bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic adsorption of drugs using carbon nanofibers in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids
Authors: Salihi Elif Caliskan , Berber Betül , İsanç Kübra
Published: November 2022

Two different classes of drugs were selected to test the adsorption capacity of carbon nanofibers as a greener new generation alternative adsorbent in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Kinetics of the promethazine and trimethoprim adsorption were analyzed using Lagergren first order and Pseudo second order models. Intraparticle diffusion graphs were also plotted to discuss the adsorption mechanism. Kinetic data showed the significance of boundary layer effect for both of the drugs and the presence of intraparticle diffusion as the other rate controlling step for the promethazine adsorption. Giles isotherms showed the high affinity of drug molecules to the adsorbent. Maximum adsorption capacity of drugs was calculated using Langmuir model as 18.35 and 41.15 mg/g for trimethoprim and 95.24 and 80.65 mg/g for promethazine in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), respectively. Trimethoprim adsorption was under favor of hydrophobic interaction and π‐π dispersion interactions while promethazine adsorption was through cation exchange where the electrostatic attraction is an important force with the contribution of dispersion interactions.
Alkannin exerts antitumor properties in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by inducing apoptosis and shifting the M1/M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages by upregulating PTEN
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Zhao , Wen Chang‐Hui , Jia Min , Zhang Hong‐Qiang , Sun Shao‐Qin
Published: November 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common cancer in humans and is the second major type of skin cancer that causes death in humans. In this article, we investigated the effects of alkannin on CSCC progression. We revealed that alkannin curbed CSCC cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner and accelerated CSCC cell apoptosis. In addition, alkannin expedited macrophage M1 polarization while curbing M2 polarization. Moreover, alkannin elevated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) abundance in CSCC cells. The results of bioinformatics analysis revealed that alkannin might modulate CSCC via PTEN. Downregulation of PTEN reversed the effects of alkannin on apoptosis of CSCC cells and M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Alkannin reduced CSCC tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, alkannin curbed the advancement of CSCC by expediting apoptosis and facilitating M1 polarization of macrophages by upregulating PTEN. These data may offer a therapeutic approach against CSCC.
A four‐pole single passband filter based on planar multilayered closed cavity with three magnetic side walls
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Feng , Xu Yun‐Sheng , Chen Chang , Zhou Linyun
Published: November 2022

A double‐layered substrate three magnetic side wall cavity (TMSWC) and three‐layered configuration with stacked double TMSWCs are proposed. These structures can realize miniaturization by equivalent magnetic walls inside closed cavities and avoid radiation at the same time. Based on the above three‐layered form, a compact four‐pole single passband filter is designed and fabricated. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones.
A 23–31 GHz high‐gain GaN low‐noise amplifier using T‐type matching networks and multiple feedback techniques for broadband 5G millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Liu Hailiang , Zhang Zhihao , Yang Xinlei , Zhang Gary
Published: November 2022

A 23–31 GHz three‐stage low‐noise amplifier (LNA) based on 100 nm gallium nitride‐on‐Si technology is presented with a total circuit size of 2.0 × 1.4 mm2. To achieve an excellent noise figure (NF) and gain, a special inductive dual‐source feedback network is used; it contributes to noise matching and input conjugate matching by resonating with the parasitic gate‐source capacitance of the transistor. T‐type networks with low‐quality factor are carefully employed for broadband matching circuits to extend the bandwidth. Meanwhile, a lossy RLC feedback network of the output stage can further obtain a wider frequency band and improve the stability through Miller approximation analysis of the input quality factor and gain of the closed‐loop system. The proposed LNA achieves a NF of 1.9–2.5 dB, a small signal gain of 24–27 dB, and an output 1 dB compression point (P1dB) of 16 dBm across the band.
Circular split‐ring resonator‐based sensor for dielectric constant measurement
Authors: Oh Zi Xin , Yeap Kim Ho , Teh Peh Chiong , Dakulagi Veerendra
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the development of a metamaterial‐based microwave sensor for dielectric constant measurements. The sensor is constructed with a circular split‐ring resonator on one side and a coplanar waveguide transmission line on the other side. The proposed sensor has a size of 35 mm × 35 mm × 1.27 mm and resonates at 3.31 GHz. The sensor is fabricated on a RO3210 substrate with a dielectric constant of 10.2 and a loss tangent of 0.003. Both the simulation and experimental measurements show a linear relationship between the shift of the resonance frequency and the dielectric constants of the test samples, with a coefficient of determination R2 above 0.99. The dielectric constant of an unknown material can therefore be easily estimated using the inverse linear regression model. To validate the performance of the sensor, three known substrate materials, namely, Rogers RT6002, FR4, and Rogers TMM10, were used as test samples. The measured dielectric constants for these three materials were 2.8045, 4.3775, and 8.8719, respectively. The results agree closely with those indicated in the data sheets, with discrepancies of less than 5%.
Development of a metamaterial‐based compact applicator for hyperthermia
Authors: Sharma Nitika , Singh Hari Shankar , Khanna Rajesh , Kaur Amanpreet , Agarwal Mayank
Published: November 2022

A compact focused metamaterial‐based applicator is investigated for hyperthermia cancer treatment in this letter. The metamaterial‐based applicator consists of a double spiral antenna (DSA), an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) as a reflector, and a frequency selective surface (FSS) as a lens. An AMC structure (64 × 64 mm2) is placed in the back of the antenna at a 5 mm distance that converges the bidirectional field pattern of the antenna into the directional field pattern. Further, to increase penetration inside the tissue, an FSS structure (64 × 64 mm2) is placed at the top of DSA at a distance of 4 mm. The FSS directs the energy toward the tumor location and provides a uniform heating pattern. The field and temperature distribution are numerically obtained for the proposed applicator in the heterogeneous phantom (layers of skin, fat, and muscles), and the performance of the applicator is evaluated in terms of the specific absorption rate, penetration depth, and effective field size. The performance of the applicator is also analyzed for a deeply placed (at 16 mm from the skin surface) irregular‐shaped tumor. The temperature profile calculates 44°C at an input power of 2.5 W. The results show that the applicator is capable of heating sufficiently deep‐seated tumors.
Three dimensional high order finite volume element schemes for elliptic equations
Authors: Zhou Yanhui , Jiang Ying , Zou Qingsong
Published: November 2022

In this work, we construct and analyze three dimensional high order finite volume element schemes for elliptic equations. In these schemes, the trial function space is chosen as the standard rth order Lagrange finite element space, where is an arbitrary positive integer; the test function space is chosen as the piecewise constant space with respect to the dual mesh of which the control volumes are constructed using Gauss points in each element of the primal mesh. We investigate the inf–sup property of these schemes and based on it, we prove that , and , where is the exact solution, is the rth order finite volume element solution and is the piecewise rth order Lagrange interpolation of . Several numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical findings.
Quantifying unintended effects of an agroecological research project on farmers' practices and social network in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hazenbosch Mirjam , Sui Shen , Isua Brus , Beauchamp Emilie , Kik Alfred , Luke Grace , Matouš Petr , Morris Rebecca J. , Paliau Jason , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: November 2022

Agroecological researchers and advocates often make assumptions about the social impact and dissemination of their work: researchers may assume that their work has impact through postresearch dissemination, while advocates may assume that new agroecological practices can be effectively spread through existing social networks.

Here, we test these assumptions by quantifying the effects of an agroecological research project on farming practices and the social network in a village community in Papua New Guinea. The project aimed to test the effect of applying banana peel compost, chicken manure and NPK fertiliser on sweet potato yields. Local farmers were involved in the research as project garden owners or research assistants. Using stochastic actor‐oriented modelling, we tracked changes in farming practices and the social network.

Over the course of the research project, more people started to use food waste on their farms, while animal manure and NPK fertiliser were not frequently adopted. Farmers also took up practices that were not directly researched, such as mulching and planting the specific variety of sweet potato that was used in the project. This suggests that local farmers created meaning from the project, despite the researchers not intending to give advice until the end of the project.

The research project also affected the community's social network. Research assistants became more often sought‐after for advice, while knowledge about the project did not flow far from those directly involved. These results indicate that who gets involved in a project may have social consequences, and show the importance of understanding existing social networks before they are relied upon for spreading farming practices.

Overall, this work challenges often‐held assumptions about the social impact and dissemination of agroecological research, provides insights into the types of agricultural innovations more likely to be accepted among farmers, and explores how new practices may most effectively be promoted within a community.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Hydrophobization of hair to improve the interfacial adhesion between hair and high‐density polyethylene
Authors: González Enriquez Norma Daniela , Patiño‐Herrera Rosalba , Catarino‐Centeno Rafael , Palestino Gabriela , Almendárez Camarillo Armando , Pérez Elías
Published: November 2022

Concerned about environmental pollution, and aware of the comfort that polyethylene provides for daily human life, this work sought to replace a percentage of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with human or bovine hair. Hair is natural, abundant, light weight, non‐toxic, and disposed of as garbage. The main disadvantage of natural composites is the interfacial adhesion. To increase the interfacial adhesion between hair and HDPE, stearic acid or oleic acid was chemically anchored on the hair surface, which leads to an improved contact angle hysteresis and hydrophobicity. Dynamic‐mechanical properties of the composites were investigated focusing on the type of carboxylic acid used (stearic or oleic acid), hair length, hair type (human or bovine) and amount of hair used in the composite. Taking 40°C as a reference, using 15% of hair with a length of 1 ± 0.15 mm, the highest storage modulus value was obtained with HDPE with human hair modified with oleic acid, exceeding the value of the storage modulus of HDPE by 67.64%. Increasing storage modulus on composites indicates of interfacial interaction and chemical affinity improvement between hair and polyethylene.
Toxicological and molecular adverse effect ofIllicium verumfruit constituents towardBradysia procera
Authors: Hong Tae‐kyun , Lee Seung‐hwan , Shin Jeong‐seop , Jang Kyoung‐hwa , Na Eun‐shik , Park Chol‐soo , Kim Chung‐hwan , Kim Jun‐Ran , Balusamy Sri Renukadevi , Perumalsamy Haribalan
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Bradysia procera, a ginseng stem fungus gnat, is one of the most serious insect pests of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), causing significant damage to plant growth. The goal of this study was to determine the toxicity and mechanism of action of phenylpropanoids (trans‐anethole and estragole) isolated from the methanol extract and hydrodistillate ofIllicium verumfruit against third‐instar larvae and eggs ofBradysia procera.

RESULTS

The filter‐paper mortality bioassay revealed that estragole [median lethal concentration (LC50) = 4.68 g/cm2] has a significant fumigant effect, followed bytrans‐anethole (LC50= 43.92 g/cm2). However, estragole had the lowest toxic effect when compared to commercially available insecticides. After 7 days, estragole andtrans‐anethole at 75 g/cm2inhibited egg hatchability up to 97% and 93%, respectively. At 0.09 g/cm2, insecticides had an inhibitory effect on egg‐hatching ability ranging from 88% to 94%. Furthermore, in both closed and open containers, these active constituents were able to consistently induce vapor‐phased toxicity. Both estragole andtrans‐anethole have the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is involved in neurotransmitter function. However, the active constituent estragole fromI. verumfruit acted as a potent AChE inhibitor and had a slightly lower effect on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) than octopamine alone.

CONCLUSION

This finding suggests that estragole may influenceBradysia proceraneurotransmitter function via both the AChE and octopaminergic receptors. More research is needed to demonstrate the potential applications ofI. verumfruit‐derived products as potential larvicides and ovicides forBradysia procerapopulation control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Mechanical Properties of CO2‐II with Particular Emphasis on Its Auxetic Potential
Authors: Gambin Darryl , Dudek Krzysztof K. , Dudek Miroslaw R. , Grima Joseph N. , Gatt Ruben
Published: November 2022

Carbon dioxide has a rich phase diagram boasting a number of different solid polymorphs. One such solid is CO2‐II, a high‐pressure polymorph of carbon dioxide. Herein, the structural, mechanical, and vibrational properties of CO2‐II are studied using first‐principles density functional theory simulations. In particular, it is shown that the CO2‐II single crystal has the potential to exhibit off‐axis auxetic behavior (negative Poisson's ratio) in the (010) and (001) plane. Moreover, the auxetic behavior is pressure dependent in the pressure range of 15–20 GPa, with an increase in pressure resulting in an increased auxetic behavior, for loading in certain directions, of this system. This anomalous mechanical property is also studied through the use of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The results obtained suggest that the auxetic behavior of CO2‐II may be the result of the interplay between rotations and distortions of the system.
Der Luisenturm auf dem Atzelberg
Authors: Trautz Martin , Seiter Alex
Published: November 2022

Im Zuge der Errichtung eines Ersatzneubaus des Luisenturms auf dem Atzelberg bei Kelkheim‐Eppenhain im Taunus löst eine Stahlkonstruktion den bisherigen Aussichtsturm in Holzbauweise ab. Das 27 m hohe Bauwerk zeichnet sich durch schlanke Tragelemente aus geradlinigen und gekrümmten Stahlrohren aus, die in Off‐Knot‐Bauweise hergestellt und gefügt sind, wobei sich die Stoßstellen außerhalb der Stabwerksknoten befinden und so die komplett geschweißten Knoten frei bleiben von zusätzlichen Laschen, Stoßdeckungen und Verschraubungen. Die Rohrfügungen bestehen aus vierteiligen, passgeformten Laschen aus Rundrohrausschnitten, die im Inneren angeschraubt werden und nur an der Stoßfuge und den außenliegenden Schraubenköpfen erkennbar sind. Die neuartige Konstruktionsweise unterstreicht die Filigranität des Tragwerks und setzt einen eleganten Akzent in die umgebende gebirgige Taunuslandschaft.
Novel technique using bone tunnels and ligament prostheses to treat a craniolateral shoulder luxation in a dog
Authors: Griffin Henry , Guerin Vincent
Published: November 2022

A 12 kg, 8‐year‐old, female, entire whippet presented for a non‐weight‐bearing, right forelimb lameness due to a craniolateral shoulder luxation, confirmed on radiographs. The right shoulder was stabilised surgically using a bone tunnel and suture technique, modified from a previously reported cadaveric study in cats. The dog showed good recovery at 4 and 8 weeks, and showed no evidence of lameness 6 months postoperatively.
Oleaginous yeasts: Time to rethink the definition?
Authors: Salvador López José Manuel , Vandeputte Meriam , Van Bogaert Inge N. A.
Published: November 2022

Oleaginous yeasts are typically defined as those able to accumulate more than 20% of their cell dry weight as lipids or triacylglycerides. Research on these yeasts has increased lately fuelled by an interest to use biotechnology to produce lipids and oleochemicals that can substitute those coming from fossil fuels or offer sustainable alternatives to traditional extractions (e.g., palm oil). Some oleaginous yeasts are attracting attention both in research and industry, with Yarrowia lipolytica one of the best‐known and studied ones. Oleaginous yeasts can be found across several clades and different metabolic adaptations have been found, affecting not only fatty acid and neutral lipid synthesis, but also lipid particle stability and degradation. Recently, many novel oleaginous yeasts are being discovered, including oleaginous strains of the traditionally considered non‐oleaginous Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the face of this boom, a closer analysis of the definition of “oleaginous yeast” reveals that this term has instrumental value for biotechnology, while it does not give information about distinct types of yeasts. Having this perspective in mind, we propose to expand the term “oleaginous yeast” to those able to produce either intracellular or extracellular lipids, not limited to triacylglycerides, in at least one growth condition (including ex novo lipid synthesis). Finally, a critical look at Y. lipolytica as a model for oleaginous yeasts shows that the term “oleaginous” should be reserved only for strains and not species and that in the case of Y. lipolytica, it is necessary to distinguish clearly between the lipophilic and oleaginous phenotype.
[FeFe]‐Hydrogenase models featuring dithiolato‐bridgehead functionality: Preparation, structures, and electrocatalytic proton reduction
Authors: Bai Shu‐Fen , Jin Bo , Gao Xin‐Ping , Li Wen‐Jing , Li Qian‐Li , Zhao Pei‐Hua
Published: November 2022

To further develop the active site models of [FeFe]‐hydrogenases, a new series of diiron model complexes [{(μ‐SCH2)2CHCH2OC(O)C6H4I)}Fe2(CO)6] (I is located at ‐para for 1, ‐meta for 2, and ‐ortho for 3) bearing dithiolato‐bridgehead functionality were successfully prepared by treatments of bridghead‐hydroxyl‐containing parent complex [{(μ‐SCH2)2CHCH2OH)}Fe2(CO)6] (A) and three different iodobenzoic acids (IC6H4CO2H) in the presence of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as catalyst and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as dehydrating reagent. All these new complexes 1–3 have been fully characterized through elemental analysis, FT‐IR and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopies, and X‐ray crystallography. Further electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of complexes 1–3 are studied and compared in the absence and presence of acetic acid (HOAc) as a proton source by cyclic voltammetry (CV), indicating that they may be considered as the active biomimetic electrocatalysts for proton reduction to hydrogen (H2).
Dissipative effects in finite density holographic superfluids
Authors: Donos Aristomenis , Kailidis Polydoros
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We derive the leading dissipative corrections of holographic superfluids at finite temperature and chemical potential by employing our recently developed techniques to study dissipative effects in the hydrodynamic limit of holographic theories. As part of our results, we express the incoherent conductivity, the shear and the three bulk viscosities in terms of thermodynamics and the black hole horizon data of the dual bulk geometries. We use our results to show that all three bulk viscosities exhibit singular behaviour close to the critical point.
Gewaltsamer Tod im Zusammenhang mit der COVID‑19‑Pandemie
Authors: Keimling S. , Babian C. , Dreßler J.
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Weltweit wird von einer durch die COVID-19-Pandemie bedingten Übersterblichkeit gesprochen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es zu prüfen, ob diese Übersterblichkeit nicht nur durch letale Krankheitsverläufe, sondern auch durch pandemieassoziierte gewaltsame Todesfälle verursacht wurde.

Material und Methoden

In einer retrospektiven Studie wurden 825 Sektionsgutachten des Leipziger Instituts für Rechtsmedizin des Jahres 2020 ausgewertet: darunter 72 Suizide und 14 Homizide, welche auf einen Zusammenhang zur COVID-19-Pandemie untersucht wurden. Einbezogen wurden Ergebnisse der kriminalpolizeilichen Ermittlungen, sowie die Todesursachenstatistik der jeweiligen zuständigen Behörden der Jahre 2015–2020. Es erfolgte eine anonymisierte Dateneingabe. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt waren 5 von 72 Suiziden (6,94 %) und einer von 14 Homiziden (7,14 %) durch die COVID-19-Pandemie motiviert. Die Anzahl der Suizide in Deutschland war in den Jahren 2015 bis 2020 insgesamt rückläufig; deutschlandweit war kein signifikanter Anstieg der Suizide 2020 erkennbar, wohingegen die Anzahl der Suizide in Sachsen im ersten Pandemiejahr 2020 um 8,7 % (nicht signifikant) stieg.

Diskussion

In der untersuchten sächsischen Stichprobe waren ca. 7 % der Suizide und Homizide durch die COVID-19-Pandemie motiviert. Motive waren unter anderem: Ausgangsbeschränkungen, Reiseverbote, Angst vor einer Infektion mit dem COVID-19-Virus und pandemiebedingte Veränderungen im sozialen Umfeld.

Die „COVID-19-bedingte Übersterblichkeit“ ist damit auch auf pandemieassoziierte gewaltsame Todesfälle zurückzuführen.

Es wird beabsichtigt, die Untersuchungen für das zweite Pandemiejahr (2021) fortzuführen.
Invariance Principles and Log-Distance of F-KPP Fronts in a Random Medium
Authors: Drewitz Alexander , Schmitz Lars
Published: November 2022

We study the front of the solution to the F-KPP equation with randomized non-linearity. Under suitable assumptions on the randomness including spatial mixing behavior and boundedness, we show that the front of the solution lags at most logarithmically in time behind the front of the solution of the corresponding linearized equation, i.e. the parabolic Anderson model. This can be interpreted as a partial generalization of Bramson’s findings (Bramson in Commun Pure Appl Math 31(5):531–581, 1978) for the homogeneous setting. Partially building on this result and its derivation, we establish functional central limit theorems for the fronts of the solutions to both equations.
Optimal Control, Contact Dynamics and Herglotz Variational Problem
Authors: de León Manuel , Lainz Manuel , Muñoz-Lecanda Miguel C.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we combine two main topics in mechanics and optimal control theory: contact Hamiltonian systems and Pontryagin maximum principle. As an important result, among others, we develop a contact Pontryagin maximum principle that permits to deal with optimal control problems with dissipation. We also consider the Herglotz optimal control problem, which is simultaneously a generalization of the Herglotz variational principle and an optimal control problem. An application to the study of a thermodynamic system is provided.
Incorporating rivalry in reinforcement learning for a competitive game
Authors: Barros Pablo , Yalçın Özge Nilay , Tanevska Ana , Sciutti Alessandra
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in reinforcement learning with social agents have allowed such models to achieve human-level performance on certain interaction tasks. However, most interactive scenarios do not have performance alone as an end-goal; instead, the social impact of these agents when interacting with humans is as important and largely unexplored. In this regard, this work proposes a novel reinforcement learning mechanism based on the social impact of rivalry behavior. Our proposed model aggregates objective and social perception mechanisms to derive a rivalry score that is used to modulate the learning of artificial agents. To investigate our proposed model, we design an interactive game scenario, using the Chef’s Hat Card Game, and examine how the rivalry modulation changes the agent’s playing style, and how this impacts the experience of human players on the game. Our results show that humans can detect specific social characteristics when playing against rival agents when compared to common agents, which affects directly the performance of the human players in subsequent games. We conclude our work by discussing how the different social and objective features that compose the artificial rivalry score contribute to our results.
Application of streaming analytics for Artificial Lift systems: a human-in-the-loop approach for analysing clustered time-series data from progressive cavity pumps
Authors: Saghir Fahd , Gonzalez Perdomo M. E. , Behrenbruch Peter
Published: November 2022

Assessing real-time performance of Artificial Lift Pumps is a prevalent time-series problem to tackle for natural gas operators in Eastern Australia. Multiple physics, data-driven, and hybrid approaches have been investigated to analyse or predict pump performance. However, these methods present a challenge in running compute-heavy algorithms on streaming time-series data. As there is limited research on novel approaches to tackle multivariate time-series analytics for Artificial Lift systems, this paper introduces a human-in-the-loop approach, where petroleum engineers label clustered time-series data to aid in streaming analytics. We rely on our recently developed novel approach of converting streaming time-series data into heatmap images to assist with real-time pump performance analytics. During this study, we were able to automate the labelling of streaming time-series data, which helped petroleum and well surveillance engineers better manage Artificial Lift Pumps through machine learning supported exception-based surveillance. The streaming analytics system developed as part of this research used historical time-series data from three hundred and fifty-nine (359) coal seam gas wells. The developed method is currently used by two natural gas operators, where the operators can accurately detect ten (10) performance-related events and five (5) anomalous events. This paper serves a two-fold purpose; first, we describe a step-by-step methodology that readers can use to reproduce the clustering method for multivariate time-series data. Second, we demonstrate how a human-in-the-loop approach adds value to the proposed method and achieves real-world results.
Fractional order model of micropolar thermoelasticity and 2D half-space problem
Authors: Sherief Hany H. , Hussein Eman M.
Published: November 2022

In this manuscript, the generalized micropolar theory of thermoelasticity is modified using fractional calculus. The revised equations are used to solve a problem for a half-space whose boundary is rigidly fixed and subjected to an axisymmetric thermal shock. Laplace and Hankel transform techniques are used. The analytical solution in the transform domain is obtained by using a new direct approach without the customary use of potential functions. By using a numerical method based on the Fourier expansion technique, the inverse of the double transform can be obtained. The numerical results for displacement, microrotation, stress, micro-stress, and temperature are obtained and represented graphically. Comparisons are made with the results of the older theory.
Beyond descriptive taxonomies in data analytics: a systematic evaluation approach for data-driven method pipelines
Authors: Zschech Patrick
Published: November 2022

Taxonomies can serve as a valuable tool to capture dimensions and characteristics of data analytics solutions in a structured manner and thus create transparency about different design options of the technical solution space. However, previous taxonomic approaches often remain at a purely descriptive level without leveraging morphological structures to investigate the mechanisms between different combinatorial options given in data analytics pipelines. To this end, we propose a taxonomic evaluation approach to evaluate and construct the technical core of analytical information systems more systematically. Specifically, we present a rough guidance model consisting of four steps, which we subsequently instantiate with two application scenarios from the fields of industrial maintenance and predictive business process monitoring. In this way, we demonstrate how taxonomic frameworks can guide the creation of structured evaluation studies to consider the construction and assessment of data analytics pipelines in a multi-perspective and holistic manner. Our approach is sufficiently generic to be applied to various domains, scenarios, and decision support tasks.
Associations between playing free-to-play sports gambling predictor games and online sports betting frequency for men in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wilson Charley , Butler Nadia , Quigg Zara
Published: November 2022

Aim

This study aimed to describe associations between playing predictor games and online sports betting behaviours, and problem gambling.

Methods

An online survey using a convenience sample was completed by males aged 18 + years, living in the United Kingdom, and having participated in any gambling activity in the past year (n = 384). The survey asked questions about sociodemographics, gambling behaviours and predictor game playing behaviours. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) tool was used to determine existence of at-risk and problem gambling. Bivariate analyses using X2, and multivariate analyses using binary logistic regressions were carried out.

Results

Predictor games were played by 45.8% of all participants. In bivariate analyses, there was an association between predictor game playing and age (p = 0.019), with predictor game playing most prevalent in the age group 18–24 years 51.8%. In bivariate analysis, there was a significant graded relationship between playing predictor games and PGSI group (p < 0.001), with predictor game playing most prevalent among those with problem gambling 76.9%. In multivariate analysis, after controlling for sociodemographics and PGSI group, those who played predictor games were 2.80 (1.65–4.74 p < 0.001) times more likely to engage in high frequency online sports gambling than those who did not play predictor games.

Conclusions

This study suggests there may be links between playing predictor games and gambling harms through increased frequency of online sports gambling, particularly amongst already vulnerable groups. Policy options placing restrictions on the most harmful inducements – one of which being predictor games – must be considered to protect against gambling harms.
Sympathetic solar flare: characteristics and homogeneities
Authors: Mawad Ramy , Moussas Xenophon
Published: November 2022

We studied 2204 sympathetic flares detected by the GOES during 1975–2017. Sympathetic flares have nearby, or homogeneous, GOES classes. The secondary solar flare is just a mirror image of the primary solar flare of the sympathetic flare. It has two types: 1) Twins: This type represents most of them (∼78.6%). 2) Non-twins: It is an associated heterogeneous pair of solar flares. A negative relationship between the interval between the start times of primary and secondary flares was found with the duration of the primary flare with the solar cycle progress. Also, the stronger the solar cycle, the lower the maximum value of the timing ratio at the quiet Sun’s epoch, while the timing ratio’s value reaches a higher value during the weaker cycles. A positive relationship between the angular distance between pairs of sympathetic flares and SSN has been found. During the epoch of the active sun, the distance is as far as possible, while that distance becomes shorter during the epoch of the quiet sun. Sympathetic flares are equatorial in alignment. The higher inclination (slope of about −20° each cycle) is associated with the X-Class of the primary flare. It is more than this non-association. We found that the time series of inclinations is given a “Wings diagram” diagram.
Factors affecting the availability of data on East African wildlife: the monitoring needs of conservationists are not being met
Authors: Moreno Inès , Gippet Jérôme Marcel Walter , Fumagalli Luca , Stephenson P. J.
Published: November 2022

Understanding the status and abundance of species is essential for effective conservation decision-making. However, the availability of species data varies across space, taxonomic groups and data types. A case study was therefore conducted in a high biodiversity region—East Africa—to evaluate data biases, the factors influencing data availability, and the consequences for conservation. In each of the eleven target countries, priority animal species were identified as threatened species that are protected by national governments, international conventions or conservation NGOs. We assessed data gaps and biases in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and the Living Planet Index. A survey of practitioners and decision makers was conducted to confirm and assess consequences of these biases on biodiversity conservation efforts. Our results showed data on species occurrence and population trends were available for a significantly higher proportion of vertebrates than invertebrates. We observed a geographical bias, with higher tourism income countries having more priority species and more species with data than lower tourism income countries. Conservationists surveyed felt that, of the 40 types of data investigated, those data that are most important to conservation projects are the most difficult to access. The main challenges to data accessibility are excessive expense, technological challenges, and a lack of resources to process and analyse data. With this information, practitioners and decision makers can prioritise how and where to fill gaps to improve data availability and use, and ensure biodiversity monitoring is improved and conservation impacts enhanced.
Explanation and Agency: exploring the normative-epistemic landscape of the “Right to Explanation”
Authors: Jongepier Fleur , Keymolen Esther
Published: November 2022

A large part of the explainable AI literature focuses on what explanations are in general, what algorithmic explainability is more specifically, and how to code these principles of explainability into AI systems. Much less attention has been devoted to the question of why algorithmic decisions and systems should be explainable and whether there ought to be a right to explanation and why. We therefore explore the normative landscape of the need for AI to be explainable and individuals having a right to such explanation. This exploration is particularly relevant to the medical domain where the (im)possibility of explainable AI is high on both the research and practitioners’ agenda. The dominant intuition overall is that explainability has and should play a key role in the health context. Notwithstanding the strong normative intuition for having a right to explanation, intuitions can be wrong. So, we need more than an appeal to intuitions when it comes to explaining the normative significance of having a right to explanation when being subject to AI-based decision-making. The aim of the paper is therefore to provide an account of what might underlie the normative intuition. We defend the ‘symmetry thesis’ according to which there is no special normative reason to have a right to explanation when ‘machines’ in the broad sense, make decisions, recommend treatment, discover tumors, and so on. Instead, we argue that we have a right to explanation in cases that involve automated processing that significantly affect our core deliberative agency and which we do not understand, because we have a general moral right to explanation when choices are made which significantly affect us but which we do not understand.
Price-Rising Competition: a Higher Market Price When a Monopoly Faces a Small Entrant
Authors: Shao Jing , Chen Huanhuan , Li Jinke
Published: November 2022

The UK retail electricity market revealed (i) the co-occurrence between a declining market concentration and an increasing price and (ii) price differentiation between incumbents and small suppliers. We construct an infinite sequential game in which a monopoly faces a small entrant and find an equilibrium where both players are not motivated to deviate. However, this equilibrium imposes a condition on the values of model parameters. If the condition is unmet, the interactions between the two players will be unending. Nonetheless, we suggest that two states where at least one player is not motivated to deviate could be a place to settle, but the choice depends on which player is more concerned about market stability. Besides, the two observations are found in equilibrium and two states. Finally, we argue that the finding is jointly contributed by four features: small entrant with a lower marginal cost and constrained capacity, switching costs, and barriers to entry. If any feature is relaxed, the entry of the small firm will not lead to a rising market price.
Recycled Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) as Food Packaging: Effect of Multiple Melt Processing on Packaging Performance and Food Contact Suitability
Authors: Dedieu Isabelle , Aouf Chahinez , Gaucel Sebastien , Peyron Stéphane
Published: November 2022

This study examines the opportunity of using recycled poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) as food packaging. The recyclability was evaluated by assessing the effect of repeated polymer processing (up to four extrusion cycles) on the structural and barrier properties of the material, as well as its ability to produce neo-formed chemicals susceptible to migrate into food. It was shown that increasing the number of processing cycles results in a decrease of the polymer molecular weight, leading to a decrease of mechanical properties, balanced by a maintenance of the crystalline structure and of the thermal stability. The oxygen and water vapour transfer properties were also maintained after four cycles suggesting that r-PHBV-based packaging can retain its property and use panel. The specific migration of crotonic acid, one of the main products of the thermomechanical degradation of the PHBV was measured in three different food simulants. In all cases, it did not exceed the specific migration limit (SML) set at 0.05 mg/Kg food, revealing the food contact suitability of non-contaminated recycled PHBV under test conditions.
Identification, isolation, and characterization of a novel type of Fukushima-derived microparticle
Authors: Macsik Zsuzsanna , Hudston Lisa A. , Wurth Kimberly N. , Meininger Daniel , Jesinghaus Christian , Tenner Travis J. , Naes Benjamin E. , Boswell Mitzi , Shozugawa Katsumi , LaMont Stephen P. , Steiner Robert E. , Steinhauser Georg
Published: November 2022

In the course of the Fukushima nuclear accident, radionuclides were released in various forms, including so-called radiocesium-bearing microparticles (CsMP). So far, four types of CsMP were described: Type A is smaller in size (< 10 μm), Types B, C, and D are larger (> 100 μm). In this work, we present a novel type of CsMP (proclaimed Type E). Three particles of Type E were extracted from a contaminated blade of grass that was sampled 1.5 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in late 2011. They were located using autoradiography, isolated using an optical microscope and micromanipulator, and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and low-level gamma-ray spectrometry. Type E CsMPs are 10–20 μm in size and exhibit an unusually low and barely detectable 137Cs activity of only ≤ 10 mBq per particle. Their brittle and fragile character may indicate a high surface tension.
Gravity Data Imaging Using Local Wavenumber-Based Algorithm: Sustainable Development Cases Studies
Authors: Elhussein Mahmoud , Diab Zein E.
Published: November 2022

A fast effective inversion algorithm is proposed herein to interpret gravitational responses caused by mineralized/ore sources (sphere, vertical and horizontal cylinders). The algorithm relies on local wavenumber and correlation imaging techniques. The correlation factor (R) between the local wavenumber of observed gravitational field and that of computed field was calculated, and the maximum Rmax was considered to correspond to the best true model (parameters). The proposed algorithm was applied to two theoretical examples, including an example contaminated with regional background and another multisource example. Besides, the proposed approach was used on three different real field cases for mining/ore investigation from Canada and Cuba. From the results obtained from the theoretical and real examples and by comparing the results with drilling and literature information, it was concluded that the method is effective, is applicable even for more than one source, is accurate, and does not necessitate any prior knowledge of the source shape.
PSMA-1007 Uptake in Ganglia of the Sympathetic Trunk and Its Intra-individual Reproducibility
Authors: Mamlins E. , Schmitt D. , Beu M. , Mattes-György K. , Henke J. M. , Antke C. , Novruzov E. , Cardinale J. , Kirchner J. , Niegisch G. , Radtke J. P. , Schimmöller L. , Albers P. , Antoch G. , Giesel F. L.
Published: November 2022

Aim/Purpose

18F-labeled PSMA ligands offer various advantages as PET tracers over 68Ga-labeled PSMA counterparts. Especially, an improved spatial resolution leads to improved detection rates of smaller prostate cancer (PCa) lesions. However, physiological PSMA uptake of ganglia of the sympathetic trunk can be quickly misinterpreted as possible PSMA-positive lymph node metastases. The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake and its intra-individual reproducibility in ganglia of the sympathetic trunk.

Methods

We retrospectively included 28 consecutive patients (median age 69 ± 9 with a range of 49–90) with biochemical recurrence of PCa who underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT scan and, accordingly, a follow-up examination between August 2018 and August 2021. Cervical, coeliac, and sacral ganglia were identified on the iterative PET reconstructions and correlated with CT component. Tracer uptake of ganglia was determined by measuring SUVmax and SUVmean values. Anatomical position of the ganglia in relation to adjacent vertebral bodies were noted. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and descriptive statistics.

Results

The highest [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake was found in coeliac ganglia followed by cervical and sacral ganglia. The SUVmax in coeliac ganglia was 3.13 ± 0.85 (follow-up scan 3.11 ± 0.93), in cervical ganglia 2.73 ± 0.69 (follow-up scan 2.67 ± 0.74), and in sacral ganglia 1.67 ± 0.50 (follow-up scan 1.64 ± 0.52). The SUVmean in coeliac ganglia was 2.28 ± 0.64 (follow-up scan 2.28 ± 0.66), in cervical ganglia 1.62 ± 0.43 (follow-up scan 1.61 ± 0.43) and in sacral ganglia 1.15 ± 0.33 (follow-up scan 1.12 ± 0.34). In a given ganglion station, there was no statistically significant difference of SUVmax or SUVmean values between baseline and follow-up scans.

Conclusions

The first systematically described physiological [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake in ganglia of the sympathetic trunk showed a low variability of SUVmax or SUVmean and a good intra-individual reproducibility of [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake in follow-up scans. These findings might improve and guide the differentiation of ganglia from possible malignant lesions.
Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis And Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced In Rats
Authors: Elleithi Yomna A. , El-Gayar Amal M. , Amin Mohamed N.
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent primary aggressive cancer, a crucial cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Simvastatin is a well-known safe cholesterol-lowering medication that has been recently shown to suppress cancer progression. Apoptosis is a well-organized and controlled cellular process that happens both physiologically and pathologically leading to executing cell death. Apoptosis is frequently downregulated in cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to test the effect of simvastatin on HCC progression. HCC was induced in experimental rats by means of diethylnitrose amine (DEN) and thioacetamide (TAA) injections. Gross examination and liver index along with biochemical analysis of hepatic function were evaluated. Serum alpha-feto protein (AFP) concentration was measured by ELISA. Histopathological examination was used for assessing necroinflammatory scores and fibrosis degree. Apoptosis was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Simvastatin was found to induce apoptosis successfully in HCC and improve liver fibrosis, overall hepatic function, and necroinflammatory score. Simvastatin, therefore, may be a potential adjunctive therapeutic option in clinical settings of treating HCC.
The $$\mathbb {R}$$-local homotopy theory of smooth spaces
Authors: Bunk Severin
Published: November 2022

Simplicial presheaves on cartesian spaces provide a general notion of smooth spaces. There is a corresponding smooth version of the singular complex functor, which maps smooth spaces to simplicial sets. We consider the localisation of the (projective or injective) model category of smooth spaces at the morphisms which become weak equivalences under the singular complex functor. We prove that this localisation agrees with a motivic-style$$\mathbb {R}$$R-localisation of the model category of smooth spaces. Further, we exhibit the singular complex functor for smooth spaces as one of several Quillen equivalences between model categories for spaces and the above$$\mathbb {R}$$R-local model category of smooth spaces. In the process, we show that the singular complex functor agrees with the homotopy colimit functor up to a natural zig-zag of weak equivalences. We provide a functorial fibrant replacement in the$$\mathbb {R}$$R-local model category of smooth spaces and use this to compute mapping spaces in terms of singular complexes. Finally, we explain the relation of our fibrant replacement to the concordance sheaf construction introduced recently by Berwick-Evans, Boavida de Brito and Pavlov.
Discovering Common Hidden Causes in Sequences of Events
Authors: Valentin Simon , Bramley Neil R. , Lucas Christopher G.
Published: November 2022

Human cognition is marked by its ability to explain patterns in the world in terms of variables and regularities that are not directly observable, e.g., mental states, natural laws, and causal relationships. Previous research has demonstrated a capacity for inferring hidden causes from covariational evidence, as well as the use of temporal information to identify causal relationships among observed variables. Here we explore the human ability to use temporal information to make inferences about hidden causes, causal cycles, and other causal relationships, without relying on interventions. We examine two behavioral experiments and compare participants’ judgments to those of Bayesian computational-level models that use temporal order and delay information to infer the causal structure behind observed event sequences. Our results indicate that participants are able to use order and timing information to discover hidden causes, and make inferences about causal structures relating hidden and observable variables. Computational modeling indicates that most participants are best described by normative delay model predictions, but also reveals several clusters of participants who made unexpected inferences, suggesting opportunities to enrich future models of human causal reasoning.