bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piper longum L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and health‐promoting activities
Authors: Biswas Protha , Ghorai Mimosa , Mishra Tulika , Gopalakrishnan Abilash Valsala , Roy Debleena , Mane Abhijit Bhagwan , Mundhra Avinash , Das Neela , Mohture Vikas Moreshwar , Patil Manoj Tukaram , Rahman Md. Habibur , Jha Niraj Kumar , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber , Saha Suchismita Chatterjee , Shekhawat Mahipal S , Radha  , Kumar Manoj , Pandey Devendra Kumar , Dey Abhijit
Published: October 2022

Piper longum (family Piperaceae), commonly known as “long‐pepper” or “Pippali” grows as a perennial shrub or as an herbaceous vine. It is native to the Indo‐Malaya region and widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical world including the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Middle‐East, and America. The fruits are mostly used as culinary spice and preservatives and are also a potent remedy in various traditional medicinal systems against bronchitis, cough, cold, snakebite, and scorpion‐sting and are also used as a contraceptive. Various bioactive‐phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, esters, and steroids were identified from the plant extracts and essential oils from the roots and fruits were reported as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anthelminthic, mosquito‐larvicidal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, neuro‐pharmacological, antihyperglycaemic, hepato‐protective, antihyperlipidaemic, antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antiasthmatic, cardioprotective, and anti‐snake‐venom agents. Many of its pharmacological properties were attributed to its antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects and its ability to modulate a number of signalling pathways and enzymes. This review comprehensively encompasses information on habit, distribution, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of P. longum in relation to its medicinal importance and health benefits to validate the traditional claims supported by specific scientific experiments. In addition, it also discusses the safety and toxicity studies, application of green synthesis and nanotechnology as well as clinical trials performed with the plant also elucidating research gaps and future perspectives of its multifaceted uses.
Generation and Structuring of Multipartite Entanglement in a Josephson Parametric System
Authors: Petrovnin Kirill Viktorovich , Perelshtein Michael Romanovich , Korkalainen Tero , Vesterinen Visa , Lilja Ilari , Paraoanu Gheorghe Sorin , Hakonen Pertti Juhani
Published: October 2022

Quantum correlations are a vital resource in advanced information processing based on quantum phenomena. Remarkably, the vacuum state of a quantum field may act as a key element for the generation of multipartite quantum entanglement. In this work, generation of genuine tripartite entangled state and its control is achieved by the use of the phase difference between two continuous pump tones. Control of the subspaces of the covariance matrix for tripartite bisqueezed state is demonstrated. Furthermore, by optimizing the phase relationships in a three‐tone pumping scheme genuine quadripartite entanglement of a generalized H‐graph state (‐graph) is explored. This scheme provides a comprehensive control toolbox for the entanglement structure and allows to demonstrate, for first time to the authors' knowledge, genuine quadripartite entanglement of microwave modes. All experimental results are verified with numerical simulations of the nonlinear quantum Langevin equation. It is envisioned that quantum resources facilitated by multi‐pump configurations offer enhanced prospects for quantum data processing using parametric microwave cavities.
Automating sandhill crane counts from nocturnal thermal aerial imagery using deep learning
Authors: Luz‐Ricca Emilio , Landolt Kyle , Pickens Bradley A. , Koneff Mark
Published: October 2022

Population monitoring is essential to management and conservation efforts for migratory birds, but traditional low‐altitude aerial surveys with human observers are plagued by individual observer bias and risk to flight crews. Aerial surveys that use remote sensing can reduce bias and risk, but manual counting of wildlife in imagery is laborious and may be cost‐prohibitive. Therefore, automated methods for counting are critical to cost‐efficient application of remote sensing for wildlife surveys covering large areas. We conducted nocturnal surveys of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) during spring migration in the Central Platte River Valley of Nebraska, USA, using midwave thermal infrared sensors. We developed a framework for automated counting of sandhill cranes from thermal imagery using deep learning, assessed and compared the performance of two automated counting models, and quantified the effect of spatial resolution on counting accuracy. Aerial thermal imagery data were collected in March 2018 and 2021; 40 images were analyzed. We applied two deep learning models: an object detection approach, Faster R‐CNN and a recently developed pixel‐density estimation approach, ASPDNet. Model performance was determined using data independent of the training imagery. The effect of spatial resolution was quantified with a beta regression on relative error. Our results showed model accuracy of 9% mean percent error for ASPDNet and 18% for Faster R‐CNN. Most error was related to the undercounting of sandhill cranes. ASPDNet had <50% of the error of Faster R‐CNN as measured by mean percent error, root‐mean‐squared error and mean absolute error. Spatial resolution affected accuracy of both models, with error rate increasing with coarser resolution, particularly with Faster R‐CNN. Deep learning models, particularly pixel‐density estimators, can accurately automate counting of migratory birds in a dense, aggregate setting such as nocturnal roosting sites.
Influence of temperature and sputter source on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 SIMS depth profiles
Authors: Hempel Wolfram , Magorian Friedlmeier Theresa
Published: October 2022

The thin‐film photovoltaic technology based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) has reached high conversion efficiencies exceeding 23%. The gallium gradient in the bulk and the amount of alkali metals in and between CIGS grains strongly affect the cell performance and therefore need to be accurately measured and quantified. ToF‐SIMS is well suited for this task, but the spatial resolution is strongly influenced by the measurement parameters, especially at the required micrometer and nanometer scales. Such highly resolved measurements on CIGS surfaces are challenging. For instance, small copper aggregations occur in SEM images recorded after a focused ion beam (FIB) cut and change the energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results. SIMS systems that use an argon ion source generate Cu lamellas, which also influence the measurement. Both effects result from preferential sputtering. Cooling with liquid nitrogen can minimize this negative effect for both techniques. Recent developments in SIMS systems provide more options to avoid these effects. New sources, like the Bi liquid metal gun and cluster guns, are available. However, a systematic investigation on the effect of the ion sources on the sputter craters and the resulting measurement of CIGS absorber is necessary to choose an adequate setup. Thus, we performed a comparison of four different ion sources (argon ion gun, oxygen gun, cesium metal gun, and oxygen cluster gun) and measured CIGS depth profiles at three temperatures [−120°C, −50°C, and room temperature (RT)]. We investigate the influence of these conditions not only on the resulting SIMS depth profile and quantification but also on the morphology of the sputter crater.
Conductive Iodine‐Doped Red Phosphorus Enabled Dendrite‐Free Lithium Deposition on MXene Matrix
Authors: Na Zhaolin , Li Wenjing , Li Lin , Qi Houkai , Sun Jing , Lu Chunlan , Sun Xudong , Huang Gang
Published: October 2022

The highest theoretical capacity and lowest redox potential of lithium metal make lithium‐based batteries the “holy grail” of the next‐generation batteries. However, the uncontrollable dendrite growth and infinite volume change of lithium seriously hinder the real‐world implementation of lithium‐based batteries. Herein, a flexible MXene@iodine‐doped red phosphorus (MXene@RP) paper with iodine‐doped red phosphorous particles evenly distributed on the surface and interlayer of MXene matrix is designed by a simple vapor condensation reduction approach. The MXene@RP paper can be used as an efficient matrix to enable dendrite‐free lithium deposition. On the one hand, the iodine doping alleviates the low conductivity shortcoming of red phosphorus, making it facilitate homogeneous lithium nucleation, thus promoting uniform lithium deposition and suppressing dendrite growth. On the other hand, the unique layered structure of conductive MXene paper provides ion transport channels and free spaces for lithium loading, alleviating the volume change induced structural damage. As a result, the MXene@RP paper with preloaded lithium exhibits long‐term cycling stability. Particularly, a full cell based on Li‐MXene@RP anode can maintain 81.4% of the initial capacity after 600 cycles at 4 C. The MXene@RP‐based anode increases the potential applications of MXene and provides a guide for the design of dendrite‐free lithium hosts.
What are the benefits and opportunities of launching a Metaverse forNEOMcity?
Authors: Banaeian Far Saeed , Imani Rad Azadeh
Published: October 2022

It is expected that in , the first phase of the most innovative city in the world will be opened. Seemingly NEOM city's developers have forgotten about an attractive technology called Metaverse, presented almost simultaneously along with the NEOM idea in . This study stipulates that Metaverse can appreciably assist in delivering a broad digital perspective of the future to governments, futurologists, people, and particularly the NEOM developers. Also, this study briefly addresses the benefits and opportunities of releasing Metaverse‐based NEOM for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), engineers, developers, futurologists, and people worldwide. Moreover, it is illustrated that KSA and people worldwide can benefit from the Metaverse version. For example, people can visit the world's dream city as digital tourists. As a result of this revolutionary idea, KSA can earn considerable revenue by land pre‐selling and providing remote services.
Prior hospital‐based infection and risk of eosinophilic esophagitis in a Swedish nationwide case‐control study
Authors: Uchida Amiko M. , Ro Gabrielle , Garber John J. , Roelstraete Bjorn , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly common, largely food allergen‐driven disease characterized by dysphagia. Prior infections are known to associate with other loss of tolerance diseases such as autoimmunity. We aimed to determine if antecedent infection was associated with later EoE development.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study of all patients with biopsy‐verified EoE diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 in Sweden (n = 1587) and matched to 5 general population controls (n = 7660). Cases were identified using histopathology codes from the Epidemiology Strengthened by histopathology Reports in Sweden study, a validated cohort of gastrointestinal pathology reports from all 28 pathology centers in Sweden. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for antecedent infections from patients seen at hospital‐based outpatient clinics or inpatients. In secondary analyses, we compared EoE patients with their full siblings to further reduce residual confounding.

Results

564 (35.7%) EoE patients and 1793 (23.4%) matched controls had an earlier record of infection. This corresponded to a 2‐fold increased risk of infections in EoE patients (OR 2.01; 95%CI: 1.78–2.27). ORs for earlier gastrointestinal or respiratory infection were 2.73 (n = 128 EoE, 268 control; 95%CI: 2.17–3.41) and 1.89 (n = 305 EoE, 960 control; 95%CI: 1.63–2.20), respectively. Having an EoE diagnosis was linked to a 3.39‐fold increased odds of sepsis (n = 14 EoE, 21 control; 95%CI: 1.68–6.65). Individuals with EoE were also more likely to have had an infection compared to their non‐EoE siblings (n = 427 EoE, 593 control; OR = 1.57; 95%CI = 1.30–1.89).

Conclusion

In this nationwide cohort study, prior infection, was associated with subsequent EoE. Risks were particularly high after sepsis, and gastrointestinal or respiratory infections.
Induction of apoptosis by essential oil of Dracocephalum kotschyi on Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Chelgerdi Dehkordi Bahareh , Esmaeilifallah Mahsa , Kalantari Reza , Benchimol Marlene , Khamesipour Faham
Published: October 2022

Background

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protist parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease. Metronidazole is the current treatment for trichomoniasis. However, this drug can provoke severe side effects, and some strains present resistance, making the development of alternative treatments for trichomoniasis urgent.

Objectives

We investigate the use of essential oil obtained from Dracocephalum kotschyi on T. vaginalis. D. kotschyi has antispasmodic and analgesic properties and is well known in Iran.

Methods

The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from 1000 g of the powdered plant. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis was used for the chemical composition of the essential oil, and 11 substances were identified, corresponding to 91.5% of the oil. Copaene (22.15%), Methyl geranate (16.31%), Geranial (13.78%) and Carvone (11.34%) were the main substances. A cell viability test was used to determine the percentage of growth inhibition (GI%) and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on T. vaginalis after incubation with the prepared essential oil.

Results

The oil induced an IC50 of 84.07 µg/ml after 24 h contact with trophozoites. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay on the J774.A1 haematopoietic cell line. In addition, the initial stage of apoptosis was assayed using the fluorescein isothiocyanate Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit. Evaluation of the in vitro anti‐trichomonal properties of D. kotschyi essential oils showed that it effectively induces apoptosis on T. vaginalis between 100 and 700 µg/ml after 48 h without toxicity on haematopoietic cells, suggesting that D. kotschyi essential oil can induce programmed death in T. vaginalis.

Conclusions

The anti‐trichomonal properties of D. kotschyi essential oil indicate that they could be suitable for new pharmacologic studies after new tests with human vaginal epithelial cells.
Recent developments in multivariate wind and solar power forecasting
Authors: Sørensen Mikkel L. , Nystrup Peter , Bjerregård Mathias B. , Møller Jan K. , Bacher Peder , Madsen Henrik
Published: October 2022

The intermittency of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, means that they require reliable and accurate forecasts to integrate properly into energy systems. This review introduces and examines a selection of state‐of‐the‐art methods that are applied for multivariate forecasting of wind and solar power production. Methods such as conditional parametric and combined forecasting already see wide use in practice, both commercially and scientifically. In the context of multivariate forecasting, it is vital to model the dependence between forecasts correctly. In recent years, reconciliation of forecasts to ensure coherency across spatial and temporal aggregation levels has shown great promise in increasing the accuracy of renewable energy forecasts. We introduce the methodology used for forecast reconciliation and review some recent applications for wind and solar power forecasting. Many forecasters are beginning to see the benefit of the greater information provided by probabilistic forecasts. We highlight stochastic differential equations as a method for probabilistic forecasting, which can also model the dependence structure. Lastly, we discuss forecast evaluation and how choosing a proper approach to evaluation is vital to avoid misrepresenting forecasts.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and Decarbonization

Sustainable Energy > Solar Energy

Sustainable Energy > Wind Energy
Use of COMSOL software for modeling and simulation of copper removal in a dynamic mode on a new biowaste
Authors: Turkman Meriem , Moulai‐Mostefa Nadji , Bouras Omar
Published: October 2022

The main purpose of this investigation is to model the results related to biosorption using COMSOL (Multiphysics 4.3a), and to solve the advection‐dispersion equation by using both linear and Langmuir models. A bidimensional model was then proposed to study the mass transfer in the process of copper ions sorption in a dynamic mode on cider vinegar residues. Sorption tests were realized by evaluating the influence of flow rate (0.75, 1, and 2.65 ml min−1), bed height (3.5, 7 and 8.5 cm), and copper initial concentration (169 and 300 mg L−1). For all cases, the mathematical formulation was solved by assuming that the column is homogeneous and the sorption is instantaneous. The corresponding results were exploited through breakthrough curve profiles, where it was shown that the solutions obtained by the “Langmuir COMSOL” model coincide with the experimental values. In contrast, the linear model has been unable to fit them. The optimal results were analyzed by Thomas, Adam‐Bohart Yoon Nelson, and Ogata‐Bank models, which proves that the Thomas method is well adapted with a satisfactory correlation coefficient (0.93). Further, the model validation was performed by determining the residual root mean square error, which was found less than 0.3, thereby indicating a reasonable concordance between the estimated and experimental points. The high sorption capacity obtained was around of 41.37 mg g−1, which suggests that the cider vinegar residues can be exploited as a low‐cost, available, and effective sorbent biomass in the field of the treatment of industrial effluents.

Practitioner Points

Cider vinegar residues (CVR) as low cost biosorbent were studied for continuous biosorption.

A successful COMSOL model was proposed and validated.

CVR is an effective biosorbent for copper fixed bed biosorption.

High sorption capacity was around of 41.37 mg g−1 under optimal conditions.
Electron shake probability for arbitrary shell
Authors: Mukoyama Takeshi
Published: October 2022

General expressions for electron shakeup and shakeoff probabilities of arbitrary atomic shells under the sudden change in central potential have been obtained in the sudden approximation by the use of non‐relativistic hydrogenic wave functions. The matrix elements for the shakeup and shakeoff processes are expressed analytically in the similar form in terms of the Gauss‐type hypergeometric functions. Many‐electron effect is taken into account through the screened hydrogenic model and the effect of the screening constants is examined. It is found that the shakeup and total shakeoff probabilities can be written in universal form by the use of a single parameter. The dependence of the shake probabilities on this parameter is discussed.
The Global Context of Public Policy
Authors: Jonyo Fred
Published: October 2022

This chapter deals with the global context of public policy making, especially the influence of globalization on public policy making in Africa. It provides a precise and conceptually focused definitions of globalization and public policy. It addresses the emergence of global institutions of governance, international conventions, global policies and their diffusion and influence on national policy making around the world. It takes us around the debates around policy paradigms in the study of the public policy choice and policy change. It examines influence of global policy paradigms on national public policy making in Africa, with illustrations drawn from Republic of Kenya. It therefore identifies and discusses the competing forces of both internal and external factors that influence public policy making in Africa.
Policy Analysis and Innovation: Why the Humanities and the Social Sciences Matter for Social Transformation in Africa
Authors: Aina Tade Akin
Published: October 2022

This chapter examines the nature of social science research as it has evolved historically in Africa within the colonial context. It examines the linkages between social science research institutions and the policy processes, providing a discussion of a variety of techniques for policy analysis. It draws on research to map the debate around these connections and the ongoing quest to promote innovation and achieve an uptake in evidence-informed policy making across Africa.
Political Economy of Public Policy
Authors: Sha Dung Pam
Published: October 2022

This chapter explains public policy making and implementation from a political economy perspective. It is argued that the making and implementation of public policy is enveloped in contestations and bargaining between interest groups with competing claims over rights and resources. The use and control of political power helps shape the direction and class character of public policy. The policy outcomes help to further reproduce the position of the ruling class in control of the state apparatus. This chapter examines the concepts of political economy and public policy, and discusses some of the variants of political economy and how each conceives of public policy making process and implementation. The chapter further discusses the role of political economy in problem-solving and finally, how political economy approaches evidence in public policy research.
Low-Code Internet of Things Application Development for Edge Analytics
Authors: Chaudhary Hafiz Ahmad Awais , Guevara Ivan , John Jobish , Singh Amandeep , Margaria Tiziana , Pesch Dirk
Published: October 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) applications combined with edge analytics are increasingly developed and deployed across a wide range of industries by engineers who are non-expert software developers. In order to enable them to build such IoT applications, we apply low-code technologies in this case study based on Model Driven Development. We use two different frameworks: DIME for the application design and implementation of IoT and edge aspects as well as analytics in R, and Pyrus for data analytics in Python, demonstrating how such engineers can build innovative IoT applications without having the full coding expertise. With this approach, we develop an application that connects a range of heterogeneous technologies: sensors through the EdgeX middleware platform with data analytics and web based configuration applications. The connection to data analytics pipelines can provide various kinds of information to the application users. Our innovative development approach has the potential to simplify the development and deployment of such applications in industry.
Moments for positivity: using Drell-Yan data to test positivity bounds and reverse-engineer new physics
Authors: Li Xu , Mimasu Ken , Yamashita Kimiko , Yang Chengjie , Zhang Cen , Zhou Shuang-Yong
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Moments of the leptonic angular distribution in the Drell-Yan process have recently been shown to be sensitive probes of a specific class of dimension-8, four-fermion operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory, involving a pair of quarks and leptons. The same operators are also subject to positivity bounds, when requiring the associated (unknown) UV completion to obey basic principles of quantum field theory. We perform a phenomenological study to quantify the sensitivity of the high-luminosity LHC to this set of operators and, by extension, the positivity bounds. We further extend the angular basis of moments and consider double differential information to improve the ability to disentangle the different operators, leading to a sensitivity to new physics scales up to 3 TeV. We use this information to explore the violation of positivity at the LHC as a way to test the underlying principles of quantum field theory. Finally, we present a case study which combines our results with information from other (current and prospective) experiments, as well as the positivity cone to infer the properties of possible tree-level UV completions. The data lead to robust, model-independent lower bounds on the $$ M/\sqrt{g} $$
M
/

g

combination of the particle mass and coupling, for states that couple to right-handed leptons and/or up quarks.
Homotopic Distance and Generalized Motion Planning
Authors: Macías-Virgós Enrique , Mosquera-Lois David , Pereira-Sáez María José
Published: October 2022

We prove that the homotopic distance between two maps defined on a manifold is bounded above by the sum of their subspace distances on the critical submanifolds of any Morse–Bott function. This generalizes the Lusternik–Schnirelmann theorem (for Morse functions) and a similar result by Farber for the topological complexity. Analogously, we prove that, for analytic manifolds, the homotopic distance is bounded by the sum of the subspace distances on any submanifold and its cut locus. As an application, we show how navigation functions can be used to solve a generalized motion planning problem.
An Arad and Fisman’s Theorem on Products of Conjugacy Classes Revisited
Authors: Beltrán Antonio , Felipe María José , Melchor Carmen
Published: October 2022

A theorem of Z. Arad and E. Fisman establishes that if A and B are two non-trivial conjugacy classes of a finite group G such that either $$AB=A\cup B$$

A
B
=
A
∪
B

or $$AB=A^{-1} \cup B$$

A
B
=

A

-
1

∪
B

, then G cannot be a non-abelian simple group. We demonstrate that, in fact, $$\langle A\rangle = \langle B\rangle $$

⟨
A
⟩
=
⟨
B
⟩

is solvable, the elements of A and B are p-elements for some prime p, and $$\langle A\rangle $$

⟨
A
⟩

is p-nilpotent. Moreover, under the second assumption, it turns out that $$A=B$$

A
=
B

. This research is done by appealing to recently developed techniques and results that are based on the Classification of Finite Simple Groups.
Perioperative outcome of minimally invasive stabilisation of bilateral fragility fractures of the sacrum: a comparative study of bisegmental transsacral stabilisation versus spinopelvic fixation
Authors: Mendel Thomas , Ullrich Bernhard W. , Schenk Philipp , Hofmann Gunther Olaf , Goehre Felix , Schwan Stefan , Brakopp Florian , Klauke Friederike
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Pelvic fragility fractures have steadily risen over the past decades. The primary treatment goal is the fastest possible mobilisation. If conservative therapy fails, surgical fixation is a promising approach. This study compares the outcome of bisegmental transsacral stabilisation (BTS) and spinopelvic fixation (SP) as minimally invasive techniques for bilateral fragility fractures of the sacrum (BFFS).

Methods

We performed a prospective, non-randomised, case-controlled study. Patients were included if they remained bedridden due to pain despite conservative treatment. Group assignment depended on sacral anatomy and fracture type. The outcome was estimated by blood loss calculation, cut-seam time, fluoroscopy time, complications, duration of stay at the intensive/intermediate care unit (ICU/IMC), and total inpatient stay. The mobility level at discharge was recorded.

Results

Seventy-three patients were included (SP: 49, BTS: 24). There was no difference in blood loss (BTS: 461 ± 628 mL, SP: 509 ± 354 mL). BTS showed a significantly lower cut-seam time (72 ± 23 min) than SP (94 ± 27 min). Fluoroscopy time did not differ (BTS: 111 ± 61 s vs. 103 ± 45 s). Thirteen percent of BTS and 16% of SP patients required ICU/IMC stay (BTS: 0.6 ± 1.8 days, SP: 0.5 ± 1.5 days) during inpatient stay (BTS: 9 ± 4 days, SP: 8 ± 3 days). Fourteen patients suffered from urinary tract infections (BTS: 8%; SP: 25%). In-patient mortality was low (BTS: 4.2%, SP: 4.1%). At discharge, the BTS group was almost back to the initial mobility level. In SP patients, mobility was significantly lower than before complaints (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Both methods allow early mobilization of BFFS patients. Blood loss can be kept low. Hence, transfusion requirement is correspondingly low. The IMC/ICU and the total inpatient stay are lower than reported in the literature. Both BTS and SP can be recommended as safe and low-complication methods for use in BFFS patients. BTS is superior to SP with respect to surgery duration and level of mobility at discharge.
Total Msplit estimation
Authors: Wiśniewski Zbigniew
Published: October 2022

Msplit estimation is a method that enables the estimation of mutually competing versions of parameters in functional observation models. In the presented study, the classical functional models found in it are replaced by errors-in-variables (EIV) models. Similar to the weighted total least-squares (WTLS) method, the random components of these models were assigned covariance matrix models. Thus, the proposed method, named Total Msplit (TMsplit) estimation, corresponds to the basic rules of WTLS. TMsplit estimation objective function is constructed using the components of squared Msplit and WTLS estimation objective functions. The TMsplit estimation algorithm is based on the Gauss–Newton method that is applied using a linear approximation of EIV models. The basic properties of the method are presented using examples of the estimation of regression line parameters and the estimation of parameters in a two-dimensional affine transformation.
Emerging photonic technologies for cultural heritage studies: the examples of non-linear optical microscopy and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Filippidis George , Tserevelakis George J. , Mari Meropi , Zacharakis Giannis , Fotakis Costas
Published: October 2022

The availability of non-invasive technologies, which can be used separately or in combination for obtaining chemical composition data and structural information of Cultural Heritage (CH) materials, is of prime importance for improving the understanding the environmental or ageing impact on monuments and artefacts and defining optimal strategies for their conservation. This paper overviews and assesses the potential of two emerging photonic technologies, the Non-linear Optical Microscopy (NLOM) and Photoacoustic (PA) imaging modalities, for a variety of diagnostic applications in preservation science. These techniques, which are well-established in biomedical research, during the last few years have been also investigated as non-invasive tools for the in-depth, high-resolution analysis of various CH objects, including paintings, documents and murals. We discuss on the applicability of these diagnostic optical methods to obtain precise stratigraphic information in artefacts, evaluating additionally the presence and the extent of potential morphological or chemical changes in several CH materials due to ageing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the contrast complementarity of NLOM and PA imaging provides invaluable insights into the structural integrity of an artwork, which can be subsequently utilized for the early and accurate detection of depth degradation effects.
Morphological comparison of the detailed structure of gill rakers from three different feeding habits of marine fish species
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A. M. , El-Gendy Samir A. A. , El-Bakary Neveen E. R. , Kamal Basma M. , Derbalah Amira , Roshdy Karam
Published: October 2022

The feeding habits and habitat of different fish species influence the morphology and functions of their gill rakers. This study used gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the morphological features of the gill rakers in Siganus luridus, Boops boops, and Pagrus pagrus. The gill rakers appeared as medial and lateral rows in all studied fishes. Except for Pagrus pagrus, which had a unique gill rakers arrangement in which the medial row of the 4th gill arch had the most gill rakers, the longest and most gill rakers were on the 1st gill arch in all studied fishes. The gill rakers of Siganus luridus were smooth, with various spine-like shapes, such as spine-like gill rakers, which were bifid or trifid spines, or duck toe-shaped gill rakers. According to SEM of the Siganus luridus' gill rakers, the trifid end gill rakers resembled caterpillars, and the duck toe-like gill rakers had three or four finger-like spines connected by inter-spine tissue. The Boops boops had long conical gill rakers with pointed ends on the lateral sides of the 1st gill arch, and the remaining rows had short gill rakers. According to SEM of the Boops boops' gill rakers, the long gill rakers were semi-conical and only had needle-like spines on the medial surface. The short gill rakers were projected as a boat and had three different shapes based on spine distributions. Gill rakers include those with a median crest and long spine laterals, those with only lateral spines, those with usually dorsal spines, and those with long wedge-shaped spines. Pagrus pagrus’ gill rakers were short, with fine-needle spines covering their tops. By SEM of the Pagrus pagrus' gill rakers, they appeared as a cylindrical elevation with spines on top. The spines were conical in shape with pointed curved or straight ends. The maximum value of the gill rakers’ lengths was discovered in the lateral row of the 1st gill arch, while the minimum value was in the medial row of the 4th gill arch. As a result, this is the first study of the three fish species' gill rakers. In the studied fishes, the morphological characteristics of gill rakers demonstrated unique structural specifications in feeding behavior.
Control of parallelized bioreactors I: dynamic scheduling software for efficient bioprocess management in high-throughput systems
Authors: Bromig Lukas , von den Eichen Nikolas , Weuster-Botz Dirk
Published: October 2022

The shift towards high-throughput technologies and automation in research and development in industrial biotechnology is highlighting the need for increased automation competence and specialized software solutions. Within bioprocess development, the trends towards miniaturization and parallelization of bioreactor systems rely on full automation and digital process control. Thus, mL-scale, parallel bioreactor systems require integration into liquid handling stations to perform a range of tasks stretching from substrate addition to automated sampling and sample analysis. To orchestrate these tasks, the authors propose a scheduling software to fully leverage the advantages of a state-of-the-art liquid handling station (LHS) and to enable improved process control and resource allocation. Fixed sequential order execution, the norm in LHS software, results in imperfect timing of essential operations like feeding or Ph control and execution intervals thereof, that are unknown a priori. However, the duration and control of, e.g., the feeding task and their frequency are of great importance for bioprocess control and the design of experiments. Hence, a software solution is presented that allows the orchestration of the respective operations through dynamic scheduling by external LHS control. With the proposed scheduling software, it is possible to define a dynamic process control strategy based on data-driven real-time prioritization and transparent, user-defined constraints. Drivers for a commercial 48 parallel bioreactor system and the related sensor equipment were developed using the SiLA 2 standard greatly simplifying the integration effort. Furthermore, this paper describes the experimental hardware and software setup required for the application use case presented in the second part.
Risk of gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma following discontinuation of long-term proton-pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Holmberg Dag , Mattsson Fredrik , Xie Shaohua , Ness-Jensen Eivind , El-Serag Hashem , Lagergren Jesper
Published: October 2022

Background

There is uncertainty whether long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors can cause gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). This study aimed to determine how discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy influences the risk of GAC and OAC.

Methods

This population-based cohort study included all long-term users of PPI therapy in Sweden in 2005–2018 was based on Swedish nationwide health registry data. The exposure was discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy, defined as no dispensation of PPI following inclusion and used as a time-varying variable, compared to remaining on PPI. Main outcomes were GAC and OAC, while oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was included as a comparison outcome. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% CI adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, NSAIDs/aspirin, and statins were calculated with Poisson regression.

Results

Among 730,176 long-term PPI users (mean age 65.6 years, 58.4% females) with 4,210,925 person-years at risk (median 5.5 person-years), 439,390 (60.2%) discontinued PPIs. In total, 495 developed GAC, 598 OAC, and 188 developed OSCC. PPI discontinuation was associated with decreased risk of GAC (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.98) and OAC (IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.96), but not OSCC (IRR 1.10, 95% CI 0.82–1.49) compared to continued PPI use. Stratified analyses showed decreased point estimates across most age categories and both sexes for GAC and OAC risk among participants discontinuing PPI therapy.

Conclusion

Discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy may decrease the risk of GAC and OAC, suggesting that physicians should consider ceasing prescribing long-term PPI in patients without continued indication for its use.
Intravenous thrombolysis in CADASIL: report of two cases and a systematic review
Authors: Pescini Francesca , Torricelli Sara , Squitieri Martina , Giacomucci Giulia , Poggesi Anna , Puca Emanuele , Bianchi Silvia , Ragno Michele , Pantoni Leonardo
Published: October 2022

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a genetic small vessel disease responsible for recurrent ischemic strokes, often with a progressive course leading to dementia and disability. On MRI, lacunes, microbleeds, and severe white matter alterations are typical features of the disease. In case of acute stroke, because of the bleeding risk associated with the disease and the doubtful efficacy of fibrinolytic treatment in a disease with poor evidence of thrombosis, the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis remains unproven. Nevertheless, stroke is a frequent occurrence in CADASIL patients, and clinicians not unlikely may face in the emergency room the situation of a CADASIL patient with an acute stroke within the time window for thrombolysis.

Objective

We report on two CADASIL patients treated with intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic stroke, and we present a review of literature aimed to report epidemiological data, efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis in CADASIL patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of medical literature published until August 2, 2022. Case reports and series in English language reporting on CADASIL patients and acute stroke were included.

Results

Both patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis without complications and had a good clinical outcome. The systematic review identified three case reports of CADASIL patients who were treated with intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic stroke; no bleedings complications were described.

Conclusions

Available data on intravenous thrombolysis in CADASIL patients are scarce but suggest that this treatment can be taken into consideration for these patients.
Does socioeconomic position and gender affect human-nature interactions?
Authors: Tiscareno-Osorno Ximena , Hossaini Jihad , Chabursky Sophia , Sayed Nesma , Temizarabaci Ilayda , Hähl Wiebke , Beckmann Jürgen
Published: October 2022

Aim

The growing number of mental health problems worldwide is alarming. Encouraging human–nature interactions (HNIs) could help to tackle this issue. For this reason, the aim of the present research was to investigate certain components that promote HNI in two groups of students with different socioeconomic positions (SEPs) in Mexico. HNIs describe the direct relationship between humans and nature. HNIs are composed of elements such as connectedness to nature (CN) and commitment to the environment (CE), and are beneficial to both physical and mental health. However, the impact of CN and CE on people’s lives seems to depend on their SEP, which has been investigated mainly in developed countries where SEP is less salient compared with developing countries.

Methods

A survey was sent to students from two universities representing each group. A total of 210 surveys was collected.

Results

The results showed no differences in CN (p = .480) and CE (p = .421) regarding SEP. However, gender differences were found with females from a low SEP showing higher levels of CN than men (p = .015) from the same SEP. For high SEP, no differences were found. In addition, men showed a higher CE than women, regardless of their SEP.

Conclusion

Given the high vulnerability of women to mental health problems, it is of major importance to conduct more research considering the relationship between gender, HNI, SEP, and health in developing countries.
Large scale K-means clustering using GPUs
Authors: Li Mi , Frank Eibe , Pfahringer Bernhard
Published: October 2022

The k-means algorithm is widely used for clustering, compressing, and summarizing vector data. We present a fast and memory-efficient GPU-based algorithm for exact k-means, Asynchronous Selective Batched K-means (ASB K-means). Unlike most GPU-based k-means algorithms that require loading the whole dataset onto the GPU for clustering, the amount of GPU memory required to run our algorithm can be chosen to be much smaller than the size of the whole dataset. Thus, our algorithm can cluster datasets whose size exceeds the available GPU memory. The algorithm works in a batched fashion and applies the triangle inequality in each k-means iteration to omit a data point if its membership assignment, i.e., the cluster it belongs to, remains unchanged, thus significantly reducing the number of data points that need to be transferred between the CPU’s RAM and the GPU’s global memory and enabling the algorithm to very efficiently process large datasets. Our algorithm can be substantially faster than a GPU-based implementation of standard k-means even in situations when application of the standard algorithm is feasible because the whole dataset fits into GPU memory. Experiments show that ASB K-means can run up to 15x times faster than a standard GPU-based implementation of k-means, and it also outperforms the GPU-based k-means implementation in NVIDIA’s open-source RAPIDS machine learning library on all the datasets used in our experiments.
Energy Decay in the Dynamics of Complex Bodies with Spreading Microstructures Represented by $3D$ Vectors
Authors: Berti Diego , Bisconti Luca , Mariano Paolo Maria
Published: October 2022

We analyze complex bodies with active microstructure described by a vector field with values $\nu \in \mathbb{R}^{3}$
ν
∈

R
3

, which complements the displacement $u\in \mathbb{R}^{3}$
u
∈

R
3

. We consider linear elastic constitutive structures for macroscopic and microstructural stresses, diffusion of microstructures, and a viscoelastic-substrate-type effect, which has a regularizing influence that we eliminate at a later stage of our analysis. For weak solutions of the balance equations, we prove decay inequalities in $W^{1,2}$

W

1
,
2

and also for the $p$
p
-power of the norms of $u$
u
and $\nu $
ν
in $L^{p}$

L
p

spaces under slip-without-friction-type boundary conditions.
Real-time acoustic monitoring with telemetry to mitigate potential effects of seismic survey sounds on marine mammals: a case study offshore Sakhalin Island
Authors: Rutenko Alexander N. , Zykov Mikhail M. , Gritsenko Vladimir A. , Fershalov Mikhail Yu. , Jenkerson Michael R. , Racca Roberto , Nechayuk Vladimir E.
Published: October 2022

Exxon Neftegas Ltd. (ENL) carried out three 4D seismic surveys during the summer of 2015. Seismic operations in two of these fields (Odoptu and Chayvo) ensonified the nearshore feeding area of Korean-Okhotsk (western) gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), potentially disturbing feeding activities. Following model-based optimization of the source design to minimize its lateral acoustic footprint, pre-season modeling was used to compute the acoustic exposure along each survey line. Real-time acoustic data facilitated implementation of mitigation measures aimed to minimize disturbance of whales. Acoustic data originated from underwater recorders deployed on the seafloor. Two complementary approaches were used to transmit recorded sound data to a computer housed at the Central Post (CP), where decisions regarding mitigation shut downs were made. In the first approach, a limited bandwidth (2–2000 Hz) sampling of the data was transmitted via cable to a surface buoy, which relayed these data to a shore station up to 15 km away via digital VHF telemetry. At the shore station, acoustic impulses from the seismic surveys were processed to compute impulse characteristics in the form of estimates of sound exposure level and peak sound pressure level, as well as one-minute-average 1/3-octave power spectral density coefficients, which were then transmitted to the CP via the internet. In the second, the pulse characteristics were computed through algorithms running on an onboard processor in each recorder’s surface buoy and sent directly to the CP computer via an Iridium satellite uplink. Both methods of data transfer proved viable, but Iridium transmission achieved the goal without the need for any shore based relay stations and is therefore more operationally efficient than VHF transmission. At the CP, analysts used the real-time acoustic data to calibrate and adjust the output of pre-season acoustical model runs. The acoustic footprint for the active seismic source, advancing synchronously with the motion of the seismic vessel and changing as the sound propagation environment changed, was computed from the calibrated and adjusted model output and integrated through the software Pythagoras with locations of gray whales provided by shore-based observers. This enabled analysts to require air gun array shutdowns before whales were exposed to mean square sound pressure levels greater than the behavioral response threshold of 163 dB re 1 μPa2. The method described here provides a realistic means of mitigating the possible effects of air guns at a behavioral response level, whereas most seismic surveys rely on pre-established mitigation radii to manage the risk of injury to a whale.
Corneal cross-linking guards against infectious keratitis: an experimental model
Authors: Marrie Ayah , Abdullatif Abdussalam M , Gamal El Dine Sherief , Yehia Rania , Saied Randa , Tolba Doaa Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Background

PACK-CXL (photo-activated chromophore for keratitis–corneal cross-linking) is an alternative option in treatment of corneal infections. It inhibits corneal melting by increasing the stromal resistance, besides the microbicidal effect of photo-activated riboflavin.

Methods

Corneal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staph aureus bacteria was induced in 20 eyes of 10 rabbits after 6 weeks of corneal cross-linking in half of the eyes, while the other acted as control group. Clinical and corneal histopathological examination was done to evaluate the extent of inflammation, ulceration, organism penetration, and depth of corneal stromal affection.

Results

The control eyes developed severe inflammation compared to the cross-linked eyes. Corneal melting occurred in 6 eyes in the control versus none in cross-linked group. Histopathological examination showed that the inflammation was confined to the superficial part of the stroma with localization of the inflammation in the cross-linked eyes in contrast to the control eyes that showed deep infiltration.

Conclusion

PACK-CXL provides infection localization through increasing the corneal rigidity and resistance to enzymatic digestion, even in the absence of the riboflavin microbicidal role. So, early PACK-CXL is worth to be considered in the IK treatment algorithm.