bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interesting case of syphilis with atypical vegetative lesions
Authors: Pipitò Luca , Gaudiano Roberta , Di Figlia Floriana , Mandalà Edoardo , Calà Cinzia , Capra Giuseppina , Cascio Antonio
Published: December 2024

Syphilis is a re-emerging disease, and suspicion of syphilis infection should be considered in all cases with atypical skin manifestations, mainly when there is a history of unprotected sexual intercourse. Here, we describe a case of secondary syphilis in a woman aged 42 years, who presented with an atypical, painful and itchy skin rash with vegetative cerebriform lesions, which resolved after the administration of penicillin. Multiplex PCR targetingTreponema pallidumon vaginal and lesion swabs, along with syphilis serology, confirmed the diagnosis.
Insights on cyclic cone penetration in sand from centrifuge and numerical modelling
Authors: Kazemi Esfeh Pourya , Senthen Amuthan Mani , Bransby M. Fraser , Bienen Britta , O'Loughlin Conleth D.
Published: December 2024

The cone penetration test (CPT) is widely used to determine soil stratigraphy and soil characteristics. Moreover, correlations derived from CPT measurements are used increasingly in geotechnical design, for instance, to estimate the bearing capacity of foundations and soil liquefaction susceptibility. Correlations based on the results of cyclic CPTs may also be useful in predicting cyclic events such as vibro-driving of open-ended piles or suction bucket installation using pressure cycling. This is because the wall thickness of open-ended piles or suction buckets is similar to the cone diameter, such that similar mechanisms are likely to apply. Consequently, this study focuses on the mechanisms that occur during cyclic cone penetration in sand using a combination of centrifuge and numerical modelling. The results of this study highlight the importance of cyclic displacement amplitudes, gap formation below the tip, advancement per cycle, and soil state change on the cone resistance.
Protein synthesis, autophagy, and regeneration-related signaling in fast/slow muscles in two mammalian models of disuse
Authors: Gao Xuli , Miao Weilan , Han Yuting , Yang Yingyu , An Ning , Hao Ziwei , Yan Xia , Storey Kenneth B. , Yu Caiyong , Xie Manjiang , Lefai Etienne , Deng Ziyue , Ding Yizhen , Zhang Shasha , Liu Zhenyin , Chang Hui , Yang Changbin
Published: December 2024

Whether regulation of protein synthesis, autophagy, and regeneration are involved in slow/fast muscles in two disuse models (hindlimb unloading Sprague-Dawley rats ( Rattus norvegicus domestica (Berkenhout, 1769))) (HLU) and hibernating ground squirrels ( Spermophilus dauricus Brandt, 1843 (HIB)) is still unclear. Our results showed (1) fiber cross-sectional area was reduced in soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of HLU whereas no change in HIB. The satellite cells/fiber was reduced and myonuclei/fiber was increased in SOL of HLU, while the percentage of satellite cells was significantly reduced in EDL of HIB. (2) Protein levels of phosphorylated- (P-)Akt, mTORC1, P-mTORC1, and P-S6K1 were reduced in SOL of HLU, whereas phosphorylated S6K1 was increased only in EDL of HIB. (3) Myostatin decreased in EDL of HLU but decreased in SOL of HIB. (4) Beclin1 increased in EDL of HLU and in SOL of HIB. (5) The activity of cathepsin L increased in SOL of HIB. (6) Collagen III increased in both SOL and EDL of HLU, but myogenin and collagen III increased in SOL, and collagen III was reduced in EDL of HIB. Taken together, Akt-mTORC1, Beclin1, and myogenin signaling showed muscle-specific responses in slow-twitch versus fast-twitch muscles, which may contribute to disuse atrophy in non-hibernators and anti-atrophy in hibernators.
Reconstruction of NICER-observed crab pulsar profiles during earth orbit using a semi-physical experimental system
Authors: Yun Li , Tong Su , Sheng Lizhi , Wei Zheng , Ruili Zhang , Qiang Pengfei , Wang Bo , Liu Yongan
Published: December 2024

X-ray pulsar navigation (XNAV) is a critical technique for spacecraft navigation in deep space, capitalizing on the precise timing properties of X-ray pulsars. Despite extensive research in pulsar observations, signal processing algorithms, and data fusion algorithms, existing technology suffers from immature algorithms, leading to positioning errors and inaccurate accuracy, which significantly hampers navigation effectiveness. In order to facilitate more refined research into navigation algorithms, this paper proposes a method that utilizes a semi-physical experimental system for profile reconstruction, with the goal of simulating pulsar behavior on Earth. By integrating precise X-ray pulse generation, detection systems and signal processing, the reconstruction of Crab pulsar profiles has been successfully achieved. These reconstructed profiles exhibit remarkably high fidelity with parameters disclosed by NASA, boasting a profile reconstruction coefficient of 0.99849. The mean error between parameters provided by NASA and those derived from semi-physical experimentation is 17.11[Formula: see text]ns, with a standard deviation of 254.59[Formula: see text]ns. This validation confirms the feasibility and reliability of conducting experiments using the semi-physical simulation system. Such a system lays the groundwork for advancing pulsar navigation technology, facilitating improved spacecraft positioning and trajectory determination in deep space exploration endeavors.
Multi-Parameter Seismic Fragility Analysis of High-Speed Railway Track-Bridges: Embracing Structural and Earthquake Uncertainties
Authors: Zhou Wangbao , Xiong Lijun , Jiang Lizhong
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a novel multi-parameter seismic fragility assessment approach based on blending ensemble learning, designed specifically for seismic fragility assessment of high-speed railway track-bridge (HSRTB) systems. This approach addresses the urgent need for efficient post-earthquake infrastructure evaluation and mitigation of economic impacts in quake-affected regions. By incorporating an extensive range of earthquake intensity measure parameters, the study enhances the understanding of HSRTB systems’ seismic resilience. It provides a comprehensive analysis that integrates the complexities and uncertainties of seismic motions and structural variables. A key innovation lies in utilizing the earthquake intensity measure Sa([Formula: see text]) as a primary indicator for establishing mean seismic fragility curves, demonstrating unprecedented precision with a root mean square error of approximately 0.15 compared to traditional Monte Carlo simulations. The research further reveals the critical role of HSRTB system parameter uncertainties, illustrating that neglecting these factors can lead to significant fragility misestimations, potentially causing overestimation or underestimation by as much as 0.5. The study highlights yielding displacement, span length, and pier height as critical factors impacting the seismic vulnerability of HSRTB systems, underscoring their importance in the design and assessment of resilient infrastructure.
Fast Dynamic Analysis for Vehicle–Road Coupled System Based on Road Moving Impulse Response Function Method
Authors: Li Chao , Hou Jilin , Zhang Qingxia
Published: December 2024

The vehicle–road coupled system is a time-varying system with large degrees of freedom (DOFs), making its dynamic analysis time-consuming when using traditional methods. Aiming to improve the analysis efficiency of vehicle–road coupled system, this paper proposes a fast analysis method based on the moving impulse response function (IRF) of road. First, the road IRF is simplified based on the vibration characteristics of the road, and the responses of road moving observation points are straightforwardly expressed using the road moving IRF. Then, the constraint equations of the loads and responses are constructed based on the vehicle–road interaction, and a calculation formula for responses of the vehicle contact points is derived. Next, simplified forms of discrete loads with rectangular, triangular and shape function are presented, and recursive formulas for the responses of vehicle contact points are derived based on the road moving IRF. Finally, the proposed method is applied to numerical simulations of the vehicle–road coupled system, and its computational efficiency and accuracy are verified through comparison with currently popular methods.
Axle Load/Weight Transfer Problem for a Road–Rail Intermodal Freight Vehicle
Authors: Dong Hao , Liu Xiaoyang , Chen Jiajun , Zhu Ji , Wei Lai , Li Yinghui , Liu Pengfei , Wang Ruichen
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the axle load/weight transfer issue in one new type of intermodal rail–road freight vehicle equipped with a coupler device mounted on the front bogie. Under traction and braking conditions, axle load transfer between the first and second wheelsets occurs, potentially impacting derailment safety. This study investigates the problem through comparative analysis of laboratory tests, static mechanism analysis, and dynamic simulations, with model correction and validation. To simulate traction and braking conditions, external pulling and pushing forces are applied to a virtual coupler mounted on the transition bogie. Quasi–static tests and mechanism analyses reveal that the axle weight of the second wheelset is more likely to decrease to zero, posing a greater danger than the first wheelset due to the asymmetric structure of the transition bogie. By utilizing the “support interference” concept from wind tunnel tests, the vehicle dynamic model is corrected and validated. The results indicate that the external loading device in laboratory tests bears some vertical loads, aiding in accurate measurements. To improve axle load transfer performance, structural improvements and parameter variations are investigated. An improved structural design involves altering the contact surface/point between the carbody and bogie closer to the second wheelset. The carbody is modeled as an inclined multi-span beam, and its deformation is analyzed using the Green function and Laplace transform methods, validated by FEM simulation. The improved structure compensates for the second axle load by sacrificing the performance of the first axle load. Additionally, reducing the height difference between the coupler and the traction pin significantly enhances the second axle load performance.
Heterogeneous Graph Neural Networks using Self-supervised Reciprocally Contrastive Learning
Authors: Huo Cuiying , He Dongxiao , Li Yawen , Jin Di , Dang Jianwu , Pedrycz Witold , Wu Lingfei , Zhang Weixiong
Published: December 2024

Heterogeneous graph neural network (HGNN) is a popular technique for modeling and analyzing heterogeneous graphs. Most existing HGNN-based approaches are supervised or semi-supervised learning methods requiring graphs to be annotated, which is costly and time-consuming. Self-supervised contrastive learning has been proposed to address the problem of requiring annotated data by mining intrinsic properties in the given data. However, the existing contrastive learning methods are not suitable for heterogeneous graphs because they construct contrastive views only based on data perturbation or pre-defined structural properties (e.g., meta-path) in graph data while ignoring noises in node attributes and graph topologies. We develop a robust heterogeneous graph contrastive learning approach, namely HGCL, which introduces two views on respective guidances of node attributes and graph topologies and integrates and enhances them by a reciprocally contrastive mechanism to better model heterogeneous graphs. In this new approach, we adopt distinct but suitable attribute and topology fusion mechanisms in the two views, which are conducive to mining relevant information in attributes and topologies separately. We further use both attribute similarity and topological correlation to construct high-quality contrastive samples. Extensive experiments on four large real-world heterogeneous graphs demonstrate the superiority and robustness of HGCL over several state-of-the-art methods.
Ommie: The Design and Development of a Social Robot for Anxiety Reduction
Authors: Matheus Kayla , Vázquez Marynel , Scassellati Brian
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the design, development, and evaluation of
Ommie
, a novel socially assistive robot that supports deep breathing practices for the purposes of anxiety reduction. Research has shown that practicing deep breathing (breathing while extending one’s inhales, holds, and exhales) has a strong capacity to calm the autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety. The robot’s primary function is to guide users through a series of deep breaths by way of haptic interactions and audio cues. We utilized a user-centered design approach and present our design methodology in addition to core decisions across robot morphology, tactility, and interactivity. As reported in prior work, the final robot prototype was tested with a two-cohort usability study (n = 43) at a local university wellness center, including participants with anxiety and those with varying levels of experience with deep breathing. Interacting with
Ommie
resulted in a significant reduction in STAI-6 anxiety measures across all participants, who also found the robot intuitive, approachable, and engaging. Participants also reported feelings of focus and companionship when using the robot, often elicited by the haptic interaction. This article describes how our design process and design goals contributed to these results showing
Ommie’s
capacity for supporting those with anxiety. Our work also serves as an example of how researchers can design robots for behavioral practices for mental health.
Binder-Coated Carbon Cloth Electrodes for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Caiado Ashley A. , Chaurasia Shabdiki , Aravamuthan Sundar Rajan , Roy Aaron , Inalpolat Murat , Agar Ertan
Published: December 2024

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are a promising solution for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. However, enhancing the electrochemical performance of VRFBs is critical for their widespread adoption in grid-scale energy storage. This study investigates the impact of adding a porous binder to a carbon-cloth electrode, with a focus on optimizing thermal activation conditions. The electrochemical performance of the binder-coated electrodes compared to uncoated electrodes is evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization curve measurements, and charge-discharge cycling. The surface morphology and structural integrity of the binder-coated electrodes at each activation stage are examined using various material characterization techniques to assess the effects of thermal activation. The results are benchmarked against the experiments using non-coated electrodes to determine the performance improvements offered by the binder coating. Notably, the study reveals that binder-coated electrodes exhibit significantly lower resistance and improved efficiency compared to their uncoated counterparts, with optimal activation conditions enhancing performance metrics crucial for VRFB applications. These findings provide valuable insights for further optimizing electrode design and activation strategies, advancing the development of more efficient VRFB systems for large-scale energy storage.
Recall Outcomes of Aspirin in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study
Authors: Almomen Salwa , Albogami Yasser , Aldemerdash Ahmed , Hafiz Radwan
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at low doses is used as an antiplatelet blood-thinning agent to prevent heart attacks and stroke by reducing the risk of clot formation in the arteries. In January 21, 2019, a certain widely available generic of ASA was recalled from the Saudi market by the marketing authorization holder due to quality issues. Therefore, the widespread recall may have been challenging to healthcare institutions that were mostly dependent on this ASA generic for antiplatelet treatment, and subsequently may have affected patient care. In this study, we aim to describe patient management characteristics following the recall in terms of alternative therapy used, medication switching timeline, and health outcomes. Methods: Using electronic health records from Real-World Evidence Research Network, we identified patients who had been prescribed the concerned ASA during the 3 months before the recall announcement and after the recall. Descriptive secondary data analysis was employed to demonstrate management characteristics following ASA recall in terms of alternative therapy used, medication switching timeline and health outcomes. Results: A total of 32,019 patients had been prescribed ASA in the pre-recall period, of which 20,940 (65%) patients were followed up in the post-recall period and were included in the study. The vast majority of patients (98%) were prescribed a different ASA generic than the recalled ASA. Most patients had no recorded incidents of major adverse cardiovascular events in the post-recall period (99.5%). The median time to treatment switching to either another ASA generic or other antiplatelet medication was 31 days following the recall. Conclusion: Post-recall patient management appears to be considerably longer than the period clinically estimated for health complications occurrence after therapy discontinuation. Meaning, health complications may be expected to occur due to prolonged period of discontinued treatment that took place before patients were switched to alternative therapy. However, the vast majority of patients in this study have not been affected by health complications after the recall, and almost all patients have been switched to another ASA generic.
Racial Discrimination and Multiple Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Lee Jun Hyuk , Lee Hyeri , Son Yejun , Kim Hyeon Jin , Park Jaeyu , Lee Hayeon , Fond Guillaume , Boyer Laurent , Smith Lee , Rahmati Masoud , Pizzol Damiano , Kang Jiseung , Yon Dong Keon , Oh Hans
Published: December 2024

Objective: We aimed to systematically investigate the associations between racial discrimination and various health outcomes and to evaluate the certainty of evidence from existing meta-analyses of observational studies. Method: We systemically searched the associations between racial discrimination and health outcomes for PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, WoS, and Google Scholar up until January 31, 2024. Notably, the included studies were predominantly conducted in the United States and Europe, limiting the generalizability of our findings to a global context. Results: Eight meta-analyses of observational studies involving over 1 million individuals were included, describing 15 potential health outcomes related to racial discrimination. The quality assessment revealed that most included meta-analyses were of low quality. For oncological health outcomes, significant associations were found with the mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); Black patients had a higher risk, while Asian patients had a lower risk when compared to White patients. In addition, Black patients with disparities on the cancer care continuum are a protective factor for early-stage HCC diagnosis. For gastroenterological health outcomes, Hispanic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Black patients with socioeconomic status/differential access to health care, compared to white patients (reference) showed significant associations. For mental health outcomes, racial discriminations were significantly associated with increased odds of psychotic experiences, suicidal ideation, and suicidal attempts. Numerous significant associations were from weak to suggestive evidence levels, indicating variability in the evidence. Conclusion: Despite the complexity of measuring its impact, racial discrimination shows a profound influence across clinical areas, including an unexpected protective association in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis among Black patients.
Epigenetic Upregulation of Carotid Body Angiotensin Signaling Increases Blood Pressure
Authors: Zhu Fengli , Wang Zhuqing , Davis Kayla , McSwiggin Hayden , Zyuzin Jekaterina , Liu Jie , Yan Wei , Rehan Virender K. , Jendzjowsky Nicholas
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Epigenetic changes can be shaped by a wide array of environmental cues, maternal health, and behaviors. One of the most detrimental behaviors to the developing fetus is nicotine exposure. Perinatal nicotine exposure remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular health and, in particular, hypertension. Increased basal carotid body (CB) activity and excitation are significant contributors to hypertension. This study investigated the epigenetic changes to CB activity induced by perinatal nicotine exposure resulting in CB-mediated hypertension.

METHODS:

We used a rodent model of perinatal nicotine exposure and cell culture methods.

RESULTS:

We show that the AgtR1 (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) is upregulated in the carotid bodies of nicotine-exposed offspring. These changes were attributed to an upregulation of genetic promotion as DNA methylation of AgtR1 occurred within intron regions, exemplifying an upregulation of genetic transcription for this gene. Nicotine increased angiotensin signaling in vitro. CB reactivity to angiotensin was increased in perinatal nicotine-exposed offspring compared with control offspring. Furthermore, CB denervation reduced arterial pressure because of suppressed efferent sympathetic activity in perinatal nicotine-exposed offspring.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data demonstrate that perinatal nicotine exposure adversely affects CB afferent sensing, which augments efferent sympathetic activity to increase vasoconstrictor signaling and induce hypertension. Targeting angiotensin signaling in the carotid bodies may provide a way to alleviate hypertension acquired by adverse maternal uterine environments in general and perinatal nicotine exposure in particular.
Zur ostgermanischen Inschrift der Lanzenspitze von Kowel (Ukraine)
Authors: Schürr Diether
Published: December 2024

The East Germanic inscription on the spearhead of Kowel is proposed to read tilaries, with early forms of the runes t and e. Then this is the earliest attestation of the loan of the Latin suffix -ārius by a Germanic language and an attestation of an East Germanic form older than the Biblical Gothic -areis. As a designation for a spear this is more plausible than a second part -rids or -riþs ‘rider’. The closed e of Kowel looks like an archaic Greek eta and may be indeed derived from it.
Catalog of the Neuropterida of India (Insecta: Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera)
Authors: WACHKOO AIJAZ AHMAD , KAUR SIMARJIT , AKBAR SHAHID ALI , HASSAN MUHAMMAD ASGHAR , PANDHER MANPREET SINGH , OSWALD JOHN D.
Published: December 2024

A catalog of the species and subspecies of Neuropterida (Insecta: Neuroptera, Megaloptera, and Raphidioptera) occurring in modern India is presented, based primarily on an extensive review of relevant literature published through mid 2024. The currently known extant fauna comprises 3 orders, 15 families, 129 genera, 368 species, and 6 subspecies (Neuroptera: 11 families, 119 genera, 332 species; Megaloptera: 2 families, 8 genera, 31 species; Raphidioptera: 2 families, 2 genera, 5 species). In addition, one extinct species is known, †Spiloconis eominuta (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae). Catalog entries contain taxonomic, synonymical, and nomenclatural data for all nominal taxa, and geographical occurrence data are provided for all valid species and subspecies. There are 171 species (46% of the fauna) presently known only from India that are possibly endemic, and 25 species previously reported from the country are excluded from the fauna.
A Catalogue of Indian Hydrophiloidea (Insecta: Coleoptera)
Authors: GUPTA DEVANSHU , SONALI SHIPRA , GHOSH SUJIT KUMAR , DAS PRIYANKA , JAISWAL DEEPA , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: December 2024

This catalogue lists 286 valid species included in 49 genera and six families of the superfamily Hydrophiloidea (Coleoptera), recorded from India. The family Helophoridae accommodates eight species (one genus), Epimetopidae five species (one genus), Georissidae seven species (one genus), Hydrochidae four species (one genus), Spercheidae two species (one genus), and Hydrophilidae 260 species (44 genera). Of these, 113 species are apparently endemic to India. We include synonyms, type localities, and distribution of the species in Indian states and biogeographic zones including localities where known. The Himalayan region supports the maximum diversity of hydrophiloids (140 species), followed by the Deccan Peninsula (96 species), Western Ghats (84 species), Gangetic Plains (84 species), Northeast (74 species), Semi–Arid (34 species), Islands (26 species), and Desert (10 species).
Effects of Apartheid Legacy on South African Judo: A Sys-tematic Review
Authors: Hlasho Temba , Mathunjwa Musa , Shaw Brandon , Shaw Ina
Published: December 2024

Presently, the sport of Judo in South Africa (JSA) has substantially failed to grow and gain publicity nationally and internationally due to the low number of judokas representing the country. Concurrently, each country has unique motivators and barriers to engagement in sports. On that note, during the period of apartheid (1948-1994), South African (SA) government enacted Group Areas Act to ensure that whites and blacks did not stay together leading in segregated sport trainings and match facilities, which culminated in skewed career opportunities in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to reflect on how SA apartheid system impacted the development of judo in SA. An in-depth search strategy was conducted from inception to April 2023, which involved PubMed, SportDiscuss, Google Scholar and Web of Science. This study’s findings indicate that the system of apartheid disrupted sport in South Africa particularly with sport opportunities and resources being reserved for white athletes. Further, this study’s results indicate that JSA was segregated based on race, location, and social standing. In conclusion, sport participation and access to resources by all should be created to ensure equity and justice for all athletes and coaching staff. This leads to an all-inclusive integrated sports development plan which will increase sport involvement by the citizens. In this effect, JSA introduced free and development registration for athletes who cannot afford to pay fees and this gesture has helped poor athletes access judo.
Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Cuban Adolescents After COVID-19
Authors: Villalon Lidice , Trutie Raida , Vidal Olga
Published: December 2024

Introduction: After COVID-19, an increase in the reporting of STIs in adolescent populations is observed. Objective: To characterize some behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health and STI prevention in a group of Cuban adolescents. Method: a cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out with adolescents from 15 municipalities selected from the three regions of the country. Non-probabilistic quota sampling was applied due to the epidemiological conditions and restrictive measures imposed by the pandemic. An instrument with 77 closed and open questions was designed and validated to output the identified variables. Results: The use of any contraceptive method is not always part of the context of the first sexual relationship; it is often used after a first unwanted pregnancy, interrupted or not, or after suffering from an STI. Among the main reasons for not protecting yourself are trust in your partner and stability. Information and knowledge about STIs is insufficient. Some prefer to hide their diagnosis to avoid rejection or accusations. Discriminatory manifestations are observed towards people with STIs or HIV. Conclusions: COVID-19 constituted an adverse scenario related to the prevention of STIs in adolescents. Risky sexual practices were incorporated into this scenario of isolation and restriction of movement. It is imperative to incorporate innovative and attractive ways to protect sexual health and prevent STIs in Cuban adolescents.
Use of Fluorescence Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Tools for the Quality Assessment of Fermented Parkia Biglobosa Seeds During Storage
Authors: Sangaré Moriken , Souaré Mamadou , Diawara Mamady , Soumaoro Vamougna , Karoui Romdhane
Published: December 2024

Fermented Parkia biglobosa seed is a food of high nutritional value that plays a vital role in the diet of many populations, particularly in West Africa. This food offers a combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibers, while having beneficial properties for the health of consumers. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using front face fluorescence (FFFS) to assess the quality of dry fermented seed of Parkia biglobosa (Soumbara) during storage. In this study, the physicochemical parameters (pH, fat and peroxide value (PV)) were determined. The obtained results showed that the pH, fat and PV values varied with the storage duration. For example, from day 1 to day 30, the pH values increased from 6.130 ± 0.05 to 6.723 ± 0.07. By applying principal component analysis (PCA) and factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) on the emission spectra acquired after excitation wavelengths fixed at 250 nm, 340 nm, 360 nm, 290, 290 nm and 410 nm, a perfect discrimination of the soumbara samples according to the storage times. In addition, the factorial discriminant analysis allowed to obtain a correct classification rate between 90 and 100. Regarding the prediction of the pH, fat and PV level, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) applied to the FFFS spectra data gave an excellent prediction with R2 values of 0.99. The results obtained in this study show that the FFFS method coupled with descriptive and predictive chemometric tools could be applied as an effective, rapid and non-destructive method for monitoring the quality of fermented Parkia biglobosa (soumbara) seeds during storage.
Applying Finite Mixture Models to Quantify Respirable Dust Mass in Coal and Metal–Nonmetal Mines Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Weakley Andrew T. , Parks David A. , Miller Arthur L.
Published: December 2024

Respirable dust mass is a prevalent occupational health hazard to the mining workforce. Mineral matrices observed in the mine environment are complex, time varying, and heterogeneous. This poses a challenge to assessing dust exposure using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry as calibrations for constituent dust species (e.g., crystalline silica) have historically been trained using homogeneous standards or simple mixtures therein. Investigations have considered direct-on-filter analysis, which collects FT-IR spectra directly from sampling filters for calibration, as an alternative. Direct-on-filter analysis using a partial least squares (PLS) method has gained particular interest recently due to the potential to rapidly quantify multiple species from a single filter at the mine site. By design, heterogeneity, and its presumed impact on method accuracy, cannot be addressed in the laboratory when using a direct-on-filter approach motivating the need for more advanced calibration approaches. When heterogeneity is present, mixture of experts (MoE) finite mixture models offer a promising and novel alternative to PLS direct-on-filter analysis as MoE incorporates cluster discovery, regression, and outlier identification into model fitting. Three MoE models of increasing complexity were tasked with determining respirable dust mass in 243 field samples from thirteen active coal, limestone, sandstone, and silver mines. All MoE models, including those using only “expert” spectroscopic predictors or a combination of expert and categorical “gate” variables (e.g., mine type), significantly outperform PLS in terms of accuracy (α = 0.05). Decomposing bias by mine type shows that accuracy generally improves across all types considered when MoE models are not overfitted. The MoE method’s effectiveness was linked to its ability to endogenously classify outliers as well as possibly to the use of an additional cluster model for mass predictions. Overall, MoE methods appear as a capable and novel tool to addressing problems of heterogeneity for direct-on-filter quantitative analysis.
Establishment of reference intervals for estimated glomerular filtration rate in apparently healthy adults based on the full age spectrum equation: A single-centre study
Authors: Liu Qian , Hang Huan , Xu Tongdao , Zhang Yidi , Yang Fang , Wang Xizhen , Ren Yali , Yang Fumeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Identifying gender and age-related eGFR trends is crucial for precise renal function assessment. This study aims to analyse eGFR distribution with the full age spectrum (FAS) equation and establish reference intervals based on gender and age in a single-centre cohort.

Methods

Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in this study, a total of 24,024 reference individuals were ultimately selected. Using the approach recommended by the CLSI C28-A3 guidelines, we assessed the distribution of eGFR across different gender and age groups. The two-sided nonparametric method (P2.5–P97.5) was applied to establish the eGFR reference intervals for a healthy Chinese population.

Results

The eGFR levels in healthy adults exhibited a non-normally distributed pattern. Notably, there were significant differences in eGFR levels between males and females, with females showing a notably higher eGFR level than males. Additionally, eGFR levels demonstrated significant variations across different age groups within both male and female cohorts. As age increased, eGFR showed a significant decline, except in individuals aged 20–29 and 30–39 years. Therefore, reference intervals for eGFR were created based on both gender and age.

Conclusions

We established the reference interval for eGFR using the FAS equation, drawing from a large sample population at a single centre. This establishes a potential framework for evaluating renal function in healthy individuals and for diagnosing and treating kidney-related diseases.
Recovering from the market citizenship experiment: Recent developments in Australian industrial relations policies
Authors: Buchanan John , Henderson Troy , Gillespie James A , Occhipinti Jo-An
Published: December 2024

Recent changes in industrial relations policies represent a break with the Australian experiment with market citizenship at work. At the Federal level, they involve the adaptive reuse of legacies that have, in recent decades, been regarded as secondary to the system (e.g. awards and industrial tribunals) to renovate the foundations of labour law. Innovations in wages policy are helping repair the foundational economy (i.e. sectors providing the infrastructure of everyday life including education, health and social care). These changes are being driven by new social coalitions involving unions from the new heartlands, Non-Governmental Organizations and researchers launching initiatives that are supported by Australian Labor Party governments and often buttressed by large-scale commissions of inquiry. Their key achievement has been delivering novel coordination of wages policies with education, social and fiscal policies. In this way, the new coalitions are creating a new politics of solidarity.
Beware and Swear: English-as-a-Foreign-Language Learners’ Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Swearing in English
Authors: Wu Junjie Gavin , Miller Lindsay , Zhang Danyang
Published: December 2024

The perceptions, use and understanding of swearing in a second language is an area of linguistics that is comparatively under-researched and rarely taught in the classroom. However, this issue has become increasingly important with the ever-bourgeoning use of online spaces that expose English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students to swearing in English. As a result, language learners are often left to their own devices in trying to understand if and when they can use swear words in English language that they encounter online. This study investigates how a group of students from a Confucian cultural background learn to swear in English. The results indicate that for EFL students, there is a significant level of uncertainty concerning what is appropriate in terms of when and where they can swear. This investigation contributes to filling the research gap in understanding the dynamics of swearing in English and emphasises the need for pedagogical attention to this evolving aspect of EFL education.
Large-scale research infrastructure projects: A conceptual review for science policy and management
Authors: Eggleton David C
Published: December 2024

This article reviews ‘large-scale research infrastructures’ work and other relevant literature from the science policy and management domains. Through a systematic literature review, the study identifies that there are no firm inclusion or exclusion criteria for a large-scale research infrastructure. The findings identify the need for filling this knowledge gap to support future analyses for large-scale research infrastructures to help scientists and science policymakers understand, plan, and evaluate their own work. A refined version of one of the concepts examined in this article, the ‘large international science project’, provides the most fruitful starting point.
Café Connections: Investigating Factors Motivating Older Adults to Seek or Avoid Intergenerational Contact
Authors: Kuball Tim , Meixelsberger Kim , Jahn Georg
Published: December 2024

Creating interaction opportunities between people of different ages can reduce ageism and increase solidarity. However, spatial age segregation persists due to a lack of age-inclusive public spaces. We explored factors motivating older adults to seek/avoid contact with younger adults in regular neighborhood coffeeshops primarily frequented by younger customers. Semi-structured interviews in Study 1 ( N = 12) revealed that older adults perceived age-related exclusivity in “young” spaces like coffeeshops, were hindered from visiting by metastereotypes and discrimination, but were motivated by perceived learning opportunities. Studies 2 ( N = 107) and 3 ( N = 218) employed questionnaires and tracked coffee vouchers, showing that participants with stronger learning goals and more positive metastereotypes showed greater intention to seek contact. However, only the higher-powered Study 3 revealed the importance of frequent intergenerational contact and learning goals for initiating contact in real-life. The discussion highlights implications for creating more age-inclusive spaces to foster intergenerational interaction.
The production of passives in Mandarin children with and without developmental language disorder
Authors: Du Jiao , He Xiaowei , Yu Haopeng
Published: December 2024

We used the elicited production task to explore the production of short and long passives in 15 Mandarin-speaking preschool children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD; aged 4;2–5;11) in comparison with 15 Typically Developing Aged-matched (TDA) children (aged 4;3–5;8) and 15 Typically Developing Younger (TDY) children (aged 3;2–4;3). This particular task resulted in a preference for long passives over short passives by Mandarin-speaking children. However, children with DLD exhibited lower proficiency in the production of passives than TDA and TDY children. Moreover, this group was prone to produce avoidance strategies as alternatives to constructing long passives, such as passives without the intervention effect (exemplified by long passives with an implicit subject), non-target passives (such as short passives without a marker and long passives with a resumptive pronoun or noun), and a range of other responses (including active constructions, irrelevant responses, and cases of non-production). In line with the Edge Feature Underspecification Hypothesis, challenges encountered by children with DLD in producing long passives can be attributed to the Relativized Minimality effect. The observed reliance on avoidance strategies in the passive production task reflected their compromised syntactic knowledge. We conclude that the central syntactic deficit in children with DLD appears to lie in structure building.
Experts, coders and crowds: An analysis of substitutability
Authors: Marquardt Kyle L , Pemstein Daniel , Sanhueza Petrarca Constanza , Seim Brigitte , Wilson Steven Lloyd , Bernhard Michael , Coppedge Michael , Lindberg Staffan I
Published: December 2024

Political scientists increasingly use crowdworkers to produce data, predominantly in the context of coding researcher-curated text or to retrieve simple data from the internet. In this article, we provide a theoretical and empirical basis for understanding when crowdworkers can provide data of sufficient quality to substitute for other types of coders. First, we introduce a typology of data-producing actors – experts, trained coders and crowds – and hypothesize factors that affect the substitutability of crowdworkers. We then examine how crowdworkers perform across coding tasks that vary along multiple dimensions of difficulty: information verifiability, availability and complexity. The results provide scope conditions bounding the substitutability of crowdworkers in political science applications. Although crowds can substitute for trained coders in the context of relatively simple information retrieval tasks, there is little evidence that crowdworkers can substitute for experts, whose tasks require both information retrieval and data synthesis.
Leaders of None: Football Coaches and the Hegemony of Oppression
Authors: Leonard David , King C. Richard
Published: December 2024

Introducing a special issue looking at football coaches, this essay challenges readers to think about the immense power and privileges afforded by white male coaches alongside their refusal to leverage their immense platforms to advance justice within and beyond the coaching ranks. Focusing on the politics of football coaches and the entrenched place of white men on the sidelines, this special issue seeks to demonstrate the power and importance of football coaches as a measuring stick of race, gender, sexuality, politics, and so much more. To understand the history of football coaches is to understand America, its persistent color lines, reactionary politics, and everything from the media to the 2024 election.
Effect of MnO2 addition on the microstructure and properties of high-volume fraction SiCp/Al composites fabricated by pressureless melt infiltration
Authors: Tijjani Murtala Ahmed , Lu Dehong
Published: December 2024

High-volume fraction silicon carbide particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCp/Al) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and high thermal conductivity (TC) were fabricated by infiltrating Al-Si-Mg alloy in air atmosphere without pressure into porous SiC preforms doped with different manganese dioxide (MnO2) content in order to investigate the effectiveness of MnO2 as infiltration aid. The effect of MnO2 on the infiltration time, microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties of the composite materials were studied. The volume ratio of SiC to MnO2 was set at 100:0, 100:5, 100:10 & 100:15 respectively. Obtained results showed the effectiveness of MnO2 as infiltration aid as the infiltration time was significantly reduced, the wetting between SiC and Al and interfacial bonding strength were considerably improved with the addition of MnO2. Harmful and brittle aluminum carbide (Al4C3) was not detected at the interface of the Al alloy and SiC ceramic phase. The composites with 100:15 MnO2 and 100:10 MnO2 content were found to have less incubation period and infiltration time. Optimum dispersion of SiC particles in the Al alloy and better properties were obtained with 100:10 MnO2 content composite samples. The properties are; a coefficient of thermal expansion (RT to 473 K) of 9.3 × 10−6 K−1, a thermal conductivity of 200.5 W/(mK), a hardness of 145.2 HBW and a bending strength of 338.0 MPa.
Effect of TiN-TiCN-Al2O3 multilayer coatings on machining characterization deposited by CVD method
Authors: K Manjunatha , D Roopa
Published: December 2024

In this work, a multilayer Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) coating over a base tool material is developed, and its performance in cutting tailored hard EN8 steel is investigated. Using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition, the TiN-TiCN-Al2O3-TiN coating is created on the TNMG 160408 base material. During deposition, 900 m-Torr of deposition pressure and 800 °C of temperature are maintained. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) is used to inspect the coated instrument to ensure the desired chemical composition is present. According to experimental findings, when cutting speed increases, surface roughness and thrust force decrease. When feed rate and depth of cut are adjusted in tandem with cutting speed, tool wear increases as cutting speed increases. ANOVA variance analysis is carried out while taking into account the maximum dependence of temperature, torque, tool wear, surface roughness, thrust force, and cutting speed on feed rate. Chip analysis is performed at varying speeds of 140, 200, and 260 mm/min, increasing the working conditions results in longer continuous chips. Chips with helical and tubular shapes can be created at cutting rates of 200 mm/min and a depth of cut of 1 mm, respectively.
Rehabilitation Patterns After Hospitalization: Results from a Danish Registry
Authors: Morsø Lars , Birk-Olsen Mette , Bogh Søren Bie
Published: December 2024

Objective

Conditions that could benefit from rehabilitation contribute to 310 million years of life lived with disability. Internationally rehabilitation could be part of the solution to the growing global disease burden. This register based study wanted to explore differences in patterns of rehabilitation among patients discharged from the hospital with a rehabilitation plan, explore rehabilitation initiation, and assess the activation of rehabilitation plans within legal requirements.

Setting

The study was conducted at Odense University Hospital in the Region of Southern Denmark

Participants

The study investigated acute contacts by utilising rehabilitation referrals, demographic and municipal data from Odense Municipality residents from 2015 to 2020.

Main measures

Descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, cox regression and cumulative incidence rate were used to explore rehabilitation the activation of rehabilitation plans.

Results

The cohort consisted of 225,653 hospital contacts. Overall, 10,327 (5%) received a rehabilitation plan. Contacts were more often female or had increased co-morbidity. Prescription increased with age and for ethnical Danes. Initiation of prescribed plans increased within the first weeks, levelling from 30 to 60 days. Delayed initiation of the rehabilitation plan beyond 30 days raised the likelihood of non-initiating altogether.

Conclusions

Although evidence acknowledges the benefits of rehabilitation, this study showed that more than 25% of all referred municipality rehabilitation plans were never initiated. If the initiation of a rehabilitation plan was delayed beyond 30 days, it significantly reduced the likelihood of initiation. Therefore, the international community need to keep focus on early rehabilitation and increase the use of rehabilitation in the future.