bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Mesoporous Core Shell Magnetite Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Goel Divya , Santhiya Deenan , Kumar Subodh , Kumar Mahapatro Ajit
Published: January 2024

Multiple biological advances have made use of bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles (NPs) in regenerative medicine, bone and tooth repair, drug and gene transfer, cancer treatment, and cosmetics. Normal biocompatible coatings alongside hydrocarbons, polymers, and silica significantly affect fundamental attributes of NPs. In this study, we synthesized a novel mesoporous BG NPs with magnetite core shell (AMAG_BG) using L‐arginine as a template processing magnetic hyperthermia (MH). BG network coverage on magnetite (AMAG) NPs were orchestrated first time by bio‐inspired synthesis in watery dissolvable. AMAG and AMAG_BG NPs were characterized by utilizing FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, and BET analysis. The elemental composition of L‐arginine templated magnetite (AMAG) and AMAG_BG NPs was also determined by XPS and EDX analysis. Characteristics of AMAG_BG were contrasted with bare AMAG NPs in morphology, particle size, porosity, and composition. The fabricated BG NPs′ in‐vitro bioactivity and heat studies were successfully monitored after interaction with simulated bodily fluid (SBF). Magnetic studies and in‐vitro heat studies together demonstrated the behavior of BG NPs towards MH treatment of cancerous cells. Cytotoxicity tests on AMAG_BG NPs using U2OS and human blood cells with appropriate control experiments revealed biocompatibility. The study represents magnetic and thermal property‐dependent sustainable synthetic process of AMAG BG NPs for cancer treatment.
Tailoring of Colloidal HfO2 Nanocrystals with Unique Morphologies and New Self‐Assembly Features
Authors: Ohlerth Thorsten , Du Hongchu , Hammoor Thomas , Mayer Joachim , Simon Ulrich
Published: January 2024

Advancing the synthesis of HfO2 nanocrystals, a refined anhydrous protocol that enables kinetic trapping of the metastable tetragonal phase and modulates twinning defects in anisotropically grown monoclinic nanoprisms is presented. This evolved sol–gel approach examines the role of the capping agent tri‐n‐octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and introduces a novel heating strategy with sequential growth stages. Replacement of TOPO with triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) leads to the formation of prismatic hafnia nanocrystals exhibiting pristine {011}‐facets of the monoclinic phase. Furthermore, a hot‐injection inspired heating approach yields sub‐4 nm isotropic HfO2 nanocrystals in the tetragonal phase, bypassing the need for aliovalent cation species. In contrast, a heat‐up approach culminates in the generation of well‐characterized HfO2 nanorods. With sophisticated transmission electron microscopy analysis and the Wulff construction method, insights into the structural nucleation of nanoparticle growth are provided. This synthesis offers exceptional control and facilitates the formation of self‐assemblies akin to liquid crystals, opening the door for new applications with nanocolloidal HfO2.
From free-fermionic constructions to orbifolds and back
Authors: Florakis Ioannis , Rizos John
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We systematically develop the explicit map between string vacua constructed in the Free Fermionic Formulation and their$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^N $$ℤ2Ntoroidal orbifold counterparts. We illustrate the map in various example classes of models, including cases relevant for string phenomenology, as well as in theories where space-time supersymmetry is broken by the stringy Scherk-Schwarz mechanism.
Factorization and resummation for sequential recombination jet cross sections
Authors: Becher Thomas , Haag Jürg
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We extend the class of factorization theorems for non-global observables from fixed angular constraints to cross sections defined in terms of sequential jet clustering. The associated hard and soft functions depend not only on the directions of the hard partons, but also on their energy fractions. We derive the one-loop anomalous dimension of the hard functions that drives the leading-logarithmic resummation. The anomalous dimension imposes energy ordering, which simplifies the clustering sequence. We perform resummations for gap-between-jet observables defined with different jet algorithms and explain the effects of the clustering on the importance of secondary emissions and on the effective gap size.
Determining economic factors for sex trafficking in the United States using count time series regression
Authors: Jang Yuhyeong , Sundararajan Raanju R. , Barreto-Souza Wagner , Wheaton-Paramo Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

The article presents a robust quantitative approach for determining significant economic factors for sex trafficking in the United States. The aim is to study monthly counts of sex trafficking-related convictions, and use a wide range of economic variables as covariates to investigate their effect on conviction counts. A count time series model is considered along with a regression setup to include economic time series as covariates (economic factors) to explain the counts on sex trafficking-related convictions. The statistical significance of these economic factors is investigated and the significant factors are ranked based on appropriate model selection methods. The inclusion of time-lagged versions of the economic factor time series in the regression model is also explored. Our findings indicate that economic factors relating to immigration policy, consumer price index and labor market regulations are the most significant in explaining sex trafficking convictions.
Intermittency and Lower Dimensional Dissipation in Incompressible Fluids
Authors: De Rosa Luigi , Isett Philip
Published: January 2024

In the context of incompressible fluids, the observation that turbulent singular structures fail to be space filling is known as “intermittency”, and it has strong experimental foundations. Consequently, as first pointed out by Landau, real turbulent flows do not satisfy the central assumptions of homogeneity and self-similarity in the K41 theory, and the K41 prediction of structure function exponents$$\zeta _p={p}/{3}$$ζp=p/3might be inaccurate. In this work we prove that, in the inviscid case, energy dissipation that is lower-dimensional in an appropriate sense implies deviations from the K41 prediction in everyp-th order structure function for$$p>3$$p>3. By exploiting a Lagrangian-type Minkowski dimension that is very reminiscent of the Taylor’sfrozen turbulencehypothesis, our strongest upper bound on$$\zeta _p$$ζpcoincides with the$$\beta $$β-model proposed by Frisch, Sulem and Nelkin in the late 70s, adding some rigorous analytical foundations to the model. More generally, we explore the relationship between dimensionality assumptions on the dissipation support and restrictions on thep-th order absolute structure functions. This approach differs from the current mathematical works on intermittency by its focus on geometrical rather than purely analytical assumptions. The proof is based on a new local variant of the celebrated Constantin-E-Titi argument that features the use of a third order commutator estimate, the special double regularity of the pressure, and mollification along the flow of a vector field.
Exploring the application limits of different hold-up time markers in supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Rédei Csanád , Buratti Alessandro , Catani Martina , Felinger Attila
Published: January 2024

The study focuses on the application range of nitrous oxide as a hold-up time marker in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). This compound has been suggested a decade ago to be used as unretained marker, something that the field of SFC was missing for a long time, since its beneficial properties make it an ideal candidate as hold-up time marker. Determination of the hold-up volume and actual volumetric flow rates have always been problematic in SFC due to the compressibility of carbon dioxide and one part of this is the difficulty of hold-up time measurements. Depending on the mobile phase, different methods have been used to measure the hold-up time with varying results. Nitrous oxide and other molecules have been compared in different conditions, mobile phases and stationary phases. In all cases, nitrous oxide gave the lowest elution times. However, detection was difficult in mobile phases containing 10% or more of organic modifier, because most solvents mask the signal of nitrous oxide. Interestingly, the choice of stationary phase also had a slight effect on detection, while different pressure and temperature settings affected each compound in a different manner.
Renal Function After CT-Guided Cryoablation of Small Renal Tumours in Patients with Solitary Kidney: An Analysis of European Multinational Prospective EuRECA Registry
Authors: Pietersen Pia I. , Stougaard Sarah , Keeley Francis X. , Lagerveld Brunolf , Breen David , King Alexander , Nielsen Tommy K. , van Strijen Marco , Garnon Julien , Alcorn Des , de Kerviler Eric , Zondervan Patricia , Wah Tze M. , Junker Theresa , Graumann Ole
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with solitary kidneys remains challenging. The purpose of this multicentre cohort study was to explore how renal function is affected by percutaneous image-guided cryoablation in patients with solitary kidneys.

Material and Methods

Data from the European Registry for Renal Cryoablation database were extracted on patients with RCC in solitary kidneys treated with image-guided, percutaneous cryoablation. Patients were excluded if they had multiple tumours, had received previous treatment of the tumour, or were treated with more than one cryoablation procedure. Pre- and post-treatment eGFR (within 3 months of the procedure) were compared.

Results

Of 222 patients with solitary kidneys entered into the database, a total of 70 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean baseline eGFR was 55.8 ± 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the mean 3-month post-operative eGFR was 49.6 ± 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Mean eGFR reduction was − 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 corresponding to 11.1% (p = 0.01). No patients changed chronic kidney disease group to severe or end-stage chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V). No patients required post-procedure dialysis.

Conclusion

Image-guided renal cryoablation appears to be safe and effective for renal function preservation in patients with RCC in a solitary kidney. Following cryoablation, all patients had preservation of renal function without the need for dialysis or progression in chronic kidney disease stage despite the statistically significant reduction in eGFR.

Level of Evidence 3

Observational study.

Graphical Abstract
Dynamical downscaling of CMIP6 scenarios with ENEA-REG: an impact-oriented application for the Med-CORDEX region
Authors: Anav Alessandro , Antonelli Marta , Calmanti Sandro , Carillo Adriana , Catalano Franco , Dell’Aquila Alessandro , Iacono Roberto , Marullo Salvatore , Napolitano Ernesto , Palma Massimiliano , Pisacane Giovanna , Sannino Gianmaria , Struglia Maria Vittoria
Published: January 2024

In the framework of the coordinated regional modeling initiative Med-CORDEX (Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment), we present an updated version of the regional Earth System Model ENEA-REG designed to downscale, over the Mediterranean basin, the models used in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The regional ESM includes coupled atmosphere (WRF), ocean (MITgcm), land (Noah-MP, embedded within WRF), and river (HD) components with spatial resolution of 12 km for the atmosphere, 1/12° for the ocean and 0.5° for the river rooting model. For the present climate, we performed a hindcast (i.e. reanalysis-driven) and a historical simulation (GCM-driven) over the 1980–2014 temporal period. The evaluation shows that the regional ESM reliably reproduces the mean state, spatial and temporal variability of the relevant atmospheric and ocean variables. In addition, we analyze the future evolution (2015–2100) of the Euro-Mediterranean climate under three different scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5), focusing on several relevant essential climate variables and climate indicators for impacts. Among others, results highlight how, for the scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, the intensity, frequency and duration of marine heat waves continue to increase until the end of the century and anomalies of up to 2 °C, which are considered extreme at the beginning of this century, will be so frequent to become the norm in less than a hundred years under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Overall, our results demonstrate the improvement due to the high-resolution air–sea coupling for the representation of high impact events, such as marine heat waves, and sea-level height.
Development of an image-based Random Forest classifier for prediction of surgery duration of laparoscopic sigmoid resections
Authors: Lippenberger Florian , Ziegelmayer Sebastian , Berlet Maximilian , Feussner Hubertus , Makowski Marcus , Neumann Philipp-Alexander , Graf Markus , Kaissis Georgios , Wilhelm Dirk , Braren Rickmer , Reischl Stefan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Sigmoid diverticulitis is a disease with a high socioeconomic burden, accounting for a high number of left-sided colonic resections worldwide. Modern surgical scheduling relies on accurate prediction of operation times to enhance patient care and optimize healthcare resources. This study aims to develop a predictive model for surgery duration in laparoscopic sigmoid resections, based on preoperative CT biometric and demographic patient data.

Methods

This retrospective single-center cohort study included 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. Potentially relevant procedure-specific anatomical parameters recommended by a surgical expert were measured in preoperative CT imaging. After random split into training and test set (75% / 25%) multiclass logistic regression was performed and a Random Forest classifier was trained on CT imaging parameters, patient age, and sex in the training cohort to predict categorized surgery duration. The models were evaluated in the test cohort using established performance metrics including receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUROC).

Results

The Random Forest model achieved a good average AUROC of 0.78. It allowed a very good prediction of long (AUROC = 0.89; specificity 0.71; sensitivity 1.0) and short (AUROC = 0.81; specificity 0.77; sensitivity 0.56) procedures. It clearly outperformed the multiclass logistic regression model (AUROC: average = 0.33; short = 0.31; long = 0.22).

Conclusion

A Random Forest classifier trained on demographic and CT imaging biometric patient data could predict procedure duration outliers of laparoscopic sigmoid resections. Pending validation in a multicenter study, this approach could potentially improve procedure scheduling in visceral surgery and be scaled to other procedures.
Use of ClearGuard HD caps in pediatric hemodialysis patients
Authors: Nau Amy , Richardson Troy , Cardwell Diana , Ehrlich Jennifer , Gattineni Jyothsna , Hanna Melisha , Keswani Mahima , Neibauer Emily , Nitz Kelly , Quigley Raymond , Rheault Michelle , Sims Rebekah , Woo Mayna , Warady Bradley A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of hospitalizations and mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy, especially those with a central venous catheter (CVC) for dialysis access. The use of chlorhexidine impregnated catheter caps (ClearGuard) has been associated with a decrease in the rate of HD catheter-related BSIs (CA-BSIs) in adults; similar data have not been published for children.

Methods

We compared CA-BSI data from participating centers within the Standardizing Care to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Endstage Kidney Disease (SCOPE) collaborative based on the center’s use of ClearGuard caps for patients with HD catheter access. Centers were characterized as ClearGuard (CG) or non-ClearGuard (NCG) centers, with CA-BSI data pre- and post-CG implementation reviewed. All positive blood cultures in participating centers were reported to the SCOPE collaborative and adjudicated by an infectious disease physician.

Results

Data were available from 1786 SCOPE enrollment forms completed January 2016–January 2022. January 2020 served as the implementation date for analyzing CG versus NCG center data, with this being the time when the last CG center underwent implementation. Post January 2020, there was a greater decrease in the rate of HD CA-BSI in CG centers versus NCG centers, with a decrease from 1.18 to 0.23 and 0.41 episodes per 100 patient months for the CG and NCG centers, respectively (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Routine use of ClearGuard caps in pediatric dialysis centers was associated with a reduction of HD CA-BSI rates in pediatric HD patients.

Graphical abstract
Risk factors for recurrence in pediatric urinary stone disease
Authors: Demirtas Ferhan , Çakar Nilgün , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Akıncı Aykut , Burgu Berk , Yalçınkaya Fatoş
Published: January 2024

Background

Children’s urinary system stones may develop from environmental, metabolic, anatomical, and other causes. Our objective is to determine the recurrence and prognosis, demographic, clinical, and etiological characteristics of children with urolithiasis.

Methods

Medical records of patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patients’ demographic data and medical history, serum/urine biochemical and metabolic analysis, blood gas analysis, stone analysis, imaging findings, and medical/surgical treatments were recorded.

Results

The study included 364 patients (male 187). Median age at diagnosis was 2.83 (IQR 0.83–8.08) years. The most common complaints were urinary tract infection (23%) and urine discoloration (12%). Sixty-two percent had a family history of stone disease. At least one metabolic disorder was found in 120 (88%) of 137 patients having all metabolic analyses: hypercalciuria was found in 45%, hypocitraturia in 39%, and hyperoxaluria in 37%. Anatomical abnormalities were detected in 18% of patients. Of 58 stones analyzed, 65.5% were calcium and 20.6% were cystine stones. Stone recurrence rate was 15% (55/364). Older age (> 5 years), family history of stone disease, stone size (≥ 5 mm), and urinary system anatomical abnormalities were significantly associated with stone recurrence (p = 0.027, p = 0.031, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, stone size ≥ 5 mm (OR 4.85, 95% CI 2.53–9.3), presence of urinary system anatomical abnormalities (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.44–5.78), and family history of stone disease (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.19–4.86) had increased recurrence rate.

Conclusions

All children with urolithiasis should be evaluated for factors affecting stone recurrence. Children at higher risk of recurrence need to be followed carefully.

Graphical abstract
Uveitis intermedia
Authors: Sommer Michael , Singer Christoph , Werkl Peter , Seidel Gerald
Published: January 2024

Die Uveitis intermedia ist eine Entzündung, die in erster Linie den Glaskörper betrifft, häufig mit assoziierter retinaler Vaskulitis. Sie tritt tendenziell bei jüngeren Patienten auf, kommt aber bis ins hohe Alter vor. Etwa 20 % der Uveitisfälle in Tertiärzentren sind intermediäre Uveitiden. Die häufigsten assoziierten Erkrankungen sind multiple Sklerose (11 %) und Sarkoidose (8 %). In 60 % der Fälle ist die Entzündung idiopathisch, und nur 1 % sind infektiös. Die Behandlung besteht aus Steroiden (systemisch, parabulbär, intravitreal) als Ersttherapie, aber wegen der häufig hartnäckigen Entzündung sind oft steroidsparende Medikamente im Sinne einer Immunsuppression nötig. Trotz des oft chronischen Verlaufs ist die Prognose einer Uveitis intermedia relativ gut.
Predicting the primary infection source of Escherichia coli bacteremia using virulence-associated genes
Authors: Ilsby Christian Schaadt , Hertz Frederik Boetius , Westh Henrik , Monk Jonathan , Worning Peder , Johansen Helle Krogh , Hansen Katrine Hartung , Pinholt Mette
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To investigate the role of E. coli virulence-associated genes (VAGs) in predicting urinary tract infection (UTI) as the source of bacteremia in two distinct hospital populations, one with a large general catchment area and one dominated by referrals.

Methods

E. coli bacteremias identified at Department of Clinical Microbiology (DCM), Hvidovre Hospital and DCM, Rigshospitalet in the Capital Region of Denmark from October to December 2018. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), we identified 358 VAGs from 224 E. coli bacteremia. For predictive analysis, VAGs were paired with clinical source of UTI from local bacteremia databases.

Results

VAGs strongly predicting of UTI as primary infection source of bacteremia were primarily found within the pap gene family. papX (PPV 96%, sensitivity 54%) and papGII (PPV 93%, sensitivity 56%) were found highly predictive, but showed low sensitivities. The strength of VAG predictions of UTI as source varied significantly between the two hospital populations. VAGs had weaker predictions in the tertiary referral center (Rigshospitalet), a disparity likely stemming from differences in patient population and department specialization.

Conclusion

WGS data was used to predict the primary source of E. coli bacteremia and is an attempt on a new and different type of infection source identification. Genomic data showed potential to be utilized to predict the primary source of infection; however, discrepancy between the best performing profile of VAGs between acute care hospitals and tertiary hospitals makes it difficult to implement in clinical practice.
Premature Death as a Normative Concept
Authors: Sørheim Preben , Barra Mathias , Norheim Ole Frithjof , Gamlund Espen , Solberg Carl Tollef
Published: January 2024

The practical goal of preventing premature death seems uncontroversial. But the term ‘premature death’ is vague with several, sometimes conflicting definitions. This ambiguity results in several conceptions with which not all will agree. Moreover, the normative rationale behind the goal of preventing premature deaths is masked by the operational definition of existing measures. In this article, we argue that ‘premature death’ should be recognized as a normative concept. We propose that normative theories should be used to justify measures of premature death to provide them with normative validity and public legitimacy.
An assessment of seismicity and near surface geophysical characteristics of potential solid waste landfill sites in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye
Authors: Karslı Hakan , Babacan Ali Erden , Sayıl Nilgün , Çoban Kaan Hakan , Akın Özgenç
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to assess the suitability of the potential solid waste landfill sites in seven provinces (Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Gümüşhane, Bayburt and Artvin) in the Eastern Blacksea Region of Türkiye. The earthquake hazard analysis for two major earthquakes which occurred in the region was first carried out. Then, the geophysical methods including seismic refraction tomography (SRT), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) were conducted to find out the structural and physical properties of the subsurface which include the layering, soil classification based on VS30 and the groundwater content at 25 locations of 13 in target provinces. The integrated interpretation of whole data sets demonstrates that Işıktepe, Esence, Çamburnu and Kazantaş which are characterized by VP > 1200 m/s, VS30 ≥ 400 m/s, ρ > 70 Ohm-m, low earthquake hazard and seismicity are more suitable among others. Vezirköprü, Şebinkarahisar, Yenice, Bayburt-Center, Balkaynak and Murgul will be suitable after a geotechnical reclamation due to moderate seismic velocities and electrical resistivity which are 900 < VP ≤ 1200 m/s, 200 < VS30 < 400 m/s and 10 < ρ ≤ 70 Ohm-m representing stiff and wet soils. In addition, Bafra, Ağalık and Ovacık were considered to be unsuitable due to the presence of thick, water-saturated soft soil and extremely weathered rocks. Finally, this study shows that the joint interpretation of seismicity and geophysical data in potential waste landfill sites, extremely important for the planning and development of a city, can provide the valuable information which will enable to prevent possible deformations, environmental problems and economic losses after waste landfill.
Determinants of changes in harvested area and yields of major crops in China
Authors: Yin Fang , Sun Zhanli , You Liangzhi , Müller Daniel
Published: January 2024

Global agricultural production has risen substantially in recent decades and needs to rise further to meet the ever-growing food demand. While higher production can be directly attributed to agricultural expansion and intensification, the underlying factors behind the changes in cultivated areas and yields can be complicated and have not been well understood. China has dramatically increased its food production in past decades, especially during the initial approximately 30 years following the commencement of the rural reform in the late 1970s. The agricultural land use, including cropland areas, the composition of different crops and their spatial distributions, and crop yields have experienced substantial changes. In this research, we quantitatively analysed the changes in the harvested areas and yields of the four most widely cultivated crops in China (rice, wheat, maize, and soybean) at the county level from 1980 to 2011. We used spatial panel regressions to quantify the determinants of the observed changes in harvested area and yields for the major cultivation region of each of the four crops. Results showed that growth in population, gross domestic product, and urbanisation are positively associated with harvested areas. Higher usage of machinery and fertiliser inputs increased yields of the three cereal crops, while the harvested area of soybean decreased, particularly after China’s accession to the WTO. Our findings reveal how domestic urbanisation and changes in consumption patterns, coupled with the rising globalisation of agricultural markets, shaped China’s agricultural production and land use over the three decades. These insights shed light on the determinants of long-term agricultural dynamics and thus inform evidence-based decision-making.
Impact of sleep–wake patterns and daily rhythms including training on midsleep time in adolescent basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kullik Lisa , Stork Moritz , Kellmann Michael , Puta Christian , Jakowski Sarah
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a major impact on sleep and training behavior in adolescent athletes. A crucial sleep parameter is midsleep time, which illustrates the midpoint between sleep onset and offset. The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of chronotype, age, sex, pandemic phase, weekend, and training habits on midsleep time. The sample consisted of German elite adolescent basketball athletes (N = 91, 15.75 ± 1.15 years, female = 39.46%).

Method

Data were collected through a 10-day subjective monitoring program during three different pandemic phases, with more severe restrictions in phase 1. In total, 1146 measurement points were analyzed. A linear mixed model approach was used for the evaluation.

Results

A negative linear association between chronotype and midsleep time was revealed. A negative effect was identified for phases 2 and 3. The weekend parameter showed a positive effect, which may illustrate the occurrence of social jetlag. The main finding of this investigation is that a morning chronotype distribution was associated with earlier midsleep timing throughout the entire survey period.

Conclusion

The results acknowledge that chronotype is one of the main influencing parameters for midsleep time. The study represents a useful contribution to the research of chronotype and sleep behavior in athletes, with a focus on the major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Late effects of high-dose methotrexate in childhood cancer survivors: a Swiss single centre observational study
Authors: Brunold Kevin , Otth Maria , Scheinemann Katrin
Published: January 2024

Importance

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for late effects of different organ systems. The currently available screening recommendations for those treated with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) are not uniform and the available literature is limited.

Objective

We aim to assess the prevalence and severity of late effects in CCS treated with HD-MTX at a single centre in Switzerland. We focus on organ systems defined at risk by the long-term follow-up care guidelines of the children’s oncology group (COG), because this guideline has a holistic approach, is evidence based, and up to date.

Methods

We used the modified Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) to assess late effects in 15 different organ systems. Eligible were CCS diagnosed with cancer younger than 18 years and treated with HD-MTX, defined as at least 1 g per body surface area (≥ 1 g/m2).

Results

We analysed 32 CCS with a median follow-up of 12.1 years. The endocrine system was most frequently affected by adverse events (69%), followed by the musculoskeletal (57%) and neuropsychological (38%) systems. The hepatobiliary (9%) and immunological (6%) systems were the least affected ones. Within the endocrine system, overweight/obesity was the most frequent and severe diagnosis.

Conclusion

Late effects in CCS treated with HD-MTX are frequent. Our findings could add to the COG guidelines, where only screening for the musculoskeletal, neuropsychological, and hepatobiliary systems are recommended. More patient data need to be collected and analysed using the suggested standardised approach, to increase the quality of evidence for future screening recommendations.
Attending to slow violence: From Pride to Stand Out
Authors: Higham Leanne
Published: January 2024

Slow violence occurs gradually and out of sight, an attritional violence of delayed destruction not usually viewed as violence at all. Relative to more immediately perceived and recognisable forms of violence, the temporal, spatial, and sensational invisibility of slow violence can hinder efforts to act decisively towards it. Drawing on material from ethnographic research in an outer-suburban Melbourne secondary school, I examine how attending to affective dissonances experienced by students and staff led me to witness the school’s first Pride Club meeting, the group’s decline, and its transformation into Stand Out Club. This transformation lifts to view a move beyond the politics through which the group was initially conceived into an ethical response attentive to queer students’ lives. Slow violence, conceptually, has much to offer, including the possibility for recognising and responding to slow violence with an ethics of nonviolence.
Investigation of physicochemical and chemical properties of biochar activated with carbonate, nitrate, and borohydride
Authors: ATEŞ Ayten
Published: January 2024

Activation of biomass before pyrolysis with various chemicals significantly affects the surface area and porosity, chemical composition, and formation and distribution of functional groups on the surface of the biochar produced. For this purpose, raw tea waste (RTW) was mixed with potassium nitrate (KNO3), potassium sodium carbonate (NaKCO3), and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in solid form and pyrolyzed at 500 °C for 1 h. The effects of the chemical activators on biomass char formation were investigated using DTA-TGA and DSC. Compared to conventional pyrolysis, carbonate, nitrate, and hydrides increase the gasification of biochar by catalyzing the decomposition of cellulose and lignin. The effect of NaBH4 on graphitization and deoxidation of carbon is higher than that of carbonates and nitrides. In addition, all prepared biochar samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, elemental analysis, and N2 adsorption–desorption. While treatment of RTW with KNO3 and NaKCO3 increased the hydroxylation of the biochar, treatment with NaBH4 decreased hydroxylation by increasing dehydrogenation and dehydroxylation. Increasing boron content led to hydroxylation of the material with hydratation of NaBO2. The surface area and pore distribution results showed that nitrates and carbonates have insignificant effect on the surface area of biochar, while NaBH4 almost doubles the surface area and total pore volume of biochar by forming hydrogen.
Remediation of contaminated water using cellulose acetate membrane hybrid by sunflower seed shell–activated carbon
Authors: Ali Alaa E. , Elwardany Rehab E. , Mustafa Ahmed A. , Shokry Hassan
Published: January 2024

In this study, newly created hybrid cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were prepared using the phase inversion technique. Activated carbon derived from Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed shells (SFAC) were immersed in CA polymer casting solution, and the produced membranes were used to treat contaminated water. Phosphoric acid was utilized as an activating agent with a ratio of 3:1 (wt.) for preparing SFAC7, SFAC8, and SFAC9 activated carbons with various carbonization temperatures (700, 800, and 900°C, respectively). By using SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR, the SFAC and CA membranes were characterized. The SFAC9 sample has the highest surface area SBET (786.62 m2/g), total pore volume VT (0.7694 mL/g), and pore radius r– (4.0026 nm). The effects of various starting concentrations (5–20 mg/L), SFAC dose (0.1–0.5), pH (2–12), and contact time (0.5–24 h) conditions were investigated. The outcomes showed that the CA (SFAC9 0.1%) membrane performed better than other membranes in removing crystal violet (CV) dye, with an 84.67% removal rate under ideal environmental circumstances. The dye decolorization onto the CA (SFAC9 0.1%) membrane was fitted with various adsorption isotherms using the Langmuir > Tempkin > Freundlich model. Additionally, the kinetics studies showed pseudo-second-order, which suggests that chemisorption occurred.
Robustness investigation of an in-situ absorption measurement system for laser processing
Authors: Wittemer Moritz , Wudy Katrin
Published: January 2024

The laser-material interaction Katrin Wudy for laser-material processes, such as laser welding, where several phase changes occur, still needs to be fully understood. The high energy input in the material in a short time and small space renders the laser-material interaction a complex and highly dynamic mechanism. This interaction and the resulting radiation absorption govern the process behavior during manufacturing and, in turn, the quality of parts. In situ monitoring of the laser radiation absorption can be facilitated to evaluate the process. The absorption can be determined using an integrating sphere. To employ such a measuring system reliably without intense calibration effort for high throughput experiments, the robustness of the measuring signal toward changes to the system is crucial. This work evaluates said robustness by a series of experiments for which the signal of the integrating sphere diode and the back-reflection sensor of the laser are considered. The measuring system was altered by varying the electronic gain and the distance between the sphere and the specimen. Multiple experiments with varying laser powers were conducted for every configuration of the measuring system. Additionally, the stability of the reflective properties of the coated inner sphere was evaluated by analyzing the change in the measurements over time. The experimental results show the robustness of the integrating sphere signal trend toward the changes in the measurement parameters and degradation of the inner sphere coating. These are properties of a robust measuring system, which has excellent use in high throughput experiments for fundamental research in laser-material interaction.
A Discussion of Positive Behavior Support and Applied Behavior Analysis in the Context of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Stalford David , Graham Scott , Keenan Michael
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the relationship between applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the emergence of positive behavior support (PBS) in context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the UK and Ireland. Two overarching issues that are salient in this discussion are professional training and certification. To date, there has been a lack of standardized training or statutory requirements to practice PBS despite proponents insisting that its practice should be grounded in behavior analytic principles. Furthermore, there is an undercurrent of anti-ABA bias fueled by misinterpretation and unsubstantiated anecdotal claims used to promote an alternative “value based” approach to managing behavior.
BAMBOO for Refugees—A Culturally Sensitive Positive Psychology Intervention: A Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hendriks Tom , de Jong Joop , Hassankhan Aabidien , van Woerkom Marianne
Published: January 2024

This protocol investigates the efficacy of a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program named BAMBOO. The goal of this program is to increase resilience and mental well-being among refugees. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of refugees fleeing to Europe and applying for permanent residence. In the Netherlands, a wide variety of programs that focus on increasing mental well-being among refugees is available. BAMBOO is a strengths-based intervention, which consists of five weekly two-hour group-based sessions. It is based on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and adapted according to the guidelines for the implementation of culturally sensitive cognitive behavioral therapy among refugees. The program does not focus on the treatment of trauma, mental disorders, or underlying problems, but aims to increase factors such as personal strengths, positive emotions, positive relations, and self-esteem. The first version of the program (BAMBOO 1.0) has been conducted at over 50 asylum centers in the Netherlands since January 2020. In the time period from September 2020 to September 2022, qualitative and quantitative data were collected among BAMBOO trainers and participants and the program was adapted, leading to a revised version (BAMBOO 2.0). A single-blinded parallel pilot randomized controlled trial, with an intervention group and awaiting list control group, with 34 participants per group will be used to test the program’s efficacy. Outcomes include resilience, satisfaction with life, positive and negative affect, and self-esteem. The study will be conducted among adult Arabic speaking refugees, residing at an asylum center in the Netherlands and/ or in a Dutch municipality, Baseline, post-intervention, and five-week follow-up assessments will be conducted. This paper describes the protocol for the evaluation of a novel and culturally adapted program. The study will shed light on the efficacy of a culturally sensitive strengths-based intervention as a preventive approach to increase refugee well-being. ERB Tilburg University, TSB RP623.
Intra-family links in the analysis of marital networks
Authors: Merelo J. J. , Molinari M. Cristina
Published: January 2024

Marriage networks, which represent the matrimonial connections between different families in a given historical and geographical milieu, rarely take into account one aspect of internal family dynamics, namely the existence of intra-family marriages. The inclusion of such marriages, represented in the graph by self-loops, is essential to compute more accurate measures of centrality. In this paper, we discuss various procedures for incorporating these links into the analysis, with the requirement that they be compatible with the use of already available social network analysis software. We then apply them to two historical marriage networks, one from the Republic of Venice and the other from Taiwan. By comparing centrality measures for the baseline and modified networks, we found that the most satisfactory of the proposed methods is the one that duplicate nodes of families with intra-family marriages and adds new edges that link these duplicated nodes to all the families to which the original node was connected. This procedure is computationally simple and conceptually sound, making it a useful tool for analyzing marital networks.
Just as Violent: Cyberbullying and In-Person Violence Compared Among Arab Youth in Israel
Authors: Jeries-Loulou Lana J. , Khoury-Kassabri Mona
Published: January 2024

This study examined similarities and differences between adolescent involvement in cyberbullying and in-person violence from a socio-ecological perspective. It explored the associations between individual (gender, age, religiosity, and impulsivity), family (parental support, monitoring, and conflict), and contextual factors (commitment to school, affiliation with delinquent peers and exposure to community violence), on the one hand, and four types of violence: cyberbullying and three subtypes of in-person violence—severe and moderate physical violence and indirect violence—on the other. The sample included 3178 Arab students in grades 7–11 in Israel, who completed a structured survey. “In-person bullying” or face-to face violence was found to be significantly and positively associated with involvement in cyberbullying, and both bullying behaviors were found to share common predictors. Of the four types of violence, involvement in severe physical violence and cyberbullying and was the lower (28.4% and 14.1% and of students, respectively), with significantly higher rates for indirect and moderate violence (65.7% and 47.3%, respectively). The general trend found in the study was one of similarities between cyberbullying and in-person violence, especially of the severe physical type. We conclude that protecting youth against involvement in violent acts can be most effectively achieved by buffering the impact of situational and personal risk factors.
Analysis of Positive Weak Solutions for a Class of Fractional Laplacian Elliptic Systems of Type Kirchhoff
Authors: Guefaifia Rafik , Allahem Ali , Jan Rashid , Boulaaras Salah , Biomy Mohamed
Published: January 2024

In this research work, a sub-supersolution approach is utilized to investigate the existence and nonexistence of weak positive solution for a class of fractional Laplacian Kirchhoff type elliptic systems in bounded domains with one parameter.
Microbiology of cardiac implantable electronic device infections in Calgary, Canada
Authors: King Teagan , Chew Derek S. , Leal Jenine , Cannon Kristine , Zhang Zuying , Rennert-May Elissa
Published: January 2024

The microbiology of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections in Calgary, Alberta was described, identifying 50 infections from 2013 to 2019. The majority were Staphylococcus aureus (40.0%). There is significant economic burden, mostly related to inpatient costs, associated with CIED infections. However, there were no significant differences in costs stratified by organism.
Shape effect on solid melting in flowing liquid
Authors: Yang Rui , Howland Christopher J. , Liu Hao-Ran , Verzicco Roberto , Lohse Detlef
Published: January 2024

Iceberg melting is a critical factor for climate change. However, the shape of an iceberg is an often neglected aspect of its melting process. Our study investigates the influence of different ice shapes and ambient flow velocities on melt rates by conducting direct numerical simulations of a simplified system of bluff body flow. Our study focuses on the ellipsoidal shape, with the aspect ratio as the control parameter. We found the shape plays a crucial role in the melting process, resulting in significant variations in the melt rate between different shapes. Without flow, the optimal shape for a minimal melt rate is the disk (two-dimensional) or sphere (three-dimensional), due to the minimal surface area. However, as the ambient flow velocity increases, the optimal shape changes with the aspect ratio. We find that ice with an elliptical shape (when the long axis is aligned with the flow direction) can melt up to 10 % slower than a circular shape when exposed to flowing water. Following the approach considered by Huang et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 765, 2015, R3) for dissolving bodies, we provide a quantitative theoretical explanation for this optimal shape, based on the combined contributions from both surface-area effects and convective-heat-transfer effects. Our findings provide insight into the interplay between phase transitions and ambient flows, contributing to our understanding of the iceberg melting process and highlighting the need to consider the aspect-ratio effect in estimates of iceberg melt rates.
The open channel in a uniform representation of the turbulent velocity profile across all parallel geometries
Authors: Luchini Paolo
Published: January 2024

A uniform representation of the mean turbulent velocity profile in the sum of a wall function and a wake function, already introduced for other parallel geometries, is applied to an open channel. The open channel with its wake function is thus found to coherently fit in to the same theoretical picture previously drawn for plane Couette, plane closed-channel and circular-pipe flow, and to share with them a universal law of the wall and a universal logarithmic law with a common value of von Kármán's constant.
AI/ML Chatbots’ Souls, or Transformers: Less Than Meets the Eye
Authors: Lazzari Edmund Michael
Published: January 2024

Given the peculiarly linguistic approach that contemporary philosophers use to apply St. Thomas Aquinas’s arguments on the immateriality of the human soul, this paper will present a Thomistic-inspired evaluation of whether artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) chatbots’ composition and linguistic performance justify the assertion that AI/ML chatbots have immaterial souls. The first section of the paper will present a strong, but ultimately crucially flawed argument that AI/ML chatbots do have souls based on contemporary Thomistic argumentation. The second section of the paper will provide an overview of the actual computer science models that make artificial neural networks and AI/ML chatbots function, which I hope will assist other theologians and philosophers writing about technology, The third section will present some of Emily Bender’s and Alexander Koller’s objections to AI/ML chatbots being able to access meaning from computational linguistics. The final section will highlight the similarities of Bender’s and Koller’s argument to a fuller presentation of St. Thomas Aquinas’s argument for the immateriality of the human soul, ultimately arguing that the current mechanisms and linguistic activity of AI/ML programming do not constitute activity sufficient to conclude that they have immaterial souls on the strength of St. Thomas’s arguments.
THE FRENZIED SWALLOW: PHILOMELA'S VOICE IN SOPHOCLES’ TEREUS
Authors: Blanco Chiara
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates Philomela's metamorphosis into a swallow as inferred from Sophocles’ fragmentary Tereus. The first part focusses on the association between the swallow and barbaric language, casting new light on Philomela's characterization in the play. The second investigates the shuttle, the weaving tool which prompts the recognition of Philomela, arguing that the mention of its ‘voice’ in fr. 595 Radt refers not only to the tapestry which it created, but also to the actual sound of the shuttle, which ancient Greeks associated with the swallow, and thus anticipates Philomela's metamorphosis. The representation of Philomela as a speech-impeded and yet vocal character supports the Dionysiac background of the act of vengeance which she and her sister commit.