bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Line-Haul Feeder Vehicle Routing Problem: A Classification and Review
Authors: Yousefikhoshbakht Majid , Chaharmahali Mohamadreza , Ahmed Zakir Hussain
Published: September 2023

Today, goods transportation is considered to be one of the most important activities of national economics. Logistics and supply chain play an important role in the industry and services, considering the needs of the people, while there is an increase in the population. In addition, the role of logistics in urban areas, especially in restaurants, grocery stores, etc., is clearly visible. Besides, the final price of the goods is the most important factor that is always considered in service and in production. Due to this important factor, transportation has been found to be one of the most significant and influential factors in determining the price of goods. For these reasons, the newest variant of the vehicle routing problem, called the line feeder vehicle routing problem (LFVRP), is considered in this paper, in which various types of vehicles (large and small vehicles) are used for providing services to customers. In this particular type of delivery issue, these vehicles must start from the warehouse, meet customers, and finally return to the depot. In fact, the issue of LFVRP is related to the fast customer service in urban areas because in this case, all that are considered to be of priority are to minimize transportation costs and overall distribution time for fast customer service, especially in urban areas. Due to the many applications of this problem in the real world, a general review of this problem is conducted, and the versions of this problem are described along with the algorithms for its solution in the paper.
Formate Supplementation Enhances Antitumor CD8+ T-cell Fitness and Efficacy of PD-1 Blockade
Authors: Rowe Jared H. , Elia Ilaria , Shahid Osmaan , Gaudiano Emily F. , Sifnugel Natalia E. , Johnson Sheila , Reynolds Amy G. , Fung Megan E. , Joshi Shakchhi , LaFleur Martin W. , Park Joon Seok , Pauken Kristen E. , Rabinowitz Joshua D. , Freeman Gordon J. , Haigis Marcia C. , Sharpe Arlene H.
Published: September 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) restricts antitumor CD8+ T-cell function and immunotherapy responses. Cancer cells compromise the metabolic fitness of CD8+ T cells within the TME, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that one-carbon (1C) metabolism is enhanced in T cells in an antigen-specific manner. Therapeutic supplementation of 1C metabolism using formate enhances CD8+ T-cell fitness and antitumor efficacy of PD-1 blockade in B16-OVA tumors. Formate supplementation drives transcriptional alterations in CD8+ T-cell metabolism and increases gene signatures for cellular proliferation and activation. Combined formate and anti–PD-1 therapy increases tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, which are essential for enhanced tumor control. Our data demonstrate that formate provides metabolic support to CD8+ T cells reinvigorated by anti–PD-1 to overcome a metabolic vulnerability in 1C metabolism in the TME to further improve T-cell function.

Significance:

This study identifies that deficiencies in 1C metabolism limit the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in B16-OVA tumors. Supplementing 1C metabolism with formate during anti–PD-1 therapy enhances CD8+ T-cell fitness in the TME and CD8+ T-cell–mediated tumor clearance. These findings demonstrate that formate supplementation can enhance exhausted CD8+ T-cell function.

See related commentary by Lin et al., p. 2507.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489
AACR Cancer Centers Alliance: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation to Advance Lifesaving Scientific Discoveries for Patients
Authors: Arteaga Carlos L. , Cleveland John L. , Foti Margaret , Mesa Ruben A. , Weiner Louis M. , Willman Cheryl L. , Tuveson David A.
Published: September 2023

Basic and clinical cancer research discoveries stemming from the nation's cancer centers have markedly improved outcomes for many cancer patients. Despite this forward momentum in our progress against this complex disease, cancer in all its forms remains a major public health challenge that touches the lives of nearly every American, either directly or indirectly. The newly formed AACR Cancer Centers Alliance will accelerate the pace of discovery by providing an ongoing mechanism for transferring new knowledge, sharing resources, developing national demonstration projects, and driving innovation that impacts cancer science, cancer care delivery, and science and health policy.
Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Nakazawa Kay , Shaw Taryn , Song Young K. , Kouassi-Brou Marilyn , Molotkova Anna , Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chou Hsien-Chao , Wen Xinyu , Wei Jun S. , Deniz Emre , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Keller Charles , Barr Frederic G. , Khan Javed , Üren Aykut
Published: September 2023

The tumor-specific chromosomal translocation product, PAX3::FOXO1, is an aberrant fusion protein that plays a key role for oncogenesis in the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). PAX3::FOXO1 represents a validated molecular target for alveolar RMS and successful inhibition of its oncogenic activity is likely to have significant clinical applications. Even though several PAX3::FOXO1 function-based screening studies have been successfully completed, a directly binding small-molecule inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1 has not been reported. Therefore, we screened small-molecule libraries to identify compounds that were capable of directly binding to PAX3::FOXO1 protein using surface plasmon resonance technology. Compounds that directly bound to PAX3::FOXO1 were further evaluated in secondary transcriptional activation assays. We discovered that piperacetazine can directly bind to PAX3::FOXO1 protein and inhibit fusion protein-derived transcription in multiple alveolar RMS cell lines. Piperacetazine inhibited anchorage-independent growth of fusion-positive alveolar RMS cells but not embryonal RMS cells. On the basis of our findings, piperacetazine is a molecular scaffold upon which derivatives could be developed as specific inhibitors of PAX3::FOXO1. These novel inhibitors could potentially be evaluated in future clinical trials for recurrent or metastatic alveolar RMS as novel targeted therapy options.

Significance:

RMS is a malignant soft-tissue tumor mainly affecting the pediatric population. A subgroup of RMS with worse prognosis harbors a unique chromosomal translocation creating an oncogenic fusion protein, PAX3::FOXO1. We identified piperacetazine as a direct inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1, which may provide a scaffold for designing RMS-specific targeted therapy.
Correlation between APOE4 gene and gut microbiota in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen X.-X. , Zeng M.-X. , Cai D. , Zhou H.-H. , Wang Y.-J. , Liu Z.
Published: September 2023

Gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis has been increasingly associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the association between APOE4, the most common genetic risk factor for sporadic AD, and GM in AD remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the GM of participants from China and the USA, with and without APOE4 genes and with or without AD (67 AD cases, 67 control cases). Our results revealed that the GM alpha diversity was not different between groups (AD_APOE4, Control_APOE4, AD_non-APOE4, and Control_non-APOE4) (419.031 ± 143.631 vs 391.091 ± 126.081, 351.086 ± 169.174 and 386.089 ± 177.200, respectively. ). Interestingly, individuals in the AD_APOE4 group had different bacterial compositions and bacterial biomarkers. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test indicated that the abundances of many bacterial species in the AD_APOE4 patients differed from those in control individuals, including decreases in unclassified_g__Escherichia-Shigella (1.763 ± 6.73, 4.429 ± 11.13, 8.245 ± 16.55, and 5.69 ± 13.91 in four groups, respectively; ), and unclassified_g_Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (0.1519 ± 0.348, 2.502 ± 5.913, 0.5146 ± 0.9487, 1.063 ± 3.428 in four groups, respectively; ), and increases in gut_metagenome_g_Faecalibacterium (2.885 ± 4.47, 2.174 ± 3.957, 0.5765 ± 1.784, 1.582 ± 2.92 in four groups, respectively. ) and unclassified_g_Bacteroides (3.875 ± 3.738, 2.47 ± 2.748, 2.046 ± 3.674, 3.206 ± 3.446 in four groups, respectively; ). In the KEGG pathway level 2 analysis, we identified three significant differences in relative abundances of predicted functions between AD_APOE4 and AD_non-APOE4_carrier groups: neurodegenerative diseases (0.0007 ± 0.0005 vs 0.0009 ± 0.0004; P < 0.01), metabolism (0.0240 ± 0.0003 vs 0.0250 ± 0.0003; P < 0.05), and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites (0.0094 ± 0.0002 vs 0.0090 ± 0.0002; P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves further demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74 for the discrimination of AD_APOE4_carrier and AD_non-APOE4_carrier individuals.
On the importance of types and the perils of “en passant” taxonomy: a brief history of the typification of Coluber naja Linnaeus, 1758 (Serpentes: Elapidae) and its implications, with the designation of a lectotype
Authors: WÜSTER WOLFGANG , TILLACK FRANK
Published: September 2023

In response to the recent in passing (“en passant”) taxonomic decision to split Naja naja (Linnaeus) and recognise the Sri Lankan populations as a separate species, N. polyocellata Deraniyagala, we analyse the evidence underlying the proposal and its nomenclatural implications. The proposed split is weakly supported by the available evidence, so that retaining N. naja as a single species seems appropriate until further analysis. Moreover, the proposal raises several issues concerning types, type locality and nomenclature. Linnaeus’ description of Coluber naja was based on a single preserved specimen seen by him (now lost) and several illustrations in Seba’s Thesaurus. The specimens that were the basis of these illustrations constitute part of the type series. Two of the latter specimens, ZMB 2795 and 2796, have been rediscovered in the collections of the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin. Here, we describe them, and determine that both are of Sri Lankan origin. To settle the question of the type and type locality of this iconic taxon, we designate ZMB 2796 as lectotype for the species, thereby implicitly restricting the type locality to Sri Lanka. The name “polyocellata” thus becomes a subjective junior synonym of Coluber naja, and the name Naja brasiliensis Laurenti, 1768 an objective junior synonym thereof. Any taxonomic recognition of additional diversity within N. naja would thus require the renaming of Indian, not Sri Lankan spectacled cobras, but should await a significant body of convincing evidence. We caution against taxonomic decisions taken “in passing”, based on limited evidence and without in-depth assessment of their nomenclatural implications.
Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Patients With Critical Limb Ischaemia not Eligible for Revascularization: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Modugno Pietro , Cilla Savino , Centritto Enrico Maria , Picone Veronica , Maiorano Maurizio , Amatuzio Mariangela , Petrilli Maria Pia , Fraticelli Vincenzo , De Filippo Carlo Maria , Caradonna Eugenio , Codispoti Franco Alberto , Massetti Massimo , Tshomba Yamume
Published: September 2023

We evaluated the use of autologus bone marrow stem cells transplantation in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) not eligible for revascularization. Eighty consecutive patients candidate to amputation were enrolled in a single-centre retrospective study. The primary endpoint was defined as the amputation-free rate from stem cells transplantation. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of transcutaneous oximetry and its predictive potential for probability of amputation and the evaluation of rest pain. Ankle brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen (TcpO2) and radiological imaging were performed at the enrolment and during the follow-up times. All patients were treated with auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells. Two patients died due to acute renal and acute respiratory failures. 19 patients were amputated from the thigh or leg. In total, 59 of 80 patients intended to thigh amputation saved the limb, preserving the plantar support. TcpO2 was found a predictive metric with an AUC equal to .763, and a threshold for a risk of amputation of 10% and 5% at the values ≤22.7 and ≤26.9 mmHg, respectively. Auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells seems to be a safe and an efficient option for CLI not eligible to revascularizzation.
Screening for Lung Cancer by Chest Computed Tomography During Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Authors: Sow Maïmouna , Saadoun David , Cacoub Patrice , Le Joncour Alexandre
Published: September 2023

Buerger’s disease or thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory arteritis strongly associated with smoking exposure. This tobacco use would expose patients to lung cancer. The French-speaking thoracic cancer intergroup recommends screening for lung cancer with a chest computed tomography (CT). Our study aims to evaluate lung cancer screening using chest CT during TAO. Ninety-seven TAO patients were included. The mean age of onset of TAO symptoms was 36.5 ± 10 years, and 73 (75%) were male. The mean follow-up was 8.5 ± 14 years. Overall, at least one chest CT was performed during follow-up in 32 (33%) patients. Twenty-three of the thirty-four (68%) patients who were over 50 at follow-up did not have a CT. An abnormality was found in 15 of the 32 (47%) patients who had a CT: lung nodules 6/15, lung mass 1/15, emphysema 6/15, and others 2. Two cases of lung adenocarcinoma were diagnosed. None died during 2 years follow-up. In conclusion, two-third of the TAO patients over 50 years of age did not receive the routine screening recommended in the general smoking population. Two cases of lung cancer have been diagnosed. Improving screening practices for lung cancer in this high-risk population is crucial.
Association of High Plasma Levels of Serpin E1, IGFBP2, and CCL5 With Refractory Epilepsy in Children by Cytokine Profiling
Authors: Du Yaning , Xiao Xiao , You Hai-Zhen , Hou Zhao-yuan , Yang Xiao-Dong , Wang Jiwen , Tang Jihong , Wang Yingyan
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory cytokines participate in the pathology of epilepsy and the development of drug resistance. In this study, we combined a cytokine array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to identify new cytokines in the plasma from children on early stage of the onset of epilepsy (EOE) and children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Compared with healthy controls, a broad up-regulation of cytokines was observed in patients with EOE, and many of the cytokines were not previously reported. In patients with DRE, most of these up-regulated cytokines maintained at relatively low levels close to those in controls; only a few of them, including CCL5, Serpin E1, and IGFBP2, remained at high levels. The dramatic difference in cytokine profile could be a strong clue for the incidence of DRE, and DRE-associated cytokines appeared to have the potential to be new biomarkers for epilepsy prognosis and therapeutic targets.
In situ and offline mapping analyses of fatigue behavior in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Todaka Masatoshi , Obayashi Kakeru , Kawatoko Ryosuke , Kojio Ken
Published: September 2023

Although carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have excellent mechanical properties and are considered sustainable, an improved understanding of the fatigue behavior of these materials is crucial for expanding their application scope. The aim of this study is to clarify the fatigue mechanism of CFRPs using in situ and offline mapping by small-angle/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) measurements. The resulting findings provide information about the interface between the carbon fibers (CFs) and epoxy matrix, as well as changes in epoxy chain structure and internal structure of the CFs. For example, the in situ SAXS profiles revealed an increase in intensity with cycling, which may be related to void and crack formation. Furthermore, the in situ WAXS profiles indicated that the 0° fibers became less ordered and that some destruction of the turbostratic structure occurred. Offline SAXS/WAXS mapping after fatigue tests with low and high loads revealed information about changes in the epoxy resin and carbon fibers, respectively, as well as the shapes of cracks. In particular, offline mapping confirmed that epoxy chain relaxation occurred rapidly after failure.
Teachers and School Leaders’ Readiness for Parental Engagement: Critical Policy Analysis of Canadian Standards
Authors: Antony-Newman Max
Published: September 2023

Teacher readiness for parental engagement is a vital competence in the context of increased emphasis on engaging parents in K–12 schools. The rise in the standards movement in education led to the inclusion of parental engagement in teacher standards. Here, critical policy analysis of teacher standards shows how teachers’ and school leaders’ readiness for parental engagement is addressed in Canadian policy documents. Teacher readiness is conceptualized as the ability to establish relationships, support communication, and build partnerships with parents and families. Current policy provisions support teachers’ capacity for parental engagement by introducing the asset-based approach to engagement and acknowledging the diversity among parents. Nevertheless, teacher standards fail to distinguish between parental involvement in schooling and parental engagement in education/learning and remain silent on the role of social inequality in parental engagement. Implications for new teacher standards include centering parental engagement on parents and families and tackling inequality in parental engagement.
Comparing United States and European Union academic animal programs: Organization, operation, and services offered
Authors: Preisig Patricia , Macy James D. , Hau Jann
Published: September 2023

The Yale Animal Resource Cost and Benchmarking survey©, conducted in US academic Animal Research/Resource Centers (ARC), was modified to capture similar thematic information in European Union (EU; including the non-EU countries Switzerland and the UK) academic ARCs, which are members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Participating institutions came from Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland. Survey data analysis suggests that: (a) in LERU programs, it is common to have more than one ARC under the umbrella of a single institution with organizational “lumping” of the financial, regulatory, and/or operational tasks under one administrative unit; (b) accreditation by an outside agency (e.g., the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) is more common in US than LERU ARCs; (c) LERU ARCs are responsible for murine breeding, which contrasts with US ARCs, where ∼40% of rodent breeding is managed by researchers; (d) cryopreservation is the most frequently requested fee-for-service offering among LERU participants (75% of participants) compared to 30% of US participants; (e) like US programs, almost all LERU programs have mice and rats, but fewer LERU programs have nonhuman primates (NHPs), and none have dogs on census; (f) LERU ARCs have about an equal amount of vivarium housing and procedure space, while US facilities have twice as much housing as procedure space; (g) a higher percentage of LERU colonies are free of Helicobacter and murine norovirus compared to US colonies; and (h) more LERU ARCs used environmental microbiologic monitoring of rodent colonies compared to US programs.
Improving rat welfare through the development of a peribulbar anaesthesia technique for ophthalmic procedures: A preliminary study
Authors: Eliav Ady , Ofri Ron , Brust Kelsey , Kushnir Yishai , Shilo-Benjamini Yael
Published: September 2023

Rats are a commonly used animal model for the study of the pathogenesis and novel treatments of glaucoma, which is induced experimentally using invasive, painful procedures. Peribulbar anaesthesia (PBA) is frequently used in people and domestic animals prior to ophthalmic surgeries to provide excellent perioperative analgesia. Our goal was to develop a PBA technique adapted to rat anatomy, improving the welfare of animals used as a model for glaucoma. Eighteen rat cadavers ( n = 36 eyes) were used to establish the optimal needle insertion location. Five injection techniques using 0.1 mL/100 g lidocaine 2% and a contrast agent (1:1 volume ratio) were compared via computed tomography (CT). CT images were scored for injectate distribution at four locations: extraconal, intraconal, around the optic nerve and at the orbital fissure (scale 0–8, where 0 = none and 8 = excellent). Median scores using the dorso-medial-75° (5; range 2–6) and medial-canthus (4.5; range 2–8) injection techniques were not different from the dorso-medial-45° (4; range 3–6) technique and were higher (better distribution) compared with mid-ventral (3; range 2–5) and ventro-lateral (2; range 1–3) techniques. The two superior techniques were used in two experimental rats ( n = 4 eyes) to determine the volume of bupivacaine 0.5% necessary to affect corneal touch threshold (CTT) and periocular skin sensitivity (PSS). A volume of 0.05 mL/100 g decreased CTT and PSS for several hours, while a larger volume produced excessively long effects. Dorso-medial-75° or medial-canthus PBA using 0.05 mL/100 g bupivacaine are likely to provide ocular and periocular analgesia in rats, with minor transient adverse effects.
Twelve years after the ARRIVE guidelines: Animal research has not yet arrived at high standards
Authors: Song Junmin , Solmi Marco , Carvalho Andre F , Shin Jae Il , Ioannidis John PA
Published: September 2023

The reproducibility crisis across animal studies jeopardizes the credibility of the main findings derived from animal research, even though these findings are critical for informing human studies. To clarify and improve transparency among animal studies, the ARRIVE reporting guidelines were first announced in 2010 and upgraded to version 2.0 in 2020. However, compliance with and awareness of those reporting guidelines has remained suboptimal. Journal editors should encourage the authors to adhere to those guidelines. Authors, editors, referees, and reviewers should be aware of the ARRIVE guideline 2.0 when assessing and evaluating the methodology and findings of animal studies. However, we should also question whether reporting guidelines alone can change a research culture and improve the reproducibility of animal investigations. Reported research may not reflect actual research. Large segments of animal research efforts are wasted because of poor design choices and because of non-publication rather than suboptimal reporting. Better training of the scientific workforce, interventions at improving animal research at the design stage, registration practices, and alignment of the reward system with the publication of rigorous animal research may achieve more than reporting guidelines alone.
Plant breeding is needed to meet agroecological requirements: Legume crops as a case study
Authors: Rubiales Diego
Published: September 2023

Legume-based cropping systems are regaining interest due to the environmental services and the variety of food and feed uses they provide, this having special interest in agroecological systems. There are many legume crops that can be adopted but focused breeding is needed to better meet the specific requirements of each system, especially in the situation of changing climate and often stressful environments. Standard breeding methods remain valid, from classical selection, to genomic assisted-breeding, profiting from the modern biotechnological and genomic approaches which are rapidly developing for most legume crops. Rather than focusing on the tools, emphasis is needed on the breeding targets, which might be different from those of high input agriculture such as improved response to symbiosis, nutrient and water use efficiency and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses becoming priorities. Breeding for these traits requires the infusion of genetic diversity from landraces or wild relatives by pre-breeding. Prospects and constraints are discussed.
Behavioral assessment scale of consciousness for nonhuman primates: A Delphi study
Authors: Sun Weiming , Dong Xiangli , Yu Guohua , Yang Yang , He Binjun , Wei Yingming , Li Shijin , Feng Zhen , Ma Chaolin
Published: September 2023

Objective

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are suitable for being model animals in the study of consciousness and loss of consciousness (LoC) with a similar brain structure and function to humans. However, there is no effective consciousness assessment scale for them. This study aimed to develop a behavioral assessment scale of consciousness for NHPs.

Methods

We constructed an initial indicator framework based on the clinical consciousness disorder assessment scales and the physiological characteristics, consciousness, and arousal behavior of NHPs. A two-round online Delphi method was conducted by a multidisciplinary expert panel to construct a behavioral assessment scale of consciousness for NHPs. The indicators and descriptions were revised according to the experts’ feedback and then sent out for repeated consultations along with a summary of the results of the previous round of consultations. The accepted competencies of indicators were established with mean scores in two scoring criteria (importance and feasibility) ≥4.0, agreement rate with a rating of importance or essential ≥70.0%, and a coefficient of variation ≤0.25, as well as discussions of the research group.

Results

Consensus was achieved after the second round of consultations, which was completed by 28 experts who specialized in rehabilitation, neuroscience, psychology, neurosurgery, and neurology. A new behavioral assessment scale of consciousness for NHPs, including 37 items organized hierarchically within seven dimensions including visual function, auditory function, motor function, orofacial movements, arousal, brainstem reflexes, and respiration, was developed in this study.

Conclusions

This study has successfully developed a behavioral assessment scale for measuring the conscious state of NHPs or NHP models with LoC. This tool is expected to facilitate future research into the underlying mechanisms of consciousness by providing a detailed and comprehensive means of measurement.
Numerical solution of heat and mass transfer using buongionro nanofluid model through a porous stretching sheet impact of variable magnetic, heat source, and temperature conductivity
Authors: Zeeshan  , Khan Muhammad Shoaib , Khan Ilyas , Eldin Syed M. , Hira
Published: September 2023

Fluid flow chronologically is widely recognized due to its various uses in turbines, the framework of spinning magnet stars, gyromagnetic generators, and chemical engineers observing the progression of petroleum through the aquifer, and blood vessels in the respiratory alveolar plate. Tropical cyclones, pools of water, and storms all exhibit rotational movement. The current investigation aims to analyse the micro polar fluid flow between two infinite vertical discs enclosing Hall impact, varying thermal conductivity, heat flux as well as anomalous heat generation. The implication of a chemical change combined with chemical potential improves mass propagation. Suitable similarity conversions are used to convert the defined problems into conventional differential equations (ODEs). Furthermore, by introducing new variables the ODEs are transformed into nonlinear coupled ODEs and then solved numerically by the RK 4th order along with the shooting technique. The velocity profiles decrease as suction parameter increases. The temperature field exhibits a rising behaviour for the increasing values of thermophoresis, Brownian and radiations parameters while the concentration field shows a decreasing behaviour. Shear stress at the upper wall increases when the rotation variable and suction variable are augmented. Heat transmission escalations at the bottom wall when Prandtl number and radiation factor are enhanced. The novelty of the present work is to examine the Buongionro model in the presence of a heat source and chemical reaction inside the Darcian porous rotating channel, which has not been investigated yet. In some limiting cases, a comparison of the on-going study with existing literature is also included to justify the contemplated problem.
Decarbonising at scale: Extracting strategic thinking from EPC and deprivation data
Authors: Ampatzidis Petros , Bowyer Emily , Coley David , Stephenson Victoria
Published: September 2023

Decarbonising the built environment is at the heart of many nations' route to net zero. This leads to policies that target specific technologies. Within such policies, there is a natural instinct to combine the need to reduce carbon emissions with solving other issues, such as fuel poverty. Here, we examine for the first time if, from a carbon perspective, this is optimal. By assembling energy performance certificates and household economic deprivation data, we use fuzzy matching techniques to produce a single statistically robust dataset of 44,300 households. Then, through secondary data analysis, we closely examine the carbon impact and cost of energy retrofits. Overall, upgrading to band C is the most viable strategy. However, the results demonstrate that households belonging to the least deprived 20% present more than double the carbon saving potential compared to those in the most deprived 20% (2.7 and 1.2tCO2/yr, respectively), and offer the best return in CO2 savings on money spent. This highlights the need for retrofitting policy to be cognisant of both building stock and deprivation and the disproportionate role in climate change played by the more affluent. The results offer important new insights for governments and suggest a rethinking of retrofit initiatives.

Practical Application: This study is the first to employ such data to identify retrofit strategies for governments and offers three key practical applications. (i) It shows how by combining such data one can start to develop policy that is tuned to the demographics and stock, and that by disaggregating the data a lot can be learnt prior to the development of local or national policy. (ii) It clearly puts to bed the idea that attacking fuel poverty is the most effective way towards carbon reductions. (iii) It suggests a new way of thinking about targeted interventions that optimise carbon reduction in a cost-effective way.
The Superstitious Heuristic in Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Liu Jing , Tsang Eric W.K. , Shi Weilei (Stone)
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on the phenomenon of using superstition as a decision heuristic in strategic decision-making. We introduce the construct of superstitious heuristic, which is defined as a decision shortcut based on superstitious beliefs. The superstitious heuristic is commonly used in strategic decision-making in various cultures and can lead to seemingly puzzling decisions that have strategic consequences for the firm. It is also distinctly different from other major decision heuristics (i.e., heuristics-and-biases, fast-and-frugal heuristics, expert intuition, and simple rules) and can be used over the latter, especially under high uncertainty. Nevertheless, this heuristic type has not yet received much attention in the strategy literature, presumably because its usage in strategic decision-making is less prevalent in Western contexts where most heuristics research takes place. In this study, we initiate an inquiry into this phenomenon through two objectives: (1) introducing the construct of superstitious heuristic with conceptualization and measurement and (2) probing the executive antecedents to the superstitious heuristic. Our study not only brings the superstitious heuristic to the attention of strategy scholars but also lays the conceptual and empirical foundation for advancing strategy research on this heuristic. By delineating the profile of executives who are prone to employing this heuristic in making strategic choices, our study also contributes to upper echelons research on the use of heuristics in strategic decision processes.
Treatment of severe mitral annulus calcification: An attractive alternative!
Authors: Sala Alessandra , Grimaldi Francesco , De Vincentiis Carlo
Published: September 2023

Surgical treatment of mitral valve disease with severe mitral annular calcifications (MACs) is challenging, with reported high morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter treatment options are feasible, however, still far from being optimal alternatives. We report our positive experience with the off-label implant of a BioIntegral Injectable BioPulmonic valve fitted on a circumferential pericardial skirt for the treatment of severe MAC.
Ghanaian collegiate music students who play brass instruments’ music education experiences at the pre-tertiary level
Authors: Spears Amy , Dordzro John-Doe
Published: September 2023

In this qualitative study, we share the musical experiences of seven Ghanaian university music students who primarily play a brass instrument in a university band. The purpose of this study is to illuminate these students’ musical experiences during their pre-tertiary years to better understand what those experiences were and how they impacted their current musical abilities and understandings. The research questions for this study are: What were the formal musical experiences of Ghanaian university music majors who play Western-style brass instruments before entering university? What music teaching and learning methods did they experience prior to entering university? Who were the people who taught them music prior to entering university? Findings indicate that musical spaces were mostly outside of the regular school curriculum, including extra-curricular school regimental bands, church brigades, and town bands. Music learning was non-sequential throughout students’ pre-tertiary experiences. Lack of access to instruments outside of rehearsals was a barrier to individual practice. Participants showed a lack of clarity about their music teachers’ credentials, experience, and backgrounds but their answers suggest that professional development and training programs for teachers would be beneficial. It is recommended that Ghanaian brass band music education is restructured in places where it already exists and where pre-tertiary students choose to play, to include more comprehensive and sequential instrumental music education.
Entrepreneurship-driven Migratory Behaviour Among the Tea Estate Workers in West Bengal: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Roy Debarshi
Published: September 2023

The tea estate workers of West Bengal have been victims of colonial oppression for generations. The experiences of the workers with oppressive business cultures have resulted in unique complexities within their behaviour. Migratory entrepreneurship will augur socio-economic growth among the tea estate communities while enhancing the efficiency of the tea estates. The present study explores the behavioural dimensions of migratory entrepreneurship among the tea estate workers of Bengal through a multi-dimensional approach which includes a discussion on the historical, socio-economic perspective, a field study on perceptions of migratory entrepreneurship among the garden community and a subsequent analysis of the results.
Nutrition education programs for burn survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Bayuo Jonathan , Pwara Joyce , Davids Jephtah , Agbeko Anita Eseenam , Agbenorku Pius , Hoyte-Williams Paa Ekow
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite the importance of nutrition education for burn survivors, only limited work has been done to ascertain what is known about these education programs. Aim: To scope the existing literature to ascertain what is known about the nature and outcomes associated with nutrition education programs for burn survivors, their families and caregivers. Methods: Arksey and O’Malley scoping review approach were utilized with searches across peer-reviewed databases and gray literature sources. Results: Six studies were retained. Five studies focused on burn survivors and one focused on healthcare professionals. One study reported improved knowledge regarding postburn nutritional support following the implementation of the nutrition counseling program. Three studies reported on the inclusion of a nutrition education component in comprehensive postdischarge rehabilitation programs albeit no nutrition-specific outcomes were reported. Conclusion: The review affirms the limited literature, highlighting a need for more work to implement and evaluate outcomes of nutrition education programs for burn survivors.
Hybrid IPN Foam Composites
Authors: Frisch K.C. , Ashida K. , Hsu C.F.
Published: September 2023

Novel hybrid IPN foam composites have been produced by simultaneous polymerisation and crosslinking of an unsaturated polyester or vinyl ester and polyether-based polyurethanes. The reinforcement for the composites con¬sisted of glass fibre continuous roving, continuous strand mats, and chopped glass fibres. In order to increase the bonding between the matrix resins and the reinforcing glass fibres, various acrylate and methacrylate monomers were used in combination with styrene, which enhanced both the impact strength and flexural modulus of the resulting foam composites.

Physical properties of the hybrid IPN foam composites are compared with natural wood. These foam composites have considerable potential as wood substitutes in building and construction, marine, transportation, as well as in applications requiring corrosion and mildew resistance.
Rigid Polyurethanes Systems for Metal-Faced Sandwich Panels
Authors: Bagaglio Giancarlo , White Terry
Published: September 2023

Metal-faced sandwich panels with polyurethane foam-filled cores have become increasingly successful in satisfying the needs of the construction industry, especially with the growing emphasis on system building and energy conservation. Global awareness of the need to protect the environment is also growing, and foam-cored panels have an important role to play in this respect; energy savings are provided through building insulation and contribute significantly to the preservation of food supplies.

In order to maintain their contribution to the global environment, however, traditional CFC blowing agents must be replaced with more environmentally acceptable altematives. Although it has not been possible to identify a single universal replacement for CFC 11, a variety of polyurethane foam systems has been developed for use with the altematives in order to comply with, and possibly anticipate, the phase-out programmes.

The industry already has the means to overcome most of the immediate problems posed by the need to eliminate CFCs. CFC 11 can, for instance, be replaced in the next few years by HCFCs, without losing any of the properties required by sandwich panel manufacturers. This paper reviews ongoing development for the longer term, looking at systems which will enable sandwich panels to continue to develop and for their energy saving characteristics to be fully utilised.
Novel Carbamylmethylated Melamine Polyols in Rigid Water-Blown Urethane Foams
Authors: Singh B. , Porosoff H. , Lekovic H. , Sendijarevic A. , Sendijarevic V. , Klempner D. , Frisch K.C.
Published: September 2023

American Cyanamid Company has developed a novel, high functional carbamylmethylated melamine polyol named CYUNK™ HPC polyol. The reactivity of CYUNK™ HPC polyol was studied and compared with that of an aromatic amine polyol (Pluracol® 824 polyol) and a sucrose-based polyol (Voranol® 360 polyol). A combination of the CYUNK™ HPC polyol and aromatic amine polyol was used for the preparation of rigid urethane foams. Water, CFC-11A and a mixture of CFC-11A and water (50/50) were used as the blowing agents. The k-factor of the foams containing CYUNK™ HPC was good: 0.022 W/mK for the water-blown system, 0.018 for the foam blown with a mixture of CFC-11A and water, and 0.015 for the CFC-11A blown foam. In all cases, retention of the k-factor with ageing (at room temperature and 70°C) was better for foams containing CYLINK™ HPC than for the control foams. Photomicrographs of the cell structure showed that the cell size of the foams containing CYLINK™ HPC polyol was smaller than that of the control foams. The presence of CYLINK™ HPC polyol decreased the combustibility of the water-blown rigid urethane foams. This effect was very significant in the case of foams containing sucrose-based polyol. The residue after burning of the reference foam without flame retardant was 26%, and with flame retardant (10 pbw) 48%. The residue after burning of the foam containing 30 pbw of CYUNK™ HPC polyol without flame retardant was 76%. CYUNK™ HPC polyol can thus be classified as a reactive flame retardant ** . The study also included the effect of surfactant concentration and isocyanate index on the properties of water-blown rigid urethane foams containing CYUNK™ HPC polyol.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Site-Dependent Inhomogeneities in Conventional Flexible Polyurethane foam
Authors: Steger W.E. , Machill S. , Herzog K. , Gerhards R. , Jussofie I. , Schator H.
Published: September 2023

An IR-microscope was used to study the cell membranes of a flexible PU foam prepared with cell dimensions up to 2.5 mm. Along the membrane's long axis IR-spectra up to 25 overlapping spots with diameters of 200 μm were measured. Varying absorbance values of the IR-signals along the membrane axis indicate variations in the membrane thickness. It was possible to correlate the absorbance values of the methyl-signals with absolute thicknesses calculated from the interference patterns observed in some spectra. In general, membranes elongated in the rise direction were thinner in the upper part. This can be explained by the influence of gravitation during the foaming process when the material is still able to flow. The detailed evaluation of the spectra shows varying concentrations of urea and urethane species across the membrane.

Manually separated membranes and struts were investigated by the conventional KBr-disc technique. Statistical treatment of the data obtained shows no significant difference between both sample types. Consequently the reaction process in struts and membranes must be very similar.
Relating the Properties of Foam to the Properties of the Solid from Which it is Made
Authors: Chen C.P. , Anderson W.B. , Lakes R.S.
Published: September 2023

Properties of foam and the solid (neat resin) from which it was derived were compared experimentally for polymethacrylimide (PMI). Viscoelastic properties of the foam and neat resin differed significantly in the range 50 Hz to 5 kHz. No significant differences in thermal properties were observed in differential scanning calorimetry. However, it was observed that the stiffness of the solid material from which the foam was made was increased after heat treatments. It is therefore likely that the properties of the solid material in the foam are changed by the foaming process, which involves elevated temperature. The properties of the solid material in the foam were also inferred from the measured foam properties substituted into the given foam structure-property relations.
Friction and the Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyurethane Elastomers. 2. Microcellular Polyurethanes
Authors: Hanhi K. , Stenberg B.
Published: September 2023

The quantities achieved describing the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties proved to be of essentially the same magnitude for solid and microcellular polyurethanes with the same soft segment polyol.

In addition to the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties, the dependence of the strength, wear and flexing endurance properties on the mechanical properties at different temperatures was evaluated.

The correlations between the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties and the friction could be efficiently analysed with the help of a computer-aided robotic friction measurement station developed in the course of the work.

The whole field of friction, and the tailoring of materials to meet desired friction requirements, is an important field for further studies. The temperature scale and sliding conditions of the experiments need to be expanded and a diversity of base materials employed. A further analysis of the dynamic mechanical behaviour of the materials under the sliding circumstances would serve the further friction analysis, as well.
Polyol and Blowing Agent Binary System Described by Means of the Flory Model
Authors: Basile G. , Musso E. , Tesser R. , Serio M. Di
Published: September 2023

Binary systems consisting of small halogenated molecules dissolved in oligomers have been investigated.

Pressure/composition isothermal data were used to calculate the activities by the Flory equation which provides a good description of such systems and includes the possible immiscibility region calculated from the Gibbs excess energy.

The interaction χ parameter can be calculated as well, which accounts for the essentially enthalpic contribution to the non ideality.

Deviations from ideality can also be determined by boiling temperature isobaric measurements. The slope of the composition with respect to boiling temperature profile appears as an important term modelling the free rise of a polyurethane system foamed by physical blowing agents. Adopting such a model and utilizing the Flory equation to describe the χ dependence on the temperature, the profile of the blowing agent mole fraction with respect to boiling temperature and its slope have been determined and cream, gel times along with density and bulk temperature profiles have been simulated. Simulation shows that calculated kinetics and density profiles are significantly dependent on using experimental data relative to blowing agents such as CCl3F, CHCl2-CF3 and CH2F-CF3. The last two compounds in this study have been assumed to be model molecules focusing attention on their opposite deviation from ideality with respect to CCl3F.

Work is in progress to evaluate how this simulation is suitable to describe the real foaming processes
Thermal and Thermal-Oxidative Degradation of Polyurethane Foams Filled with Ammonium Phosphate
Authors: Modesti M. , Simioni F. , Albertin P.
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms of degradation of rigid Polyurethane foams (PU) filled with Ammonium Phosphate (AP) as inorganic flame retardant, have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) both in inert (N2) and oxidizing (air) atmospheres.

TGA analyses have shown that the filler modifies the thermal and the thermaloxidative decomposition of the polymer, but the formation of much more stable thermal structures with respect of unfilled PU can be obtained only in an oxidizing atmosphere.

The phosphoric acid formed by the endothermic decomposition of AP, acts as a dehydrating catalyst of the polymeric substrate, leading towards the formation of thermally stable structures (char precursors).

The reduction in the smoke density of the AP filled foams can be attributed to the actions in the solid phase of the H3PO4 that produce a slower thermaloxidative degradation of the polymer decreasing the flammable volatile and potentially toxic products and also producing a protective layer on the surface of burning material.