bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Railways, Development, and Literacy in India
Authors: Chaudhary Latika , Fenske James
Published: October 2023

We study the effect of railroads, the single largest public investment in colonial India, on human capital. Using district-level data on literacy and two different identification strategies, we find railroads had positive effects on literacy, in particular on male and English literacy. We show that railroads increased literacy by raising secondary and elite primary schooling, rather than vernacular primary schooling. Our mediation analysis suggests that non-agricultural income, urbanization, and opportunities for skilled employment are important mechanisms, while agricultural income is not.
Programming language semantics: It’s easy as 1,2,3
Authors: HUTTON GRAHAM
Published: October 2023

Programming language semantics is an important topic in theoretical computer science, but one that beginners often find challenging. This article provides a tutorial introduction to the subject, in which the language of integers and addition is used as a minimal setting in which to present a range of semantic concepts in simple manner. In this setting, it is easy as 1,2,3.
A Man’s World? The Policy Representation of Women and Men in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Persson Mikael , Schakel Wouter , Sundell Anders
Published: October 2023

Are the preferences of women and men unequally represented in public policies? This simple yet fundamental question has remained largely unexplored in the fast-growing fields of women’s representation and inequality in the opinion-policy link. Our study analyzes gender biases in policy representation using an original dataset covering 43 countries and four decades, with citizens’ preferences regarding more than 4,000 country-year policies linked to information about actual policy change. Our analysis reveals clear and robust evidence that women’s policy preferences are underrepresented compared to those of men. While this skew is fairly modest in terms of congruence, women’s representation is driven mostly by the high correlation of preferences with men. When there is disagreement, policy is more likely to align with men’s preferences. Our analyses further suggest that women’s substantive underrepresentation is mitigated in contexts with high levels of female descriptive representation and labor market participation. In sum, our study shows that gender inequality extends to the important realm of policy representation, but there is also meaningful variation in unequal representation across contexts.
Navigation of Helicopters
Authors: Davies D M
Published: October 2023

The Chairman, in introducing the Lecturer, said Mr DAVIES was a member of the Association and had been interesting himself for many years in operational, navigational and other problems associated with the helicopter He took first class honours in the Mechanical Sciences Tripos at Cambridge in 1942, and for four years afterwards was with the Ministry of Aircraft Production, mainly on project and performance analysis of high-speed Aircraft

He left to join Mr N E Rowe in his research and special development department at British European Airways in 1946 Later he was in charge of a great deal of experimental work on the Clear Air Gust Project, and during this investigation he flew some 40 hours as navigator-observer on high-altitude flights in Mosquito and other aircraft
Design, Development, Production and Servicing of Rotor Blades
Authors: Price R Allen , Stulen Frank L
Published: October 2023

The Chairman said that this was a very important occasion for the Association since it was the opening lecture of the Session It had become the custom of the Association to invite eminent persons from abroad to deliver the inaugural lecture, which frequently took the form of a broad survey by operators or manufacturers This year the Council had decided to focus attention on an engineering aspect of the helicopter, and what more important aspect was there than that of the rotor blade?

The Paper to be given was prepared jointly by Mr Price and Mr Stulen, of the Parsons Corporation, Michigan, USA, who had had extensive experience in this work Mr Price was Assistant Manager of the Aircraft Division engaged in the development and the manufacture of rotor blades and Mr Stulen was Director of Research
“On the Generalized Simple System for Automatic Stabilisation of a Helicopter in Hovering Flight”
Authors: Willmer M A P
Published: October 2023

This paper deals with the instability of a hovering helicopter with controls fixed The generalized simple stabilization system, which is composed of rods, springs, dampers and masses and uses the rotor shaft to generate gyroscopic forces, has been analysed Special cases of a Second Order System have been considered and show that good stability can be achieved, thus overcoming the limitations of First Order Systems
“The Design Study of a Spring Tab Rotor System”
Authors: Banister Thurstan H
Published: October 2023

In this essay the projected design for a spring tab rotor system is discussed for a particular size of rotor The size of rotor discussed is one designed to lift a comfortable 2,000 lb all up weight, for a single rotor helicopter

The behaviour of the rotor system collectively and the tab particularly is discussed under various conditions with respect to performance, vibration, weight, etc

Some possible applications are considered, and suggestions for simple helicopter configurations to which the rotor system might apply are put forward

Finally there is a technical appendix, in which the assumptions made and the formulae used to get results are stated In some cases where necessary the formulae have been derived

Graphs are presented to demonstrate the necessary parameters and the behaviour of the system
Strain Gauge and Blade Motion Recording Systems for Helicopters
Authors: MacMahon P D
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the Author, expressed great pleasure in welcoming Mr MacMahon to this, the first lecture of the eleventh series of Annual Lectures on the helicopter situation He said that Mr MacMahon was educated at Twickenham Technical Institute During the war, he was with the Admiralty Research Laboratory, working on electromc equipment for anti-submarine warfare development After that, he was engaged on electronic developments with one or two firms and subsequently with the De Havilland Propellor Company as a development engineer engaged mainly on research and development of flight test equipment for high speed aircraft
Wind Tunnel Development of a Tandem-Rotor Helicopter in Australia
Authors: Marsh J R
Published: October 2023

Considerable work has been done on wind tunnel testing of helicopter and autogyro rotors and of specific helicopter fuselages but there is no available information on the wind tunnel development of a complete design prior to construction of a prototype helicopter With interest in the stability and control of helicopters and to assist the development of a specific design the wind tunnel development was undertaken by the Aeronautical Research Laboratories
Part I Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Collomosse H
Published: October 2023

In this part of the paper the theoretical considerations underlying the design of an autopilot system for helicopters are discussed, in particular, the system investigated has three modes of operation, viz —

(i)

Stabiliser

In this mode, whilst the pilot still exercises overall control, the autopilot introduces artificial stabilisation so that the helicopter becomes more easy to fly

(ii)

Cruising

Here the pilot establishes a desired attitude and heading in straight-line flight, on selection the autopilot maintains this mode of flight automatically

(iii)

Automatic Hover

Assuming that signals are available defining the plan-position of the helicopter with respect to the point on the ground over which the pilot wishes to hover, on selection the autopilot maintains this hover condition automatically
Installation Problems
Authors: Kitson M P
Published: October 2023

The problem of installing a V H F communications equipment in a helicopter is the fitting into the aircraft of a transmitting and receiving unit and associated parts The installation should be planned with three considerations in mind, namely, operating efficiency, crew comfort and maintenance I intend to amplify these three considerations but before doing so let us look at two examples of modern V H F equipment on display here tonight

Outwardly they are of similar pattern and in both cases consist of a rack-mounted, quickly detachable, transmitter/receiver unit, which incorporates the frequency selector switch, an aerial and various types of cable connector The Murphy MR 80, MR 100 equipment has a backplate or junction box attached to the rear of the rack into which the main unit slides All control unit, aerial, and battery cable connections terminate in the backplate

The Standard Telephones STR9X is of similar form except that the cable connectors terminate on the front of the main unit
Canadian Research in the Field of Helicopter Icing
Authors: Stallabrass J R
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in opening the meeting, said that the paper, which Mr Stallabrass had come over from Canada to present, dealt with a very important subject in the helicopter field, having as a practical objective the eventual achievement of all-weather helicopter operation The National Research Council of Canada had been studying the problem of aircraft icing long before it was necessary to devote attention to the special problems of helicopter de-icing, no doubt the climate in that part of the world having had something to do with this

Mr Stallabrass had served in the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1947 and had experience as a pilot with Coastal Command in anti-submarine operations Later, he took an honours degree at London University in electrical engineering and worked for a year on guided missiles with the General Electric Company In 1952 he went over to Canada, where he worked on various aspects of icing research at the low temperature laboratory of the National Research Council
Projects for Helicopter Stations in Central London Area
Authors: Manning T F A
Published: October 2023

The design problem of a Helicopter Station in the Central London area was set to thirty students in their final year at the Department of Architecture, University College, London, in the Lent Term of the session 1955-56 The architectural problem posed by the provision of the very large area of landing space required under present operational conditions, with its attendant problems of the ground and air approaches and the use of the covered space provided by the flight platform, was one well worthy of study The design of such a massive building as this entails, to fit comfortably in the relatively small scale of present day London, poses a considerable architectural problem, to which as yet no entirely satisfactory solutions have been offered
The Fairey Rotodyne
Authors: Hislop G S
Published: October 2023

The President of the Royal Aeronautical Society (Sir Arnold Hall) invited Professor J A J Bennett (Chairman, Lecture Committee, of the Helicopter Association of Great Britain) to introduce the Lecturer

Professor J A J Bennett said that this was a very important occasion, both for the Royal Aeronautical Society and for the Helicopter Association of Great Britain Tonight, they were to hear about the development of an aircraft which was certainly not an aeroplane, and it was certainly not a helicopter according to present-day definitions To accept the F A I nomenclature, it was in an intermediate class, the so-called “Convertiplane” category As, however, there was neither a Convertiplane Association of Great Britain nor yet a Convertiplane Section of the Royal Aeronautical Society, it was appropriate that the two societies should get together and discuss the project
Numerical Calculations of Charging Threshold at GEO Altitudes With Two Temperature Non‐Extensive Electrons
Authors: Javed Saba , Rubab Nazish , Zaheer Sadia , Poedts Stefaan , Jaffer Ghulam
Published: October 2023

Surface charging at geosynchronous altitude is one of the major concerns for satellites and spacecrafts. Spacecraft anomalies are often associated with extreme surface charging events, especially during substorms in which the GEO plasma is better modeled as two temperatures non‐Maxwellian plasma. In such case, we employ two temperature q‐non‐extensive distribution function to determine the onset of spacecraft surface charging which becomes complex since many parameters control the surface charging. We developed a current balance equation which better explains the charging threshold in comparison to a Maxwellian distribution function. The effect of non‐extensive parameters, temperature and density ratio on the current balance equation has been explained. The modified current balance equation predicts the critical and anti‐critical temperatures for various space‐grade materials both analytically and numerically. A significant change is observed in the quantities characterizing the charging current, average yield and density ratio in the presence of non‐extensive two temperature electrons. The mechanism underlying different charging behaviors at or near the threshold is also indicated at various plasma parametric domains. Furthermore, the general conditions of potential jump are also obtained theoretically which predicts the sudden or smooth potential transition.
Dust Is Melting Snow—And Current Models Can’t Keep Up
Authors: West Kara
Published: October 2023

Mountain snowpack melts quicker when coated in dust. This cyclical problem is forcing water forecasts to evolve.
Impact of Storm‐Time Enhanced O2 Absorption on Disk Viewing N2 LBH Spectra: TIMED GUVI Observations
Authors: Zhang Y. , Paxton L. J. , Yee S. , Hecht J.
Published: October 2023

A comparison between storm‐time TIMED/GUVI FUV spectra in thermospheric composition disturbed (O/N2 <∼140 km> depleted and NO <∼110 km> enhanced) and undisturbed regions reveals the following features: (1) A clear decrease in N2 LBHS (140–150 nm) band intensities compared to that between 150 and 160 nm; (2) A significant spectral decrease around O 164.1 nm; (3) Two enhanced peaks between 170 and 185 nm. The feature (2) is clearly due to atomic oxygen density decrease in the low thermosphere. The feature (3) is caused by storm‐time production and transport of nitric oxide. An AURIC simulation reproduced feature (1) confirming that storm‐time enhancement in O2 density (∼120–170 km) and the wavelength dependent O2 absorption cross section are the source of observed feature (1). On the other hand, the feature (1) was not observed in the regions without O/N2 depletion. This further supports that O2 density enhancement is responsible for feature (1).
Orbital and In Situ Observation of Transverse Aeolian Ridges at Zhurong Landing Site
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Yang , Wan Wenhui , Zhou Xiang , Zhao Zhenxing , Wu Yuchun , Zhang Chaolin , Wang Xiyu , Wu Xing , Zou Yongliao
Published: October 2023

A large amount of transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) bedforms exist in the Zhurong rover landing region. The acquisition of high‐resolution data from the orbiter and the rover from Tianwen‐1 mission provides an excellent opportunity to study the geological characteristics of TARs. The length, width, and density of a total of 8,274 TAR samples at the landing site were analyzed. The orientation of TARs at the landing region is dominated in the E‐W direction. Analysis of Mars Climate Station (MCS) data on the Zhurong rover shows that the present‐day wind direction is inconsistent with the wind forces that promoted the formation of TARs, suggesting that the formation of TARs is dependent on the ancient wind direction. With the help of the Zhurong MarSCoDe shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrometer data, we investigate the composition of materials including TARs, soil, and rocks, and the results show that their spectra display similar distinct absorptions consistent with the presence of hydrated minerals such as hydrated sulfates. The cemented and dusty crust covering the TARs indicates that the TARs have not migrated for a period of time in the landing site area. Some of the TARs have been eroded into small sand ridges or ripples due to the change in the prevailing wind directions, which may indicate the climate change on Mars.
Contrasting Impacts of Agricultural Intensification and Urbanization on Lake Phosphorus Cycling and Implications for Managing Eutrophication
Authors: Slowinski Stephanie , Radosavljevic Jovana , Graham Alyssa , Ippolito Isabella , Thomas Kathryn , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Shafii Mahyar , Parsons Chris T. , Basu Nandita B. , Wiklund Johan , Hall Roland I. , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: October 2023

Sediment core and water quality data, together with historical information on land use/land cover (LULC), were used to reconstruct changes in phosphorus (P) loading and cycling in Lake Wilcox, Ontario, Canada, since the early 1920s. After first being cleared for farming, the originally forested watershed subsequently underwent urbanization. The large increase in P loading accompanying agricultural intensification after World War II caused the eutrophication of the lake. However, improved soil conservation since the 1980s and urban stormwater management since the 1990s have brought watershed P loading and sediment accumulation down to levels comparable to the early 1900s. Yet, the lake continues to exhibit eutrophication‐like symptoms, especially the intensification of hypoxia in the hypolimnion. Post‐2000 water quality data indicate that the latter is not driven by external P loading from the watershed, but rather by rapid salinization that strengthens the lake's summer stratification and enhances internal P loading. Salinization is caused by the increasing application of deicing agents in the expanding urban area. Curbing salt inputs will therefore be essential to restore the lake. Overall, our results provide new insights into the shifts in lake biogeochemistry associated with LULC changes and the implementation of best management practices. The approaches and findings of our case study have broad applicability for the large number of freshwater ecosystems worldwide that are experiencing salinization.
Nuclear exchange generates population diversity in the wheat leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina
Authors: Sperschneider Jana , Hewitt Tim , Lewis David C. , Periyannan Sambasivam , Milgate Andrew W. , Hickey Lee T. , Mago Rohit , Dodds Peter N. , Figueroa Melania
Published: October 2023

In clonally reproducing dikaryotic rust fungi, non-sexual processes such as somatic nuclear exchange are postulated to play a role in diversity but have been difficult to detect due to the lack of genome resolution between the two haploid nuclei. We examined three nuclear-phased genome assemblies of Puccinia triticina, which causes wheat leaf rust disease. We found that the most recently emerged Australian lineage was derived by nuclear exchange between two pre-existing lineages, which originated in Europe and North America. Haplotype-specific phylogenetic analysis reveals that repeated somatic exchange events have shuffled haploid nuclei between long-term clonal lineages, leading to a global P. triticina population representing different combinations of a limited number of haploid genomes. Thus, nuclear exchange seems to be the predominant mechanism generating diversity and the emergence of new strains in this otherwise clonal pathogen. Such genomics-accelerated surveillance of pathogen evolution paves the way for more accurate global disease monitoring.
Comparison of delayed bleeding to immediate bleeding following thyroidectomy
Authors: Lee Jun Sung , Lee Jin Seok , Yun Hyeok Jun , Chang Hojin , Kim Seok-Mo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang-Seok
Published: October 2023

It is important to identify risk factors for post-thyroidectomy bleeding requiring airway intervention or reoperation. Therefore, we aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery according to the period until reoperation. We conducted a retrospective study analyzing data between April 2009 and July 2022 and included 126 patients who had postoperative bleeding. The patients were grouped according to the period between thyroidectomy and reoperation due to bleeding (0 day, 1–7 days, > 7 days). We performed among-group comparisons of patient characteristics and surgical aspects, including the extent of surgery. The ratios of male–female and lateral neck dissection were higher in the post-operative bleeding group than in the group without bleeding. In the analysis of patients with postoperative bleeding, grouped according to period between thyroidectomy and reoperation, there was a significant among-group difference in the male–female ratio. The male sex was positively correlated with the reoperation period. Further, the reoperation period was also positively correlated with total thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection and the operation time showed a significant among-group difference. Our results indicate that the male sex and lateral neck dissection are risk factors for postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy. Furthermore, male sex, total thyroidectomy, and lateral neck dissection are risk factors for delayed bleeding. Therefore, clinicians should consider these factors for interventions against immediate or delayed bleeding after thyroidectomy.
Perceptions of sexism interact with perceived criticism on women’s response to sexist remarks in different relationship types
Authors: Neoh Michelle Jin Yee , Teng Jia Hui , Setoh Peipei , Esposito Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Sexism is a widespread form of gender discrimination, which can take the form of criticism towards women based on gender stereotypes. However, little is known about how perceived criticism and sexism shape one’s construal of criticism from various interpersonal sources. The present study investigated whether perceived criticism, perceived sexism and the source of criticism (mother, father, workplace supervisor, romantic partner) interact to influence upset levels in response to criticism. 178 participants completed perceived criticism (PC) ratings for the four relationships and 95 female participants also completed the Schedule of Sexist Events scale. Participants read experimental vignettes describing scenarios of criticism from different sources and rated how upset they would feel in each scenario. Perceived sexism significantly moderated the effect of PC on upset levels only for sexist-related criticism from romantic partners and supervisors. Female participants with low perceived sexism show higher levels of upset as PC increased for sexist-related criticism from supervisors whereas female participants with high perceived sexism show lower levels of upset as PC increased for sexist-related criticism from romantic partners. These findings contribute towards understanding how perceived criticism and perceived sexism influence affective reactions to criticism across interpersonal sources.
Risk factors for discontinuation of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after general surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Saeyeon , Song In-Ae , Lee Boram , Oh Tak Kyu
Published: October 2023

Identifying patients at risk for developing side effects secondary to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) and making the necessary adjustments in pain management are crucial. We investigated the risk factors of discontinuing IV PCA due to side effects following general surgery; adult patients who received IV PCA after general surgery (2020–2022) were included. Data on postoperative pain intensity, PCA pain relief, side effects, continuity of PCA use, and PCA pump settings were collected from the records of the acute pain management team. The primary outcome was identifying the risk factors associated with PCA discontinuation due to side effects. Of the 8745 patients included, 94.95% used opioid-containing PCA, and 5.05% used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-only PCA; 600 patients discontinued PCA due to side effects. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.74–4.01), hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.06–1.94) and background infusion of PCA (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04, 1.94) were associated with an increased likelihood of PCA discontinuation. Preoperative opioid use (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28–0.85) was linked with a decreased likelihood of PCA discontinuation. These findings highlight the importance of individualized pain management, considering patient characteristics and surgical procedures.
Novel study on enhancing the ignition pattern of waste and inedible feedstock in a modified diesel engine-enhancing its effectiveness as renewable alternative
Authors: Rajesh K. , Bibin Chidambaranathan , Natarajan M. P. , Ponnuvel S. , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Raja T. , Kaliappan Nandagopal
Published: October 2023

The objective of the present investigation is to enhance the performance of diesel engine using Capparis spinoza fatty acid distillate biodiesel (CFAB100) at various compression ratios. The experiments were carried out at compression ratios of 16.5:1, 17.5:1, 18.5:1, and 19.5:1. It was noted that an increase in compression ratio from 16.5 to 18.5 resulted in better engine characteristics for CFAB100 and reduced at compression ratio 19.5. Brake-specific fuel consumption of CFAB100 decreased from 0.42 to 0.33 kg/kWh with an increase in compression ratio. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 at a compression ratio of 16.5 is 29.64% lower than diesel, whereas it is 11.32% low at a compression ratio of 18.5. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 is 26.03% higher at a compression ratio of 18.5 compared to 16.5. Due to shorter ignition delay and reduced premixed combustion, the net heat release rate of CFAB100 is lower than diesel at all compression ratios. The peak cylinder pressure for diesel is 56.21 bar, and CFAB100 at compression ratios 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, and 19.5 were 52.36, 55.12, 61.02 and 58.25 bar at full load condition. CFAB100, at a compression ratio of 18.5, had the highest nitrogen oxide emissions (2400 ppm). Carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon, and smoke showed an average reduction of 46.58%, 40.68%, and 54.89%, respectively, when the compression ratio varied between 16.5 and 19.5. At an optimum compression ratio of 18.5, the CFAB100 resulted in improved performance and emission characteristics that can replace diesel to a possible extent.
BDNF-TrkB/proBDNF-p75NTR pathway regulation by lipid emulsion rescues bupivacaine-induced central neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Jia Danting , Wang Fang , Bai Zhixia , Chen Xuexin
Published: October 2023

Bupivacaine (BPV) can cause severe central nervous system toxicity when absorbed into the blood circulation system. Rapid intravenous administration of lipid emulsion (LE) could be used to treat local anaesthetic toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which the BDNF-TrkB/proBDNF-p75NTR pathway regulation by LE rescues BPV induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons in rats. Seven- to nine-day-old primary cultured hippocampal neurons were randomly divided into 6 groups: the blank control group (Ctrl), the bupivacaine group (BPV), the lipid emulsion group (LE), the bupivacaine + lipid emulsion group (BPV + LE), the bupivacaine + lipid emulsion + tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) inhibitor group (BPV + LE + K252a), the bupivacaine + lipid emulsion + p75 neurotrophic factor receptor (p75NTR) inhibitor group (BPV + LE + TAT-Pep5). All hippocampal neurons were incubated for 24 h, and their growth state was observed by light microscopy. The relative TrkB and p75NTR mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF, TrkB, p75NTR and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. The results showed that primary hippocampal neuron activity was reduced by BPV. As administration of LE elevated hippocampal neuronal activity, morphology was also somewhat improved. The protein expression and mRNA levels of TrkB and p75NTR were decreased when BPV induced hippocampal neuronal toxicity, while the expression of BDNF was increased. At the same time, BPV increased the original generation of cleaved caspase-3 protein content by hippocampal neurons, while the content of cleaved caspase-3 protein in hippocampal neurons cotreated with LE and BPV was decreased. Thus, this study has revealed LE may reduce apoptosis and promote survival of hippocampal neurons by regulating the BDNF-TrkB pathway and the proBDNF-p75NTR pathway to rescue BPV induced central neurotoxicity in rats.
The safety and effectiveness of clopidogrel versus aspirin in Kawasaki disease with mild-to-moderate liver injury
Authors: Gao Lichao , Wang Wei , Wang Huafeng , Xu Zhufei , Zhou Shulai , Geng Zhimin , Fu Songling , Xie Chunhong , Zhang Yiying , Wang Yujia , Gong Fangqi
Published: October 2023

Kawasaki disease can be combined with liver injury. As a mainstay treatment for Kawasaki disease, aspirin may cause liver injury. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of clopidogrel versus aspirin in Kawasaki disease with mild-to-moderate liver injury. This study retrospectively analysed 166 children with Kawasaki disease combined with mild-to-moderate liver injury. The children treated with clopidogrel were less likely to have aggravated liver injury than those treated with aspirin (n = 2/100 vs. n = 13/66, P < 0.001). The initial alanine aminotransferase value of the clopidogrel group was higher (131.5 [98.5, 167.5] vs. 96 [72, 133], P < 0.001), while the time of alanine aminotransferase recovery to normal was similar (5 [4, 7] vs. 4 [3, 7], P = 0.179). No significant fever differences observed between groups: 7.5 [6, 9] for aspirin vs. 7 [6, 8] for clopidogrel group, P = 0.064. The probability of nonresponse to intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 29/100 vs. n = 30/66, P = 0.030) and the days of hospitalization (n = 6 [4, 9] vs. n = 7 [5, 10], P = 0.007) in the clopidogrel group were less than those in the aspirin group. In conclusion, the application of clopidogrel is potentially superior to aspirin in Kawasaki disease combined with mild-to-moderate liver injury.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels predict outcome in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mink Sylvia , Saely Christoph H. , Leiherer Andreas , Frick Matthias , Plattner Thomas , Drexel Heinz , Fraunberger Peter
Published: October 2023

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) constitute one of the most vulnerable subgroups in COVID-19. Despite high vaccination rates, a correlate of protection to advise vaccination strategies for novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and lower mortality in this high-risk group is still missing. It is further unclear what antibody levels provide protection and whether pre-existing organ damage affects this threshold. To address these gaps, we conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study on 1152 patients with COVID-19 from five hospitals. Patients were classified by diabetes and vaccination status. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike-antibodies, creatinine and NTproBNP were measured on hospital admission. Pre-specified endpoints were all-cause in-hospital-mortality, ICU admission, endotracheal intubation, and oxygen administration. Propensity score matching was applied to increase comparability. We observed significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike-antibodies in diabetic non-survivors compared to survivors (mean, 95% CI 351BAU/ml, 106–595 vs. 1123, 968–1279, p < 0.001). Mortality risk increased two-fold with each standard deviation-decrease of antibody levels (aHR 1.988, 95% CI 1.229–3.215, p = 0.005). T2D patients requiring oxygen administration, endotracheal intubation and ICU admission had significantly lower antibody levels than those who did not (p < 0.001, p = 0.046, p = 0.011). While T2D patients had significantly worse outcomes than non-diabetic patients, the differences were less pronounced compared to propensity-score-matched non-diabetic patients. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies on hospital admission are inversely associated with oxygen administration, endotracheal intubation, intensive care and in-hospital mortality in diabetic COVID-19 patients. Pre-existing comorbidities may have a greater impact on outcome than diabetes status alone.
Robotically automated 3D printing and testing of thermoplastic material specimens
Authors: Hernández-del-Valle Miguel , Schenk Christina , Echevarría-Pastrana Lucía , Ozdemir Burcu , Dios-Lázaro Enrique , Ilarraza-Zuazo Jorge , Wang De-Yi , Haranczyk Maciej
Published: October 2023

An automated platform to explore parameters for pellet-based 3D printing and characterize the samples for weight, impact strength and surface quality.
Deep generative design of porous organic cages via a variational autoencoder
Authors: Zhou Jiajun , Mroz Austin , Jelfs Kim E.
Published: October 2023

Porous organic cages (POCs) are a class of porous molecular materials characterised by their tunable, intrinsic porosity; this functional property makes them candidates for applications including guest storage and separation.
Dry reforming of steelworks off-gases in a pilot plant integrated into a steel mill: influence of operating parameters
Authors: Blanck Philipp , Kass Gilles , Kinzel Klaus Peter , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: October 2023

Next step forward towards green steel! A pilot plant integrated into a steel mill has been operated successfully and shows promising results. This novel, retrofitted process for steel production has the potential to cut global CO2 emissions by 0.5%!
Radio outburst from a massive (proto)star
Authors: Cesaroni R. , Moscadelli L. , Caratti o Garatti A. , Eislöffel J. , Fedriani R. , Neri R. , Ray T. , Sanna A. , Stecklum B.
Published: October 2023

Context. Growing observational evidence indicates that the accretion process leading to star formation may occur in an episodic way, through accretion outbursts revealed in various tracers. This phenomenon has also now been detected in association with a few young massive (proto)stars (>8 M⊙), where an increase in the emission has been observed from the IR to the centimetre domain. In particular, the recent outburst at radio wavelengths of S255IR NIRS 3 has been interpreted as due to the expansion of a thermal jet, fed by part of the infalling material, a fraction of which has been converted into an outflow.

Aims. We wish to follow up on our previous study of the centimetre and millimetre continuum emission from the outbursting massive (proto)star S255IR NIRS 3 and confirm our interpretation of the radio outburst, based on an expanding thermal jet.

Methods. The source was monitored for more than 1 yr in six bands from 1.5 GHz to 45.5 GHz with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, and, after an interval of ~1.5 yr, it was imaged with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at two epochs, which made it possible to detect the proper motions of the jet lobes.

Results. The prediction of our previous study is confirmed by the new results. The radio jet is found to expand, while the flux, after an initial exponential increase, appears to stabilise and eventually decline, albeit very slowly. The radio flux measured during our monitoring is attributed to a single lobe, expanding towards the NE. However, starting from 2019, a second lobe has been emerging in the opposite direction, probably powered by the same accretion outburst as the NE lobe, although with a delay of at least a couple of years. Flux densities measured at frequencies higher than 6 GHz were satisfactorily fitted with a jet model, whereas those below 6 GHz are clearly underestimated by the model. This indicates that non-thermal emission becomes dominant at long wavelengths.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that thermal jets can be a direct consequence of accretion events, when yearly flux variations are detected. The formation of a jet lobe and its early expansion appear to have been triggered by the accretion event that started in 2015. The end of the accretion outburst is also mirrored in the radio jet. In fact, ~1 yr after the onset of the radio outburst, the inner radius of the jet began to increase, at the same time the jet mass stopped growing, as expected if the powering mechanism of the jet is quenched. We conclude that our findings strongly support a tight connection between accretion and ejection in massive stars, consistent with a formation process involving a disk-jet system similar to that of low-mass stars.
Coastal town planning in the context of rising sea level
Authors: Chen Jiaxi
Published: October 2023

With the development of natural science, more and more attention has been paid to the relationship between man and nature, and various natural crises have begun to be valued. Global warming and sea level rise are beginning to be recognized by the public. Hard or soft measure has been tried around the world to prevent marine disasters and build ecological coasts and cities. The site selected for the project is Fish Quay in the North Shield, which is a town that is typically vulnerable to marine erosion due to its proximity to the estuary and low-lying topography. The universality of the area’s qualities and the richness of the region’s history make it a very well-suited testing ground for measures to deal with sea level rise. This paper takes this as an example to formulate effective and feasible survival strategies for coastal cities.
Analysis of Variation Characteristics and Driving Factors of Precipitation Isotopes in the Monsoon Region of Offshore China—A Case Study of Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Jiaxin
Published: October 2023

To explore the isotopic composition of precipitation in the monsoon region of offshore China, this paper takes Hong Kong, China as the study area. Based on the Global Network of Isotope in Precipitation (GNIP), the data about hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in the precipitation of Hong Kong from 1961 to 2022 were collected, from which its time variation trend was obtained via linear regression. Further, the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in the precipitation of Hong Kong were analyzed. According to the results, the precipitation isotopes and d-excess in Hong Kong have no significant inter-annual variability. The seasonal variation of precipitation isotope and d-excess is monthly apparent, both of which are lower in the rainy season and higher in the dry season. In addition, the seasonal periodicity of isotope and d-excess proves that the main source of precipitation is marine water vapor, and the source of water vapor controlling precipitation in Hong Kong remains stable as a whole. The global meteoric water line in Hong Kong is δD=8.17δ18O+11.82, which is very close to the global one. Meanwhile, δ18O in precipitation is negatively correlated with the temperature, precipitation, and water vapor pressure. As the main driving force to control its isotope variation, precipitation conceals the effect of temperature. Taking Hong Kong as an example, the above research reveals some characteristics of monsoon regions in offshore China, which is of positive significance for further investigating the influencing factors of the hydrologic cycle and isotope change at regional and local scales in the future.
Study on the influence of calculation domain on the accuracy of CFD simulation of power transmission tower aerodynamic coefficient
Authors: Li Wei , Li Zhipeng , Zhang Xueli , Huang Guo
Published: October 2023

Wind load is the control load in the design of power transmission tower. The shape coefficient of that can be obtained by CFD. Small calculation domain can affect the calculation accuracy, and large one can reduce the calculation efficiency. In this paper, the calculation domains with different sizes are designed to optimize the calculation domain size.
The Use of Internal Arteriovenous Fistulas In Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Pinggera Wulf F. , Gutch Charley F. , Indraprasit Suchati , Zweig Paul , Holmes Joseph H.
Published: October 2023

Increasing use of the internal A-V fistula for hemodialysis calls for re-emphasis of details of the original technic described by Brescia, Cimino et al. Needles should be well separated, even sometimes with a tourniquet between them to avoid possible mixing of outlet with inlet blood. Needles should not be less than 14 gauge (thin wall), with maximum blood pumping speed not over 250-275 ml/min to avoid trauma to vessels, and risk of air leaks in the blood circuit.
Elementary school teachers’ attitudes towards project-based learning in China
Authors: Cai Zhiling , Zhu Jinxing , Yu Yu , Tian Saiqi
Published: October 2023

This study analyzed the Chinese elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward project-based learning (PBL) and identified factors that may influence elementary school teachers’ attitudes. The analysis was based on a questionnaire survey of 257 elementary school teachers and interviews with 10 elementary school teachers in China. Results showed that Chinese elementary school teachers generally had positive attitudes towards PBL, but their attitudes differed based on their educational level, years of teaching, and subjects taught. Results of the regression analysis found that training, social support, resources, and availability of time all positively influenced teachers’ attitudes toward PBL. Finally, the interview data were analyzed to understand teachers’ perceptions of how they could be helped to use PBL in teaching.
The impact of perceived organizational support on employees’ knowledge transfer and innovative behavior: comparisons between Taiwan and mainland China
Authors: Peng Michael Yao-Ping , Xu Cheng , Zheng Rong , He Yuan
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the correlations among perceived organizational support (POS), self-efficacy, knowledge transfer, and innovative behaviors of employees in the information service companies of Taiwan and mainland China using goal-oriented behavior and social identity theory. A structural model was built, and data were collected through a survey conducted in two rounds, two months apart, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that POS significantly affects innovation behavior and self-efficacy in both regions, and self-efficacy plays a key mediating role in the research model. However, the relationship between POS and knowledge transfer was non-significant for mainland China. The study also reveals that the culture of knowledge sharing in the organization can promote employees’ innovation, knowledge sharing behavior, communication, and knowledge transfer. The findings imply that managers should provide organizational support to improve employees’ innovative minds and self-belief, particularly during the pandemic. This research fills a theoretical gap by applying Western theories in an Eastern context and broadening the generalization of the theory. It provides practical implications for improving the quality of human resources by suggesting that managers should provide organizational support to improve employees’ innovative minds and self-belief, particularly during a pandemic. Additionally, it contributes to the literature by examining how cross-cultural differences affect the relationships among POS, self-efficacy, knowledge transfer, and innovative behavior. This study also enriches the literature about employees in particular regions and their service innovation behaviors.
Developmental trajectories of depression, anxiety, and stress among college students: a piecewise growth mixture model analysis
Authors: Liu Xinqiao , Zhang Yifan , Gao Wenjuan , Cao Xiaojie
Published: October 2023

Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common among college students, but not all students follow the same developmental trends of mental health. This study aims to identify the developmental trajectories of depression, anxiety, and stress among college students and the related factors for different trajectory classes. The data were collected from a longitudinal survey of college students over four consecutive years, and 2473 students were included in the analysis. The study used a piecewise growth mixture model to determine the subtrajectories, and a multinomial logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the related factors affecting students in subtrajectories. The results revealed that subtrajectories include the low and stable class, increasing class, decreasing then stable class, increasing then decreasing class, and decreasing and high class. The decreasing and high class only presents in the trajectories of anxiety and stress. Regarding related factors, high BMI and high sleep hours were identified as related factors for the increasing class of depression; gender and high sleep hours were associated with the increasing class of anxiety; and hometown location was related to the increasing class of stress. Extroversion personality, relationship with classmates, siblings, and father’s education level are related factors for other subtrajectories. Considering that college students experience multiple trajectories of depression, anxiety, and stress, mental health education and psychological intervention should be carried out for students in each class.
British press coverage of international sports events hosted by Saudi Arabia: content analysis study in light of country concept model
Authors: Almahraj Yazeed Abdullah
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the British press coverage of international sports events hosted by Saudi Arabia. The study provides an analytic perspective by employing the model of the country concept and the covered by the British press of the international sports events in Saudi Arabia. This study fills the gap in the literature on the British press coverage of sports events hosted by Saudi Arabia in light of the country concept model. For this research, the study employed content analysis to collect data from the two British newspapers, The Sun and the Daily Mail coverage. The paper has several contributions to knowledge. Firstly, it brings an understanding of the role of the country concept model in explaining the reputation and image of a country. Using Fullerton’s model, the paper has found that by employing a soft power package that includes hosting international sports events, Saudi Arabia’s country image has changed. Secondly, the research found that the most coverage of events in Saudi Arabia was still negative. However, this negative coverage has decreased over the past few years, while neutral and positive coverage has increased. Finally, the research has contributed to the literature by finding out that the coverage of Saudi Arabia was characterised by a large number of negative articles, as opposed to more neutral or positive reporting. This finding confirms the country concept model, which states that some elements, like foreign and social media, cannot be controlled.
Oscillatory and accumulative motions of sand particles around a vertical pile subjected to lateral vibrations
Authors: Guan Dawei , Li Jialong , Wang Han , Yao Zishun
Published: October 2023

We conducted a two-dimensional experiment to investigate sand particle motions around a laterally vibrated pile structure. By recording and processing data of sand particle motions using particle image velocimetry and Particle Tracking Velocimetry, we have revealed and explained the mechanism of oscillatory and accumulative motions of sand particles at two different time scales. Our findings suggest that the velocity magnitudes of sand accumulation motions, or convection, are minimal compared to the sand oscillatory motions.