bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale‐dependent impact of Aeolus winds on a global forecast system
Authors: Chou Chih‐Chun , Kushner Paul J.
Published: October 2023

The European Space Agency's Aeolus mission, launched in August 2018, provides the first global horizontal line‐of‐sight wind profile measurements. Previous studies have shown that Aeolus winds in global forecast systems improve the overall forecast skill, especially in the upper tropospheric tropics and in other data‐sparse regions. In this study, we use a series of observing system experiments with the latest version of the reprocessed Aeolus wind product (2B11) to better characterize the locations and drivers of improved skill from Aeolus with Environment and Climate Change Canada's Global Deterministic Prediction System. Observing system experiments that test the impact of Aeolus winds and the impact of all operational wind observations are carried out, covering the period summer 2019 and winter 2019–2020. Assimilation of operational winds improves the tropospheric wind forecast over the Tropics by a reduction of 8% in the forecast error, and adding the Aeolus winds to the assimilations results in an extra 0.7–0.9%. Aeolus wind impacts are improvements are 0.7–0.9% for the Arctic, and 0.4–0.6% over the Northern and Southern Hemisphere extratropics. The scale dependence of these impacts is investigated using spatial spectra (spherical harmonic decomposition). The improvement is quantified using the difference of the 250 hPa kinetic energy forecast error spectra between experiments. The operational winds largely improve the forecast of planetary scale to intermediate scale for spherical wave numbers between 1 and 20 in the short‐range forecasts. The operational wind impact decreases as the forecast lead time increases. On the other hand, the impact of Aeolus is mostly seen in the intermediate to large scale range with a peak around spherical wave number 8. The Aeolus‐related improvement around this wave number increases with forecast lead time. This analysis suggests that Aeolus winds provide estimates of the wind state that are valuable and complementary to that provided from current operational winds.
Additive Combining Passivator for Inverted Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells with 22% Efficiency and Reduced Voltage Loss
Authors: Gan Yu , Hao Xia , Li Wei , Zhang Jingquan , Wu Lili
Published: October 2023

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in tandem devices. However, the severe nonradiative recombination that occurs at the interface between perovskite and electron transport layer (ETL) leads to excessive open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss, which hinders the further improvement of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE). To mitigate the VOC loss in WBG PSCs, the defects in grains and grain boundaries are reduced as well as the energy‐level alignment between perovskite layer and ETL, so as to improve the carrier collection efficiency, is optimized. Herein, potassium thiocyanate is introduced as an additive and 2‐thiophenethylammonium bromide (TEABr) is used to passivate perovskite/C60 interface. The synergistic treatment reduces the defect density and prolongs the carrier lifetime, implying that nonradiative recombination is effectively suppressed. Meanwhile, the energy‐level alignment of the perovskite and C60 is optimized, leading to the improvement of VOC. Finally, WBG PSCs with a bandgap of 1.68 eV achieve a VOC of 1.22 V (with a VOC loss of 0.46 V) and a PCE of 22.02%.
Environmentally Friendly Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics and Luminescence: Lead Less or Lead Free
Authors: Zhu Hong , Liu Gaoyu , Sun Bihui , Dong Yuhui , Zhang Shengli , Xu Bo , Zou Yousheng , Zeng Haibo
Published: October 2023

Lead‐based metal halide perovskite materials have been rapidly developed for light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and photodetectors owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, the presence of lead in these materials raises critical concerns regarding their environmental impact and potential toxicity, hindering their commercial development. In response to these concerns, researchers have devoted considerable effort toward the development of environmentally friendly perovskites. In this review, the theoretical evolution path and characteristics of lead‐substituted perovskites are first emphasized, as they contribute to the development of high‐performance lead‐free halide perovskites. Additionally, the current investigation of lead‐less and lead‐free perovskites including synthesis, optoelectronic properties, and applications is systematic summarized. Notably, the positive effects of both lead‐less and lead‐free perovskites on structure, optoelectronic properties, and associated devices in comparison to their lead‐based counterpart are emphasized. Finally, potential opportunities and challenges for future research into environmentally friendly perovskites and their applications are identified.
Gelatin Candies Architected with Active Starch Nanoparticles Containing Phenolic Compounds from Propolis Extract
Authors: Alves Maria Jaízia dos Santos , Chacon Wilson Daniel Caicedo , Rodrigues Monteiro Alcilene , Ayala Valencia Germán
Published: October 2023

New trends in the food industry are focused on the development of fortification foods. Gelatin candies are foods widely consumed by the population and they are selected for incorporation with starch nanoparticles (SNPs) obtained by nanoprecipitation and loaded with phenolic compounds from propolis extract (PE). Water activity and total soluble solids result in stable gelatin candies at room temperature and 30% RH (relative humidity) from the microbiological point of view. According to the results, the addition of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) in gelatin candies does not prove to be a factor that influences texture parameters, especially hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. Candies containing SNPs loaded with the phenolic compounds from PE have high total phenolic compounds (324–362 mg of GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity (133–136 µmol TROLOX 100 g−1). The stability of the starch nanoparticles loaded with the phenolic compounds from propolis extract in the gummy candy is confirmed, exhibiting this food product a yellow color, representing a promising application for these natural additives in the food industry. These results indicate that SNPs loaded with the phenolic compounds from PE can be used for gelatin candies fortification aiming to develop functional foods.
Predicting wind farm operations with machine learning and the P2D‐RANS model: A case study for an AWAKEN site
Authors: Moss Coleman , Maulik Romit , Moriarty Patrick , Iungo Giacomo Valerio
Published: October 2023

The power performance and the wind velocity field of an onshore wind farm are predicted with machine learning models and the pseudo‐2D RANS model, then assessed against SCADA data. The wind farm under investigation is one of the sites involved with the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN). The performed simulations enable predictions of the power capture at the farm and turbine levels while providing insights into the effects on power capture associated with wake interactions that operating upstream turbines induce, as well as the variability caused by atmospheric stability. The machine learning models show improved accuracy compared to the pseudo‐2D RANS model in the predictions of turbine power capture and farm power capture with roughly half the normalized error. The machine learning models also entail lower computational costs upon training. Further, the machine learning models provide predictions of the wind turbulence intensity at the turbine level for different wind and atmospheric conditions with very good accuracy, which is difficult to achieve through RANS modeling. Additionally, farm‐to‐farm interactions are noted, with adverse impacts on power predictions from both models.
Capillary optics for full‐field x‐ray detectors with a magnification factor of 40 and 2.4 μm spatial resolution
Authors: Kranz Jonathan , Liebing Nico , Bjeoumikhov Aniouar
Published: October 2023

This article presents recent investigations of newly developed magnifying capillary optics used for full‐field x‐ray spectroscopy. The new cone‐shaped capillary optics reached spatial resolutions of 2.4 μm and increased the magnification factor to 40. These parameters have been evaluated by a confocal full‐field XRF (CFF‐XRF) and a full‐field XRF (FF‐XRF) setup, depicted in this article.
Symmetry group at future null infinity III: Gravitational theory
Authors: Liu Wen-Bin , Long Jiang
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We reduce the gravitational theory in an asymptotically flat spacetime to future null infinity. We compute the Poincaré flux operators at future null infinity and construct the supertranslation and superrotation generators. The generators are shown to form a closed symmetry algebra by including a generalized gravitational duality operator. We could regard all the generators as the Hamiltonians with respect to the symmetry transformation in the boundary field theory. Our construction of the generators may relate to the BMS fluxes defined in the literature by adding counterterms to the Bondi mass and angular momentum aspects.
Is cross-sectional imaging necessary for fractures of the distal lower leg in children and adolescents: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Strohm Jonas Alexander , Schubert Ilona , Schneidmüller Dorien , Strohm Peter Christian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In childhood and adolescence, cross-sectional imaging, most commonly computed tomography (CT), is often performed for advanced diagnosis of joint injuries of the distal lower leg and upper ankle. Due to radiation exposure, the need for CT remains controversial, as these injuries follow stereotypies and usually have a similar course. Alternatively, the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also discussed. Since radiation sensitivity at this young age is much higher than in adults, an effort must be to minimize radiation exposure according to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principles. The aim of this survey is to evaluate the current procedure in Germany in the diagnosis of pediatric injuries of the distal lower leg and upper ankle.

Methods

For data collection, a survey entitled “CT in fractures of the ankle joint in childhood and adolescence: subject of the survey are injuries between 8 and 15 years of age” of the Section of Pediatric Traumatology in the German Association of Trauma Surgery was sent to all members via the distribution list of the German Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology and the distribution list of the German Society of Pediatric Surgery in a period from September 20, 2022–December 21, 2022. The survey included a total of 21 questions. Target groups were trauma and pediatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons working in the hospital and in practice.

Results

A total of 525 participants took part in the survey: ultrasound diagnostics are used by almost 25% and the Ottawa Ankle Rules by over 50% always or in most cases. A conventional x-ray is always or most often used by over 90%. CT imaging is rarely used by 88.57%, mainly for surgical planning or analysis of fracture progression. 69.9% report that their radiology department uses a pediatric protocol for CT exams; 25.71% do not know if this is the case. MRI imaging is also used infrequently by 89.33%, mostly to identify associated injuries. Overall, CT imaging is chosen by 55.62% and MRI imaging by 35.24% as the sectional imaging modality for suspected fractures; 95.05% consider sectional imaging useful for a triplane fracture, 59.24% for a two-plane fracture, 41.71% for a Salter-Harris type III/IV injury, and 8% for a Salter-Harris type I/II injury.

Conclusion

The survey showed that the conventional X-ray is still the gold standard. Interestingly, more than half of the respondents regularly use the Ottawa Ankle Rules, and diagnostics using ultrasound are also used by almost a quarter. Awareness of radiation protection in children exists, although a quarter of all participants do not know the extent to which their radiology department has a specific pediatric protocol for CT imaging. Cross-sectional imaging is performed on a regular basis. Regarding the actual extent of imaging, there is a clear divergence between theory and practice.
Repurposing of H1-receptor antagonists (levo)cetirizine, (des)loratadine, and fexofenadine as a case study for systematic analysis of trials on clinicaltrials.gov using semi-automated processes with custom-coded software
Authors: Specht Tim , Seifert Roland
Published: October 2023

To gain a comprehensive overview of the landscape of clinical trials for the H1-receptor antagonists (H1R antagonists) cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine and their potential use cases in drug repurposing (the use of well-known drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication), we analyzed trials from clincialtrials.gov using novel custom-coded software, which itself is also a key emphasis of this paper. To automate data acquisition from clincialtrials.gov via its API, data processing, and storage, we created custom software by leveraging a variety of open-source tools. Data were stored in a relational database and annotated facilitating a specially adapted web application. Through the data analysis, we identified use cases for repurposing and reviewed backgrounds and results in the scientific literature. Even though we found very few trials with published results for repurpose indications, extended literature research revealed some prominent use cases: Cetirizine seems promising in mitigating infusion-associated reactions and is also more effective than placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Loratadine may be beneficial in the prophylaxis of G-CSF-related bone pain. In COVID-19, H1R antagonists may be helpful, but placebo-controlled scientific evidence is needed. For asthma, the effect of H1R antagonists only seems to be secondary by alleviating allergy symptoms. Our novel method to find potential use cases for repurposing of H1R antagonists allows for high automation, reduces human error, and was successful in revealing potential areas of interest. The software could be used for similar research questions and analyses in the future.
Men treated with BEACOPP for Hodgkin lymphoma may be at increased risk of testosterone deficiency
Authors: Micas Pedersen Signe , Feltoft Claus Larsen , Nielsen Torsten Holm , de Nully Brown Peter , Gang Anne Ortved , Pedersen Lars Møller , Jørgensen Niels
Published: October 2023

In the current study, we report the prevalence of male testosterone deficiency in a cohort of 60 male long-term survivors of malignant lymphoma with normal total testosterone but in the lower part of the reference level. Testosterone deficiency was defined as subnormal concentrations of total testosterone or subnormal concentrations of calculated free testosterone. The aim was to clarify whether total testosterone was sufficient for identification of testosterone deficiency in male survivors of malignant lymphoma. Hormonal analyses taken at follow-up were compared with samples taken at diagnosis for a subgroup of 20 survivors, for evaluation of changes in hormones over time. Another group of 83 similar survivors of malignant lymphoma with testosterone in the high end of reference levels were also used for comparison, to identify groups of increased risk of testosterone deficiency. A total group of 143 survivors were therefore included in the study. Our findings indicate that for screening purposes an initial total testosterone is sufficient in some survivors because sexual hormone binding globulin concentration was found stable over time. However, 15% were found with subnormal calculated free testosterone. Survivors intensely treated for Hodgkin lymphoma and older survivors were identified as high-risk groups for testosterone deficiency necessitating endocrinological attention during follow-up. Some evidence of pituitary downregulation was also found, because of uncompensated decreases in testosterone concentration over time. In conclusion, longitudinal measurements of total testosterone alone do not seem adequate for the screening of testosterone deficiency for all long-term lymphoma survivors.
The relationship between social support, psychological resilience, and positive coping among medical staff during emergency assistance for public health emergency
Authors: Han Dandan , Yang Yupei , Zhang Wei , Tung Tao-Hsin , Cheng Fengmin
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore the factors associated with the coping styles in medical staff while providing emergency aid during public health emergencies.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate medical and nursing staff members from four hospitals in Zhejiang Province who participated in emergency assistance in Shanghai during the Omicron pandemic in April 2022.

Results

Sixty-nine out of 74 subjects completed the questionnaire. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that psychological resilience (β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.30, 1.08, p = 0.001) and social support (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.06, 2.01, p = 0.039) were correlated with positive coping (β = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.57, p < 0.001), and friend support (β = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.02, p = 0.001) significantly influenced positive coping.

Conclusion

Social support and psychological resilience are the main factors associated with the coping styles of medical staff. Tenacity and friend support are the main additional influencing factors for positive coping.
AI-powered decision-making in facilitating insurance claim dispute resolution
Authors: Zhang Wen , Shi Jingwen , Wang Xiaojun , Wynn Henry
Published: October 2023

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to empower decision-making can promote social welfare by generating significant cost savings and promoting efficient utilization of public resources, besides revolutionizing commercial operations. This study investigates how AI can expedite dispute resolution in road traffic accident (RTA) insurance claims, benefiting all parties involved. Specifically, we devise and implement a disciplined AI-driven approach to derive the cost estimates and inform negotiation decision-making, compared to conventional practices that draw upon official guidance and lawyer experience. We build the investigation on 88 real-life RTA cases and detect an asymptotic relationship between the final judicial cost and the duration of the most severe injury, marked by a notable predicted $${R}^{2}$$

R

2

value of 0.527. Further, we illustrate how various AI-powered toolkits can facilitate information processing and outcome prediction: (1) how regular expression (RegEx) collates precise injury information for subsequent predictive analysis; (2) how alternative natural language processing (NLP) techniques construct predictions directly from narratives. Our proposed RegEx framework enables automated information extraction that accommodates diverse report formats; different NLP methods deliver comparable plausible performance. This research unleashes AI’s untapped potential for social good to reinvent legal-related decision-making processes, support litigation efforts, and aid in the optimization of legal resource consumption.
Vulnerability and Response-Ability in the Pandemic Marketplace: Developing an Ethic of Care for Provisioning in Crisis
Authors: Geiger Susi , Galasso Ilaria , Hangel Nora , Lucivero Federica , Watts Gemma
Published: October 2023

This paper draws on the ethics of care to investigate how citizens grappled with ethical tensions in the mundane practice of grocery shopping at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. We use this case to address the broader question of what it means ‘to care’ in the context of a crisis. Based on a qualitative longitudinal cross-country interview study, we find that the pandemic transformed ordinary shopping spaces into places fraught with a sense of fear and vulnerability. Being forced to face one’s own vulnerability created an opportunity for individuals to relate to one another as significant others through a sense of “response-ability”, or the capacity of people to respond to ethical demands through situated ethical reasoning. We argue for a practical ethos of care in which seemingly small decisions such as how often to go shopping and how much to buy of a particular product serve as a means to relate to both specified and generalized others—and through this, ‘care with’ society. Our study contributes to displacing the continuing prevalence of an abstract and prescriptive morality in consumption ethics with a situated and affective politics of care. This vocabulary seems better suited to reflect on the myriad of small and unheroic care acts in times of crisis and beyond.
I had to Take Care of My Herd to Not Die Myself: A Retrospective, Qualitative Study of Siblings’ Experience of Family Relations Before Their Siblings’ Drug-Related Death
Authors: Lorås Lennart , Lindeman Sari Kaarina , Løberg Aina Helen
Published: October 2023

This study explores siblings’ experiences of family relations before their siblings’ drug-related death. A qualitative approach inspired by reflexive thematic analysis was chosen for the analysis. Four men and ten women, aged 23–61 and representing all regions of Norway, were interviewed. Three themes were identified: (1) A changed view of both their sibling and personal relationship, (2) Changed patterns of communication in the family and (3) Coping strategies. The results are discussed through the lens of family systems theory and salutogenesis.
Wastewater treatment plant performance assessment using time-function-based effluent quality index and multiple regression models: the case of Bahir Dar textile factory
Authors: Wondim Tilik Tena , Dzwairo Rimuka Bloodless , Aklog Dagnachew , Janka Eshetu , Samarakoon Gamunu , Dereseh Mekuria Mulusew
Published: October 2023

Extensive water and chemicals are used in the textile industry processes. Therefore, treatment of textile wastewater is vital to protect the environment, maintain the public health, and recover resources. However, due to poor operation and plant performance the partially treated textile wastewater was directly discharged to a nearby river. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the wastewater physicochemical properties and evaluate the performance of the textile factory-activated sludge process wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. In inlet and outlet of the WWTP, samples were collected for 6 months and analyzed on-site and in a laboratory for parameters including, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), nitrite, nitrate, and metallic compounds. The TSS, BOD5, COD, TP, nitrite, ammonia, and total chromium result were above the discharge limit with 73.2 mg/L, 48.45 mg/L, 144.08 mg/L, 7.9 mg/L, 1.36 mg/L, 1.96 mg/L, and 0.16 mg/L, respectively. Multiple regression models were developed for each overall, net moving average, and instantaneous effluent quality index (EQI). The predictor parameters BOD5, TN, COD, TSS, and TP (R2 = 0.995 to 1.000) estimated the net pollution loads of all predictors as 492.55 kg/day and 655.44 kg/day. Except TN, TKN, and NO3, the remaining six performance parameters were violating the permissible limit daily. Furthermore, the overall plant efficiency was predicted as 38 % and 42 % for the moving average and instantaneous EQI, respectively. Our study concluded that the integrated regression models and EQI can easily estimate the plant efficiency and daily possible pollution load.
Isolation and characterization of the morphology, size and particle number of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) cell line derived large and small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Pelyhe Csilla , Sturve Joachim
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are 50–1,000 nm lipid bilayer-bound vesicles, released into the extracellular environment by various cell types for intercellular communication purposes. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of EVs can be affected by stress and pathological conditions. The majority of extracellular vesicle (EV) studies have been performed on mammalian cell lines or bodily fluids. EVs have been previously described from bodily fluids like plasma, serum or mucus in different fish species, however the available knowledge of fish cell line derived EVs is limited and in the vast majority of studies, the overall focus is on small EVs (< 200 nm). We isolated large and small extracellular vesicles from zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver (ZFL), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver (RTL-W1), gill (RTgill-W1) and intestinal epithelial (RTgutGC) cell lines using stepwise centrifugation and characterized the size and morphology of EVs. Here we demonstrated that large and small extracellular vesicles can be successfully isolated using stepwise centrifugation from the serum-free medium of the selected piscine cell lines after a 24-h incubation period. The size distribution of large and small EVs isolated from the piscine cell lines suggest that large and small EV groups show high diversity in size ranges, containing heterogenous subpopulations in sizes, and the results highly depend on the applied method and whether filtration steps were included following the isolation. The spherical morphology of EVs was verified by transmission electron microscopy.
Structural, Surface, Magnetic Study and Application of Nanoparticles CoFe2O4, ZnO and its Nanocomposite
Authors: Arman M. M. , El-Dek S. I.
Published: October 2023

Nanoparticles of CoFe2O4 and ZnO were synthesized using the citrate auto-combustion method. A nanocomposite CoFe2O4/ZnO (70:30) was prepared. XRD verified that the samples were synthesized in nanoscale with crystallite sizes of 66.01, 12.48, and 17.47, respectively. The HRTEM image of CoFe2O4 illustrates the cubic structure. FESEM showed that the shape of CoFe2O4, ZnO, and CoFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles is nearly spherical in morphology. EDAX measurements illustrated that the samples were obtained with nominal compositions similar to their chemical formula. XPS spectra of the investigated CoFe2O4 confirmed the presence of Co2+ and Co3+ ions, as well as Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. The saturation magnetization increased for CoFe2O4/ZnO than that of the parent CoFe2O4 due to strong ferromagnetic coupling. Antibacterial activity was recorded for the nanocomposite despite its absence from the two parents.
Hierarchical graph learning with convolutional network for brain disease prediction
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Fangqi , Wan Yingying , Hu Rongyao , Zhu Yongxin , Li Li
Published: October 2023

In computer-aided diagnostic systems, the functional connectome approach has become a common method for detecting neurological disorders. However, the existing methods either ignore the uniqueness of different subjects across the functional connectivities or neglect the commonality of the same disease for the functional connectivity of each subject, resulting in a lack of capacity of capturing a comprehensive functional model. To solve the issues, we develop a hierarchical graph learning with convolutional network that not only considers the unique information of each subject, but also takes the common information across subjects into account. Specifically, the proposed method consists of two structures, one is the individual graph model which selects the representative brain regions by combining each subject feature and its related brain region-based graph. The other is the population graph model to directly conduct classification performance by updating the information of each subject which considers both the subject itself and the nearest neighbours. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method on four real datasets outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches.
A review of the life history and ecology of euryhaline and estuarine sharks and rays
Authors: Constance Julia M. , Garcia Erica A. , Pillans Richard D. , Udyawer Vinay , Kyne Peter M.
Published: October 2023

One-third of all elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are threatened with extinction. Euryhaline and estuarine generalist elasmobranchs are a group of 29 species that occupy non-marine environments during particular life-stages. These species are poorly known and disproportionately threatened, with 72.4% at risk of extinction or Data Deficient. A detailed knowledge of a species’ life history characteristics, movement ecology, habitat use, and population structure are required for the implementation of appropriate management and conservation measures. To date, research on euryhaline and estuarine species has lagged behind marine species. Here, a literature review and gap analysis of the euryhaline and estuarine species was conducted to identify gaps in 14 key parameters required for management. Of the 29 species, only the Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and the Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) had detailed information on a majority of parameters assessed. Nine species lack information on most parameters, while the Broadnose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus springeri) lacks information on all but one of the parameters investigated. There is a high level of understanding of age- and size-at-maturity, size-at-birth, and growth for only five species, while nine species have estimates of natural mortality. Comprehensive reproductive biology data is unavailable for six species. Both short- and long-term movement ecology is well-understood for only two species, and habitat use for six species. Population structure has been studied in only eight species. Data on key life history parameters, population structure, and habitat requirements of the euryhaline and estuarine elasmobranchs are urgently required to develop appropriate management strategies and to secure populations.
Independent postulates for subjective expected utility
Authors: Harju Mikko , Liesiö Juuso , Virtanen Kai
Published: October 2023

Although the subjective expected utility (SEU) theory is more than 60 years old, it was recently discovered by Hartmann (Econometrica 88(1):203–205, 2020, https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA17428) that one of the original seven postulates is redundant, i.e., it is implied by the other six postulates. In this brief communication, we show that this redundant axiom is the only one that is implied by the other axioms, thereby establishing that the remaining six postulates form an independent axiomatic system. This result further streamlines the preference assumptions underlying the SEU theory.
Sub-Chronic Ketamine Administration Increases Dopamine Synthesis Capacity in the Mouse Midbrain: a Preclinical In Vivo PET Study
Authors: Petty Alice , Garcia-Hidalgo Anna , Halff Els F , Natesan Sridhar , Withers Dominic J , Irvine Elaine E , Kokkinou Michelle , Wells Lisa A , Bonsall David R , Tang Sac-Pham , Veronese Mattia , Howes Oliver D
Published: October 2023

Purpose

There is robust evidence that people with schizophrenia show elevated dopamine (DA) synthesis capacity in the striatum. This finding comes from positron emission tomography (PET) studies using radiolabelled l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA). DA synthesis capacity also appears to be elevated in the midbrain of people with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. We therefore aimed to optimise a method to quantify 18F-DOPA uptake in the midbrain of mice, and to utilise this method to quantify DA synthesis capacity in the midbrain of the sub-chronic ketamine model of schizophrenia-relevant hyperdopaminergia.

Procedures

Adult male C57Bl6 mice were treated daily with either ketamine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (saline) for 5 days. On day 7, animals were administered 18F-DOPA (i.p.) and scanned in an Inveon PET/CT scanner. Data from the saline-treated group were used to optimise an atlas-based template to position the midbrain region of interest and to determine the analysis parameters which resulted in the greatest intra-group consistency. These parameters were then used to compare midbrain DA synthesis capacity (KiMod) between ketamine- and saline-treated animals.

Results

Using an atlas-based template to position the 3.7 mm3 midbrain ROI with a T*–Tend window of 15–140 min to estimate KiMod resulted in the lowest intra-group variability and moderate test–retest agreement. Using these parameters, we found that KiMod was elevated in the midbrain of ketamine-treated animals in comparison to saline-treated animals (t(22) = 2.19, p = 0.048). A positive correlation between DA synthesis capacity in the striatum and the midbrain was also evident in the saline-treated animals (r2 = 0.59, p = 0.005) but was absent in ketamine-treated animals (r2 = 0.004, p = 0.83).

Conclusions

Using this optimised method for quantifying 18F-DOPA uptake in the midbrain, we found that elevated striatal DA synthesis capacity in the sub-chronic ketamine model extends to the midbrain. Interestingly, the dysconnectivity between the midbrain and striatum seen in this model is also evident in the clinical population. This model may therefore be ideal for assessing novel compounds which are designed to modulate pre-synaptic DA synthesis capacity.
Impact of different processing techniques (chemical, heating and sonication) on physicochemical and microbial characterization of kinnow-whey based beverage
Authors: Siddique Farzana , Hussain Ashiq , Noreen Saima , Arif Muhammad Rehan , Yaqub Shazia , Batool Syeda Ayesha , Iqbal Aqsa , Fatima Haya , Gorsi Faiza Iftikhar , Iqbal Ammad , Korma Sameh A. , Mahdi Amer Ali
Published: October 2023

Whey beverages that have been added with fruits pulp have always been remained the priority demand of food consumers, but loss of nutritional contents and microbial safety of such beverages is always matter of concern of food producers. To overcome these issues food experts are always in try to find out the processing and preservation techniques for safety of these beverages. In present study kinnow-whey beverage was prepared by addition of kinnow concentrate and acidic whey, at optimum concentrations. Effect of different processing techniques on the physicochemical properties, microbial inactivation, and sensory characteristics of beverage were investigated during 90 days of storage. The outcomes of pasteurization were compared with non-thermal techniques, such as use of preservatives and sonication (20 kHz frequency, 70% amplitude and 5, 10 and 15 min). pH values of all the treatments were reduced, whereas titratable acidity was increased significantly, during storage. There was a significant increase in the brix, viscosity and total solids, with the increase in the storage period. Highest values obtained for brix, viscosity and total solids were T3 (14.32°), T3 (15.13 cP), and T3 (15.13 mg/L) after 90 days storage, respectively. Total plate count (TPC) and yeast and mold count were increased during prolong storage in all treatments. Results showed that the maximum TPC was noted in T0 (2.9 × 104 cfu/ml) at 90 days, while minimum TPC was observed in T5 (0.8 × 104 cfu/ml) at start of study. Similarly, maximum yeast and mold count were noted in T1 (3.2 × 104 cfu/ml) at 90 days whereas, minimum yeast and mold count was observed in T5 (0.1 × 104 cfu/ml) at start of study. Overall acceptability of beverage was highest in 15 min sonicated treatments. It was concluded that the beverages processed with sonication (15 min) demonstrated better stability and sensory attributes compared to other techniques.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A Hierarchical Algorithm Model for the Scheduling Problem of Cold Chain Logistics Distribution Vehicles Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Sun Yingsun
Published: October 2023

With the continuous development of the market economy, the professional degree of the logistics industry is constantly improving, while the logistics distribution industry is also developing rapidly. The logistics distribution of the cold chain supply chain involves multiple distribution points, and the distance and time relationship between the distribution points are often not fully considered in the route planning, resulting in low distribution efficiency. The hierarchical algorithm model based on machine vision can solve the above problems to a certain extent. This paper takes two cold chain supply chain enterprises as the main research body, analyzes how to choose two kinds of COD and CCD sensors using machine vision, and the number of distribution vehicle scheduling. The simulation experiment was performed and at the end of the article it is summarized and discussed. According to the data sample, the two enterprises have the largest number of people satisfied with the supply chain logistics and distribution vehicle scheduling, but the number of people dissatisfied with enterprise A is 6 and 12% of the total. The number of people dissatisfied with enterprise B is 16 and 32% of the total number, It can be seen that although the number of people satisfied with the two enterprises is large, the number of people dissatisfied with enterprise B far exceeds that of enterprise A. At the same time, with the continuous research of supply chain logistics distribution vehicle scheduling, the research on machine vision is also facing new opportunities and challenges.
Investigating mechanosensitive channels activation in concert with the mechanical properties of red blood cells
Authors: Braidotti Nicoletta , Ciubotaru Catalin Dacian , Rizzo Davide , Bergamo Lorenzo , Bernareggi Annalisa , Cojoc Dan
Published: October 2023

The activity of the mechanosensitive Ca2+ permeable channels expressed in the membrane of the red blood cells (RBC) is determined both by the mechanical stimuli and the mechanical properties of the cell. Therefore, it is of most importance to correlate the triggering stimulus with the mechanical properties. In this paper, we propose an approach to determine the activation pressure of the mechanosensitive channels and concomitantly evaluate cell mechanical properties as Young’s Modulus, membrane tension and viscosity, for individual cells. Cell deformation was accomplished by micropipette aspiration with a controlled pressure ramp and recorded by brightfield imaging to determine the mechanical properties. The Ca2+ transient was concomitantly monitored by fluorescence imaging, to get the activation pressure. The technique was validated comparing the behavior of three pools of RBCs, probed at different intervals of time after the cell suspension preparation by the same mechanical stimuli. We found relevant changes of the activation pressure, associated with the alteration of the mechanical properties, the latest becoming significant with the passage of time. Our approach opens a new direction to investigate the correlation between mechanosensitivity and mechanical properties for individual RBCs, which can be extended to other cells, in suspension or plated, under controlled environmental conditions.
Blue carbon gain by plant invasion in saltmarsh overcompensated carbon loss by land reclamation
Authors: Zhou Jinge , Zhang Jingfan , Chen Yaping , Qin Guoming , Cui Bo , Lu Zhe , Wu Jingtao , Huang Xingyun , Thapa Poonam , Li Hui , Wang Faming
Published: October 2023

Saltmarsh is a major contributor to global blue carbon (C) sink. However, plant invasion and anthropic activities have greatly altered its distribution and its blue C function in the last decades. We used remote sensing and data synthesis to investigate how the four decades of plant invasion and land reclamation affect the spatiotemporal variation of blue C in Yancheng saltmarshes, the largest coastal ecosystem in eastern China. We revealed that the invasion of exotic cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, greatly increased the regional blue C storage, mainly by the seaward expansion of cordgrass in mudflats and its high ecosystem C stock. The iconic Suaeda salsa “Red Beach” marshes shrank by 90%, mainly due to reed occupation by the native reed, Phragmites australis. Phragmites australis marsh area was greatly occupied by reclamation, but well offset by its intrusion into Suaeda salsa. The blue C gain by cordgrass invasion overcompensated C loss due to land reclamation and the loss of “Red Beach”. Our findings highlight that coastal blue C is greatly regulated by vegetation coverage, and the seaward cordgrass invasion can benefit the saltmarsh C sequestration. Such a similar process may apply in other regions of the world, with potentially large implications for blue C sinks.

Graphical Abstract
What is the Cow-Calf Economics of Genetic Panel Scores for Feedlot Traits?
Authors: Garrison Greg L. , Brorsen B. Wade , Biermacher Jon T. , DeVuyst Eric A. , Bancroft Andrew , Whitley Evan M.
Published: October 2023

Past research has only studied genetic panel scores and feedlot performance. This research combines impacts of genetic panel scores on a cow-calf operation with previously estimated feedlot impacts to evaluate the potential for misaligned economic incentives in the beef industry. Calves that were higher genetic scores for two carcass traits, marbling and tenderness, had lower weaning weights and lower net returns. Correlations between genetic traits and cow size were small and mostly insignificant. The sum of the effects on feedlot and cow-calf sectors of a one-unit higher panel score totaled $-2.83 per cow year for marbling and $-4.93 per cow year for tenderness.
Beyond Peace and Security: The UN Transition Assistance Group in Namibia and its Importance for Contemporary Constitution-Making
Authors: Birkenkötter Hannah
Published: October 2023

In her article “Constitution-Making as a Technique of International Law: Reconsidering the Post-war Inheritance,” Anna Saunders focuses on constitution-making as an international practice of the past three decades and suggests that its “epistemic boundaries”—namely, the separation between the formal and material dimensions of constitution-making and the latter's exclusion from contemporary constitution-making assistance—were primarily established by scholarly work on constitution-making in the post-war era. Saunders explicitly acknowledges that her account is not the only possible history of constitution-making assistance. In this essay, I add a different layer to that history, focusing on the UN Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) in Namibia. UNTAG is often considered the first instance of international constitution-making assistance, a practice that is generally understood to have emerged after the end of the Cold War. However, UNTAG's mandate, including its constitution-making assistance component, was in fact conceived many years before its actual deployment, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. The essay shows that UN constitution-making assistance pre-dates the end of the Cold War and is linked to UN efforts to forge modern nation-states in the context of decolonization. I argue that this early case of constitution-making practice was an important blueprint for further iterations of international constitution-making assistance, not least because of the continuous involvement of individual international civil servants. Lastly, the case of Namibia is significantly different from the cases that inspired scholarly work in the post-war era, and we might ask to what extent the post-war inheritance affected this early international practice. I end with a brief reflection on Saunders's call to address the material dimension of constitution-making and caution against overemphasizing substantive questions in constitution-making assistance.
Case study of semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes: An application of the Causal Roadmap to a hybrid design for augmenting an RCT control arm with real-world data
Authors: Dang Lauren E. , Fong Edwin , Tarp Jens Magelund , Clemmensen Kim Katrine Bjerring , Ravn Henrik , Kvist Kajsa , Buse John B. , van der Laan Mark , Petersen Maya
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Increasing interest in real-world evidence has fueled the development of study designs incorporating real-world data (RWD). Using the Causal Roadmap, we specify three designs to evaluate the difference in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with oral semaglutide versus standard-of-care: (1) the actual sequence of non-inferiority and superiority randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (2) a single RCT, and (3) a hybrid randomized-external data study.

Methods:

The hybrid design considers integration of the PIONEER 6 RCT with RWD controls using the experiment-selector cross-validated targeted maximum likelihood estimator. We evaluate 95% confidence interval coverage, power, and average patient time during which participants would be precluded from receiving a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) for each design using simulations. Finally, we estimate the effect of oral semaglutide on MACE for the hybrid PIONEER 6-RWD analysis.

Results:

In simulations, Designs 1 and 2 performed similarly. The tradeoff between decreased coverage and patient time without the possibility of a GLP1-RA for Designs 1 and 3 depended on the simulated bias. In real data analysis using Design 3, external controls were integrated in 84% of cross-validation folds, resulting in an estimated risk difference of –1.53%-points (95% CI –2.75%-points to –0.30%-points).

Conclusions:

The Causal Roadmap helps investigators to minimize potential bias in studies using RWD and to quantify tradeoffs between study designs. The simulation results help to interpret the level of evidence provided by the real data analysis in support of the superiority of oral semaglutide versus standard-of-care for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Post-crisis Emergency Legislation Consolidation: Regulatory Quality Principles for Good Times Only?
Authors: Staronova Katarina , Lacková Nina , Sloboda Matúš
Published: October 2023

This article analyses how emergency legislation has affected law-making and regulatory quality principles (RQPs) before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) from stakeholders’ perspectives. It takes Slovakia as a case study, as this country was considered a high performer in the adoption of RQPs before the crisis, while empirical findings suggest a subsequent decline in their use. We argue that formal RQPs are not deeply embedded and are vulnerable to crises. In doing so, we conceptually distinguish between standard (fully following the RQPs), emergency (modified to accommodate crisis) and non-standard law-making (violating formal rules and the RQPs). In the transition from a crisis to a post-crisis context, the deployment of both emergency and non-standard law-making has become relatively permanent without proper justification having been provided. This reinforces the notion that RQPs and governance legitimacy became less important for the executive than in the pre-crisis period and emergency and non-standard regulatory law-making became institutionalised as new norms of swift law-making. All of these factors prevent stakeholders from being informed and from engaging in deliberation, which jeopardises the legitimacy of post-crisis law-making governance.