bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a Bio-waste Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) Husks Adsorbent for Removal of Metanil Yellow and Methylene Blue from Aqueous Media with Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Kocabiyik Baris , Bayrak Yuksel
Published: March 2024

In this study, the activated carbon (TmAC) with a high surface area and appropriate pore distribution was produced from einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) husks by using ZnCl2 with chemical activation method. The efficiency of the obtained activated carbon on the adsorption of anionic (metanil yellow) and cationic (methylene blue) dyestuffs from aqueous solutions was investigated in more detail. In addition, the surface characterization of activated carbon was performed using thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface areas, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, pore volumes, pore size distributions, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectra. The highest surface area of activated carbon was measured as 1321 m2 g−1 at the carbonization temperature of 500 °C by using impregnation ratio (w/w = 2.0). Batch method was used in adsorption experiments. The parameters affecting the adsorption studies such as adsorbent concentration, initial dye concentration, adsorption time, temperature, and pH were investigated. The adsorption mechanisms of metanil yellow (MY) and methylene blue (MB) on activated carbon were explained by using isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich), kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order), and the thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy).

Graphical Abstract
Exposure of honey bees to mixtures of microbial biopesticides and their effects on bee survival under laboratory conditions
Authors: Alkassab Abdulrahim T. , Erler Silvio , Steinert Michael , Pistorius Jens
Published: March 2024

Biopesticides, having as active ingredients viruses, bacteria, or fungi, are developed to substitute or reduce the use of chemical plant protection products in different agrosystems. Though the application of mixtures containing several products is a common practice, interactions between microbial biopesticides and related effects on bees as non-target organisms have not been studied yet. In the current study, we exposed winter bees to five different microbial-based products and their combinations at the maximum recommended application rate to assess their responses. Laboratory oral exposure tests (acute/chronic) to single or binary products were conducted. Survival and food consumption of the tested bees were evaluated over the experimental duration. Our results show that some product combinations have potential additive or synergistic effects on bees, whereas others did not affect the bee’s survival compared to the control. Exposure of tested bees to the most critical combination of products containing Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai ABTS-1857 and B. amyloliquefaciens QST 713 strongly resulted in a median lifespan of 4.5 days compared to 8.0 and 8.5 days after exposure to the solo products, respectively. The exposure to inactivated microorganisms by autoclaving them did not differ from their respective uncontaminated negative controls, indicating effects on bee mortality might originate in the treatment with the different microorganisms or their metabolites. Further investigations should be conducted under field conditions to prove the magnitude of observed effects on bee colonies and other bee species.
Optimizing Communication in Ataxia: A Multifaceted Approach to Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Authors: Vogel Adam P. , Spencer Caroline , Burke Katie , de Bruyn Daniella , Gibilisco Peter , Blackman Scott , Vojtech Jennifer M. , Kathiresan Thayabaran
Published: March 2024

The progression of multisystem neurodegenerative diseases such as ataxia significantly impacts speech and communication, necessitating adaptive clinical care strategies. With the deterioration of speech, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) can play an ever increasing role in daily life for individuals with ataxia. This review describes the spectrum of AAC resources available, ranging from unaided gestures and sign language to high-tech solutions like speech-generating devices (SGDs) and eye-tracking technology. Despite the availability of various AAC tools, their efficacy is often compromised by the physical limitations inherent in ataxia, including upper limb ataxia and visual disturbances. Traditional speech-to-text algorithms and eye gaze technology face challenges in accuracy and efficiency due to the atypical speech and movement patterns associated with the disease.

In addressing these challenges, maintaining existing speech abilities through rehabilitation is prioritized, complemented by advances in digital therapeutics to provide home-based treatments. Simultaneously, projects incorporating AI driven solutions aim to enhance the intelligibility of dysarthric speech through improved speech-to-text accuracy.

This review discusses the complex needs assessment for AAC in ataxia, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the disease and the importance of regular reassessment to tailor communication strategies to the changing abilities of the individual. It also highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary involvement for effective AAC assessment and intervention. The future of AAC looks promising with developments in brain-computer interfaces and the potential of voice banking, although their application in ataxia requires further exploration.
Investigation of river water pollution using Muskingum method and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm
Authors: Norouzi Hadi , Bazargan Jalal
Published: March 2024

River water pollution is one of the most important environmental issues. Advection–dispersion equations are used to study the temporal changes in pollutant concentration along the study river reach. The use of advection–dispersion equations in investigating how the concentration of pollution is transformed requires a lot of data including river cross-section characteristics, dispersion coefficient, and upstream and downstream boundary conditions, etc. therefore, the corresponding calculations are very costly, difficult and time-consuming. In the present study, instead of using the mentioned equations, the linear Muskingum method (used in previous studies for flood routing) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used for the first time to calculate the temporal changes in pollution concentration at different stream locations. The presented solution in the presented study is very accurate and only requires the temporal changes in concentration in the upstream and downstream of the study river reach and for this reason, it is very low-cost and easy to use and requires less time to collect data and perform calculations. In the proposed method, the parameters (X, K, ∆t) of the linear Muskingum method were optimized using the PSO algorithm, and by dividing the temporal changes in the input concentration into three areas of the beginning (the input concentration is greater than the output concentration), the peak (the maximum input and output concentrations) and the end (the output concentration is greater than the input concentration) areas, the accuracy of the calculations increased. The mentioned method was studied for different lengths (first case of x = 50 m (up) and x = 75 m (down), second case of x = 50 m (up) and x = 100 m (down), third case of x = 75 m (up) and x = 100 m (down)) and the mean relative error (MRE) of the total, peak area and the relative error of the maximum concentration using constant parameters for the first case were calculated as 7.08, 1.02, and 2.34 percent, for the second case as 7.41, 11.06 and 6.69 percent, and for the third case as 6.75, 3.59 and 5.42 percent, respectively. If three parameters of (X, K, ∆t) are used, the mentioned values improved by 31.3, 63.7 and 65.5 percent, respectively compared to the case of using constant parameters.
Interactions between chloride-based salts (CaCl2 and MgCl2), ionic liquids, pH, and titanium oxide nanoparticles under low and high salinity conditions, and synthetic resinous crude oil: dorud oilfield
Authors: Pazhoohan Mehrdad , Hezave Ali Zeinolabedini
Published: March 2024

Unfortunately, oil reservoirs are complex considering the fluids (e.g., crude oil composition) and rock properties making it hard to propose a simple enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for higher oil production. Besides, most of the investigations had focused on crude oil which is a complex mixture of thousands of components making it hard to extract any reliable conclusions with respect to the crude oil type. So, the current study is focused on the application of ionic liquids from different families of pyridinium and imidazolium, titanium oxide nanoparticles, and salts (MgCl2 and CaCl2) in the presence of resinous synthetic oil for the first time. The obtained results using the central composite design (CCD) approach revealed the positive effect of resin fraction on the IFT reduction by 27% considering the initial value (34.9%). Using the CCD approach revealed that using pH = 7, MgCl2 concentration = 21,000 ppm, CaCl2 concentration = 21,000 ppm, resin fraction of 9wt%t and 500 ppm of [C12mim][Cl] concentration reduces the IFT to minimum value of 0.62 mN/m while the minimum IFT value for optimum conditions of solution includes [C12py][Cl] led to minimum IFT value of 2.2 mN/m. But, the contact angle measurements revealed better synergy between [C12py][Cl] and TiO2-NPs (0–200 ppm) for better wettability alteration toward water-wet condition (27.3°) than [C12mim][Cl] (33.2°). Moreover, the IFT measurements revealed that the presence of TiO2-NPs is effective in reducing the IFT of the optimum formulations to 0.55 and 0.84 mN/m for [C12mim][Cl], and [C12py][Cl], respectively. According to the results, it seems that the obtained optimum formulations for [C12mim][Cl], and [C12py][Cl] are applicable for EOR purposes as new hybrid solutions.
Parametric Study of Helical Piles Subjected to Compression and Tension Loading Through Finite Element Analysis: A Case Study
Authors: Gil-Hernandez Jackson Andres , Ibarra-Penagos Gabriela , Triviño-Oviedo Cesar Augusto
Published: March 2024

This study performed a parametric analysis on helical piles through finite element models. To carry out this study, the modeling of two case studies was carried out in the PLAXIS 2D software; the results of the models were compared with the results of experimental investigations of helical piles subjected to compression and tension. The calibrated models were used to carry out the parametric study in which the spacing between plates, the number of helical plates, and the diameter of the plates were modified. The results suggest that a spacing ratio s/D < 3 is not convenient since it generates a cylindrical shear failure, decreasing the capacity of the pile; furthermore, utilizing more than three plates in helical piles does not result in a substantial increase in pile capacity, while increasing the diameter of the helical plates provides a larger supporting surface, directly enhancing the pile's capacity.
Relationship between hemoglobin and grip strength in older adults: the ActiFE study
Authors: Hammer Theresa , Braisch Ulrike , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Denkinger Michael , Dallmeier Dhayana
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Although anemia is associated with low muscle strength, hemoglobin has been rarely studied considering ferritin.

Aim

To analyze the association between hemoglobin and grip strength in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We used data from a German cohort of adults ≥ 65 years, excluding those with CRP > 10 mg/L or taking iron supplements. Grip strength (kg) was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Analysis was performed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for established confounders. Due to interaction, age-stratified (< 80, 80 +), further sex-stratified analysis in those < 80 years old and ferritin-stratified in men < 80 years were performed.

Results

In total, 1294 participants were included in this analysis (mean age 75.5 years, 549 (42.3%) women, 910 (70.3%) < 80 years). On average, hemoglobin and grip strength were 14.9 g/dL and 41.3 kg for men, 13.9 g/dL and 25.1 kg for women. Hemoglobin was significantly positively associated with grip strength only among women < 80 years (β 0.923 [95% CI 0.196, 1.650]). For men < 80 years, the association was significant when ferritin was ≥ 300 µg/L (β 2.028 [95% CI 0.910, 3.146]). No association was detected among those participants 80 + .

Discussion and conclusions

Our data show an association between hemoglobin and grip strength only in women < 80 years old. For men < 80 years, the association was only significant with ferritin levels ≥ 300 µg/L. Considering the decreasing levels of hemoglobin and grip strength and the high prevalence of iron deficiency in older adults further analyses investigating this relationship with more iron specific parameters such as transferrin saturation are warranted.
Förderung der professionellen Wahrnehmung und Selbstwirksamkeitsüberzeugungen über Klassenführung mithilfe eines digitalen, videobasierten Mastery-Learning-Moduls
Authors: Janeczko Jennifer Maria , Junker Robin , Hörter Philip , Holodynski Manfred
Published: March 2024

Die professionelle Wahrnehmung ist eine wesentliche Voraussetzung erfolgreichen Unterrichtens. Um die professionelle Wahrnehmung von Unterrichtsqualitätsmerkmalen wie der Klassenführung im Lehramtsstudium zu trainieren, haben sich videobasierte Präsenzkurse bewährt. Individuell adaptierbare Mastery-Learning-Angebote ermöglichen jedoch eine effektivere Berücksichtigung unterschiedlicher Lernvoraussetzungen und die Bereitstellung spezifischen Feedbacks. Daher wurde ein digitales, videobasiertes und individuell adaptierbares Lernmodul zur Förderung der professionellen Wahrnehmung und Selbstwirksamkeitsüberzeugungen über Klassenführung entwickelt (Mastery-Learning-Angebot) und einem digitalen, videobasierten Seminarkonzept gegenübergestellt, das traditionell von Dozierenden zu festen Zeiten im Gruppenkontext durchgeführt wurde (Unified-Learning-Angebot). 121 Lehramtsstudierende nahmen an der quasi-experimentellen Prä–Post–Follow-Up–Studie teil und trainierten die Analyse klassenführungsrelevanter Ereignisse entweder mit dem Mastery-Learning-Angebot (n = 49), mithilfe des Unified-Learning-Angebots (n = 39) oder waren Teil einer unbehandelten Kontrollgruppe (n = 33). Die Analyse längsschnittlicher Wachstumskurvenmodelle ergab, dass im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe beide videobasierten Lehrformate zu einem signifikant höheren latenten Zuwachs der professionellen Wahrnehmung von Klassenführung beitrugen, wobei die Mastery-Learning-Gruppe am besten abschnitt. Im Hinblick auf die klassenführungsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeitsüberzeugungen ergaben sich zwar Zuwächse in den Interventionsgruppen, diese unterschieden sich jedoch nicht signifikant zur Kontrollgruppe. Der Beitrag liefert wichtige Ansatzpunkte zur Untersuchung videobasierter Lehrangebote, die die heterogene Studierendenschaft und die Digitalisierung als Herausforderungen der Lehrkräftebildung adressieren.
Adaptiver Unterricht erfordert eine adaptive Unterrichtsforschung
Authors: Dumont Hanna , Decristan Jasmin , Fauth Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Hinsichtlich des Umgangs mit der Heterogenität von Schüler*innen setzt sich zunehmend die Erkenntnis durch, dass das Unterrichtsangebot an die individuellen Lernvoraussetzungen der Schüler*innen angepasst werden sollte. Bislang gibt es jedoch überraschend wenig empirisches Wissen über solch einen adaptiven Unterricht und unter welchen Bedingungen er für die Lern- und Leistungsentwicklung von Schüler*innen wirksam ist. Anknüpfend an Begrich und Kolleg*innen, die im Jubiläumsheft der Unterrichtswissenschaft die Untersuchung von adaptiven Unterrichtsformen als eine der zentralen „Perspektiven für eine Unterrichtsqualitätsforschung der Zukunft“ herausgearbeitet haben, möchten wir in unserem Kommentar „weiterdenken“, wie die empirische Untersuchung von adaptivem Unterricht umgesetzt werden kann. Dazu adressieren wir zunächst, was adaptiver Unterricht ist und wie er in der Praxis aussieht. Anschließend widmen wir uns auf Basis unserer Erfahrungen aus der Studie „Adaptivität und Unterrichtsqualität im individualisierten Unterricht (Ada*Q)“ der Frage, welche Herausforderungen sich bei der Untersuchung von adaptivem Unterricht ergeben und skizzieren mögliche Lösungsansätze. Dabei argumentieren wir dafür, dass nicht nur Unterricht, sondern auch die Unterrichtsforschung adaptiv sein muss, um der Heterogenität von Schüler*innen adäquat begegnen zu können.
Ink-structing the future of vascular tissue engineering: a review of the physiological bioink design
Authors: Synofzik Judith , Heene Sebastian , Jonczyk Rebecca , Blume Cornelia
Published: March 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting have come into view for a plannable and standardizable generation of implantable tissue-engineered constructs that can substitute native tissues and organs. These tissue-engineered structures are intended to integrate with the patient’s body. Vascular tissue engineering (TE) is relevant in TE because it supports the sustained oxygenization and nutrition of all tissue-engineered constructs. Bioinks have a specific role, representing the necessary medium for printability and vascular cell growth. This review aims to understand the requirements for the design of vascular bioinks. First, an in-depth analysis of vascular cell interaction with their native environment must be gained. A physiological bioink suitable for a tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) must not only ensure good printability but also induce cells to behave like in a native vascular vessel, including self-regenerative and growth functions. This review describes the general structure of vascular walls with wall-specific cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) components and biomechanical properties and functions. Furthermore, the physiological role of vascular ECM components for their interaction with vascular cells and the mode of interaction is introduced. Diverse currently available or imaginable bioinks are described from physiological matrix proteins to nonphysiologically occurring but natural chemical compounds useful for vascular bioprinting. The physiological performance of these bioinks is evaluated with regard to biomechanical properties postprinting, with a view to current animal studies of 3D printed vascular structures. Finally, the main challenges for further bioink development, suitable bioink components to create a self-assembly bioink concept, and future bioprinting strategies are outlined. These concepts are discussed in terms of their suitability to be part of a TEVG with a high potential for later clinical use.
Transitionen, Selektionsentscheidungen und Bildungschancen.
Authors: Weiß Sabine , Lindner Jessica , Kiel Ewald
Published: March 2024

Herkunftsbedingte Disparitäten und ungleiche Bildungschancen von Schüler*innen aus Familien mit Migrationsgeschichte charakterisieren insbesondere die Gelenkstellen des Bildungssystems, wie den Schuleintritt und den Übertritt von der Grundschule auf eine weiterführende Schule. Diese Transitionen werden in der vorliegenden Studie aus der Perspektive von Eltern mit Migrationsgeschichte betrachtet. Diese skizzieren, im Sinne eines Participatory Research Approachs, mittels der Critical Incident Technique bedeutsame Ereignisse, die sie in diesen Übergangsphasen ihrer Kinder erlebt haben. Eltern schildern die Transitionen geprägt von leistungs- und verhaltensbezogenen Zuschreibungen gegenüber ihren Kindern wie auch ihren eigenen Erziehungspraktiken. Die besondere Tragweite liegt darin, dass diese Zuschreibungen die Bildungsbiografie ihrer Kinder von Beginn an begleiten, beginnend in der Einschulungsphase vor dem Schuleintritt über die ersten Tage und Wochen nach Schulbeginn bis zum Übertritt in eine weiterführende Schule. Ein Teil der Eltern berichtet, dass der angestrebte Bildungsweg letztendlich verwirklicht werden konnte. Zuschreibungen haben allerdings selbst bei formal gelungenen Transitionen weitreichende Folgen. Eltern und Kinder leiden langanhaltend unter Gefühlen von Demütigung sowie unter Verunsicherung, Ängsten und emotionaler Erschöpfung. Diese Ergebnisse gehen über den Diskurs zu sekundären Herkunftseffekten hinaus. Bildungserfolg bzw. das Gelingen von Transitionen darf nicht nur an der Übertritts- oder Rückstellungsquote gemessen werden – daran, ob der Übergang formal gelingt oder nicht. Es bedarf, auch bei formal gelungenen Übergängen, Indikatoren wie Wohlbefinden von Kindern und Eltern, soziale Integration und Fähigkeiten, Freundschaften zu schließen etc. Solche Indikatoren sind nicht nur direkt im Übergang, sondern mit Blick auf die leistungsbezogene und soziale Entwicklung der Kinder längerfristig zu verfolgen.
Application of thiourea polyurethane foam/zinc oxide nanocomposite for anticancer effects and antimicrobial potential
Authors: El‑Zahed Mohamed M. , Eissa Mai S. , Moawed Elhossein A. , El Sadda Rana R.
Published: March 2024

There is a continuous need to fabricate new antimicrobial agents due to the continuous development of microbial drug resistance. Recently, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have emerged as a promising choice for developing new drugs owing to their exceptional broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anticancer action. In the current work, thiourea polyurethane foam/zinc oxide nanocomposite was synthesized by coupling ZnONPs and thiourea polyurethane foam (TPUF) to test its antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Ultraviolet–visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering analyses were investigated to study the characterization of thiourea polyurethane foam/zinc oxide nanocomposite (TPUF/ZnO). The synthesized TPUF/ZnO was examined as an antimicrobial agent against gram-positive bacterium (Bacillus cereus), gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli), and fungus (Aspergillus niger). The results of the agar well-diffusion test showed good inhibition zones against E. coli (16 mm), B. cereus (13 mm), and A. niger (26 mm). The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values of TPUF/ZnO against B. cereus and E. coli were 350 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL. TEM of TPUF/ZnO-treated B. cereus and E. coli bacteria displayed different ultrastructural modifications such as separation of the plasma membrane from the cell wall and vacuole formation that led to a complete lysis and bacterial death. The anticancer activity of TPUF/ZnO was also evaluated against liver and breast cancer cell lines (HepG-2 and MCF-7). TPUF/ZnO showed good cytotoxicity activities against HepG-2, and MCF-7, with IC50 values of 77.08 ± 1.36 and 109.01 ± 3.98 µg/ml, respectively. Thus, TPUF/ZnO could be a promising raw material in the field of food packaging and provide a possible anticancer compound for hepatocellular carcinoma and breast carcinoma.

Graphic abstract
A review on the mechanical characteristics of thermally damaged steel and polypropylene hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes
Authors: He Fengzhen , Biolzi Luigi , Carvelli Valter , Feng Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

Steel and polypropylene hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes have been widely considered for structural applications due to its superior mechanical performance compared to plain and mono fiber-reinforced concretes. Fire is one of the most serious potential risks to concrete structures. The fire resistance of the steel and polypropylene hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes cannot be ignored when assessing the safety of concrete structures. This paper reviews the available studies on the mechanical performance of thermally damaged steel and polypropylene hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes. The deterioration mechanism and the influence of the test factors were discussed. The temperature-dependent mechanical properties of the hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes were analyzed, including compressive elastic modulus, compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture toughness. In addition, the effect of the post-fire re-curing on the mechanical performance of the thermally damaged steel and polypropylene hybrid fiber-reinforced concretes was also reviewed.
Time-varying stretching velocity analysis for an unsteady flow of Williamson fluid by Hermite wavelet
Authors: Vidya Shree R. , Patil Mallikarjun B. , Kumbinarasaiah S.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates unsteady velocity $${U}_{w}=\xi x/t$$

U
w

=
ξ
x
/
t

for a Williamson nanofluid film flowing over a moving surface. This work can be used to outline the effects of an applied angled magnetic-field on liquid film flow, which occurs in numerous real-world solicitations such as coating industries for wire or sheet, labs, painting, and several others. Analyzing williamson nanoliquid film flow over a stretching sheet is the main aim of this investigation. The leading Navier–Stokes models are reduced to third-order nonlinear ODE through similarity transformations that are then undertaken using the Hermite wavelet method (HWM). Both 2-dimensional and axisymmetric film flow circumstances have been analyzed. The moving surface parameter $$\xi$$
ξ
is said to have a limited range for which the solution exists. Specifically, $$\xi \le -1/4$$

ξ
≤
-
1
/
4

for axisymmetric flow and $$\xi \ge -1/2$$

ξ
≥
-
1
/
2

for two-dimensional flow. Before decreasing to the boundary condition, the velocity climbs until it reaches its maximum. By taking into account the stretching ($$\xi >0$$

ξ
>
0

) and shrinking ($$\xi <0$$

ξ
<
0

) wall conditions, streamlines are also examined for axisymmetric and 2-dimensional flow patterns.
Nitro-fatty acids: mechanisms of action, roles in metabolic diseases, and therapeutics
Authors: Ni Hui , Tan Xin , Du Jie , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2024

Nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FAs) are a class of bioactive lipids that mediate metabolic, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and other signaling actions. Endogenously, NO2-FAs are derived from the non-enzymatic reactions of unsaturated fatty acids with reactive nitrogen species. The electrophilic properties of the nitro group results in NO2-FAs being able to undergo rapid and reversible reactions with biological nucleophiles, such as cysteine and histidine, thus supporting post-translational modifications of proteins. The reactions of NO2-FAs with biological nucleophiles regulate a range of key signaling pathways involved in gene expression responses, enzyme activity, and cellular processes. In disease animal models, NO2-FAs are produced under conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress and play a protective role in a variety of metabolic diseases, which have been associated with anti-atherosclerosis, blood-pressure lowering, and are involved in the regulation of glycolipid metabolism and insulin resistance. Based on these, more clinical studies might find a correlation between NO2-FAs levels and pathophysiology in patients with metabolic diseases. Importantly, NO2-FAs therapeutics are effective in clinical trials. In addition, dietary supplementation with nitrates and unsaturated fatty acids can endogenously increase NO2-FAs levels in mice and humans. These findings support dietary approaches that increase the endogenous levels of NO2-FAs might potentially reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. To identify the specific mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of NO2-FAs, we have summarized the main mechanisms of action of NO2-FAs in metabolic disease progression to provide insights for the development of new therapeutics for metabolic diseases.
AI Risk Assessment: A Scenario-Based, Proportional Methodology for the AI Act
Authors: Novelli Claudio , Casolari Federico , Rotolo Antonino , Taddeo Mariarosaria , Floridi Luciano
Published: March 2024

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) defines four risk categories for AI systems: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal. However, it lacks a clear methodology for the assessment of these risks in concrete situations. Risks are broadly categorized based on the application areas of AI systems and ambiguous risk factors. This paper suggests a methodology for assessing AI risk magnitudes, focusing on the construction of real-world risk scenarios. To this scope, we propose to integrate the AIA with a framework developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and related literature. This approach enables a nuanced analysis of AI risk by exploring the interplay between (a) risk determinants, (b) individual drivers of determinants, and (c) multiple risk types. We further refine the proposed methodology by applying a proportionality test to balance the competing values involved in AI risk assessment. Finally, we present three uses of this approach under the AIA: to implement the Regulation, to assess the significance of risks, and to develop internal risk management systems for AI deployers.
Comparison of Predictive Ability of Macrocirculation and Microcirculation Markers on Outcomes of Patients with Septic Shock During Initial Fluid Resuscitation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Shahsavarinia Kavous , Sabzevari Tara , Shadvar Kamran , Saghaleini Seied Hadi , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Ghamari Aliakbar , Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Samim Abbas , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the predictive abilities of macrocirculation markers (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and central venous pressure), microcirculation markers (capillary refill time and peripheral perfusion index), as well as fluid balance, lactate level, and lactate clearance on the outcomes of patients with septic shock during initial resuscitation.

Methods

In this prospective, single-center observational study, adult patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Shohada Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, between December 2020 and September 2021, were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the associations between macrocirculation markers (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and fluid balance) and microcirculation markers (capillary refill time, peripheral perfusion index, mottling score, lactate level, and lactate clearance level) with outcomes such as ICU length of stay, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), vasopressor requirements, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and mortality rate. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 h, and 24 h after fluid resuscitation.

Results

A total of 100 patients with septic shock (55 men and 45 women) were enrolled in the study. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the macrocirculation and microcirculation markers in predicting mortality ranged from 0.517 to 0.770 and 0.695 to 0.993, respectively. Among the macrocirculation markers, central venous pressure and mean arterial pressure at baseline showed the best predictive values for mortality, with AUCs of 0.770 and 0.753, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with septic shock, microcirculation markers, particularly the peripheral perfusion index (PPI), demonstrated better predictive accuracy for mortality compared to macrocirculation markers. Furthermore, the combination of markers had a higher AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting outcomes compared to individual markers alone.
Study of methylene blue dye removal using biochar derived from leaf and stem of Lantana camara L.
Authors: Kundu Deepa , Sharma Prabhakar , Bhattacharya Sayan , Gupta Kaushik , Sengupta Shubhalakshmi , Shang Jianying
Published: March 2024

The discharge of dye containing effluents into the water bodies has raised concern due to potential hazards related to their toxicity in the environment. The removal of dye from the aqueous solution can be efficiently performed using different kinds of adsorbents. The main objective of the current study is to determine the potential of biochar (BC) prepared from Lantana camara L. at 600 ℃ for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution as a function of contact time, pH (3–12), adsorbent dose (100–400 mg L−1), and the initial dye concentration (5–20 mg L−1). The BC prepared using leaf ($${\text{BC}}_{\text{L}}600$$

BC
L

600

) and stem ($${\text{BC}}_{\text{S}}{60}0$$

BC
S

600

) of Lantana was characterized for elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The results indicated that the pH of dye solution had highly influenced their absorption over the BC surfaces. The pseudo-second-order kinetics was able to explain the interaction of MB dye with both $${\text{BC}}_{\text{L}}600$$

BC
L

600

and $${\text{BC}}_{\text{S}}600$$

BC
S

600

, implying the multi-step characteristics of the adsorption process. It was also postulated through the thermodynamic analysis that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. It implies that the adsorption mechanism was related to electrostatic, hydrogen bond, n-π, and π-π interactions, i.e., Lantana BC may be an effective bio-sorbent for the treatment of contaminated wastewater from the dye industries.

Graphical Abstract
Technologies for studying phase-separated biomolecular condensates
Authors: Deng Boyuan , Wan Gang
Published: March 2024

Biomolecular condensates, also referred to as membrane-less organelles, function as fundamental organizational units within cells. These structures primarily form through liquid–liquid phase separation, a process in which proteins and nucleic acids segregate from the surrounding milieu to assemble into micron-scale structures. By concentrating functionally related proteins and nucleic acids, these biomolecular condensates regulate a myriad of essential cellular processes. To study these significant and intricate organelles, a range of technologies have been either adapted or developed. In this review, we provide an overview of the most utilized technologies in this rapidly evolving field. These include methods used to identify new condensates, explore their components, investigate their properties and spatiotemporal regulation, and understand the organizational principles governing these condensates. We also discuss potential challenges and review current advancements in applying the principles of biomolecular condensates to the development of new technologies, such as those in synthetic biology.
Epicurean Justice
Authors: Robitzsch Jan Maximilian
Published: March 2024

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and his followers advanced a sophisticated theory of justice that occupied a middle position between Plato and Aristotle on the one hand, and some Sophists on the other. They held that justice is neither fully natural nor fully conventional; that there is a robust virtue of justice; and that it is always better to be just than to be unjust, but it is not always better to obey the laws. In this book, the first English-language monograph on the topic, Jan Maximilian Robitzsch draws on a range of sources including papyrological evidence to give a comprehensive account of Epicurean justice. He shows how it relates to Epicurean philosophy as a whole, and discusses to what extent it can be seen to anticipate modern positions such as contractarianism and legal positivism.
Exploring Arbitrariness Objections to Time Biases
Authors: LATHAM ANDREW J. , MILLER KRISTIE , OH JORDAN , SHPALL SAM , YU WEN
Published: March 2024

Abstract

There are two kinds of time bias: near bias and future bias. While philosophers typically hold that near bias is rationally impermissible, many hold that future bias is rationally permissible. Call this normative hybridism. According to arbitrariness objections, certain patterns of preference are rationally impermissible because they are arbitrary. While arbitrariness objections have been leveled against both near bias and future bias, the kind of arbitrariness in question has been different. In this article we investigate whether there are forms of arbitrariness that are common to both kinds of preferences and, hence, whether there are versions of the arbitrariness objection that are objections to both near bias and future bias. If there are, then this might go some way toward undermining normative hybridism and to defending thoroughgoing time-neutralism.
Does Studying Philosophy Make People Better Thinkers?
Authors: PRINZING MICHAEL , VAZQUEZ MICHAEL
Published: March 2024

Philosophers often claim that doing philosophy makes people better thinkers. But what evidence is there for this empirical claim? This paper reviews extant evidence and presents some novel findings. We discuss standardized testing scores, review research on Philosophy for Children and critical thinking skills among college students, and present new empirical findings. On average, philosophers are better at logical reasoning, more reflective, and more open-minded than non-philosophers. However, there is an absence of evidence for the claim that studying philosophy led to these differences. We present some preliminary and suggestive evidence that although some of these differences may be attributable to philosophical training, others appear to be selection effects. The key takeaway is that more data are needed. We conclude by urging philosophers and interdisciplinary collaborators to gather more data to test the claim that studying philosophy makes people better thinkers.
The Blood Cobalt Narrative: Addressing Human Rights Concerns or Scaremongering?
Authors: Umpula Emmanuel , Dummett Mark
Published: March 2024

Batteries containing cobalt will play a central role in the global transition to cleaner energy. Most of the world’s cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, the negative human rights image of the minerals sector in the DRC, and the emergence of an inaccurate and exploitative “blood cobalt” narrative risks harming small-scale, ‘artisanal’ producers who rely on this industry for their livelihood. The DRC government, civil society and small-scale producers already have a roadmap for ending child labour and improving working conditions. Countries and companies whose economies and business interests rely on these precious natural resources should engage with this roadmap rather than disengaging from the country’s mining sector altogether.
Multitask feature selection within structural datasets
Authors: Bee Sarah , Poole Jack , Worden Keith , Dervilis Nikolaos , Bull Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Population-based structural health monitoring (PBSHM) systems use data from multiple structures to make inferences of health states. An area of PBSHM that has recently been recognized for potential development is the use of multitask learning (MTL) algorithms that differ from traditional single-task learning. This study presents an application of the MTL approach,Joint Feature Selection with LASSO, to provide automatic feature selection. The algorithm is applied to two structural datasets. The first dataset covers a binary classification between the port and starboard side of an aircraft tailplane, for samples from two aircraft of the same model. The second dataset covers normal and damaged conditions for pre- and postrepair of the same aircraft wing. Both case studies demonstrate that the MTL results are interpretable, highlighting features that relate to structural differences by considering the patterns sharedbetweentasks. This is opposed to single-task learning, which improved accuracy at the cost of interpretability and selected features, which failed to generalize in previously unobserved experiments.
Public Perception Toward the Malaysian National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) in the State of Sabah, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Jafar Adi , Dollah Ramli , Sakke Nordin , Mapa Mohammad Tahir , Atang Colonius , Joko Eko Prayitno , Sarjono Fauzie , Zakaria Noor Syakirah , George Fionna , Vun Hung Chong
Published: March 2024

The Malaysian Government has initiated the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, known as PICK, to be a national strategy for addressing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic across the country. Although the government intensified public awareness to increase program registration, the total number that registered in the state of Sabah, located in East Malaysia, was relatively low during August 2021, accounting for only 42.9% as compared to that of Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, this paper examines the public perception toward the PICK program in Sabah based on 4 main components: safety, communication, psychology, and milieu. This study is based on the empirical findings drawn from 1024 respondents across Sabah using online Google Form surveys. This study adopts 5 methodologies for data analysis by using K-means clustering, mean score, Mann–Whitney U test, spatial analysis, and frequency analysis. It has been revealed that the percentage of respondents (categorized as Cluster 1) who have a negative perception toward the vaccination program is higher (55.9%) than those who have a positive perception (44.1%). This study further discovered that Cluster 1 has shown high skepticism regarding the vaccination program, which can be explained through the communication component (M = 3.33, SD = 0.588), especially Co2, Co3, Co1, and Co4. Following the communication factor, a chain of negative perceptions also affects other components such as safety, psychology, and milieu among Cluster 1, all of which contribute to poor participation in the PICK program. The study outcomes are extremely useful for informing local authorities to establish policies related to public interests, primarily in the areas of public health. Understanding the community’s perspectives and their obstacles in participating in such programs may assist local authorities in developing or implementing public policies and campaigns that ensure such related public programs can be conducted more effectively in the future.
Delta and Theta Operator Expansions
Authors: Iraci Alessandro , Romero Marino
Published: March 2024

We give an elementary symmetric function expansion for the expressions$M\Delta _{m_\gamma e_1}\Pi e_\lambda ^{\ast }$and$M\Delta _{m_\gamma e_1}\Pi s_\lambda ^{\ast }$when$t=1$in terms of what we call$\gamma $-parking functions and lattice$\gamma $-parking functions. Here,$\Delta _F$and$\Pi $are certain eigenoperators of the modified Macdonald basis and$M=(1-q)(1-t)$. Our main results, in turn, give an elementary basis expansion at$t=1$for symmetric functions of the form$M \Delta _{Fe_1} \Theta _{G} J$wheneverFis expanded in terms of monomials,Gis expanded in terms of the elementary basis, andJis expanded in terms of the modified elementary basis$\{\Pi e_\lambda ^\ast \}_\lambda $. Even the most special cases of this general Delta and Theta operator expression are significant; we highlight a few of these special cases. We end by giving ane-positivity conjecture for whentis not specialized, proposing that our objects can also give the elementary basis expansion in the unspecialized symmetric function.
“The Only Thing I Want is for People to Stop Seeing Me Naked”: Consent, Contracts, and Sexual Media
Authors: O'Bryan Joan Eleanor
Published: March 2024

In pornography, standard modeling contracts often require a performer to surrender rights over their public image and sexual media in perpetuity and across media. Under these contracts, performers are unable to determine who accesses, for what duration, and under what conditions, their sexual media. As a result, pornography has been described by some performers as a “life sentence”—a phrase which, if true, violates some strong intuitions we share about the importance of autonomy in sexual activity. Using the framework of “affirmative consent,” I argue that these contracts violate performers’ rights to sexual autonomy, and ought therefore to be considered objectionable. Overall, I argue that the legal regimes we create have a strong impact on people's lives, and more important than legislating individual outcomes, the type of infrastructure we build around people's decisions has the potential to radically empower—or disempower—those engaged in sex work.
Conceiving an Alternative: The Ideological Underpinnings and Political Blueprints of Chinese Federalism
Authors: Guo Vivienne Xiangwei
Published: March 2024

This article contributes to the hitherto limited scholarship on the Chinese federalist movement in the 1910s and 1920s by conducting a thorough investigation of its ideological underpinnings and political blueprints. It compares the federalist ideas, plans, and activism of three thinkers—Zhang Taiyan, Zhang Shizhao, and Chen Jiongming—who stood firmly against the centralist trajectory of state-building in China after 1911 and advocated the formation of a Chinese federation. It argues that Chinese federalists, instead of emulating Western models, critically engaged with a broad spectrum of ideologies—Daoism, Buddhism, social Darwinism, parliamentarianism, guild socialism, anarchism etc.—when formulating their federalist agendas. Emphasizing the Chinese tradition of self-government, which underwent reinterpretations during the late Qing and early Republican periods, this article examines the extent to which Chinese federalism presented an alternative to Western political modernity.
Effect of bulk viscosity on the hypersonic compressible turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Zheng Chaoyu , Feng Yongliang , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

The impact of bulk viscosity is unclear with considering the increased dilatational dissipation and compressibility effects in hypersonic turbulence flows. In this study, we employ direct numerical simulations to conduct comprehensive analysis of the effect of bulk viscosity on hypersonic turbulent boundary layer flow over a flat plate. The results demonstrate that the scaling relations remain valid even when accounting for large bulk viscosity. However, the wall-normal velocity fluctuations

$v_{rms}^{\prime \prime }$

decrease significantly in the viscous sublayer due to the enhanced bulk dilatational dissipation. The intensity of travelling-wave-like alternating positive and negative structures of instantaneous pressure fluctuations

$p_{rms}^{\prime }$

in the near-wall region decreases distinctly after considering the bulk viscosity, which is attributed mainly to the reduction of compressible pressure fluctuations

$p_{c,rms}^{+}$

. Furthermore, the velocity divergence

$\partial u_{i} / \partial x_{i}$

undergoes a significant decrease by bulk viscosity. In short, our results indicate that bulk viscosity can weaken the compressibility of the hypersonic turbulent boundary layer and becomes more significant as the Mach number increases and the wall temperature decreases. Notably, when the bulk-to-shear viscosity ratio of the gas reaches a few hundred levels (

$\mu _b/\mu =O(10^2)$

), and mechanical behaviour of the near-wall region (

$\kern 0.06em y^+\le 30$

) is of greater interest, the impact of bulk viscosity on the hypersonic cold-wall turbulent boundary layer may not be negligible.