bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laparoscopic and open inguinal–hernia repair in elderly patients: the experience of two comprehensive medical centers over 10 years
Authors: Xi S. , Chen Z. , Lu Q. , Liu C. , Xu L. , Lu C. , Cheng R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The safety of laparoscopic inguinal–hernia repair must be carefully evaluated in elderly patients. Very little is known regarding the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients under surgical and medical co-management (SMC). Therefore, this study evaluated the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients, especially patients with multiple comorbidities under SMC.

Methods

From January 2012 to December 2021, patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent open or laparoscopic inguinal–hernia repair during hospitalization were consecutively enrolled. Postoperative outcomes included major and minor operation-related complications, and other adverse events. To reduce potential selection bias, propensity score matching was performed between open and laparoscopic groups based on patients’ demographics and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 447 elderly patients who underwent inguinal–hernia repair were enrolled, with 408 (91.3%) underwent open and 39 (8.7%) laparoscopic surgery. All postoperative outcomes were comparable between open and laparoscopic groups after 1:1 propensity score matching (all p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to the traditional care group (n = 360), a higher proportion of the SMC group (n = 87) was treated via the laparoscopic approach (18.4% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.00). In the laparoscopic approach subgroup (n = 39), patients in the SMC group (n = 16) were older with multiple comorbidities but were at higher risks of only minor operation-related complications, compared to those in the traditional care group.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic inguinal–hernia repair surgery is safe for elderly patients, especially those with multiple comorbidities under SMC.
Agile meets quantum: a novel genetic algorithm model for predicting the success of quantum software development project
Authors: Khan Arif Ali , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Lahtinen Valtteri , Paavola Marko , Niazi Mahmood , Alatawi Mohammed Naif , Alotaibi Shoayee Dlaim
Published: April 2024

Quantum software systems represent a new realm in software engineering, utilizing quantum bits (Qubits) and quantum gates (Qgates) to solve the complex problems more efficiently than classical counterparts. Agile software development approaches are considered to address many inherent challenges in quantum software development, but their effective integration remains unexplored. This study investigates key causes of challenges that could hinders the adoption of traditional agile approaches in quantum software projects and develop an Agile-Quantum Software Project Success Prediction Model (AQSSPM). Firstly, we identified 19 causes of challenging factors discussed in our previous study, which are potentially impacting agile-quantum project success. Secondly, a survey was conducted to collect expert opinions on these causes and applied Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Naive Bayes Classifier (NBC) and Logistic Regression (LR) to develop the AQSSPM. Utilizing GA with NBC, project success probability improved from 53.17 to 99.68%, with cost reductions from 0.463 to 0.403%. Similarly, GA with LR increased success rates from 55.52 to 98.99%, and costs decreased from 0.496 to 0.409% after 100 iterations. Both methods result showed a strong positive correlation (rs = 0.955) in causes ranking, with no significant difference between them (t = 1.195, p = 0.240 > 0.05). The AQSSPM highlights critical focus areas for efficiently and successfully implementing agile-quantum projects considering the cost factor of a particular project.
Uranium capture from aqueous solution using palm-waste based activated carbon: sorption kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Youssef W. M. , El-Maadawy M. M. , Masoud A. M. , Alhindawy I. G. , Hussein A. E. M.
Published: April 2024

Carbonaceous materials produced from agricultural waste (palm kernel shell) by pyrolysis can be a proper type of low-cost adsorbent for wide uses in radioactive effluent treatment. In this context, the as-produced bio-char (labeled as PBC) and its sub-driven sulfuric acid and zinc oxide activated carbons (labeled as PBC-SA, and PBC-Zn respectively) were employed as adsorbents for uranium sorption from aqueous solution. Various analytical techniques, including SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EXD (X-ray Diffraction), BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and Zeta potential, provide insights into the material characteristics. Kinetic and isotherm investigations illuminated that the sorption process using the three sorbents is nicely fitted with Pseudo-second-order-kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. The picked data display that the equilibrium time was 60 min, and the maximum sorption capacity was 9.89, 16.8, and 21.9 mg/g for PBC, PBC-SA, and PBC-Zn respectively, which reflects the highest affinity for zinc oxide, activated bio-char, among the three adsorbents, for uranium taking out from radioactive wastewater. Sorption thermodynamics declare that the sorption of U(VI) is an exothermic, spontaneous, and feasible process. About 92% of the uranium-loaded PBC-Zn sorbent was eluted using 1.0 M CH3COONa sodium ethanoate solution, and the sorbent demonstrated proper stability for 5 consecutive sorption/desorption cycles.
Software doping analysis for human oversight
Authors: Biewer Sebastian , Baum Kevin , Sterz Sarah , Hermanns Holger , Hetmank Sven , Langer Markus , Lauber-Rönsberg Anne , Lehr Franz
Published: April 2024

This article introduces a framework that is meant to assist in mitigating societal risks that software can pose. Concretely, this encompasses facets of software doping as well as unfairness and discrimination in high-risk decision-making systems. The term software doping refers to software that contains surreptitiously added functionality that is against the interest of the user. A prominent example of software doping are the tampered emission cleaning systems that were found in millions of cars around the world when the diesel emissions scandal surfaced. The first part of this article combines the formal foundations of software doping analysis with established probabilistic falsification techniques to arrive at a black-box analysis technique for identifying undesired effects of software. We apply this technique to emission cleaning systems in diesel cars but also to high-risk systems that evaluate humans in a possibly unfair or discriminating way. We demonstrate how our approach can assist humans-in-the-loop to make better informed and more responsible decisions. This is to promote effective human oversight, which will be a central requirement enforced by the European Union’s upcoming AI Act. We complement our technical contribution with a juridically, philosophically, and psychologically informed perspective on the potential problems caused by such systems.
Towards the automatic detection and correction of abnormal arterial pressure waveforms
Authors: Michard Frederic
Published: April 2024

Both over and underdamping of the arterial pressure waveform are frequent during continuous invasive radial pressure monitoring. They may influence systolic blood pressure measurements and the accuracy of cardiac output monitoring with pulse wave analysis techniques. It is therefore recommended to regularly perform fast flush tests to unmask abnormal damping. Smart algorithms have recently been developed for the automatic detection of abnormal damping. In case of overdamping, air bubbles, kinking, and partial obstruction of the arterial catheter should be suspected and eliminated. In the case of underdamping, resonance filters may be necessary to normalize the arterial pressure waveform and ensure accurate hemodynamic measurements.
Exploring the One Health Paradigm in Male Breast Cancer
Authors: Tay Kirsty Luo-Yng , Cowan George , Chatterji Subarnarekha , Conti Giulia , Speirs Valerie
Published: April 2024

How cancer patterns in humans compare to those of other species remains largely unknown and there is an even bigger knowledge gap for rare cancers like male breast cancer. One Health is a convergence of human and animal healthcare that encourages cross-pollination of medical research uniting human and veterinary medicine. Recognising that breast cancer occurs spontaneously in other male species (e.g. primates, canines, felines), and knowing that no laboratory models exist for male breast cancer, which limits our ability to perform functional studies, we explored the feasibility of applying One Health to breast cancer in men by conducting a narrative review of the topic. Spontaneous development of breast cancer was reported in captive male primates and in companion canines and felines. Some parallels in tumour biology of human male breast cancer with canines and primates were found. The age distribution, pattern of biomarker expression and metastasis were similar, with mammary tumours typically detected after two-thirds of average lifespan. However, instances of triple negative and inflammatory breast cancer, which are rarely observed in human male breast cancer, were found in canines and histological classification was inconsistent between species. These disparities need redressing to enable full exploration of the One Health paradigm in rare cancers.
Bottom-up perspective – The role of roots and rhizosphere in climate change adaptation and mitigation in agroecosystems
Authors: George T. S. , Bulgarelli D. , Carminati A. , Chen Y. , Jones D. , Kuzyakov Y. , Schnepf A. , Wissuwa M. , Roose T.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Climate change is happening and causing severe impact on the sustainability of agroecosystems. We argue that many of the abiotic stresses associated with climate change will be most acutely perceived by the plant at the root-soil interface and are likely to be mitigated at this globally important interface. In this review we will focus on the direct impacts of climate change, temperature, drought and pCO2, on roots and rhizospheres.

Methods and Results

We consider which belowground traits will be impacted and discuss the potential for monitoring and quantifying these traits for modelling and breeding programs. We discuss the specific impacts of combined stress and the role of the microbial communities populating the root-soil interface, collectively referred to as the rhizosphere microbiota, in interactions with roots under stress and discuss the plastic responses to stress as a way of adapting plants to climate change. We then go on to discuss the role that modelling has in understanding this complex problem and suggest the best belowground targets for adaptation and mitigation to climate change. We finish by considering where the main uncertainties lie, providing perspective on where research is needed.

Conclusion

This review therefore focuses on the potential of roots and rhizosphere to adapt to climate change effects and to mitigate their negative impacts on plant growth, crop productivity, soil health and ecosystem services.
Labor Borders: Recruitment of Central American Migrants in “Exodus” through Southern Mexico and Indigenous Mexican “Braceros” in the Californian Fields
Authors: Garrapa Anna Mary
Published: April 2024

The article proposes the concept of “labor border” to explore the evolution of migration policies in the Central America-Mexico-USA region by investigating the dimension of work, through two case studies: (1) the US H-2A program for the temporary recruitment of foreign agricultural workers from Mexico; and subsequently (2) the Mexican regularization programs with temporary labor opportunity, implemented by the Mexican government in the context of the so-called “Central American exodus”: Social Emergency Program (Programa de Emergencia Social) and Sowing Life (Sembrando Vida). The objective of the research is to analyze how the political use of a labor border contributes to the social construction of a hierarchy of immigrant workers, as well as to the progressive closure of borders, and the outsourcing of control operations by the USA to the south of Mexico and other Central American countries. The research took place between March 2016 and December 2021, with a combination of mainly qualitative methodologies.
Reducing the gender gap on adolescents’ interest in study fields: The impact of perceived changes in ingroup gender norms and gender prototypicality
Authors: Iacoviello Vincenzo , Valsecchi Giulia , Vétois Matthieu , Falomir-Pichastor Juan M.
Published: April 2024

Despite some progress towards gender equality in Western societies, traditional gender norms still shape career choices, perpetuating a gender gap where girls are more likely to pursue traditionally feminine fields like healthcare, elementary education, and domestic roles (HEED), while boys are drawn to masculine domains such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This research investigates whether, and under which conditions, the perception that gender norms are progressively changing towards less gender dichotomy can reduce this gender gap in academic fields. We recruited a sample of 642 high-school students (394 women and 248 men), and experimentally manipulated both the salience of changes in gender norm (stability vs change) and participants’ gender prototypicality. The main dependent variable was participants’ interest in stereotypically feminine (HEED) and masculine (STEM) academic fields. The results indicated a slight decrease in the gender gap for stereotypically feminine fields (HEED) among participants who saw themselves as typical members of their gender group, but no significant change was observed for stereotypically masculine fields (STEM). These findings suggest that shifting perceptions of gender norms may have a limited effect on modifying traditional educational and career choices, underscoring the resilience of entrenched gender stereotypes.
Why do Middle-Aged Adults Report Worse Mental Health and Wellbeing than Younger Adults? An Exploratory Network Analysis of the Swiss Household Panel Data
Authors: Gondek Dawid , Bernardi Laura , McElroy Eoin , Comolli Chiara L.
Published: April 2024

Despite the growing consensus that midlife appears to be a particularly vulnerable life phase for lower mental health and wellbeing, little is known about the potential reasons for this phenomenon or who the individuals at higher risk are. Our study used six waves (2013–2018) of the Swiss Household Panel (n = 5,315), to compare the distribution of mental health and wellbeing, as well as their key correlates, between midlife (40–55 years) and younger adults (25–39 years) in Switzerland. Moreover, using network analysis to investigate interrelationships across life domains, we describe the complex interrelations between multiple domain-specific correlates and indicators of both mental health and wellbeing across the two age groups. Middle-aged (age 40–55) individuals reported lower life satisfaction and joy, as well as higher anger, sadness, and worry than young adults (age 25–39), with the effect sizes reaching up to 0.20 Cohen’s d. They also reported lower social support, relationships satisfaction, health satisfaction, and higher job demands and job insecurity. Relationships satisfaction and social support were the most consistent correlates across all three indicators of wellbeing in both age groups. Health satisfaction was more strongly, and directly, interrelated with energy and optimism in midlife compared with young adulthood (0.21 vs 0.12, p = 0.007). Job demands were more strongly linked with anger and sadness in midlife. The network model helped us to identify correlates or their clusters with direct and strong links to mental health and wellbeing. We hypothesised that health satisfaction, relationships satisfaction, social support, and job demands may help to explain worse mental health and wellbeing in midlife.
Vitamin D3 reduces the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in mice and inhibits the release of granulosa cell angiogenic factor through pentraxin 3
Authors: Zhang Minping , Chen Li , Xu Qunping , Yang Xiaohua , Liu Xiang , Liu Luanmei
Published: April 2024

It has been reported that the effective inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can prevent the progression of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of vitamin D3 (VD3) on OHSS in mouse models and granulosa cells. The effects of VD3 administration (16 and 24 IU) on ovarian permeability were determined using Evans blue. In addition, ovarian pathology, corpus luteum count, inflammatory responses, and hormone and VEGFA levels were assessed using pathological sections and ELISA. Molecular docking predicted that pentraxin 3 (PTX3) could be a potential target of VD3, and therefore, the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and VD3 as well as PTX3 overexpression on the production and secretion of VEGFA in granulosa cells were also investigated using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Twenty-four IU VD3 significantly reversed the increase in ovarian weight and permeability in mice with OHSS. Additionally, VD3 diminished congestion and the number of corpus luteum in the ovaries and reduced the secretion levels of inflammatory factors and those of estrogen and progesterone. Notably, VD3 downregulated VEGFA and CD31 in ovarian tissues, while the expression levels of PTX3 varied among different groups. Furthermore, VD3 restored the hCG-induced enhanced VEGFA and PTX3 expression levels in granulosa cells, whereas PTX3 overexpression abrogated the VD3-mediated inhibition of VEGFA production and secretion. The present study demonstrated that VD3 could inhibit the release of VEGFA through PTX3, thus supporting the beneficial effects of VD3 administration on ameliorating OHSS symptoms.
Pairing up with anthropomorphized artificial agents: Leveraging employee creativity in service encounters
Authors: Huang Lexie Lan , Chen Rocky Peng , Chan Kimmy Wa
Published: April 2024

Even as artificial agents (AAs) become more prevalent in service encounters, customers continue to express generally unfavorable views of their creativity, which can lead to negative service evaluations. Drawing on anthropomorphism and group stereotyping literature, the authors propose a trait transference effect from human employees to AAs in dyadic service teams. The results of five studies confirm that an anthropomorphized (vs. nonanthropomorphized) AA paired with a creative employee boosts service evaluations, both attitudinal and behavioral. Anthropomorphism induces greater perceived entitativity of the AA–employee dyad, prompting customers to transfer the creativity exhibited by the employee to the AA and perceive the AA as more creative. This transference effect is attenuated when the temporal stability of the dyad is low, customers’ lay beliefs about group entitativity are challenged, or customers have utilitarian consumption goals. These results contribute novel insights about AAs in service teams, with compelling practical implications.
Differential instructional qualities despite equal tasks: Relevance of school contexts for subdomains of cognitive demands
Authors: Quabeck Kim , Erath Kirstin , Prediger Susanne
Published: April 2024

Cognitive demand is a crucial dimension of instructional quality. Its heterogenous operationalizations call for refined investigations, with respect to discursive richness (generic conceptualizations) and conceptual richness (subject-related conceptualizations). Considering not only teachers’ intended cognitive activation (operationalized, e.g., by tasks), but also the enacted activation and individual students’ participation as realized in the interaction, raises the question of how far the interaction quality is associated with students’ prerequisites, school context, and class composition. In this paper, we present a video study of leader-led small-group instruction (in 49 groups of 3–6 middle school students each) with the same fraction tasks, so that differences in interaction quality can be scrutinized in generic and subject-related conceptualizations. In spite of equal task quality, large differences occurred in interaction quality across heterogenous class compositions. The regression analyses revealed that the enacted activation and individual participation were significantly associated with the school context (of higher-tracked and lower-tracked schools), but much less with individual learning prerequisites. These findings reveal the need to capture students’ collective and individual engagement in cognitive demands in the interaction and in generic and subject-related conceptualizations and to systematically investigate their association with class composition.
Performing Platform Governance: Facebook and the Stage Management of Data Relations
Authors: Huang Karen , Krafft P. M.
Published: April 2024

Controversies surrounding social media platforms have provided opportunities for institutional reflexivity amongst users and regulators on how to understand and govern platforms. Amidst contestation, platform companies have continued to enact projects that draw upon existing modes of privatized governance. We investigate how social media companies have attempted to achieve closure by continuing to set the terms around platform governance. We investigate two projects implemented by Facebook (Meta)—authenticity regulation and privacy controls—in response to the Russian Interference and Cambridge Analytica controversies surrounding the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Drawing on Goffman’s metaphor of stage management, we analyze the techniques deployed by Facebook to reinforce a division between what is visible and invisible to the user experience. These platform governance projects propose to act upon front-stage data relations: information that users can see from other users—whether that is content that users can see from “bad actors”, or information that other users can see about oneself. At the same time, these projects relegate back-stage data relations—information flows between users constituted by recommendation and targeted advertising systems—to invisibility and inaction. As such, Facebook renders the user experience actionable for governance, while foreclosing governance of back-stage data relations central to the economic value of the platform. As social media companies continue to perform platform governance projects following controversies, our paper invites reflection on the politics of these projects. By destabilizing the boundaries drawn by platform companies, we open space for continuous reflexivity on how platforms should be understood and governed.
Amygdala-Targeted Relief of Neuropathic Pain: Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in NLRP3 Pathway Suppression
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Hou Zixin , Han Mingming , Guo Peng , Chen Kemin , Qin Jie , Tang Yuanzhang , Yang Fengrui
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a nonpharmacological approach to treating neuropathic pain (NP), a major challenge in clinical research. Conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats with NP induced through chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve, the research assessed pain behaviors and the impact of rTMS on molecular interactions within the amygdala. Through a comprehensive analysis involving Mechanical Withdrawal Threshold (MWT), Thermal Withdrawal Latency (TWL), RNA transcriptome sequencing, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), the study focused on the expression and interaction of integrin αvβ3 and its receptor P2X7R. Findings reveal that rTMS significantly influences the expression of integrin αvβ3 in NP models, suggesting an inhibition of the NP-associated NLRP3 inflammatory pathway through the disruption of integrin αvβ3-P2X7R interactions. These outcomes highlight the potential of rTMS in alleviating NP by targeting molecular interactions within the amygdala, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for managing NP.
The Phases of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Italian Sociology: Institutionalisation, Social Engagement, and Emerging Problems
Authors: Masullo Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

This article reflects on the qualitative and quantitative methods developed and adopted by Italian sociology and the historical circumstances that have led researchers to focus on some fields rather than others. It will highlight how different research groups have articulated, over time, their reflection on the methods and techniques of social research, which can be said to be characterized by four phases. The first phase is formation, in which the methodological debate takes place against the epistemological contrast between positivist positions and anti-positivist traditions. The second phase is commitment, marked by the consolidation of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and the dissemination of medium-range research focused on specific issues in certain areas of the country. The third is the stabilization phase, in which the choice of one field over the other is linked to a process of institutionalization of the discipline within academia, now mature. Finally, the contemporary phase highlights the need to combine approaches with the characteristics of a society in constant evolution, particularly after the advent of the digital age.
I love you but I can’t say: adaptation of the Measure of Verbally Expressed Emotion (MoVEE) to Turkish and investigation of psychometric properties
Authors: Sağlam Topal Betül , Yavuz Sever Ayşe Elif
Published: April 2024

This study aims to adapt the scale of “The Measure of Verbally Expressed Emotion” into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties. 614 participants were between the ages of 18–65. In the study, the Expression of Emotions Scale was used for convergent validity, and the Emotional Responsiveness Scale was used for divergent validity. According to the exploratory factor analysis, the scale has a 17-item and five-factor structure that explains approximately 66% of the total variance, and according to the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit values of the five-factor structure are acceptable (χ2/df = 2.98, RMSEA = 0.059, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.84, SRMR = 0.050). This scale, which evaluates the experience before expressing emotion, is valid and reliable for Turkish use. Expressed emotions compared on gender, education level, working and health status. It was observed that those with a psychiatric diagnosis were less comfortable expressing romantic love, and those with chronic diseases were less comfortable expressing happiness. Adapted scale will contribute to both research and practical use by using it in clinical, social psychology, and therapy studies.
“You shall have the thought”: habeas cogitationem as a New Legal Remedy to Enforce Freedom of Thinking and Neurorights
Authors: Muñoz José M. , Marinaro José Ángel
Published: April 2024

Despite its obvious advantages, the disruptive development of neurotechnology can pose risks to fundamental freedoms. In the context of such concerns, proposals have emerged in recent years either to design human rights de novo or to update the existing ones. These new rights in the age of neurotechnology are now widely referred to as “neurorights.” In parallel, there is a considerable amount of ongoing academic work related to updating the right to freedom of thought in order to include the protection of “freedom of thinking” (i.e., freedom of thought itself) and not only its social manifestations. Neurorights such as cognitive liberty, free will, mental freedom, and mental self-determination come into play here. Importantly, freedom of thought has often been considered a prerequisite for all the other fundamental freedoms and rights. In any case, just as other rights require additional legal instruments to guarantee their compliance, substantial neurorights will probably require specific complementary developments in procedural law. In relation to this, there is a long tradition of habeas corpus as an emergency remedy to enforce the rights of a citizen against illegal or arbitrary detention. More recently, the habeas data writ has been proposed and admitted in certain countries to guarantee a person’s ownership of their personal data. In this article, we propose to expand this procedural apparatus by incorporating a third habeas, which we call habeas cogitationem: a writ aimed primarily at enforcing the right to freedom of thinking (and, subsidiarily, the rest of neurorights) against direct, harmful interferences in a person’s thought process by both public and private perpetrators.
Towards the development of an automated robotic storyteller: comparing approaches for emotional story annotation for non-verbal expression via body language
Authors: Steinhaeusser Sophia C. , Zehe Albin , Schnetter Peggy , Hotho Andreas , Lugrin Birgit
Published: April 2024

Storytelling is a long-established tradition and listening to stories is still a popular leisure activity. Caused by technization, storytelling media expands, e.g., to social robots acting as multi-modal storytellers, using different multimodal behaviours such as facial expressions or body postures. With the overarching goal to automate robotic storytelling, we have been annotating stories with emotion labels which the robot can use to automatically adapt its behavior. With it, three different approaches are compared in two studies in this paper: 1) manual labels by human annotators (MA), 2) software-based word-sensitive annotation using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program (LIWC), and 3) a machine learning based approach (ML). In an online study showing videos of a storytelling robot, the annotations were validated, with LIWC and MA achieving the best, and ML the worst results. In a laboratory user study, the three versions of the story were compared regarding transportation and cognitive absorption, revealing no significant differences but a positive trend towards MA. On this empirical basis, the Automated Robotic Storyteller was implemented using manual annotations. Future iterations should include other robots and modalities, fewer emotion labels and their probabilities.
On the largest prime factor of the k–generalized Lucas numbers
Authors: Batte Herbert , Luca Florian
Published: April 2024

Let$$(L_n^{(k)})_{n\ge 2-k}$$(Ln(k))n≥2-kbe the sequence ofk–generalized Lucas numbers for some fixed integer$$k\ge 2$$k≥2whose firstkterms are$$0,\ldots ,0,2,1$$0,…,0,2,1and each term afterward is the sum of the precedingkterms. For an integerm, letP(m) denote the largest prime factor ofm, with$$P(0)=P(\pm 1)=1$$P(0)=P(±1)=1. We show that if$$n \ge k + 1$$n≥k+1, then$$P (L_n^{(k)} ) > (1/86) \log \log n$$P(Ln(k))>(1/86)loglogn. Furthermore, we determine all thek–generalized Lucas numbers$$L_n^{(k)}$$Ln(k)whose largest prime factor is at most 7.
Developing Rib Bone Surrogates for High Dynamic Impact Assessment with Additive Manufacturing and Post-mortem Human Subjects (PMHS)-Based Evaluation
Authors: Jenerowicz Marcin , Haase Thomas , Linnenberg Markus , Musienko Eugen , Hoschke Klaus , Boljen Matthias , Hiermaier Stefan
Published: April 2024

The conception of ballistic personal protective equipment requires a comprehensive understanding of the human body’s response to dynamic loads. The objective of this study is to develop rib bone surrogates enhancing new anthropomorphic test devices for personal protective equipment evaluation at high dynamic impacts. These are fabricated with additive manufacturing and compared to post-mortem human subjects (PMHS) data from literature. The 5th rib of the finite element Global Human Body Model Consortium (GHBMC) male 50th percentile (M50) model was extracted and transferred to a CAD model. This CAD model was divided into 30 sections with specific cortical bone thicknesses in all directions (caudal, cranial, cutaneous and pleural) from an equivalent rib of an M50 PMHS. Three different additive manufacturing technologies (direct metal laser melting, fused filament fabrication and multi jet modeling) were used to reproduce the M50 PMHS 5th rib surrogate. A total of 57 specimens were dynamically (500 mm/s) loaded to failure in a bending scenario imitating a frontal thoracic impact. Force, displacement, stiffness, and energy at failure were determined. Also, the strain distribution using 3D digital image correlation was recorded and compared to PMHS data from literature. The rib surrogates show deviations from the PMHS characteristic values. Nevertheless, there are also common characteristics in key variables to certain age groups of the PMHS data, which will facilitate the further development and improvement of adequate surrogates for a more realistic representation of the human body’s response to high dynamic loads.
Vermicomposting: a holistic approach for sustainable crop production, nutrient-rich bio fertilizer, and environmental restoration
Authors: Mohite Dadaso D. , Chavan Sachin S. , Jadhav Vishwas S. , Kanase Tanaji , Kadam M. A. , Singh Ankush S.
Published: April 2024

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich biological fertilizer with a variety of microorganisms that are thought to be significant in increasing the growth and yield of various field crops, vegetables, flowering plants, and fruit trees. Vermicomposting has attracted a lot of attention as an extensive approach for restoring the environment, producing nutrient-rich bio-fertilizers, and growing crops in a sustainable manner. It isploying earthworms to break down complex organic waste into simpler materials that could be taken up by plants. Vermicomposting yields a valuable byproduct called vermi-wash, which enhances crop resistance against diseases, stimulates seed germination, and improves overall plant vigor. This research paper sheds light on the significance of vermicomposting as a sustainable waste management solution and an eco-friendly means to enhance agricultural productivity. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the composition and quality of vermicompost, the materials used in the process, the vermicomposting procedure, and the subsequent effects on crop performance. Through the adoption of vermicomposting practices, agricultural systems can become more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and resilient for a sustainable future.
Free amino acids profile of pulp of Saba senegalensis (A.DC.) Pichon fruit in the three climatic areas of Burkina Faso
Authors: Yao Konan K. Toussaint , Somda Marius K. , Mogmenga Iliassou , Nikiema Mahamadi , Dabire Yerobessor , Ouattara Assietta , Kabore Donatien , Dicko Mamoudou H.
Published: April 2024

Non-timber forest products are often disregarded in favor of primary crops in Burkina Faso, despite their nutritional significance and contribution to food self-sufficiency. However, the lack of scientific information regarding the amino acid content of Saba senegalensis pulp impedes its utilization in various foods production. Consequently, the primary objective of this investigation was to assess the free amino acid profile of S. senegalensis pulp in the three distinct climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Fruit samples were collected from these climatic regions, and the amino acid content was analyzed using HPLC methods. The analysis of S. senegalensis pulp revealed the presence of essential amino acids in mg/100 g, mainly isoleucine (300 ± 75–305 ± 15), leucine (370 ± 92.50–377 ± 95.50), lysine (200 ± 50–205 ± 70), methionine (90 ± 22.50–104 ± 50), phenylalanine (140 ± 35–196 ± 15), threonine (230 ± 57.50–241 ± 27.50), valine (260 ± 65–285 ± 40), and tryptophan (230 ± 57.50–237 ± 75.50), as well as non-essential amino acids. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (p > 0,5) in the essential and non-essential amino acids across the climatic zones. According to the revised model spectrum of ideal essential amino acids for humans by the WHO/FAO, the E/T values ranged from 43.12 to 43.40%, and the E/NE values ranged from 75.83 to 76.68%. The BC/E values ranged from 50.69 to 51.09%, while the BC/A values ranged from 1.24 to 1.37. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed specific variations in the amino acid composition of the fruit pulp based on the climatic zones. This study demonstrates that S. senegalensis is a valuable source of amino acids and can potentially enhance food security.
An experimental study of the relationship between modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, and the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete
Authors: Mane Bajirao V. , Patil Ajit N.
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete (HPC) with the percentage of mineral admixtures. HPC is a good choice for multi-story buildings because it has many advantages. As HPC becomes more popular, it is important to research its properties. This study used the P.C. Aitcin method to design HPC mixes with compressive strengths of 60 to 80 MPa. Fly ash is used for M60 and M70 grade HPC and Silica Fume is used for M80 grade HPC is used as mineral admixture as a 20% replacement for cement. In this research paper, the study of properties of the different ingredients used to make HPC is carried out. The testing of three concrete mixes for mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural strength, as well as other important properties is done. This study explores High-Performance Concrete (HPC) by precisely controlling the water-to-cement ratio and incorporating mineral and chemical admixtures, achieving strengths from 60 to 80 MPa. It investigates key mechanical properties, establishes empirical equations, and compares findings with codes and literature. The results showed that a lower water-to-binder ratio (w/b) led to better mechanical properties. The experimental program includes the casting of 39 cubes, 39 cylinders, 39 beams and 81 columns to test the physical properties of different concrete grades. The use of a compression testing machine with a load capacity of 3000 kN to test the HPC cubes and a loading frame with a load capacity of 2000 kN to test the columns. The average compressive strength for HPC M60 to M80 was 65.40 MPa, 73.45 MPa, and 82.64 MPa respectively. The modulus of elasticity values ranged from 40 to 50 GPa. The findings of the study showed that an increase in concrete strength correlated with a decrease in the average value of Poisson's ratio. Overall, the study suggests that HPC is a good choice for high-rise buildings because it has many advantages. As HPC becomes more popular, it is important to research its mechanical properties. This study provides valuable results about the mechanical properties of HPC in comparison with IS 456:2000. From the experimental results of tested columns, it was observed that as the load increased, the deflection decreased for both uniaxially and biaxially loaded columns, highlighting the novelty of this finding. Additionally, the columns subjected to biaxial loading displayed greater sensitivity compared to their axial and uniaxial loading.
Quantum Geometry, Matrix Theory, and Gravity
Authors: Steinacker Harold C.
Published: April 2024

Building on mathematical structures familiar from quantum mechanics, this book provides an introduction to quantization in a broad context before developing a framework for quantum geometry in Matrix Theory and string theory. Taking a physics-oriented approach to quantum geometry, this framework helps explain the physics of Yang–Mills-type matrix models, leading to a quantum theory of space-time and matter. This novel framework is then applied to Matrix Theory, which is defined through distinguished maximally supersymmetric matrix models related to string theory. A mechanism for gravity is discussed in depth, which emerges as a quantum effect on quantum space-time within Matrix Theory. Using explicit examples and exercises, readers will develop a physical intuition for the mathematical concepts and mechanisms. It will benefit advanced students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, and is a useful resource for physicists and mathematicians interested in the geometrical aspects of quantization in a broader context.
Evaluation of Commercially Available Seizure Detection Wearables in Canada: Current Evidence
Authors: Lamrani Yassine , Jahani Amirhossein , Gagliano Laura , Nguyen Dang Khoa , Bou Assi Elie
Published: April 2024

Wearable-based seizure detection devices hold promise in reducing seizure-related adverse events and relieving the daily stress experienced by people with epilepsy. In this work, we present the latest evidence regarding the performance of three seizure detection wearables (eight studies) commercially available in Canada to provide guidance to clinicians. Overall, their ability to detect focal-to-bilateral and/or generalized tonic-clonic seizures ranges between 21.0% and 98.15% in sensitivity, with the 24h false alarm rates ranging from 0 to 1.28. While performance in epilepsy monitoring units show promise, the lack of evidence in outpatient settings precludes strong recommendations for their use in daily life.
Trauma as Cultural Capital: A Critical Feminist Theory of Trauma Discourse
Authors: Britt Lucy , Hammett Wilson H.
Published: April 2024

This essay theorizes a problem for feminism posed by a particular form of trauma discourse. Feminists have played an important role in developing cultural and clinical conceptions of trauma, but one result of the destigmatization of trauma has been that trauma discourse is sometimes used as a form of cultural capital to reinforce existing hierarchies. In a novel application of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of distinction, we show how, when instrumentalized as cultural capital, trauma discourse can be used to reinforce patriarchy and other systems of oppression. We trace a critical feminist history of the struggle to understand and treat trauma. Using examples from contemporary US popular culture, we illustrate the appropriation of trauma discourse to entrench existing structures of gender, class, and racial oppression. First, the misuse of trauma discourse as cultural capital can encourage the instrumental use of trauma claims for cultural power, ultimately reinforcing patriarchy. Second, it might erode the legitimacy of trauma, a conceptual tool pioneered by feminists and still essential to their political claims. This discussion has important implications for not only mental health practitioners and trauma survivors but also feminist theorists, trauma studies scholars, and those interested in deconstructing structural injustice and relations of inequality.
Understanding the origins of social policy in colonial contexts: An actor-centric approach
Authors: Shriwise Amanda , Schmitt Carina
Published: April 2024

Social policy scholars seeking to understand the dynamics of social protection arrangements have advocated for an actor-centric approach. However, when seeking to understand the impact of colonialism on social policymaking, most scholars have focused not on actors but on ideas and institutions. To address this gap, this paper develops an actor-centric framework for understanding the introduction of social policies in colonial contexts. We identify and compare actor constellations of relevance to the introduction of social policies in two colonies of French West Africa that differ with respect to precolonial population density: Dahomey (present-day Benin), with a relatively high precolonial population density, and Côte d’Ivoire, with a relatively low precolonial population density. Despite evidence that precolonial population density can shape colonial strategies and policies, the results provide no supporting evidence that precolonial population density is a driver of meaningful variation in the introduction of social policies or in the composition of the actor constellations from which they originate. Instead, the results point to the key role of transnational and regional actors in the introduction of social policies in colonial contexts. They also highlight the domestic economic and societal arenas as sites where: i) heterogeneity emerges in the social policy actor constellations; and ii) local actors mediate tensions arising from imperially driven social transformations.
Tailbeat perturbations improve swimming efficiency in self-propelled flapping foils
Authors: Chao Li-Ming , Jia Laibing , Li Liang
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have shown that superimposing rhythmic perturbations to oscillating tailbeats could simultaneously enhance both the thrust and efficiency (Lehn et al., Phys. Rev. Fluids, vol. 2, 2017, p. 023101; Chao et al., PNAS Nexus, vol. 3, 2024, p. 073). However, these investigations were conducted with a tethered flapping foil, overlooking the self-propulsion intrinsic to real swimming fish. Here, we investigate how the high-frequency, low-amplitude superimposed rhythmic perturbations impact the self-propelled pitching and heaving swimming of a rigid foil. The swimming-speed-based Reynolds number ranges from 1400 to 2700 in our study, depending on superimposed perturbations and swimming modes. Numerical results reveal that perturbations significantly increase swimming speeds in both pitching and heaving motions, while enhancing efficiency exclusively in the heaving motion. Further derived scaling laws elucidate the relationships of perturbations with speeds, power costs and efficiency, respectively. These findings not only hypothesise the potential advantages of perturbations in biological systems, but also inspire designs and controls in biomimetic propulsion and manoeuvring within aquatic environments.
EARLY HOLOCENE OXYGEN ISOTOPE CHRONOLOGIES (11,267–6420 CAL BP) FROM ICE WEDGE AT CHARA, TRANSBAIKALIA
Authors: Vasil’chuk Yurij K , Vasil’chuk Alla C , Budantseva Nadine A , Ginzburg Alexander P , Tokarev Igor V , Vasil’chuk Jessica Yu
Published: April 2024

Accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dating was used for determining the age of wedge ice. It has been found that between 11,270 and 6420 cal BP, or the Greenlandian and Northgrippian stages of the Holocene, ice wedges grew syngenetically in sandy deposits with gravel in the Chara River valley. The variations of δ18O values in the ice wedges are about 8‰, from –25.5‰ to –18.8‰. Based on the stable isotope composition of ice wedges, paleotemperature reconstructions revealed that the mean January temperature was as low as –38°C during the coldest periods of the early half of the Holocene and as high as –28°C during the warmer periods.
First report of apparent praziquantel resistance in Dipylidium caninum in Europe
Authors: Oehm Andreas W. , Reiter Anton , Binz Angela , Schnyder Manuela
Published: April 2024

Dipylidium caninum is a common tapeworm of dogs. Two cases of praziquantel resistance have been described in D. caninum in the United States. No further reports have been published to the authors’ knowledge. Here, the case of a dog imported to Switzerland from Spain with a history of chronic excretion of tapeworm proglottids and unresponsiveness to praziquantel treatments is reported. Clinical signs were mild (restlessness, tenesmus, anal pruritus, squashy feces) and flea infestation could be ruled out. Infection with D. caninum was confirmed through morphological and genetic parasite identification. Different subsequently applied anthelmintic compounds and protocols, including epsiprantel, did not confer the desired effects. Proglottid shedding only stopped after oral mebendazole administration of 86.2 mg kg−1 body weight for 5 consecutive days. Clinical signs resolved and the dog remained coproscopically negative during a follow-up period of 10 months after the last treatment. This case represents the first reported apparent praziquantel and epsiprantel resistance in D. caninum in Europe. Treatment was extremely challenging especially due to the limited availability of efficacious alternative compounds.