bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Hyperparathyroidism Patient Profile on Quality of Life After Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Febrero Beatriz , Ruiz‐Manzanera Juan José , Ros‐Madrid Inmaculada , Hernández‐Martínez Antonio‐Miguel , Rodríguez José M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Improvements in quality of life (QoL) after parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is discussed. It has not been analyzed whether these improvements can be influenced by a specific socio‐personal or clinical patient profile. Objectives: to analyze QoL differences after parathyroidectomy and to determine a socio‐personal and clinical profile that influences improvement after parathyroidectomy.

Methods

A longitudinal prospective cohort study in patients with PHPT. SF‐36 and PHPQOL questionnaires were completed by the patients. A comparative preoperatory analysis was carried out, at three and twelve months after surgery. Student's t test was used for the correlations. The size of the effect was assessed using G*Power software. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the socio‐personal and clinical variables affecting the improvement in QoL after surgery.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were analyzed. Three months after surgery an improvement was found in physical function, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, mental health and in the patient's declared health assessment. One year after the intervention a general improvement was observed, with a greater effect on mental health and declared health evolution. Patients with bone pain presented with a higher probability of improvement after surgery. Patients with prior psychological disease had a lower associated probability of an improvement and high levels of PTH related to a greater probability of improvement after surgery.

Conclusions

There is an improvement in the QoL of PHPT patients after parathyroidectomy. Patients with bone pain and high PTH levels prior to the parathyroidectomy present with a greater probability of having a greater improvement in QoL after surgery.
Limitations of homogeneous and segmented single-crystal compact TEM00-mode Ho3+:YAG laser resonators
Authors: Goth Katharina , Rupp Marius , Griesbeck Michael , Eitner Madeleine , Eichhorn Marc , Kieleck Christelle
Published: May 2023

We present investigations on output power limitations of near-diffraction-limited compact $$\hbox {Ho}^{3+}$$

Ho

3
+

:YAG laser resonators employing a homogeneous or segmented laser crystal. An approach for designing a segmented crystal is presented. Maximum output powers of $${57.6}\,\hbox {W}$$

57.6

W

and $${51.9}\,\hbox {W}$$

51.9

W

are reached with the homogeneous and segmented crystal, respectively, resulting in pulse energies of $${1.14}\,\hbox {mJ}$$

1.14

mJ

and $${1.04}\,\hbox {mJ}$$

1.04

mJ

at a repetition rate of $${50}\,\hbox {kHz}$$

50

kHz

in Q-switched operation. Interferometric experiments are conducted to derive the radial temperature profile for both crystals. Simulations based on a split-step beam propagation method are used to model the longitudinal temperature gradient in both crystals.
Evaluating compliance and applicability of postpartum pessary use for preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Kiefner Brenda , Schwab Frank , Kuppinger Madeleine , Nacke Anna , Kelkenberg Ute , Schütze Sabine , Berger Franziska , Lindner Anna , Hellmeyer Lars , Janni Wolfgang , Metz Melanie , Deniz Miriam
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Pelvic floor disorders are common and associated with pregnancy and childbirth. For restitution of pelvic floor connective tissue and thereby therapy of postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, the Restifem® pessary is approved. It supports the anterior vaginal wall behind the symphysis, the lateral sulci and the sacro-uterine ligaments and stabilises the connective tissue. We evaluated the compliance and applicability of Restifem® use in women postpartum in a preventive and therapeutic approach.

Methods

Restifem® pessary was handed out to 857 women. Six weeks after birth, they started the pessary use. After 8 weeks, 3 and 6 months postpartum, women received a questionnaire via online survey for evaluation of pessary applicability and efficacy.

Results

After 8 weeks, 209 women answered the questionnaire. 119 women used the pessary. Common problems were discomfort, pain and the pessary use was to circuitous. Vaginal infections were rare. After 3 months, 85 women and after 6 months, 38 women still used the pessary. 3 months postpartum, 94% of women with POP, 72% of women with UI and 66% of women with OAB stated to have an improvement of their symptoms using the pessary. 88% women without any disorder felt an improvement of stability.

Conclusions

Use of the Restifem® pessary in the postpartum period is feasible and accompanied with less complications. It reduces POP and UI and leads to an increased sense of stability. So, Restifem® pessary can be offered to women postpartum to improve pelvic floor dysfunction.
Brain hypoxia, neurocognitive impairment, and quality of life in people post-COVID-19
Authors: Adingupu Damilola D. , Soroush Ateyeh , Hansen Ayden , Twomey Rosie , Dunn Jeff F.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Systemic hypoxia occurs in COVID-19 infection; however, it is unknown if cerebral hypoxia occurs in convalescent individuals. We have evidence from other conditions associated with central nervous system inflammation that hypoxia may occur in the brain. If so, hypoxia could reduce the quality of life and brain function. This study was undertaken to assess if brain hypoxia occurs in individuals after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection and if this hypoxia is associated with neurocognitive impairment and reduced quality of life.

Methods

Using frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (fdNIRS), we measured cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) (a measure of hypoxia) in participants who had contracted COVID-19 at least 8 weeks prior to the study visit and healthy controls. We also conducted neuropsychological assessments and health-related quality of life assessments, fatigue, and depression.

Results

Fifty-six percent of the post-COVID-19 participants self-reported having persistent symptoms (from a list of 18), with the most reported symptom being fatigue and brain fog. There was a gradation in the decrease of oxyhemoglobin between controls, and normoxic and hypoxic post-COVID-19 groups (31.7 ± 8.3 μM, 27.8 ± 7.0 μM and 21.1 ± 7.2 μM, respectively,p = 0.028,p = 0.005, andp = 0.081). We detected that 24% of convalescent individuals’ post-COVID-19 infection had reduced StO2in the brain and that this relates to reduced neurological function and quality of life.

Interpretation

We believe that the hypoxia reported here will have health consequences for these individuals, and this is reflected in the correlation of hypoxia with greater symptomology. With the fdNIRS technology, combined with neuropsychological assessment, we may be able to identify individuals at risk of hypoxia-related symptomology and target individuals that are likely to respond to treatments aimed at improving cerebral oxygenation.
Digit ratio (2D:4D), laryngeal cancer and vocal fold leukoplakia
Authors: Pietruszewska Wioletta , Morawska Joanna , Manning John T. , Sitek Aneta , Antoszewski Bogusław , Kasielska-Trojan Anna
Published: May 2023

Background

To date, there are no studies that have analyzed the possible influence of exposure to prenatal sex hormones on the risk of laryngeal cancer (LC) and premalignant laryngeal lesion—vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL). Digit ratio (2D:4D) is suggested to be a proxy of prenatal sex hormone exposure.

Objective

To examine 2D:4D in patients with LC and clarify if it could add to the verified risk factors in estimating the overall risk of LC.

Methods

511 subjects participated in the study. The study group included 269 patients: with LC (N = 114, 64 men) and VFL (N = 155, 116 men). Controls included 242 healthy individuals (66.40 ± 4.50 years (106 men)).

Results

Predictive models estimating the risk of VFL and LC in women, based solely on predictors like smoking and alcohol consumption had a lower area under the ROC curve (AUC) than the model with left 2D:4D. AUC for the model estimating the likelihood of VFL increased from 0.83 to 0.85, and for LC from 0.76 to 0.79.

Conclusions

Low left 2D:4D may be associated with an increased risk of developing leukoplakia and laryngeal cancer in women. In the case of laryngeal cancer, left 2D:4D may serve as additional variable (to other known risk factors, such as smoking and/or alcohol consumption), which can improve cancer risk prediction.
Stacking-based ensemble learning for remaining useful life estimation
Authors: Ture Begum Ay , Akbulut Akhan , Zaim Abdul Halim , Catal Cagatay
Published: May 2023

Excessive and untimely maintenance prompts economic losses and unnecessary workload. Therefore, predictive maintenance models are developed to estimate the right time for maintenance. In this study, predictive models that estimate the remaining useful life of turbofan engines have been developed using deep learning algorithms on NASA’s turbofan engine degradation simulation dataset. Before equipment failure, the proposed model presents an estimated timeline for maintenance. The experimental studies demonstrated that the stacking ensemble learning and the convolutional neural network (CNN) methods are superior to the other investigated methods. While the convolution neural network (CNN) method was superior to the other investigated methods with an accuracy of 93.93%, the stacking ensemble learning method provided the best result with an accuracy of 95.72%.
Subject-specific tribo-contact conditions in total knee replacements: a simulation framework across scales
Authors: Rothammer Benedict , Wolf Alexander , Winkler Andreas , Schulte-Hubbert Felix , Bartz Marcel , Wartzack Sandro , Miehling Jörg , Marian Max
Published: May 2023

Fundamental knowledge about in vivo kinematics and contact conditions at the articulating interfaces of total knee replacements are essential for predicting and optimizing their behavior and durability. However, the prevailing motions and contact stresses in total knee replacements cannot be precisely determined using conventional in vivo measurement methods. In silico modeling, in turn, allows for a prediction of the loads, velocities, deformations, stress, and lubrication conditions across the scales during gait. Within the scope of this paper, we therefore combine musculoskeletal modeling with tribo-contact modeling. In the first step, we compute contact forces and sliding velocities by means of inverse dynamics approach and force-dependent kinematic solver based upon experimental gait data, revealing contact forces during healthy/physiological gait of young subjects. In a second step, the derived data are employed as input data for an elastohydrodynamic model based upon the finite element method full-system approach taking into account elastic deformation, the synovial fluid’s hydrodynamics as well as mixed lubrication to predict and discuss the subject-specific pressure and lubrication conditions.
Be my guest: the effect of foreign policy visits to the USA on FDI
Authors: Adam Antonis , Tsarsitalidou Sofia
Published: May 2023

We examine whether a country leader’s diplomatic visit to the USA affects the Foreign Direct Investment inflow. The literature so far has found inconclusive results regarding diplomatic relations' effect on international flows. We use a dynamic Inverse Probability Weighting Regression Adjustment framework to examine this relationship and estimate the causal effect of foreign visits. Our results indicate that a visit to the US increases the country’s total FDI inflows by up to one percentage point per annum, with a cumulative effect reaching 2.5 percentage points six years after the visit. However, this is a short-run effect as it disappears in the subsequent years. Furthermore, our first-stage results shed light on the profile of the leaders that visit the US. Our findings are consistent with the view that foreign visits act as signals to investors regarding the country’s political risk.
The Moral Foundations of Vaccine Passports
Authors: Harjani Trisha , He Hongwei , Chao Melody Manchi
Published: May 2023

The debate around vaccine passports has been polarising and controversial. Although the measure allows businesses to resume in-person operations and enables transitioning out of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some have expressed concerns about liberty violations and discrimination. Understanding the splintered viewpoints can aid businesses in communicating such measures to employees and consumers. We conceptualise the business implementation of vaccine passports as a moral decision rooted in individual values that influence reasoning and emotional reaction. We surveyed support for vaccine passports on a nationally representative sample in the United Kingdom in 2021: April (n = 349), May (n = 328), and July (n = 311). Drawing on the Moral Foundations Theory—binding (loyalty, authority, and sanctity), individualising (fairness and harm), and liberty values—we find that individualising values are a positive predictor and liberty values a negative predictor of support for passports, suggesting adoption hinges on addressing liberty concerns. Longitudinal analysis examining the trajectory of change in support over time finds that individualising foundations positively predict changes in utilitarian and deontological reasoning over time. In contrast, a fall in anger over time predicts increased support towards vaccine passports. Our study can inform business and policy communication strategies of existing vaccine passports, general vaccine mandates, and similar measures in future pandemics.
7E + Q analysis: a new multi-dimensional assessment tool of solar dryer for food and agricultural products
Authors: Susanto Evan Eduard , Saptoro Agus , Kumar Perumal , Tiong Angnes Ngieng Tze , Putranto Aditya , Suherman Suherman
Published: May 2023

Drying process has been employed since ancient times to preserve agricultural products by reducing the moisture content. Solar dryer is one of the most commonly used dryers due to its availability, reliability, and environmentally friendly nature. It is practical in rural areas since solar dryer can be fabricated with a simple design. Despite its potential, designing a long-term, feasible solar dryer is challenging without a good understanding of its performance parameters, such as energy, exergy, economic, environmental (4E) aspect, and its impact on product quality. Therefore, many attempts have been dedicated to conducting these analyses. Nonetheless, the information obtained is only one-dimensional, and they do not reflect the actual behaviour of a solar dryer. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of the additional 3E parameters, namely energoeconomic, exergoeconomic, and enviroeconomic. Moreover, the effect of solar drying on product quality parameters (Q) will be discussed. Furthermore, a new idea to perform energy, exergy, environmental, economic, energoeconomic, exergoeconomic, and enviroeconomic (7E) and quality analysis (7E + Q) is proposed and outlined to improve the operability of the solar dryer. It is envisaged that 7E + Q analysis will pave the way for more effective and efficient solar dryers.

Graphical Abstract
Increasing the conductivity of V2O5-TeO2 glass by crystallization: structure and charge transfer studies
Authors: Okoczuk Piotr , Wójcik Natalia Anna , Murawski Leon , Wicikowski Leszek , Łapiński Marcin Stanisław , Winiarz Piotr , Kościelska Barbara
Published: May 2023

In the present paper, V2O5-TeO2 glass was prepared by the melt-quenching technique. Crystallization of glass with a vanadium content higher than 35%mol results in an increase in electrical conductivity by a few orders of magnitude and a decrease in activation energy from ~0.40 to ~0.12 eV. In this work, a critical review of existing charge transfer models was presented on the example of V2O5-TeO2 glass and glass–ceramics. Schnakenberg’s and Friedman-Triberis’ charge transfer models were found to be applicable to both glass and glass–ceramics. Optical phonon frequencies obtained from Schnakenberg’s model are in agreement with FTIR studies. Values of activation energies obtained from the Schnakenberg model decrease after crystallization. Friedman-Triberis’ model shows an increase in the density of states near the Fermi level from 1019 eV−1 cm−3 in glass, to 1021 eV−1 cm−3 in glass ceramics. Structural studies show that the main crystallizing phase is Te2V2O9 which occurs with the V2O5 shell in glasses with compositions 50–50%mol and 45–55%mol. It is concluded that crystallization results in the reduction of vanadium ions in the remaining glass matrix which leads to an increase in the V4+/V5+ ratio and therefore, an increase in electrical conductivity.
Convex duality for partial hedging of American options: continuous price processes
Authors: Perkkiö Ari-Pekka , Treviño-Aguilar Erick
Published: May 2023

Partial hedging of American options is an interesting minimax problem and in this paper we establish its dual problem that concerns only maximization. The case of a continuous price process is considered under a general incomplete market. Our construction of a duality requires a careful preparation in order to define the dual domain with a compactness property. A key step is an extension of linear functionals preserving norm and positivity.
On automorphism criteria for comparing amounts of mathematical structure
Authors: Barrett Thomas William , Manchak J. B. , Weatherall James Owen
Published: May 2023

Wilhelm (Forthcom Synth 199:6357–6369, 2021) has recently defended a criterion for comparing structure of mathematical objects, which he calls Subgroup. He argues that Subgroup is better than SYM$$^*$$∗, another widely adopted criterion. We argue that this is mistaken; Subgroup is strictly worse than SYM$$^*$$∗. We then formulate a new criterion that improves on both SYM$$^*$$∗and Subgroup, answering Wilhelm’s criticisms of SYM$$^*$$∗along the way. We conclude by arguing that no criterion that looks only to the automorphisms of mathematical objects to compare their structure can be fully satisfactory.
Flow and Heat Transfer Study of an Annulus Partially Filled with Metallic Foam on Two Wall Surfaces Subject to Asymmetrical Heat Fluxes
Authors: Iranmanesh Aghil , A. Moshizi Sajad
Published: May 2023

The current research deals with the fully developed forced convection through metallic foam partly filled annulus. A metallic foam was adhered to inner and outer walls of the annulus in such a way that two foam regions and one open region were formed against the fluid flow. The inner and outer surfaces were exposed to an asymmetric heat flux ratio. To couple heat transfer and flow of the foam and open regions, no-slip coupling conditions were considered at the fluid–solid interface. Based on the fully developed fluid flow assumption, momentum, continuity, and energy equations for foam and open regions were simplified to ordinary differential equations and solved numerically as the governing equations. The impact of porosity, pore density, ratio of fluid–solid conductivity, Re number, heat flux ratio on velocity profiles, temperature distributions, flow heterogeneity, friction factor, Nu, and system performance in an annulus partly included with metallic foam were obtained. The obtained results indicated that flow heterogeneity, friction factor, and Nu depend crucially on thickness of the foam, porosity, and pore density. The study found that partially filled cases had lower performance than the empty annulus across various porosity, pore density, and Re number for a fixed conductivity ratio of 0.01, but the performance depended on the conductivity ratio. When kr values were below 0.002, the partially filled annulus outperformed the empty one, but for a fully filled annulus, this critical kr increased to 0.006.
The Mori–Zwanzig formulation of deep learning
Authors: Venturi Daniele , Li Xiantao
Published: May 2023

We develop a new formulation of deep learning based on the Mori–Zwanzig (MZ) formalism of irreversible statistical mechanics. The new formulation is built upon the well-known duality between deep neural networks and discrete dynamical systems, and it allows us to directly propagate quantities of interest (conditional expectations and probability density functions) forward and backward through the network by means of exact linear operator equations. Such new equations can be used as a starting point to develop new effective parameterizations of deep neural networks and provide a new framework to study deep learning via operator-theoretic methods. The proposed MZ formulation of deep learning naturally introduces a new concept, i.e., the memory of the neural network, which plays a fundamental role in low-dimensional modeling and parameterization. By using the theory of contraction mappings, we develop sufficient conditions for the memory of the neural network to decay with the number of layers. This allows us to rigorously transform deep networks into shallow ones, e.g., by reducing the number of neurons per layer (using projection operators), or by reducing the total number of layers (using the decay property of the memory operator).
Assessment of Delivery and Receipt of a Complex School-Based Smoking Intervention: A Systematic Quantitative Process Evaluation
Authors: Jensen Marie Pil , Krølner Rikke Fredenslund , Jørgensen Marie Birk , Bast Lotus Sofie , Andersen Susan
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive school tobacco policies have the potential to reduce smoking in vocational education where smoking is widespread. Assessment of the implementation process is important to understand whether and how complex interventions work, yet many studies do not measure receipt among the target group. We conducted a quantitative process evaluation of a newly developed smoking intervention in Danish vocational education to (1) operationalize measures of delivery and receipt, (2) investigate the extent to which the intervention was delivered and received, and (3) analyze whether this differed across school settings. We used questionnaire data collected 4–5 months after baseline among students (N = 644), teachers (N = 54), and principals (N = 11) from 8 intervention schools to operationalize implementation at the school level (delivery; content, quality, and fidelity) and student level (receipt; participation, responsiveness, exposure, and individual-level implementation). We calculated means and compared levels across school settings using stratified analysis and mixed models. The total intervention was delivered by a mean of 76% according to how it was intended and received by a mean of 36% across all students. Relatively low means of participation and responsiveness indicated challenges to reach the students with the intervention components, and delivery and receipt varied between school settings. This study highlights the challenge of reaching the intended target group in complex health behavior interventions even when reaching relatively high levels of fidelity. Further studies using the operationalized measures can give insight into the ‘black box’ of the intervention and strengthen future programs targeting smoking in vocational education.
Preliminary Study on the Effect of Blood Purification Therapy with Dual-Cannula in Jugular-Femoral Venous: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: He Yi Ran , Gu Zhun Yong , Liu Yi Mei , He Hong Yu , Shen Bo , Ju Min Jie
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the multistage draining cannula strategy inserted via the femoral vein and with blood return to the jugular vein can improve the therapeutic efficiency in patients with vena cava drainage disorder compared to traditional hemodialysis therapy.

Design

This study was approved by the Review Board of the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (No. B2022-380), and the need for obtaining signed informed consent was waived for this retrospective analysis.

Patients

Two adult patients with acute vena cava reflux disorder were analyzed retrospectively in the study.

Interventions

To minimize recirculation, a multistage draining cannula strategy in a suitable position inserted via the femoral vein and with blood return to the jugular vein was used in patients with vena cava obstruction.

Measurements and Main Results

Study endpoints included vasopressors equivalent dose, ICU outcome and other clinical outcomes. The results showed that blood purification based on dual-cannula in jugular-femoral venous was able to improve the hemodynamic state, reduce the vasopressors dosage and improve the outcome for critically ill patients with acute vena cava reflux disorder.

Conclusions

Blood purification therapy with dual-cannula in jugular-femoral venous may be an effective and feasible strategy for patients with acute superior or inferior vena cava “obstruction”.
Generation of a curved plasma channel from a discharged capillary for intense laser guiding
Authors: Li Jian-Long , Li Bo-Yuan , Zhu Xin-Zhe , Bi Ze-Wu , Wen Xin-Hui , Lu Lin , Yuan Xiao-Hui , Liu Feng , Chen Min
Published: May 2023

Straight plasma channels are widely used to guide relativistic intense laser pulses over several Rayleigh lengths for laser wakefield acceleration. Recently, a curved plasma channel with gradually varied curvature was suggested to guide a fresh intense laser pulse and merge it into a straight channel for staged wakefield acceleration [Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 154801 (2018)]. In this work, we report the generation of such a curved plasma channel from a discharged capillary. Both longitudinal and transverse density distributions of the plasma inside the channel were diagnosed by analyzing the discharging spectroscopy. Effects of the gas-filling mode, back pressure and discharging voltage on the plasma density distribution inside the specially designed capillary are studied. Experiments show that a longitudinally uniform and transversely parabolic plasma channel with a maximum channel depth of 47.5 μm and length of 3 cm can be produced, which is temporally stable enough for laser guiding. Using such a plasma channel, a laser pulse with duration of 30 fs has been successfully guided along the channel with the propagation direction bent by 10.4°.
Limitations on fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka: majoritarian influence of constitutional practice
Authors: Gunatilleke Gehan
Published: May 2023

Sri Lanka’s Constitution authorises the state to limit certain fundamental freedoms on the grounds of specific public interests. This article examines how this constitutional limitation regime has become vulnerable to majoritarian influence. It uses a case study approach, supplemented by key informant interviews, to delve into Sri Lanka’s constitutional practice with respect to limitations on fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of religion or belief, and the freedom of expression. The article illustrates how organs of the Sri Lankan state have equated notions of ‘public interest’ with the majority community’s conceptions of ‘security’, ‘order’, ‘health’ and ‘morals’. It argues that this practice reflects a cleavage between the moral legitimacy and the legal claimability of fundamental freedoms of minorities and satirists in Sri Lanka. It concludes that legal regimes designed to guarantee fundamental freedoms offer very little protection to minorities when the underlying politics driving the application of law is majoritarian.
Uncertainties on Climate Extreme Indices Estimated From U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) Near‐Surface Temperatures
Authors: Madonna Fabio , Essa Yassmin Hesham , Marra Fabrizio , Serva Federico , Gardiner Tom , Sarakhs Faezeh Karimian , Tramutola Emanuele , Rosoldi Marco
Published: May 2023

Changes in the frequency of temperature extremes are often attributed to global warming. The recent availability of near‐surface temperature data records from reference networks, such as the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN), enables the quantification of measurement uncertainties. Within an activity of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the estimation of the measurement uncertainty has been provided for USCRN temperature data, using metadata made available by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In this paper, four climate extreme indices (Frost Days, Summer Days, Ice Days, Tropical Nights) and the related uncertainties are calculated for the period 2006–2020 from the USCRN data set and compared with traditional indices. Moreover, the asymmetric USCRN measurement uncertainties are propagated to estimate the uncertainties of climate indices. The comparison shows expanded uncertainties homogeneously distributed with the latitude and typically within 15 days per year for Frost Days and within 10 days for Ice Days, while smaller uncertainties are estimated for Summer Days and Tropical Nights, with values typically within six to seven days per year. Positive uncertainties are typically larger than negative ones for all the indices. The values of Frost and Ice Days with the related uncertainties for USCRN have also been compared with the corresponding values calculated from reanalyses data, showing differences typically within 60 days for median values, quite often smaller than USCRN and inconsistent within the related uncertainties, Overall, the results show that USCRN measurement uncertainties increase confidence in the estimation of climate extreme indices and decisions for adaptation.
Implementation of a Data-Driven Approach to Internship Recruitment
Authors: Efron Lisa A. , Mackey Eleanor R.
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Recruitment for Psychology Clinical Internship is a complex and labor-intensive process. The objective of this study is to describe a data-driven procedure to maximize objectivity and optimize outcome for internship recruitment.

Method:

The Psychology Training Committee designed an objective rating system for online applications and interviews, incorporating both objective and subjective data. Perceptions of efficiency and effectiveness with this approach were assessed via a survey distributed to the approximately 50 faculty members who have participated in the internship recruitment process. Intern perceptions following completion of the program were also assessed.

Results:

This recruitment procedure is highly efficient, as the streamlined process of reviewing applications, developing a list of candidates to interview, and generating final rankings of candidates interviewed occurs quickly, with limited burden to training faculty. The system has demonstrated effectiveness, as there have been no unfilled internship slots and all matched applicants have been within the top half of the rank list generated annually. All interns during this period of time have successfully completed the program, and data suggest that the training interns have received has met (or exceeded) their expectations. Survey data from training faculty echo these findings.

Conclusions:

This data-driven approach to internship recruitment has been easy to implement. This approach provides a highly effective and flexible system for ranking a diverse and qualified group of applicants and has the potential to be utilized by other training programs within psychology, as well as across a wide range of disciplines within the medical field.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study describes a data-driven procedure developed to maximize objectivity and optimize outcome for internship recruitment. The approach reviewed has demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness for recruiting a diverse and qualified group of applicants. It has the potential to be utilized by other training programs within psychology and medicine more generally.
Cilia-associated wound repair mediated by IFT88 in retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Ning Ke , Bhuckory Mohajeet B. , Lo Chien-Hui , Sendayen Brent E. , Kowal Tia J. , Chen Ming , Bansal Ruchi , Chang Kun-Che , Vollrath Douglas , Berbari Nicolas F. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Hu Yang , Sun Yang
Published: May 2023

Primary cilia are conserved organelles that integrate extracellular cues into intracellular signals and are critical for diverse processes, including cellular development and repair responses. Deficits in ciliary function cause multisystemic human diseases known as ciliopathies. In the eye, atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a common feature of many ciliopathies. However, the roles of RPE cilia in vivo remain poorly understood. In this study, we first found that mouse RPE cells only transiently form primary cilia. We then examined the RPE in the mouse model of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 4 (BBS4), a ciliopathy associated with retinal degeneration in humans, and found that ciliation in BBS4 mutant RPE cells is disrupted early during development. Next, using a laser-induced injury model in vivo, we found that primary cilia in RPE reassemble in response to laser injury during RPE wound healing and then rapidly disassemble after the repair is completed. Finally, we demonstrated that RPE-specific depletion of primary cilia in a conditional mouse model of cilia loss promoted wound healing and enhanced cell proliferation. In summary, our data suggest that RPE cilia contribute to both retinal development and repair and provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for more common RPE degenerative diseases.
Residual deformation of coal gangue subgrade filler under multi-vibration cyclic loading
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Wan Wen , Zhang Zongtang , Gao Wenhua , Wang Yanhao
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the development law of residual deformation of coal gangue subgrade filler is analyzed through large scale triaxial test, and the residual deformation model of coal gangue mainly sandstone and limestone is established. The purpose is to provide research basis for the applicability of coal gangue as subgrade filler. The results show that the deformation of coal gangue filler increases first and then tends to be constant under cyclic load of multiple vibration times. It is found that the Shenzhujiang residual deformation model cannot accurately predict the deformation law, and the corresponding modification is made to the residual deformation model of coal gangue filling body. Finally, according to the calculation of grey correlation degree, the influence degree of main factors of coal gangue filler on its residual deformation is sorted. Combined with the actual engineering situation represented by these main factors, it can be analyzed that the effect of packing particle density on residual deformation is greater than that of packing particle size composition.
Application of artificial intelligence in green building concept for energy auditing using drone technology under different environmental conditions
Authors: Khan Osama , Parvez Mohd , Alansari Monairah , Farid Mohammad , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Thanappan Subash
Published: May 2023

Thermal losses through weak building envelope is responsible for global current energy crises. Application of artificial intelligence and drone setups in green buildings can help in providing the sustainable solution the world is striving for years. The contemporary research incorporates a novel concept of measuring the wearing thermal resistances in the building envelope with the aid of a drone system. The above procedure conducts a throughout building analysis by considering three prime environmental parameters such as wind speed (WS), relative humidity (RH) and dry bulb temperature (DBT) with the aid of drone heat mapping procedure. The novelty of the study can be interpreted by the fact that prior researches have never explored the building envelope through a combination of drone and climatic conditions as variables in building areas difficult to access, thereby providing an easier, risk free, cost effective and efficient reading. Validation of the formula is authenticated by employing artificial intelligence-based software’s which are applied for data prediction and optimization. Artificial models are established to validate the variables for each output from the specified number of climatic inputs. The pareto-optimal conditions attained after analysis are 44.90% RH, 12.61 °C DBT and 5.20 km/h WS. The variables and thermal resistance were validated with response surface methodology method, thereby presenting lowest error rate and comprehensive R2 value, which are 0.547 and 0.97, respectively. Henceforth, employing drone-based technology in estimating building envelope discrepancies with the novel formula, yields consistent and effective assessment for development of green building, simultaneously reducing time and cost of the experimentation.
Testing the speed of “spooky action at a distance” in a tabletop experiment
Authors: Santamaria Amato Luigi , Pallotti Deborah Katia , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Dequal Daniele , Andrisani Andrea , Slussarenko Sergei
Published: May 2023

Nonlocality, probably the principal friction between Quantum Physics and Relativity, disturbed the physicists even more than realism since it looks to originate superluminal signalling, the Einsteinian “Spooky action at a distance”. From 2000 on, several tests to set lower bounds of the Spooky action at a distance velocity ($$c \beta _{t,max}$$

c

β

t
,
m
a
x

) have been performed. They are usually based on a Bell Test performed in km long and carefully balanced experimental setups to fix a more and more improved bound making some assumptions dictated by the experimental conditions. By exploiting advances in quantum technologies, we performed a Bell’s test with an improved bound in a tabletop experiment of the order of few minutes, thus being able to control parameters otherwise uncontrollable in an extended setup or in long lasting experiments.
Hybrid nanofluid flow within cooling tube of photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar unit
Authors: Khalili Z. , Sheikholeslami M. , Momayez Ladan
Published: May 2023

In this work, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) layer has been combined with conventional layers of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) modules to use the waste heat and increase the efficiency. To reduce the cell temperature, there exists a cooling duct in the bottom of the PVT-TEG unit. Type of fluid within the duct and structure of duct can change the performance of the system. So, hybrid nanofluid (mixture of Fe3O4 and MWCNT with water) has been replaced instead of pure water and three various configurations of cross section [STR1 (circular), STR2 (rhombus), STR3 (elliptic)] have been implemented. Through the tube incompressible laminar flow of hybrid nanofluid has been solved while in solid layers of panel, pure conduction equation has been simulated involving heat sources resulting from optical analysis. According to simulations, the third structure (elliptic) has the best performance and rise of inlet velocity causes overall performance to enhance about 6.29%. The values of thermal and electrical performances for elliptic design with equal fractions of nanoparticles are 14.56% and 55.42%, respectively. With the best design, electrical efficiency improves about 16.2% in comparison with an uncooled system.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Veratrum maackii and Veratrum nigrum reveals multiple candidate genes involved in steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Dan , Yu Zhijing , Guan Meng , Cai Qinan , Wei Jia , Ma Pengda , Xue Zheyong , Ma Rui , Oksman-Caldentey Kirsi-Marja , Rischer Heiko
Published: May 2023

Veratrum (Melanthiaceae; Liliales) is a genus of perennial herbs known for the production of unique bioactive steroidal alkaloids. However, the biosynthesis of these compounds is incompletely understood because many of the downstream enzymatic steps have yet to be resolved. RNA-Seq is a powerful method that can be used to identify candidate genes involved in metabolic pathways by comparing the transcriptomes of metabolically active tissues to controls lacking the pathway of interest. The root and leaf transcriptomes of wild Veratrum maackii and Veratrum nigrum plants were sequenced and 437,820 clean reads were assembled into 203,912 unigenes, 47.67% of which were annotated. We identified 235 differentially expressed unigenes potentially involved in the synthesis of steroidal alkaloids. Twenty unigenes, including new candidate cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and transcription factors, were selected for validation by quantitative real-time PCR. Most candidate genes were expressed at higher levels in roots than leaves but showed a consistent profile across both species. Among the 20 unigenes putatively involved in the synthesis of steroidal alkaloids, 14 were already known. We identified three new CYP450 candidates (CYP76A2, CYP76B6 and CYP76AH1) and three new transcription factor candidates (ERF1A, bHLH13 and bHLH66). We propose that ERF1A, CYP90G1-1 and CYP76AH1 are specifically involved in the key steps of steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis in V. maackii roots. Our data represent the first cross-species analysis of steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis in the genus Veratrum and indicate that the metabolic properties of V. maackii and V. nigrum are broadly conserved despite their distinct alkaloid profiles.
Application of neural networks and neuro-fuzzy models in construction scheduling
Authors: Obianyo Jude Iloabuchi , Udeala Richard Chinenye , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu
Published: May 2023

Construction scheduling is a complex process that involves a large number of variables, making it difficult to develop accurate and efficient schedules. Traditional scheduling techniques rely on manual analysis and intuition, which are prone to errors and often fail to account for all the variables involved. This results in project delays, cost overruns, and poor project performance. Artificial intelligence models have shown promise in improving construction scheduling accuracy by incorporating historical data, site-specific conditions, and other variables that traditional scheduling methods may not consider. In this research study, application of soft-computing techniques to evaluate construction schedule and control of project activities in order to achieve optimal performance in execution of building projects were carried out. Artificial neural network and neuro-fuzzy models were developed using data extracted from a residential two-storey reinforced concrete framed-structure construction schedule and project execution documents. The evaluation of project performance indicators in earned value analysis from 0 to 100% progress at 5% increment with a total of seventeen tasks were carried out using Microsoft Project software and data obtained from the computation were utilized for model development. Using input–output and curve-fitting (nftool) function in MATLAB, a 6-10-1 two-layer feed-forward network with tansig activation-function (AF) for the hidden neurons and linear AF output neurons was generated with Levenberg–Marquardt (Trainlm) training algorithm. Similarly, with the aid of ANFIS toolbox in MATLAB software, the training, testing and validation of the ANFIS model were carried out using hybrid optimization learning algorithm at 100 epochs and the Gaussian-membership-function (gaussmf). Loss-function parameters namely MAE, RMSE and R-values were taken as the performance evaluation criteria of the developed models. The generated statistical results indicates no significant difference between model-results and experimental values with MAE, RMSE, R2of 1.9815, 2.256 and 99.9% respectively for ANFIS-model and MAE, RMSE, R2of 2.146, 2.4095 and 99.998% respectively for the ANN-model. The model performance indicated that the ANFIS-model outclassed the ANN-model with their results satisfactory to deal with complex relationships between the model variables to produce accurate target response. The findings from this research study will improve the accuracy of construction scheduling, resulting in improved project performance and reduced costs.
Optimization of seismic performance in waste fibre reinforced concrete by TOPSIS method
Authors: Ali Husnain , Jamshaid Hafsa , Mishra Rajesh , Chandan Vijay , Jirku Petr , Kolar Viktor , Muller Miroslav , Nazari Shabnam , Shahzada Khan
Published: May 2023

For a sustainable environment and to tackle the pollution problem, industrial wastes can be used in concrete composite materials. This is especially beneficial in places prone to earth quack and lower temperature. In this study, five different types of waste fibres such as polyester waste, rubber waste, rock wool waste, glass fibre waste and coconut fibre waste were used as an additive in 0.5% 1%, and 1.5% by mass in concrete mix. Seismic performance related properties of the samples were examined through evaluation of compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength, split tensile strength, and thermal conductivity. Results showed that, impact strength of the concrete significantly improved by the addition of fibre reinforcement in concrete. Split tensile strength and flexural strength were significantly reduced. Thermal conductivity was also influenced by addition of polymeric fibrous waste. Microscopic analysis was performed to examine the fractured surfaces. In order to get the optimum mix ratio, multi response optimization technique was used to determine the desired level of impact strength at an acceptable level of other properties. Rubber waste was found to be the most attractive option followed by coconut fibre waste for the seismic application of concrete. The significance and percentage contribution of each factor was obtained by Analysis of variance ANOVA (α = 0.05) and pie chart which showed that Factor A (waste fibre type) is the main contributor. Confirmatory test was done on optimized waste material and their percentage. The order preference similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique was used for developed samples to obtain solution (sample) which is closest to ideal as per given weightage and preference for the decision making. The confirmatory test gives satisfactory results with error of 6.68%. Cost of reference sample and waste rubber reinforced concrete sample was estimated, which showed that 8% higher volume was achieved with waste fibre reinforced concrete at approximately same cost as pure concrete. Concrete reinforced with recycled fibre content is potentially beneficial in terms of minimizing resource depletion and waste. The addition of polymeric fibre waste in concrete composite not only improves seismic performance related properties but also reduces the environmental pollution from waste material which has no other end use.
Preparation of nano dumbbell-shaped silver bismuth iodide perovskite hybrids and their enhanced photocurrent properties
Authors: Premkumar Sellan , Thrupthika Thankappan , Palanivel Maheswari , Liu Dan , Nataraj Devaraj , Lei Wei , Gui Jianzhou
Published: May 2023

Nano dumbbell-shaped silver bismuth iodide perovskite heterostructure-based photocurrent device exhibited a higher magnitude photocurrent.