bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Residence, Motorcycle Access, and Contraception Use in South and Southeast Asia☆
Authors: Muir Jonathan A. , Sanders Scott R. , Hendricks Hannah Z. , Cope Michael R.
Published: January 2024

Access to contraception is critical for limiting fertility. Yet, in South and Southeast Asia, access to these resources is often limited by spatial inequalities between rural and urban areas. Access to a motorcycle may empower women living in rural areas to attenuate these spatial inequalities, increase their educational attainment and participation in labor markets, and thereby facilitate a shift in fertility preferences. Concomitantly, motorcycle access may increase access to contraception for geographically isolated women who desire to limit fertility. We employ logistic regression models to examine associations with contraception use and unmet need for contraception for women living in rural versus urban areas and for women with versus without access to a motorcycle. Roughly 40 percent of women reported current use of contraception while another 21 percent indicated an unmet need for contraception. After adjusting for other variables, women with a motorcycle were more likely to report current contraception use (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.50, 1.61]), modern contraception use (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.54, 1.66]), and traditional contraception use (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.41, 1.58]) compared with women who did not own a motorcycle. Women with a motorcycle were less likely to report an unmet need for contraception (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.62, 0.68]) after adjusting for other variables. Our results are consistent with the premise that motorcycles facilitate contraception use among women living in resource‐limited countries in South and Southeast Asia and thereby contribute to decreases in fertility. These relationships are contextualized by whether a woman lives in an urban or rural setting, and the number of children already present in their household; they are robust to controlling for household‐level wealth and other factors that may mediate associations with contraception use.
Reversing the Gaze: Developing Indigenous and Western Media Frames to Compare Coverage of Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the News Media*
Authors: McCrackin Gina , Givens Jennifer E. , Wilkes Eric C. , Litts Breanne K. , Martinez‐Cola Marisela
Published: January 2024

The news media is an important force shaping societal views of the socio‐politics of climate change. International scholarship finds it not uncommon for Indigenous cultures, communities, and perspectives to be underrepresented and misrepresented in Western media, especially on climate change issues. Research also indicates that accurate Indigenous representation occurs when Indigenous peoples are the authors of news articles themselves. We developed a Holistic Media Coding Protocol informed by Indigenous and Western perspectives to guide our content analysis of media coverage of climate change, environmental issues, and Indigenous peoples. We examined news articles from two Indigenous news publications, Indian Country Today and Navajo Times, and two Western news publications, The New York Times and The Salt Lake Tribune. Our findings indicate that creating and utilizing a theory‐informed Holistic Media Coding Protocol challenges the recurrent Western gaze on Indigenous peoples. This Holistic Media Coding Protocol contributes to our understandings of the media, settler colonialism, and climate change from Indigenous and Western perspectives. Overall, this research responds to a critical call for sociologists to engage more deeply with settler colonialism, Indigenous issues, and intersectional environmental justice.
Cosentyx alleviates psoriasis‐induced podocyte injury by inhibiting the tlr/nf‐κb signaling pathway
Authors: Aixue Wang , Feng Wei , Huanhuan Zhang , Xixing M , Yanling L
Published: January 2024

Background

Pathological studies have shown an association between psoriasis and renal podocyte injury, and the specific mechanism of podocyte injury in psoriasis remains unclear, with no effective treatments currently available. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of podocyte and epidermal cell injury in psoriasis and evaluate the therapeutic effect of Cosentyx.

Materials and methods

A psoriasis‐like mouse model was established using BALB/C mice, and Cosentyx treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection. Various parameters, including skin lesions, urinary protein, kidney/serum inflammatory cytokines, kidney function, podocyte membrane proteins, and Toll‐like receptors/nuclear factor kappa‐b (TLR/NF‐κB) pathway‐associated proteins, were analyzed to explore the mechanisms of podocyte and epidermal cell injury in psoriasis and the potential ameliorative effects of Cosentyx.

Result

Treatment with Cosentyx significantly reduced the increased levels of urinary protein, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen caused by psoriasis. Cosentyx inhibited the upregulation of kidney/serum inflammatory factors (IL‐17, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐22) and TLR/NF‐κB‐related proteins (TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF‐κBp65) in both psoriatic skin and kidney tissues, while also reducing the accumulation of oxidative products. Moreover, Cosentyx treatment suppressed podocyte apoptosis and promoted epidermal cell apoptosis. The experimental data demonstrated that psoriasis‐like inflammation impaired renal podocytes through the TLR/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Cosentyx treatment effectively inhibited the expression of TLR/NF‐κB‐related proteins, providing a therapeutic effect for psoriasis‐induced kidney and skin injuries.
Investigation of stratum corneum cell morphology and content using novel machine‐learning image analysis
Authors: Tohgasaki Takeshi , Aihara Saki , Ikeda Mariko , Takahashi Minako , Eto Masaya , Kudo Riki , Taira Hiroshi , Kido Ai , Kondo Shinya , Ishiwatari Shioji
Published: January 2024

Background

The morphology and content of stratum corneum (SC) cells provide information on the physiological condition of the skin. Although the morphological and biochemical properties of the SC are known, no method is available to fully access and interpret this information. This study aimed to develop a method to comprehensively decode the physiological information of the skin, based on the SC. Therefore, we established a novel image analysis technique based on artificial intelligence (AI) and multivariate analysis to predict skin conditions.

Materials and Methods

SC samples were collected from participants, imaged, and annotated. Nine biomarkers were measured in the samples using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The data were then used to teach machine‐learning models to recognize individual SC cell regions and estimate the levels of the nine biomarkers from the images. Skin physiological indicators (e.g., skin barrier function, facial analysis, and questionnaires) were measured or obtained from the participants. Multivariate analysis, including biomarker levels ​​and structural parameters of the SC as variables, was used to estimate these physiological indicators.

Results

We established two machine‐learning models. The accuracy of recognition was assessed according to the average intersection over union (0.613), precision (0.953), recall (0.640), and F‐value (0.766). The predicted biomarker levels significantly correlated with the measured levels. Skin physiological indicators and questionnaire answers were predicted with strong correlations and correct answer rates.

Conclusion

Various physiological skin conditions can be predicted from images of the SC using AI models and multivariate analysis. Our method is expected to be useful for dermatological treatment optimization.
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis reveals keratinocyte subpopulations contributing to psoriasis in corneum and granular layer
Authors: Zhao Qianya , Wu Yan , Wu Xianwei , Liu Meng , Nan Lisheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that is common and relapses easily. While the importance of keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis development is well‐documented, the specific functional subpopulations of epidermal keratinocytes associated with this disease remain enigmatic.

Materials and Methods

Therefore, in our analysis of single‐cell transcriptome data from both normal and psoriatic skin tissues, we observed significant increases in certain keratinocytes in the stratum corneum (KC) and stratum granulosum (KG) within psoriatic skin. Furthermore, we identified upregulated expression of specific secreted factors known to promote inflammatory responses. Additionally, we conducted a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on these identified subsets.

Results

In the stratum corneum, the expression of FTL was upregulated in HIST1H1C+KC. S100P+KC displayed a significant increase in the expression of both S100P and S100A10, whereas PRR9+KC showed upregulated expression of DEFB4B, S100A8, and S100A12. SLURP1+KC was characterized by elevated expression levels of IL‐36G, SLURP1, and S100A12. Meanwhile, in the stratum granulosum, KRT1+KG highly expressed SLURP1, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9, while DEFB4B expression was upregulated in PI3+KG. Our findings indicated that subsets within the stratum corneum primarily participate in pathways related to MAPK, NOD‐like receptors, HIF‐1, cell senescence, and other crucial processes. In contrast, subsets in the stratum granulosum were predominantly associated with pathways involving MAPK, NOD‐like receptors, HIF‐1, Hippo, mTOR, and IL‐17.

Conclusion

These findings not only uncover the keratinocyte subsets linked to psoriasis but also unveil the molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways that drive psoriasis development. This knowledge opens new horizons for the development of innovative clinical treatment strategies for psoriasis.
Integrating vascularity into the pattern classification of pilomatricomas on ultrasound provides a more competent approach for discriminative evaluation
Authors: Zhu Huiling , Wu Size
Published: January 2024

Background

Pilomatricoma has various manifestations on color Doppler ultrasound, and a differential diagnosis is challenging. The objective of this study was to investigate which characteristics of skin lesions on color Doppler ultrasound are effective in distinguishing pilomatricoma from epidermoid cyst and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Materials and methods

Records of patients with pilomatricomas (n = 63), epidermoid cysts (n = 76), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (n = 19) who underwent color Doppler ultrasound evaluation and surgical excision were reviewed. The anatomical distribution and color Doppler ultrasound characteristics of these lesions were analyzed. The 63 pilomatricomas were categorized into five types based on their color Doppler ultrasound characteristics, and the roles of these five types in the differential diagnosis of the aforementioned diseases were studied.

Results

Pilomatricomas, epidermoid cysts, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans exhibited some similar characteristics. Dominantly markedly hyperechoic or hyperechoic appearance, posterior acoustic shadowing, and the presence of vascularity were the major characteristics of pilomatricomas. The pilomatricomas could be categorized into five types, with type II having a diagnostic performance of sensitivity of 65.08%, specificity of 98.95%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.743, positive predictive value of 97.62%, and negative predictive value of 81.03% for the diagnosis of the aforementioned skin diseases.

Conclusion

A combination of dominantly markedly hyperechoic or hyperechoic appearance, posterior acoustic shadowing, and the presence of vascularity exhibits higher diagnostic performance for the differential diagnosis of pilomatricomas, epidermoid cysts, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
The effect of electrical stimulation on skin vulnerability to irritants
Authors: Almalty Abdulmajeed Raja , Hamed Saja Hamdallah , Jebril Mohammad Yasser , Abdelnour Hassan Mubarak
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a widely used technique in the medical field for various purposes. The effect of ES on several skin properties has been investigated; however, its effect on skin vulnerability to irritants remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ES application on skin vulnerability to external irritants.

Materials and methods

An experimental study on 12 healthy male subjects (Mean ± SD, 22.9 ± 3.6 years) who completed the study. The subjects were free of skin abnormalities in the volar aspect of both forearms. Three areas were allocated to each forearm and marked as areas 1, 2, and A in the treated forearm, and areas 3, 4, and B in the control forearm. ES was applied to the volar aspect of the treated forearm for 30 min three times a week, for 2 weeks. The effect of ES on skin vulnerability was investigated using 5% and 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) patches applied to both treated and control forearms. The skin response to irritants was evaluated using transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a visual erythema score 24 h after patch removal.

Results

Compared to the control forearm, ES increased skin permeability and erythema in response to external irritants (SLS), as measured by the visual analog score (Z = 2.75, p = 0.006) and TEWL (p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

ES escalates skin reactions to low concentrations of irritant substances, such as SLS, in the area between the two electrodes. This emphasizes the use of this substance, and similar irritants should be avoided in areas treated with ES.
Subjective evaluation of monopolar radiofrequency treatment by patients in aesthetic rejuvenation
Authors: Hwang Yousun , Arayaskul Smith , Vachiramon Vasanop , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the subjective experiences of patients following monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment for facial rejuvenation and anti‐aging purposes.

Methods

A study involving 50 female patients (aged 30–70 years, Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV) who received a single session of RF treatment. Exclusion criteria comprised active infections, skin diseases, pregnancy, or history of recent anti‐aging treatments. Thirty‐four patients completed a 10‐question questionnaire after 3 months of treatment.

Results

Among the respondents, 82% expressed satisfaction with the RF treatment, reporting significant improvements primarily in the mid and lower face, and eyelids. Mainly, patients noted improvements in skin laxity (52.9%), skin texture (17.6%), and skin tone (11.7%). Notably, 73.5% noticed changes within 1–2 months post‐treatment, with the peak effect observed at 1–2 months. Mild complications (swelling and erythema) were reported, usually resolving within a week. The mean pain score was 1.94 (±0.66), indicating mild to moderate discomfort.

Discussion

Monopolar RF devices, apply high‐frequency electric currents generating heat, stimulating collagen production for skin tightening. This study's unique focus on detailed subjective patient experiences provides insights valuable in clinical settings, aiding clinicians in managing patient expectations and achieving optimal results. The satisfaction rates align with previous findings, emphasizing RF treatment's efficacy in addressing facial laxity, especially in the mid and lower face. Positive feedback extended beyond skin tightening, encompassing skin texture and tone improvements. While the study's observation period was 3 months post‐treatment, longer‐term studies are warranted for comprehensive assessments.

Conclusion

The study underscores the efficacy of monopolar RF device, as a non‐invasive and effective anti‐aging treatment. The findings contribute to diversifying the RF market, potentially aiding clinicians in optimizing patient care. Considering the growing complexity of patient demands and treatment responses, this study serves as a valuable reference for clinicians engaging in RF treatments.
Multispectral near‐infrared spectroscopy study evaluating the effect of razor design on shaving‐induced erythema
Authors: Boodoo Chris , Duta Dragos , Swift Nathan , Hunter Paul , Khimchenko Anna , Leung General , Cross Karen
Published: January 2024

Background

While shaving‐induced erythema is a common inflammatory skin issue, there is a lack of quantitative information on how well a shaving product performs in this regard. In this study, multispectral near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging was used to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the extent of shaving‐induced erythema. The research compares a safety razor and a cartridge razor to evaluate their impact on skin irritation.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐nine healthy male volunteers without pre‐existing skin conditions were enrolled. Basic demographics were recorded, and participants' faces or necks were imaged before shaving. Shaving was conducted on the right side of the face/neck with the safety razor and on the left side of the face/neck using the 3‐blade cartridge razor. Images were captured immediately after shaving, at 5 and 10 min post‐shaving.

Results

Tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) measurements demonstrated that the safety razor induced significantly less erythema than the cartridge razor. Immediately after shaving, 40.3% of skin shaved with the safety razor had erythema compared to 57.6% for the cartridge razor. At 5 min post‐shaving, 36.5% of skin shaved with the safety razor had erythema, compared to 53.8% of cartridge razor.

Conclusions

Multispectral NIRS revealed significant differences in shaving‐induced erythema between safety and cartridge razors. Safety razors demonstrated a lower incidence of erythema, suggesting a potential advantage for individuals prone to skin irritation. This study contributes valuable insights into skin irritation and highlights the potential of multispectral NIRS in dermatology research.
Management of very severe tungiasis cases through repeated community‐based treatment with a dimeticone oil formula: A longitudinal study in a hyperendemic region in Uganda
Authors: McNeilly Hannah , Mutebi Francis , Thielecke Marlene , Reichert Felix , Banalyaki Mike B. , Arono Rebecca , Mukone George , Feldmeier Hermann
Published: January 2024

Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in Sub‐Saharan Africa and Latin America. Tungiasis causes pain, mobility restrictions, stigmatisation and reduced quality of life. Very severe cases with hundreds of sand fleas have been described, but treatment of such cases has never been studied systematically. During a larger community‐based tungiasis control programme in a hyperendemic region in Karamoja, northeastern Uganda, 96 very severe tungiasis cases were identified and treated with the dimeticone formula NYDA®. They were repeatedly followed‐up and treated again when necessary. The present study traces tungiasis frequency, intensity and morbidity among these 96 individuals over 2 years. At baseline, very severe tungiasis occurred in all age groups, including young children. Throughout the intervention, tungiasis frequency decreased from 100% to 25.8% among the 96 individuals. The overall number of embedded sand fleas in this group dropped from 15,648 to 158, and the median number of embedded sand fleas among the tungiasis cases decreased from 141 to four. Walking difficulties were reported in 96.9% at the beginning and in 4.5% at the end of the intervention. Repeated treatment with the dimeticone formula over 2 years was a successful strategy to manage very severe cases in a hyperendemic community. Treatment of very severe cases is essential to control the spread and burden of tungiasis in endemic communities.
Intimate liminality in Spain's berry industry
Authors: Komposch Nora , Schurr Carolin , Escriva Angels
Published: January 2024

Spain's berry industry relies on the agricultural labour of both local and seasonal migrant workers. A significant part of this migrant workforce comprises Moroccan mothers who leave their children with relatives in order to perform this wage labour. The bilateral recruitment regime favours the employment of Moroccan women with children for this labour to ensure that workers return home at the end of the harvesting season. Drawing on multi‐site ethnographic research in Spain and Morocco, this study revealed the effects of this bilateral labour regime on the intimate lives of migrant workers. We argue that the geopolitical prescriptions of this labour migration regime, along with the working and living conditions of migrant workers in Huelva, result in experiences of intimate liminality. We examined these experiences by exploring: (1) how the role of female workers as mothers becomes liminal as transnational labour agreements marginalise and outsource care obligations, (2) how governmental neglect of migrant workers' occupational health exposes them to reproductive health risks and (3) how this neglect places them in a liminal space in terms of access to healthcare, and (4) how, despite their liminality, migrant workers contest precarious conditions through everyday solidarity practices. We advance a feminist approach to liminality, emphasising the importance of an embodied, intersectional, and multiscalar perspective.
Sterile granulomatous panuveitis in dogs in the United Kingdom: A review of 33 cases
Authors: Burgess J. , Scurrell E. , Collier E. , Featherstone H.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To describe the clinical and histopathological features of a sterile granulomatous panuveitis syndrome in 33 dogs that underwent enucleation and ocular histopathology.

Methods

Retrospective review of the medical records and ocular histopathology reports of 33 cases. Inclusion criteria were enucleation in conjunction with characteristic clinical and histopathological features.

Results

Thirteen breeds were represented (including crossbreeds). Panuveitis was acute and fulminating, and secondary glaucoma was common (n = 27). Interval from initial presentation to enucleation was 99 days (median 33 days, range 5–605 days). The mean age at enucleation was 6.7 years. Ocular signs were initially unilateral (n = 18) or bilateral (n = 15). The disease became bilateral in 18/25 cases that initially underwent unilateral enucleation, resulting in enucleation or euthanasia in 9/18 (mean interval of 168 days). Seven out of 59 eyes had a good outcome following topical anti‐inflammatory and systemic immunosuppressive therapy. None of the dogs had travel history nor relevant systemic signs from presentation to follow‐up (mean 619 days, range 16–3012 days). Histopathology revealed histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic panuveitis with pigment dispersion, and no infectious agents were identified on light microscopy.

Conclusion

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a sterile granulomatous panuveitis syndrome in dogs in the UK. The clinical signs are severe, with rapid progression, and can result in bilateral enucleation or euthanasia in affected dogs. There does not appear to be an age or breed predisposition, however further research is necessary in this regard. Early and aggressive intervention, with both topical and systemic immunosuppressive therapy, is recommended to reduce the risk of blindness, enucleation, and euthanasia.
Canine primary liver tumors treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy: A case series
Authors: Chan Qiao Ying Pauline , Morrow Deanna , Lurie David
Published: January 2024

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an increasingly used alternative treatment option for nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in people. Comparatively, the publication of SBRT of dogs with HCC is limited. The objective of this retrospective, descriptive case series was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and toxicity data of SBRT in dogs with HCC and imaging‐documented primary liver tumors using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy delivery at two private institutions. Medical records of 14 dogs treated between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. All dogs had macroscopic tumors, and 9 of 14 dogs had HCC diagnoses confirmed on cytology or histopathology. The median longest tumor diameter was 5.5 cm. The median percentage of planning target volume relative to liver volume was 27.1%. Most dogs were treated with three daily fractions of 7–7.5 Gy. All dogs completed their radiotherapy protocols. Three of nine HCC dogs experienced partial responses and clinical improvement. Five of nine HCC dogs had stable disease. Overall median survival time was 164 days for nine HCC dogs (range: 93–706 days). One late grade 5 liver and two late grade 3 kidney side effects were reported. One dog received repeated SBRT to the same HCC treatment field, and one dog had two courses of SBRT to bifocal HCC treatment fields, both with no more than grade 2 acute and chronic toxicities.
Beyond drug discovery: Exploring the physiological and methodological dimensions of zebrafish in diabetes research
Authors: Roohi Tamsheel Fatima , Faizan Syed , Shaikh Mohd. Farooq , Krishna Kamsagara Linganna , Mehdi Seema , Kinattingal Nabeel , Arulsamy Alina
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is now considered a global epidemic. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both of which are normally irreversible. As a result of long‐term uncontrolled high levels of glucose, diabetes can progress to hyperglycaemic pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, among many other complications. The complete mechanism underlying diabetes remains unclear due to its complexity. In this scenario, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have arisen as a versatile and promising animal model due to their good reproducibility, simplicity, and time‐ and cost‐effectiveness. The Zebrafish model allows us to make progress in the investigation and comprehension of the root cause of diabetes, which in turn would aid in the development of pharmacological and surgical approaches for its management. The current review provides valuable reference information on zebrafish models, from the first zebrafish diabetes models using genetic, disease induction and chemical approaches, to the newest ones that further allow for drug screening and testing. This review aims to update our knowledge related to diabetes mellitus by gathering the most authoritative studies on zebrafish as a chemical, dietary and insulin induction, and genetic model for diabetes research.
Migraine headache and aura induced by hypoxia
Authors: Al‐Karagholi Mohammad Al‐Mahdi , Arngrim Nanna , Ashina Messoud
Published: January 2024

Migraine, a common neurological disorder, impacts over a billion individuals globally. Its complex aetiology involves various signalling cascades. Hypoxia causes headaches such as high‐altitude headache and acute mountain sickness which share phenotypical similarities with migraine. Epidemiological data indicate an increased prevalence of migraine with and without aura in high‐altitude populations. Experimental studies have further shown that hypoxia can induce migraine attacks. This review summarizes evidence linking hypoxia to migraine, delves into potential pathophysiological mechanisms and highlights research gaps.

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Numerical Investigations of Stirring Induced Flow on Solidification and Interface Behavior in Continuous Casting Mold With Bifurcated Nozzle
Authors: Gupta Vipul Kumar , Jha Pradeep Kumar , Jain Pramod Kumar
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetic stirring (EMS) is a technique that has the potential to improve steel quality with fine microstructure by fragmentation of dendrites and enhancing the inclusion removal. The success of implementing the EMS lies in the selection of key input parameters such as position, frequency, and current density of the stirrer. In the present study, an integrated mathematical model consisting of liquid steel solidification and two phase interface is numerically developed with the use of EMS. The enthalpy porosity and volume of fluid (VOF) model are adopted for numerical modeling analysis of solidification and interface level fluctuation, respectively. The results reveal that on moving EMS downwards decreases the maximum magnetic field value, widens the mushy zone, and promotes the stability of the interface. Current intensity and frequency are seen to have the opposite effect on stirring intensity and interface fluctuation. With an increase in frequency, both stirring intensity and interface level fluctuations decrease while the high liquid fraction region increases. Moreover, current density enhances the swirling flow intensity and homogenizes the liquid fraction, thereby promoting equiaxed grain formation. Interface fluctuation is seen to increase with current density.
Thermo-Fluid-Coupled Analysis of Double Fillet Welds on Tube Membrane Panels During Submerged Arc Welding
Authors: Koo Bon Seung
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to understand the formation of double fillet welds using finite element modeling. This computational study is intended to be an advanced way to predict heat transfer mechanisms in the melt pool prior to empirical testing. AISI 304 austenitic stainless steels are used in this study, and a simplified model of fin-tubes is introduced to simulate submerged arc welding (SAW) on a water wall panel structure. The welding process is numerically implemented by a moving heat source, and the heat distribution is determined by thermo-physical phenomena, e.g., recoil pressure and surface tension due to the welding. Double fillet welding refers to two separate welds which have to be made one by one. A new coordinate system is thus introduced at every starting point of the welding process to overcome geometrical complexities. The computational results are discussed to compare the weld bead estimation with the experimental findings. The melting and evaporation of the metal appear appropriate to explain the formation of weld beads in submerged arc welding since the modeling is in good agreement with the experiments.
Evaluating Hydrogen-Based Moderators in High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors With 5 wt.% Enriched Uranium Annular Fuel Rods
Authors: Wojtaszek Daniel T. , Bromley Blair P.
Published: January 2024

Small modular reactors (SMRs) based on high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology are being developed for providing high-temperature process heat and high-efficiency (>40%) electrical power generation. However, most of the HTGR-SMR concepts require high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, with enrichments typically above 10 wt.% 235U/U, to get sufficiently high burnup levels and fuel lifetime. The goal of this study is to identify alternative fuel concepts for HTGRs that can achieve sufficiently high burnup and low temperature reactivity coefficients while using uranium with 5 wt.% 235U/U. A previous study has shown that a modified prismatic HTGR fuel assembly with hydrogen-based moderator (7LiH) and cylindrical fuel elements of 5 wt.% 235U/U enriched uranium can greatly reduce fuel consumption of an HTGR. However, such a design concept could lead to positive temperature reactivity coefficients (TRCs), making reactor control more challenging, with reduced passive safety. In this study, variations of the hydrogen-based moderator in this alternative fuel assembly concept are evaluated to identify configurations that achieve negative TRCs, thus improving passive safety characteristics. Calculation results demonstrate that negative TRCs can be achieved with reduced hydrogen mass such that natural uranium consumption is substantially less than that of the tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel concept, with comparable or longer core life.
Design and Validation of a Novel Hand-Worn Sensor for Assessment of Dexterity in Neurological Conditions
Authors: Hayden Conor D. , Murray Deirdre , Geraghty Dermot , Meldrum Dara , Hardiman Orla , Murphy Bruce P.
Published: January 2024

Sensitive measurement of hand dexterity is important in many neurological conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Current multi-item rating scales and performance-based tests lack sensitivity and contain subjective biases. This paper presents the design and validation of an objective, novel hand-worn dexterity measurement device that digitizes the finger tapping test (FTT), a widely used test in neurological practice. The device was designed to address predefined user needs and design requirements. It comprises two distinct sections, a mechanical system that attaches to a participant's thumb and index finger and an electronic system that captures/transmits data to a secure cloud storage. The accuracy (for four devices) was validated by plotting the known displacements against the calculated displacements, which returned slopes approximately equal to one. A maximum extension force of 0.51 N was required to extend the cord to 200 mm extension. Clinical testing was carried out on a small sample of healthy people (n = 3) and people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (n = 3). Clean datasets were produced from participant's raw data graphs, from which new features describing a participant's FTT were extracted. The proposed dexterity device digitizes the FTT and provides clean, accurate, sensitive, and reliable data.
A global database of Mars-relevant hydrovolcanic environments on Earth with potential biosignature preservation
Authors: Ryan Catheryn H. , Schmidt Mariek E. , Osinski Gordon R. , Massey Erica A.
Published: January 2024

Basaltic hydrovolcanic environments on Earth produce abundant glass (sideromelane), which readily alters and acts as an important source of chemical energy for lithotrophic microorganisms; as such, these sites are significant for potential origins-of-life and early life research. Similar environments were identified on Mars and should be considered potential targets for astrobiological investigation. Pleistocene to recent phreatomagmatic and glaciovolcanic structures on Earth include tuff cones, tuff rings, maars, tuyas, and tindars. Such hydrovolcanic deposits contain abundant glass that is variably hydrothermally altered, and some areas contain published evidence of putative microbial habitation and microbially mediated alteration, including microtubules and granular alteration. We analyzed the literature on terrestrial hydrovolcanic environments and created a global database of 45 volcanic fields on Earth with compositions, alteration histories, and structures relevant to Mars. These sites have geochemistry, mineralogy, and syn- and post-eruptive environmental conditions that make them suitable targets for Mars-analogue astrobiological research. Relevant alteration products include palagonite, zeolites, clays, and calcite.

Seven of these sites have evidence of microbially mediated alteration, which could be considered a useful biosignature in a Mars-analogue context. The sites are Wells Gray–Clearwater Volcanic Field, Canada; Fort Rock Volcanic Field, Western Snake River Plain Volcanic Field, and Upsal Hogback, USA; Reykjanes Volcanic Field and Western Volcanic Zone, Iceland; and Carapace Nunatak, Antarctica. Based on the properties of these already confirmed sites, along with comparing the remaining 38 Earth volcanic fields to volcanic rocks on Mars, we recommend 11 volcanic fields in particular from our database for future investigations: Auckland and South Auckland volcanic fields, New Zealand; O’ahu, Black Rock Desert, and Black Point, USA; Tuya Volcanic Field, Canada; Karapınar Volcanic Field, Türkiye; Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago, Iceland; Llancanelo Volcanic Field, Argentina; São Miguel Volcanic Field, Azores; and Icefall Nunatak, Antarctica.

We recommend reviewing palagonitized tuff samples from these sites for evidence of microbial alteration, in addition to performing geochemical and mineralogical analyses to constrain their magmatic and alteration properties. By studying the rock record of hydrovolcanic environments on Earth to infer habitability and biological alteration, we contribute to establishing the conditions favorable for the origination, survival, and proliferation of life in a Mars-relevant setting.
A viscoplastic constitutive model for plastic silts and clays for static slope stability applications
Authors: Oathes Tyler J. , Boulanger Ross W. , Ziotopoulou Katerina
Published: January 2024

A viscoplastic model for representing plastic silts and clays in geotechnical static slope stability applications is presented. The PM4SiltR model builds on the stress ratio-controlled, critical state-based, bounding surface plasticity model PM4Silt and is coded as a dynamic link library for use in the finite difference program FLAC 8.1. PM4SiltR incorporates strain rate-dependent shear strength, stress relaxation, and creep using a consistency approach combined with an internal strain rate and auto-decay process. The model does not include a cap, and as such cannot simulate strain rate-dependent consolidation under increasing overburden stress. Six parameters control the viscous response for PM4SiltR, while the parameters controlling the nonviscous components of the response are the same as for PM4Silt. Single element simulations are presented to illustrate the influence of viscoplasticity on the constitutive response in direct simple shear loading and undrained creep. Single element responses are shown to be consistent with observed experimental results. Simulations of a hypothetical tailings dam constructed using the upstream method are performed to illustrate use of PM4SiltR at field scale. Results of field-scale simulations show PM4SiltR can model undrained creep and progressive failure leading to delayed slope instability after relatively minor changes in loading conditions at field scale.
Bottom-charmed baryons in a nonrelativistic quark model
Authors: Song Qing-Fu , Lü Qi-Fang , Hosaka Atsushi
Published: January 2024

In this work, we study the low-lying mass spectra for bottom-charmed baryons in a nonrelativistic quark model by solving the three-body Schrödinger equation. The lowest $$\Xi _{bc}$$

Ξ

bc

, $$\Xi _{bc}^\prime $$

Ξ

bc

′

, $$\Omega _{bc}$$

Ω

bc

, and $$\Omega _{bc}^\prime $$

Ω

bc

′

states are predicted to be about 6979, 6953, 7109, and 7092 MeV, respectively. Also, the strong decays for the low-lying excited states are investigated. Our results indicate that some of $$\lambda $$
λ
-mode P-wave bottom-charmed baryons are relatively narrow, which can be searched for in future experiments. For the low-lying $$\rho $$
ρ
-mode and $$\rho -\lambda $$

ρ
-
λ

hybrid states, their strong decays are highly suppressed and they can survive as extremely narrow states. Moreover, the mass spectra and strong decays for bottom-charmed baryons preserve the heavy quark symmetry well. We hope our calculations can provide helpful information for further experimental and theoretical researches.
Singularly perturbative behaviour of nonlinear advection–diffusion-reaction processes
Authors: Cosgun Tahir , Sari Murat
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to use a wavelet technique to generate accurate responses for models characterized by the singularly perturbed generalized Burgers-Huxley equation (SPGBHE) while taking multi-resolution features into account. The SPGBHE’s behaviours have been captured correctly depending on the dominance of advection and diffusion processes. It should be noted that the required response was attained through integration and by marching on time. The wavelet method is seen to be very capable of solving a singularly perturbed nonlinear process without linearization by utilizing multi-resolution features. Haar wavelet method results are compared with corresponding results in the literature and are found in agreement in determining the numerical behaviour of singularly perturbed advection–diffusion processes. The most outstanding aspects of this research are to utilize the multi-resolution properties of wavelets by applying them to a singularly perturbed nonlinear partial differential equation and that no linearization is needed for this purpose.
Schottky cohomology for rank two bosonic vertex operator algebra
Authors: Zuevsky A.
Published: January 2024

Using the Schottky procedure of forming a genus [Formula: see text] Riemann surface by attaching handles to the Riemann sphere, we construct coboundary operators and corresponding cohomology for the double complexes of rational functions associated to a particular example of the rank two bosonic vertex operator algebra [Formula: see text].
Normalized quandle twisted Alexander invariants
Authors: Ishii Atsushi , Oshiro Kanako
Published: January 2024

We introduce a quandle version of the normalized (twisted) Alexander polynomial, which is an invariant of a pair of an oriented link and a quandle representation. The invariant can be constructed by fixing each Alexander pair, and we find various invariants in our framework, which include the quandle cocycle invariant and the normalized (twisted) Alexander polynomial of a knot. In this paper, we develop the theory of normalization with row and column relations of matrices. The theory works for several row and column relations, although the twisted Alexander polynomial is defined with one column relation. We give a formula of our invariant for the mirror image of an oriented link, which explains why the Alexander polynomial fails to detect the chirality of knots and why the quandle cocycle invariant effectively detects it from a unified point of view. We also show that cohomologous Alexander pairs yield the same invariant.
Complexity of popularity and dynamics of within-game achievements in computer games
Authors: Cunha Leonardo R. , Mendes Leonardo O. , Mendes Renio S.
Published: January 2024

Tasks of different nature and difficulty levels are a part of people’s lives. In this context, there is a scientific interest in the relationship between the difficulty of the task and the persistence need to accomplish it. Despite the generality of this problem, some tasks can be simulated in the form of games. In this way, we employ data from a large online platform, called Steam, to analyze games and the performance of their players. More specifically, we investigated persistence in completing tasks based on the proportion of players who accomplished game achievements. Overall, we present five major findings. First, the probability distribution for the number of achievements is log-normal distribution. Second, the distribution of game players also follows a log-normal. Third, most games require neither a very high degree of persistence nor a very low one. Fourth, players also prefer games that demand a certain intermediate persistence. Fifth, the proportion of players as a function of the number of achievements declines approximately exponentially. As both the log-normal and the exponential functions are memoryless, they are mathematical forms that describe random effects arising from the nature of the system. Therefore our first two findings describe random processes of fragmenting achievements and players while the last three provide a quantitative measure of the human preference in the pursuit of challenging, achievable and justifiable tasks.
CAN GREEN BONDS DIVERSIFY ECONOMIC AND CLIMATE POLICY UNCERTAINTY?
Authors: SU CHI WEI , LI KUN , TAO RAN , QIN MENG , UMAR MUHAMMAD
Published: January 2024

The severe challenges posed by the environmental crisis and climate change have stimulated the development of the green bonds (GB) market aimed at providing bridging financing for carbon reduction. This investigation employs the wavelet-based quantile-on-quantile method to probe the asymmetric impacts among economic policy uncertainty (EPU), climate policy uncertainty (CPU) and GB. The empirical findings demonstrate that EPU and CPU have time-varying impacts on GB across different time scales. In the short term, the negative effects of EPU and CPU predominantly influence the GB market. In the long term, EPU and CPU have positive effects on the GB market during bullish market conditions but negative effects during bearish market conditions. These outcomes indicate that GB cannot always be deemed a diversifier for EPU and CPU shocks. These outcomes deviate from the Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM) model’s conclusions, which emphasize uncertainties’ positive influence on the GB market. Policymakers can incorporate these findings into policy design to mitigate risks stemming from uncertainty and promote the GB market growth. Furthermore, investors should consider the effects of uncertainty to optimize their investment strategy and obtain higher returns.
An Optimal Computing Allocation Strategy for Swarm-Based Algorithm in Simulation-Based Optimization Problem with Stochastic Constraint
Authors: Chiu Chun-Chih , Lai Chyh-Ming , Liu Yu-Chi
Published: January 2024

For realizing smart manufacturing, recent studies have been focusing on the capabilities of digital twins (DTs) that offer a virtual portrayal of a process or system and thereby facilitate real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization. DTs construct a “digital model” of factories by using advanced technologies such as smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, and optimization processes for executing critical decisions for enhancing productivity and predicting future events. Therefore, simulation-based optimization techniques play key supporting roles in the decision-making process of the DT shop. Thus, to enhance competitiveness in industrial companies, discourse on properly designing simulation-based optimization techniques begets significant study. This study aims to address a simulation-based optimization problem with stochastic constraint (SO[Formula: see text] using a hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO). Given the large solution space, the PSO supports design space exploration. However, since all solutions must be verified for feasibility, the optimal computing allocation strategy (OCAS) strategy for SO[Formula: see text] is proposed to allocate the computing budget efficiently. OCAS is an improved version of optimal computing budget allocation for constrained optimization (OCBA-CO), specifically designed for complex systems with an expansive design space that possesses multiple local optimal solutions. During a typical PSO algorithm searching process, OCBA-CO is applied separately for each generation, resulting in a significant number of replications merely distinguishing similar solutions. To overcome this problem, our study proposes the PSO[Formula: see text], which combines PSO with OCAS to avoid wasting simulation runs on similar solutions. Two quantitative experiments are performed to assess the efficacy of PSO[Formula: see text] compared to other competitors. The simulation results indicate that the PSO[Formula: see text] algorithm presents a competitive and superior solution in terms of both quality and searching efficiency.