bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasticization of Polylactide Using Biobased Epoxidized Isobutyl Esters Derived from Waste Soybean Oil Deodorizer Distillate
Authors: Najera-Losada L. , Narváez-Rincón P. C. , Orjuela A. , Gomez-Caturla J. , Fenollar O. , Balart R.
Published: October 2024

A series of epoxidized isobutyl esters (EIE) derived from soybean oil deodorizing distillate (SODD) were synthesized via esterification with isobutanol followed by epoxidation. Epoxidized isobutyl soyate (EIS), epoxidized isobutyl soyate distillate (EISD), as well as the epoxidized esters of the main fatty acids contained in SODD, namely, epoxidized isobutyl linoleate (EIL), and epoxidized isobutyl oleate (EIO) were also synthesized and assessed as environmentally friendly plasticizers for polylactide (PLA). A comparison of the plasticizing efficiency of 10 wt.% of these EIE on PLA properties is addressed in this work. The effects of the different EIE on mechanical properties (tensile and impact tests) at 21 ºC, thermal transitions and thermal degradation, dynamic-mechanical thermal properties and dimensional change with temperature, and morphology are evaluated and compared with commercial epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). Tensile tests indicate that EIE provide increased elongation at break from 8.8% (neat PLA), up to 10–32%, depending on the EIE. EIE seem to be more compatible with PLA as observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) since they do not give evidence of phase separation, or plasticizer saturation, which is clearly observed with ESBO. Regarding thermal properties, all EIE provide a noticeable decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 61.6 ºC (neat PLA), down to values ranging from 42 to 48 ºC, remarkably lower than the decrease provided by ESBO with a Tg value of 56.6 ºC. These findings reveal that EIE are promising plasticizers for PLA with balanced properties and contribute to improve its intrinsic brittleness by increasing the impact toughness.
Effect of Epoxy Chain Extender and Multiple Processing on Poly-(R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate’s Properties
Authors: Hinterberger Klaus , Main Priyanka , Waly Christoph , Lucyshyn Thomas
Published: October 2024

The semi-crystalline poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biobased and biodegradable polymer. This makes it a promising alternative to polypropylene (PP), especially for packaging applications. PHB has excellent barrier properties to O2, CO2, and H2O, but is susceptible to degradation from heat and hydrolysis. The epoxy chain extender Joncryl® was added to PHB in a simulated recycling process to reverse the degradation due to processing. The effects of the chain extender and the degradation due to processing were investigated with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small strain oscillatory plate-plate rheometry, tensile tests, and notched Charpy impact tests. With the addition of the chain extender, a decrease in peak crystallization temperature and tensile modulus, and an increase in zero-shear viscosity and elongation at break were observed. For each additional processing step the zero-shear viscosity, the elongation at break, and the notched impact strength decreased, while the tensile modulus increased. The effect of the thermal load during processing on the material properties is significantly higher compared to the effect of the addition of the chain extender. Therefore, the practical application of the investigated chain extender alone in a multi-stage recycling process seems limited. This is due to the low processing temperature of PHB, which seems to limit the full potential of Joncryl® due to the slow reaction speed at this temperature.
Chromatographic separation of Re-188 from reactor produced W-188 using Bio-Rex 5 anion exchange resin
Authors: Gizawy Mohamed A. , Ebrahiem Ebrahiem Esmail , Abobeah R. M. , Aboul-Fotouh Tarek M. , Yaseen Amr Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Rhenium-188 (188Re) is a β−emitting radionuclide with a significant potential for use in targeted radionuclide therapy. The current study set out to assess the possibility of producing 188Re through double neutron capture on 186W at the Egyptian Second Research Reactor (ETRR-2). Using the MCNPX2.7.0 code, the neutron activation of a naturally occurring tungsten target positioned at the highest thermal neutron flux was simulated. There was a little discrepancy between the calculated results and the experimental data. The feasibility of using Bio-Rex 5 anionic resin for developing an 188W/188Re chromatographic generator was investigated using static and dynamic studies. Our results showed that a high adsorption capacity of 240 mg/g towards WO42− was attained. Additionally, more than 97.3 ± 0.6% of the 188Re could be recovered from the generator in the first 3 mL, with high chemical, radiochemical, and radionuclidic purities adequate for radiopharmaceutical preparations as well as clinical applications.
Applicability of atomic force microscopy for nuclear forensic examination
Authors: Tóbi Csaba , Khánh Nguyen Quoc , Homonnay Zoltán , Széles Éva
Published: October 2024

The applicability of the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was examined for nuclear forensic purposes. The hyper-stoichiometric form of uranium-oxide was identified as novel signature which indicates the production technology of uranium fuel pellets. The AFM technique was compared with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) that is usually used for morphological study in nuclear forensics. AFM has some unique features comparing with SEM and as a fast and less expensive technique, it can be a good alternative solution or a supporting technique to the SEM.

Graphical abstract
Investigating Knowledge Flows in Scientific Communities: The Potential of Bibliometric Methods
Authors: Aman Valeria , Gläser Jochen
Published: October 2024

In their everyday work, scholars constantly acquire and transfer knowledge. Many of these knowledge flows are difficult to observe, not least because scholars are often not aware of them. This may be the reason why the attention to knowledge flows is very unevenly distributed across science studies, with bibliometric citation-based studies contributing the most research. Starting from the premise that bibliometric methods can be more readily exploited in the study of knowledge flows, this review explores the potential of bibliometric methods for the investigation of knowledge flows. Bibliometrics provides a portfolio of data and methods that can be used alone or in combination with qualitative methods to study knowledge flows. We organise contributions to the study of knowledge flows according to their object of study—formal, informal, or tacit knowledge—and according to the mode of flow—impersonal or interpersonal knowledge flow. The review shows that bibliometrics is strongly focused on the use of citation data for the investigation of impersonal flows of formal knowledge and has recently turned to the impersonal flow of informal knowledge via social media. In contrast, there are only few bibliometric studies that address interpersonal flows of knowledge. The review identifies an under-utilised potential of bibliometric methods and suggests some directions for future methodological development.
Impact of instrumentation material on local recurrence: a case-matched series using carbon fiber-PEEK vs. titanium
Authors: Ward Jacob , Damante Mark , Wilson Seth , Coelho Vicente , Franceschelli Dominic , Elguindy Ahmed Nader , Thomas Evan M. , Zhu Simeng , Blakaj Dukagjin , Beyer Sasha , Raval Raju , Singh Raj , Xu David S. , Elder J. Bradley , Palmer Joshua D. , Chakravarthy Vikram B.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Spine metastases are a major burden of oncologic care, contributing to substantial morbidity. A well-established treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression includes separation surgery followed by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Innovations in implant technology have brought about the incorporation of Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) instrumentation for spinal fixation. We present our experience of CFR-PEEK instrumentation, comparing outcomes and complication profiles with a matched cohort of titanium instrumented cases for spine metastatic disease.

Methods

Oncology patients who underwent spinal fusion for metastatic spine disease from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety-nine cases with CFR-PEEK fusions were case-control matched with 50 titanium controls (2:1 ratio) based upon primary tumor type and spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) location. Demographic, clinical, radiographic and progression free survival (PFS) were analyzed.

Results

In the study years, 263 patients underwent spinal decompression and fusion, for which 148 patients met predetermined inclusion criteria. Of these, 49 had titanium instrumentation, and 99 had CFR-PEEK. Complication profiles, including hardware failure and infection were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in PFS between all CFR-PEEK and titanium patients (143 days versus 214 days; p = 0.41). When comparing patients in which recurrence was noted, CFR-PEEK patients had recurrence detected two times earlier than titanium patients (94 days versus 189 days; p = 0.013).

Conclusion

In this case matched cohort, CFR-PEEK demonstrated decreased overall PFS suggestive of earlier local recurrence identification. Long-term studies are warranted for better evaluation of the impact on survival and systemic disease progression.
Are We Getting Closer to Consensus? An Analysis of Changes in Socially Perceived Necessities Over Time in Japan
Authors: Abe Aya
Published: October 2024

The measurement of poverty using the material deprivation scale has become widespread throughout the world. One of the technical challenges in constructing the material deprivation scale is the identification of socially perceived necessities. Researchers have used methods ranging from focus groups to separate public opinion surveys to develop a list of socially perceived necessities. However, material deprivation is a relative concept. As society undergoes economic, demographic and political change, the list needs to be reviewed for relevance. The aim of this study was to examine the stability of perceptions of children's necessities in Japan at a time when public awareness of child poverty in Japan has risen sharply. The results of the analysis show that, using the 50% criterion, the list of socially perceived necessities for children has been surprisingly stable over 20 years. However, there has been a statistically significant change in the public's perception of necessity for 16 of the 25 items, even after controlling for age, gender, income and whether they have children. Furthermore, the analysis shows that although the consensus between genders and between income quintile groups is fairly stable or converging, there is a greater divergence in the consensus between age groups and between respondents with and without children. In a society with increasing numbers of elderly and childless people, we need to be increasingly careful that the items selected for the deprivation scale not only meet the 50% criteria, but are also agreed by different segments of the population.
The Manipulationist Threat to moral responsibility
Authors: Moody Kristoffer
Published: October 2024

Standard compatibilist accounts adjudicating when individuals are morally responsible for their actions are predicated on the assumption that individuals will have responsibility for the valuational structure undergirding their actions. However, I will claim that evidence from psychology and social psychology seems to show that manipulation of our valuational structure, far from being esoteric, is more common than we might pre-theoretically think. I call this evidence of manipulation the Manipulationist Threat. Given the Manipulationist Threat, I will argue that the strategies employed by reasons-responsiveness and Deep Self accounts for responding to manipulation are inadequate; they fail at either giving appropriate excusing conditions, or explaining why individuals subject to manipulation maintain responsibility.
Random Walk Modeling of Conductive Heat Transport in Discontinuous Media
Authors: Baioni Elisa , Lejay Antoine , Pichot Géraldine , Porta Giovanni Michele
Published: October 2024

We consider heat transport within a discontinuous domain by relying on the modeling approach proposed by Baioni et al. Such approach has been specifically designed to address diffusive processes in media with discontinuous physical properties and generalized boundary conditions at the discontinuities. Three algorithms are here applied to estimate the conductive heat transport in a bimaterial medium. The algorithms undergo testing using two test cases that share the same computational domain but differ in terms of their initial conditions. According to the numerical results all the algorithms ensure the conservation of thermal energy and preserve thermal equilibrium under steady state conditions. The Generalized Uffink Method (GUM) and Generalized HYMLA demonstrate sensitivity to the choice of the time step, whereas the Generalized Skew Brownian Motion appears to be unaffected by the value of $$\Delta t$$

Δ
t

. The GUM algorithm presents an optimal trade-off between accuracy and computational time.
Effect of long-term application of pig slurry and NPK fertilizers on trace metal content in the soil
Authors: Barłóg Przemysław , Hlisnikovský Lukáš , Łukowiak Remigiusz , Kunzová Eva
Published: October 2024

One of the goals of sustainable agricultural production is to avoid soil contamination by elements defined as trace metals (TMs). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term impact of the use of pig slurry (PS) and NPK mineral fertilizers on the soil content of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). In a 9-year crop rotation, PS was used three times only before root crops. The same four levels of NPK doses (N0P0K0, N1P1K1, N3P2K2, N4P2K2) were applied to both plots with and without PS. Soil samples were collected in early spring from topsoil (0–0.3 m) and subsoil (0.3–0.6 m). Three forms of TMs were determined in the soil: pseudo-total (Aqua regia); bioavailable (Mehlich 3 method) and readily bioavailable (mobile) forms (1 M NH4NO3). The tested factors did not have a significant impact on the Cd, Cu and Pb content, regardless of the form analyzed and the soil depth. PS application significantly increased the content of bioavailable forms of Zn regardless of the year, and the content of pseudo-total Zn only in the sugar beet year, i.e. after manure application. Increasing NPK doses increased the content of mobile Zn in the topsoil, especially in PS plots. A tendency to accumulate mobile forms of Cd and Pb was also observed on NPK-fertilized plots. Thus, long-term application of high NPK doses may increase the risk of contamination of the food chain with these metals. The content of mobile Cd and Zn was positively related to the content of total nitrogen in the soil and negatively related to pH.
Analysis of thixotropy of cement grout based on a virtual bond model
Authors: Zang Haizhi , Wang Shanyong , Carter John P.
Published: October 2024

Thixotropy of cementitious materials is a crucial intrinsic property that determines the flowability and workability of cement-based grout. A novel virtual bond model of cement particles is developed in this paper to depict the thixotropy of cement grout. A particulate description of the reversible and erasable interparticle bonds is established based on experimental observations with a focus on the non-contact interactions mainly contributed in practice by calcium silicate hydrates (C–S–H). The structural breakdown of the cement network is realized through bonds breakage under applied motion, and the bonding network recovers with regeneration of interparticle connections that involve reversible hydrate reactions in the mixture. The balance between bond rupture and rebuilding can be tuned by assigning different strength limits for bond breakage. We have implemented this model in the open-source code Yade to carry out 3D discrete element method simulations of a rotational vane system filled with spherical particles, and the results show good agreement with experimental data. The modelling results reveal the transition from a solid-like structure to a fluid-like medium within cement suspensions caused by the evolution of broken interparticle bonds. The results also provide a distinct view of thixotropic variation upon disturbance. This model is extendable to other cohesive materials providing an explicit physical definition of the interparticle interactions. It also provides a theoretical explanation for the empirical estimations of thixotropy common in engineering industries and a potential means of measuring cementitious granular flow that may be useful in future studies.
The Ship is Laden with Rice and Salt: A Comparison of Two Sailing Models on an Early 17th Century Trade Route Between Java and Sumatra
Authors: Perttola Wesa , Slayton Emma , Walker Vadillo Veronica
Published: October 2024

Archaeological and historical sailing modeling has become an increasingly productive field of study in the twenty-first century. The research has largely concentrated on methodological development, yet comparisons between models have so far been lacking. In this paper we juxtapose two directed sailing models, Digital Navigator and qtVlm, on a route from East Java to South Sumatra. In the early seventeenth century, the former was a major producer and exporter of rice and salt, while especially Jambi, Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra, had become dependent on imports due to cash-cropping of black pepper. Our simulation results show the optimal sailing season on this route falls between May and September, and that La Niña events somewhat affect the length of this time window. During favorable winds both models produce quite similar routes. In adverse winds there is more variation between the models and the temporal frequency of wind data has more marked effects on routing. The models’ sailing durations match fairly well to the one measured from the Selden Map of China, but the simulated optimized routes tend to take more direct open sea routes than the coast-hugging route on the map. This implies that other factors such as ease of navigation played a more significant role in route selection than mere efficiency. Furthermore, a comparison to the production schedules of rice and salt in the Gresik region shows that products from the same summer’s harvests would have been available for export to Sumatra.
Knowledge co-production for identifying indicators and prioritising solutions for food and land system sustainability in Australia
Authors: Zyngier Romy L. , Archibald Carla L. , Bryan Brett A. , Lambert Haley , Moallemi Enayat A. , Elliott Mark , Lawrence Mark , Hutchinson Jane , Bennett Lauren T. , Reeves Timothy , Pryor Matthew , Lindholm Ulrika , Oakden Sam , Watts-Williams Stephanie J. , Gale Gary , Gao Lei , Hadjikakou Michalis
Published: October 2024

Achieving sustainable Australian food and land systems requires the rapid implementation and scaling up of a broad suite of solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Decision-making frameworks are needed to identify suitable indicators and prioritise solutions at national scales to inform sustainability transitions. Using a knowledge co-production framework, we convened 150 stakeholders from 100 + organisations to identify 18 nationally relevant indicators that aligned with critical SDGs describing a sustainable food and land system for Australia, in addition to 78 key solutions (supply- and demand-side) to enable progress against these indicators. We then asked subject matter experts to code the impact of each solution on each indicator using an adapted interaction mapping method accounting for uncertainty. The solution category ‘Protecting and restoring nature’, which included solutions targeting conservation and restoration, showed the highest potential for capturing synergies and avoiding trade-offs across multiple indicators. This category exhibited 34.6% of total major synergies, supporting the achievement of clean water and sanitation (SDG6), economic growth (SDG12), life under water (SDG14), and life on land (SDG15). The solution category ‘Carbon sequestration’, which included technological and biological carbon dioxide removal solutions, had the highest number of trade-offs with individual sustainability indicators (42.3%), particularly those relating to zero hunger (SDG2), wellbeing (SDG3), SDG6, SDG14, and SDG15. Our framework can be used to inform future research investment, support the prioritisation of solutions for quantitative modelling, and inform discussions with stakeholders and policymakers for transforming national-scale food and land systems in alignment with the SDGs.
10-[(4-Cyanobenzylidene)]-Anthracen-9(10H)-One: syntheses, characterization and application in UV light detection
Authors: Valdivieso Gonzalo , Urdaneta Neudo , Pribanic Bruno , Vargas Ronald , Rodríguez-Lugo Rafael E.
Published: October 2024

In this work, the compound 10-[(4-cyanobenzylidene)]-anthracen-9(10H)-one (1) has been synthesized from the corresponding anthrone and 4-cyanobenzaldehyde. It has been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Moreover, square wave voltammetry (SWV) was performed to determine the HOMO and LUMO potential levels of the anthrone derivative 1, which indicates that sensitization of TiO2-based electrodes is thermodynamically feasible. Therefore, this characteristic of compound 1 allowed its incorporation in a Grätzel-type solar cell. Photocurrent density measurements under UV irradiation are proportional to the light source intensity, and the operational parameters of the photoelectrochemical cell are relatively stable over time. In fact, the sensitivity of the generated photocurrent normalized by the supplied irradiance for TiO2-1 (7.73 µA/mW) as a photoanode is higher than that of TiO2 alone (5.14 µA/mW), indicating the improvement that 1 provides to TiO2 with respect to UV light detection. The higher photocurrent and the improved stability due to the implementation of 1 are very promising for possible applications as a sensitizer for UV light intensity sensors in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).
Emerging Biomarkers in Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Other Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Roumi Joseph El , Taimeh Ziad
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

Cardiac sarcoidosis and other inflammatory cardiomyopathies are disorders causing cardiac inflammation and leading to heart failure, arrythmias and cardiac arrest. Diagnosis of these entities remains challenging and multimodal. Thus, there is a growing need to develop reliable biomarkers that can aid in the diagnosis. This review aims to summarize and highlight recent findings in the field of biomarkers for cardiac sarcoidosis and inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Recent Findings

Multiple categories of biomarkers including novel molecules are being investigated with the latest evidence showing promising results. Some of these biomarkers are proven to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic aids in cardiac sarcoid and inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

The identification of cost-effective and accurate biomarkers is useful not only for enhancing diagnostic accuracy but also for informing therapeutic decision-making processes. This advancement would facilitate the timely institution of immunosuppressive therapies, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
Catching the Silent Culprits: TERT Promoter Mutation Screening of Minimally Invasive Follicular and Oncocytic Thyroid Carcinoma in Clinical Practice
Authors: Hellgren L. Samuel , Stenman Adam , Jatta Kenbugul , Condello Vincenzo , Larsson Catharina , Zedenius Jan , Juhlin C. Christofer
Published: October 2024

De-escalation of thyroid cancer treatment is crucial to prevent overtreatment of indolent disease, but it remains important to identify clinically aggressive cases. TERT promoter mutations are molecular events frequently associated with high-risk thyroid tumors with poor outcomes and may identify cases at risk of dissemination. In various international guidelines, small minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma and oncocytic thyroid carcinoma (miFTC/miOTC) are classified as low-risk lesions and are not recommended adjuvant treatment. Our study aimed to explore the association between size-based risk assessment and TERT promoter mutations. Between 2019 and May 2024, 84 miFTCs/miOTCs diagnosed at our department underwent digital droplet PCR analysis targeting TERT promoter mutational hotspots C228T and C250T in clinical routine. TERT promoter mutations were found in 10 out of 84 cases (11.9%). Mutated cases were pT1 (n = 1), pT2 (n = 3), or pT3 (n = 6). Patients with mutated tumors were older compared to patients with wild-type tumors (median age of 71 years vs. 57 years, p = 0.041). There were no significant differences regarding patient sex, tumor size, Ki-67 labeling index, or the presence of distant metastases. Notably, 30% of mutations displayed variant allele frequencies < 10%, possibly suggesting subclonal events. To conclude, TERT promoter mutations in miFTCs and miOTCs were associated with higher patient age and were often suspected to be subclonal. However, they did not affect clinical outcomes, possibly due to short follow-up. Reflex testing for this genetic alteration in miFTCs and miOTCs could be justified regardless of tumor size, though the clinical benefit remains uncertain.
Imino chemical shift assignments of tRNAAsp, tRNAVal and tRNAPhe from Escherichia coli
Authors: Yared Marcel-Joseph , Chagneau Carine , Barraud Pierre
Published: October 2024

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are an essential component of the protein synthesis machinery. In order to accomplish their cellular functions, tRNAs go through a highly controlled biogenesis process leading to the production of correctly folded tRNAs. tRNAs in solution adopt the characteristic L-shape form, a stable tertiary conformation imperative for the cellular stability of tRNAs, their thermotolerance, their interaction with protein and RNA complexes and their activity in the translation process. The introduction of post-transcriptional modifications by modification enzymes, the global conformation of tRNAs, and their cellular stability are highly interconnected. We aim to further investigate this existing link by monitoring the maturation of bacterial tRNAs in E. coli extracts using NMR. Here, we report on the 1H, 15N chemical shift assignment of the imino groups and some amino groups of unmodified and modified E. coli tRNAAsp, tRNAVal and tRNAPhe, which are essential for characterizing their maturation process using NMR spectroscopy.
Intimate partner violence and domestic violence linked to animal abuse: a review of the literature
Authors: Barbosa-Torres Carlos , Bueno-Galán M.ª Mar , Bueso-Izquierdo Natalia , Cantillo-Cordero Pilar , Moreno-Manso Juan Manuel
Published: October 2024

Animal abuse is an instrumental form of violence used in intimate partner violence and domestic violence. These two realities coexist in today’s society, leaving the victims with psychological scars. The main objective was to analyse the presence of animal abuse in cases of intimate partner and domestic violence, and to analyse the extent to which the affective relationship the victims have with their pets can influence the decision to leave their homes, fleeing from the aggressor. The work carried out using the Prisma Methodology consisted of a systematic review of scientific articles extracted from the Web Of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Pubmed and Google Scholar databases from the last ten years, measuring their quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The results obtained were grouped into two tables with references, on the one hand, to the principal data concerning the reviewed articles and, on the other, to the characteristics and consequences of the abuse. These results provide relevant information concerning the presence of animal abuse in situations of violence, as a strategy of indirect harm towards the victim.
Trace Elements and Cognitive Function in Adults and Older Adults: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Gerardo Bianca , Nogueira Joana , Pinto Marina Cabral , Almeida Agostinho , Simões Mário R. , Freitas Sandra
Published: October 2024

Dysregulation of trace elements (TE) homeostasis can affect normal neurotransmission and lead to neurodegeneration, which frequently manifests as cognitive deterioration. Susceptibility to cognitive decline and brain diseases also increases with age, so understanding how adults and older adults can benefit or be compromised by different TE is vital. This review aims to gather, summarize, and present existing findings on the relationship and potential impact of several TE on the cognitive performance of adults and older adults. Sixty studies measured TE levels in biological samples from adults and older adults using quantitative analytical techniques, assessed cognitive performances through standardized neuropsychological tools and related the observed TE levels with the cognitive status of the same adults and older adults. Global Cognition was the most frequently studied, but specific cognitive domains such as Orientation, Attention, Learning and Memory, Language, Executive Functioning, Visuospatial and Visuoconstructive Abilities, Intelligence and Dementia Staging were also addressed. In the current literature, copper and manganese were consistently related with worse cognitive performances, both global and domain specific. The same was true for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, although these elements were not adequately assessed in relation to all cognitive domains. Selenium and zinc were consistently related to better cognitive performances, the latter displaying weaker evidence. No conclusions could be drawn for any other TE nor in relation to the Orientation or Intelligence domains. Limitations on current research are identified and future recommendations provided.
Coupled THMC model-based prediction of hydraulic fracture geometry and size under self-propping phase-transition fracturing
Authors: Zhang Nanlin , Liu Fushen , Jiang Liangliang , Mo Pinqiang , Xiao Jingwen , Song Qi , Luo Yuhao
Published: October 2024

The Self-Propping Phase-transition Fracturing Technology (SPFT) represents a novel and environmentally friendly approach for a cost-effective and efficient development of the world’s abundant unconventional resources, especially in the context of a carbon-constrained sustainable future. SPFT involves the coupling of Thermal, Hydraulic, Mechanical, and Chemical (THMC) fields, which makes it challenging to understand the mechanism and path of hydraulic fracture propagation. This study addresses these challenges by developing a set of THMC multifield coupling models based on SPFT parameters and the physical/chemical characteristics of the Phase-transition Fracturing Fluid System (PFFS). An algorithm, integrating the Finite Element Method, Discretized Virtual Internal Bonds, and Element Partition Method (FEM-DVIB-EPM), is proposed and validated through a case study. The results demonstrate that the FEM-DVIB-EPM coupling algorithm reduces complexity and enhances solving efficiency. The length of the hydraulic fracture increases with the quantity and displacement of PFFS, and excessive displacement may result in uncontrolled fracture height. Within the parameters considered, a minimal difference in fracture length is observed when the PFFS amount exceeds 130 m3, that means the fracture length tends to stabilize. This study contributes to understanding the hydraulic fracture propagation mechanism induced by SPFT, offering insights for optimizing hydraulic fracturing technology and treatment parameters.
Electromagnetic Disturbance Source Modeling Scheme and its Interference Estimation of Medium–Low-Speed Maglev Train Interior
Authors: Huang Ke , Lin Guobin , Liu Zhigang , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2024

Magnetic fields from the linear motor, suspended electromagnet, and collector shoe arcing are the three main electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources for the medium–low-speed maglev train interior. Under their collective influence, the field intensity may exceed the standard threshold, consequently affecting the operational reliability of the train system. However, in previous studies, the EMI sources were analyzed separately, and studies regarding the influence of factors such as the motor states and the train body (TB) shielding against arcing EMI were lacking. Therefore, in this paper, all three EMI source are considered, and an EM disturbance source modeling scheme is proposed using the COMSOL software platform. Its effectiveness is demonstrated and the train interior magnetic field is analyzed, primarily with respect to prior simulations and tests. Subsequent analyses enable a comparative assessment of the individual contributions of each EMI source to the overall interference, considering the EMI control standards. The influence of other EMI source parameters, such as different motor states, is analyzed, and the potential for modifying the material composition and structural thickness of the TB is explored to determine the appropriate EMI inhibition strategy.
Adult immigrant students’ identity positioning and english-only ideologies in the US: a quantCrit case study
Authors: McHolme Lindsay
Published: October 2024

This QuantCrit case study examines how adult emergent multilingual language learners (EMLLs) attending English language skills classes at a public school district in the US construct their linguistic identities in response to English-only ideologies. The small sample size was limited to adults enrolled in the program (n = 19), as this study is intended to be duplicated in different spaces to account for multilingual and cultural diversity. The study asks the question, how do adult EMLLs attending an English class position themselves and their perceived English fluency? To answer this question, participants completed a mixed-methods survey that addresses demographics, languages, perception of one’s own language ability, and perception of what others think about one’s language abilities. The findings were analyzed through the lens of Darvin and Norton’s (2015) Model of Identity Investment that considers identity, ideology, and capital and the raciolinguistics perspective (Flores and Rosa 2015). The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between English-only ideologies and participants’ constructed linguistic identities and reveal a troubled relationship between the way participants position themselves against the deficit-oriented perceptions of English-only speaking Americans. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of centering adult EMLLs’ linguistic and cultural transnational assets in designing curricula, policy, and research.
Investigating prison factors related to literacy and numeracy skills of incarcerated adults
Authors: Aldib Roula , Branum-Martin Lee , Özçalışkan Şeyda , Sevcik Rose
Published: October 2024

Incarcerated adults in the United States are a vulnerable group with substantially low skills and educational attainment. However, the extent to which various, malleable prison factors are related to the skills of adults from diverse backgrounds remains scarcely explored. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore such factors in order to examine which prison programs and activities are associated with higher skills for incarcerated adults in the United States. The sample included 1247 inmates who participated in the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies survey. Regression analysis results revealed that completing more than high school education in prison was linked to higher performance in literacy and numeracy. Also, higher performance was associated with more time in prison, suggesting that program benefits for inmates with shorter time in prison might go unnoticed. Lastly, the most notable differences in performance were related to participation in prison job training. Even though many incarcerated adults partake in various prison programs and activities, participation in these programs was not consistently associated with higher literacy or numeracy skills. Potentially, prison programs might not be providing sufficient applied opportunities for enhancing skills. Findings from this study suggest a need for a closer evaluation of the malleable prison factors and programs relating to the literacy and numeracy skills of incarcerated adults in the United States.
The influence of electronic waste and attapulgite clay on lightweight polyester concrete
Authors: Mohamad Safaa A. , Alzabeebee Saif , Albostami Asad S. , Al-Hamd Rwayda Kh. S.
Published: October 2024

Natural aggregate consumption for producing concrete depletes the natural aggregate, necessitating the development of alternative materials that do not cause a burden on natural resources. Electronic plastic waste (EPW) like digital video discs (DVDs) and compact discs (CDs) are becoming an extreme burden to the environment due to the high quantities generated, which pose serious harm to both the environment and its inhabitants. This study presents the concept of recycling EPW and converting it into construction materials with high specifications. Using 100% EPW in place of sand and 4% unsaturated polyester resin with 20% high reactivity attapulgite (HRA) as a filler, the study generated lightweight polyester concrete (LWPC). The HRA was used after calcination at three temperatures (300, 600 and 900 °C), and for comparison, without calcination, various concentrations of the concrete components were used to produce LWPC using EPW with the optimum polyester resin percentage and HRA burning temperature. The study assessed the physical and mechanical properties of 24 mixtures of LWPC and showed the possibility of producing a novel type of high-strength, sustainable, LWPC with high properties (rapid-set, followability and ductility). The results showed that reducing the concrete’s density to below 1385 kg/m3 and, when optimal quantities of polyester resin, EPW, and HRA were used, enhanced the workability, flowability, and mechanical properties of fresh and hardened concrete.
Optimal reinsurance design under distortion risk measures and reinsurer’s default risk with partial recovery
Authors: Yong Yaodi , Cheung Ka Chun , Zhang Yiying
Published: October 2024

Reinsurers may default when they have to pay large claims to insurers but are unable to fulfill their obligations due to various reasons such as catastrophic events, underwriting losses, inadequate capitalization, or financial mismanagement. This paper studies the problem of optimal reinsurance design from the perspectives of both the insurer and reinsurer when the insurer faces the potential default risk of the reinsurer. If the insurer aims to minimize the convex distortion risk measure of his retained loss, we prove the optimality of a stop-loss treaty when the promised ceded loss function is charged by the expected value premium principle and the reinsurer offers partial recovery in the event of default. For any fixed premium loading set by the reinsurer, we then derive the explicit expressions of optimal deductible levels for three special distortion functions, including the TVaR, Gini, and PH transform distortion functions. Under these three explicit distortion risk measures adopted by the insurer, we seek the optimal safety loading for the reinsurer by maximizing her net profit where the reserve capital is determined by the TVaR measure and the cost is governed by the expectation. This procedure ultimately leads to the Bowley solution between the insurer and the reinsurer. We provide several numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical findings. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate how different settings of default probability, recovery rate, and safety loading affect the optimal deductible values. Simulation studies are also implemented to analyze the effects induced by the default probability and recovery rate on the Bowley solution.
Construction of smooth isomorphic and finite-to-one extensions of irrational rotations which are not almost automorphic
Authors: HAUPT LINO , JÄGER TOBIAS
Published: October 2024

Due to a result by Glasner and Downarowicz [Isomorphic extensions and applications. Topol. Methods Nonlinear Anal.48(1) (2016), 321–338], it is known that a minimal system is mean equicontinuous if and only if it is an isomorphic extension of its maximal equicontinuous factor. The majority of known examples of this type are almost automorphic, that is, the factor map to the maximal equicontinuous factor is almost one-to-one. The only cases of isomorphic extensions which are not almost automorphic are again due to Glasner and Downarowicz, who in the same article provide a construction of such systems in a rather general topological setting. Here, we use the Anosov–Katok method to provide an alternative route to such examples and to show that these may be realized as smooth skew product diffeomorphisms of the two-torus with an irrational rotation on the base. Moreover – and more importantly – a modification of the construction allows to ensure that lifts of these diffeomorphisms to finite covering spaces provide novel examples of finite-to-one topomorphic extensions of irrational rotations. These are still strictly ergodic and share the same dynamical eigenvalues as the original system, but show an additional singular continuous component of the dynamical spectrum.
Fidaxomicin versus oral vancomycin for Clostridioides difficile infection among patients at high risk for recurrence based on real-world experience
Authors: Pettit Natasha N. , Lew Alison K. , Nguyen Cynthia T. , Bell Elizabeth , Lehmann Christopher J. , Pisano Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection and is associated with a high healthcare burden due to high rates of recurrence. In 2021 the IDSA/SHEA guideline update recommended fidaxomicin (FDX) as first-line therapy. Our medical center updated our institutional guidelines to follow these recommendations, prioritizing FDX use among patients at high risk for recurrent CDI (rCDI).

Methods:

This pre- post- quasi-experimental study included patients with a presumptive diagnosis of CDI at risk for recurrence (age >/= 65 years, immunocompromised, severe CDI) that received vancomycin (VAN) or FDX between October 2019 to October 2022. Patients who received bezlotoxumab, had fulminant CDI, or received <10 days of the same antibiotic for their full treatment course were excluded. Patients were evaluated for rCDI within 8 weeks of completion of therapy, subsequent episodes of CDI within 12 months, and CDI-related admissions within 30 days.

Results:

Of 397 CDI regimens evaluated, 196 received VAN and 201 received FDX. Rates of rCDI (9.2% vs 10%, P = 0.86), subsequent CDI within 12 months of therapy completion of therapy (19.4% vs 26%, P = 0.12) and 30-day CDI-related readmissions (3% vs 4.5%, P = 0.6) were similar between patients who received VAN versus FDX.

Conclusion:

Outcomes were similar between patients treated with FDX and VAN for the treatment of CDI among those at high risk for rCDI, using our outlined criteria. Although we observed a trend toward lower rates of rCDI among immunocompromised patients, this finding was not significant. Further investigation is needed to determine which patients with CDI may benefit from FDX.
Trapping and extreme clustering of finitely dense inertial particles near a rotating vortex pair
Authors: Kapoor Saumav , Jaganathan Divya , Govindarajan Rama
Published: October 2024

Small heavy particles cannot be attracted into a region of closed streamlines in a non-accelerating frame (Sapsis & Haller, Chaos, vol. 20, issue 1, 2010, 017515). In a rotating system of vortices, however, particles can get trapped (Angilella, Physica D, vol. 239, issue 18, 2010, pp. 1789–1797) in the vicinity of vortices. We perform numerical simulations to examine trapping of inertial particles in a prototypical rotating flow described by a rotating pair of Lamb–Oseen vortices of identical strength, in the absence of gravity. Our parameter space includes the particle Stokes number

$St$

, which is a measure of the particle's inertia, and a density parameter

$R$

, which measures the particle's density relative to the fluid. In particular, we study the regime

$0< R<1$

and

$0< St<1$

, which corresponds to an inertial particle that is finitely denser than the fluid. We show that in this regime, a significant fraction of particles can be trapped indefinitely close to the vortices, and display extreme clustering into objects of smaller dimension: attracting fixed points and limit cycles of different periods including chaotic attractors. As

$St$

increases for a given

$R$

, we may have an incomplete or complete period-doubling route to chaos, as well as an unusual period-halving route back to a fixed point attractor. The fraction of trapped particles can be a non-monotonic function of

$St$

, and we may even have windows in

$St$

for which no particle trapping occurs. At

$St$

larger than a critical value, beyond which trapping ceases to exist, significant fractions of particles can spend long but finite times in the vortex vicinity. The inclusion of the Basset–Boussinesq history (BBH) force is imperative in our study due to the finite density of the particle. We observe that the BBH force significantly increases the basin of attraction over which trapping occurs, and also widens the range of

$St$

for which trapping can be realised. Extreme clustering can be of significance in a host of physical applications, including planetesimal formation by aggregation of dust in protoplanetary discs, and aggregation of phytoplankton in the ocean. Our findings in the prototypical model provide impetus to conduct experiments and further numerical investigations to understand clustering of inertial particles.
Disclosure and the Evolving Legal Consciousness of Sexual and Gender Minority Central American Unaccompanied Minors
Authors: Tenorio Luis Edward
Published: October 2024

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) migrants’ disclosure of their identity or “coming out” has significant stakes. It can facilitate access to resources (institutional disclosure), cultivate intimacy and belonging (social disclosure), or support claims for legal protections (legal disclosure). This article analyzes SGM unaccompanied minors’ disclosures as shaped by the evolution of their legal consciousness in pursuing legal relief and incorporation in the United States. Ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews from 2014–2019 with 11 SGM unaccompanied minors reveal a striking pattern in their disclosure practices. During apprehension and detention, minors engaged in social, institutional, and legal disclosure of their SGM status. However, their interactions with agents from the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services led them to believe that SGM rights, support, and acceptance were contingent on legal status. Later, upon release from state custody, minors withheld legal disclosure from their deportation proceedings and immigration cases, even against the advisement of their attorneys. They also became more strategic in their social and institutional disclosure across other contexts. Post-legalization, however, minors broadened their disclosure practices and embarked on claims related to their SGM status. This study raises implications for research and policy. By analyzing shifts in legal consciousness over time, how certain experiences become reference points for how immigrants understand the law with respect to their identity and related behaviors are illustrated. It also extends the discussion of the far-reaching implications of SGM punishment and the disadvantages of immigration detention for children and youth.
THEOREM OF WARD ON SYMMETRIES OF ELLIPTIC NETS
Authors: DEWAGHE L.
Published: October 2024

We present a new version of a generalisation to elliptic nets of a theorem of Ward [‘Memoir on elliptic divisibility sequences’, Amer. J. Math.70 (1948), 31–74] on symmetry of elliptic divisibility sequences. Our results cover all that is known today.