bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coming from México ‘for a Better Life Here’: Street Gangs, American Violence, and the Spatialized Contours and Historical Continuity of Racial Capitalism
Authors: Cabral Brian
Published: January 2024

Chicago’s broader notorious reputation of gang and gun violence dominates popular discursive conversations about the city’s safety and stability. Through a critical structural perspective, this article explores the constitutive historical continuity and spatialized contours of racial capitalism in the facilitation of structured violence and organized death in city neighborhoods. These dynamics are most relevant where individualized and pathological narratives of interpersonal gang-based gun violence are rampant. The focus is on the context of Mexican Chicago, particularly the transnational site of Little Village. Using hyper-local examples on the environment, education, and labor-based economic markets, I showcase how this diasporic Mexican community is an instructive site highlighting the ongoing presence of colonially constituted structures of expropriation, dispossession, exploitation, and displacement endemic to the United States empire and its resultant violence. I suggest that gang-based gun violence is tied to broader death-making machinery, leading us to robust alternative conceptual frames and reactions when socio-politically engineered ‘crime’ and violence take place across urban city neighborhood spaces. I conclude with a paired abolitionist perspective and implications for critical sociology and the study of gangs specifically.
The Impact of Welfare Conditionality on Experiences of Job Quality
Authors: Jones Katy , Wright Sharon , Scullion Lisa
Published: January 2024

This article contributes to emerging debates about how behavioural conditionality within welfare systems influences job quality. Drawing upon analysis of unique data from three waves of qualitative longitudinal interviews with 46 UK social security recipients (133 interviews), we establish that the impact of welfare conditionality is so substantial that it is no longer adequate to discuss job quality without reference to its interconnections to the welfare system. More specifically, we identify how conditionality drives welfare recipients’ experience of four core dimensions of job quality: disempowering and propelling claimants towards inadequate pay, insecurity and poor employment terms, undermining multiple intrinsic characteristics of work and creating what we term a new ‘Work–Life–Welfare balance’. Instead of acting as a neutral arbitrator between jobseekers and employers, the welfare system is exposed as complicit in reinforcing one-sided flexibility through one-sided conditionality, by emphasising intensive job-seeking, while leaving poor-quality work provided by employers unchecked.
Low temperature controllable synthesis of transition metal and rare earth borides mediated by molten salt
Authors: Liu Xueyin , Jia Quanli , Zhang Shaowei , Lee William E.
Published: January 2024

Transition meal and rare earth borides have been subjected to extensive investigations because of their unique structures, superior properties and diverse applications. Conventional methods for their syntheses suffer from various drawbacks. So several alternative approaches have been explored. Among them, the so-called ‘molten salt synthesis (MSS)’ technique has proved promising. Over the past 10–15 years, it has been used to prepare a range of transition metal and rare earth borides. In this paper, the main results from these studies are reviewed. Initially, the relevant background on metal borides and their conventional synthesis methods are introduced, followed by the main principles/mechanisms of MSS. The following three sections provide an overview of the main work on MSS of binary and ternary borides, boride solid solutions, and boride-based composite powders. Then, two newly modified MSS approaches are presented. Finally, the main issues covered in this paper are summarised, and future prospects considered.
Numerical simulation and experimental testing for static failure prediction in additively manufactured below-knee prosthetic sockets
Authors: Karthik Rajashekar Kavuri , Regalla Srinivasa Prakash , Suresh Kurra , Shrivastava Prakash Narayan
Published: January 2024

The socket of a transtibial prosthesis is a structural part customized to a patient’s amputated residual lower limb. The free-form geometry of the socket can be suitable for additive manufacturing (AM) to save time and cost. However, the mechanical fracture of additively manufactured lower limb prostheses is not yet fully understood. A novel experimental method and numerical approach by finite element method (FEM) to test the strength and fracture behavior of a lower limb prosthetic socket of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), reverse-engineered using computer-aided design (CAD) from the actual amputee’s residual limb and manufactured using fused filament fabrication (FFF) are proposed in the present work. The mechanical behavior, von Mises stress distribution, and the damage status of layered AM sockets of different thicknesses were simulated by FEM using Hashin’s transversely isotropic mechanical damage model, initially developed for composite materials. The experimental work showed that the fracture failure initiated at the corner of the lobe in the 4 mm thickness socket at a failure load of 918.5 N. The FEM results predicted this failure load to be 896.6 N, with only a 2.45% error as compared to the experiment. The failure loads predicted by FEM in the sockets with thicknesses of 3, 5, and 6 mm were 618.1, 1008.6, and 1105.2 N, respectively. The present work provides a dependable method for testing a below-knee prosthetic socket against static failure and arriving at a factor-of-safety (FoS) based socket thickness selection for any amputee.
Identity Concealment May Discourage Health-Seeking Behaviors: Evidence From Sexual-Minority Men During the 2022 Global Mpox Outbreak
Authors: Le Forestier Joel M. , Page-Gould Elizabeth , Chasteen Alison
Published: January 2024

People who conceal their stigmatized identities often experience worse physical health. One possibility for why is that concealment may render certain health-seeking behaviors more difficult. We tested this possibility during the 2022 global mpox outbreak, a public-health emergency that disproportionately affected sexual-minority men. We recruited adult sexual-minority men from Prolific at two time points near the outbreak’s peak and attenuation ( n = 864 and n = 685, respectively). We found that men who concealed their minority sexual orientations were less likely to (a) receive a vaccine to protect against mpox, (b) receive an mpox test, and (c) report having received an mpox vaccine. The relationship between concealment and vaccine receipt was serially mediated by reduced community connectedness and reduced knowledge of mpox resources. We call for thoughtful consideration of how to reach stigmatized groups with public-health resources, inclusive of those who conceal.
The Effect of Antenatal Breast Milk Care Bundles on the Availability of Breast Milk in Preterms ≤32 Weeks: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wilson Krishna N. , Rahul Aswathy , Sujatha Radhika , Amma Sobhakumar Saraswathy , Sharma Anu
Published: January 2024

Background

Though early enteral nutrition with Mother’s own milk (MOM) is the norm in preterms, it is a difficult challenge to get it into the intensive care unit due to various medical and logistic issues. Awareness about this among pregnant ladies and their caregivers from the antenatal period may help to overcome some of these difficulties.

Objective

To compare the effect of the implementation of an antenatal breast milk care bundle on the availability of adequate breast milk on day 7 for preterm babies ≤ 32 weeks when compared to a postnatal breast milk care bundle alone.

Methodology

This prospective study was conducted among neonates ≤32 weeks born in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram from January 2021 to May 2022. Antenatal bundles were implemented in the antenatal OPDs and wards. Postnatal bundles were implemented in the NICU and postnatal wards. The outcome was compared among babies of mothers who got both the care bundles and those who received only the postnatal care bundle.

Results

A total of 110 babies were included in the study. There was a 1.32 times increase in the adequacy of milk volume on day 7 (CI: 1.04–1.68), a significant increase in the proportion of mothers expressing within 24 hours, and babies getting discharged on exclusive MOM in those who received the antenatal BMC bundles. The risk for inadequate milk volume was high in those who have <2 ml of milk at 48 hours (RR: 1.67, CI:1.26–2.20].

Conclusion

Antenatal breast milk care bundles can increase the availability of adequate MOM for preterm babies.
Operation STICK: A vascular access specialty program for the generalist emergency medicine clinician
Authors: Bahl Amit , Mielke Nicholas , DiLoreto Emily , Gibson S. Matthew
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Comprehensive education and training programs are urgently needed to improve vascular access outcomes in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to demonstrate the success of a formalized vascular access program in developing competent ED clinicians in traditional and ultrasound-guided insertion methods.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study exploring the success of trainees in obtaining competency in peripheral vascular access at an academic suburban ED with 120,000 annual visits. Eligible participants included healthcare workers that enrolled in the Operation STICK vascular access program and perform vascular access procedures as an aspect of their clinical practice. Competency in vascular access included both traditional and ultrasound-guided (US) peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertions. Competency was defined as demonstration of successful insertion of one traditional and one US PIVC in compliance with checklist. The primary objective was competency. Secondary objectives included trainee time to competency, trainee number of line encounters, and changes in program competency achievements over time.

Results:

From October 15, 2021, to April 15, 2023, 141 clinicians participated in peripheral vascular access training via the Operation STICK model, which included 72 (51.1%) nurses, 52 (36.9%) ED technicians, and 17 (12.0%) healthcare personnel with other medical training. Clinicians overall reported an average of 5.6 years of experience inserting peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) and 23 (16.3%) had experience with using ultrasound. About 122 (86.5%) clinicians successfully completed the program and demonstrated competency in traditional and ultrasound-guided techniques. Time to competency varied over time, with a median of 124 days in the early phase, 32.5 days middle phase, and 10.6 h over 9.5 days in the later phase of the program ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Achieving competency in PIVC insertion necessitates a focused effort on refining and systematizing education and training approaches. Recognizing the inherent challenges present in ED settings, it is feasible to effectively and efficiently train emergency clinicians to be expert in both basic and advanced PIVC placement techniques through participation in a well-organized vascular access training program.
Unholy alliances: When achievement norms and group identification negatively affect objective task performance and well-being
Authors: Junker Nina M. , Häusser Jan A. , Mojzisch Andreas , Theisges Louisa , van Dick Rolf
Published: January 2024

Group identification can be both beneficial (a “social cure”) and detrimental (a “social curse”) for performance and well-being, which makes it crucial to explore its boundary conditions. Building on the norm enactment hypothesis and the influence hypothesis, we propose the group’s achievement norms as one such boundary condition. We argue that group identification predicts higher well-being and task performance if achievement norms are average, but lower well-being and task performance if achievement norms are very high. The results of a laboratory experiment ( N  = 163) partially supported our propositions for task-related stress, but not for task performance and other well-being indicators. Additionally, exploratory analyses showed a moderated indirect effect on task performance such that group identification predicted more task-related stress when achievement norms were very high (but not when they were average), which, in turn, predicted lower task performance. We discuss the theoretical and practical relevance of these findings.
Study on methanol-hydrogen engine in extended-range electric vehicles
Authors: Jiang Yankun , Zhang Yuchao , Zhang Beidong , Chen Yexin
Published: January 2024

The demand for clean and efficient new vehicle models is steadily increasing. Methanol-hydrogen engines use methanol as the main fuel and can recover the heat from engine exhaust to dissociate part of methanol into hydrogen-rich syngas. The syngas is recirculated back into the engine cylinder to improve combustion. Therefore, methanol-hydrogen engines have a higher energy utilization efficiency. This paper designed a methanol-hydrogen engine system based on a Miller cycle methanol engine. Bench tests showed that combusting methanol and dissociated methanol gas together could accelerate the fuel burn rate and improve the engine’s fuel economy. At a fixed engine speed of 2500 r/min, the BSFC of the methanol-hydrogen engine was reduced up to 5.55% compared to the original methanol engine. Further, a methanol-hydrogen extended-range electric vehicle powertrain model was built in Simulink. Simulation results indicated that, under the WTLC cycle, the methanol-hydrogen engine achieved a 22.60% reduction in fuel consumption per 100 km and saved 58.89% in fuel costs compared to the conventional gasoline engine. The methanol-hydrogen engine presented potential application in the extended-range electric vehicle.
Visual analytics of soccer player performance using objective ratings
Authors: Evers Marina , Derstroff Adrian , Leistikow Simon , Schneider Tom , Mallepree Larissa , Stampke Jan , Leisgang Moritz , Sprafke Sebastian , Schuhl Melina , Krefft Niklas , Droese Felix , Linsen Lars
Published: January 2024

The performance of soccer players is commonly rated by soccer experts for each match as well as over a tournament or during a season/year. However, these ratings are mostly subjective. We instead propose a visual analytics approach for a more objective, data-driven analysis of soccer players’ performances. We introduce data-driven ratings for various aspects, which can be combined by interactively assigning weights to compute an overall score as well as individual scores for passes, duels, and shots. Our tool supports comparative visualizations at a global level that can be adapted to different analysis tasks as well as in-detail analyses of individual events of the game. We apply our approach to data gathered during the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship and perform in-detail analyses of individual players in selected matches.
Numerical and experimental investigation on crack detection in a beam using maximal overlapping discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Nigam Ravi , Kumar Ramnivas , Singh Sachin Kumar
Published: January 2024

The present study is concerned with detecting a crack in the beam numerically and experimentally using maximal overlapping discrete wavelet transform (MODWT). Slope discontinuity in the beam elastic line can reveal the presence of a crack in a beam. The MODWT is used for locating the cracks in a beam. MODWT coefficients are compared with discrete wavelet transform coefficients at different noise levels. For the experimental validation, high-resolution measurements of the cantilever beam deflection are obtained using photographic measurements. The algorithm is tested for the detection of cracks away and near the ends of a beam. Crack detection near the end of the beam is difficult due to border distortion. Border distortion suppresses the signal in that region. Isomorphism is utilized to shrink the border distortion zone. It helps in the better visualization of the spike due to the crack located away from the ends. Moving averaging is applied to the MODWT-based results for better localization of the spike near the crack position.
Segmented sequence decomposition-Informer model for deformation of arch dams
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Liu Changwei , Wang Jinting , Pan Jianwen
Published: January 2024

Deformation serves as a key index to characterize the operational condition of dams. However, the prediction accuracy of deformation in dams remains limited due to the influence of multiple factors. Accordingly, this study innovatively combines the Informer with the segmented sequence decomposition and proposes a segmented sequence decomposition-Informer model (SD-Informer) for the deformation prediction of arch dams, which significantly improves the prediction accuracy and stability. The segmented sequence decomposition divides the predicted time series into annual segments and decomposes them in a segment-by-segment manner, thereby minimizing the reduction of prediction accuracy over long sequences and the boundary effects in decomposition. In addition, the Informer extracts macro- and micro-level information from deformation sequences using a multi-head attention mechanism, which significantly improves the prediction accuracy. LYX arch dam and XW arch dam, which have been in operation for more than 20 years, are taken as case studies. The results show that the performance of the SD-Informer surpasses that of wavelet neural networks, long short-term networks, and Informer, demonstrating that the SD-Informer is an accurate, robust, practical deformation prediction of arch dams for engineering applications.
New health indicators for the monitoring of bearing failures under variable loads
Authors: Lourari Abdel wahhab , Soualhi Abdenour , Medjaher Kamal , Benkedjouh Tarak
Published: January 2024

Bearings are one of the most critical components in rotating machines. Unexpected failure of this components may cause serious damages and unplanned breakdowns. In this paper, a new method is proposed for bearing fault diagnosis under various loads based on the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and the sequential backward selection (SBS). The CEEMDAN is used for the automatic selection of intrinsic mode functions from vibration signals to build a bank of health indicators. Then, the SBS algorithm is used to select the most relevant indicators of the bearing different failure modes. To test the proposed method accuracy, it was first applied to the Case Western Reserve University dataset. Then, data collected from a dedicated test bench of the Laboratory of Signal and Industrial Process Analysis were introduced to this method to classify different bearing health states. The obtained results show that the proposed method is effective in identifying and classifying bearing faults under various loads with high accuracy. This method can be used for condition monitoring of bearings and prognostics in real industrial applications.
Density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory investigations on the color-structure relationship of biopigment molecules
Authors: Huang Jing , Yang Lei , Zhou Yikun , Chen Yanjiao , Liu Qimin , Wu Wangcheng
Published: January 2024

The study of molecular derivatives of biological dyes is of great importance for the green transformation of the printing, dyeing, and textile industries. In this study, B3LYP density functional methods are used to optimize the geometric configuration of the selected molecules and to explore the relationship between the structure and color of biological dye molecules and their color mechanism. This study focuses on the analysis of polyenes, quinones, indoles, and azide biological dyes in colors commonly used in the textile industry: blue, yellow, purple, red, green, and so on. Quantum chemical investigations show that the conjugate structure of a biological dye is directly related to its color and that the group or structure affecting the conjugate structure will in many cases cause a change in color. In addition, time-dependent density functional theory spectral calculations with the CAM-B3LYP functional for UV-Vis spectra show that in the visible band, the color of the remaining band after subtracting the absorption wavelengths was exactly the same as the color of the pigment. These results indicate that the color of the pigment is exactly complementary to the light absorption color of the material. Our study provides theoretical guidance for the design of molecular derivatives of biological dyes and is expected to promote the green transformation of the textile, printing, and dyeing industries to a certain extent.
A new approach for reliability assessment of the smart microgrids using k-shortest path algorithms
Authors: Gholami Mohammadreza , Mohammadtaheri Meysam , Gholami Alireza
Published: January 2024

The reliability of cyber-physical microgrids (MGs) is crucial in the development of smart grids. The reliability of MGs can be affected by cyber network failures, which have a significant impact on the physical components. Since MGs have interdependent cyber and physical elements, a smart MG can be viewed as a system of n dependent two-mode components. This paper proposes an approach to finding the k most likely configurations of the system. The method involves three phases. Firstly, the multi-mode model is obtained for physical components, considering the operation and topology of the cyber network. Then, the problem is transformed to finding the k most likely state of a system consisting of n independent multi-mode components. In the second phase, a transformation using new transformed metrics is applied. This results in the problem being converted to finding the k shortest path, which can be solved using efficient algorithms. Finally, the states are evaluated using a DC load flow, and reliability indices such as loss of load probability (LOLP) and expected energy not supplied (EENS) are calculated. Moreover, we have incorporated the dynamic thermal rating (DTR) system into our proposed model, addressing the safe enhancement of system component ratings. The results indicate that the most probable states of the system are related to the failure of distribution generators. The most severe events occur due to failure in the cyber network, and cyber network malfunction has a higher effect on EENS compared to LOLP. Additionally, we observe a significant enhancement in reliability indices when considering the DTR system over the static thermal rating (STR) system.

This approach is efficient in reliability calculation using fewer system states.
Optimization of a preventive maintenance strategy for a product with limited repair times
Authors: Yu Yangli , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a base warranty and replacement warranty strategy for repairable products. It should be emphasized that the product failure rate is low in the early stage of the base warranty. Therefore, in order to reduce the manufacturer’s maintenance cost, the manufacturer does not carry out preventive maintenance in the early stage of the base warranty, and carries out regular preventive maintenance in the later stage of the base warranty. At the same time, if the number of product failures in the base warranty exceeds the specified limit, the manufacturer must replace products for customers free of charge according to the warranty contract. After the product is replaced, if the number of product failures does not exceed the limit, the manufacturer will continue to provide customers with the remaining base warranty period of the original product, and the warranty period will continue to be extended for a period of time. By minimizing the expected cost rate, it is shown that the optimal maintenance policy for warranty products is unique. Finally, we give a numerical example and study the effects of periodic preventive maintenance and other relevant parameters on the optimal solution.
The natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related voiding symptoms following penile prosthesis implantation
Authors: Bole Raevti , Khooblall Prajit , Bajic Petar
Published: January 2024

Background:

There is a rising prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related urinary symptoms along with erectile dysfunction in the aging male population. Therefore, assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is advised before penile prosthesis surgery with some men requiring preoperative transurethral surgical management to reduce the risk of post-procedure complications. However, less is known about the natural history of men with uncomplicated LUTS who do not require surgical management for BPH before penile prosthesis.

Objective:

We sought to assess the natural history of BPH-related uncomplicated LUTS in men following penile prosthesis surgery.

Design:

Single institution retrospective review.

Methods:

Following institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective review of all adult males with a preoperative diagnosis of LUTS undergoing penile prosthesis surgery at our institution from January 2017 to November 2022. The primary outcome was progression to transurethral surgery.

Results:

From 2017 to 2022, 211 patients with preexisting LUTS underwent penile prosthesis surgery and met all criteria for inclusion including no history of transurethral surgery. The median (interquartile range, IQR) AUA symptom score (AUA-SS) was 12 (12). Post-void residual was below 200 cc in 96.2% of patients preoperatively and 99.1% of patients after surgery. At a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 9 (23) months after surgery, 5.7% (12/211) of patients had progressed to bladder outlet surgery and 35.5% of patients endorsed LUTS bother with a median (IQR) AUA-SS of 14.5 (11.8).

Conclusion:

The majority of patients with uncomplicated LUTS did not require bladder outlet surgery following penile prosthesis implantation and could be managed with conservative or pharmacologic measures alone. Prostate gland size was significantly larger in patients who progressed to bladder outlet surgery. While the results are overall reassuring, further study is needed to identify specific factors associated with pursuing bladder outlet surgery in this small subset of patients.
Digital health and patient adherence: A qualitative study in older adults
Authors: Ferreira-Brito Filipa , Alves Sérgio , Guerreiro Tiago , Santos Osvaldo , Caneiras Cátia , Carriço Luís , Verdelho Ana
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Computer confidence and computer self-efficacy can impact an individual's perceived ease of use and usefulness of technology, ultimately determining adherence to digital healthcare services. However, few studies focus on assessing the impact of non-clinical factors on the efficacy and adherence to digital healthcare platforms.

Objective

We aimed to analyse the role of non-clinical factors (i.e. computer confidence and computer self-efficacy) in the interaction experience (IX) and the feasibility of a digital neuropsychological platform called NeuroVRehab.PT in a group of older adults with varying levels of computer confidence.

Methods

Eight older adults (70.63 ± 6.1 years) evaluated the platform, and data was collected using the Think-Aloud method and a semi-structured interview. Sessions were audio-recorded and analysed through an inductive-deductive informed Thematic Analysis protocol. This study was conducted according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

Results

Three main themes were identified (Interaction Experience, Digital Literacy, and Attitudes toward NeuroVRehab.PT). Computer anxiety and fear of making errors were not uncommon, even among older adults who perceive themselves as confident in technology use, and negatively impacted IX. Moreover, some game elements (e.g. three-star system, progression bar) were not intuitive to all participants, leading to misleading interpretations. On the other hand, human support and the platform's realism seemed to impact participants’ IX positively.

Conclusions

This study shed light on the barriers raised by non-clinical factors in adopting and using digital healthcare services by older adults. Furthermore, a critical analysis of the platform's features that promote user adoption is done, and suggestions for overcoming limitations are presented.
Recurrent Aortic Thromboembolism Associated With TET2 Mutation in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bukhari Syed , Saati Ammar , Abuhalimeh Batool , Ouma Geoffrey
Published: January 2024

Ten-eleven translocation 2 ( TET2) plays a pivotal role in epigenetic regulation, cell differentiation, and the inflammatory response. It also mediates the transcriptional regulation for inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-6. While loss-of-function mutation in TET2 has been associated with hematological malignancies, it has been increasingly recognized to cause atherosclerotic disease. The increased atherogenicity is thought to be the result of increased production of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β cytokines following activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. We present a unique case of recurrent atherothrombosis in an elderly man who was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia in the setting of TET2 mutation.
Going green in the Norwegian fossil fuel sector? The case of sustainability culture at Equinor
Authors: Crichton Rohan , Shrivastava Paul , Walker Thomas , Farhidi Faraz , Renwick Douglas , Ellegate Nicole
Published: January 2024

As the effects of climate change continue to impact society, fossil fuel sector organisations are seen as principal contributors to the climate crisis. In the hopes of mitigating climate change at the source, we gain access to one of the largest fossil fuel organisations in Norway and conduct an exploratory case study investigation into their business practices, green ambitions, and notable results. Our analysis of executive interviews, confidential in-house documentation, media releases, corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, and grey papers suggests that a strong sustainability-oriented organisational culture can contribute to reversing ‘business as usual’ practices towards seeking strategic greener solutions. Such results are partly achieved by strong responsible leaders at the organisational helm in combination with a sustainability-oriented national culture. Additionally, we critically question the secrecy surrounding the case organisation’s ‘choice’ and ‘format’ of promotion and support for their operational status quo (e.g. greenwashing), to challenge the insider perspective unearthed herein. In sum, the study contributes to the newer and under-investigated field of green human resource management by better identifying the role of organisational culture as a critical lever in bringing about much-needed greener organisational policies, and offering a critical analysis less seen in green human resource management (HRM).
Synthesis and characterization of rigid water-blown, palm oil-based polyurethane/organically-modified clay nanocomposite foam
Authors: Dzulkifli Mohd Haziq , Majid Rohah A , Yahya Mohd Yazid
Published: January 2024

Despite the superior enhancement it could impose, incorporation of montmorllonite (MMT) nanoclay in polymer-matrix composites is still limited due to miscibility issues with its host matrix; which could be alleviated with surface-modification of the nanoclay. In this paper, diamino methylpentane-modified montmorillonite (DAMP-MMT) nanoclay was incorporated into a bio-based polyurethane (PU) foam at different weight loadings. Characterization tests were then carried out to investigate the influence of included organoclay on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, foam morphology, and foaming kinetics. MMT modification effect could clearly be observed with exfoliated microstructure at lower loadings, compared to pristine clay at similar loading. Presence of organic modifier tethered on the surface of nanoclay was found to act as catalyst which induced accelerated curing, affecting cellular size and structure of foam, which in return cascades into influencing mechanical and thermal properties of the foam. Compressive strength improved with addition of 1 wt.% clay, and deteriorated beyond this point; believed due to clay agglomeration at higher clay loadings. However, thermal stability showed improvement parallel with its clay content, believed owed to additional bonds formed between amine -NH2from organoclay and – NCO from diisocyanates. Incorporation of organoclays in rigid bio-based PU foam shows great potential in moderate load-bearing applications while upholding “green chemistry” practice.
Effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion on radiative MHD hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with convective boundary conditions: A homotopic approach
Authors: Hussain Zawar , Ayaz Muhammad , Islam Saeed
Published: January 2024

Energy efficiency is the highest need of present times to meet the challenges of global energy demands. Nanofluids have proved to possess dynamic thermal characteristics in many experimental and theoretical studies during recent years. Nowadays, a variety of nanomaterials are accessible, and among these alloys of aluminum, AA7072 and AA7075 are important due to their unique functional characteristics. These alloys are widely used in the engineering of aircraft, spacecraft, buildings, and so on. Aiming to highlight the importance of nanofluids, this article analyses the heat and mass transfer for magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow on a stretching sheet of gyrotactic microorganisms. Additionally, the impacts of chemical reactions, activation energy, Peclet number, thermophoresis, Lewis number, Brownian motion, and thermal radiation are also studied. The governing equations from Partial differential equations into Ordinary differential equations are transformed with the support of resemblance transformations, and the solution is obtained with HAM techniques. The numerical findings are presented in figures and tabular form with the Mathematica program. The obtained results are explained from a physical point of view in detail. An assessment between the proposed and current model is described under specific flow parameter assumptions to validate the analysis. It is revealed that the outcomes are consistent with previous findings. The numbers of engineering importance like skin friction and heat transfer rate are explained for practical relevance. The impacts of nanoparticle loading show interesting results. It is perceived that an escalating trend is noted in the nanoparticle temperature through thermal radiation and thermophoretic parameters.
CD371-positive pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: propensity to lineage switch and slow early response to treatment
Authors: Buldini Barbara , Varotto Elena , Maurer-Granofszky Margarita , Gaipa Giuseppe , Schumich Angela , Brüggemann Monika , Mejstrikova Ester , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Hrusak Ondrej , Szczepanowski Monika , Scarparo Pamela , Zimmermann Martin , Strehl Sabine , Schinnerl Dagmar , Zaliova Marketa , Karawajew Leonid , Bourquin Jean-Pierre , Feuerstein Tamar , Cario Gunnar , Alten Julia , Möricke Anja , Biffi Alessandra , Parasole Rosanna , Fagioli Franca , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Biondi Andrea , Locatelli Franco , Attarbaschi Andishe , Schrappe Martin , Conter Valentino , Basso Giuseppe , Dworzak Michael N.
Published: January 2024

In the effort to improve immunophenotyping and minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the international Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (iBFM) Flow Network introduced the myelomonocytic marker CD371 for a large prospective characterization with a long follow-up. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and biological features of CD371-positive (CD371pos) pediatric B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL). From June 2014 to February 2017, 1812 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed BCP-ALLs enrolled in trial AIEOP-BFM ALL 2009 were evaluated as part of either a screening (n = 843, Italian centers) or validation cohort (n = 969, other iBFM centers). Laboratory assessment at diagnosis consisted of morphological, immunophenotypic, and genetic analysis. Response assessment relied on morphology, multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-MRD. At diagnosis, 160 of 1812 (8.8%) BCP-ALLs were CD371pos. This correlated with older age, lower ETV6::RUNX1 frequency, immunophenotypic immaturity (all P < .001), and strong expression of CD34 and of CD45 (P < .05). During induction therapy, CD371pos BCP-ALLs showed a transient myelomonocytic switch (mm-SW: up to 65.4% of samples at day 15) and an inferior response to chemotherapy (slow early response, P < .001). However, the 5-year event-free survival was 88.3%. Among 420 patients from the validation cohort, 27 of 28 (96.4%) cases positive for DUX4-fusions were CD371pos. In conclusion, in the largest pediatric cohort, CD371 is the most sensitive marker of transient mm-SW, whose recognition is essential for proper MFC MRD assessment. CD371pos is associated to poor early treatment response, although a good outcome can be reached after MRD-based ALL-related therapies.
Increased serum extrachromosomal circular DNA SORBS1circle level is associated with insulin resistance in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kong Xiang , Wan Shu-jun , Chen Tian-bing , Jiang Lan , Xing Yu-jie , Bai Ya-ping , Hua Qiang , Yao Xin-ming , Zhao Yong-li , Zhang Hong-mei , Wang De-guo , Su Qing , Lv Kun
Published: January 2024

Background

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) exist in human blood and somatic cells, and are essential for oncogene plasticity and drug resistance. However, the presence and impact of eccDNAs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains inadequately understood.

Methods

We purified and sequenced the serum eccDNAs obtained from newly diagnosed T2DM patients and normal control (NC) subjects using Circle-sequencing. We validated the level of a novel circulating eccDNA named sorbin and SH3‐domain‐ containing‐1circle97206791–97208025 (SORBS1circle) in 106 newly diagnosed T2DM patients. The relationship between eccDNA SORBS1circle and clinical data was analyzed. Furthermore, we explored the source and expression level of eccDNA SORBS1circle in the high glucose and palmitate (HG/PA)-induced hepatocyte (HepG2 cell) insulin resistance model.

Results

A total of 22,543 and 19,195 eccDNAs were found in serum samples obtained from newly diagnosed T2DM patients and NC subjects, respectively. The T2DM patients had a greater distribution of eccDNA on chromosomes 1, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and X. Additionally, 598 serum eccDNAs were found to be upregulated, while 856 eccDNAs were downregulated in T2DM patients compared with NC subjects. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the genes carried by eccDNAs were mainly associated with insulin resistance. Moreover, it was validated that the eccDNA SORBS1circle was significantly increased in serum of newly diagnosed T2DM patients (106 T2DM patients vs. 40 NC subjects). The serum eccDNA SORBS1circle content was positively correlated with the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in T2DM patients. Intracellular eccDNA SORBS1circle expression was significantly enhanced in the high glucose and palmitate (HG/PA)-induced hepatocyte (HepG2 cell) insulin resistance model. Moreover, the upregulation of eccDNA SORBS1circle in the HG/PA-treated HepG2 cells was dependent on generation of apoptotic DNA fragmentation.

Conclusions

These results provide a preliminary understanding of the circulating eccDNA patterns at the early stage of T2DM and suggest that eccDNA SORBS1circle may be involved in the development of insulin resistance.
Gaussian mutation–orca predation algorithm–deep residual shrinkage network (DRSN)–temporal convolutional network (TCN)–random forest model: an advanced machine learning model for predicting monthly rainfall and filtering irrelevant data
Authors: Ehteram Mohammad , Afshari Nia Mahdie , Panahi Fatemeh , Shabanian Hanieh
Published: January 2024

Monitoring water resources requires accurate predictions of rainfall data. Our study introduces a novel deep learning model named the deep residual shrinkage network (DRSN)—temporal convolutional network (TCN) to remove redundant features and extract temporal features from rainfall data. The TCN model extracts temporal features, and the DRSN enhances the quality of the extracted features. Then, the DRSN–TCN is coupled with a random forest (RF) model to model rainfall data. Since the RF model may be unable to classify and predict complex patterns and data, our study develops the RF model to model outputs with high accuracy. Since the DRSN–TCN model uses advanced operators to extract temporal features and remove irrelevant features, it can improve the performance of the RF model for predicting rainfall. We use a new optimizer named the Gaussian mutation (GM)–orca predation algorithm (OPA) to set the DRSN–TCN–RF (DTR) parameters and determine the best input scenario. This paper introduces a new machine learning model for rainfall prediction, improves the accuracy of the original TCN, and develops a new optimization method for input selection. The models used the lagged rainfall data to predict monthly data. GM–OPA improved the accuracy of the orca predation algorithm (OPA) for feature selection. The GM–OPA reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) values of OPA and particle swarm optimization (PSO) by 1.4%–3.4% and 6.14–9.54%, respectively. The GM–OPA can simplify the modeling process because it can determine the most important input parameters. Moreover, the GM–OPA can automatically determine the optimal input scenario. The DTR reduced the testing mean absolute error values of the TCN–RAF, DRSN–TCN, TCN, and RAF models by 5.3%, 21%, 40%, and 46%, respectively. Our study indicates that the proposed model is a reliable model for rainfall prediction.
Robustness evaluations of pathway activity inference methods on gene expression data
Authors: Hui Tay Xin , Kasim Shahreen , Aziz Izzatdin Abdul , Fudzee Mohd Farhan Md , Haron Nazleeni Samiha , Sutikno Tole , Hassan Rohayanti , Mahdin Hairulnizam , Sen Seah Choon
Published: January 2024

Background

With the exponential growth of high-throughput technologies, multiple pathway analysis methods have been proposed to estimate pathway activities from gene expression profiles. These pathway activity inference methods can be divided into two main categories: non-Topology-Based (non-TB) and Pathway Topology-Based (PTB) methods. Although some review and survey articles discussed the topic from different aspects, there is a lack of systematic assessment and comparisons on the robustness of these approaches.

Results

Thus, this study presents comprehensive robustness evaluations of seven widely used pathway activity inference methods using six cancer datasets based on two assessments. The first assessment seeks to investigate the robustness of pathway activity in pathway activity inference methods, while the second assessment aims to assess the robustness of risk-active pathways and genes predicted by these methods. The mean reproducibility power and total number of identified informative pathways and genes were evaluated. Based on the first assessment, the mean reproducibility power of pathway activity inference methods generally decreased as the number of pathway selections increased. Entropy-based Directed Random Walk (e-DRW) distinctly outperformed other methods in exhibiting the greatest reproducibility power across all cancer datasets. On the other hand, the second assessment shows that no methods provide satisfactory results across datasets.

Conclusion

However, PTB methods generally appear to perform better in producing greater reproducibility power and identifying potential cancer markers compared to non-TB methods.
Biogenic selenium nanoparticles and selenium/chitosan-Nanoconjugate biosynthesized by Streptomyces parvulus MAR4 with antimicrobial and anticancer potential
Authors: Hassan Mervat G. , Hawwa Mariam T. , Baraka Dina M. , El-Shora Hamed M. , Hamed Ahmed A.
Published: January 2024

Background

As antibiotics and chemotherapeutics are no longer as efficient as they once were, multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens and cancer are presently considered as two of the most dangerous threats to human life. In this study, Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) biosynthesized byStreptomyces parvulusMAR4, nano-chitosan (NCh), and their nanoconjugate (Se/Ch-nanoconjugate) were suggested to be efficacious antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Results

SeNPs biosynthesized byStreptomyces parvulusMAR4 and NCh were successfully achieved and conjugated. The biosynthesized SeNPs were spherical with a mean diameter of 94.2 nm and high stability. Yet, Se/Ch-nanoconjugate was semispherical with a 74.9 nm mean diameter and much higher stability. The SeNPs, NCh, and Se/Ch-nanoconjugate showed significant antimicrobial activity against various microbial pathogens with strong inhibitory effect on their tested metabolic key enzymes [phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and nitrate reductase (NR)]; Se/Ch-nanoconjugate was the most powerful agent. Furthermore, SeNPs revealed strong cytotoxicity against HepG2 (IC50 = 13.04 μg/ml) and moderate toxicity against Caki-1 (HTB-46) tumor cell lines (IC50 = 21.35 μg/ml) but low cytotoxicity against WI-38 normal cell line (IC50 = 85.69 μg/ml). Nevertheless, Se/Ch-nanoconjugate displayed substantial cytotoxicity against HepG2 and Caki-1 (HTB-46) with IC50values of 11.82 and 7.83 μg/ml, respectively. Consequently, Se/Ch-nanoconjugate may be more easily absorbed by both tumor cell lines. However, it exhibited very low cytotoxicity on WI-38 with IC50of 153.3 μg/ml. Therefore, Se/Ch-nanoconjugate presented the most anticancer activity.

Conclusion

The biosynthesized SeNPs and Se/Ch-nanoconjugate are convincingly recommended to be used in biomedical applications as versatile and potent antimicrobial and anticancer agents ensuring notable levels of biosafety, environmental compatibility, and efficacy.