bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jump‐starting podocarp forest establishment in a wetland dominated by invasive willow
Authors: Sukias James P. S. , Tanner Chris C. , Clarkson Beverley R. , Bodmin Kerry A. , Woodward Simon , Bartlam Scott , Costley Kerry
Published: October 2023

Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) is a tall, wetland‐tolerant native podocarp tree that has potential for restoration of New Zealand wetlands currently dominated by invasive Grey willow (Salix cinerea). We investigated methods to jump‐start establishment of Kahikatea saplings in the Ramsar‐listed Whangamarino Wetland. Treatments involved planting saplings after full herbicide clearance of the willow canopy (FULL), partial herbicide clearance of the canopy (PARTIAL), and manual cutting of light wells (MANUAL). Saplings were planted as individuals or clusters of seven. Treatment plots were established in 2015 and monitored until 2020. Despite Kahikatea being considered a “light‐demanding” species, saplings grew best in the PARTIAL treatment which had the lowest ambient light levels (x̄=32% of non‐intercepted sunlight). PARTIAL treatment saplings were estimated to require 24–36 years to reach the height of the surrounding willow canopy if they maintained similar growth rates. Preconditioning saplings by soaking roots before planting provided a growth advantage in the PARTIAL treatment plots, whereas nonconditioned plants grew better in the higher‐light MANUAL and FULL plots. No benefit was found for cluster planting. Restoration toward a native Kahikatea‐dominated forest will be contingent on saplings reaching willow canopy height before the faster‐growing willows reestablish, or periodic management of willows to maintain light levels above the compensation point for continued growth. Ultimately, the utility of this approach depends on what on‐going facilitation is required and whether seedlings subsequently produced by these emergent podocarp “islands” are able to jump‐start a long‐term change in the successional trajectory of the surrounding willow‐dominated wetland.
Policy instruments attitudes and support for government responses against Covid‐19
Authors: Veselý Arnošt , Petrúšek Ivan , Soukup Petr
Published: October 2023

An individual's political attitudes have been documented as the most important predictor of acceptance of government measures against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Their effect, however, is somewhat unclear and cannot be reduced to one dimension. In this article, we test whether general attitudes toward policy instruments might, together with left–right orientation, authoritarianism, social liberalism, and attitudes to state intervention, explain attitudes to policy instruments used to combat COVID‐19. The predictiveness of models of attitudes toward three different types of policy instruments to address the COVID‐19 pandemic was tested using a study of Czech university students). We found that individuals' general attitudes toward policy instruments are best measured by posing direct survey questions. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the independent effects of general attitudes toward three different types of policy instruments on attitudes toward specific policy instruments for combating COVID‐19. We found that an individuals' general tendency to prefer an information, regulatory, or economic instrument significantly affects their attitude toward specific policy solutions, even after controlling for political orientation. These results provide novel empirical evidence for the autonomy of policy instruments attitudes (APIA) theory. The general attitudes toward policy instrument types are reflected in individuals' attitudes toward specific policy instruments, such as those used to combat COVID‐19.
Who Benefits from Migrant and Female Labor? Connecting Wages to Demographic Changes in French Workplaces1
Authors: Soener Matthew , Godechot Olivier , Safi Mirna
Published: October 2023

We ask how an increasing share of women or migrants in the workplace affects wages for different groups depending on market‐based or relational outcomes. Using data on nearly every French employee and workplace, we propose four theoretically informed outcomes. We do not find an increase in the share of women or migrants provokes a wage backlash but that these groups instead have some “power in numbers.” Yet, most importantly, our results show demographic changes are conditioned by class position through a surplus appropriation mechanism. The share of women and the share of migrants in the professional and managerial class raise wages within this class especially for men and migrants in this class, respectively. We also find the entry of migrant workers puts downward pressure on worker wages—both natives and migrants. We offer an interpretation of these results based on the redistribution of labor costs when hiring employees like women and migrants who earn less on average.
MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Semi‐Quantification of Topically Delivered Lactic Acid
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Legouffe Raphael , Mao Junhong , Gaudin Mathieu , Bonnel David
Published: October 2023

Background

Lactic acid is a common active ingredient in many topical skincare products; however, measuring its delivery into the skin is challenging due to the presence of a large level of endogenous lactic acid. In this study, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) was used to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the delivery of lactic acid into the skin from a range of topical skincare products.

Materials and methods

Porcine skin samples were treated with various skincare products containing lactic acid. After 24 h, skin samples were sectioned and treated via H&E staining or prepared for MALDI‐MSI using chemical derivatization. Samples were then analyzed by MALDI‐MSI imaging to obtain lactic acid distribution in the entire skin section.

Results

Due to the high level of endogenous lactic acid in the skin, a “triple isotope” of lactic acid (L‐Lactic acid‐13C3), was needed to provide full resolution from the skin's background signal with MALDI‐MSI. With this approach, the topically delivered lactic acid could be quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed from a variety of skincare products.

Conclusions

The combination of L‐Lactic acid‐13C3 and MALDI‐MSI was successfully used to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the topical delivery of lactic acid from a variety of skincare products. This approach could be used in future work to better understand the mode of action of lactic acid as an active ingredient in skincare products.
Phylogenetic reconstruction of Corydioidea (Dictyoptera: Blattodea) provides new insights on the placement of Latindiinae and supports the proposal of the new subfamily Ctenoneurinae
Authors: Han Wei , Qiu Lu , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Zongqing , Che Yanli
Published: October 2023

Representatives of the cockroach superfamily Corydioidea are less sampled than members of the two other cockroach superfamilies (Blaberoidea and Blattoidea) due to the difficulty of collecting them in the field, accentuated by a general lack of knowledge on their biology. Their evolutionary relationships have not yet been investigated with a relevant sampling and are therefore poorly known. Here, we assess the phylogenetic relationships of 35 Corydioidea species with mitochondrial genomes and two nuclear gene fragments. Our sampling for Corydiidae comprises Corydiinae and Euthyrrhaphinae representatives, whereas our sampling for the remaining Corydioidea includes species belonging to genera Beybienkonus Qiu, Wang and Che, Compsodes Hebard, Ctenoneura Hanitsch and Nocticola Bolívar. We further infer their divergence times with molecular dating analyses relying on five fossil calibrations. We also carry out reconstructions of ancestral character states for 11 phenotypic and one biological traits. Our results recover two major Corydioidea clades, one consisting solely of Corydiidae (except Latindiinae) and the other of all remaining Corydioidea taxa. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, an updated classification of extant Corydioidea is proposed, where Latindiinae Handlirsch stat.rev. and Ctenoneurinae Qiu and Che, subfam.nov. are assigned to the family Nocticolidae Bolívar sensu nov. A new genus Pseudoeupolyphaga Qiu and Che, gen.nov. is also established within Corydiinae. Both the origin of crown Corydioidea and the divergence of the two major lineages are estimated to have occurred during the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. Ancestral character state reconstruction analyses also suggest an adaptive relationship between phenotypic characteristics and habitat preferences.
Copper‐independent lysosomal localisation of the Wilson disease protein ATP7B
Authors: Maji Saptarshi , Pirozzi Marinella , Ruturaj  , Pandey Raviranjan , Ghosh Tamal , Das Santanu , Gupta Arnab
Published: October 2023

In hepatocytes, the Wilson disease protein ATP7B resides on the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and traffics to peripheral lysosomes to export excess intracellular copper through lysosomal exocytosis. We found that in basal copper or even upon copper chelation, a significant amount of ATP7B persists in the endolysosomal compartment of hepatocytes but not in non‐hepatic cells. These ATP7B‐harbouring lysosomes lie in close proximity of ~10 nm to the TGN. ATP7B constitutively distributes itself between the sub‐domain of the TGN with a lower pH and the TGN‐proximal lysosomal compartments. The presence of ATP7B on TGN‐lysosome colocalising sites upon Golgi disruption suggested a possible exchange of ATP7B directly between the TGN and its proximal lysosomes. Manipulating lysosomal positioning significantly alters the localisation of ATP7B in the cell. Contrary to previous understanding, we found that upon copper chelation in a copper‐replete hepatocyte, ATP7B is not retrieved back to TGN from peripheral lysosomes; rather, ATP7B recycles to these TGN‐proximal lysosomes to initiate the next cycle of copper transport. We report a hitherto unknown copper‐independent lysosomal localisation of ATP7B and the importance of TGN‐proximal lysosomes but not TGN as the terminal acceptor organelle of ATP7B in its retrograde pathway.
Trilemma revisited with dollar dominance in trade and finance
Authors: Dovonou Vanessa Olakemi
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the impact of the US dollar dominance on monetary and exchange rate policies in 51 advanced and developing countries from 1999 to 2021. We introduce a global exposure index to measure countries' dependence on the US dollar. Our study reveals that the dominant currency framework creates a global monetary cycle driven by the US dollar, exposing non‐U.S. economies to the U.S. monetary policy. However, we show that countries can reduce their exposure to the U.S. monetary policy by accumulating reserves and intervening in foreign exchange.
THE QURʾĀN AND SCIENCE, PART III: MAKERS OF THE SCIENTIFIC MIRACULOUSNESS
Authors: Daneshgar Majid
Published: October 2023

The last article of this three‐part series on the Qurʾān and science discusses the creation and development of the scientific miraculousness of the Qurʾān, which claims that the Qurʾān contains scientific findings and has particular scientific features, such as harmonious numerical analogies and formulae, that confirm the divine origin of the text. It became a political‐theological tool used by Muslim preachers and activists across the globe. Unlike scientific interpreters of the Qurʾān, advocates of scientific miraculousness were concerned with not only uniting Muslims and proving God's authority over the universe but also promoting the Qurʾān as a mine of modern science, archaeology, and history, the authenticity of which is unchallengeable.
Random generation of associative algebras
Authors: Sercombe Damian , Shalev Aner
Published: October 2023

There has been considerable interest in recent decades in questions of random generation of finite and profinite groups and finite simple groups in particular. In this paper, we study similar notions for finite and profinite associative algebras. Let be a finite field. Let be a finite‐dimensional, associative, unital algebra over . Let be the probability that two elements of chosen (uniformly and independently) at random will generate as a unital ‐algebra. It is known that if is simple, then as . We extend this result to a large class of finite associative algebras. For simple, we find the optimal lower bound for and we estimate the growth rate of in terms of the minimal index of any proper subalgebra of . We also study the random generation of simple algebras by two elements that have a given characteristic polynomial (resp. a given rank). In addition, we bound above and below the minimal number of generators of general finite algebras. Finally, we let be a profinite algebra over . We show that is positively finitely generated if and only if has polynomial maximal subalgebra growth. Related quantitative results are also established.
Effect of exercise on improving myocardial mitochondrial function in decreasing diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Feng , Lin Jian jian , Tian Hao nan , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes, and its pathogenesis is closely related to myocardial mitochondrial injury and functional disability. Studies have shown that the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy is related to disorders in mitochondrial metabolic substrates, changes in mitochondrial dynamics, an imbalance in mitochondrial Ca2+regulation, defects in the regulation of microRNAs, and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Physical activity may play a role in resistance to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy by improving myocardial mitochondrial biogenesis, the level of autophagy and dynamic changes in fusion and division; enhancing the ability to cope with oxidative stress; and optimising the metabolic substrates of the myocardium. This paper puts forward a new idea for further understanding the specific mitochondrial mechanism of the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and clarifying the role of exercise‐mediated myocardial mitochondrial changes in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for exercise to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy symptoms.
Sentient cells as basic units of tissues, organs and organismal physiology
Authors: Baluška František , Miller William B. , Reber Arthur S.
Published: October 2023

Cells evolved some 4 billion years ago, and since then the integrity of the structural and functional continuity of cellular life has been maintained via highly conserved and ancient processes of cell reproduction and division. The plasma membrane as well as all the cytoplasmic structures are reproduced and inherited uninterruptedly by each of the two daughter cells resulting from every cell division. Although our understanding of the evolutionary emergence of the very first cells is obscured by the extremely long timeline since that revolutionary event, the generally accepted position is that the de novo formation of cells is not possible; all present cells are products of other prior cells. This essential biological principle was first discovered by Robert Remak and then effectively coined as Omnis Cellula e Cellula (every cell of the cell) by Rudolf Virchow: all currently living cells have direct structural and functional connections to the very first cells. Based on our previous theoretical analysis, all cells are endowed with individual sentient cognition that guides their individual agency, behaviour and evolution. There is a vital consequence of this new sentient and cognitive view of cells: when cells assemble as functional tissue ecologies and organs within multicellular organisms, including plants, animals and humans, these cellular aggregates display derivative versions of aggregate tissue‐ and organ‐specific sentience and consciousness. This innovative view of the evolution and physiology of all currently living organisms supports a singular principle: all organismal physiology is based on cellular physiology that extends from unicellular roots.
Archaeological Excavations and Social Impact at Pontefract Castle (data paper)
Authors:   DigVentures, Jago Indie , Forster Manda
Published: October 2023

The Gatehouse Project at Pontefract Castle took place between September 2019 and August 2020. This data paper describes the project data from a community focused archaeological investigation undertaken by DigVentures.
Development of an Artificial Intelligence Model to Predict Combustion Properties, With a Focus on Auto-Ignition Delay
Authors: Bounaceur Roda , Heymes Romain , Glaude Pierre-Alexandre , Sirjean Baptiste , Fournet René , Montagne Pierre , Auvray Alexandre , Impellizzeri Eric , Biehler Pierre , Picard Alexandre , Prieur-Garrouste Bastien , Molière Michel
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen-compatible gas turbines are one way to decarbonize electricity production. However, burning and handling hydrogen is not trivial because of its high reactivity and tendency to detonate. Mandatory safety parameters, such as auto-ignition delay times, can be estimated thanks to predictive detailed kinetic models, but with significant calculation times that limit coupling with fluid mechanic codes. An auto-ignition prediction tool was developed based on an artificial intelligence (AI) model for fast computations and an implementation into an explosion model. A dataset of ignition delay times (IDTs) was generated automatically using a recent detailed kinetic model from National University of Galway (NUIG) selected from the literature. Generated data cover a wide operating range and different compositions of fuels. Clustering problems in sample points were avoided by a quasi-random Sobol sequence, which covers uniformly the entire input parameter space. The different algorithms were trained, cross-validated, and tested using a database of more than 70,000 ignitions cases of natural gas/hydrogen blends calculated with the full kinetic model by using a common split of 70/30 for training, testing. The AI model shows a high degree of robustness. For both the training and testing datasets, the average value of the correlation coefficient was above 99.91%, and the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean square error (MSE) were around 0.03 and lower than 0.04, respectively. Tests showed the robustness of the AI model outside the ranges of pressure, temperature, and equivalence ratio of the dataset. A deterioration is, however, observed with increasing amounts of large alkanes in the natural gas.
Generalized Semistability and Stochastic Semistability for Switched Nonlinear Systems Using Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Shaho Alaviani Seyyed , Kelkar Atul G.
Published: October 2023

This paper generalizes our previous results on semistability and stochastic semistability for switched nonlinear systems published in the Proceedings of 2021 Modeling, Estimation and Control Conference. The paper also provides the results on semistability in mean square for switched nonlinear discrete-time systems. The theoretical result involves generalized sufficient conditions for (stochastic) semistability and semistability in mean square of discrete-time nonlinear dynamical systems under time-varying or random (arbitrary) switching by means of Fixed Point Theory. An advantage of these results is to overcome fundamental challenges arising from using existing methods such as Lyapunov and LaSalle methods. As an application of the theoretical results presented, a constrained distributed consensus problem over random multi-agent networks is considered for which a generalized asynchronous and totally asynchronous iterative algorithm is derived. The algorithm is able to converge even if the weighted matrix of the graph is periodic and irreducible under synchronous protocol. Finally, a numerical example is given in which there is a distribution dependency among communication graphs to demonstrate the results.
Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Framework for Aerothermal Analyses of Electric Vehicle Battery Packs
Authors: Misar Adit , Jain Ayushi , Xu Jun , Uddin Mesbah
Published: October 2023

The rise of electric vehicles has driven the extensive adoption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their favorable attributes—compactness, low resistance, high power density, and minimal self-discharge. To enhance LIB reliability, an efficient battery thermal management system is imperative. This paper introduces a finite volume-based aerothermal analysis framework for a 32-cell high-energy density LIB pack. We also explore the effectiveness of various turbulence models in capturing local hotspots, discharge rates, and current levels across different geometries and inlet velocities. Our approach involves modeling the battery using Simcenter Battery Design Studio and importing it into Simcenter star-ccm+ for aerothermal simulations in which temperature distribution, discharge rates, current levels, and maximum temperature across are monitored for aligned, cross, and staggered configurations of the battery pack under varying inlet velocities. Our findings highlight the significant impact of boundary condition modeling on simulation stability. Also we observed that the standard k–ε model provides the most accurate predictions, with prediction accuracy within 3–10% of experimental data. Moreover, we identify substantial dependencies between heat generation and discharge current, as well as thermal gradients and inlet velocity. Finally, we conclude that the aligned cell arrangement offers the best thermal uniformity and cooling efficiency.
Influence of Multiple Modifications on the Fatigue Behavior of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Sorge Ronny , Rochlani Mrinali , Riedl Steffen
Published: October 2023

The study included six bitumens, one unmodified and five modified, and their corresponding asphalt mixtures. The first bitumen was the base bitumen and further five variants were made by the authors using the same base bitumen and different combinations of modifiers which included styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), Fischer–Tropsch wax (FTW), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), reactive elastomeric terpolymer (RET), and natural asphalt (NA). The influence on the fatigue life of bitumen and asphalt due to modification, bitumen rheology, preload, water storage, and aging was studied. A new temperature range was developed—the fatigue-relevant temperature range (FRTR) for specifying fatigue test temperatures for bitumen and asphalt. A new methodology that includes preload and water storage was also done to study the active adhesion behavior between bitumen and aggregates and its influence on fatigue life. Overall, modifications showed positive influence on the fatigue behavior of bitumen and asphalt. Variants E (SBS and RET) and F (SBS and NA) showed the greatest positive influence with an increase in the fatigue life by 500% and 210% for bitumen and 200% and 375% for asphalt respectively. With water storage, the fatigue life reduced by 500% for unmodified asphalt and in the range of 333–1350% for modified ones. Due to aging, the fatigue life reduced from 700% for unmodified and between 700% and 2500% for modified asphalt mixtures.
Comparison of Tribological Characteristics of LM13/B4C and LM13/Ilmenite Composites at High-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Nanda Tarun , Pandey O. P. , Singhal Varun , Bansal Sandeep , Raman Ravi Shankar
Published: October 2023

In this work, high-temperature tribological characteristics of ilmenite-reinforced LM13 aluminum alloy–based matrix composites (AMCs) and boron carbide–reinforced AMCs are compared. Stir-cast composites were processed using boron carbide (covalently bonded discontinuous particles (CDP)) and ilmenite (natural discontinuous particles (NDP)) particles separately as reinforcements. The particle size range was 106–125 µm, and reinforcement levels were 5, 10, and 15 wt% for both types of composites. Both composites exhibited a uniform distribution of reinforced particles and grain refinement. Compared to the LM13 base alloy, NDP composite containing 15 wt% reinforcement showed significant improvement in hardness (57%), coefficient of friction (57%), mild-to-severe wear transition temperature, average steady-state wear-rate (49%), and coefficient of thermal expansion (55%). CDP-15 composite showed slightly better properties than NDP-15 composite. Microstructure refinement, increased dimensional stability, formation of the oxide layer, and formation of tribolayer due to reinforcement of the ceramic fillers were the main reasons for the improvement in properties of processed AMCs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of wear tracks-debris showed abrasive/delamination wear as the main mechanism for materials loss. The research showed that the low-cost ilmenite particles can substitute for the very costly boron carbide particles as reinforcements in AMCs used for dry sliding wear applications under high operating temperatures–applied load conditions of the order of 300 °C–49 N.
Designing Mixed-Category Stochastic Microstructures by Deep Generative Model-Based and Curvature Functional-Based Methods
Authors: Xu Leidong , Naghavi Khanghah Kiarash , Xu Hongyi
Published: October 2023

Bridging the gaps among various categories of stochastic microstructures remains a challenge in the design representation of microstructural materials. Each microstructure category requires certain unique mathematical and statistical methods to define the design space (design representation). The design representation methods are usually incompatible between two different categories of stochastic microstructures. The common practice of preselecting the microstructure category and the associated design representation method before conducting rigorous computational design restricts the design freedom and hinders the discovery of innovative microstructure designs. To overcome this issue, this article proposes and compares two novel methods, the deep generative modeling-based method, and the curvature functional-based method, to understand their pros and cons in designing mixed-category stochastic microstructures for desired properties. For the deep generative modeling-based method, the variational autoencoder is employed to generate an unstructured latent space as the design space. For the curvature functional-based method, the microstructure geometry is represented by curvature functionals, of which the functional parameters are employed as the microstructure design variables. Regressors of the microstructure design variables–property relationship are trained for microstructure design optimization. A comparative study is conducted to understand the relative merits of these two methods in terms of computational cost, continuous transition, design scalability, design diversity, dimensionality of the design space, interpretability of the statistical equivalency, and design performance.
The long-lasting effects of NO
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2023

A stable adduct of the gasotransmitter NO that can induce vasodilation is characterized.
Inactivation of dried cells and biofilms of
Listeria monocytogenes
by exposure to blue light at different wavelengths and the influence of surface materials
Authors: Olszewska Magdalena A. , Dev Kumar Govindaraj , Hur Minji , Diez-Gonzalez Francisco
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) in the 400–470 nm wavelength range has been reported to kill multiple bacteria. This study assessed its potential for mitigating an important foodborne pathogen,
Listeria monocytogenes
(Lm), focusing on surface decontamination. Three wavelengths were tested, with gallic acid as a photosensitizing agent (Ps), against dried cells obtained from bacterial suspensions, and biofilms on stainless-steel (SS) coupons. Following aBL exposure, standard microbiological analysis of inoculated coupons was conducted to measure viability. Statistical analysis of variance was performed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to observe the biofilm structures. Within 16 h of exposure at 405 nm, viable Lm dried cells and biofilms were reduced by approx. 3 log CFU/cm
2
with doses of 2,672 J/cm
2
. Application of Ps resulted in an additional 1 log CFU/cm
2
at 668 J/cm
2
, but its effect was not consistent. The highest dose (960 J/cm
2
) at 420 nm reduced viable counts on the biofilms by 1.9 log CFU/cm
2
. At 460 nm, after 800 J/cm
2
, biofilm counts were reduced by 1.6 log CFU/cm
2
. The effect of material composition on Lm viability was also investigated. Irradiation at 405 nm (668 J/cm
2
) of cells dried on polystyrene resulted in one of the largest viability reductions (4.0 log CFU/cm
2
), followed by high-density polyethylene (3.5 log CFU/cm
2
). Increasing the dose to 4,008 J/cm
2
from 405 nm (24 h), improved its efficacy only on SS and polyvinyl chloride. Biofilm micrographs displayed a decrease in biofilm biomass due to the removal of biofilm portions from the surface and a shift from live to dead cells suggesting damage to biofilm cell membranes. These results suggest that aBL is a potential intervention to treat Lm contamination on typical material surfaces used in food production.

IMPORTANCE

Current cleaning and sanitation programs are often not capable of controlling pathogen biofilms on equipment surfaces, which transmit the bacteria to ready-to-eat foods. The presence of native plant microbiota and organic matter can protect pathogenic bacteria by reducing the efficacy of sanitizers as well as promoting biofilm formation. Post-operation washing and sanitizing of produce contact surfaces might not be adequate in eliminating the presence of pathogens and commensal bacteria. The use of a dynamic and harmless light technology during downtime and close of operation could serve as a useful tool in preventing biofilm formation and persistence. Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) technology has been explored for hospital disinfection with very promising results, but its application to control foodborne pathogens remains relatively limited. The use of aBL could be a complementary strategy to inactivate surfaces in restaurant or supermarket deli settings.
Public awareness of childhood, teenager and young adult cancer signs and symptoms in Great Britain: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Jo-Fen , Shanmugavadivel Dhurgsharna , Ball-Gamble Ashley , Stewart Angela , Walker David
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess public awareness of the risks and symptoms of cancer in children, teenagers, and young adults (CTYA) aged <18 years in Great Britain.

Methods

A face-to-face computer-assisted opinion survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI. Participants were a population-based sample of 1000 adults (475 men, 525 women) aged >18 years, with 26% having children aged 6–15 in their households. Questions covered perception about cumulative cancer risk, confidence in recognising signs and symptoms, recognition and perceived urgency of classical signs and symptoms.

Results

Only 32% of respondents felt confident in recognising CTYA cancer signs and symptoms. Symptoms deemed to require medical assessment within 48 hours by over 50% of participants included seizures/fits, blood in urine or stool, and persistent vomiting. All symptoms except one were selected for assessment within 3 months. On average, respondents identified 10.6 out of 42 classical signs and symptoms. The most recognised symptoms included lump, swelling in pelvis, testicle or breast (46%), blood in urine or stool (44%), changes to moles (43%), lump/swelling in the chest wall or armpits (41%) and weight loss (40%). The least recognised symptoms were early/late puberty (10%), developmental delay in children aged <2 years (11%) and slow growth (13%), with 8%, 2% and 6%, respectively, perceiving no need to discuss them with a doctor.

Conclusions

Public awareness of childhood cancer risks and symptoms is substantially lower compared with adult cancer awareness in Great Britain. These findings indicate knowledge and awareness gaps among the general public, highlighting the need for a child cancer awareness campaign.
Isolated muscular sarcoidosis presenting as hypercalcaemic renal failure
Authors: Karthik Vijayakumar , Roshan Rameez , Jabbar Puthiyaveetil Khadar , Nair Abilash
Published: October 2023

The case report describes the details of a man in his 40s admitted for evaluation of renal failure. Biochemical testing revealed parathyroid hormone (PTH) -independent hypercalcaemia. The evaluations for the usual causes such as malignancies, granulomatous diseases, multiple myeloma and vitamin D toxicity were negative. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) scan identified diffuse uptake in the muscles, and the subsequent muscle biopsy showed non-caseating granulomas suggestive of granulomatous myositis, possibly sarcoidosis, in view of raised ACE levels and the absence of other causes. The patient showed a dramatic response to glucocorticoids, with prompt relief of symptoms and normalisation of serum calcium and creatinine. The case highlights the importance of considering sarcoid myositis in the evaluation of hypercalcaemia and the need for prompt initiation of glucocorticoid therapy to achieve favourable outcomes. The successful use of FDG-PET in diagnosing PTH-independent hypercalcaemia suggests its potential as a valuable tool in the diagnostic algorithm for this condition.
The cost of public health interventions to respond to the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Zeng Wu , Samaha Hadia , Yao Michel , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Wilkinson Thomas , Jombart Thibaut , Baabo Dominique , Lokonga Jean-Pierre , Yuma Sylvain , Mobula-Shufelt Linda
Published: October 2023

The 10th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) drew substantial attention from the international community, which in turn invested more than US$1 billion in EVD control over two years (2018–2020). This is the first EVD outbreak to take place in a conflict area, which led to a shift in strategy from a pure public health response (PHR) to a multisectoral humanitarian response. A wide range of disease control and mitigation activities were implemented and were outlined in the five budgeted Strategic Response Plans used throughout the 26 months. This study used the budget/expenditure and output indicators for disease control and mitigation interventions compiled by the government of DRC and development and humanitarian partners to estimate unit costs of key Ebola control interventions. Of all the investment in EVD control, 68% was spent on PHR. The remaining 32% covered security, community support interventions for the PHR. The disbursement for the public health pillar was distributed as follows: (1) coordination (18.8%), (2), clinical management of EVD cases (18.4%), (3) surveillance and vaccination (15.9%), (4) infection prevention and control/WASH (13.8%) and (5) risk communication (13.7%). The unit costs of key EVD control interventions were as follows: US$66 182 for maintaining a rapid response team per month, US$4435 for contact tracing and surveillance per identified EVD case, US$1464 for EVD treatment per case, US$59.4 per EVD laboratory test, US$120.7 per vaccinated individual against EVD and US$175.0 for mental health and psychosocial support per beneficiary. The estimated unit costs of key EVD disease control interventions provide crucial information for future infectious disease control planning and budgeting, as well as prioritisation of disease control interventions.
Effect of malnutrition on outcomes of hospitalisations for acute pulmonary embolism: a national inpatient database study
Authors: Li Si , Lio Ka U , Ho Truong-An , Wang Yichen , Rali Parth
Published: October 2023

Background

To evaluate the occurrence of malnutrition in pulmonary embolism (PE)-related hospitalisations and assess the impact of malnutrition on the outcomes of patients with PE.

Methods

A retrospective observational study using data extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2018. Hospitalisations with a principal diagnosis of PE were obtained using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and divided into groups based on a secondary diagnosis of malnutrition.

Results

Of 563 135 PE hospitalisations, 30 495 (5.4%) had malnutrition. PE patients with malnutrition were older (mean age±SD, 69.1±14.5 vs 62.3±16.6, p<0.001) and with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (3 to 5, 24.8% vs 12.9%, p<0.001). Concurrent malnutrition was associated with higher adjusted OR (aOR) of in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 2.18 to 2.70, p<0.001), acute kidney injury (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.67, p<0.001), sepsis (aOR 4.37, 95% CI 3.79 to 5.03, p<0.001), shock (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 2.25 to 2.81, p<0.001), acidosis (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 2.34 to 2.77, p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 2.61 to 3.33, p<0.001). Patients with PE and malnutrition had an increased mean length of stay (adjusted difference 3.39 days, 95% CI 3.14 to 3.65, p<0.001), hospital charges (adjusted difference US$34 802.11, 95% CI US$31 005.01 to US$38 599.22, p<0.001) and costs (adjusted difference US$8 332.01, 95% CI US$7489.09 to US$9174.94, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Concurrent PE and malnutrition were associated with worse outcomes. The study highlights the importance of identifying malnutrition in patients with PE to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilisation.
Measurement of polarization observables $$\textbf{T}$$, $${\textbf{P}}$$, and $${\textbf{H}}$$ in $$\mathbf {\pi ^0}$$ and $$\mathbf {\eta }$$ photoproduction off quasi-free nucleons
Authors: Jermann N. , Krusche B. , Metag V. , Afzal F. , Badea M. , Beck R. , Bielefeldt P. , Bieling J. , Biroth M. , Blanke E. , Borisov N. , Bornstein M. , Brinkmann K.-T. , Ciupka S. , Crede V. , Dolzhikov A. , Drexler P. , Dutz H. , Elsner D. , Fedorov A. , Frommberger F. , Gardner S. , Ghosal D. , Goertz S. , Gorodnov I. , Grüner M. , Hammann C. , Hartmann J. , Hillert W. , Hoffmeister P. , Honisch C. , Jude T. C. , Kalischewski F. , Ketzer B. , Klassen P. , Klein F. , Klempt E. , Knaust J. , Kolanus N. , Kreit J. , Krönert P. , Lang M. , Lazarev A. B. , Livingston K. , Lutterer S. , Mahlberg P. , Meier C. , Meyer W. , Mitlasoczki B. , Müllers J. , Nanova M. , Neganov A. , Nikonov K. , Noël J. F. , Ostrick M. , Ottnad J. , Otto B. , Penman G. , Poller T. , Proft D. , Reicherz G. , Reinartz N. , Richter L. , Runkel S. , Salisbury B. , Sarantsev A. V. , Schaab D. , Schmidt C. , Schmieden H. , Schultes J. , Seifen T. , Spieker K. , Stausberg N. , Steinacher M. , Taubert F. , Thiel A. , Thoma U. , Thomas A. , Urban M. , Urff G. , Usov Y. , van Pee H. , Wang Y. C. , Wendel C. , Wiedner U. , Wunderlich Y. ,   CBELSA/TAPS Collaboration
Published: October 2023

The target asymmetry T, recoil asymmetry P, and beam-target double polarization observable H were determined in exclusive $$\pi ^0$$

π
0

and $$\eta $$
η
photoproduction off quasi-free protons and, for the first time, off quasi-free neutrons. The experiment was performed at the electron stretcher accelerator ELSA in Bonn, Germany, with the Crystal Barrel/TAPS detector setup, using a linearly polarized photon beam and a transversely polarized deuterated butanol target. Effects from the Fermi motion of the nucleons within deuterium were removed by a full kinematic reconstruction of the final state invariant mass. A comparison of the data obtained on the proton and on the neutron provides new insight into the isospin structure of the electromagnetic excitation of the nucleon. Earlier measurements of polarization observables in the $$\gamma p \rightarrow \pi ^0 p$$

γ
p
→

π
0

p

and $$\gamma p \rightarrow \eta p$$

γ
p
→
η
p

reactions are confirmed. The data obtained on the neutron are of particular relevance for clarifying the origin of the narrow structure in the $$\eta n$$

η
n

system at $$W = 1.68\ \textrm{GeV}$$

W
=
1.68

GeV

. A comparison with recent partial wave analyses favors the interpretation of this structure as arising from interference of the $$S_{11}(1535)$$

S
11

(
1535
)

and $$S_{11}(1650)$$

S
11

(
1650
)

resonances within the $$S_{11}$$

S
11

-partial wave.
Does noise affect housing prices? A case study in the urban area of Thessaloniki
Authors: Kamtziridis Georgios , Vrakas Dimitris , Tsoumakas Grigorios
Published: October 2023

Real estate markets depend on various methods to predict housing prices, including models that have been trained on datasets of residential or commercial properties. Most studies endeavor to create more accurate machine learning models by utilizing data such as basic property characteristics as well as urban features like distances from amenities and road accessibility. Even though environmental factors like noise pollution can potentially affect prices, the research around this topic is limited. One of the reasons is the lack of data. In this paper, we reconstruct and make publicly available a general purpose noise pollution dataset based on published studies conducted by the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy for the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. Then, we train ensemble machine learning models, like XGBoost, on property data for different areas of Thessaloniki to investigate the way noise influences prices through interpretability evaluation techniques. Our study provides a new noise pollution dataset that not only demonstrates the impact noise has on housing prices, but also indicates that the influence of noise on prices significantly varies among different areas of the same city.
Quasi-local black hole thermodynamics and gravitational pressure
Authors: Du Yunshuang
Published: October 2023

Black hole thermodynamics, in which physical quantities are global, is well established. In realistic astrophysical processes, the quasi-local black hole thermodynamics (thermodynamics in a finite spacetime region) is an essential problem. We develop quasi-local black hole thermodynamics by using the quasi-local energies of gravitation. For the first time, we suggest the concept of gravitational pressure, i.e. the pressure of gravitational field itself in thermodynamics for black holes, and find that it is necessary for quasi-local black hole thermodynamics in asymptotic flat space. We extend quasi-local black hole thermodynamics to the cases of asymptotic de Sitter and anti-de Sitter spaces. This exploration presents new insights into quasi-local energy of gravity, and is much more closely related to realistic astrophysics.
A fundamental study on the electronic and optical properties of graphene oxide under an external electric field
Authors: Najim Abdelhafid , Bajjou Omar , Bakour Anass , Boulghallat Mustapha , Rahmani Khalid
Published: October 2023

In this work, we study the impact of the external electric field [Formula: see text] on graphene oxide (GO) layer to improve and optimize its electronic and optical properties, as a result to enhance optoelectronic device technology applications. A three-dimensional [Formula: see text] applied on GO will be examined using the density functional theory (DFT). The [Formula: see text] causes significant modifications to the electronic and optical properties of GO. When increasing the [Formula: see text], a global increase is noted in the bandgap in the x- and y-directions. As for the z-direction, the bandgap energy of GO decreases for an increasing [Formula: see text]. The absorption coefficient ([Formula: see text]) peaks intensities decreased in both visible and ultraviolet (UV) ranges by the effect of the [Formula: see text] applied in the x-direction, and were increased when the [Formula: see text] is applied in the y- and z-directions. It was found that, the electronic and optical properties of GO material, could be controlled by the effects of the [Formula: see text] and by its direction.
The improvement of thermoelectric properties of SnSe by alkali metal doping
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Li Yunkai , Lin Wanpeng , Xu Jun , Wang Lige , Liu Jing
Published: October 2023

Selenium selenide (SnSe) has attracted widespread attention because of its environmental friendliness and ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity. Single-crystal SnSe has been discovered to exhibit a high ZT value, but its mechanical qualities are weak and its manufacturing process is complicated, rendering it unsuitable for commercial usage. Polycrystalline SnSe is facile to synthesis; however, due to its weakened electrical performance, it has a poor thermoelectric property. In this study, polycrystalline SnSe samples are prepared using hydrothermal synthesis combined with vacuum sintering, and their thermoelectric properties are modulated using alkali metal element doping.
The Town Creek locale of Jackson, Mississippi, USA: Charles Lyell (1797–1875), exemplary fossils and a subsurface volcano
Authors: Clary Renee M. , Dockery David T.
Published: October 2023

The Town Creek locale in Jackson, Mississippi exposes fossiliferous strata through stream erosion and provides evidence for stratal doming atop an extinct volcano. Charles Lyell (1797–1875) investigated the locale on his second visit to North America (1845–46) and concluded that Town Creek fossils were older than Vicksburg fossils, and that strata dipped westward from Jackson. In the 1850s, Mississippi's state geologist Eugene Hilgard (1833–1916) recognized the first volcanic doming evidence and correctly concluded that a ‘local upheaval’ had elevated the Jackson area. Subsequent research revealed an extinct volcano as Jackson Dome's source, explaining the strata dip and Lyell's observation that Jackson's Eocene fossils were older than Vicksburg fossils, later identified as Oligocene. The Jackson fossiliferous strata, known today as the Moodys Branch Formation, exquisitely preserves fossils that have contributed to numerous scientific investigations. The Town Creek locale was threatened in 2003 when a proposed flood control project would have inundated it. Scientists rallied for the preservation of the geologically and historically important Town Creek, and today it remains as a geoheritage site available to scientists and the public, with a state historical marker noting its geological importance. Long-term preservation of the locale is needed but not guaranteed.
Risks to the Public
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: October 2023

Where to begin? Things seem to be getting wildly out of control. I make a comment in the arti cial intelligence subsection here, relating to risks of autonomous robotic airplane pilots (Pibot, Wingman). That comment is also applicable to self-driving vehicles, hospital AI, and other life-critical or mission-critical automated and semi-automated systems: We desperately need evidence-based assurance rather than over-hyped assertions that we should simply trust the developers and operating managers. Oth- erwise, the integrity and credibility of our rampantly increasing overdependence on untrustworthy technol- ogy may cause a collapse of trust in our technology. Undoubtedly, avoiding such a systemic failure may require radical changes in how computer science and system engineering should be taught and practiced, along with corresponding oversight, and serious penalties for failures. I once again invoke the Einstein Principle that Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. It is just one of many important principles that are needed to make our system development into a solid discipline. However, beware of simplistic legislation, charlatans, frauds, and other recurring risks.
Formula Hybrid + Electric: Because it's crazy to try
Authors: Schaefer Robert
Published: October 2023

This column is a change of pace, a report on Formula Hybrid+Electric contest held last May at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH. Formula Hybrid was founded by the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth and is sponsored by, among others, IEEE and SAE. Formula Hybrid racers are modeled on scaled down formula race cars, and are single seat, open cockpit, and open wheel. Universities and colleges competing at the May event included Dartmouth, BU, Carnegie Mellon, Illinois Institute of Technology, Indiana and Purdue Universities, Lafayette, Lawrence Tech, MIT, Middlebury, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Princeton, RPI, Tufts, UVM, U. Victoria, U. Waterloo, U. Wyoming, WPI, and Yale.