bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesostructured Nonwovens with Supramolecular Tricycloquinazoline Nanofibers as Heterogenous Photocatalyst
Authors: Schröder Dennis , Neuber Christian , Mansfeld Ulrich , Kreger Klaus , Schmidt Hans-Werner
Published: December 2023

Functional supramolecular nanostructures are a promising class of materials, which can be used as potential heterogeneous photocatalysts in water. Self‐assembly to nanoobjects in solution typically requires large solubilizing groups linked to the photoactive building block, and possibly hampers access to the photocatalytic active sites. Herein, a straightforward method to fabricate supramolecular nanofibers based on the disclike tricycloquinazoline (TCQ) by physical vapor deposition (PVD) is reported. It is demonstrated that TCQ can be assembled on different substrates into supramolecular nanofibers with diameters of about 70 nm resulting in densely packed fiber layers. With optimized conditions, the evaporation time allows full control over the fiber length and the absorbance of the TCQ fiber layer. A bottlebrush‐like morphology with TCQ nanofibers is realized using glass‐microfiber nonwovens as porous support. These mesostructured nonwovens can be used as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B in a batch process in water where the morphology remains intact after the reaction. After photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B or tetracycline under continuous flow conditions, the supramolecular TCQ nanofibers still remain on the support. These findings demonstrate that PVD is a feasible approach to achieve functional mesostructured nonwovens with controlled morphology for use and reuse in catalytic applications.
Cybernetics of large social systems: The example of economics
Authors: Medvedeva Tatiana A. , Umpleby Stuart A.
Published: December 2023

When attempting to manage a large social system, it is necessary to have an overview of how the society functions and how economic theories describe this functioning. Recent discussions of higher orders of cybernetics are helping to define a multi‐disciplinary, multi‐level point of view. Knowledge from several disciplines is needed—systems science, management, engineering, cognitive studies and the various social science disciplines all have contributions to make. In this paper, we apply cybernetic ideas to further develop economic theories. The paper also uses economics to illustrate ideas in cybernetics. Similar thinking can be applied to other disciplines thus advancing the unification of science. The paper illustrates a transdisciplinary approach to knowledge development. The implications of the paper are improved understanding among scholars from several disciplines. The intent is to expand the range of conceptual possibilities available for problem‐solving.
Chemical Processing and Various Applications of Starch Extracted from Avocado Seeds: A Step towards Sustainable Food Waste Management
Authors: Hassan Safia , Kabir Muhammad Hanzala , Mazhar Danial , Imran Zahid , Rehman Abdul , Afzal Sumra , Aminullah Syed , Bibi Sidra
Published: December 2023

A sustainable food waste management methodology has been proposed for the discarded seeds of avocados (Persia Americana mill) where starch is extracted from the seeds through a microwave assisted heating process using only water, and this starch is modified through chemical treatment into acrylamide starch and carboxymethylated starch. Native as well as modified variants of starch are characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirms the extraction of native starch and its chemical modification. The extracted and modified variants are then analyzed for their antioxidant properties against oxidative stress by checking their scavenging activity against DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl). Moreover, the three variants of starch are tested for hemolytic activity in order to determine whether they are harmful to human blood, finally these three variants are checked for their activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus bacteria, the root cause in most cases of bacterial infection in humans. The starch variants are found to be excellent antioxidants and all three starch variants indicate a very low hemolytic activity and significant antibacterial activity in comparison to widely used antibiotic Ciproflaxin. All these results indicate that avocado seeds waste can be an excellent non‐conventional source of starch that can be used for sustainable applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
What About Words? Activism and Cultural Change in the Amsterdam Museum
Authors: Delhaye Christine
Published: December 2023

On 12 September 2019, the Amsterdam Museum announced that it would change the title of its (semi-)permanent exhibition Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age to Portrait Gallery of the seventeenth Century. The museum decided to dispose of the term Golden Age because it frames the Dutch history from a celebratory nationalist perspective and obscures the aggressive mercantile and colonial aspects. This chapter aims to analyse the process that led to the Amsterdam Museum abandoning the term. In the Dutch museum world and in the Amsterdam Museum more specifically, a process of change in the hegemonic “regimes of representation” had been going on for quite some years. Yet, the final blow that led to the decision to no longer use the term Golden Age was given by an activist with a migration background. The chapter focuses on the meaning of the strategic intervention of the activist and on how he was able to mobilise the museum to take action in such a way as to publicly contest a deeply ingrained representation of Dutch history and culture.
Isoptic surfaces of segments in $$\textbf{S}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$ and $$\textbf{H}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$ geometries
Authors: Csima Géza
Published: December 2023

In this work, we examine the isoptic surfaces of line segments in the $$\textbf{S}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$

S
2

×

R

and $$\textbf{H}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$

H
2

×

R

geometries, which are from the 8 Thurston geometries. Based on the procedure first described in Csima and Szirmai (Results Math 78:194-19, 2023), we are able to give the isoptic surface of any segment implicitly. We rely heavily on the calculations published in Szirmai (Bul Acad Ştiinţe Repub Mold Mat 2:44–61, 2020; Q J Math 73:477–494, 2022). As a special case, we examine the Thales sphere in both geometries, which are called Thaloid. In our work we will use the projective model of $$\textbf{S}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$

S
2

×

R

and $$\textbf{H}^2\!\times \!\textbf{R}$$

H
2

×

R

described by Molnár (Beitr Algebra Geom 38:261–288, 1997).
Robot, let us pray! Can and should robots have religious functions? An ethical exploration of religious robots
Authors: Puzio Anna
Published: December 2023

Considerable progress is being made in robotics, with robots being developed for many different areas of life: there are service robots, industrial robots, transport robots, medical robots, household robots, sex robots, exploration robots, military robots, and many more. As robot development advances, an intriguing question arises: should robots also encompass religious functions? Religious robots could be used in religious practices, education, discussions, and ceremonies within religious buildings. This article delves into two pivotal questions, combining perspectives from philosophy and religious studies: can and should robots have religious functions? Section 2 initiates the discourse by introducing and discussing the relationship between robots and religion. The core of the article (developed in Sects. 3 and 4) scrutinizes the fundamental questions: can robots possess religious functions, and should they? After an exhaustive discussion of the arguments, benefits, and potential objections regarding religious robots, Sect. 5 addresses the lingering ethical challenges that demand attention. Section 6 presents a discussion of the findings, outlines the limitations of this study, and ultimately responds to the dual research question. Based on the study’s results, brief criteria for the development and deployment of religious robots are proposed, serving as guidelines for future research. Section 7 concludes by offering insights into the future development of religious robots and potential avenues for further research.
Simultaneous PIV–LIF measurements using RuPhen and a color camera
Authors: Shah Jiggar , Mucignat Claudio , Lunati Ivan , Rösgen Thomas
Published: December 2023

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) are currently state-of-the-art, non-intrusive measurement techniques that help in our understanding of heat and momentum transfer in thermal fluid flow applications. We present a simplified, integrated PIV–LIF system which simultaneously measures velocity and temperature fields in aqueous flows by means of a novel fluorescent dye (RuPhen), a low-cost continuous-wave diode laser, and a single color camera. We demonstrate that RuPhen is well-suited for this approach due to its peak absorption at 450 nm, peak emission at 605 nm, and a strong temperature-dependent emission with a sensitivity coefficient of $$4\%/^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

4
%

/
∘

C

. The large Stokes shift between excitation (which also includes Mie scattering of the flow tracers) and the emission facilitates the handling of the signal components in the RGB channels of the camera. To correct the recordings for laser power fluctuations, we propose a novel method that jointly employs two photoluminescence signals. We provide a spectral characterization of the dye at different temperatures and discuss the choice of each component for our measurement system. We demonstrate the potential of our approach by two experimental test cases that focus on thermally driven and turbulent flow regimes.
High-order schemes based on extrapolation for semilinear fractional differential equation
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Green Charles Wing Ho , Pani Amiya K. , Yan Yubin
Published: December 2023

By rewriting the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative as Hadamard finite-part integral and with the help of piecewise quadratic interpolation polynomial approximations, a numerical scheme is developed for approximating the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of order $$\alpha \in (1,2).$$

α
∈
(
1
,
2
)
.

The error has the asymptotic expansion $$ \big ( d_{3} \tau ^{3- \alpha } + d_{4} \tau ^{4-\alpha } + d_{5} \tau ^{5-\alpha } + \cdots \big ) + \big ( d_{2}^{*} \tau ^{4} + d_{3}^{*} \tau ^{6} + d_{4}^{*} \tau ^{8} + \cdots \big ) $$

(

d
3

τ

3
-
α

+

d
4

τ

4
-
α

+

d
5

τ

5
-
α

+
⋯

)

+

(

d

2

∗

τ
4

+

d

3

∗

τ
6

+

d

4

∗

τ
8

+
⋯

)

at any fixed time $$t_{N}= T, N \in {\mathbb {Z}}^{+}$$

t
N

=
T
,
N
∈

Z

+

, where $$d_{i}, i=3, 4,\ldots $$

d
i

,
i
=
3
,
4
,
…

and $$d_{i}^{*}, i=2, 3,\ldots $$

d

i

∗

,
i
=
2
,
3
,
…

denote some suitable constants and $$\tau = T/N$$

τ
=
T
/
N

denotes the step size. Based on this discretization, a new scheme for approximating the linear fractional differential equation of order $$\alpha \in (1,2)$$

α
∈
(
1
,
2
)

is derived and its error is shown to have a similar asymptotic expansion. As a consequence, a high-order scheme for approximating the linear fractional differential equation is obtained by extrapolation. Further, a high-order scheme for approximating a semilinear fractional differential equation is introduced and analyzed. Several numerical experiments are conducted to show that the numerical results are consistent with our theoretical findings.
Generating ICS vulnerability playbooks with open standards
Authors: Empl Philip , Schlette Daniel , Stöger Lukas , Pernul Günther
Published: December 2023

Organizations face attacks on industrial control systems (ICS) as vulnerabilities are pervasive. However, patching vulnerable systems by simply updating to the newest version is often not an option and shifts focus to workarounds. Beyond pure patching, workarounds specify other remediation measures (e.g., firewall or VPN configuration) that must be taken due to system availability requirements, complexity, or heterogeneous devices. In this paper, we introduce vulnerability playbooks based on open standards. Pushing the envelope of cybersecurity playbooks—steps organizations should follow when responding to cybersecurity incidents reactively—for ICS vulnerability management offers organizations a more transparent, repeatable process and faster, possibly automated actions. We have designed a process model to collect and transform security advisories in Common Security Advisory Framework (CSAF) format and generate Collaborative Automated Course of Action Operations (CACAO) playbooks based on listed remediation advice. With a proof of concept, we demonstrate that structured CSAF documents can be seamlessly transformed into CACAO playbooks. For our industrial use case, we must also use unstructured security advice highlighting quality differences (compared to CSAF). Our generated 79 standard conformant CACAO playbooks with 485 identified actions hint at imbalanced advice toward patching. Preferably, vendors should include detailed technical remediation advice, provide APIs, and go beyond patching recommendations in their security advisories. Subscribers should structure their assets and use machine learning to normalize, generate, and prioritize CACAO playbooks. With CSAF and CACAO, we see two open standards for handling vulnerabilities.
Detection of African swine fever virus and wild boar eDNA in soil and turbid water samples: towards environmental surveillance
Authors: Varzandi Amir Reza , Zanet Stefania , Seano Patricia Barroso , Occhibove Flavia , Vada Rachele , Benatti Francesco , Mayordomo Pablo Palencia , Ferroglio Ezio
Published: December 2023

Since 2007, an ongoing African swine fever (ASF) pandemic has significantly impacted Eurasia. Extensive field evidence and modeling confirm the central role of wild boar in ASF epidemiology. To effectively control and eradicate the infection, rapid detection of the ASF virus (ASFV) is crucial for prompt intervention in areas of recent viral introduction or ongoing outbreaks. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a cost-effective and non-invasive technique that has shown promising results in monitoring animal species and their pathogens and has the potential to be used for wildlife disease surveillance. In this study, we designed and evaluated an eDNA sampling method for highly turbid water and soil samples to detect ASFV and wild boar (Sus scrofa) DNA as a control using qPCR while ensuring biosafety measures and evaluating ASF epidemiology. To validate our method, we obtained samples from La Mandria Regional Park (LMRP) in northwestern Italy, an area free of ASFV, and spiked them in a laboratory setting with an ASFV’s synthetic DNA template. Our findings highlight the potential of eDNA monitoring as a reliable, rapid, and safe method for early detection of ASFV from soil and turbid water samples.
Relating community capacity to the adoption of an evidence-based prevention strategy: a community-level analysis
Authors: Birgel Vera , Walter Ulla , Röding Dominik
Published: December 2023

Aim

In community-based prevention, adopting an evidence-based strategy is known to predict prevention success. Evidence-based prevention includes a theoretical framework, empirical assessment, effective programs, and monitoring of community efforts and outcomes. This study aims to examine the extent to which community capacity explains variation in evidence-based prevention, a known predictor of community-based prevention success.

Subject and methods

The present study is a secondary data analysis based on a survey of 182 key informants in 38 communities. To determine the validity of the measurement, structural validity, internal consistency, and inter-rater agreement were assessed. Associations between adoption of evidence-based prevention and ten domains of community capacity (participation, knowledge & skills, resources, leadership, community power, collaboration consisting of prevention collaboration and sectoral-collaboration, sense of community, critical awareness & problem solving, and community structure) were investigated at the community level using logistic regression models.

Results

Most findings of the validation analysis indicate that the community capacity domains could be reliably measured using key informant reports. Results of logistic regression models indicate that adopting evidence-based prevention is related to increased sense of community (OR 6.62; 95 % CI 2.39-18.39), prevention collaboration (OR 26.05; 95 % CI 5.98-33.39), sectoral-collaboration (OR 10.49; 95 % CI 4.04-27.25), community power (19.29; 1.74-28.12), and community structure (OR 4.79; 95 % CI 1.85-12.43). Availability of leadership was predictive of higher chances of adopting evidence-based prevention (OR 5.21; 95 % CI 1.93-14.02).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that communities with higher community capacity have increased chances of adopting an evidence-based prevention strategy.

Trial registration

This study was registered with German Clinical Trial Register: DRKS00022819 on Aug 18, 2021.
Some Remarks on Recent Formalist Responses to the Hole Argument
Authors: Menon Tushar , Read James
Published: December 2023

In a recent article, Halvorson and Manchak (Br J Philos Sci, Forthcoming) claim that there is no basis for the Hole Argument, because (in a certain sense) hole isometries are unique. This raises two important questions: (a) does their argument succeed?; (b) how does this formalist response to the Hole Argument relate to other recent responses to the Hole Argument in the same tradition—in particular, that of Weatherall (Br J Philos Sci 69(2):329–350, 2018)? In this article, ad (a), we argue that Halvorson and Manchak’s claim does not go through; ad (b), we argue that although one prima facie plausible reading would see Halvorson and Manchak as filling an important hole (no pun intended) in Weatherall’s argument, in fact this reading is implausible; there is no need to supplement Weatherall’s work with Halvorson and Manchak’s results.
Environmental sustainability of Finnish pork production: life cycle assessment of climate change and water scarcity impacts
Authors: Hietala Sanna , Usva Kirsi , Vieraankivi Marja-Liisa , Vorne Virpi , Nousiainen Jouni , Leinonen Ilkka
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The degrading impacts of livestock production on the environment are well acknowledged. Although ruminants are much studied due to their large contribution to climate change impact, monogastrics are also known to carry a significant load, and mitigation options need investigation. Here, the climate change impact and water scarcity impact of Finnish pork production was investigated using the life cycle assessment approach.

Methods

As the importance of communicating reliable environmental information has been acknowledged in the EU, methods and guidance for this purpose have been developed. Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules have also been published for several food product categories, although not yet for meat. Here, the life cycle assessment methods were used based on PEFCR guidance and the draft version of red meat PEFCR guidance to achieve a reliable, transparent and comparable assessment.

Results

Finnish pork production resulted in a climate change impact of 3.6 kg CO2 eq. kgCW−1 and a water scarcity impact of 0.69 m3 eq. kgCW−1. The largest contribution to the climate change impact came from feed crop production, with an impact of 43%. Land-use changes were included, and their contribution to the Finnish pork climate change impact was 3%. Similarly, in the water scarcity impact, feed crop production was a major contributor, with 41% from fattening pig feed production. Significant contributions to both categories also came from piglet production, including feed crop production, and to the climate change impact from manure storage.

Conclusions

Finnish production was seen to already largely utilise sidestreams and domestic feed ingredients, although, e.g. soybean is still used. Based on the results, in mitigating the environmental impacts of Finnish pork production, attention should especially be paid to the resource-efficient production of domestic feed crops and reduced use of organic soils. As current assessment models are unable to grasp the impacts of regenerative farming techniques, the development of LCA methods is also required. Water scarcity impact was seen to be largely affected by the utilisation of feed crops originating from water-scarce countries. As a mitigation measure, the procurement of these feed crops and ingredients should therefore be directed to water-abundant areas and from production which does not depend on irrigation water or the extensive use of synthetic inputs.
Armed Conflict and Urbanization in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique: A Methodology for a Critical Inquiry
Authors: Agostinho do Amaral Silvia M.
Published: December 2023

Mainstream urban theory fails to encompass urbanization in Africa. Among its many drivers, armed conflicts displace rural populations to cities, accelerating urban processes and impacting sustainability and governance — the phenomenon of conflict-induced urbanization. In the province of Cabo Delgado, a violent insurgency has been displacing thousands of civilians since 2017; many of whom have fled to the provincial capital Pemba, doubling its population in just 5 years. This article presents the theoretical framework and methodological design for an inquiry located within a contemporary critique of mainstream urban studies; the goal is to analyse conflict-induced urbanization in Pemba with a comparative case study, using participatory visual methods, for which a pilot study took place in September 2022. With this, the author aims to contribute to engaged urban studies in Mozambique and Portugal and to transform the trauma of war into opportunities for sustainable development and prosperity.
A Systems Evaluation Model for the Development of Companion Diagnostics and Associated Molecularly Targeted Therapies
Authors: Okamura Kozue , Tsuchiya Hiroki , Hamada Risa , Hayashi Yusuke , Badr Sara , Ohta Seiichi , Sugiyama Hirokazu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are important active ingredients of molecularly targeted drugs, which are only effective for specific patient groups. Early assessment of their effectiveness is important for more efficient use of time and resources. Companion diagnostics (CDx) are medical devices or tests to identify groups of promising patients based on specific biomarkers. This work offers a systems evaluation model and a comprehensive assessment from multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Methods

This work introduces a new systems model for assessing available treatment options. Process system diagrams, consisting of independently defined unit structures, are applied to represent the expected decision points and outcomes. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the critical requirements for achieving cost-effectiveness. The model was applied to a case of terminal colorectal cancer treatment to compare mAb drugs to standard therapy.

Results

The results showed that from the payers’ perspective, the cost and response rates of the mAb drug were critical parameters to improve for achieving the target cost-effectiveness. The results give quantitative guidance for the required improvement.

Conclusion

This work represents an important step towards a fair and systematic assessment of treatment alternatives and serves as a guideline for future CDx and therapy technology development efforts.
“A Lesser of Two Evils”: Arguments Around Same-Sex Parenting Rights in University Students’ Discourse in the Republic of Cyprus
Authors: Kadianaki Irini , Figgou Lia , Savva Konstantinos
Published: December 2023

Introduction

While there is extensive quantitative research on factors related to support/opposition of attitudes towards same-sex parenting (SSP), relevant qualitative research is limited, despite the need to identify subtle and ambivalent forms of prejudice. In this study we examined ways that young people, university students at the Republic of Cyprus formulated favourable arguments that constructed only at first appearance supportive representations of SSP.

Methods

Data were collected in 2021–2022, through 11 focus group discussions with undergraduate and graduate students (26 females and 16 males, 18–27 years old), of different fields of study. Following the principles of discursive/rhetorical analysis, we identified three argumentative lines, all of which included contrasts and comparisons.

Results

The first argumentative line juxtaposed SSP to being raised in an orphanage, the second to irresponsible/disadvantaged (single) parenting and the third compared the upbringing of children in same-sex to that in heterosexual families. All arguments demonstrate a seemingly supportive stance towards SSP rights. Nevertheless, drawing on heteronormative norms, they construct SSP as “a lesser of two evils” and undermine seemingly positive attributes of same-sex families, through reference to children’s exposure to adverse societal reactions.

Policy Implications

We discuss the implications of the findings for SSP social recognition and for sexual citizenship. We also discuss the implications of this approach for attitude research on the topic, underscoring the ideological implications of ‘attitudinal discourse’.
Potentiality realism: a realistic and indeterministic physics based on propensities
Authors: Del Santo Flavio , Gisin Nicolas
Published: December 2023

We propose an interpretation of physics named potentiality realism. This view, which can be applied to classical as well as to quantum physics, regards potentialities (i.e. intrinsic, objective propensities for individual events to obtain) as elements of reality, thereby complementing the actual properties taken by physical variables. This allows one to naturally reconcile realism and fundamental indeterminism in any theoretical framework. We discuss our specific interpretation of propensities, that require them to depart from being probabilities at the formal level, though allowing for statistics and the law of large numbers. This view helps reconcile classical and quantum physics by showing that most of the conceptual problems that are customarily taken to be unique issues of the latter -- such as the measurement problem -- are actually in common to all indeterministic physical theories.
Inpatient Evaluation and Management of Generalized Pustular Dermatoses
Authors: Davis Mitchell S. , Spencer Riley K. , Elhage Kareem G. , Jin Joy Q. , Hakimi Marwa , Liao Wilson , Arakaki Ryan Y. , Bhutani Tina
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the evaluation and management of the most encountered pustular dermatoses in the inpatient setting.

Recent Findings

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and acneiform eruptions are three pustular dermatoses encountered in the inpatient setting. New insights into the pathophysiology of these diseases are guiding the investigation of novel treatments for pustular dermatoses.

Although cases of pustular dermatoses are often benign and self-limited, careful evaluation and management are indicated as severe cases may pose legitimate health risks and require systemic therapy. Biologic agents are playing a larger role in the management of pustular dermatoses such as GPP.
Multi-functionalization of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for tumor theragnosis: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme assay, in-silico study, radiolabeling and in vivo targeting evaluation
Authors: Sakr Tamer M. , Elsabagh Mohammed F. , Fayez Hend , Sarhan Mona O. , Syam Yasmin M. , Anwar Manal M. , Motaleb Mohammed A. , Zaghary Wafaa A.
Published: December 2023

Background

In this study, a combination of nanotechnology, organic synthesis and radiochemistry were utilized in order to design an efficient nano-system conjugated with a suitable radionuclide and an antitumor agent for possible application as tumor theragnostic agent.

Method

Four novel compounds (3 and 4a-c) bearing tetrahydroquinazoline-7-sulfonohydrazide or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazoline-7-sulfonamide scaffold were designed. Then, docking study predicted that the compounds can be considered as potential inhibitors for PARP-1. Following that; the four compounds were synthesized and properly characterized using 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and Mass spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effect of the four compounds was evaluated against breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-436), where compound 3 showed the most promising cytotoxic effect. The inhibitory effect of the four compounds was evaluated in vitro against PARP-1.

Result

Carboxylated graphene oxide nanosheets (NGO-COOH) were synthesized by a modified Hummer's method and has size of range 40 nm. The NGO-COOH nanosheets were proven to be safe and biocompatible when tested in vitro against normal human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The prepared NGO-COOH nanosheets were conjugated with compound 3 then radiolabeled with 99mTc to yield 99mTc-NGO-COOH-3 with a radiochemical yield of 98.5.0 ± 0.5%. 99mTc-NGO-COOH-3 was injected intravenously in solid tumor bearing mice to study the degree of localization of the nano-system at tumor tissue. The results of the study revealed, excellent localization and retention of the designed nano-system at tumor tissues with targeting ratio of 9.0.

Conclusion

Stirred a new candidate tumor theragnostic agent that is safe, selective and stable.

Graphical abstract
Gait recognition based on multi-feature representation and temporal modeling of periodic parts
Authors: Li Zhenni , Li Shiqiang , Xiao Dong , Gu Zhengmin , Yu Yue
Published: December 2023

Despite the ability of 3D convolutional methods to extract spatio-temporal information simultaneously, they also increase parameter redundancy and computational and storage costs. Previous work that has utilized the 2D convolution method has approached the problem in one of two ways: either using the entire body sequence as input to extract global features or dividing the body sequence into several parts to extract local features. However, global information tends to overlook detailed information specific to each body part, while local information fails to capture relationships between local regions. Therefore, this study proposes a new framework for constructing spatio-temporal representations, which involves extracting and fusing features in a novel manner. To achieve this, we introduce the multi-feature extraction-fusion (MFEF) module, which includes two branches: each branch extracts global features or local features individually, after which they are fused using multiple strategies. Additionally, as gait is a periodic action and different body parts contribute unequally to recognition during each cycle, we propose the periodic temporal feature modeling (PTFM) module, which extracts temporal features from adjacent frame parts during the complete gait cycle, based on the fused features. Furthermore, to capture fine-grained information specific to each body part, our framework utilizes multiple parallel PTFMs to correspond with each body part. We conducted a comprehensive experimental study on the widely used public dataset CASIA-B. Results indicate that the proposed approach achieved an average rank-1 accuracy of 97.2% in normal walking conditions, 92.3% while carrying a bag during walking, and 80.5% while wearing a jacket during walking.
Characteristics and mechanism of time on sand powder 3D printing rock analogue: a new method for fractured rock mechanics
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Jiang Lishuai , Li Chunang , Zhao Yang , Sainoki Atsushi , Gong Xuanlin
Published: December 2023

Laboratory tests are one of the most fundamental and crucial methods in rock mechanics and engineering research. Natural rock specimens are challenging to acquire, and traditional casting methods involve prolonged curing times and cannot produce rock-like specimens with complex internal fractures. Furthermore, 3D printing technologies such as SLA, SLS, and FDM possess inherent limitations. In this study, high-silica sand was used as the printing material, and sand powder 3D printing technology was harnessed to fabricate rock-like specimens. Uniaxial compression tests were performed on specimens with varying placement times, aimed at investigating the impact of placement time on the mechanical properties of sand 3D-printed rock-like specimens. Acoustic emission technology was used to explore the internal state changes during deformation and failure of specimens with different placement times. The findings indicate that the mechanical properties of sand powder 3DP rock-like specimens exhibited no deterioration over time after approximately 7 days of placement. The internal structure remained unchanged across different placement times. This study's outcomes underscore the superiority of sand powder 3D printing technology within the realm of rock mechanics and establish the groundwork for the accurate and efficient fabrication of rock-like specimens through sand powder 3D printing technology in the future.
Atomized scrap powder feedstock for sustainable Inconel 718 additive manufacturing via LPBF: a study of static and fatigue properties
Authors: Benedetti M. , Perini M. , Vanazzi M. , Giorgini A. , Macoretta G. , Menapace C.
Published: December 2023

Inconel 718 is a popular superalloy with high strength and corrosion-resistance properties that make it widely used in aerospace and nuclear industries. The conventional production of Inconel 718 powder feedstock involves a considerable amount of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of using atomized metallic scrap to produce Inconel 718 powder feedstock, as a more sustainable alternative. Life cycle assessments showed that this approach reduces carbon footprint and energy consumption by more than 90% compared to conventional production methods. The study also carried out comparative microstructural, static and fatigue analyses to address concerns about potential impurities in the secondary-source powder feedstock. The results indicate that this secondary-source powder feedstock can achieve properties comparable to those of conventionally processed powders, with negligible loss in ductility and fatigue strength, without requiring ad-hoc tuning of the LPBF process parameters. Overall, the findings suggest that using Inconel 718 powder feedstock produced from secondary sources can be a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional production methods.
Self-consistent Analysis for Optimization of AlGaAs/GaAs Based Heterostructure
Authors: Paramasivam Pattunnarajam , Gowthaman Naveenbalaji , Srivastava Viranjay M.
Published: December 2023

The heterostructures are suitable for developing high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, a significant interest in the design and analysis of compound semiconductor Aluminium Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) heterostructures has been realized. These structures are fabricated with alternating layers of GaAs (a direct bandgap material) and AlGaAs (an indirect bandgap material) and have been used to design a range of high-performance devices, including lasers, solar cells, and field-effect transistors. A 30 nm AlGaAs consisting of a middle layer between two GaAs layers with a GaAs substrate has been reported. This work has been carried out at 300 K utilizing a quantum transport and self-consistent method for the proposed AlGaAs/GaAs one-dimensional heterostructure with a gate length of 2 nm and a voltage varying from 0 to 0.1 V. The measured values of doping density (nd) and electron density (ne) of AlGaAs/GaAs one-dimensional heterostructure are 8.96 × 1011 cm−3 and 2 × 1026 cm−3, respectively. The system response to geometric changes in several parameters has been realized. Hence, confined restricted states were computed using wave functions and energies. The GaAs layer on top of quantum well heterostructure interfaces has been used to modulate the wave functions (eigenstates) resulting in pseudo-one dimensional or small-dimension eigenstates. In this work, a comprehensive analysis of 1D AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure through benchmarking with several homo-structures (various thicknesses) has been performed.
Utilization of wheat 55K SNP array for QTL mapping of plant height and flag leaf in a RIL population
Authors: Cheng Bin , Gao Xu , Luo Yonglu , Ding Yanqing , Chen Tianqing , Cao Ning , Xu Jianxia , Xin Zhihai , Zhang Liyi
Published: December 2023

Plant height (PH) and flag leaf (FL) are two crucial agronomic traits for crop yield. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from ‘Mian 96-5’ (M96-5) and ‘Guixie 3’ (GX3) was investigated in five environments to study PH and FL characteristics in Chinese southwest wheat. Eight QTLs related to PH were detected on five chromosomes 1D (1), 2D (1), 4B (2), 4D (2), and 5A (2). Of these, Qph.gaas.2D explained phenotypic variance (PVE) of 22.40%, Qph.gaas.4B.1 (PVE = 21.92%), Qph.gaas.4D.1 (PVE = 12.29%), and Qph.gaas.4D.2 (PVE = 13.69%), which were consistent with known Rht8, Rht-B1, and Rht-D1 loci, respectively. The other four QTLs about PH, namely Qph.gaas.1D (212.50–258.36 Mb), Qph.gaas.4B.2 (643.50–646.67 Mb), Qph.gaas.5A.1 (515.06–523.07 Mb), and Qph.gaas.5A.2 (523.07–528.26 Mb), were novel QTLs for reduced wheat PH. Five, four, and five QTLs were related to length, width, and area of flag leaf. Among them, a major QTL (Qfll.gaas.2D, 15.79 ~ 37.04 Mb) was detected on chromosome 2D, where six candidate genes related to the photo-respiration stage of photosynthesis were found. Two important regions on chromosome 4B (25.83 ~ 29.20 Mb and 32.96 ~ 35.63 Mb) were related to the length, width and area of flag leaf at multi-environments, and including genes related to programmed cell death and metabolic regulation of gibberellin in the wheat grain-filling stages. These QTLs would be useful in further studies for decreasing plant height, providing theoretical support for the improvement of wheat plant type and boosting grain yield through pyramiding breeding.
Delivering Digital Health Solutions that Patients Need: A Call to Action
Authors: Popa Veronica , Geissler Jan , Vermeulen Rebecca , Priest Elizabeth , Capperella Katherine , Susuzlu Gözde , Terry Sharon F. , Brooke Nicholas
Published: December 2023

Digital health solutions have the potential to complement traditional healthcare approaches and deliver improved health outcomes, but there are system-wide challenges that need to be addressed. These include fragmentation of the digital health landscape, regulatory processes that lack the agility to accommodate the fast pace of digital health advances, and inadequate transparency around data sharing and data governance. All of these challenges have led to mistrust, limited understanding and sharing of best practices, a lack of digital education and awareness, and insufficient patient and public engagement and involvement. In this paper, we argue that for digital health solutions to fulfil their potential, there needs to be a significant increase in early, meaningful, and sustained engagement with the people they intend to benefit. The uptake as well as the impact of digital solutions created in partnership with patients for patients are greater and more relevant to the communities they address.
Development of micronutrient dense composite flour for routine enrichment of complementary foods for children 6–24 months old in Acholi sub-region of Uganda
Authors: Ugada Aliet Mmbone , Okidi Lawrence , Ongeng Duncan
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of local foods has been widely recognized as a sustainable strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies among resource-constrained households in rural areas in developing countries. Acholi sub-region of Uganda has recently recorded a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate iron, zinc, and calcium contents in complementary foods. Thus the sub-region was used as a case study to examine the potential of amaranth grain-silverfish-iron rich beans micronutrient dense composite flour in improving nutritional quality of complementary foods.

Design

Microsoft Excel was used to derive ingredient combinations based on the micronutrient requirements. Laboratory analyses were used to determine (1) nutritional quality; (2) functional properties and; (3) storage stability of the micronutrient-dense composite flour. Data was analysed using a one-sample t-test and analysis of variance by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results

The micronutrient-dense composite flour contained 19 mg/100 g, 13 mg/100 g, and 354 mg/100 g of iron, zinc, and calcium, respectively. The cost (0.037–0.058 USD) of the micronutrient-dense composite flour required to meet the RDA for iron and zinc among children 6–24 months old was found lower than the cost (4.81 USD) of a sachet of standard micronutrient powder equivalent to RDA. The product exhibited low bulk density (0.68 g/l), high water solubility index (25.56–29.16%), and short reconstitution time (40.00–45.00 s), and remained safe during the entire 70 days of storage. Theoretically, daily enrichment of complementary foods for children 6–11 and 12–24 months old with 58 and 37 g of the composite, respectively would contribute 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for iron and zinc and 50% for calcium.

Conclusion

The developed micronutrient-dense composite flour has the potential to improve the micronutrient quality of complementary foods. A concerted effort is required to promote its use as a strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies among children 6–24 months in resource-constrained settings.
Influence of reasoned organic and inorganic fertilization on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth, productivity, and profitability on degraded sandy soil in South Togo
Authors: Egnime Kola Kodjovi , Outéndé Toundou , Atalaèsso Bokobana , Koffi Tozo
Published: December 2023

Reasoned fertilization practices promote fertilizers formula adjusted to the crop’s needs and increase production and income. In this study, two agronomic tests were carried out on two sites named Tabligbo (site 1) and Djikame (site 2) on degraded sandy loam soils situated in the south of Togo using inorganic and organic fertilizer quantities obtained from reasoned fertilization. An indigenous variety of Abelmoschus esculentus was used and five treatments were applied: T2: mineral fertilizer (667 kg/ha), T3: waste compost (6126 kg/ha at Tabligbo and 7260 kg/ha at Dzikame), T4: mineral (333.50 kg/ha) + compost fertilizers (3063 kg/ha for site 1 and 3630 kg/ha for site 2), control (T0) and smallholder farmers’ old fertilization practices (T1). At Tabligbo, treatments T2 and T4 stimulated quick growth (74,5 ± 03.50 cm) and the highest number of fruit was obtained on T4 treatment (102 ± 09). At Djikame, treatments T2 and T3 presented the highest growth (65.82 ± 2.51 cm) and the T4 treatment gave the best number of fruits (72 ± 4.00). Economic Efficiency and Cost-Value Ratio were high on the T4 formula on Tabligbo soil (53.48% and 1.85). At Djikame, treatment T2 presents the highest value of economic parameters (24.52% and 01.35). Among treatments tested, T4 (compost + mineral fertilizer) is the effective treatment on Tabligbo sandy loam soil for okra production while the T2 (mineral fertilizer) option is the best for okra production on site 2 due to the low content in nitrogen increasing C/N ratio. The effective fertilizer formulas discovered in this study will be shared with farmers in the study areas in order to improve market garden crop production in South Togo.
The role of near-terminus conditions in the ice-flow speed of Upernavik Isstrøm in northwest Greenland
Authors: Voss Kelsey M. , Alley Karen E. , Lilien David A. , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe
Published: December 2023

Upernavik Isstrøm, the largest contributor to sea-level rise in northwest Greenland, has experienced complex and contrasting ice-flow-speed changes across its five outlets over the last two decades. In this study, we present a detailed remote-sensing analysis of the ice dynamics at Upernavik's outlets from 2000 to 2021 to evaluate the details of these changes. Previous research suggested that the presence or absence of floating ice tongues strongly influences Upernavik's ice dynamics. We use several lines of evidence to document the presence of floating ice tongues, and find that, while several outlets experienced ice-tongue formation and/or loss during the study period, these changes do not explain observed fluctuations in ice-flow velocity. Further exploration of ice-dynamic forcings using a flowline model suggests that changes in basal slipperiness near the terminus have a strong impact on upstream ice dynamics and can explain the velocity variations. Our results suggest that speed fluctuations at Upernavik's outlets may be seasonally and interannually controlled by bed conditions near the terminus, and highlight the need for further research on the influence of basal conditions on complex tidewater glacier dynamics.
Implementation of a diagnostic stewardship intervention to improve blood-culture utilization in 2 surgical ICUs: Time for a blood-culture change
Authors: Seidelman Jessica L. , Moehring Rebekah , Gettler Erin , Krishnan Jay , McGugan Lynn , Jordan Rachel , Murphy Margaret , Pena Heather , Polage Christopher R. , Alame Diana , Lewis Sarah , Smith Becky , Anderson Deverick , Mehdiratta Nitin
Published: December 2023

Objective:

We compared the number of blood-culture events before and after the introduction of a blood-culture algorithm and provider feedback. Secondary objectives were the comparison of blood-culture positivity and negative safety signals before and after the intervention.

Design:

Prospective cohort design.

Setting:

Two surgical intensive care units (ICUs): general and trauma surgery and cardiothoracic surgery

Patients:

Patients aged ≥18 years and admitted to the ICU at the time of the blood-culture event.

Methods:

We used an interrupted time series to compare rates of blood-culture events (ie, blood-culture events per 1,000 patient days) before and after the algorithm implementation with weekly provider feedback.

Results:

The blood-culture event rate decreased from 100 to 55 blood-culture events per 1,000 patient days in the general surgery and trauma ICU (72% reduction; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32–0.46; P < .01) and from 102 to 77 blood-culture events per 1,000 patient days in the cardiothoracic surgery ICU (55% reduction; IRR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39–0.52; P < .01). We did not observe any differences in average monthly antibiotic days of therapy, mortality, or readmissions between the pre- and postintervention periods.

Conclusions:

We implemented a blood-culture algorithm with data feedback in 2 surgical ICUs, and we observed significant decreases in the rates of blood-culture events without an increase in negative safety signals, including ICU length of stay, mortality, antibiotic use, or readmissions.