bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2D and 3D modelling of Molucca Sea double subduction zone based on primary waves travel time seismic tomography inversion
Authors: Pratita G A N , Palupi I R , Prasetyadi C
Published: September 2023

Molucca Sea is one of the areas with a high level of seismicity in Indonesia due to its location between three plates. The activities of them forming a quite unique subduction zone. The Eurasian Plate (Sangihe Microplate) move to the East and The Philippine Sea Plate (Halmahera Microplate) continues to Westward caused The Molucca Sea Microplate to be pressed, and subducts in two opposite directions modelat the same time forming an inverted “U”. This research used 3663 hypocenters and 9 BMKG stations in the last 5 years (2016 - 2021) with a magnitude of 3 - 8 Mw and a depth of 3 - 630 kilometers. Seismic inversion of travel time tomography is used to produce 2D models of the subduction zone around The Molucca Sea. The distribution of high ΔVp values is ranging from 3.5% to 4% is associated with a solid medium, like The Sangihe Plate, Halmahera Plate, and The Molucca Sea Plate subduction slab. While the low ΔVp is ranging from 1.8% to 2% is associated with the destruction zone and the presence of thermal fluids such as magma or partial melting (the presence of volcanoes). The 3D model is based on the Gaussian Process Regression principle using magnitude and depth data as initial model parameters. Plotting of the thrust faults at the front of the two arcs, namely The West Sangihe Thrust Fault and The East Halmahera Thrust Fault. It can be seen that the subduction under The Sangihe Microplate is deeper (627.2 kilometers) has the average subduction angle of 45.3° compared to the subduction under The Halmahera Microplate (280.0 kilometers) has the average subduction angle of 35.8°
Early Modeling of Seismic Velocity Structure P, S, and Vp/Vs Ratio in Bengkulu Region and its Surroundings
Authors: Silaen N , Haqi Y A , Rochim D N , Firmansyah M F , Herawati I , Widyanti S
Published: September 2023

Bengkulu is located in the southern region of Sumatra, where the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates are subducted. As a consequence of the subduction, seismicity in the area increases, as well as volcanic activity and the appearance of structures such as the Sumatran and the Mentawai faults. Seismic velocity structures were reconstructed using earthquake tomography in Bengkulu and the surrounding areas using data from the International Seismological Center (ISC) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The earthquake data collection period was from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. 19 stations recorded 1721 earthquakes. LOTOS-12 is used to do a tomography inversion, starting with a 1D velocity model and wadati’s Vp/Vs ratio and iteratively inverting for Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratios. The bending algorithm is used to calculate the arrival time, and the LSQR method is used to invert it. The Checkerboard Resolution Test (CRT) yielded Tomography results. The results revealed the existence of zones with low-velocity anomalies and low-values of Vp/Vs ratios, indicating the presence of weak zones caused by Sumatra faults, Mentawai faults, and other local faults. Low-velocity anomalies with high-values of Vp/Vs ratios are related to volcanic activity, hereas high-velocity anomalies are associated with the existence of subduction plates and compact rocks. The low-velocity anomalies in the fore-arc at 30-50 km depths coincide with fluid circulation caused by slab dehydration.
Data Processing of Surface Wave Tomography in Australia using Automated Surface Wave Phase-Velocity Measuring System (ASWMS)
Authors: Saqina A , Kurniawan S , Yusami R , Abdullah A
Published: September 2023

The Australian continent is divided into tectonic blocks, including Archaean and Proterozoic units in the western and central part, and Phanerozoic units in the eastern part. Surface wave tomography is an effective method of getting information about velocity variations in a particular region. Surface wave tomography was used in this project to map the subsurface of the Australian continent down to a depth of 100 km with the ASWMS (Automated Surface-Wave Phase-Velocity Measuring System). From 2010 to 2015, we gathered waveform data from 767 events and 219 permanent and temporal seismic stations dispersed across Australia. We selected a set of events that has a minimum magnitude of 6. Rayleigh wave extraction and cross-correlation between two nearby stations are among the first processing processes. Following that, the apparent phase-velocity value is calculated using the Eikonal and tomographic inversion. To generate a tomographic map with a true structural phase velocity, each phase velocity data is stacked with amplitude correction. According to current tomographic imaging studies, low-velocity values under Australia tend to be dispersed easterly, with Rayleigh velocity ranging from 3.7 to 3.9 km/s. The tectonic history and evolution of eastern Australia are related to a sequence of orogenic events that are pushing toward the continent’s eastern boundary.
Geomagnetic Data Analysis to Identify Subsurface Condition of Gondang Area, Bojonegoro
Authors: Bohal Yolanda Mustika , Fermantono Ihsan , Mariyanto Mariyanto
Published: September 2023

The presence of manifestation in the Gondang indicates a specific geological condition. Those manifestations are Banyu Kuning Hot Spring, Selo Gajah Hot Spring, and Jari Mud Burst. The purpose of this study, which was carried out near Mount Pandan, was to identify the distribution of magnetic fields and magnetic anomalies, including the patterns of potential geothermal energy distribution in the region based on its magnetism. It also aimed to explain the rock structure in the manifestation area based on susceptibility values. The survey was conducted using 94 measuring points that were randomly distributed throughout the manifestation area. The data was corrected using IGRF and diurnal correction, and it was examined using Surfer 11 to construct a contour map and Oasis Montaj to visualize 3D models. According to the processed data, the residual anomaly’s value ranges from -232.1 nT until 159.4 nT. For the anomaly of residual, 2D and 3D models demonstrated low susceptibility dissemination values ranging from -0.029 until -0.0135 cgs on the manifestation zone. The high susceptibility value, which is considered an intrusion rock, has a value range of 0.011 to 0.046 cgs.
Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS) for buildings: A mini review on guidelines and potential as alternative water supply in Malaysia
Authors: Juiani Siti Fairuz , Chang Chun Kiat , Leo Choe Peng , Goh Hui Weng , Ang Wei Lun , Aburamadan Rania Fayiz
Published: September 2023

Malaysia receives an abundance of rain annually (≈ 2400mm/year). The country, however, is not excused from water crises such as floods and water shortages. According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) data, Malaysia water consumption in year 2021 is 201 LCD and may encounter a water shortage crisis if the situation is not improved in the future. Rainwater harvesting (RWHS) has great potential in tackling water shortages. It can also combat water scarcity holistically and reduce dependency on treated water from dam reservoirs. RWHS is a sustainable alternative to tackle water crises with minimal environmental impact. Currently RWHS used for non-potable purposes like cleaning, toilet flushing, and irrigation. Due to the nature of the catchment area, there are several ways in which contaminants can enter the rainwater system and compromise the water quality. Elements such as topography, weather, and pollution sources, have a direct impact on the quality of rainwater that is collected and stored. In addition to the non-potable uses, RWH has been used for potable water in countries such as Australia and Bangladesh, but the total number of uses is still very small. For potable use, regular monitoring is required because it poses a health risk due to the presence of chemical, physical, and microbiological contaminants. If the water quality parameters meet the acceptable levels of water supply, harvested rainwater could be used for drinking purposes in many countries in the future. To ensure consistently good water quality, it is essential to establish standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules based on water safety plan approaches for both household and institutional users. This paper aims to review existing management guidelines and explore potential technologies for rainwater harvesting in buildings across Malaysia.
Sustainable thin shell analysis on structural foundation subjected to seismic loads
Authors: Nassir Azizah Abdul , Min Yee Hooi , Petchsasithon Arthit , Senin Syahrul Fithry
Published: September 2023

Shell structures are recognized for their exceptional performance in withstanding compression forces, often utilized as roof components. However, Southeast Asia experiences significant annual losses due to floods, with inadequate structural mitigation despite high population concentrations in seismic risk areas. Previous research explored thin shell structures as elevated foundations to mitigate flood effects on buildings. Unfortunately, the proposed shell design exceeded the material’s strength limit of 40N/mm2, limiting its feasibility. To address this, our study proposes a modified thin shell with a 600mm thickness. Finite Element analysis using LUSAS software evaluated the new design’s structural behavior under dynamic loads from earthquakes and flood-induced waves. Results demonstrate a substantial reduction of up to 99% in equivalent stress compared to the previous model [Model P]. The revised model [Model C] proves feasible in withstanding intense building loads, ensuring maximum stress remains below the concrete material’s strength limit. Implementation of these findings offers valuable structural mitigation, reducing flood impacts and enhancing both structural resilience and human safety.
Decision Making Toward Sustainable Material during Planning Stage at Construction in Seberang Perai Tengah Pulau Pinang
Authors: Musir Adhilla Ainun , Azlan Ahmad Faiz , Karim Nurulzatushima Abdul , Hassan Siti Hafizan , Nasir Siti Rashidah Mohd
Published: September 2023

The efficiency of using sustainable materials has been an important issue in ensuring the success of sustainable construction in Pulau Pinang. Unfortunately, the construction sector is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, contributing to global climate change and environmental issues. Thus, this study aims to identify the factor of sustainable materials selection in focusing on Seberang Perai Tengah and to determine the relationship between the decision-making factor and elements in the planning stage toward sustainable construction. The quantitative method was conducted by survey, and the instrument used was an online questionnaire survey. About 54 samples of the questionnaire were collected from those involved in the construction sector in Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang. The result shows the factors of decision-making that have the most influence on sustainable material selection are technology and training. Meanwhile, the planning stage element that has the most significant influence on the criteria of sustainable material is the project life cycle. This study could be valuable for all parties in the construction industry, especially to the decision-maker, engineers, clients, employers and staff, academicians, policymakers, researchers, and organizations.
Potential development of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power generation system by utilizing heat from natural hot-spring in Malaysia
Authors: Jasmi Ahmad Razin , Musa Nur Amalina , Zuber Muhammad Ahmar , Lazi Mohd Khairul Afzan Mohd , Omar Wan Zaidi Wan
Published: September 2023

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is widely used because of its ability to work with low and medium-grade heat resources. ORC basically operate by using organic working fluid which allows the application of Rankine Cycle to be operate at various range of heat resources depend on the properties of working fluid. This allows wide application of ORC power cycle at temperature below 370 °C where the steam-based Rankine Cycle are no longer efficient. This present paper discusses the potential development of micro power generation based on the ORC concept by utilizing heat from natural hot spring in Malaysia. The performance of the systems is analysed based on three different working fluids which are R134a, R410a and R245-fa. The comparison was done by the variation of hot water inlet temperatures in the range of 50 °C to 75 °C at the evaporator and 25 °C of ambient water at the condenser. The results indicates that R245-fa had 9 % thermal efficiency when the hot water inlet temperature is 75 °C which is the highest among the other working fluids in the similar condition. Meanwhile, the ideal power output of turbine is also analysed. The R410 can generate 2.38 kW power output when the input temperature of hot water is 75 °C which is the highest as compared to other working fluid at similar condition. Therefore, it can conclude that the micro-scale power generation systems can be developed based on ORC power cycle by utilizing heat resources by natural hot spring in Malaysia.
A review of the effects of solar radiation management on hydrological extremes
Authors: Tew Yi Lin , Tan Mou Leong , Liew Juneng , Chang Chun Kiat , Muhamad Nurfashareena
Published: September 2023

Solar radiation management (SRM) is one of the proposed climate mitigation strategies to cool the planet rapidly. The injection of aerosol particles into the stratosphere for reflecting solar radiation back to the space is one of the SRM methods that are widely discussed. Theoretically, SRM might lower the earth’s temperature within a few months of deployment, reducing the impacts of climate change on natural disasters, i.e., floods and drought, which lead to huge losses in economic and human life. Solar radiation variability was identified to be a substantial factor that induced the hydrological changes, particularly in precipitation extreme. The effects of SRM on hydrological cycles, however, fluctuate depending on the location and environment. Hence, this article reviews the past SRM studies that related to the analysis of the hydrological cycle changes. A total of 17 articles were identified and collected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The results show that there have been an increasing number of articles in recent years studying the effects of SRM on the hydro-climatic changes. The Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP) and the Geoengineering Large Ensemble (GLENS) are two commonly used SRM-based general circulation models. In general, SRM is projected to slow down the global hydrological cycle. In comparison to the RCP 8.5 scenario, SRM generally tends to lower flood risk in many parts of the world. However, the majority of SRM research in hydrology has been conducted on a global scale, which results in a lack of robust basin-scale assessment needed for flood control policy formulation. In addition, more SRM climate models and scenario experiments should be considered to minimize the uncertainty in the framework for hydro-climatic modelling framework.
Preliminary survey on the root causes of mishandling materials occurrence at construction sites in central region Malaysia
Authors: Nadarason Kageishieny , Nagapan Sasitharan , Arumugam Niwashiny
Published: September 2023

A crucial issue has been perceived as construction waste generation, which negatively affects the effectiveness of construction project and its environmental impact. The key objective of the current research is to identify the root causes of mishandling materials at construction sites. A well-structured questionnaire was designed based on the 33 root causes of mishandling materials identified. The developed questionnaire was distributed to 28 highly experienced in Malaysian construction industry experts. The collected data was analysed by using mean score analysis. There are nine crucial root causes with a mean value greater than 3.70. The top identified root causes are lack of management commitments towards educating workers about safety, wrong handling of materials, lack of supervision, poor management, inappropriate storage leading to damage and mismanagement of materials. These initial findings will assist construction practitioners in addressing these root causes to reduce the material construction waste generated on construction sites.
Methods for increasing the energy efficiency of fan systems using wide-angle plane diffusers with splitter vanes
Authors: Klimentov Kliment , Popov Gencho , Kostov Boris , Kamenov Lachezar
Published: September 2023

Fan systems used to transport fluids are widely used and have become a major consumer of electrical energy worldwide. A significant part of the available energy of transported air in HVAC systems has usually been lost (in the form of dynamic pressure) at the system outlet. It is well-known that using outlet diffusers leads to this energy loss be reduced. In some cases, it is necessary to use shortened wide-angle diffusers, which have a higher coefficient of minor energy loss (local resistance). In the present work, a numerical study of the possibilities of increasing the energy efficiency of wide-angle plane diffusers, using splitter vanes, is accomplished. Diffusers with expansion angles of 30, 45 and 60 deg studied. The results obtained indicate the impact of the number of splitter vanes on the minor energy (local resistance) loss coefficient of the studied diffusers.
Development of minimalistic propulsion system for university nanosatellite
Authors: Baranova V S , Liashkevich S V , Saetchnikov V A
Published: September 2023

The paper presents the results of development of a neutralizer-free high-frequency ion thruster for university nanosatellite propulsion systems which allow it to perform orbit correction tasks. The application of high-frequency ion thruster technologies allows the self-neutralization mode and is relevant for the development of engines for CubeSat format small satellites where the size and weight of the propulsion system must be as minimal as possible. A pair of shapes of neutralizer-free high-frequency ion thrusters with different accelerating region geometries are proposed. The analysis of plasma flow and the charged particles acceleration was carried out. The trajectory and acceleration of a quasi-neutral plasma flow was calculated for crossed electric and magnetic fields. The cyclotron resonance model was applied for the quasi-neutral plasma flow acceleration in an ambipolar field. The coaxial structure of the ion thruster model is discussed. Preliminary estimate of the performance of the propulsion system prototype was carried out for a pulsed operation mode. Additionally, the energy budget of a high-frequency ion thruster prototype was calculated.
Exergy analysis, coupled heat pump and refrigeration system using waste heat
Authors: Dima D , Dobrovicescu A
Published: September 2023

The paper seeks the optimal configuration of equipment capable of generating heat and cold. For the generation of the two products, for the first time it is considered a coupled system heat pump and refrigeration system. Waste heat from an industrial process is used as the heat source for the heat pump cycle. For the refrigeration system, carbon dioxide is used as the working agent, and for the heat pump the working agent R152a. In order to identify the malfunctions at the level of each device and process, an exergy analysis is used, which identifies the magnitude and location of each malfunction. Based on the information provided by the exergy analysis, it is considered a structural optimization strategy by applying sub-cooling to the refrigeration cycle and heat pump cycle. The analysis shows an increase in the performance indices COPen and COPex when applying the subcooling at the level of the refrigeration cycle. The results of the exergy analysis make it possible to find solutions for improving the functional structure and design of equipment.
Theoretical and experimental research on the use of hydrogen in the automotive spark ignition engine
Authors: Georgescu R , Pana C , Negurescu N , Cernat A , Nutu C , Sandu C
Published: September 2023

Reducing the level of pollutant emissions of internal combustion engines requires the adaptation of solutions that improve the combustion process in the cylinder but those solutions may increase their constructive complexity. For this reason, the use of hydrogen is an effective solution, both for replacing fossil fuels and for reducing the concentration of pollutant emissions. The use of hydrogen as an additional fuel for the automotive spark ignition engines offers the possibility of obtaining increased energy performance, decreased pollutant emissions level and decreased concentration of greenhouse gas emissions. The paper presents the results of the some theoretical and experimental investigations carried on an automotive spark ignition engine, analysing the influence of the hydrogen on combustion and implicitly on energy performance and pollution. The simulation of thermo-gas-dynamic processes in the cylinder of the engine fed successively with gasoline/gasoline and hydrogen, allowed the authors to develop a specific and efficient procedure for conducting experimental investigations. The results of the theoretical and experimental research obtained and presented in the paper highlight the advantages of using hydrogen as an additive to gasoline fuelling in the automobile spark ignition engine: the improvement of combustion (reduction of combustion duration, increase of indicated thermal efficiency, reduction of specific energy consumption) and reduction of the level of polluting emissions and of the emission of greenhouse gases. An engine adjustment strategy for the sharp reduction of the concentration of nitrogen oxides is also presented.
Analysis of the behaviour for a steering rack under the influence of the road elements
Authors: Petrovan S , Popa A G , Spătaru B , Rakosi E , Ulian T , Manolache Gh
Published: September 2023

The automotive industry is dealing with rapid innovation and competition, which calls for either changing current products or replacing them with more modern materials. Automobile manufacturers are currently focusing on reducing the weight in order to conserve natural resources and energy. As luxury and safety equipment is added, the weight of the vehicle increases, which reduces overall performance and fuel efficiency. As a result, modern car industry leaders prioritize vehicle armoring. The use of composite materials based on plastic fibers in automobile manufacture has a number of financial and practical benefits for both the buyer and the manufacturer. Benefits are attributed to a decrease in weight, improved production standards, stylistic advancements, corrosion and abrasion resistance. Studying how various composite material types used to build directional cases behave under impact with a potentially hazardous object while moving at a speed of 100 km/h is the proposal of this article.
Effect of lubricant infiltration into the groove-like surface texture on the friction response of the textured stainless-steel contact surface
Authors: Yang Dinghuai , Cheng Jian , Zhao Linjie , Chen Mingjun , Liu Henan , Wang Jinghe , Han Chengshun , Sun Yazhou
Published: September 2023

Surface texturing is recognized as an effective solution for reducing friction on stainless-steel contact interfaces. Previous studies mainly focused on the influence of the texture parameters and lubricant-film depths on their tribology performances. Notably, whether the lubricant can penetrate texture and the lubricant infiltration capacity may significantly affect the tribology performances of the contact interfaces. They have been rarely considered, which may cause some well-designed textures to fail to perform their roles and be abandoned. Herein, a novel lubricant model is developed to explore the tribology performances of the contact interfaces with different lubricant infiltration capacities in textures and the influence factors of the lubricant infiltration capacities. Textured surfaces with different dimensions are fabricated by the femtosecond laser to explore the effects of the texture dimensions on the lubricant infiltration capacities. The results indicate that texture width, depth and lubricant viscosity could significantly affect the lubricant infiltration capacities. Moreover, the results indicate that the lubricant infiltration capacity would significantly affect the tribology performances of the contact interfaces. This work indicates that the impact of the lubricant infiltration should be considered in texture design. This work can be widely used to guide the texture design applied in plenty of fields.
Study on the properties of wafer-scale grown MoS2 deposited via thermally induced chemical vapor deposition with Mo(CO)6 and H2S precursors
Authors: Klumpp Armin , Hooijer Rik , Krüger Nina , Boudaden Jamila , Wolf Florian , Döblinger Markus , Bein Thomas
Published: September 2023

To realize profitable applications with 2D-materials the transition from research scale to microelectronic fabrication methods is needed. This means the use of equipment for larger substrates and assessment of the process flows. In this study we demonstrate an effective way to assess MoS2 as semiconducting material, deposited with the lower priced precursors Mo(CO)6 and H2S on 200 mm silicon wafers. We could show how the evolution of layer quality develops depending on temperature and interface pretreatment. It is not possible to achieve mono-layers of 0.6 nm with high quality due to seeding kinetics and mechanism. In contrast, layers with thicknesses above 3 nm have suitable electrical and optical qualities to proceed with the design of active devices on 200 mm wafers.
Linear-depth quantum circuits for loading Fourier approximations of arbitrary functions
Authors: Moosa Mudassir , Watts Thomas W , Chen Yiyou , Sarma Abhijat , McMahon Peter L
Published: September 2023

The ability to efficiently load functions on quantum computers with high fidelity is essential for many quantum algorithms, including those for solving partial differential equations and Monte Carlo estimation. In this work, we introduce the Fourier series loader (FSL) method for preparing quantum states that exactly encode multi-dimensional Fourier series using linear-depth quantum circuits. Specifically, the FSL method prepares a (Dn)-qubit state encoding the 2
Dn
-point uniform discretization of a D-dimensional function specified by a D-dimensional Fourier series. A free parameter, m, which must be less than n, determines the number of Fourier coefficients,

2

D
(
m
+
1
)

, used to represent the function. The FSL method uses a quantum circuit of depth at most

2
(
n
−
2
)
+

⌈

log

2

(
n
−
m
)

⌉

+

2

D
(
m
+
1
)
+
2

−
2
D
(
m
+
1
)

, which is linear in the number of Fourier coefficients, and linear in the number of qubits (Dn) despite the fact that the loaded function’s discretization is over exponentially many (2
Dn
) points. The FSL circuit consists of at most

D
n
+

2

D
(
m
+
1
)
+
1

−
1

single-qubit and

D
n
(
n
+
1
)

/

2
+

2

D
(
m
+
1
)
+
1

−
3
D
(
m
+
1
)
−
2

two-qubit gates; we present a classical compilation algorithm with runtime

O
(

2

3
D
(
m
+
1
)

)

to determine the FSL circuit for a given Fourier series. The FSL method allows for the highly accurate loading of complex-valued functions that are well-approximated by a Fourier series with finitely many terms. We report results from noiseless quantum circuit simulations, illustrating the capability of the FSL method to load various continuous 1D functions, and a discontinuous 1D function, on 20 qubits with infidelities of less than 10−6 and 10−3, respectively. We also demonstrate the practicality of the FSL method for near-term quantum computers by presenting experiments performed on the Quantinuum H1-1 and H1-2 trapped-ion quantum computers: we loaded a complex-valued function on 3 qubits with a fidelity of over

95
%

, as well as various 1D real-valued functions on up to 6 qubits with classical fidelities ≈99%, and a 2D function on 10 qubits with a classical fidelity ≈94%.
Fatigue assessment of welded joints and crack growth considering residual stress
Authors: Rahbar Ranji Ahmad , Najafi Gishanim Soheil , Alirezaee Shahpour
Published: September 2023

There are different approaches to investigate the fatigue life of welded joints, however, less has been done considering residual stresses. The heat and residual stress distribution of a butt weld joint are determined using ABAQUS software and the results are validated against experimental and numerical studies in the literature. The software FE-SAFE is used to study the fatigue life of a GMAW welded butt joint under high cycle loading considering the residual stress. The corresponding S-N curve is determined, and the results show that the longer the length of welds, the higher residual stress and lower fatigue life. The crack nucleation and propagation in the butt weld simulated using XEFM software, and it is found that crack starts from the position of highest restrain.
The Agency-Respect View
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: September 2023

This chapter sets out the agency-respect view of the moral normativity of socially constructed norms. Central to the view is the agency-respect principle, which states that one has an obligation to respect people’s commitments (i.e., to give “agency respect” to people), provided those commitments are authentic, morally permissible, and respecting them is not too costly. Combined with the agential-investment account of socially constructed norms introduced in Chapter 1, the principle grounds conditional obligations to obey such norms out of respect for the commitments of norm-supporters. The chapter proceeds by illustrating the implications of the principle, showing how it fits our intuitions about our duties to do what norms require and how it successfully explains where such duties come from. The final portion of the chapter is devoted to addressing objections to the agency-respect principle, including the concerns that it is overdemanding, that it can only explain the obligations of “outsiders” to communities, that it is oppressive towards dissenting minorities, and that it is too conservative.
Explaining the Wrong of Sovereignty Violations
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the wrong involved in violating the sovereignty of political collectives, even when such sovereignty violations do not appear to set back any individual’s interests. After raising doubts about views which deny that any wrongs occur in such cases, and views which explain such wrongs by appeal to nationality, political membership, and autonomy, the chapter turns to the agency-respect view. According to this view, seemingly harmless sovereignty violations are wrongful since they involve violating morally permissible internal and external sovereignty norms. In particular, such violations are agency-disrespectful towards those individuals who authentically support said norms, namely (i) members of the political collective whose sovereignty is violated as well as (ii) members of the international community as a whole, who support the norm of states’ sovereign equality. The chapter concludes by considering objections and further implications of the agency-respect view.
Anterior cingulate metabolite levels, memory, and inhibitory control in abstinent men and women with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Oot Emily N , Sawyer Kayle S , Oscar-Berman Marlene , Luhar Riya B , Jensen J E , Silveri Marisa M
Published: September 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been shown to have harmful cognitive and physiological effects, including altered brain chemistry. Further, although men and women may differ in vulnerability to the neurobiological effects of AUD, the results of existing studies have been conflicting. We examined brain metabolite levels and cognitive functions in a cross-section of men with AUD (AUDm) and women with AUD (AUDw) to determine the degree of abnormalities after extended periods of abstinence (mean, 6 years) and to evaluate gender differences in neuropsychological and metabolite measures. Participants were 40 abstinent individuals with AUD (22 AUDw, 18 AUDm) and 50 age-equivalent non-AUD comparison participants (26 NCw, 24 NCm). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was employed at 3 Tesla to acquire metabolite spectra from the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Brain metabolites N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), myo-Inositol (mI), and glutamate & glutamine (Glx) were examined relative to measures of memory and inhibitory control. Metabolite levels did not differ significantly between AUD and NC groups. Memory and inhibitory-control impairments were observed in the AUD group. There also were significant group-specific associations between metabolite ratios and measures of inhibitory control. There were no group-by-gender interactions for the four metabolite ratios. These findings demonstrate that brain metabolite levels in men and women with AUD, following long-term abstinence, do not differ from individuals without AUD. The data also provide preliminary evidence of sustained associations between metabolite levels and measures of inhibitory control, a functional domain important for curtailing harmful drinking.
CCPlotR: an R package for the visualization of cell–cell interactions
Authors: Ennis Sarah , Ó Broin Pilib , Szegezdi Eva
Published: September 2023

We present CCPlotR—an R package that generates visualizations of cell–cell interactions. CCPlotR is designed to work with the output of tools that predict cell–cell interactions from single-cell gene expression data and requires only a table of predicted interactions as input. The package can generate a comprehensive set of publication-ready figures such as heatmaps, dotplots, circos plots and network diagrams, providing a useful resource for researchers working on cell–cell interactions.

Availability and implementation

CCPlotR is available to download and install from GitHub (https://github.com/Sarah145/CCPlotR) and comes with a toy dataset to demonstrate the different functions. Support for users will be provided via the GitHub issues tracker (https://github.com/Sarah145/CCPlotR/issues).
Late outcomes of renal denervation are more favourable than early ones: facts or fancies?
Authors: Persu Alexandre , Stoenoiu Maria S , Maes Frédéric , Kreutz Reinhold , Mancia Giuseppe , Kjeldsen Sverre E
Published: September 2023

Following second-generation randomized trials, there is evidence that renal denervation (RDN) decreases blood pressure (BP), although to a lesser extent than suggested in the initial controlled and observational studies. The recent publication of the 36-month follow-up of the Symplicity HTN-3 trial has raised expectations, suggesting increasing, late benefits of the procedure, despite initially negative results. These findings come after those obtained at 36 months in the sham-controlled trial SPYRAL HTN-ON MED and in the Global Symplicity Registry. However, they are susceptible to biases inherent in observational studies (after unblinding for sham-control) and non-random, substantial attrition of treatment groups at 36 months, and used interpolation of missing BPs. More importantly, in SPYRAL HTN-ON MED and Symplicity HTN-3, long-term BP changes in patients from the initial RDN group were compared with those in a heterogeneous control group, including both control patients who did not benefit from RDN and patients who eventually crossed over to RDN. In crossover patients, the last BP before RDN was imputed to subsequent follow-up. In Symplicity HTN-3, this particular approach led to the claim of increasing long-term benefits of RDN. However, comparison of BP changes in patients from the RDN group and control patients who did not undergo RDN, without imputation of BPs from crossover patients, does not support this view. The good news is that despite the suggestion of sympathetic nerve regrowth after RDN in some animal models, there is no strong signal in favour of a decreasing effect of RDN over time, up to 24 or even 36 months. Still, current data do not support a long-term increase in the effect of RDN and the durability of RDN-related BP reduction remains to be formally demonstrated.
Plasma activin A rises with declining kidney function and is independently associated with mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nordholm Anders , Sørensen Ida M H , Bjergfelt Sasha S , Fuchs Andreas , Kofoed Klaus F , Landler Nino E , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Carlson Nicholas , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Christoffersen Christina , Bro Susanne
Published: September 2023

Background

Plasma (p-)activin A is elevated in chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Activin A inhibition ameliorates CKD-MBD complications (vascular calcification and bone disease) in rodent CKD models. We examined whether p-activin A was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality and CKD-MBD complications in CKD patients.

Methods

The study included 916 participants (741 patients and 175 controls) from the prospective Copenhagen CKD cohort. Comparisons of p-activin A with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), coronary and thoracic aorta Agatston scores, and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated by univariable linear regression using Spearman's rank correlation, analysis of covariance and ordinal logistic regression with adjustments. Association of p-activin A with rates of MACE and all-cause mortality was evaluated by the Aalen–Johansen or Kaplan–Meier estimator, with subsequent multiple Cox regression analyses.

Results

P-activin A was increased by CKD stage 3 (124–225 pg/mL, P < .001) and correlated inversely with eGFR (r = −0.53, P < 0.01). P-activin A was associated with all-cause mortality [97 events, hazard ratio 1.55 (95% confidence interval 1.04; 2.32), P < 0.05] after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM) and eGFR. Median follow-up was 4.36 (interquartile range 3.64–4.75) years. The association with MACE was not significant after eGFR adjustment. Agatston scores and BMD were not associated with p-activin A.

Conclusion

P-activin A increased with declining kidney function and was associated with all-cause mortality independently of age, sex, DM and eGFR. No association with MACE, vascular calcification or BMD was demonstrated.
Development of a degree-day model to predict the growth of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae): implication for vector control management
Authors: Abbasi Madineh , Oshaghi Mohammad Ali , Mehdi Sedaghat Mohammad , Hazratian Teimour , Rahimi Foroushani Abbas , Jafari-Koshki Tohid , Reza Yaghoobi-Ershadi Mohammad , Reza Abai Mohammad , Vatandoost Hassan , Fekri Jaski Sajjad , Bozorg Omid Faramarz , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali
Published: September 2023

Anopheles stephensi is an efficient vector of malaria parasites in Iran. Despite its importance in malaria transmission, there is a scarcity of accurate predictive models of its rates of development at different temperatures. A laboratory colony of An. stephensi, collected from Bandar Abbas County, southern Iran, was established, and all its developmental stages were maintained in temperature-controlled incubators so that the water temperature set at 5, 8, 10, 12.5, 14, 28, 38, 39.5, 42, and 45(±0.2) °C for different treatments until subsequent adult emergence. The Lower and Upper Developmental Temperatures (LDT and UDT) and the growth degree-day (GDD) were calculated for each development stage. A 12-mo population dynamics survey of the larvae and adults of An. stephensi was performed in 3 malaria-endemic villages (Geno, Hormoodar, and Sarkhoon) of Bandar Abbas County, and the obtained data were matched with the constructed GDD model. Based on the field meteorological and dynamics data, the model was verified in the field and used to determine the appropriate date to start spraying. The LDT was determined to be 8.19, 9.74, 8.42, 5.6, 13.57, and 10.03 °C for egg hatching, first, second, and third ecdysis, pupation, and eclosion events, respectively. The UDT was 38 °C for all developmental stages. The thermal requirement for the development of all immature stages of An stephensi was determined to be 187.7 (±56.3) GDD above the LDT. Therefore, the appropriate date to start residual spraying is when the region’s GDD reaches 187.7 (±56.3). Given the climatic conditions in Bandar Abbas County, it is expected that the first activity peak of adult An. stephensi would be in March. Field observations showed that An. stephensi activity starts in February and peaks in March. The GDD model can provide a good estimate for peak An. stephensi activity and indicate the optimal deployment time of residual spraying operations against the multiplication and development of malaria parasites inside the vector.
Presence of the causal agent of laurel wilt disease in sassafras-associated insects
Authors: Knutsen Morgan C , Rieske Lynne K
Published: September 2023

Laurel wilt disease (LWD) is a lethal vascular wilt caused by an exotic ambrosia beetle–fungal complex, the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, and its nutritional symbiont, Harringtonia lauricola (Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva) de Beer & Procter. LWD is responsible for the widespread mortality of redbay, Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng., devastating coastal forests in the southeast United States. More recently, LWD is causing mortality of understory sassafras, Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees, in deciduous forests in Kentucky, USA; the biology, epidemiology, and long-term impacts of LWD in deciduous forests are unclear. All North American lauraceous species evaluated have shown susceptibility, and numerous additional ambrosia beetles have demonstrated vector potential, but no studies to date have assessed the presence of H. lauricola in other insects associated with LWD-infected sassafras. We sampled infected sassafras from the leading edge of the LWD range and collected insect associates to evaluate phoretic and internal presence of H. lauricola. We recorded 118 individuals of 38 morphospecies emerging; most were Coleoptera. Of the 48 specimens evaluated for H. lauricola, none tested positive for phoretic presence, but internal presence was evident in the granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus Motschulsky, and in a hidden snout weevil, Apteromechus ferratus Say. This is the first report of H. lauricola associated with a non-ambrosia beetle and expands our understanding of the vector potential of additional insect species while confirming the role of the granulate ambrosia beetle. These findings contribute to our understanding of LWD epidemiology in sassafras hosts from more northerly latitudes.
Pregnancy and delivery after percutaneous embolization with a combination of microvascular plugs and hydrogel-coated coils for unilateral diffuse pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: a case report
Authors: Ogino Kayo , Hayashi Tomohiro , Waki Kenji , Ohya Masanobu
Published: September 2023

Background

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal communications between the pulmonary arteries and veins; right-to-left shunts can cause hypoxaemia, emboli to systemic circulation, and brain abscesses. Cyanosis during pregnancy may increase the probability of premature birth or spontaneous abortion and may increase maternal cardiac complications.

Case summary

We describe a case of a 24-year-old woman with diffuse multiple PAVMs localized to the left inferior lobe and chronic cyanosis. She had increased exertional fatigue and chronic headaches and was New York Heart Association class II, although her rest sitting peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) had remained unchanged at 83% over the past 20 years. She underwent percutaneous embolization with microvascular plugs and hydrogel-coated coils. A microvascular plug was placed as an anchor near the venous sac, followed by hydrogel-coated coil embolization of the proximal pulmonary artery. A total of six sessions of catheter intervention were performed. The embolization was successful, her hypoxaemia was relieved, and she was able to conceive and deliver. Three years have passed since the last session, and SpO2 97% has been maintained.

Discussion

In the treatment of complex PAVMs, the combination of microvascular plugs and hydrogel-coated coils resulted in shorter procedure time, lower risk of migration of the embolus to the pulmonary veins, and less recanalization and revascularization. Percutaneous embolization of PAVMs resulted in safe delivery for the mother and child.
A long-term follow-up of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma with concomitant large-vessel vasculitis and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a case report
Authors: Setoguchi Naoto , Nakayama Yukiteru , Amiya Eisuke , Takeda Norifumi , Komuro Issei
Published: September 2023

Background

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis and multisystem disorder. Low level of HDL cholesterol associated with a systemic inflammatory profile, which may result from the interaction of monoclonal immunoglobulin and lipoproteins, is a characteristic feature. There is no evidence of NXG-associated large-vessel vasculitis, nor are there any established treatments, although chemotherapy for comorbid multiple myeloma is most often administered.

Case summary

We describe a case of a 53-year-old male with a first history of heart failure with impaired systolic function. He presented with orbital xanthomas and multiple subcutaneous nodules, and laboratory examination showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, low HDL, and paraproteinemia. A constellation of these clinical features and pathological findings of skin biopsy led to the diagnosis of NXG. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) confirmed increased uptake in the aorta and bilateral common carotid arteries. He began prednisolone treatment with reference to treatment for large-vessel vasculitis. After the treatment, C-reactive protein immediately decreased with markedly increased levels of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and HDL. Systolic dysfunction was restored at 6-month follow-up. The patient has not experienced heart failure for 5 years after treatment, and the follow-up PET/CT demonstrated resolution of vascular inflammation.

Discussion

This is the first report of NXG-associated large-vessel vasculitis. Low-dose prednisolone may benefit for NXG-associated vasculitis and cardiomyopathy. HDL, Apo-A1, and C-reactive protein levels may be useful for monitoring the activity of NXG, and PET/CT was a valuable diagnostic tool for NXG-associated vasculitis.