bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic Effect of Nobiletin via Gut Microbiota‐Metabolism Axis on Hyperglycemic Mice
Authors: Liao Xiaoshan , Zou Jiaxuan , Wu Mengting , Deng Yudi , Shi Jinwei , Hao Yuting , Deng Hong , Liao Wenzhen
Published: March 2023

Scope

Prediabetes and diabetes are major public health problems worldwide without specific cure currently. Gut microbes have been recognized as one of the vital therapeutic targets for diabetes. The exploration that nobiletin (NOB) whether affects gut microbes provides a scientific basis for its application.

Methods and results

A hyperglycemia animal model is established using high‐fat‐fed ApoE−/− mice. After 24 weeks of NOB intervention, the level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and glycosylated serum protein (GSP) are measured. Pancreas integrity is observed by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy. 16s RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics are to determine the changes of intestinal microbial composition and metabolic pathways. The levels of FBG and GSP in hyperglycemic mice are effectively reduced. The secretory function of pancreas is improved. Meanwhile, NOB treatment restored the gut microbial composition and affected metabolic function. Furthermore, NOB treatment regulates the metabolic disorder mainly through lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and Secondary bile acid metabolism, etc. In addition, it is possibly existed mutual promotion between microbe and metabolites.

Conclusion

NOB probably plays a vital role in the hypoglycemic effect and pancreatic islets protection by improving microbiota composition and gut metabolism.
Increased risk of depression after Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Levison Lotte Sahin , Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Andersen Henning
Published: March 2023

Introduction/Aims

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a potentially life‐threatening disorder, and some patients may develop subsequent depression related to traumatic stress or permanent loss of motor function. We determined the short‐term (0 to 2 years) and long‐term (>2 years) risk of depression after GBS.

Methods

Individual‐level data from nationwide registries were linked in this population‐based cohort study of all first‐time hospital‐diagnosed GBS patients in Denmark between 2005 and 2016 and individuals from the general population. After exclusion of individuals with previous depression, we computed cumulative rates of depression, defined as either antidepressant drug prescription or depression hospital diagnosis. We used Cox regression analyses to calculate adjusted depression hazard ratios (HRs) after GBS.

Results

We identified 853 incident GBS patients and recruited 8639 individuals from the general population. Depression within 2 years was observed in 21.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.2% to 25.0%) of GBS patients and in 3.3% (95% CI, 2.9% to 3.7%) of those in the general population, resulting in a HR of 7.6 (95% CI, 6.2 to 9.3). The highest depression HR was observed within the first 3 months after GBS (HR, 20.5; 95% CI, 13.6 to 30.9). After the first 2 years, GBS patients and the general population members had similar long‐term depression risks with an HR of 0.8 (95% CI, 0.6 to 1.2).

Discussion

During the first 2 years after GBS hospital admission, patients with GBS had a 7.6‐fold increased hazard of depression compared with individuals in the general population. Two years after GBS, the risk of depression was similar to that of the background population.
Fetal bladder morphology as a predictor of outcome in fetal lower urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Shannon Kara J. , VanLoh Sarah , Espinoza Jimmy , Sanz‐Cortes Magdalena , Donepudi Roopali , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Koh Chester J. , Roth David R. , Braun Michael C. , Angelo Joseph , Belfort Michael A. , Nassr Ahmed A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

We evaluate survival of fetuses with severe Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO) based on bladder morphology. We hypothesize that fetuses with a “floppy” appearing bladder on initial prenatal ultrasound will have worse infant outcomes than fetuses with full/rounded bladders.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of LUTO evaluated in our fetal center between January 2013 and December 2021. Ultrasonographic assessment, renal biochemistry, and bladder refilling contributed to a “favorable” or “unfavorable” evaluation. Bladder morphology on initial ultrasound was classified as “floppy” or “full/rounded.” Vesicoamniotic shunting was offered for favorably evaluated fetuses. Baseline demographics, ultrasound parameters, prenatal evaluations of fetal renal function, and infant outcomes were collected. Fetuses diagnosed with severe LUTO were included in analysis using descriptive statistics. The primary outcome measured was survival at 6 months of life.

Results

104 LUTO patients were evaluated; 24 were included in analysis. Infant survival rate at 6 months was 60% for rounded bladders and 0% for floppy bladders (p = 0.003). Bladder refill adequacy was lower in fetuses with floppy bladders compared with rounded bladders (p value < 0.00001).

Conclusion

We propose that bladder morphology in fetuses with severe LUTO may be a prognostication factor for predicting infant outcomes and provides a valuable, noninvasive assessment tool.
Cross‐Link‐Dependent Ionogel‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators with Slippery and Antireflective Properties
Authors: Wu Yinghong , Cuthbert Tyler J. , Luo Yang , Chu Paul K. , Menon Carlo
Published: March 2023

Given the ability to convert various ambient unused mechanical energies into useful electricity, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are gaining interest since their inception. Recently, ionogel‐based TENGs (I‐TENGs) have attracted increasing attention because of their excellent thermal stability and adjustable ionic conductivity. However, previous studies on ionogels mainly pursued the device performance or applications under harsh conditions, whereas few have investigated the structure–property relationships of components to performance. The results indicate that the ionogel formulation—composed of a crosslinking monomer with an ionic liquid—affects the conductivity of the ionogel by modulating the cross‐link density. In addition, the ratio of cross‐linker to ionic liquid is important to ensure the formation of efficient charge channels, yet increasing ionic liquid content delivers diminishing returns. The ionogels are then used in I‐TENGs to harvest water droplet energy and the performance is correlated to the ionogels structure–property relationships. Improvement of the energy harvesting is further explored by the introduction of surface polymer brushes on I‐TENGs via a facile and universal method, which enhances droplet sliding by means of ideal surface contact angle hysteresis and improves its anti‐reflective properties by employing the I‐TENG as a surface covering for solar cells.
Achieving Extreme Pressure Resistance to Liquids on a Super‐Omniphobic Surface with Armored Reentrants
Authors: Sun Pengcheng , Jin Yuankai , Yin Yingying , Wu Chenyang , Song Chuanhui , Feng Yawei , Zhou Peiyang , Qin Xuezhi , Niu Yusheng , Liu Qiankai , Zhang Jie , Wang Zuankai , Hao Xiuqing
Published: March 2023

Static repellency and pressure resistance to liquids are essential for high‐performance super‐omniphobic surfaces. However, these two merits appear mutually exclusive in conventional designs because of their conflicting structural demands: Static liquid repellency necessitates minimal solid–liquid contact, which in turn inevitably undercuts the surface's ability to resist liquid invasion exerted by the elevated pressure. Here, inspired by the Springtail, these two merits can be simultaneously realized by structuring surfaces at two size scales, with a micrometric reentrant structure providing static liquid repellency and a nanometric reentrant structure providing pressure resistance, which dexterously avoids the dilemma of their structural conflicts. The nanometric reentrants are densely packed on the micrometric ones, serving as “armor” that prevents liquids invasion by generating multilevel energy barriers, thus naming the surface as the armored reentrants (AR) surface. The AR surface could repel liquids with very low surface tensions, such as silicone oil (21 mN m−1), and simultaneously resist great pressure from the liquids, exemplified by enduring the impact of low‐surface‐tension liquids under a high weber number (>400), the highest‐pressure resistance ever reported. With its scalable fabrication and enhanced performance, our design could extend the application scope of liquid‐repellent surfaces toward ultimate industrial settings.
Effect of organic and inorganic manganese supplementation on performance and eggshell quality in aged laying hens
Authors: Zarghi Heydar , Hassanabadi Ahmad , Barzegar Nafise
Published: March 2023

Background

Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element for laying hen's nutrition, which is required in small amounts in the diet. Its deficiency results in lowered production performance and eggshell quality.

Objectives

This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different sources and levels of Mn on egg production performance and eggshell quality in aged laying hens.

Methods

A total of 720, 83‐week‐old Hy‐Line W‐36 laying hens were fed a non‐Mn supplemented basal diet for 4‐week (to ime Mn‐exhaustion of body) and then were allocated to a completely randomized design with 10 treatments, six replicates and 12 birds each. Concentration of Mn in the non‐Mn supplemented basal diet was 10.34 mg/kg (treatment 1), the added doses of dietary Mn were included 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of three different sources (Mn‐oxide, Mn‐sulphate, and Mn‐organic) for treatments 2‐10, respectively. The experiment lasted for 12 week.

Results

Dietary supplementation with either organic or inorganic Mn sources significantly enhanced egg production (EP), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative eggshell weight (RESW) compared with the non‐Mn supplemented diet. However, the experimental diets did not influence feed intake (FI), egg weight, and other eggshell quality traits. Based on the broken line regression models, the performance traits were optimized at 30–40 mg/kg Mn concentration when supplemented by Mn‐sulphate or Mn‐organic. Although, it was 80–90 mg/kg when supplemented by Mn‐oxide. The relative bio‐efficacy of inorganic Mn sources include Mn‐oxide and Mn‐sulphate in compare with Mn‐organic were estimated 45% and 87% (for EP trait), 30% and 94% (for EM trait), 36% and 99% (for FCR trait), and 37% and 78% (for RESW trait), respectively.

Conclusions

In the aged laying hens, Mn requirement is higher than the NRC's recommendation. Sulphate and organic sources of Mn are more effective than Mn‐oxide.
Islands in the fluid: islands are common in cosmology
Authors: Ben-Dayan Ido , Hadad Merav , Wildenhain Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We discuss the possibility of entanglement islands in cosmological spacetimes with a general perfect fluid with an equation of state w. We find that flat universes with time-symmetric slices where the Hubble parameter vanishes always have islands on that slice. We then move away from such slices, considering still universes with a general perfect fluid. Under the local thermal equilibrium assumption, the comoving entropy density sc is constant. As a result, the conditions for an island become an inequality between the energy density (or Hubble parameter) and the temperature at some time of normalization. The consequences are that islands can exist for practically all fluids that are not radiation, i.e. w ≠ 1/3. We also discuss the ramifications of our results for universes with spatial curvature. Finally, we show that islands occur in the Simple Harmonic Universe model which has no classical singularity at the background level, in contrast to all previous examples where islands occurred only in space-times with singularities.
Closed string theory without level-matching at the free level
Authors: Erbin Harold , Médevielle Maxime
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In its traditional form, the string field in closed string field theory is constrained by the level-matching condition, which is imposed beside the action. By analogy with the similar problem for the Ramond sector, it was understood by Okawa and Sakaguchi how to lift this condition and work with unconstrained field by introducing spurious free fields. These authors also pointed out that new backgrounds may exist thanks to a new gauge field which is trivial on flat space, but can generate fluxes on a toroidal background. In this paper, we perform a complete study of the free theory at the tachyonic and massless levels with the aim of setting the stage for studying backgrounds without level-matching.
(Anti-)Stokes scattering on kinks
Authors: Evslin Jarah , Liu Hui
Published: March 2023

Abstract

At leading order, there are three inelastic scattering processes beginning with a quantum kink and a fundamental meson. Meson multiplication, in which the final state is a kink and two mesons, was treated recently. In this note we treat the other two, (anti)-Stokes scattering, in which the kink’s shape mode is (de-)excited and the final state contains one meson. In the case of a general scalar kink, we find analytic formulas for the forward and backward scattering amplitudes and probabilities as functions of the momentum of the incident meson. The general results are then specialized to the kink of the ϕ4 double-well model.
Separable Cowreaths Over Clifford Algebras
Authors: Menini Claudia , Torrecillas Blas
Published: March 2023

The fundamental notion of separability for commutative algebras was interpreted in categorical setting where also the stronger notion of heavily separability was introduced. These notions were extended to (co)algebras in monoidal categories, in particular to cowreaths. In this paper, we consider the cowreath $$ \left( A\otimes H_{4}^{op}, H_{4}, \psi \right) $$

A
⊗

H

4

op

,

H
4

,
ψ

, where $$H_{4}$$

H
4

is the Sweedler 4-dimensional Hopf algebra over a field k and $$A=Cl(\alpha , \beta , \gamma )$$

A
=
C
l
(
α
,
β
,
γ
)

is the Clifford algebra generated by two elements G, X with relations $$G^{2}=\alpha $$

G
2

=
α

, $$X^{2}=\beta $$

X
2

=
β

and $$XG+GX=\gamma $$

X
G
+
G
X
=
γ

, $$ (\alpha , \beta , \gamma \in k $$

(
α
,
β
,
γ
∈
k

) which becomes naturally an $$H_{4}$$

H
4

-comodule algebra. We show that, when $$\textrm{char}\left( k \right) \ne 2, $$

char

k

≠
2
,

this cowreath is always separable and h-separable as well.
Development of low content Ti-x%wt. Mg alloys by mechanical milling plus hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Carvajal Alex Humberto Restrepo , Ríos Jesús María , Zuleta Alejandro Alberto , Bolívar Francisco Javier , Castaño Juan Guillermo , Correa Esteban , Echeverria Félix , Lambrecht Mickaël , Lasanta María Isabel , Trujillo Francisco Javier Pérez
Published: March 2023

Several authors have shown promising results using Ti and Mg to develop materials that combine the benefits of these two metals, such as their low density and absence of harmful second phases, which makes them attractive for aerospace and biomedical applications as well as for hydrogen storage. However, titanium and magnesium are almost immiscible and there are great differences in processing temperatures of these two metals. Within the techniques reported in the literature for obtaining Ti-Mg alloys, powder metallurgy and high-energy ball milling are possibly the most popular. In this work, Ti and Mg powders were mixed using a high-energy ball mill and subsequently these mixes were sintered by hot isostatic pressing (HIP), under various conditions, to obtain Ti-Mg alloys with Mg %wt. close to the limit of solubility (x < 2%wt.). The results showed the influence of the sintering parameters in the microstructure of the sintered material, which allowed us to obtain a Ti-Mg alloy instead of a composite material.
Der Übergabeprozess in der zentralen Notaufnahme – Konsentierung von Inhalten im Rahmen eines Delphi-Verfahrens
Authors: Gräff I. , Pin M. , Ehlers P. , Schacher S. , Hossfeld B. , Strametz R. , Matthes G. , Gries A. , Seidel M.
Published: March 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Für die Übergabe in der Notaufnahme – der Nahtstelle von prähospitaler zu klinischer Versorgung – stellen Merkhilfen („mnemonics“) das „Rückgrat“ für eine strukturierte Übermittlung von relevanten Informationen dar. In Deutschland existiert bis zum heutigen Tag keine Standardisierung bzw. konkrete Vorgabe, welche Merkhilfe zur Übergabe genutzt werden soll. Die vorliegende Untersuchung definiert erstmalig anhand eines strukturierten und mehrstufigen Konsentierungsprozesses (Delphi-Verfahren) von Experten (Mandatsträgern), welche Übergabeinhalte für erforderlich gehalten werden. Ziel dabei ist die Schaffung einer Grundlage zur Entwicklung einer bundeseinheitlichen Merkhilfe.

Methodik

Durchgeführt wurde ein Delphi-Verfahren, welches sich an den Regularien der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der wissenschaftlichen medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e. V. (AWMF) orientiert.

Ergebnisse

Im Rahmen des durchgeführten Delphi-Verfahrens konnte neben konkreten Inhalten der Merkhilfe auch deren Reihenfolge festgelegt werden. Übergabeinhalte wurden zu den Punkten Crew Resource Management (CRM) und Patientenidentifikation, Beschreibung der Notfallsituation, Notfallpriorität (ABCDE-Schema) und Vitalparameter, durchgeführte Maßnahmen, Anamnese, Zusammenfassung mit der Möglichkeit für Rückfragen durch das übernehmende Team sowie Zeitdauer definiert.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit bilden die evidenzbasierte Grundlage für die Entwicklung einer konkreten Merkhilfe („mnemonic“). Weitere Untersuchungen sollten sich nach Entwicklung einer geeigneten Merkhilfe darauf fokussieren, diese im Rahmen einer (prä-)klinischen Anwendungsstudie auf Praxistauglichkeit zu testen. Gleichzeitig sollte ein entsprechendes Schulungskonzept ausgearbeitet werden. Langfristig wird als Ziel eine bundesweit einheitliche Einführung angestrebt.
Commutative Objects, Central Morphisms and Subtractors in Subtractive Categories
Authors: Shaumbwa Vaino Tuhafeni
Published: March 2023

We give some characterizations of commutative objects in a subtractive category and central morphisms in a regular subtractive category. In particular, we show that commutative objects, i.e., internal unitary magmas, are the same as internal abelian groups in a subtractive category and that analogously, centrality has an alternative description in terms of so-called “subtractors” in a regular subtractive category.
Determinants of overfunding in reward-based crowdfunding
Authors: Pinkow Felix
Published: March 2023

While research on factors contributing to the success of a reward-based crowdfunding project is abundant, research dedicated to projects that were not only successful, but received significantly more funds than initially targeted—overfunded projects—is still scarce. Following a qualitative case-study approach, this study sought to shed light on this phenomenon through examining expert interviews with supporters and team members of an overfunded crowdfunding project considered a critical case. The results are divided into three phases that differentiate characteristics ascribed to the crowd, the project, and the communication. The main findings highlight the central role of the project founders’ reputation and experience, that a positive sentiment among the crowd towards the project must be encouraged and maintained and that the core target group must be correctly identified and attracted. This core target group is crucial for attracting a broader audience, a mechanism that is supported if the project benefits from network effects. A narrative of the project as a vision or ‘dream’ of the project founders thereby contributes to creating a hype and ‘social buzz’. Ultimately, this study contributes to reward-based crowdfunding literature through offering novel insights on project overfunding and illustrating possibilities for new and small ventures how to attract and maintain customers through reward-based crowdfunding.
Surgical resection and orbital iodine-125 brachytherapy for orbital malignancy: a novel treatment for orbital lymphoma
Authors: Ma Nan , Wang Ping , Zhang Shaobo , Ning Xiaona , Guo Chenjun , Zhang Qiong , Cheng Qilin , Zhao Jinbo , Li Yangjun
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Orbital lymphoma is one of the most common adult orbital malignancies, accounting for approximately 10% of all orbital tumors. This study aimed to analyze the effects of surgical resection and orbital iodine-125 brachytherapy implantation for orbital lymphoma.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective study. Clinical data of 10 patients were collected from October 2016 to November 2018 and followed up to March 2022. Patients underwent the primary surgery for maximal safe removal of the tumor. After a pathologic diagnosis of a primary orbital lymphoma was established, iodine-125 seed tubes were designed based on the tumor size and invasion range, and direct vision was placed into the nasolacrimal canal or/and under the orbital periosteum around the resection cavity during the secondary surgery. Then, follow-up data, including the general situation, ocular condition, and tumor recurrence, were recorded.

Results

Of the 10 patients, the pathologic diagnoses included extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (6 cases), small lymphocytic lymphoma (1 case), mantle cell lymphoma (2 cases), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1 case). The number of seeds implanted ranged from 16 to 40. The follow-up period ranged between 40 and 65 months. All patients in this study were alive and well had tumors that were completely controlled. No tumor recurrences or metastases occurred. Three patients had dry eye syndrome and two patients had abnormal facial sensation. No patient had radiodermatitis involving the skin around the eye, and no patient had radiation-related ophthalmopathy.

Conclusions

Based on preliminary observations, iodine-125 brachytherapy implantation appeared to be a reasonable alternative to external irradiation for orbital lymphoma.
Production of Polymer Hydrogel Composites and Their Applications
Authors: El Sayed Marwa M.
Published: March 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked stable network insoluble in water, which gives them a remarkable capacity to absorb both water and biological fluids. Hydrogel has been synthesized from natural or synthetic polymers and/or monomers, which have made tremendous advancements in many different applications. Composite hydrogel is a type of hydrogel prepared by grafting hydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyl (–OH), carboxylic acid (–COOH), imide (–CONH), sulfonic acid (–SO3H), amine (–NH2), and amide (–CONH2), into the polymer chain’s backbone and adding some additives such as kaolin, zeolite, or even different types of nanoparticles. Whereas the polymeric composite hydrogels exhibit stimuli for different properties such as pH, temperature, or light, which may affect swelling, mechanical properties, and self-healing, which in turn play vital roles in different areas. Hence, numerous efforts have been made to synthesize polymer-based composited hydrogels via physical or chemical crosslinking techniques to enhance their physiochemical, biological, and many other properties. Many researchers are currently paying attention to hydrogels and their applications, including wastewater treatment and purification, medical and biomedical applications, agricultural applications, and many other industrial applications. The aim of this review is to summarize the classification of composite hydrogels based on their chemical and physical crosslinking techniques, in addition to the different polymers and additives used to prepare composite hydrogels. Furthermore, the impact of hydrogel on health and the environment has been discussed. Other significant issues were also presented, including the challenges that face hydrogel production and application, which have been discussed.
ASCO-OFDM based VLC system throughput improvement using PAPR precoding reduction techniques
Authors: Farid Sara M. , Saleh Mona Z. , Elbadawy Hesham M. , Elramly Salwa H.
Published: March 2023

The huge bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference make visible light communication (VLC) systems the preferred technique for many applications. Unfortunately, the superposition of multiple subcarriers in VLC orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems leads to a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). So, in this study, we aim to reduce PAPR in VLC systems and improve the system performance by proposing non-distorting PAPR reduction techniques like precoding techniques as it doesn’t affect the system data rate because they do not require any obligatory transmission of side information. Moreover, it has a very good ability to reduce the PAPR without affecting the system BER performance. So, different precoding reduction techniques are proposed like discrete cosine transform (DCT), discrete sine transform (DST), discrete Hatley transform (DHT), and Vandermonde like matrix (VLM), to address the high PAPR and light-emitting diode-restricted linear range problems in VLC systems. The proposed technique using DHT, DCT, DST, and VLM provided a significant advantage in reducing the PAPR by 1.35 dB, 1.46 dB, 2.12 dB, and 2.17 dB, respectively. So the proposed technique is based on using the VLM precoding technique to achieve maximum reachable PAPR reduction value. Also, a comparison of the presented work and related literature reviews for PAPR reduction techniques are held to ensure the validity and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The Decline of Freedom of Expression and Social Vulnerability in Western democracy
Authors: Masferrer Aniceto
Published: March 2023

Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of living in a free and open society and, above all, a basic need of every human being and a requirement to attain happiness. Its absence has relevant consequences, not only for individuals but also for the whole social community. This might explain why freedom of expression was, along with other freedoms (conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion, including that of the press and other media of communication; peaceful assembly; and association), at the core of liberal constitutionalism, and constitutes, since the Second World War, an essential element of constitutional democracies. In a democracy, people should be allowed to express themselves to others freely. The paper, which is divided into five sections, points out that states are obliged to protect the exercise of that freedom not only because its very purpose is the common good and welfare of society but also because it is a requirement of any constitutional democracy. Otherwise, when people cannot express themselves, perhaps out of fear (not from ‘war’ but from different kinds of social pressure or ‘violence’ exerted by some lobbies, mass media, or governmental policies that are at odds with respect for the plurality of opinions), vulnerability arises. This weakens not only those individuals that are not allowed to express their thoughts but also those who do not dare to do it – or even not to think for themselves – under certain environmental pressures (exerted by states, international organizations, social media, or financial groups, lobbies, etc.). In the end, the decline of freedom of expression makes most people more vulnerable and jeopardizes the whole democratic system.
Integrated Geological and Petrophysical Approaches for Characterizing the Pre-Cenomanian Nubian Sandstone Reservoirs in Ramadan Oil Field, Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Saleh Ahmed H. , Hemimey Wafaa A. El , Leila Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

The present study integrates multidisciplinary geological and petrophysical approaches to characterize and evaluate the potential of the pre-Cenomanian Nubian sandstone reservoirs in the Ramadan oil field, the central offshore part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The different petrophysical parameters of the Nubian sandstone reservoirs (shale volume, porosity, water saturation as well as gross and net-pay thicknesses) were mapped, and 3D slicing models for the hydrocarbon phases saturation were constructed to understand the reservoir heterogeneity and the distribution of the best reservoir facies. The petrophysical results of the pre-Cenomanian Nubian succession highlight very good reservoir intervals in the Nubian C sandstones containing thick pay zones (> 120 m). On the other side, the Nubian A and B reservoir rocks are less prospective with pay zone horizons (< 10 m). Integrated reservoir models and wireline log analysis elucidate that clay volume is the most detrimental factor to the reservoir quality as the pay zone thickness and hydrocarbon saturation often increase where the clay volume decreases. Therefore, the presence of scattered pay zone intervals in Nubian A and B is mainly related to their elevated clay content which acts as barriers for fluids flowing within the reservoir facies. The Nubian C succession contains three different reservoir rock types (RRT) with variable compositional and petrophysical properties. RRTI and RRTII sandstones comprise quartzose sandstones with very low clay content (< 10%) and are characterized by an open pore system dominated by macropores. These sandstones are less impacted by overburden pressure and therefore can preserve their depositional porosity and permeability. On the other hand, RRTIII reservoir rocks are clay rich (> 10%) with abundant mesopores that are more prone to compressibility and hence reduction of the pore volume and pore throat. The present study highlights the significance of comprehensive integration between wireline logs, cores, and 3D reservoir models in directing exploration endeavors toward prospective reservoirs in mature basins.
[18F]FDG-PET/CT in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with COVID-19 ARDS and persistent inflammation
Authors: van Leer Bram , van Snick Johannes H. , Londema Mark , Nijsten Maarten W. N. , Kasalak Ömer , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Pillay Janesh
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We report the findings of four critically ill patients who underwent an [18F]FDG-PET/CT because of persistent inflammation during the late phase of their COVID-19.

Methods

Four mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively discussed in a research group to evaluate the added value of [18F]FDG-PET/CT.

Results

Although pulmonary PET/CT findings differed, bilateral lung anomalies could explain the increased CRP and leukocytes in all patients. This underscores the limited ability of the routine laboratory to discriminate inflammation from secondary infections. Based on PET/CT findings, a secondary infection/inflammatory focus was suspected in two patients (pancreatitis and gastritis). Lymphadenopathy was present in patients with a detectable SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Muscle uptake around the hips or shoulders was observed in all patients, possibly due to the process of heterotopic ossification.

Conclusion

This case series illustrates the diagnostic potential of [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging in critically ill patients with persistent COVID-19 for the identification of other causes of inflammation and demonstrates that this technique can be performed safely in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.
Spreadsheets in Secondary School Statistics Education: Using Authentic Data for Computational Thinking
Authors: van Borkulo Sylvia Patricia , Chytas Christos , Drijvers Paul , Barendsen Erik , Tolboom Jos
Published: March 2023

Computational thinking (CT) is gaining attention in education as a part of digital literacy and can be addressed in several disciplines, including mathematics. Through the lens of Brennan and Resnick’s framework, we investigated how computational concepts, practices, and perspectives can be addressed in upper-secondary statistics lessons using spreadsheets through design-based research. Three classes of, in total, 58 16- to 17-year-old 11th-grade students explored several authentic real-life data sets in three 2-h sessions using spreadsheets. We evaluated the intervention by analyzing students’ workbooks, spreadsheet files, interviews, and questionnaires. The findings indicate that (1) students successfully engaged in computational concepts through using formulas, parameters, and conditional statements, (2) fruitfully applied data practices, and (3) demonstrated awareness of the relevance of CT for their everyday and future lives. These results highlight the potential of the use of spreadsheets in secondary school for developing computational thinking skills. Implications for further integration of CT in the mathematics curriculum are discussed.
Beyond the Colours of Hydrogen: Opportunities for Process Systems Engineering in Hydrogen Economy
Authors: Chew Yick Eu , Cheng Xin Hui , Loy Adrian Chun Minh , How Bing Shen , Andiappan Viknesh
Published: March 2023

In the midst of a climate crisis, alternative and low-carbon energy resources must be put to scale in order to achieve carbon emission reductions in the coming decades. In this respect, hydrogen has gained attention as an alternative energy carrier. Hydrogen can be produced from methods that are commonly classified by a range of colours. However, each hydrogen source has its own challenges in terms of energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. This perspective offers insights about the critical role that Process Systems Engineering (PSE) will play in addressing these key challenges. We also present suggestions on possible future PSE studies in the area of the hydrogen economy.
FusaHelp: a web site program for the morphological identification of Fusarium species
Authors: Infantino Alessandro , Grottoli Alessandro , Bergamaschi Valentino , Oufensou Safa , Burgess Lester W , Balmas Virgilio
Published: March 2023

Fusarium is one of the most important phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural and human concern. More than 300 species have been described, many of which are pathogenic to important crops, flowers, forest trees, animals, and humans. Species belonging to this genus have been detected in all environments: grassland, desert, littoral, agricultural, alpine zones, aquatic, man-made, and hospitals. Despite the importance of molecular techniques for the identification of a fungal species, morphological criteria still have an important role, including for Fusarium species, for which morphological identification of species requires adequate training and experience. In this paper, we present FusaHelp, a computer-based, user-friendly tool for the morphological identification of common Fusarium species, based on the wide experience of the authors who have devoted most of their scientific careers to the identification and characterization of these species. The web-location of FusaHelp (https://www.fusahelp.com) will greatly facilitate morphological identification and is intended to provide support for all those people who work with this important genus and need a quick clue on the identification, even incomplete, of the Fusarium species that they are working with.
Digital transformation and marketing: a systematic and thematic literature review
Authors: Cioppi Marco , Curina Ilaria , Francioni Barbara , Savelli Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

This article provides a systematic review of the extensive and fragmented literature focused on Digital Transformation (DT) and marketing by identifying the main themes and perspectives (i.e., employees, customers, and business processes) studied by previous research. By mapping the DT literature in the area of marketing, 117 articles, published between 2014 and 2020, have been identified. Through the adoption of a content analysis process, a multi-dimensional framework synthesizing the DT and marketing binomial has been provided. Results identify two thematical patterns: the macro-themes, related to the main digital technologies adopted within the marketing function, and the micro-themes, related to the effect/impact of these technologies on marketing processes and activities. Concerning the micro-themes, findings show how they have mainly studied from the customer and business processes’ perspectives, thus identifying an interesting research gap related to the analysis of the DT-marketing phenomenon from the employees’ standpoint. Based on these results, the paper derives a research agenda by also providing theoretical and managerial implications. Theoretically, it is the first systematic and thematic review focused on DT and marketing. In particular, it analyses this binomial from a broad and comprehensive perspective, thus offering a synergistic framework of the existing literature, which allows an inclusive vision and understanding about the phenomenon. At the managerial level, the paper could help organizations to enhance their awareness about marketing areas and processes that could better benefit from digitalization, thus driving the overall transition of firms towards DT.
A Multi-level Random Forest Model-Based Intrusion Detection Using Fuzzy Inference System for Internet of Things Networks
Authors: Awotunde Joseph Bamidele , Ayo Femi Emmanuel , Panigrahi Ranjit , Garg Amik , Bhoi Akash Kumar , Barsocchi Paolo
Published: March 2023

Intrusion detection(ID)methods are security frameworks designed to safeguard network information systems. The strength of an intrusion detection method is dependent on the robustness of the feature selection method. This study developed a multi-level random forest algorithm for intrusion detection using a fuzzy inference system. The strengths of the filter and wrapper approaches are combined in this work to create a more advanced multi-level feature selection technique, which strengthens network security. The first stage of the multi-level feature selection is the filter method using a correlation-based feature selection to select essential features based on the multi-collinearity in the data. The correlation-based feature selection used a genetic search method to choose the best features from the feature set. The genetic search algorithm assesses the merits of each attribute, which then delivers the characteristics with the highest fitness values for selection. A rule assessment has also been used to determine whether two feature subsets have the same fitness value, which ultimately returns the feature subset with the fewest features. The second stage is a wrapper method based on the sequential forward selection method to further select top features based on the accuracy of the baseline classifier. The selected top features serve as input into the random forest algorithm for detecting intrusions. Finally, fuzzy logic was used to classify intrusions as either normal, low, medium, or high to reduce misclassification. When the developed intrusion method was compared to other existing models using the same dataset, the results revealed a higher accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of 99.46%, 99.46%, 99.46%, 93.86%, and 99.46%, respectively. The classification of attacks using the fuzzy inference system also indicates that the developed method can correctly classify attacks with reduced misclassification. The use of a multi-level feature selection method to leverage the advantages of filter and wrapper feature selection methods and fuzzy logic for intrusion classification makes this study unique.
Urban Life in the Distant Past
Authors: Smith Michael
Published: March 2023

In this book, Michael Smith offers a comparative and interdisciplinary examination of ancient settlements and cities. Early cities varied considerably in their political and economic organization and dynamics. Smith here introduces a coherent approach to urbanism that is transdisciplinary in scope, scientific in epistemology, and anchored in the urban literature of the social sciences. His new insight is 'energized crowding,' a concept that captures the consequences of social interactions within the built environment resulting from increases in population size and density within settlements. Smith explores the implications of features such as empires, states, markets, households, and neighborhoods for urban life and society through case studies from around the world. Direct influences on urban life – as mediated by energized crowding-are organized into institutional (top-down forces) and generative (bottom-up processes). Smith's volume analyzes their similarities and differences with contemporary cities, and highlights the relevance of ancient cities for understanding urbanism and its challenges today.
Enmity and Violence in Early Modern Europe
Authors: Carroll Stuart
Published: March 2023

In this original study Stuart Carroll transforms our understanding of Europe between 1500 and 1800 by exploring how ordinary people felt about their enemies and the violence it engendered. Enmity, a state or feeling of mutual opposition or hostility, became a major social problem during the transition to modernity. He examines how people used the law, and how they characterised their enmities and expressed their sense of justice or injustice. Through the examples of early modern Italy, Germany, France and England, we see when and why everyday animosities escalated and the attempts of the state to control and even exploit the violence that ensued. This book also examines the communal and religious pressures for peace, and how notions of good neighbourliness and civil order finally worked to underpin trust in the state. Ultimately, enmity is not a relic of the past; it remains one of the greatest challenges to contemporary liberal democracy.
Episcopal Culture in Late Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Giandrea Mary Frances
Published: March 2023

A radical new interpretation of the Anglo-Saxon episcopate, bringing to light previously unused evidence.
Electronic surveillance criteria for non–ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia: Assessment of reliability and validity
Authors: Stern Sarah E. , Christensen Matthew A. , Nevers McKenna R. , Ying Jian , McKenna Caroline , Munro Shannon , Rhee Chanu , Samore Matthew H. , Klompas Michael , Jones Barbara E.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Surveillance of non–ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is complicated by subjectivity and variability in diagnosing pneumonia. We compared a fully automatable surveillance definition using routine electronic health record data to manual determinations of NV-HAP according to surveillance criteria and clinical diagnoses.

Methods:

We retrospectively applied an electronic surveillance definition for NV-HAP to all adults admitted to Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospitals from January 1, 2015, to November 30, 2020. We randomly selected 250 hospitalizations meeting NV-HAP surveillance criteria for independent review by 2 clinicians and calculated the percent of hospitalizations with (1) clinical deterioration, (2) CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) criteria, (3) NV-HAP according to a reviewer, (4) NV-HAP according to a treating clinician, (5) pneumonia diagnosis in discharge summary; and (6) discharge diagnosis codes for HAP. We assessed interrater reliability by calculating simple agreement and the Cohen κ (kappa).

Results:

Among 3.1 million hospitalizations, 14,023 met NV-HAP electronic surveillance criteria. Among reviewed cases, 98% had a confirmed clinical deterioration; 67% met CDC-NHSN criteria; 71% had NV-HAP according to a reviewer; 60% had NV-HAP according to a treating clinician; 49% had a discharge summary diagnosis of pneumonia; and 82% had NV-HAP according to any definition according to at least 1 reviewer. Only 8% had diagnosis codes for HAP. Interrater agreement was 75% (κ = 0.50) for CDC-NHSN criteria and 78% (κ = 0.55) for reviewer diagnosis of NV-HAP.

Conclusions:

Electronic NV-HAP surveillance criteria correlated moderately with existing manual surveillance criteria. Reviewer variability for all manual assessments was high. Electronic surveillance using clinical data may therefore allow for more consistent and efficient surveillance with similar accuracy compared to manual assessments or diagnosis codes.
Case C-817/19, Ligue des Droits Humains v. Council of Ministers (C.J.E.U.)
Authors: Duroy Sophie
Published: March 2023

On June 21, 2022, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), sitting as a Grand Chamber, rendered its decision in the preliminary ruling procedure C-817/19, Ligue des Droits Humains v. Council of Ministers. In its ruling, the CJEU held that the surveillance regime established by the Passenger Name Record Directive 2016/681 (PNR Directive) was compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU/EU Charter). Nevertheless, the CJEU strictly circumscribed the Directive's transposition within EU member states' domestic laws. While restricting permissible interpretations of the PNR Directive's provisions and imposing strict limitations on its scope to ensure its conformity with the EU Charter, for the first time the Court upheld an instrument of indiscriminate surveillance as compatible with EU primary law. This represents a significant development in the CJEU's case law on privacy rights, which is likely to affect the negotiation and development of future PNR agreements with third countries, as well as the development of the ePrivacy Regulation, discussions surrounding the regulation of AI, and negotiations for international instruments aiming to address serious crimes. Further, the ruling confirms the CJEU's increasing convergence with the European Court of Human Rights' (ECtHR) case law on the matter, thus inscribing national security as a legitimate exception to the general prohibition of indiscriminate bulk data collection and retention in Europe.
Bubble–particle collisions in turbulence: insights from point-particle simulations
Authors: Chan Timothy T.K. , Ng Chong Shen , Krug Dominik
Published: March 2023

Bubble–particle collisions in turbulence are central to a variety of processes such as froth flotation. Despite their importance, details of the collision process have not received much attention yet. This is compounded by the sometimes counter-intuitive behaviour of bubbles and particles in turbulence, as exemplified by the fact that they segregate in space. Although bubble–particle relative behaviour is fundamentally different from that of identical particles, the existing theoretical models are nearly all extensions of theories for particle–particle collisions in turbulence. The adequacy of these theories has yet to be assessed as appropriate data remain scarce to date. In this investigation, we study the geometric collision rate by means of direct numerical simulations of bubble–particle collisions in homogeneous isotropic turbulence using the point-particle approach over a range of the relevant parameters, including the Stokes and Reynolds numbers. We analyse the spatial distribution of bubble and particles, and quantify to what extent their segregation reduces the collision rate. This effect is countered by increased approach velocities for bubble–particle compared to monodisperse pairs, which we relate to the difference in how bubbles and particles respond to fluid accelerations. We found that in the investigated parameter range, these collision statistics are not altered significantly by the inclusion of a lift force or different drag parametrisations, or when assuming infinite particle density. Furthermore, we critically examine existing models and discuss inconsistencies therein that contribute to the discrepancy.