bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using driver monitoring to estimate readiness in automation: a conceptual model based on simulator experimental data
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael C. , Goodridge Courtney M. , Kuo Jonny , Lenné Mike G. , Merat Natasha
Published: July 2024

This paper provides a theoretical overview of how the concept of driver readiness can be objectively measured, using controlled experimental data. First, a literature review regarding the concept of driver readiness is provided. Then, it highlights challenges for a standardized readiness estimation model. A conceptual readiness estimation model is presented, and a methodology is proposed for defining readiness thresholds for use by Driver State Monitoring (DSM) systems. The paper then explores how this model can be used to estimate readiness thresholds. A proof of concept for the model application is presented, using previously collected experimental involving SAE Level 2 automation. This paper contributes to the state of the art in DSM-development, by providing a methodology for estimating driver readiness, while considering variabilities across individual drivers. The model also allows readiness thresholds to be defined with data from driving simulator experiments, without relying on subjective assessment of readiness as its ground truth.
Envy-freeness in 3D hedonic games
Authors: McKay Michael , Cseh Ágnes , Manlove David
Published: July 2024

We study the problem of fairly partitioning a set of agents into coalitions based on the agents’ additively separable preferences, which can also be viewed as a hedonic game. We study three successively weaker solution concepts, related to envy, weakly justified envy, and justified envy. In a model in which coalitions may have any size, trivial solutions exist for these concepts, which provides a strong motivation for placing restrictions on coalition size. In this paper, we require feasible coalitions to have size three. We study the existence of partitions that are envy-free, weakly justified envy-free, and justified envy-free, and the computational complexity of finding such partitions, if they exist. We impose various restrictions on the agents’ preferences and present a complete complexity classification in terms of these restrictions.
Does geopolitical risk escalate environmental degradation in Turkey? Evidence from a Fourier approach
Authors: Kızılkaya Fatma , Kızılkaya Oktay , Mike Faruk
Published: July 2024

This study examines the long-run impacts of geopolitical risk on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Turkey using Shin and Fourier Shin cointegration methods for yearly observations from 1985 to 2019. The cointegration test results reveal a long-run relation between CO2 emissions and geopolitical risk, economic growth, renewable energy, and the population size in Turkey. According to dynamic ordinary least squares estimation, geopolitical risk and renewable energy consumption have negative and statistically significant impacts on CO2 emissions, whereas economic growth and population size have positive and statistically significant effects on CO2 in the long-run. This shows that increases in geopolitical risks tend to reduce CO2 emissions in Turkey, by depressing production in polluting industries as well as economic growth. In addition, the study performs TY and Fourier TY causality analyses to check for consistency (or robustness) in the cointegration results. Accordingly, the Fourier TY test results demonstrate a unidirectional relationship from geopolitical risk and population size to CO2 emissions, whereas the Toda–Yamamoto test procedure indicates no causal relationship between the series in the long run. Overall, increases in geopolitical risks decrease the rate of production and pollution in the polluting sector in Turkey. However, this also means a decrease in economic growth rates for Turkey which focuses its economic policy and strategy on sustainable growth and development. Therefore, it is very important for Turkey to immediately implement an environmental practice that will not harm its economic policies.
Advancing Content Synthesis in Macro-Task Crowdsourcing Facilitation Leveraging Natural Language Processing
Authors: Gimpel Henner , Laubacher Robert , Meindl Oliver , Wöhl Moritz , Dombetzki Luca
Published: July 2024

Macro-task crowdsourcing presents a promising approach to address wicked problems like climate change by leveraging the collective efforts of a diverse crowd. Such macro-task crowdsourcing requires facilitation. However, in the facilitation process, traditionally aggregating and synthesizing text contributions from the crowd is labor-intensive, demanding expertise and time from facilitators. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated human-level performance in natural language processing. This paper proposes an abstract design for an information system, developed through four iterations of a prototype, to support the synthesis process of contributions using LLM-based natural language processing. The prototype demonstrated promising results, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in synthesis activities for macro-task crowdsourcing facilitation. By streamlining the synthesis process, the proposed system significantly reduces the effort to synthesize content, allowing for stronger integration of synthesized content into the discussions to reach consensus, ideally leading to more meaningful outcomes.
Psychological Capital, Self-Advocacy, and Future Orientation among Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Hazan-Liran Batel , Walter Ofra
Published: July 2024

The paper offers an innovative exploration of the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the relations between future orientation and self-advocacy among high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. We posited that PsyCap, a composite of hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, serves as a crucial mediator of future orientation and self-advocacy. The sample comprised 40 high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Future orientation, self-advocacy, and PsyCap were significantly correlated among young adults with ASD. PsyCap was a mediator of the relations between future orientation and self-advocacy. The findings contribute to the understanding of psychological factors influencing self-advocacy and future orientation and have practical implications for interventions aimed at enhancing PsyCap to improve self-advocacy and future orientation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The novel estuarine bioremediation target Gracilaria transtasmanica has high tolerance to light limitation, air-exposure and a broad range of salinities
Authors: Ross Bethany G. , Magnusson Marie , Lawton Rebecca J.
Published: July 2024

In-situ macroalgal bioremediation could help prevent and reduce estuarine eutrophication. However, estuaries are dynamic ecosystems characterized by fluctuating abiotic conditions. Therefore, target macroalgal species for in-situ estuarine bioremediation must be able to maintain productivity under a range of challenging abiotic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the tolerance of the novel bioremediation target Gracilaria transtasmanica to ambient and extreme levels of salinity, air-exposure, and light limitation that occur in estuarine environments. Three separate experiments were conducted to assess tolerance to each factor and photosynthetic functioning and growth were used to quantify the tolerance range of G. transtasmanica in each experiment. Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was significantly affected by salinity, air-exposure, and light limitation. Gracilaria transtasmanica was able to grow in salinities of 5 to 35 ppt, but growth rates decreased with decreasing salinity. Air-exposure periods of up to 9 h were tolerated, but growth rates decreased as air-exposure period increased. Gracilaria transtasmanica was able to maintain growth with a loss of up to 75% of ambient light and was also able to tolerate short periods (48 h) of continuous darkness. Photosynthetic function was unaffected by salinity, air-exposure, or light limitation. These results demonstrate the high tolerance of G. transtasmanica to light limitation, air-exposure and a broad range of salinities. Consequently, this species could be cultivated in a range of habitat types within estuaries. However, the optimal habitats for cultivation will be submerged subtidal channels and lower intertidal mudflats where the impacts of freshwater inflows and air-exposure are reduced.
Enhancing corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel through electrochemical deposition of polyaniline coatings in acidic environments
Authors: Fatahiamirdehi Mohammad , Mahani Mohamad , Mirseyed Seyyedeh Forough , Rostamian Auref , Ostadhassan Mehdi
Published: July 2024

Stainless steel is widely used because of its excellent corrosion resistance in typical environments. However, it is susceptible to corrosion in acidic media, therefore, to address this issue, the electrochemical deposition of polyaniline coatings on 316L stainless steel was investigated using cyclic voltammetry at different potential windows and scan rates. The successful polymerization and surface morphology were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Moreover, thermal stability of the PANI coating was assessed through thermo gravimetric analysis while the corrosion behavior of bare and coated steels immersed in 1M H2SO4 was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Based on the Nyquist plots obtained from the EIS revealed that the corrosion resistance of the PANI coating improved significantly with a decrease in scan rate and by limiting the upper potential, especially during longer exposure times up to 72 h. Results suggest that controlling the deposition parameters and optimizing the electrochemical conditions can lead to even greater improvements in the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers and engineers in the field of materials science and corrosion protection, enabling them to develop more precise and efficient strategies for enhancing the durability and performance of stainless steel in acidic environments.
Impact of pre and post-perovskite infiltration treatments on monolithic perovskite solar cell performance
Authors: Mishra Arti , Ammar Mohammad , Raza Ehsan , Ijaz Sumbel , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Bhadra Jolly , Ahmad Zubair
Published: July 2024

Carbon-based monolithic perovskite solar cells (mPSCs) represent an enticing frontier in the domain of organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells, capturing substantial research attention due to their cost effectiveness and straightforward fabrication process. Despite these merits, the challenge of achieving uniform pore filling in mPSCs, especially within mesoporous layers comprising titania, zirconia, and carbon alongside perovskite, persists. The uncontrolled and confined crystallization of the perovskite precursor within these mesoporous layers warrants meticulous investigation. This study addresses the issues related to uncontrolled crystallization by employing temperature-assisted infiltration techniques spanning from room temperature to 70 °C across triple mesoporous scaffolds. Devices were intricately fabricated using a semi-automatic drop-casting procedure, incorporating a (5-AVA)x(MA)1−xPbI3-mixed cation perovskite. Following infiltration, comprehensive pore filling of oxide layers was achieved through chlorobenzene-assisted antisolvent treatment. Comparisons were made between chlorobenzene-assisted and untreated samples under ambient conditions and thermal stress (40–70 °C). The temperature-dependent effects on perovskite infiltration and recrystallization were systematically investigated through dark and light current–voltage (J–V) characteristics, Impedance Spectroscopy (IS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. The findings revealed that the optimum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.34% was attained when perovskite infiltration occurred at 40 °C with antisolvent treatment. Dark J–V and IS results indicated that temperature-assisted infiltration not only stimulated charge transfer but also effectively suppressed recombination. Under chlorobenzene treatment, XRD peaks exhibited broadening, indicating a reduction in perovskite crystallite size. This phenomenon facilitated the development of perovskite crystals across all available mesoporous spaces, leading to an enhanced interface property conducive to efficient charge transfer. The insights gleaned from this study on the controlled crystallization of perovskite precursors within mesoporous layers hold significant promise for advancing the stability and efficiency of mPSCs.
Social isolation, coping efficacy, and social well-being over time in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Dunsmore Victoria J. , Neupert Shevaun D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Little work has examined how coping efficacy and lung cancer-related social isolation relate to social well-being in the context of a patient’s computed tomography (CT) scan. Researchers tested the cross-sectional relationship of social isolation and social well-being, and the longitudinal relationship between coping efficacy and social well-being before CT scans.

Method

25 patients with lung cancer, within 6 months of their upcoming CT scan, participated. Baseline surveys collected clinical information, demographics, and social isolation; repeated monthly surveys collected coping efficacy and social well-being every 30 days until one’s scan.

Results

[Cross-sectional] High levels of social isolation were associated with low levels of social well-being.

[Longitudinal] On months patients reported high coping efficacy, they also reported increases in social well-being.

Conclusions

Social interventions may improve well-being among those with lung cancer as our work shows that getting and receiving support are strongly related to well-being in the time surrounding a scan.
An improved upper bound for the online graph exploration problem on unicyclic graphs
Authors: Kobayashi Koji M. , Li Ying
Published: July 2024

The online graph exploration problem, which was proposed by Kalyanasundaram and Pruhs (Theor Comput Sci 130(1):125–138, 1994), is defined as follows: Given an edge-weighted undirected connected graph and a specified vertex (called the origin), the task of an algorithm is to compute a path from the origin to the origin which contains all the vertices of the given graph. The goal of the problem is to find such a path of minimum weight. At each time, an online algorithm knows only the weights of edges each of which consists of visited vertices or vertices adjacent to visited vertices. Fritsch (Inform Process Lett 168:1006096, 2021) showed that the competitive ratio of an online algorithm is at most three for any unicyclic graph. On the other hand, Brandt et al. (Theor Comput Sci 839:176–185, 2020) showed a lower bound of two on the competitive ratio for any unicyclic graph. In this paper, we showed the competitive ratio of an online algorithm is at most 5/2 for any unicyclic graph.
Experimental and Computational Study of Modified Biopolymer Xanthan Gum with Synthetic Vinyl Monomers for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Abou-alfitooh Samah A. M. , El-Hosiny F. I. , El-hoshoudy A. N.
Published: July 2024

Utilizing xanthan gum, a biodegradable polymer, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is imperative wherever there is a need for innovation in oil production that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Xanthan, chosen for its natural sourcing, availability, controllability, eco-friendliness, and biodegradability, proves resilient against harsh reservoir conditions owing to its rigid structure and elongated polysaccharide chains. This study investigates two modified xanthan gum composites, achieved by grafting with synthetic vinyl monomers through emulsified polymerization. Spectroscopic characterization using FTIR and 1H-NMR, along with surface morphology analysis via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermal behavior screening through TGA analysis, elucidates the properties of these modified composites. Rheological behavior under reservoir conditions, including stress scanning and viscosity/shear rate dependency, was evaluated. Material modeling with the Materials Studio program simulated the equilibrium adsorption of xanthan and modified biopolymer chains on SiO2-quartz crystal to assess wettability alteration. Simulation results indicate that XG-g-AM, MMA&TEVS exhibit greater stability and surface coverage with more negative electrostatic energies compared to XG and XG-g-AM&MMA. The laboratory runs on a sandstone-packed model to identify the disclosed XG-g-AM&MMA and XG-g-AM, MMA&TEVS biopolymers as promising EOR candidates and wettability modifiers in challenging sandstone reservoirs, as per experimental outcomes.
Ferroptosis contributes to diabetes-induced visual pathway neuronal damage via iron accumulation and GPX4 inactivation
Authors: Wang Bowen , Jin Ying , Ouyang Xuan , Zhu Ru , Wang Xinghua , Li Shuang , Jiang Fagang
Published: July 2024

The damage of the diabetic visual pathway is one of the main causes of blindness in diabetic patients. Visual pathways include anatomic parts from the retina to the occipital lobe. This study investigated the involvement of ferroptosis, a planned cell death brought on by the buildup of free iron in cells, in the impairment of visual pathways in diabetes mellitus. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to construct a diabetic rat model. Pathological and ultrastructural changes of the occipital lobe, retina, and optic nerve were observed by Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expressions of Neuronal nuclei (NeuN), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the occipital lobe and retina were detected by immunofluorescence, and Western Blotting was used to identify the NeuN GFAP and GPX4 expressions in the occipital lobe. Iron content in the occipital lobe and retina was detected by Iron Assay Kit. The success rate of the diabetic rat model was 93.3%. In the diabetic group, the cells of the occipital lobe and retina were arranged disorderly, and the boundaries were unclear. The membrane of the occipital lobe, retina, and optic nerve was broken, some vacuoles were observed, mitochondrial morphology was changed, swelling was observed, and the mitochondrial ridge disappeared. There was a large increase in GFAP expression and iron concentration and a significant decrease in the expression of NeuN, and GPX4 in the retina and occipital lobe. Ferroptosis plays an important role in visual pathway damage in diabetes, and GPX4 regulates this process.
High Temperature Intergranular Oxidation of Nickel Based Superalloy Inconel 718
Authors: Madhusudan Sudhanva , Epifano Enrica , Favergeon Jérôme , Sanviemvongsak Tom , Maréchal David , Monceau Daniel
Published: July 2024

Intergranular oxidation (IGO) of the Ni-based superalloy Inconel 718 was studied at 650 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C. The oxidized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. For all the studied temperatures, the external scale was mainly composed of Cr2O3, while the oxides along the grain boundaries were rich in Al and, to a minor extent, Ti. This was consistent with thermodynamic computations. The time evolution of the maximum depth of IGO was found to be parabolic with an apparent activation energy of 164 kJ/mol. The results of this study confirm with three temperatures that IGO kinetics can be described using an extension of the Wagner’s theory of internal oxidation, as recently suggested in the literature at 850 °C. According to this description, the mechanisms controlling the IGO kinetics of Inconel 718 are the aluminum diffusion in the alloy matrix and the oxygen diffusion along the interface between the alloy matrix and the oxidized grain boundary.
The Impact of Annealing Methods on the Encapsulating Structure and Storage-Stability of Freeze-Dried Pellets of Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Palmkron Shuai Bai , Bergenståhl Björn , Hall Stephen , Håkansson Sebastian , Wahlgren Marie , Larsson Emanuel , Fureby Anna Millqvist
Published: July 2024

Objective

This paper investigates the critical role of material thickness in freeze-dried pellets for enhancing the storage stability of encapsulated bacteria. Freeze dried material of varying thicknesses obtained from different annealing durations is quantified using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microtomography (μCT), the material thickness is then correlated to the storage stability of the encapsulated cells.

Methods

A formulation comprising of sucrose, maltodextrin, and probiotic cells is quenched in liquid nitrogen to form pellets. The pellets undergo different durations of annealing before undergoing freeze-drying. The material thickness is quantified using SEM and μCT. Storage stability in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments is evaluated by measuring CFU counts and correlated with the pellet structure.

Results

The varying annealing protocols produce a range of material thicknesses, with more extensive annealing resulting in thicker materials. Storage stability exhibits a positive correlation with material thickness, indicating improved stability with thicker materials. Non-annealed pellets exhibit structural irregularities and inconsistent storage stability, highlighting the impracticality of avoiding annealing in the freeze-drying process.

Conclusions

Extensive annealing not only enhances the storage stability of probiotic products but also provides greater control over the freeze-drying process, ensuring homogeneous and reproducible products. This study underscores the importance of material thickness in freeze-dried pellets for optimizing storage stability for probiotic formulations, and emphasize the necessity of annealing as a critical step in freeze-drying quenched pellets to achieve desired structural and stability outcomes.
Microlensing Near Macro-Caustics
Authors: Weisenbach Luke , Anguita Timo , Miralda-Escudé Jordi , Oguri Masamune , Saha Prasenjit , Schechter Paul L.
Published: July 2024

Microlensing near macro-caustics is a complex phenomenon in which swarms of micro-images produced by micro-caustics form on both sides of a macro-critical curve. Recent discoveries of highly magnified images of individual stars in massive galaxy cluster lenses, predicted to be formed by these micro-image swarms, have stimulated studies on this topic. In this article, we explore microlensing near macro-caustics using both simulations and analytic calculations. We show that the mean total magnification of the micro-image swarms follows that of an extended source in the absence of microlensing. Micro-caustics join into a connected network in a region around the macro-critical line of a width proportional to the surface density of microlenses; within this region, the increase of the mean magnification toward the macro-caustic is driven by the increase of the number of micro-images rather than individual magnifications of micro-images. The maximum achievable magnification in micro-caustic crossings decreases with the mass fraction in microlenses. We conclude with a review of applications of this microlensing phenomenon, including limits to the fraction of dark matter in compact objects, and searches of Population III stars and dark matter subhalos. We argue that the discovered highly magnified stars at cosmological distances already imply that less than ∼ 10% of the dark matter may be in the form of compact objects with mass above $\sim 10^{-6}~M_{\odot }$
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Volume-Based Quantitative Measurement of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT Uptake Reflects the Disease Activity of IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Wan Liyan , Sun Chuanyin , Liang Junyu , Lin Jin , Chen Zhi
Published: July 2024

Background

To investigate the potential utility of quantitative parameters obtained by 18F-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT) in the assessment of organ involvement and disease activity in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Methods

This study enrolled patients who underwent [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT scans at the Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from August 2021 to August 2022. The PET/CT images of the included patients were re-evaluated by PET center technicians, and the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic lesion volume (MLV), and total lesion FAPI (TL-FAPI) were used to evaluate the involved organs and tissues that abnormally accumulated [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04. The clinical and laboratory data of patients are also systematically collected and analyzed.

Results

Among the patients included in this study, 12 patients met the IgG4-RD classification criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology in 2019. Among them, 8 were males and 4 were females, with an average age of 59.3 ± 11.5 years. 50% of IgG4-RD patients were found with more organ involvement on PET/CT than physical examination, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. IgG4 levels (Rho = 0.594, p = 0.042) and IgG4-RI (Rho = 0.647, p = 0.023) were significantly positively correlated with TL-FAPI. After linear regression analysis, only TL-FAPI showed a predictive value of RI (R2 = 0.356, B = 0.008, p = 0.041).

Conclusions

[18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT is a useful tool for identifying asymptomatic organ involvement and assessing disease activity. The TL-FAPI as an indicator was positively correlated with IgG4-RD disease activity.
The ten-year anniversary of public procurement reforms: a critical assessment of the European Union public procurement Directives
Authors: Bovis Christopher H.
Published: July 2024

This article evaluates the objectives of the legal framework on public procurement in the European Union and assesses its contribution to the internal market. The author provides for a critical analysis of the evolution of the public procurement acquis, which reveals an environment occupied with conceptual and regulatory interfaces, exhibiting advanced interoperability with legal systems of Member States and faced with continuous market-driven modality changes in awarding and financing public contracts for the delivery of public services.
The value of net influx constant based on FDG PET/CT dynamic imaging in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in lung cancer
Authors: Wumener Xieraili , Zhang Yarong , Zang Zihan , Ye Xiaoxing , Zhao Jiuhui , Zhao Jun , Liang Ying
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the value of the dynamic and static quantitative metabolic parameters derived from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in lung cancer and to validate them based on the results of a previous study.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-one patients with lung nodules or masses detected on chest CT scan underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic + static imaging with informed consent. A retrospective collection of 126 LNs in 37 patients with lung cancer was pathologically confirmed. Static image analysis parameters include LN-SUVmax and LN-SUVmax/primary tumor SUVmax (LN-SUVmax/PT-SUVmax). Dynamic metabolic parameters including the net influx rate (Ki) and the surrogate of perfusion (K1) and of each LN were obtained by applying the irreversible two-tissue compartment model using in-house Matlab software. Ki/K1 was then calculated as a separate marker. Based on the pathological findings, we divided into a metastatic group and a non-metastatic group. The χ2 test was used to evaluate the agreement of the individual and combined diagnosis of each metabolic parameter with the gold standard. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for each parameter to determine the diagnostic efficacy in differentiating non-metastatic from metastatic LNs with high FDG-avid. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among the 126 FDG-avid LNs confirmed by pathology, 70 LNs were metastatic, and 56 LNs were non-metastatic. For ROC analysis, in separate assays, the dynamic metabolic parameter Ki [sensitivity (SEN) of 84.30%, specificity (SPE) of 94.60%, accuracy of 88.89%, and AUC of 0.895] had a better diagnostic value than the static metabolic parameter SUVmax (SEN of 82.90%, SPE of 62.50%, accuracy of 74.60%, and AUC of 0.727) in differentiating between metastatic from non-metastatic LNs groups, respectively. In the combined diagnosis group, the combined SUVmax + Ki diagnosis had a better diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic LNs, with SEN, SPE, accuracy, and AUC of 84.3%, 94.6%, 88.89%, and 0.907, respectively.

Conclusions

When the cutoff value of Ki was 0.022 ml/g/min, it had a high diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between metastasis and non-metastasis in FDG-avid LNs of lung cancer, especially in improving the specificity. The combination of SUVmax and Ki is expected to be a reliable metabolic parameter for N-staging of lung cancer.
Smart Urban Agriculture
Authors: Christmann Anne-Sophie , Graf-Drasch Valerie , Schäfer Ricarda
Published: July 2024

Given cities’ rising environmental problems and increasing food insecurity, innovative organizational endeavors such as urban agriculture present a chance for additional ecosystem services and food production. However, urban spaces are hostile as they jeopardize the availability of air, water, or soil. While digital innovations enable the management of scarce resources in traditional agricultural contexts, little is known about their applicability in urban agriculture endeavors. This study proposes a multi-layer taxonomy focusing on digital technologies, data, and different approaches in urban agriculture, as well as 20 organizational readiness factors derived with academics and practitioners from the smart urban agriculture domain. Combining both perspectives, the study sheds light on the nature of smart urban agriculture and ways to leverage its economic, ecological, and social value.
Consensus statement on renal denervation by the Joint Committee of Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH), Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT), and the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS)
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Kai Hisashi , Rakugi Hiromi , Hoshide Satoshi , Node Koichi , Maekawa Yuichiro , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Sakata Yasushi , Aoki Jiro , Nanto Shinsuke , Yokoi Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2024

This is the first consensus statement of the Joint Committee on Renal Denervation of the Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH)/Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT)/Japanese Circulation Society (JCS). The consensus is that the indication for renal denervation (RDN) is resistant hypertension or “conditioned” uncontrolled hypertension, with high office and out-of-office blood pressure (BP) readings despite appropriate lifestyle modification and antihypertensive drug therapy. “Conditioned” uncontrolled hypertension is defined as having one of the following: 1) inability to up-titrate antihypertensive medication due to side effects, the presence of complications, or reduced quality of life. This includes patients who are intolerant of antihypertensive drugs; or 2) comorbidity at high cardiovascular risk due to increased sympathetic nerve activity, such as orthostatic hypertension, morning hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, or sleep apnea (unable to use continuous positive airway pressure), atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrythmia, or heart failure. RDN should be performed by the multidisciplinary Hypertension Renal Denervation Treatment (HRT) team, led by specialists in hypertension, cardiovascular intervention and cardiology, in specialized centers validated by JSH, CVIT, and JCS. The HRT team reviews lifestyle modifications and medication, and the patient profile, then determines the presence of an indication of RDN based on shared decision making with each patient. Once approval for real-world clinical use in Japan, however, the joint RDN committee will update the indication and treatment implementation guidance as appropriate (annually if necessary) based on future real-world evidence.

Graphical Abstract
Functional properties of food packaging solutions alternative to conventional multilayer systems
Authors: Mengozzi Anna , Carullo Daniele , Bot Francesca , Farris Stefano , Chiavaro Emma
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the most important functional properties of multilayer and alternative packaging with improved sustainability specifically used for modified atmosphere (MAP) and chilled food products. A multilayer material with a thickness reduction, mono-PET, paper/PE-EVOH-PE, and a biopolymer for trays, together with a SiOx-coated PET, and a cellulose/PLA-based for lids were analyzed for their optical, tensile, and gas-vapor barrier properties, which were compared to those of conventional trays/lids (PET-EVOH-PE multilayer structures). All the alternative solutions showed good UV-light screening ability, together with high transparency in the visible range, and tensile properties greater than those displayed by conventional configurations. Lid alternative materials exhibited a significantly higher performance in terms of oxygen and water vapor barrier properties as compared to that displayed by conventional counterparts. The tray alternative solutions performed better than the conventional ones against CO2 and O2 permeation, with values lower than the detection limit of the instrument (0.01 cm3 m− 2 day− 1 and 0.25 cm3 m− 2 day− 1 for O2 and CO2, respectively). This study demonstrated the high potential of alternative packaging in replacing the current materials intended for storing highly perishable foods stored under MAP and cold storage.
LCC-based approach for design and requirement specification for railway track system
Authors: Famurewa Stephen , Kirilmaz Elias , Chamkhorami Khosro Soleimani , Kasraei Ahmad , Garmabaki A. H. S.
Published: July 2024

Life cycle cost (LCC) analysis is an important tool for effective infrastructure management. It is an essential decision support methodology for selection, design, development, construction, maintenance and renewal of railway infrastructure system. Effective implementation of LCC analysis will assure cost-effective operation of railways from both investment and life-cycle perspectives. A major setback in the successful implementation of LCC analysis by infrastructure managers is the availability of relevant, reliable, and structured data. Different cost estimation methods and prediction models have been developed to deal with this challenge. However, there is a need to include condition degradation models as an integral part of LCC model to account for possible changes in the model variables. This article presents an approach for integrating degradation models with LCC model to study the impact of change in design speed on key decision criteria such as track possession time, service life of track system, and LCC. The methodology is applied to an ongoing railway investment project in Sweden to investigate and quantify the impact of design speed change from 250 to 320 km/h. The results of the studied degradation models show that the intended change in speed corresponds to correction factor values between 0.79 and 0.96. Using this correction factor to compensate for changes in design speed, the service life of ballasted track system is estimated to decrease by an average of 15%. Further, the expected value of LCC for the route under consideration will increase by 30%. The outcome of this study will be used to support the design and requirement specification of railway track system for the project under consideration.
Photoplethysmography-based non-invasive blood pressure monitoring via ensemble model and imbalanced dataset processing
Authors: Liu Qianyu , Yang Chaojie , Yang Sen , Kwong Chiew Foong , Wang Jing , Zhou Ning
Published: July 2024

Photoplethysmography, a widely embraced tool for non-invasive blood pressure (BP) monitoring, has demonstrated potential in BP prediction, especially when machine learning techniques are involved. However, predictions with a singular model often fall short in terms of accuracy. In order to counter this issue, we propose an innovative ensemble model that utilizes Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) as the base estimator for predicting systolic and diastolic BP. This study included 115 women and 104 men, with experimental results indicating mean absolute errors of 5.63 mmHg and 9.36 mmHg for diastolic and systolic BP, in line with level B and C standards set by the British Hypertension Society. Additionally, our research confronts data imbalance in medical research which can detrimentally affect classification. Here we demonstrate an effective use for the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) with three nearest neighbors for handling moderate imbalanced datasets. The application of this method outperformed other methods in the field, achieving an F1 score of 81.6% and an AUC value of 0.895, emphasizing the potential value of SMOTE for addressing imbalanced datasets in medical research.
Modified Vector-Controlled DFIG Wind Energy System Using Robust Model Predictive Rotor Current Control
Authors: Achar Abdelkader , Djeriri Youcef , Benbouhenni Habib , Bouddou Riyadh , Elbarbary Z. M. S.
Published: July 2024

As wind energy (WE) technologies become more prevalent, there are significant concerns about the electrical grid’s stability. Despite their many advantages, a WE system based on a doubly fed induction generator is vulnerable to power grid disruptions. Due to being built on traditional controllers, the generator systems with standard vector control (VC) cannot resist disturbances. This paper seeks to provide a novel VC that is resistant to outer perturbations. For this purpose, a finite state space model predictive control (FS-MPC) is utilized instead of the internal current loop of the standard VC. The objective of the proposed system is to minimize the error between the measured currents and their reference values and, also, reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the current. The cost function can optimize this requirement, which reduces the computation time. The VC-FS-MPC was implemented using the MATLAB, where a 1.5-MW generator operating under different conditions was used. The necessary graphical and numerical results were extracted to show the efficiency, effectiveness, and ability of the VC-FS-MPC to improve the characteristics of the studied energy system. The results show the flexibility and distinctive performance of the VC-FS-MPC in the various tests used, as the THD of stator current was reduced in the second test compared to the first test by an estimated percentage of 61.79%. Moreover, the THD of rotor current was reduced compared to the first test by an estimated percentage of 23.56%. These ratios confirm the effectiveness of the VC-FS-MPC in improving the characteristics of the proposed system.
Supporting students with English as an additional language during emergency remote teaching: a Q methodology study
Authors: Bonar Gary , Slaughter Yvette , Keary Anne , Davies Tanya
Published: July 2024

Students with English as an additional language (EAL) comprise approximately a third of the government school population in Australia’s second most populous state of Victoria. While the broad impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teachers and students has been the focus of recent studies, there is a lack of information on how EAL educators adapted to meet the needs of this diverse cohort of students during periods of emergency remote teaching (ERT). In this mixed-methods study, eleven EAL educators from diverse educational contexts in Victoria completed a Q-sort of 49 statements followed by in-depth interviews. The by-person factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution that revealed the transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic brought both challenges and opportunities for EAL educators. Some students who struggled in traditional classrooms engaged more effectively in remote learning, while others experienced significant anxiety. Additionally, some educators experimented with digital tools and strategies, gaining valuable insights into effective approaches for students with EAL. These findings render a nuanced picture of educators’ experiences during this time, enhancing our understanding of transformative educational practices for linguistically diverse students.
Microbial biomass production from enzymatically saccharified organic municipal waste and present microbial inhibitors
Authors: Rudnyckyj Stanislav , Chaturvedi Tanmay , Thomsen Mette Hedegaard
Published: July 2024

The study investigated the potential of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) for microbial biomass production. The compositional analysis of OFMSW showed richness in sugars, proteins, lipids, organic acids, and ethanol, suggesting promising cheap cultivation feedstock if inhibitory compounds are sustainably detoxified. The enzymatic hydrolysis with Cellic® CTec3 and AMG® 300 L BrewQ (Novozymes A/S) demonstrated excellent saccharification of sugar polymer, reaching 92% glucan hydrolysis and 70% xylan hydrolysis. However, higher enzymatic dosages led to a rise in the total organic acids content, potentially causing increased microbial inhibition. Full hydrolysate and hydrolysate after solids removal were cultivated with seven robust microbial strains. Cultivation on hydrolysate with solids showed consumption of sugars and organic acids solely by commercial backer yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Removal of solids from hydrolysate resulted in increased performance of tested strains, showing consumption of measured organic acids and ethanol by S. cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 8218, and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus ATCC 20509. Remarkably, the investigation of biomass production revealed superior cell mass formation and detoxification by S. cerevisiae, resulting in 18.9 g of biomass/L hydrolysate with 50% of crude protein (w/w) in shake flasks and 13.2 g/L of hydrolase with 46% of crude protein (w/w) in a 5-L bioreactor. Furthermore, bioreactor cultivation confirmed organic acids and ethanol conversion into biomass, highlighting S. cerevisiae’s suitability for utilizing OFMSW for microbial biomass production. These findings contribute to advancements in biowaste-to-fodder conversion, promoting the development of a more sustainable circular economy.

Graphical abstract
Assessing Play in Children Developing with Delays: A Scoping Review
Authors: Medeiros Haley V. , Lifter Karin , Goodwin Grace , Antonelli Robert
Published: July 2024

Research demonstrates children developing with delays evidence less elaborated play than children developing typically, but methodology for evaluating play is inconsistent. This scoping review reports clinical populations studied and categorical terms used categorizing object play, and compares these categories with a contemporary comprehensive analysis of children’s play. Thirty-four peer-reviewed articles were analyzed for characteristics, definitions, origins, and differentiation of play category descriptions, and comparison to the 21 categories identified in our study of children’s play from 8 to 60 months (Lifter et al., Acta Psychologica 224:103524, 2022). Findings indicated categories across studies tended to overlap with several of the 21 categories, suggesting widely used categories do not capture nuances in play development. Increased standardization and specificity in play assessment can improve interventions to benefit children developing with delays.
From Early to Recent Models: A Review of the Evolution of Road Traffic and Single Vehicles Noise Emission Modelling
Authors: Guarnaccia Claudio , Mascolo Aurora , Aumond Pierre , Can Arnaud , Rossi Domenico
Published: July 2024

Purpose of the Review

This paper is devoted to the review of the most popular literature Road Traffic Noise Models (RTNMs) frameworks, from the oldest ones to the recent machine learning techniques. A dedicated section is reserved to the review of Noise Emission Models (NEMs), with specific focus on approaches that allow the assessment of single vehicles’ emissions. Finally, some propagation models are also briefly presented, along with the assessment of the impact on the population of road traffic noise, in terms of time-averaged indicators and exposure descriptors.

Recent Findings

In recent years, many efforts have been devoted to developing methods and models to assess the impact of environmental noise. Considering the primary role of road traffic as a noise source, estimating its impact is fundamental when evaluating the acoustic environment of a specific urban area. The scope of RTNMs is to provide an assessment of the noise emitted by the source in terms of traffic flows, propagate it at any desired point, including possible corrective factors, assess the impact at the receiver, and use this information to provide maps and other useful outputs.

This review summarizes the so-far developed approaches for road traffic noise evaluation and furthermore underscores the ongoing necessity for research to develop more precise tools useful for managing road traffic noise’s adverse effects on urban environments and public well-being. Challenges and limitations of such models are discussed in the conclusions, highlighting the need for providing high quality input data and avoiding site-dependent approaches.
The Impact of Rotation and Inclined Load on a Nonlocal Fiber-Reinforced Thermoelastic Half-space via Simple-phase-lag Model
Authors: Said Samia M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to discuss the impacts of rotation, inclined load, nonlocal parameter, and an empirical material constant on various physical variables of a fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium.

Methods

The present problem was studied using the simple phase-lags (DPL) model. Using normal mode analysis, the precise expressions for the temperature, stress, and displacement components are found.

Results

Matlab software is used to do numerical computations. Comparisons are done between the outcomes obtained and those expected for various nonlocal parameter values, rotation, an empirical material constant, and inclined load.

Conclusion

The nonlocal parameter and rotation play a big part in how the physical fields are distributed. The distributions of the physical fields are significantly influenced by the inclined load and an empirical material constant.
Approximate rationality and ideal rationality
Authors: Zhang Snow
Published: July 2024

According to approximate Bayesianism, Bayesian norms are ideal norms worthy of approximation for non-ideal agents. This paper discusses one potential challenge for approximate Bayesianism: in non-transparent learning situations—situations where the agent does not learn what they have or have not learnt—it is unclear that the Bayesian norms are worth satisfying, let alone approximating. I discuss two replies to this challenge and find neither satisfactory. I suggest that what transpires is a general tension between approximate Bayesianism and the possibility of “non-ideal” epistemic situations.