bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material flow control in make-to-stock production systems: an assessment of order generation, order release and production authorization by simulation
Authors: Thürer Matthias , Fernandes Nuno O. , Lödding Hermann , Stevenson Mark
Published: February 2024

Material flow control (MFC) is a key element of production planning and control. The literature typically categorizes different MFC methods according to how MFC is realized. This distinction overlooks that MFC decisions can be subdivided into three independent tasks that are executed as orders progress through the system: (i) order generation, (ii) order release, and (iii) production authorization. MFC methods are typically designed for only one of these three tasks, which leaves a large part of the order flow uncontrolled. This study therefore not only provides a new categorization of MFC methods, but also argues for the simultaneous application (or the combining) of three different MFC methods for order generation, order release, and production authorization. To support this argument, the performance effects of an integrated MFC approach are evaluated. Findings show that each individual MFC method impacts different performance metrics, which can be explained by the presence of a hierarchy of workloads, where each workload level constrains the succeeding hierarchical level. Each MFC method has a main impact on a different workload. This has important implications for the design of MFC methods and extends recent literature on hierarchical production planning and control systems.
Informal land leasing and social relations: Insights from Zimbabwe’s small scale farms
Authors: Marewo Malvern Kudakwashe
Published: February 2024

This article examines the role of social relations in enabling informal land leasing in Zimbabwe's small scale (A1 villagised) settlements after the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). After Fast Track Land Reform (FTLRP) in Zimbabwe, although some studies have explored informal land leasing, limited attention has been provided to the increasing informal subdivision in A1 villagised plots. The paper uses social relations as a basis for understanding the nature of informal land subdivisions, drawing insights from Zimbabwe’s small-scale farms in Zvimba District, Mashonaland West Province. Using qualitative insights, the article argues that in cases where land is provided through land reform, policy formulators should acknowledge the existence of these subdivisions for people with limited access to land. This article concludes that social relations enable people to access land through informal channels in resettlement areas enabling people to bypass legal policy directives through land subdivisions.
Assessing Impacts and Local Perceptions Following the Incidental Introduction of tilapia (Cichlidae: Cichliformes) in a Remote Inland Fishery in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Roeger Darcy L. , Amepou Yolarnie , Chin Andrew , Eisemberg Carla C. , Ibana Dotty , White William T. , Grant Michael I.
Published: February 2024

Introductions of non-native fish are intended to have positive social outcomes, although they can also result in negative environmental consequences. Recently, incidental introduction of tilapia (Oreochromis cf. niloticus) was recorded in the Kikori River, Papua New Guinea. This study investigated the abundance of Oreochromis cf. niloticus relative to native fish species in the Kikori Town market, and interviewed market vendors to gauge the local perception of Oreochromis cf. niloticus. Market data were collected over eight days with 1474 individual fish observed. Oreochromis cf. niloticus comprised 11.4% (n = 168) of fish and was the largest contributor of biomass (40.2%). Market vendors reported that Oreochromis cf. niloticus was easy to catch and sell, and ranked it highly in sale preference compared to native species. There is potential to explore export markets for Kikori River Oreochromis cf. niloticus in PNG’s highland provinces to expand economic opportunities for local communities.
Shared Care and Mothers’ Post-separation Economic Wellbeing in Finland and Wisconsin, US: Does Child Support and Sharing Child’s Costs Matter?
Authors: Haapanen Mari , Chanda Trisha , Miettinen Anneli , Riser Quentin H. , Bartfeld Judith , Hakovirta Mia
Published: February 2024

Children’s post-separation living arrangements may have important implications for mothers’ economic wellbeing. This study examines self-reported economic wellbeing of mothers with shared versus sole physical custody (also known as shared care) of the child six or more years since separation, using unique survey data on separated parents in Finland (n = 850) and Wisconsin, US (n = 395) in 2019–2020. We use sequential logistic regression models to examine the pathways through which this association potentially occurs—child support and sharing of children’s expenses between parents—and whether the outcomes differ by the family policy contexts of Finland and Wisconsin. Our findings suggest that Wisconsin mothers in shared versus sole physical custody arrangements have significantly lower levels of economic hardship, that are fully explained by greater cost-sharing with the other parent of the child. No such relationship is evident in Finland, although cost-sharing is independently negatively associated with economic hardship of Finnish mothers. Findings highlight how fathers’ contributions as tied to children’s living arrangements matter for post-separation economic wellbeing of mothers, and have implications for shared physical custody and child support policy.
Effect of ursodiol on alginate/PLL nanoparticles with non-ionic surfactant for gene delivery
Authors: Foster Thomas , Lim Patrick , Kovacevic Bozica , Wagle Susbin Raj , Ionescu Corina Mihaela , Mooranian Armin , Al-Salami Hani
Published: February 2024

Hearing loss is a widespread condition, affecting people from a range of demographics. Gene therapy is an emerging method for the amelioration of this condition. Challenges associated with the delivery of genes to various sites within the ear remain a significant challenge. In the present work, a novel polymer nanoparticle delivery system was developed, incorporating a bile acid excipient. Bile acids have previously been shown to improve drug delivery through their permeation enhancing properties; however, few studies report their use in gene delivery systems. Nanoparticles were developed with sodium alginate and poly-L-lysine through an ionotropic gelation method. Various surfactants including Tween-80 and poly-ethylene glycol 6000 were incorporated to both improve the solubility of the bile acid, ursodiol, and to modify nanoparticle properties. The evaluation of the nanoparticle’s safety profiles was the primary outcome of this study. The secondary aims were to perform genetic studies, such as transfection efficiency. The nanoparticles generated in this study demonstrated formulation-dependent variability in particle size ranging from 30 to 300 nm. Several of the developed formulations demonstrated suitable safety profiles; further, the introduction of bile acid helped to reduce toxicity. Transfection efficiency for all formulations remained low, potentially due to poor plasmid release inside the cell. Poor transfection efficiency is one of the key pitfalls associated with polymer nanoparticles Overall the present study developed nanoparticles with suitable safety profiles but limited efficacy. The use of modified polymers, additional excipients, and cell-targeting peptides are potential methods that may be explored in future studies to help further improve gene delivery.
Do exploration and exploitation in university research drive early-stage equity financing of university spin-offs?
Authors: Hahn Davide , Minola Tommaso , Vismara Silvio , Agyare Daniel
Published: February 2024

An emerging theme in the entrepreneurial university (EU) literature is how universities should evolve to best reconcile their different missions, particularly research and commercialization, which often require different sets of resources. This tension is evident in the development of university spin-offs (USOs). In particular, the EU literature has generally overlooked how characteristics of university research affect USO’s early-stage access to external equity. In this study, we embrace the characterization of university research offered by literature in terms of patterns, specifically, exploration and exploitation. Through the lens of the imprinting perspective, we study the effect of exploration and exploitation in university research on the early-stage equity financing of USOs on a unique dataset that covers a sample of 739 USOs from 39 Italian public universities founded from 2011 to 2019. Our results indicate that exploration (exploitation) in research has an overall positive (negative) impact on the likelihood of USOs obtaining early-stage external equity financing. Additionally, this exploratory study offers several conceptual and practical contributions to the EU literature.
Mancha3D Code: Multipurpose Advanced Nonideal MHD Code for High-Resolution Simulations in Astrophysics
Authors: Modestov M. , Khomenko E. , Vitas N. , de Vicente A. , Navarro A. , González-Morales P. A. , Collados M. , Felipe T. , Martínez-Gómez D. , Hunana P. , Luna M. , Koll Pistarini M. , Popescu Braileanu B. , Perdomo García A. , Liakh V. , Santamaria I. , Gomez Miguez M. M.
Published: February 2024

The Mancha3D code is a versatile tool for numerical simulations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes in solar/stellar atmospheres. The code includes nonideal physics derived from plasma partial ionization, a realistic equation of state and radiative transfer, which allows performing high-quality realistic simulations of magnetoconvection, as well as idealized simulations of particular processes, such as wave propagation, instabilities or energetic events. The paper summarizes the equations and methods used in the Mancha3D (Multifluid (-purpose -physics -dimensional) Advanced Non-ideal MHD Code for High resolution simulations in Astrophysics 3D) code. It also describes its numerical stability and parallel performance and efficiency. The code is based on a finite difference discretization and a memory-saving Runge–Kutta (RK) scheme. It handles nonideal effects through super-time-stepping and Hall diffusion schemes, and takes into account thermal conduction by solving an additional hyperbolic equation for the heat flux. The code is easily configurable to perform different kinds of simulations. Several examples of the code usage are given. It is demonstrated that splitting variables into equilibrium and perturbation parts is essential for simulations of wave propagation in a static background. A perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary condition built into the code greatly facilitates a nonreflective open boundary implementation. Spatial filtering is an important numerical remedy to eliminate grid-size perturbations enhancing the code stability. Parallel performance analysis reveals that the code is strongly memory bound, which is a natural consequence of the numerical techniques used, such as split variables and PML boundary conditions. Both strong and weak scalings show adequate performance up to several thousands of processors (CPUs).
Tidal Dissipation in Giant Planets
Authors: Fuller Jim , Guillot Tristan , Mathis Stephane , Murray Carl
Published: February 2024

Tidal interactions between moons and planets can have major effects on the orbits, spins, and thermal evolution of the moons. In the Saturn system, tidal dissipation in the planet transfers angular momentum from Saturn to the moons, causing them to migrate outwards. The rate of migration is determined by the mechanism of dissipation within the planet, which is closely tied to the planet’s uncertain structure. We review current knowledge of giant planet internal structure and evolution, which has improved thanks to data from the Juno and Cassini missions. We discuss general principles of tidal dissipation, describing both equilibrium and dynamical tides, and how dissipation can occur in a solid core or a fluid envelope. Finally, we discuss the possibility of resonance locking, whereby a moon can lock into resonance with a planetary oscillation mode, producing enhanced tidal migration relative to classical theories, and possibly explaining recent measurements of moon migration rates.
Optimizing convolutional neural networks for IoT devices: performance and energy efficiency of quantization techniques
Authors: Hernández Nicolás , Almeida Francisco , Blanco Vicente
Published: February 2024

This document addresses some inherent problems in Machine Learning (ML), such as the high computational and energy costs associated with their implementation on IoT devices. It aims to study and analyze the performance and efficiency of quantization as an optimization method, as well as the possibility of training ML models directly on an IoT device. Quantization involves reducing the precision of model weights and activations while still maintaining acceptable levels of accuracy. Using representative networks for facial recognition developed with TensorFlow and TensorRT, Post-Training Quantization and Quantization-Aware Training are employed to reduce computational load and improve energy efficiency. The computational experience was conducted on a general-purpose computer featuring an Intel i7-1260P processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics card used as an accelerator. Additionally, a NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin was used as an example of an IoT device. We analyze the feasibility of training on an IoT device, the impact of quantization optimization on knowledge transfer-trained models and evaluate the differences between Post-Training Quantization and Quantization-Aware Training in such networks on different devices. Furthermore, the performance and efficiency of NVIDIA’s inference accelerator (Deep Learning Accelerator - DLA, in its 2.0 version) available at the Jetson Orin architecture are studied. We concluded that the Jetson device is capable of performing training on its own. The IoT device can achieve inference performance similar to that of the more powerful processor, thanks to the optimization process, with better energy efficiency. Post-Training Quantization has shown better performance, while Quantization-Aware Training has demonstrated higher energy efficiency. However, since the accelerator cannot execute certain layers of the models, the use of DLA worsens both the performance and efficiency results.
Semi-analytical Model to Predict Dynamic Capillary Pressure–Saturation Relationship for Flows in Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Rabbani Harris Sajjad , Pavuluri Saideep
Published: February 2024

The capillary pressure defines pressure difference between non-wetting and wetting fluids. The capillary pressure is part of the flow governing equations, and its definition can have a profound impact on the nature of fluids displacement in a multiphase flow environment. Conventionally, capillary pressure–saturation relationships are determined under equilibrium conditions which signify that all the fluid–fluid interfaces that exist at the pore scale maintain a static configuration at a certain instant in time. However, there exist experimental and numerical evidences that state that the dynamic nature of fluid flows indeed plays a prominent role in defining the trends of the capillary pressure–saturation relationships. In this paper, we develop a first of a kind semi-analytical model to predict the capillary pressure–saturation curves during drainage displacement by integrating the dynamics of fluid flow based on fundamental laws of fluid mechanics. The proposed semi-analytical model can potentially be incorporated into existing multiphase flow simulators to rapidly compute the capillary pressure at various saturations of the flow medium under dynamic flow conditions. The presented semi-analytical model has been validated against experimental and numerical data sets available in the literature at various flow conditions and considering different sets of fluid properties. We noticed a satisfactory match of the results predicted by the proposed semi-analytical model against the literature data. After performing a holistic sensitivity analysis, we notice that the properties of the porous medium, and the fluid–solid interactions play a significant role in defining the trends of the capillary pressure–saturation curves.
A Systematic Review of Crop Planning Optimisation Under Climate Change
Authors: Randall Marcus , Schiller Karin , Lewis Andrew , Montgomery James , Alam Muhammad Shahinur
Published: February 2024

Optimising the use of natural resources for food production in the context of changing climate is an increasingly important issue. Optimisation techniques have been shown to be remarkably effective for planning problems, and tools regional planners and farmers can use to determine the viability of agricultural land use planning into the future. This paper systematically reviews the recent literature in this area and draws out the key emerging themes: few studies to date have explicitly incorporated climate projections into optimisation models; increased tension for water resources between stakeholders; and various agricultural production systems of complex versions of crop planning. From this review it can be seen that increasing concentration on the use of climate projection models within agriculturally-oriented optimisation processes is a necessity.
Shifts in property crime patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Balmori-de-la-Miyar Jose , Sobrino Fernanda , Silverio-Murillo Adan , Prudencio Daniel
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To estimate the dynamic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on property crime in Mexico. We do so for a longer time horizon than the existing literature and for two types of property crime: on-line and on-site.

Methods

A retrospective ecological analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic using an event study methodology. This paper uses administrative data from Mexico’s National Public Security System from January 2017 to December 2022. Our data is structured as a monthly series covering all 2457 Mexican municipalities.

Results

We find heterogeneity in the pandemic’s impact by type of property crime and a dynamic, permanent effect for both types of property crime. Namely, our results point to a drop and quick recovery of fraud—property crime mostly committed on-line—, which in the medium run surpasses pre-pandemic levels by 44%. Further, our results point to a significant drop in robbery, theft, domestic burglary, and motor vehicle theft—all property crimes committed on-site—, with a slight recovery after the end of the national lockdown, even though rates for these crimes never reached pre-pandemic levels.

Conclusions

The 2020 pandemic caused a permanent shift in property crime from on-site to on-line spaces. Potential mechanisms point to disruptions in mobility in retail and recreational areas, residential zones, and workplaces as important mediating factors.
Using External Information for More Precise Inferences in General Regression Models
Authors: Jann Martin , Spiess Martin
Published: February 2024

Empirical research usually takes place in a space of available external information, like results from single studies, meta-analyses, official statistics or subjective (expert) knowledge. The available information ranges from simple means and proportions to known relations between a multitude of variables or estimated distributions. In psychological research, external information derived from the named sources may be used to build a theory and derive hypotheses. In addition, techniques do exist that use external information in the estimation process, for example prior distributions in Bayesian statistics. In this paper, we discuss the benefits of adopting generalized method of moments with external moments, as another example for such a technique. Analytical formulas for estimators and their variances in the multiple linear regression case are derived. An R function that implements these formulas is provided in the supplementary material for general applied use. The effects of various practically relevant moments are analyzed and tested in a simulation study. A new approach to robustify the estimators against misspecification of the external moments based on the concept of imprecise probabilities is introduced. Finally, the resulting externally informed model is applied to a dataset to investigate the predictability of the premorbid intelligence quotient based on lexical tasks, leading to a reduction of variances and thus to narrower confidence intervals.
Personal care products: an emerging threat to the marine bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Pintado-Herrera Marina G. , Aguirre-Martínez Gabriela V. , Martin-Díaz Laura M. , Blasco Julián , Lara-Martín Pablo A. , Sendra Marta
Published: February 2024

In the last few decades, there has been a growing interest in understanding the behavior of personal care products (PCPs) in the aquatic environment. In this regard, the aim of this study is to estimate the accumulation and effects of four PCPs within the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. The PCPs selected were triclosan, OTNE, benzophenone-3, and octocrylene. A progressive uptake was observed and maximum concentrations in tissues were reached at the end of the exposure phase, up to levels of 0.68 µg g−1, 24 µg g−1, 0.81 µg g−1, and 1.52 µg g−1 for OTNE, BP-3, OC, and TCS, respectively. After the PCP post-exposure period, the removal percentages were higher than 65%. The estimated logarithm bioconcentration factor ranged from 3.34 to 2.93, in concordance with the lipophobicity of each substance. No lethal effects were found although significant changes were observed for ethoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity, glutathione S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage.
Disparities in Care for Low-Income Patients with Cirrhosis: Implementing an Innovative Outpatient Clinic for Refractory Ascites in a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Dowlatshahi Shadi , Koh Jennifer , Vyas Annasha , Mack Wendy J. , Turner Barbara J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Disparities in life-saving interventions for low-income patients with cirrhosis necessitate innovative models of care.

Aim

To implement a novel generalist-led FLuid ASPiration (FLASP) clinic to reduce emergency department (ED) care for refractory ascites.

Setting

A large safety net hospital in Los Angeles.

Participants

MediCal patients with paracentesis in the ED from 6/1/2020 to 1/31/2021 or in FLASP clinic or the ED from 3/1/2021 to 4/30/2022.

Program Description

According to RE-AIM, adoption obtained administrative endorsement and oriented ED staff. Reach engaged ED staff and eligible patients with timely access to FLASP. Implementation trained FLASP clinicians in safer, guideline-based paracentesis, facilitated timely access, and offered patient education and support.

Program Evaluation

After FLASP clinic opened, significantly fewer ED visits were made by patients discharged after paracentesis [rate ratio (RR) of 0.33 (95% CI 0.28, 0.40, p < 0.0001)] but not if subsequently hospitalized (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.70, 1.11). Among 2685 paracenteses in 225 FLASP patients, complications were infrequent: 39 (1.5%) spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 265 (9.9%) acute kidney injury, and 2 (< 0.001%) hypotension. FLASP patients rated satisfaction highly on a Likert-type question.

Discussion

Patients with refractory ascites in large safety net hospitals may benefit from an outpatient procedure clinic instead of ED care.
Zum Verständnis von Ausbilder*innen und Lehrer*innen von qualitativ hochwertiger dualer Berufsausbildung
Authors: Steib Christian
Published: February 2024

Mit dem Wandel des Ausbildungsmarktes vom Anbieter- zum Nachfragermarkt sind die ausbildenden Unternehmen zur Sicherung ihres eigenen Fachkräftebedarfs darauf angewiesen, ausbildungsinteressierte junge Menschen von einer dualen Berufsausbildung in ihrem Unternehmen zu überzeugen, diese bestmöglich zu qualifizieren und nach Abschluss der Berufsausbildung im eigenen Unternehmen zu halten. Damit stellt sich für diese Unternehmen, aber auch für ihre (potenziellen) Auszubildenden die Frage, was eine qualitativ hochwertige duale Berufsausbildung ausmacht. Erschwert wird diese Frage jedoch durch den Umstand, dass sich in der beruflichen Bildung bislang kein mehrheitlich geteiltes Qualitäts-Verständnis etablieren konnte.

Um dazu beizutragen, dieses Forschungsdefizit zu schließen, wurde eine Pilotstudie durchgeführt, in der sechs leitfadengestützte Experteninterviews mit drei Ausbilder*innen des Ausbildungsortes Betrieb und drei Lehrer*innen des Ausbildungsortes Berufsschule zu deren Vorstellungen von qualitativ hochwertiger dualer Berufsausausbildung geführt und diese mittels der inhaltlich strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz (2018) ausgewertet wurden.
Status and prospects of yam somatic embryogenesis: a pathway for biotechnology applications
Authors: Ossai Chukwunalu O. , Balogun Morufat O. , Maroya Norbert G.
Published: February 2024

Yam is an important staple in sub-Saharan Africa, but the availability of quality seed yam is majorly constrained by the low propagation ratio. This is because the propagating explant is limited to the tuber and nodal parts as yam rarely flowers. There are several reports of the use of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in the rapid propagation of different crop species and as a regenerative pathway in plant genetic engineering. However, SE deployment in yam is still at the protocol development stage. This review thus exploits the status of SE application in improving the yam propagation rate. This article reviews the potential of the various yam propagation techniques in rapidly multiplying disease-free yam with their propagating explants. The advantages SE offers are rapidly propagating yam, the factors to consider in the protocol optimization of SE application in rapidly multiplying different yam varieties, and as a platform for full utilization of genetic engineering in yam. The findings so far show that SE potentially offers a faster rate of propagating yam varieties. However, due to the differences in varietal endogenous hormonal and gene products, response to SE in yam is constrained by varietal specificity. Hence, the applicability of SE in yam is still at the protocol development state. This review, thus, presents the need for more research efforts to elucidate the molecular and phytochemical controlling mechanisms of SE in yam to improve the yam multiplication rate and lay an efficient platform for the exploitation of other biotechnological advancements in improving yam species.
Integrated Molecular and Histological Insights for Targeted Therapies in Mesenchymal Sinonasal Tract Tumors
Authors: Hoch Cosima C. , Knoedler Leonard , Knoedler Samuel , Bashiri Dezfouli Ali , Schmidl Benedikt , Trill Anskar , Douglas Jennifer E. , Adappa Nithin D. , Stögbauer Fabian , Wollenberg Barbara
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mesenchymal sinonasal tract tumors (STTs), a distinct subset of STTs. Despite their rarity, mesenchymal STTs represent a unique clinical challenge, characterized by their rarity, often slow progression, and frequently subtle or overlooked symptoms. The complex anatomy of the sinonasal area, which includes critical structures such as the orbit, brain, and cranial nerves, further complicates surgical treatment options. This underscores an urgent need for more advanced and specialized therapeutic approaches.

Recent Findings

Advancements in molecular diagnostics, particularly in next-generation sequencing, have significantly enhanced our understanding of STTs. Consequently, the World Health Organization has updated its tumor classification to better reflect the distinct histological and molecular profiles of these tumors, as well as to categorize mesenchymal STTs with greater accuracy. The growing understanding of the molecular characteristics of mesenchymal STTs opens new possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions, marking a significant shift in treatment paradigms.

This review article concentrates on mesenchymal STTs, specifically addressing sinonasal tract angiofibroma, sinonasal glomangiopericytoma, biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, and skull base chordoma. These entities are marked by unique histopathological and molecular features, which challenge conventional treatment approaches and simultaneously open avenues for novel targeted therapies. Our discussion is geared towards delineating the molecular underpinnings of mesenchymal STTs, with the objective of enhancing therapeutic strategies and addressing the existing shortcomings in the management of these intricate tumors.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest: an overview of current practice and evidence
Authors: Ali Samir , Meuwese Christiaan L. , Moors Xavier J. R. , Donker Dirk W. , van de Koolwijk Anina F. , van de Poll Marcel C. G. , Gommers Diederik , Dos Reis Miranda Dinis
Published: February 2024

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a common and potentially avoidable cause of death, while constituting a substantial public health burden. Although survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have improved in recent decades, the prognosis for refractory OHCA remains poor. The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly being considered to support rescue measures when conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) fails. ECPR enables immediate haemodynamic and respiratory stabilisation of patients with CA who are refractory to conventional CPR and thereby reduces the low-flow time, promoting favourable neurological outcomes. In the case of refractory OHCA, multiple studies have shown beneficial effects in specific patient categories. However, ECPR might be more effective if it is implemented in the pre-hospital setting to reduce the low-flow time, thereby limiting permanent brain damage. The ongoing ON-SCENE trial might provide a definitive answer regarding the effectiveness of ECPR. The aim of this narrative review is to present the most recent literature available on ECPR and its current developments.
Factors affecting fruit damage caused by Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in citrus lemon groves in Turkey
Authors: Atakan Ekrem
Published: February 2024

The Hawaiian flower thrips, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an economically important invasive species in citrus grown in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. The diverse impacts of temperature on arthropods are well documented. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of day-degree on insect population dynamics and crop damage levels in Mersin Province, Turkey during 2018–2019. In 2018, the first damage caused by T. hawaiiensis was observed at 300 degree-days (DD), while in 2019, it occurred at 800 DD. The damage percentage was recorded as 28% in the lemon grove, where the population of second instar larvae briefly reached a high level (approximately 2 individuals per fruit). During 2019, the average temperature remained relatively low, and the initial population density of thrips was below the 33-day development threshold (10.4 °C) from January to April. This pattern was observed even during the mild spring season. Additionally, in both sampling locations, the high adult densities, mainly adult females, led to the shedding of a limited number of flowers that had formed in June.
Bacillus subtilis Induces Human Beta Defensin-2 Through its Lipoproteins in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: So Yoon Ju , Park Ok-Jin , Kwon Yeongkag , Im Jintaek , Lee Dongwook , Yun Sung-Ho , Cho Kun , Yun Cheol-Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: February 2024

Human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis by producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Bacillus subtilis, a commensal bacterium, is considered a probiotic. Although its protective effects on intestinal health are widely reported, the key component of B. subtilis responsible for its beneficial effects remains elusive. In this study, we tried to identify the key molecules responsible for B. subtilis-induced AMPs and their molecular mechanisms in a human IEC line, Caco-2. B. subtilis increased human beta defensin (HBD)-2 mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Among the B. subtilis microbe-associated molecular patterns, lipoprotein (LPP) substantially increased the mRNA expression and protein production of HBD-2, whereas lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan did not show such effects. Those results were confirmed in primary human IECs. In addition, both LPP recognition and HBD-2 secretion mainly took place on the apical side of fully differentiated and polarized Caco-2 cells through Toll-like receptor 2-mediated JNK/p38 MAP kinase/AP-1 and NF-κB pathways. HBD-2 efficiently inhibited the growth of the intestinal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, LPPs pre-incubated with lipase or proteinase K decreased LPP-induced HBD-2 expression, suggesting that the lipid and protein moieties of LPP are crucial for HBD-2 expression. Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometry identified 35 B. subtilis LPP candidates within the LPP preparation, and most of them were ABC transporters. Taken together, these results suggest that B. subtilis promotes HBD-2 secretion in human IECs mainly with its LPPs, which might enhance the protection from intestinal pathogens.
Effect of Milling Time on the Structure Stability of FeMnNiCrAl Non-equiatomic High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Abbas Marwa A. , Sadek Wesam M. , Ibrahim Samir A.
Published: February 2024

A non-equiatomic Fe34.9Ni30.2Mn18.6Cr9.3Al7 high-entropy alloy (HEA) was synthesized by mechanical alloying using different milling times. To study the effect of milling time on the structure stability, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were conducted. For comparison, an Al-free alloy (Fe37.5Ni32.5Mn20Cr10) was produced at 25 h milling. XRD indicated a single FCC phase alloy after 5 h milling time and a dual FCC and BCC phase at 25 h milling time. Clearly, it is found that Al addition is not necessarily the main factor leading to BCC phase formation as reported for similar HEAs produced by casting route. Increasing the milling time, the lattice strain increased reaching an average maximum value of 0.8% with an increase in d-spacing while the crystallite size was reduced to about 5.7 nm. A dual-phase structure formation was related to a decrease in the accumulated strain (ca.32%) confirming a strain-induced transformation.
Identifying the tumor immune microenvironment-associated prognostic genes for prostate cancer
Authors: Zong Shi , Gao Ji
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore novel tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)-associated biomarkers in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD).

Methods

PRAD RNA-sequencing data were obtained from UCSC Xena database as the training dataset. The ESTIMATE package was used to evaluate stromal, immune, and tumor purity scores. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to TIME were screened using the immune and stromal scores. Gene functions were analyzed using DAVID. The LASSO method was performed to screen prognostic TIME-related genes. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to evaluate the prognosis of samples. The correlation between the screened genes and immune cell infiltration was explored using Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource. The GSE70768 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus was used to validate the expression of the screened genes.

Results

The ESTIMATE results revealed that high immune, stromal, and ESTIMATE scores and low tumor purity had better prognoses. Function analysis indicated that DEGs are involved in the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway. In TIME-related DEGs, METTL7B, HOXB8, and TREM1 were closely related to the prognosis. Samples with low expression levels of METTL7B, HOXB8, and TREM1 had better survival times. Similarly, both the validation dataset and qRT-PCR suggested that METTL7B, HOXB8, and TREM1 were significantly decreased. The three genes showed a positive correlation with immune infiltration.

Conclusions

This study identified three TIME-related genes, namely, METTL7B, HOXB8, and TREM1, which correlated with the prognosis of patients with PRAD. Targeting the TIME-related genes might have important clinical implications when making decisions for immunotherapy in PRAD.
Collective Responsibility and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Taylor Isaac
Published: February 2024

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make high-stakes decisions is sometimes thought to create a troubling responsibility gap – that is, a situation where nobody can be held morally responsible for the outcomes that are brought about. However, philosophers and practitioners have recently claimed that, even though no individual can be held morally responsible, groups of individuals might be. Consequently, they think, we have less to fear from the use of AI than might appear to be the case. This paper assesses this claim. Drawing on existing philosophical models of collective responsibility, I consider whether changing focus from the individual to the collective level can help us identify a locus of responsibility in a greater range of cases of AI deployment. I find that appeal to collective responsibility will be of limited use in filling the responsibility gap: the models considered either do not apply to the case at hand or else the relevant sort of collective responsibility, even if present, will not be sufficient to remove the costs that are often associated with an absence of responsibility.
Atorvastatin loaded lecithin-coated zein nanoparticles based thermogel for the intra-articular management of osteoarthritis: in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo studies
Authors: Elgendy Heba Amin , Makky Amna M. A. , Elakkad Yara E. , Awad Heba H. , Hassab Mahmoud A. El , Younes Nihal Farid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Up-to-date literature offers limited data about utilizing atorvastatin calcium (ATV) as a promising chondroprotective agent in osteoarthritis (OA). So, this study aims to develop a depot intra-articular (IA) delivery system for ATV to enhance its deposition in the articular joint.

Methods

A 33 D-optimal design was implemented to prepare ATV-loaded lecithin-coated zein nanoparticles. The optimized formulation (Opt-LCZN) was selected and imaged using a transmission electron microscope according to the desirability value. Various in-vitro and in-silico studies were conducted to evaluate the features of Opt-LCZN. Additionally, it was loaded into an injectable thermogel (Opt-LCZN-thermogel) and evaluated in-vivo in OA-induced Sprague Dawley rats.

Results

The Opt-LCZN showed entrapment efficiency of 70.00 ± 2.96%, particle size of 191.95 ± 17.42 nm, zeta potential of − 20.12 ± 0.79 mV, and polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.01. The docking studies revealed favorable binding of zein and ATV, confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation. The morphological examination displayed a bilayer spherical structure formed of a zein core enclosed by a lecithin coat. Furthermore, the formulated Opt-LCZN-thermogel achieved a remarkable sustained release profile, with nearly 50% of the drug being released over 144 h. Opt-LCZN-thermogel showed a significant reduction in inflammation in OA-induced rats, confirmed by knee joint swelling and knee bend test results, in addition to the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators’ levels. The protective effect of ATV can be markedly observed through histopathological examination.

Conclusion

Based on these outcomes, the formulated IA delivery system of ATV can be presented as an excellent candidate for ameliorating OA.

Graphical abstract
Communication of the diagnosis to Klinefelter subjects: an observational study on a key moment of the patient’s life
Authors: Garolla A. , Kiesswetter M. , Angelini S. , Cavalieri F. , Foresta C. , Panzeri M. , Ferlin A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most prevalent sex chromosome disorder among males. The communication of the KS diagnosis holds significant implications for the diagnosis's acceptance. Recently, the increased use of prenatal diagnostic procedures has raised the question of whether, when, and by whom information, once provided to parents, should be communicated to their children/adolescents. Currently, there is limited information on this topic. This study aims to investigate the most suitable timing, content, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) according to KS patients’ suggestions for conveying the diagnosis, analyzing the impact of communicating the KS diagnosis on patients and their reception of the communication in real-life situations. Furthermore, research entails a comparison of the actual communication and the patients' preferred mode of communication.

Methods

Self-reported interview data was collected from 196 adults diagnosed with KS. The interview was structured, consisting of 32 multiple-choice questions covering various areas related to diagnosis communication.

Results

Most patients with Klinefelter syndrome reported that earlier communication would have been beneficial. Communication before the age of 18 and by parents increased the likelihood of overcoming negative consequences and relying on psychological support.

Conclusion

To mitigate the adverse effects of poorly timed and inadequately delivered communication, typically by a single person, it is advisable that such communication be carried out at the onset of adolescence by an interdisciplinary team of HCPs (including psychologists, geneticists, endocrinologists) and parents. The information provided should not solely concentrate on hormonal and fertility aspects, but also consider other factors such as psychological variables.
Proposed Methodology for Climate Change Adaptation of Water Infrastructures in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Stamou Anastasios , Mitsopoulos George , Koutroulis Aristeidis
Published: February 2024

Water Infrastructure (WI) is one of the most important sectors of Critical Infrastructure (CI); it encompasses drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. The WI is vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change (CC) that can disrupt its functionality; thus, it needs to be adapted to CC, especially in the Mediterranean region, where these effects are expected to intensify during the twenty-first century. For this adaptation a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) is required in the development of WI to identify the important climate hazards and to recommend the required measures for the adaptation of the WI to these hazards. In the present work, a CRVA methodology is developed and presented based on a literature survey and the relevant European Commission guidelines; it is structured around five key steps: (1) Description of the WI, (2) Climate change assessment, (3) Vulnerability assessment, (4) Risk assessment, and (5) Assessment of adaptation measures. The application of the methodology is illustrated indicatively to a wastewater system in Greece for which preliminary estimations are performed, results are discussed, and conclusions are drawn. The proposed methodology can be modified for application to other sectors of CI; moreover, is a valuable resource in academic curricula and ongoing research initiatives.
The Vaginal Microbiome Changes During Various Fertility Treatments
Authors: van den Tweel M.M. , van den Munckhof E.H.A. , van der Zanden M. , Molijn A. , van Lith J.M.M. , Boers K.E.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the influence of hormonal treatment on the vaginal microbiome during fertility treatments. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) could affect fecundity, particularly in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) population, where negative effects on pregnancy outcomes have been reported. It is hypothesized that the hormone treatment during fertility treatments could influence the abundance of Lactobacilli, with negative effects on the pregnancy results. A total of 53 couples attending a fertility clinic in the Netherlands between July 2019 and August 2022 were included in this prospective cohort study. Vaginal samples were collected at start of treatment, oocyte retrieval or insemination from subjects undergoing intra uterine insemination (IUI) with mild ovarian stimulation, and IVF or intra cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. AmpliSens® Florocenosis/Bacterial vaginosis-FRT qPCR and 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing were performed on all samples. In total, 140 swabs were analyzed, with a median of two swabs per person. 33 (24%) tested qPCR BV positive. Lactobacilli percentage decreased during fertility treatments, leading to changes in the vaginal microbiome. Shannon diversity index was not significantly different. Of the total of 53 persons, nine switched from qPCR BV negative to positive during treatment. The persons switching to qPCR BV positive had already a (not significant) higher Shannon diversity index at start of treatment. If the vaginal microbiome of persons deteriorates during fertility treatments, timing of following treatments, lifestyle modifications, or a freeze all strategy could be of possible benefit.
Biochar as sustainable input for nodulation, yield and quality of mung bean
Authors: Jalal Fazal , Akhtar Kashif , Saeed Sulaiman , Said Fazal , Khan Zafar Hayat , Hussain Sayed , Imtiaz Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ali , Liu Ke , Harrison Matthew Tom , Saud Shah , Hassan Shah , El-Kahtany Khaled , Fahad Shah
Published: February 2024

To reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers in response to the escalating costs of fertilizers and environmental limitations, it is imperative to enhance crop productivity and soil fertility sustainably. This research was carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm of Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, Pakistan, with the objective of investigating the effects of biochar on the qualitative attributes of mung beans. The randomize complete block design (RCBD) was used for the experiment having four replication. The treatments comprised of four levels of biochar i.e. 0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha−1. Our results revealed that increasing biochar content caused an increase in yield components as well as attribute composition. The nodule density (17.8), pods plant−1 (27.3), grains pods−1 (11.4) and biological yield (6497 kg ha−1) produced best results under the application of 30 t ha−1 of biochar. Moreover, grain yield (1550 kg ha−1), grain nitrogen content (25.2 g kg−1) and straw nitrogen content (15.3 g kg−1) also resulted best under 30 t ha−1 biochar. While, 1000 grain weight (64 g) was recorded highest weight under 20 t ha−1. The quality attributes showed that the oil content (41.1%), as well as the saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents (13.7%), were found to be the best under the application of 30 t ha−1. While, protein (23.37%) and linoleic acid (23.128%) content were the highest at 10 t ha−1of biochar. Moreover, the palmitic acid (6.1025%) and stearic acid (2.64%) content resulted higher under 20 t ha−1 of biochar. All the attributes showed positive response to either small level of biochar or a large level, but their response showed that biochar can be a factor that improves both yield and quality. The study therefore suggests that biochar should be applied to the soil to improve its fertility in regards of nutrient and increased organic matter.
Recurrence Interval Analysis of Financial Time Series
Authors: Zhou Wei-Xing , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Xie Wen-Jie
Published: February 2024

Extreme events are ubiquitous in nature and social society, including natural disasters, accident disasters, crises in public health (such as Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic), and social security incidents (wars, conflicts, and social unrest). These extreme events will heavily impact financial markets and lead to the appearance of extreme fluctuations in financial time series. Such extreme events lack statistics and are thus hard to predict. Recurrence interval analysis provides a feasible solution for risk assessment and forecasting. This Element aims to provide a systemic description of the techniques and research framework of recurrence interval analysis of financial time series. The authors also provide perspectives on future topics in this direction.