genes. The specific pathways of ccRCC entailed through functional enrichment analysis of the hub‐gene clusters indicated the role of the identified hub‐genes in the enriched pathways, further validating the functional significance of the hub‐genes. The positive correlation of TME cells, namely cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and its biomarkers (FAP and S100A4) with FN1, signified the role of hub‐gene signaling for promoting metastasis in ccRCC. Thereafter, comparative expression, differential methylation, genetic alteration and overall survival analysis were analyzed to validate the screened hub‐genes.

Conclusions

The hub‐genes were validated and prioritized by correlating with expression‐based parameters, including histological grades, tumor, metastatic and pathological stages (based on median transcript per million; analysis of variance [ANOVA], P ≤ 0.05) from a clinically curated ccRCC dataset to further substantiate the translational benefits of the screened hub‐genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ccRCC.
Efficacy of Dual‐Task Training in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta‐Analysis
Authors: García‐López Héctor , de los Ángeles Castillo‐Pintor María , Castro‐Sánchez Adelaida María , Lara‐Palomo Inmaculada Carmen , Obrero‐Gaitán Esteban , Cortés‐Pérez Irene
Published: June 2023

Background

Dual‐task training (DTT) involves simultaneously motor and cognitive exercises.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of DTT, in comparison to other interventions [single‐task training (STT) and usual care (UC)], on gait and balance parameters, motor impairments, activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) immediately post‐intervention and at 3, 6, and 12 months after therapy.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed following PRISMA Guidelines through searching in PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, CINAHL, SciELO and PEDro up to September 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the effect of DTT versus STT and UC on gait (speed, step and stride length, cadence and steps per day), balance (functional and dynamic balance), motor impairments, ADLs and QoL. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The pooled effect was calculated through Cohen's Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

Seventeen RCTs with 826 participants and a mean PEDro score of 6.59 ± 1 points were included. In comparison to STT and UC, DTT is effective in improving walking speed (SMD 0.42, 95%CI 0.23–0.6), stride length (SMD 0.69, 95%CI 0.23–1.15), cadence (SMD 0.41, 95%CI 0.19–0.63), functional balance (SMD 1.15, 95%CI 0.92–1.4), dynamic balance (SMD −0.5, 95%CI −0.81 to −0.18) and motor impairments (SMD −0.86, 95%CI −1.25 to −0.47). No adverse effects related to DTT were reported.

Conclusions

DTT is an effective and safe therapy for improving gait, balance and motor impairments in patients with PD.
Gender differences in prosthesis‐related outcomes among veterans: Results of a national survey of U.S. veterans
Authors: Kuo Patty B. , Lehavot Keren , Thomas Rachel M. , Dashtestani Krista , Peterson Alexander C. , Korpak Anna M. , Turner Aaron P. , Williams Rhonda M. , Czerniecki Joseph M. , Norvell Daniel C. , Littman Alyson J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Women with lower extremity amputations (LEAs) tend to have poorer prosthesis‐related outcomes than men, although the literature is sparse. To our knowledge, there are no prior studies examining prosthesis‐related outcomes of women veterans with LEAs.

Objective

To examine gender differences (overall and by type of amputation) among veterans who underwent LEAs between 2005 and 2018, received care at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) prior to undergoing amputation, and were prescribed a prosthesis. It was hypothesized that compared to men, women would report lower satisfaction with prosthetic services, poorer prosthesis fit, lower prosthesis satisfaction, less prosthesis use, and worse self‐reported mobility. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that gender differences in outcomes would be more pronounced among individuals with transfemoral than among those with transtibial amputations.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey. Linear regressions were used to assess overall gender differences in outcomes and gender differences based on type of amputation in a national sample of veterans.

Setting

VHA medical centers.

Participants

The sample consisted of 449 veterans who self‐identified their gender (women = 165, men = 284) with transtibial (n = 236), transfemoral (n = 135), and bilateral LEAs (n = 68) including all amputation etiologies.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The Orthotics and Prosthetics User's Survey, Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experiences Scale, and Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility‐Short Form were used to assess satisfaction with prosthetic services, prosthesis fit, prosthesis satisfaction, prosthesis use, and self‐reported mobility.

Results

Women had poorer self‐reported mobility than men (d = −0.26, 95% confidence interval −0.49 to −0.02, p < .05); this difference was small. There were no statistically significant gender differences in satisfaction with prosthetic services, prosthesis fit, prosthesis satisfaction, daily hours of prosthesis use, or by amputation type.

Conclusions

Contrary to the hypothesis, prosthesis‐related outcomes were similar between men and women with LEAs. Minimal differences may in part be due to receiving care from the VHA's integrated Amputation System of Care.
Polyaniline modified waste‐derived graphene/sulfur nanocomposite cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ponmani P. , Bahadur Jitendra , Tewari Chetna , Gupta Deepak Kumar , Kalita Uddhab , Jegadeesan P. , Ravindran T. R. , Alex Aby , Das Ashutosh , Sahoo Nandagopal , Sivanantham M. , Choudhury Soumyadip
Published: June 2023

Reduction of plastic wastes in the environment and solving the energy demands from renewable sources are two important challenging tasks of this century. Modern day lives are highly entangled with polymers, however handling the huge wastes from plastics is also a serious concern. Translating the plastic wastes to useful products such as graphene can be an alternative for nonbiodegradable polymer wastes. Efficient energy storage devices, for instance, batteries are required for storing the renewable energies. With the aim of regulating these issues, we report, for the first time, the preparation of high energy cathode materials from the nanocomposites (NCs) having polyaniline (PANI), waste‐derived graphene (WDG) derived from plastic waste and sulfur (S) for Li–S battery applications. We compare the electrochemical properties of cathodes derived from WDG/S and WDG/PANI/S in Li–S batteries. The specific discharge capacity of WDG/PANI/S at 0.1 C was obtained to be 880 mAhg−1 normalized to sulfur mass at 1st cycle, 472 mAhg−1 at 100th cycle, and 400 mAhg−1 at 160th cycle. The rate capability is also found to be good at C‐rates less than 0.5 C. We found that WDG/PANI/S showed decent electrochemical properties when compared with the reference sample, WDG/S at similar sulfur loading without PANI modification.
Zero‐Oil‐Fouling Membrane With High Coverage of Grafted Zwitterionic Polymer for Separation of Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Wang Aqiang , Zhu Yuzhang , Fang Wangxi , Gao Shoujian , Jin Jian
Published: June 2023

Current hydrophilic modification strategies improve the antifouling ability of membranes but fail to completely eliminate the fouling of emulsified oil droplets with a wide size distribution. Constructing membranes with superior anti‐oil‐fouling ability to resist various oil droplets especially at high permeation fluxes is challenging. Here, the fabrication of a zero‐oil‐fouling membrane by grafting considerably high coverage of zwitterionic polymer and building defect‐free hydration defense barrier on the surface is reported. A uniform layer of protocatechuic acid with COOH as abundant as existing in every molecule is stably deposited on the membrane so as to provide sufficient reactive sites and achieve dense grafting of the zwitterionic polymer. The coverage of zwitterionic polymer on the membrane plays a crucial role in promoting the antifouling ability to emulsified oil droplets. The poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with 93% coverage of the zwitterionic polymer exhibits zero oil fouling when separating multitudinous oil‐in‐water emulsions with ≈0% flux decline, ≈100% flux recovery, and a high water flux of ≈800 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. This membrane outperforms almost all of the reported membranes in terms of the comprehensive antifouling performance. This work provides a feasible route for manufacturing super‐antifouling membranes toward oil/water separation application.
Enantiomeric separation of ketoprofen using Frovatriptan as a chiral derivatizing reagent
Authors: Vashistha Vinod Kumar , Bala Renu , Pullabhotla Rajasekhar VSR , Mittal Ankit
Published: June 2023

We established a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method utilizing Frovatriptan as a chiral derivatizing agent to separate the enantiomers of ketoprofen from commercially available tablet formulations. The chiral derivatizing agent facilitated the synthesis of diastereomeric derivatives of ketoprofen, which were separated on a reversed‐phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid under gradient elution from 30% to 70% of acetonitrile. The method demonstrated a limit of detection and quantitation of 2.52 and 8.31 ng/ml for the derivatives, respectively. Validation of the method was performed following the guidelines set by the International Council for Harmonisation to ensure accuracy, precision, and reliability, making it suitable for pharmaceutical industry applications. Notably, this study introduces the novel application of Frovatriptan as a chiral derivatizing agent in high‐performance liquid chromatography for the separation of ketoprofen enantiomers.
Alignment Through Value Consolidation Mechanisms—Focusing on Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Circular Economy
Authors: Vikstedt Elina , Rajala Tomi
Published: June 2023

The role of multistakeholder collaboration in solving complex sustainability challenges is emphasised across academic literature. Stakeholders from different sectors typically adhere to different institutional logics and create value in different ways. Alignment reflects how stakeholders orient themselves towards multiple institutional logics in collaborative value creation. By reviewing the extant research literature, we identify the value-consolidation mechanisms employed in aligning institutional logics in stakeholder engagement. We empirically examine these mechanisms in three key dimensions: stakeholders’ cognition, goals, and practices. Two multistakeholder collaborations for circular economy were selected for the case study. After collecting interviews and document data and conducting qualitative content analysis, we found that several value-consolidation mechanisms were applied side by side in dynamic ways to align the cognition, goals, and practices of the stakeholders. Findings indicate that perfect alignment in multistakeholder settings may be hard to reach, but this does not always hinder collaborative value creation. The proposed framework offers alignment instruments for practitioners pursuing stakeholder engagement in collaborative value creation. Scholars can use the framework to determine which conditions incite the use of certain value-consolidation mechanisms, as well as what kinds of impacts this has on collaborative value creation.
Thoughts about fertility among female adolescents and young adults with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Bentsen Line , Pappot Helle , Hjerming Maiken , Hanghøj Signe
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Nine hundred female adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15–39 are diagnosed with cancer in Denmark annually. Advances in cancer therapy have led to increased long-term survival; however, a serious side effect of cancer therapy is reduced fertility. The aim of our study was to explore the thoughts about fertility among female AYAs with cancer.

Methods

Our study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 at the Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. Inclusion criteria were female AYAs with cancer aged 18–39. Twelve individual, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were performed with female AYAs with cancer (20–35 years). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were found: (1) the female AYAs held on to a hope of having children in the future; (2) the female AYAs experienced time pressure and waiting time as a sprint as well as a marathon; (3) the female AYAs faced existential and ethical choices about survival and family formation; and (4) the female AYAs felt a loss of control of their bodies.

Conclusion

Our study contributes with knowledge on how important holding on to the hope of children in the future is among female AYAs with cancer. Meanwhile, they are frustrated by the rushed decision on fertility preservation at diagnosis. The female AYAs also have existential and ethical concerns related to the choice of cancer therapy and fertility preservation. Finally, they suffer from altered body image, loss of femininity, and body control due to hormone therapy.
Anti-quasi-Sasakian manifolds
Authors: Di Pinto D. , Dileo G.
Published: June 2023

We introduce and study a special class of almost contact metric manifolds, which we call anti-quasi-Sasakian (aqS). Among the class of transversely Kähler almost contact metric manifolds $$(M,\varphi , \xi ,\eta ,g)$$

(
M
,
φ
,
ξ
,
η
,
g
)

, quasi-Sasakian and anti-quasi-Sasakian manifolds are characterized, respectively, by the $$\varphi $$
φ
-invariance and the $$\varphi $$
φ
-anti-invariance of the 2-form $$\textrm{d}\eta $$

d
η

. A Boothby–Wang type theorem allows to obtain aqS structures on principal circle bundles over Kähler manifolds endowed with a closed (2, 0)-form. We characterize aqS manifolds with constant $$\xi $$
ξ
-sectional curvature equal to 1: they admit an $$Sp(n)\times 1$$

S
p
(
n
)
×
1

-reduction of the frame bundle such that the manifold is transversely hyperkähler, carrying a second aqS structure and a null Sasakian $$\eta $$
η
-Einstein structure. We show that aqS manifolds with constant sectional curvature are necessarily flat and cokähler. Finally, by using a metric connection with torsion, we provide a sufficient condition for an aqS manifold to be locally decomposable as the Riemannian product of a Kähler manifold and an aqS manifold with structure of maximal rank. Under the same hypothesis, (M, g) cannot be locally symmetric.
On optimal lockdown policies while facing socioeconomic costs
Authors: Gubar Elena , Policardo Laura , Sánchez Carrera Edgar J. , Taynitskiy Vladislav
Published: June 2023

The paper analyzes the optimal lockdown policy using the SQAIRD model over a network with three population groups (young, adult, and old). We show that different lockdown policies may be justified by different socioeconomic structures (objective cost functions that are either convex or concave). We also show that a lockdown policy is always better than a laissez-faire policy, and a targeted policy specific to each group outperforms a uniform policy. In our benchmark example, we consider the case of Italy. Our simulations show that: (a) a lockdown policy is always better than the laissez-faire policy because it limits the costs generated by the pandemic in an uncontrolled situation; (b) a group-specific targeted lockout policy is more effective than a uniform policy to the extent that the groups differ. The latter is a less expensive targeted policy (as it optimally minimizes direct, indirect, and vaccination costs), and it is equally effective in controlling the pandemic. One finding of particular interest is that the optimal lockdown rate should be higher for the young and elderly than for adults. This is motivated by the fact that younger individuals are more likely to spread the virus in question asymptomatically.
Spatial patterns and drivers of benthic community structure on the northern Adriatic biogenic reefs
Authors: Gianni Fabrizio , Turicchia Eva , Abbiati Marco , Calcinai Barbara , Caragnano Annalisa , Ciriaco Saul , Costantini Federica , Kaleb Sara , Piazzi Luigi , Puce Stefania , Querin Stefano , Rindi Fabio , Solidoro Cosimo , Bandelj Vinko , Ponti Massimo , Falace Annalisa
Published: June 2023

The northern Adriatic Sea (NAS) hosts numerous biogenic subtidal reefs that are considered biodiversity hotspots. Several studies have already investigated the origin and biodiversity of these reefs. However, many of them are still unexplored and further knowledge is needed for their conservation. Here, the spatial variability, epibenthic community structure, and environmental features that characterize these habitats were investigated. Fifteen randomly selected reefs were sampled between 2013 and 2017, including some remote sites that have never been studied before. A fuzzy k-means clustering method and redundancy analysis were used to find similarities among sites in terms of epibenthic assemblages and to model relationships with abiotic variables. The results showed that these reefs are highly heterogeneous in terms of species composition and geomorphological features. The results were also consistent with previous studies and highlighted three main types of benthic assemblages defined by the dominance of different organisms, mainly reflecting the coastal-offshore gradient: nearshore reefs, generally dominated by stress-tolerant species; reefs at a middle distance from the coast, characterized by sponges, non-calcareous encrusting algae and ascidians; offshore reefs, dominated by reef builders. However, distance from the coast was not the only factor affecting species distribution, as other local factors and environmental characteristics also played a role. This kind of biogenic reefs in temperate seas are still poorly known. The present work contributed to shed further light on these habitats, by complementing the results of previous studies on their natural diversity, highlighting the specificity of the epibenthic communities of NAS reefs and the need to improve current, still inadequate, conservation measures.
Expert Perceptions on Anti-bribery and Corruption Policies in Sports Governing Bodies: Implications for Ethical Climate Theory
Authors: Philippou Christina
Published: June 2023

Anti-bribery and corruption in sport governing bodies is a little explored area in academic literature. This paper addresses the gap in the literature through expert perceptions on the current state of anti-bribery and corruption policies in international and national sport governing bodies as seen through an ethical climate theory lens. Thus, this paper addresses the question of how and why enhancing anti-bribery and corruption in sport internal controls can mitigate financial corruption and improve ethical climates. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 forensic accountants and anticorruption experts to garner their opinion on strengths and weaknesses of current policies in sport governing bodies and ascertain the link between anticorruption, accounting controls, and ethical climates. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and the results showed a consistency of opinion with regards to the policy improvements required for a robust anti-bribery and corruption programme within sport governing bodies, with multiple implications for ethical organisational climates.
Mechanisms and prognostic impact of myocardial ischaemia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Coleman James A. , Ashkir Zakariye , Raman Betty , Bueno-Orovio Alfonso
Published: June 2023

Despite the progress made in risk stratification, sudden cardiac death and heart failure remain dreaded complications for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Myocardial ischaemia is widely acknowledged as a contributor to cardiovascular events, but the assessment of ischaemia is not yet included in HCM clinical guidelines. This review aims to evaluate the HCM-specific pro-ischaemic mechanisms and the potential prognostic value of imaging for myocardial ischaemia in HCM. A literature review was performed using PubMed to identify studies with non-invasive imaging of ischaemia (cardiovascular magnetic resonance, echocardiography, and nuclear imaging) in HCM, prioritising studies published after the last major review in 2009. Other studies, including invasive ischaemia assessment and post-mortem histology, were also considered for mechanistic or prognostic relevance. Pro-ischaemic mechanisms in HCM reviewed included the effects of sarcomeric mutations, microvascular remodelling, hypertrophy, extravascular compressive forces and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The relationship between ischaemia and fibrosis was re-appraised by considering segment-wise analyses in multimodal imaging studies. The prognostic significance of myocardial ischaemia in HCM was evaluated using longitudinal studies with composite endpoints, and reports of ischaemia-arrhythmia associations were further considered. The high prevalence of ischaemia in HCM is explained by several micro- and macrostructural pathological features, alongside mutation-associated energetic impairment. Ischaemia on imaging identifies a subgroup of HCM patients at higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Ischaemic HCM phenotypes are a high-risk subgroup associated with more advanced left ventricular remodelling, but further studies are required to evaluate the independent prognostic value of non-invasive imaging for ischaemia.
Collaboration between Mathematicians and Mathematics Educators: dialogical inquiry as a methodological tool in Mathematics Education research
Authors: Hernandez-Martinez Paul , Rogovchenko Svitlana , Rogovchenko Yuriy , Treffert-Thomas Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Collaboration between Mathematicians and Mathematics Educators is crucial in advancing knowledge on the teaching and learning of Mathematics, particularly in advanced Mathematics pedagogy. However, there is a need for the type of collaborations where Mathematicians and Mathematics Educators can find common ground, and the synergy of their expertise results in new, hybrid meanings and understandings that can benefit practice. This paper aims to help researchers from these communities come together by presenting a novel methodology for collaborative inquiry and qualitative data analysis—dialogical inquiry—based on Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of dialogism. In this framework, “truth” is conceived as never finalised but always coevolving through dialogue that involves participants with different “voices” and “languages”. We describe the three principles that underpin dialogical inquiry: motivation, power balance and a process for solving disagreements. These three principles interact together to create a space where critically productive dialogue allows for meanings to coevolve and new, hybrid understandings to emerge. We illustrate our operationalisation of these principles (i.e., the methods of dialogical inquiry) in two areas: understanding solutions to linear ordinary differential equations and making meaning of the Bakhtinian concept of superaddressee. We reflect on our use of this methodology in Mathematics Education research and invite the readers to create their own dialogic spaces of collaboration.
The Selah Pilot Study of Spiritual, Mindfulness, and Stress Inoculation Practices on Stress-Related Outcomes Among United Methodist Clergy in the United States
Authors: Proeschold-Bell Rae Jean , Eagle David E. , Tice Logan C. , Yao Jia , Rash Joshua A. , Choi Jessica Y. , Stringfield Beth , Labrecque Sofia M.
Published: June 2023

The job–demand–control–support model indicates that clergy are at high risk for chronic stress and adverse health outcomes. A multi-group pre-test–post-test design was used to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and range of outcome effect sizes for four potentially stress-reducing interventions: stress inoculation training, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), the Daily Examen, and Centering Prayer. All United Methodist clergy in North Carolina were eligible and recruited via email to attend their preferred intervention. Surveys at 0, 3, and 12 weeks assessed symptoms of stress, anxiety, and perceived stress reactivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks using 24 h ambulatory heart rate monitoring data. A subset of participants completed in-depth interviews and reported skill practice using daily text messages. Standardized mean differences with 95% and 75% confidence intervals were calculated for the change observed in each intervention from baseline to 3 and 12 weeks post-baseline to determine the range of effect sizes likely to be observed in a definitive trial. 71 clergy participated in an intervention. The daily percentage of participants engaging in stress management practices ranged from 47% (MBSR) to 69% (Examen). Results suggest that participation in Daily Examen, stress inoculation, or MBSR interventions could plausibly result in improvement in stress and anxiety at 12 weeks with small-to-large effect sizes. Small effect sizes on change in HRV were plausible for MBSR and Centering Prayer from baseline to 12 weeks. All four interventions were feasible and acceptable, although Centering Prayer had lower enrollment and mixed results.
Fidelity of D.A.R.E. Officers’ Delivery of “keepin’ it REAL” in Elementary & Middle School
Authors: Beamon Emily R. , Henson Robert A. , Kelly Samantha E. , Hansen William B. , Wyrick David L.
Published: June 2023

The goal of the current study is to examine the degree to which measures of quality of implementation and student engagement moderate pretest–posttest changes in mediating variables that are targeted by DARE “keepin’ it REAL.” DARE officers (10 elementary school, five middle school) taught DARE “keepin’ it REAL lessons to 1,017 elementary students (480 boys and 534 girls) and 435 middle school students (217 boys and 215 girls). We examined teachers’ and students’ ratings of elementary and middle schools in response to DARE officers’ delivery of the program. HLM analyses revealed that students’ engagement was a significant and meaningful predictor of changes in targeted mediators. Teachers’ ratings of student responsiveness added little in terms of understanding these outcomes with main effects observed only for students’ ability to respond to bulling and students’ estimates of peer drug use. Teachers’ ratings of the quality of officer implementation, on the other hand, did add to understanding students’ outcomes. Effects were seen for three (peer norms about drug use, decision-making (DM) skills, intentions to avoid drug use) out of six outcome variables and suggest a stronger positive effect for elementary versus middle school students. At least for these three outcomes, understanding quality of implementation added to our ability to interpret results. Specifically, in addition to students’ engagement, quality of implementation (which varied by grade) contributed to achieving positive changes in students’ outcomes.
Modality, expected utility, and hypothesis testing
Authors: Chung WooJin , Mascarenhas Salvador
Published: June 2023

We introduce an expected-value theory of linguistic modality that makes reference to expected utility and a likelihood-based confirmation measure for deontics and epistemics, respectively. The account is a probabilistic semantics for deontics and epistemics, yet it proposes that deontics and epistemics share a common core modal semantics, as in traditional possible-worlds analysis of modality. We argue that this account is not only theoretically advantageous, but also has far-reaching empirical consequences. In particular, we predict modal versions of reasoning fallacies from the heuristics and biases literature. Additionally, we derive the modal semantics in an entirely transparent manner, as it is based on the compositional semantics of Korean modal expressions that are morphosyntactically decomposed into a conditional and an evaluative predicate.
Clastic-volcaniclastic Rocks in Papaghni Sub-basin: Implications for Syn-sedimentary Felsic Volcanism during the Deposition of Paleoproterozoic Vempalle Carbonate Sequence, Cuddapah Basin, India
Authors: Sai V. V. Sesha , Reddy N. Ramakrishna , Tripathy Vikash , Bhattacharjee Santanu , Narahari S.T. , Krishna K. Sai
Published: June 2023

Based on detailed field, petrographic, mineral chemistry and geochemical studies, succinct details on the clastic - volcaniclastic sequence recorded within the dolomite horizon in Paleoproterozoic Vempalle Formation, Cuddapah basin, India are presented. The clastic rocks represented by rudaceous-arenaceous sequence and the volcaniclastic rock represented by an intervening tuffaceous horizon are noticed in the Vempalle dolomite near Tummalapalle area, in southwestern part of the Cuddapah basin. The conglomerate is matrix supported with dominantly chert clasts and the arenaceous unit is represented by fine grained quartz arenite. The tuffaceous unit is finely laminated exhibiting typical; clast matrix texture characteristic of fine grained pyroclastic rocks. Zircon, apatite, rutile and monazite are the accessory phases in the tuff. Geochemically, the felsic tuff is rhyolitic, peraluminous and shows relative enrichment of LREE. The chemical composition of the feldspar falls close to the K-feldspar end member in the Or-Ab-An plot. The clastic - volcaniclastic sequence in the Vempalle carbonate sequence indicate a localised break in carbonate precipitation accompanied by syn-sedimentary felsic volcanism during the evolution of Paleoproterozoic segment in the Cuddapah basin, India.
Sedimentary Thickness and Upper Crustal Structure of the North Cambay Rift, India Deduced from Gravity Data: New Evidence of Pre-trappean Sediments
Authors: Chouhan Avinash Kumar , Choudhury Pallabee , Pal Sanjit Kumar
Published: June 2023

A gravity survey was carried out to estimate the sedimentary thickness and to map upper crustal geometry over the northern part of the Cambay rift. Structural lineaments delineated using the total horizontal gradient of the Bouguer anomaly indicate a major lineament trend in the NW-SE direction. Results of the density modelling using residual Bouguer anomaly reveal the average thickness of the Quaternary and Tertiary sediments to be between 0.5 and 6 km, while the Deccan trap thickness varies between 0.5 and 3 km. It is seen that the Mesozoic sediment (maximum thickness ~0.6 km) is sandwiched between the Deccan trap and granitic basement, which indicates the possible existence of a rift in the late Jurassic-early Cretaceous. Based on the residual Bouguer and density modelling results, the spatial locations of the NE-SW trending Unhawa ridge and the N-S trending Mehsana uplift are provided, which are believed to be the remnant rock of the Proterozoic age. A high-density body, interpreted as a magmatic underplating layer, is also found in the lower part of the middle crust along the central part of the rift, which continues in the lower crust. The magmatic underplating layer is formed during the Reunion hotspot and lithospheric interaction in the Cretaceous period.
Development of Performance Prediction Model for TBM Using Rock Mass Properties
Authors: Kullarkar Shubham D. , Thote N. R.
Published: June 2023

Tunnelling projects carried out by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) present several problems, the most significant of which is predicting machine performance. The improper prediction may result in the rescheduling of the entire project and also lead to high cost overrun. An established rock mass classification system like rock mass rating (RMR) is commonly employed for the development of empirical equations to predict the performance of TBM. However, such TBM performance prediction models have a limited scope of success due to the weights assigned to the input parameters. This issue can be overcome by performing simple, multiple linear, and multiple non-linear regression analyses for determining the most influential input parameters or modifying the weights of the RMR system such that their role in the performance of the TBM is better represented. In this research, an attempt is made to define the influence of different rock mass properties on the performance of the TBM, and a novel model is generated using simple, multiple linear, and multiple non-linear regression analyses. This model uses intact rock mass properties i.e., uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and fractured rock mass properties like joint spacing (Js), rock quality designation (RQD), and alpha (α) for performance prediction of TBM. This research comprises 119 datasets from three different TBM tunnels sites in Iran for statistical regression analysis. The results showed that the utilized rock mass properties have a great influence on TBM performance and concluded that the TBM performance can be estimated using the newly developed equation.
Revolutionizing Maize Farming with Potassium Silicate Foliar Spray and Water Management Techniques
Authors: Elmahdy Ahmed M. , Ahmed Yasser M. , Bakr Abeer A. A. , Abdallah Ahmed M. , Abdelghany Ahmed M. , El-Sorady Gawhara A. , Elbana Aly A.A. , Lamlom Sobhi F.
Published: June 2023

By integrating various irrigation and agriculture management techniques, it is possible to considerably improve water productivity. In order to examine the impact of irrigation scheduling (1.0 and 1.2 pan evaporation coefficient), planting method (ridge and raised bed), and potassium silicate foliar application (0 ppm and 100 ppm) on maize (Zea mays L) growth, yield, and water-related factors, a two-season field experiment was conducted in a hot-dry climate region of southern Egypt during 2017 and 2018. The results showed that the seasonal irrigation requirement and consumptive use were higher at 1.2 than the 1.0 pan evaporation coefficient, irrespective of the planting methods. Raised bed planting method saved about 19% of applied water (two seasons average) compared to the ridge planting method. Plants treated with potassium silicates attained higher yields compared to the control, irrespective of the irrigation level and planting method. Moreover, irrigation at 1.2 pan evaporation resulted in the lowest daily ETc values, i.e., 3.15, 6.0, 6.7, and 2.8 mm for plant growth stages, i.e., ini, dev, mid and late. This resulted in the lowest Kc values (0.47, 0.91, 1.16, and 0.61) at different plant growth stages (ini, dev, mid and late). Based on the study findings, it is recommended to use a deficit irrigation of 0.15% based on accumulated pan evaporation values of 1.2, coupled with raised bed planting method and the application of 100 ppm potassium silicates, for optimal maize water productivity and net return.
Implications of chemical agents and nanofluids coupled with carbon dioxide to improve oil recovery factor
Authors: Luo Zixuan , Zhang Xiangchun , Rizwan Ali , Shafieezadeh M. Mehdi
Published: June 2023

In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of chemically enhanced oil recovery methods containing hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), surfactant–hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (SHPAM), surfactant nanofluids (SNF), that is, coupled with carbon dioxide (CO2) and water chase injection to measure enhanced oil recovery methods in a sandstone reservoir. To proceed with the experiments, we performed four flooding tests at the simulated reservoir temperature of 70 °C. The sand packs were saturated with oil to establish the irreducible water saturation (Swr). Then, the fluid flow in sand packs remained undistributed for about 5 days to obtain the 1.5 pore volume (PV). We observed that the pressure drop had small fluctuations when there was waterflooding (until 1.5 PV), and after injecting the chemical agents, the pressure drop had a sharp rise. It is indicated that the chemical solution has implemented higher pressure drops (significant energy efficiency) to displace the oil instead of water. The maximum oil recovery factor was about 53% and 59% when HPAM and SHPAM solution displaced oil after waterflooding, respectively; however, it is observed that water chase flooding recovered about 8% and 14% of remaining oil in place while CO2 has increased only 3% and 5%, respectively. SNF solution can provide more oil recovery factors. It is about 72% (SNF with 0.5 wt%) and 67% (SNF with 1 wt%). We observed that water chase flooding recovered about 20% of oil in place while CO2 increased by only 8%. It was concluded that the SNF solution with 0.5 wt% tends to adhere to the water–CO2 and causes to improve oil recovery factor after SNF injection. Therefore, SNF is the optimum enhanced oil recovery method among other chemical agents. On the other hand, with the decrease in CO2 flow rate and increase in silica nanoparticles slug size, pressure drop has started to decrease in higher pore volume injections, indicating that larger volumes of CO2 can be stored in sand packs. However, by increasing the CO2 flow rate and decreasing silica nanoparticles slug size, CO2 can escape easily from the sand pack.