bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of surgical site infection and tumour‐specific survival rate in patients with renal cell carcinoma after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
Authors: Meng Shuai , Meng Meng , Wang Shouwu , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2024

Surgical site infections (SSIs) may pose a significant risk to patients undergoing surgery. This study aims to explore the risk factors for SSIs in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and the impact of infection on tumour‐specific survival (CSS) after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. To explore the risk factors for SSIs in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and the impact of infection on tumour‐specific survival (CSS) after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 400 patients in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023. This study divided patients into two groups: those with SSI and those without SSI. Collect general data and information related to the operating room. Clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Select surgical time, laminar mobile operating room use, and intraoperative hypothermia as observation indicators. Perform statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 software, including univariate, multivariate, and survival analyses of wound‐infected and uninfected patients. Out of 400 patients, 328 had no SSIs, 166 died during follow‐up, 72 had SSIs, and 30 died during follow‐up. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in comparing primary data between individuals without SSIs and those with SSIs. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in surgical time, nonlaminar flow operating room use, and intraoperative hypothermia. The postoperative survival time of SSI patients with a tumour diameter of 7.0–9.9 cm was significantly longer than that of SSI patients, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The occurrence of severe infection in patients with other tumour diameters did not affect postoperative survival, and the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). After multiple factor analysis, it was found that severe infection can prolong the postoperative survival of patients with tumour diameter exceeding 7 cm (HR = 0.749, p < 0.05). This study identified nonlaminar flow operating rooms, prolonged surgical time, and intraoperative hypothermia as significant risk factors for SSIs. After nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma patients with a tumour diameter of 7–9.9 μ m, perioperative infection can prolong their survival. However, it has no significant effect on patients with other tumour diameters.
Assessing biomarkers for post‐surgical wound healing: A meta‐analysis of exosome‐based CircRNA in breast cancer recovery
Authors: Zhang Yunsuo , Tao Kai , Ding Lachun , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the diagnostic potential of exosome‐based circular RNAs (circRNAs) as biomarkers for wound healing in patients after breast cancer surgery, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies that measured exosome‐based circRNA levels in breast cancer patients post‐surgery. Data sources included several biomedical databases up to April 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed study quality. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratios were synthesized using random‐effects model with subgroup analyses performed based on study characteristics. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 1234 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of exosome‐based circRNA for detecting wound healing complications were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77–0.91) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78–0.88), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.90, indicating high diagnostic accuracy. Subgroup analyses revealed that diagnostic performance was consistent across studies of different geographic regions and sample types but indicated potential variability related to patient age and study design. Exosome‐based circRNA profiles exhibited the high diagnostic accuracy for monitoring wound healing in breast cancer post‐operative care. These findings supported the potential utility of circRNA as non‐invasive biomarkers for post‐surgical recovery. However, variability among studies suggested the need for standardized protocols in biomarker measurement. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to validate the prognostic value of these biomarkers and investigate their role in personalized patient management.
Whether a religious group membership is shared and salient influences perceived similarity, political support, and helping intention toward refugees, but not charitable donation
Authors: Albayrak‐Aydemir Nihan , Gleibs Ilka Helene
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the ways in which (un)shared religious group memberships contribute to individual helping responses through perceived similarity in the context of a refugee emergency. Across three studies (N = 762), we examined religious sub‐groups of British people's helping responses to religious subgroups of Syrian refugees, in quasi‐experimental and experimental designs. Overall findings suggest that sharing a religious group membership with refugee targets increases perceived similarity, political support, and helping intention, but not charitable donation—regardless of shared group membership being subtle or salient. However, when refugee targets' religious identity is that of a salient unshared group membership, not sharing a religious group membership reduces perceived similarity, political support, and helping intention, among those who are religious—with again charitable donation remaining unchanged. These results provide critical insights into developing more effective and unique strategies to promote and mobilize support for refugees among different groups of potential helpers.
Reproductive traits in Pura Raza Española mares manifest inbreeding depression from low levels of homozygosity
Authors: Laseca Nora , Ziadi Chiraz , Perdomo‐Gonzalez Davinia I. , Valera Mercedes , Demyda‐Peyras Sebastián , Molina Antonio
Published: February 2024

Inbreeding depression is a genetic phenomenon associated with the loss of fitness and mean phenotypic performance due to mating between relatives. Historically, inbreeding coefficients have been estimated from pedigree information. However, the onset of genomic selection programs provides large datasets of individuals genotyped using SNP arrays, enabling more precise assessment of an individual's genomic‐level inbreeding using genomic data. One of the traits most sensitive to issues stemming from increased inbreeding is reproduction. This is particularly important in equine, in which fertility is only moderate compared to other livestock species. To explore this further, we evaluated the effect of inbreeding on five reproductive traits (age at first foaling (AFF), average interval between foalings (AIF), total number of foalings (NF), productive life (PL) and reproductive efficiency (RE)) in Pura Raza Español mares using genomic data. Residual predicted phenotypes were obtained by purging these traits through the REML (wgResidual) and ssGREML (gResidual) approaches in reproductive data of 29,847 PRE mares using the BLUPF90+ program. Next, we used pedigree‐based (Fped) and ROH‐based genomic (FROH) inbreeding coefficients derived from 1018 animals genotyped with 61,271 SNPs to estimate the inbreeding depression (linear regression). Our results indicated significant levels of inbreeding depression for all reproductive traits, with the exception of the AIF trait when Fpedwas used. However, all traits were negatively affected by the increase in genomic inbreeding, and FROHwas found to capture more inbreeding depression than Fped. Likewise, REML models (ssGREML) using genomic data for estimated predicted residual phenotypes resulted in higher variance explained by the model compared with the models not using genomics (REML). Finally, a segmented regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of inbreeding depression, revealing that the levels of genealogical and genomic homozygosity do not manifest uniformly in reproductive traits. In contrast, the levels of inbreeding depression ranged from low to high as homozygosity increased. This analysis also showed that reproductive traits are very sensitive to inbreeding depression, even with relatively low levels of homozygosity.
Feeding ecology of the short‐headed lanternfish Diaphus brachycephalus and Warming's lanternfish Ceratoscopelus warmingii (Myctophidae) in the South China Sea
Authors: Gong Yuyan , Zhang Jun , Yang Yutao , Jiang Yane , Zhang Shuai , Tian Han , Chen Zuozhi
Published: February 2024

We report on the feeding ecology of two species, the short‐headed lanternfish Diaphus brachycephalus and Warming's lanternfish Ceratoscopelus warmingii, using data collected over five surveys from 2015 to 2017 in the open South China Sea. D. brachycephalus feed mainly on copepods, with few differences in food composition between different‐sized individuals; the diet of C. warmingii is more diverse, including crustacean zooplankton, gelatinous animals, and Mollusca, and differs significantly between fishes >55 mm in body length and smaller fishes. Interspecific competition for food between these two species is not strong, while intraspecific competition may be more intense in D. brachycephalus than in C. warmingii. Trophic levels of D. brachycephalus (3.46) and C. warmingii (3.38) identify both species as third‐trophic‐level lower carnivores. The diel feeding patterns of D. brachycephalus and C. warmingii differ: the former feeds actively both day and night when food is plentiful, and feeds primarily in the upper layer at night and in the mesopelagic layer during the daytime, and the latter ascends into the upper 100 m at night to feed, but stomach fullness is lower than D. brachycephalus. Dry‐body‐weight daily ration estimates for D. brachycephalus range from 5.19% to 16.46%, and those for C. warmingii range from 1.38% to 4.39%.
Mitophagy in plants: Emerging regulators of mitochondrial targeting for selective autophagy
Authors: Duckney Patrick J. , Wang Pengwei , Hussey Patrick J.
Published: February 2024

The degradation and turnover of mitochondria is fundamental to Eukaryotes and is a key homeostatic mechanism for maintaining functional mitochondrial populations. Autophagy is an important pathway by which mitochondria are degraded, involving their sequestration into membrane‐bound autophagosomes and targeting to lytic endosomal compartments (the lysosome in animals, the vacuole in plants and yeast). Selective targeting of mitochondria for autophagy, also known as mitophagy, distinguishes mitochondria from other cell components for degradation and is necessary for the regulation of mitochondria‐specific cell processes. In mammals and yeast, mitophagy has been well characterised and is regulated by numerous pathways with diverse and important functions in the regulation of cell homeostasis, metabolism and responses to specific stresses. In contrast, we are only just beginning to understand the importance and functions of mitophagy in plants, chiefly as the proteins that target mitochondria for autophagy in plants are only recently emerging. Here, we discuss the current progress of our understanding of mitophagy in plants, the importance of mitophagy for plant life and the regulatory autophagy proteins involved in mitochondrial degradation. In particular, we will discuss the recent emergence of mitophagy receptor proteins that selectively target mitochondria for autophagy, and discuss the missing links in our knowledge of mitophagy‐regulatory proteins in plants compared to animals and yeast.
Abnormal amyloid precursor protein processing in periodontal tissue in a murine model of periodontitis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Shen Hui , Jiang Yiting , Qiu Che , Xie Xinyi , Zhang Huanyu , He Zhiyan , Song Zhongchen , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the change of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and amyloid β (Aβ) metabolites in linking periodontitis to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Background

Aβ is one of the main pathological features of AD, and few studies have discussed changes in its expression in peripheral tissues or analyzed the relationship between the peripheral imbalance of Aβ production and clearance.

Methods

A murine model of periodontitis was established by oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) was used to observe the destruction of the alveolar bone. Nested quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure small quantities of P.gingivalis DNA in different tissues. Behavioral experiments were performed to measure cognitive function in the mice. The mRNA levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, RANKL, OPG, APP695, APP751, APP770, and BACE1 in the gingival tissues or cortex were detected by RT‐PCR. The levels of Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma were tested by ELISA.

Results

P. gingivalis oral infection was found to cause alveolar bone resorption and impaired learning and memory. P.gingivalis DNA was detected in the gingiva, blood and cortex of the P.gingivalis group by nested qPCR (p < .05). The mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, RANKL/OPG, and BACE1 in the gingival tissue was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < .05). Similarly, upregulated mRNA levels of APP695 and APP770 were observed in the gingival tissuses and cortex of the P. gingivalis group (p < .05). The levels of Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 in the GCF and plasma of the P. gingivalis group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < .05).

Conclusion

P. gingivalis can directly invade the brain via hematogenous infection. The invasion of P. gingivalis could trigger an immune response and lead to an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance in peripheral tissues, which may trigger an abnormal Aβ metabolite in the brain, resulting in the occurrence and development of AD.
Feasibility of delivering vitamin A supplementation (VAS) and deworming through routine community health services in Siaya County, Kenya: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ochola Sophie , Lelei Asa , Korir Julius , Ombati Caleb , Chebet Caroline , Doledec David , Mutea Fridah , Nielsen Jennifer , Omariba Solomon , Njeri Esther , Baker Melissa M.
Published: February 2024

Vitamin A deficiency and soil‐transmitted helminth infection are serious public health problems in Kenya. The coverage of vitamin A supplementation and deworming medication (VASD) provided through mass campaigns is generally high, yet with a cost that is not sustainable, while coverage offered through routine health services is low. Alternative strategies are needed that achieve the recommended coverage of >80% of children twice annually and can be managed by health systems with limited resources. We undertook a study from September to December 2021 to compare the feasibility and coverage of VASD locally delivered by community health volunteers (CHV) (“intervention arm”) to that achieved by the bi‐annual Malezi Bora campaign event (“control arm”). This comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted in sub‐counties of Siaya County using both qualitative and quantitative methods. VASD were offered through the CHS in Alego Usonga and through Malezi Bora in Bondo Sub‐County. Coverage was assessed by a post‐event coverage survey among caregivers of children aged 6–59 months (n = 307 intervention; n = 318 control). Key informant interviews were conducted with n = 43 personnel across both modalities, and 10 focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers of children aged 6–59 months to explore knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the two strategies. VAS coverage by CHV was 90.6% [95% CI: 87.3–93.9] compared to 70.4% [95% CI: 65.4–75.4] through the Malezi Bora, while deworming coverage was 73.9% [95% CI: 69.0–78.7] and 54.7% [95% CI: 49.2–60.2], respectively. With sufficient training and oversight, CHV can achieve superior coverage to campaigns.
Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity published internationally: A scoping review
Authors: Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Cooper Kelly , Stephens Lena D. , Peeters Anna , Salmon Jo , Porter Judi
Published: February 2024

With the increasing prevalence of obesity placing additional demands on healthcare systems, many jurisdictions and professional bodies have developed clinical practice guidelines to support practitioners in the management of people with overweight and obesity. This scoping review aimed to identify key features of contemporary guidelines for the clinical management of overweight and obesity. Searches of MEDLINE, Guidelines International Network's international guidelines library, and other grey literature sources identified 38 guidelines of 18 countries and one region published since 2010. Guidelines were developed by committees (n = 36, 95%) that comprised knowledgeable experts (n = 36, 95%) and were multidisciplinary (n = 33, 87%), with limited consumer representation (n = 11, 29%). Guideline documentation incorporated review questions (n = 23, 61%), systematic reviews (n = 25, 66%), evidence grading systems (n = 33, 87%), processes for reaching consensus (n = 19, 50%), and guideline review details (n = 28, 74%). Treatment approaches included in most guidelines were nutrition and physical activity (n = 38, 100%), psychology (n = 37, 97%), pharmacotherapy (n = 32, 84%), and bariatric surgery (n = 31, 82%). Most guidelines targeted populations based on age (n = 30, 79%). Guidelines contained recommendations for pregnancy (n = 12, 32%), older adults (n = 9, 24%), and people with eating disorders (n = 8, 21%). Future guidelines would benefit from involvement of consumers including groups known to be at increased risk of overweight and obesity, targeted guidance for at risk groups, and consideration of weight bias and stigma.
Analysis of the Potential Angiogenic Mechanisms of BuShenHuoXue Decoction against Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Luo Di , Liu Hao , Liang Xue‐zhen , Yan Wei , Ding Chou , Hu Cheng‐bo , Yan De‐zhi , Li Jin‐song , Wu Ji‐biao
Published: February 2024

Objective

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common orthopedic disease with a high disability rate. The clinical effect of BuShenHuoXue decoction (BSHX) for ONFH is satisfactory. We aimed to elucidate the potential angiogenic mechanisms of BSHX in a rat femoral osteonecrosis model and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods

With in vivo experiments, we established the steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) model using Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (8‐week‐old). The rats were randomly divided into five group of 12 rats each and given the corresponding interventions: control, model (gavaged with 0.9% saline), BSHX low‐, medium‐ and high‐dose groups (0.132 3, 0.264 6, and 0.529 2 g/mL BSHX solution by gavage). After 12 weeks, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was preformed to evaluate rat osteonecrosis. the expression of angiogenic factors (CD31, VEGFA, KDR, VWF) in rat femoral head was detected by immunohistochemistry, qPCR and western blotting. In cell experiment, BMSCs were isolated and cultured in the femoral bone marrow cavity of 4‐week‐old SD rats. BMSCs were randomly divided into eight groups and intervened with different doses of BSHX‐containing serum and glucocorticoids: control group (CG); BSHX low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups (CG + 0.661 5, 1.323, and 2.646 g/kg BSHX gavage rat serum); dexamethasone (Dex) group; and Dex + BSHX low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups (Dex + 0.661 5, 1.323, and 2.646 g/kg BSHX gavaged rat serum), the effects of BSHX‐containing serum on the angiogenic capacity of BMSCs were examined by qPCR and Western blotting. A co‐culture system of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs) and BMSCs was then established. Migration and angiogenesis of RAOECs were observed using angiogenesis and transwell assay. Identification of potential targets of BSHX against ONFH was obtained using network pharmacology.

Results

BSHX upregulated the expression of CD31, VEGFA, KDR, and VWF in rat femoral head samples and BMSCs (p < 0.05, vs. control group or model group). Different concentrations of BSHX‐containing serum significantly ameliorated the inhibition of CD31, VEGFA, KDR and VWF expression by high concentrations of Dex. BSHX‐containing serum‐induced BMSCs promoted the migration and angiogenesis of RAOECs, reversed to some extent the adverse effect of Dex on microangiogenesis in RAOECs, and increased the number of microangiogenic vessels. Furthermore, we identified VEGFA, COL1A1, COL3A1, and SPP1 as important targets of BSHX against ONFH.

Conclusion

BSHX upregulated the expression of angiogenic factors in the femoral head tissue of ONFH model rats and promoted the angiogenic capacity of rat RAOECs and BMSCs. This study provides an important basis for the use of BSHX for ONFH prevention and treatment.
Fine mapping of sterile genes in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merril.) based on cross populations between multi‐elite parent and sterile lines ms1 and ms6
Authors: Jiang Zhenfeng , Song Jiazhuo , Du Yanwei , Hao Hongmei , Cheng Jiyao , Zhao Caitong , Zhang Xianfeng , Wang Wanpeng , Li Jianan , Zheng Yuhong , Yang Chunyan , Li Wenbin
Published: February 2024

The male sterile line of soybean is crucial for hybrid seed production, and has allowed significant advancements in soybean germplasm innovation and yield increase in China. In this study, we created two bulks of sterile plants and collected a natural population consisting of 100 elite soybean germplasms. There were significant phenotypic differences between the sterile and natural populations resulting from flowers and pods. The sterile plants exhibited fleshy spherical pods and large black‐green leaves in the maturity stage, while the leaves of the fertile plants fell off. After I2‐KI staining, the pollen of the sterile line turned light brown and yellow, while the pollen of the fertile line turned black. On the basis of the SNP sequencing results, the sterility genes were located on eight chromosomes. Additionally, they were fine‐mapped to 13 regions on six chromosomes using 72 pairs of SSR markers. Five genes involved in auxin response and pollen development were predicted as candidate genes underlying soybean sterility. These candidate genes for soybean sterility will help with gene cloning and functional analysis and accelerate the widespread use of hybrid seed production and yield increase in soybean grown in cool regions.
Drug utilisation in children and adolescents before and after the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Interrupted time‐series analyses in three European countries
Authors: Pedersen Elisabeth , Tripodi Elena , Aakjær Mia , Li Huiqi , Cantarutti Anna , Nyberg Fredrik , Andersen Morten , Lupattelli Angela , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected children and adolescents in several ways, including worsened mental health, improvement of asthma, and increases in diabetes ketoacidosis. Less is known about how medication use in children and adolescents has been affected by the pandemic.

Objectives

To explore how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected drug utilisation in children and adolescents in Norway, Sweden, and Italy, by child age.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal drug utilisation study among all children and adolescents (<18 years old) in Norway and Sweden and a nationwide paediatric database covering 3% of the paediatric population in Italy. We conducted an interrupted time‐series analysis from January 2018 to December 2021, with March 2020 as the interruption point. Dispensing or prescription rates of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sleep medications, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, insulin, and asthma medications were examined.

Results

The study population in January 2018 consisted of 3,455,521 children and adolescents (136,188 from Italy, 1,160,431 from Norway, and 2,158,902 from Sweden). For sleep medications and insulin, there were only minor changes in level or trend in some age groups after March 2020. For asthma medications, the pandemic was associated with an immediate decrease in dispensing in Norway and Sweden (range of change in level: −19.2 to −3.7 dispensings per 1000 person‐months), and an increasing trend in all countries afterward (range of change in trend: 0.3–6.4 dispensings per 1000 person‐months), especially for the youngest age groups. Among adolescents, the pandemic was associated with an increased trend for ADHD medications, antidepressants, and anxiolytics in Norway and Sweden, but not in Italy.

Conclusions

The increasing trend of psychotropic medication dispensing, especially among adolescents after the start of the pandemic, is concerning and should be investigated further. Aside from a temporary effect on asthma medication dispensing, the pandemic did not greatly affect the dispensing of the medications investigated.
Current and future perspectives of a microalgae based circular bioeconomy to manage industrial wastewater– A Systematic Review
Authors: Raghuraman Rengarajan Haryni Jayaradhika , Detchanamurthy Swaminathan , Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Palanisami Thavamani
Published: February 2024

Post technological advancements and industrialisation, the recovery of resources by treating wastewater is gaining momentum. As the global population continues to grow, the need for water is becoming increasingly urgent. Therefore, the re‐utilisation of water is becoming an increasingly important factor in the preservation of life on this planet. Wastewater is classified according to its source of origin. When left untreated, the effluent causes several environmental hazards and poses health issues as they have higher concentrations of nutrients and toxic heavy metals. Currently, several conventional methods exist to treat and handle wastewater, but they generate secondary waste post‐treatment and are not sustainable. Microalgae‐based treatment of wastewater is highly sustainable, cost‐efficient and aligns with the concept of circular bioeconomy. The biological treatment of effluents using microalgae has several advantages. Approximately 1.83 kg of CO2 is sequestered per kg of the dry biomass during microalgae cultivation. Among all the sustainable alternatives, microalgae offer better biomass productivity by utilising a higher concentration of nutrients in wastewater. The wastewater‐grown microalgae have higher efficiency in producing commercially important secondary metabolites. This systematic review highlights the competence of microalgae in different wastewater sources and their industrial perspectives. This also gives an overview of the biproducts produced from microalgae‐based wastewater treatment.
Positive effects of rutin on female reproduction
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: February 2024

This article reviews the source and properties of rutin (vitamin P), its general physiological and medicinal effects and their mechanisms, but the main subject of it is the currently available knowledge concerning the character and mechanisms of action of rutin on female reproductive processes. The available data demonstrate the stimulatory action of rutin on female reproductive processes: it can promote ovarian follicles development and ovulation, ovarian cyclicity, and viability of ovarian cells. On the other hand, it can suppress ovarian cancer cell and tumour development by inhibition of cell proliferation and growth and activation of their apoptosis and death. Furthermore, it could be able to prevent other reproductive disorders (ischaemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, toxic effects of chemotherapy, nanoparticles and toluene). Rutin could exert its effects via changes in the release and reception of gonadotropin, ovarian steroid hormones, prostaglandins, cytokines, VEGF, as well as in intracellular regulators and markers of oxidative and inflammatory processes, proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis.
Repurposing the book as a message: Italian lyric manuscripts in prison
Authors: Banella Laura
Published: February 2024

Many manuscripts copied in various prisons have been identified. In the late Middle Ages, prisoners were allowed not only to compose new texts, but also to be employed as scribes. The present article focuses on three manuscripts produced in prison in the fifteenth century which pair Dante and Petrarch's lyric poems with the poetry of others and of the scribes themselves. These manuscripts combine lyric collections with personal works – lyric poems, letters, drawings – penned by those who made them, resulting in individual literary organisms. By exploring three case studies of Italian lyric manuscripts produced by incarcerated scribes, the article defines a ‘genre of book’ which combined personal interventions with lyric poetry of major authors, in a complex editorial process that made of the codex a new text in itself. They illuminate the ways in which the practice of assembling lyric poetry by major authors (chiefly Dante and Petrarch) combined with personal touches, was used by readers and compilers to craft a variety of identities; but most importantly, the ways in which the codex may become a performative event, as well as a site of memory and, when sent outside of prison, a message taking the form of the book.
Scenario development for safety assessment in deep geologic disposal of high‐level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel: A review
Authors: Kuhlman Kristopher L. , Bartol Jeroen , Carter Alexander , Lommerzheim Andree , Wolf Jens
Published: February 2024

Radiation and radioactive substances result in the production of radioactive wastes which require safe management and disposal to avoid risks to human health and the environment. To ensure permanent safe disposal, the performance of a deep geological repository for radioactive waste is assessed against internationally agreed risk‐based standards. Assessing postclosure safety of the future system's evolution includes screening of features, events, and processes (FEPs) relevant to the situation, their subsequent development into scenarios, and finally the development and execution of safety assessment (SA) models. Global FEP catalogs describe important natural and man‐made repository system features and identify events and processes that may affect these features into the future. By combining FEPs, many of which are uncertain, different possible future system evolution scenarios are derived. Repository licensing should consider both the reference or “base” evolution as well as alternative futures that may lead to radiation release, pollution, or exposures. Scenarios are used to derive and consider both base and alternative evolutions, often through production of scenario‐specific SA models and the recombination of their results into an assessment of the risk of harm. While the FEP‐based scenario development process outlined here has evolved somewhat since its development in the 1980s, the fundamental ideas remain unchanged. A spectrum of common approaches is given here (e.g., bottom–up vs. top–down scenario development, probabilistic vs. bounding handling of uncertainty), related to how individual numerical models for possible futures are converted into a determination as to whether the system is safe (i.e., how aleatoric uncertainty and scenarios are integrated through bounding or Monte Carlo approaches).
Eocene monsoon climate expansion in East Asia: Evidence from orbital‐cycle driven terrestrial successions in the Jianghan Basin, Central China
Authors: Cai Yuan , Kong Xiangxin
Published: February 2024

East Asia experienced complex climatic changes during the Eocene. Due to the lack of a high‐precision time framework covering the Eocene, the characteristics of sedimentary and climate evolution in this period remain unclear. The Jianghan Basin (Central China) developed an Eocene continental succession, which is composed of lower red beds and upper salt‐lake deposits exhibiting clear sedimentary rhythms, making these strata an ideal target for astronomical cycle analysis. Based on the established floating astronomical timescale, the lower red beds in the basin formed during the early–middle Eocene and were dominated by eccentricity cycles. The upper salt‐lake deposits formed during the middle–late Eocene and recorded obliquity cycles. The change in facies indicates that the climate transitioned from continuously arid to less arid with periodic relative wetness, which was forced by orbital cycles. Significant obliquity signals recorded by salt rhythmites responded to Eocene global temperature changes and Tibetan region uplift, which can be important markers of a monsoon‐like climate. Comparing the sedimentary and climatic characteristics of other Eocene lake basins in East Asia, the extension of the Eocene East Asian monsoon may have initiated during ca 43.6 to 40.0 Ma. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the early evolution of the East Asian monsoon.
Effect of Bypass Duct on the Thrust Vectoring Performance of Dual Throat Nozzle in a Supersonic Aircraft
Authors: Afridi Saadia , Khan Tariq Amin , Shah Imran , Ali Yasir , Mumtaz Qadri Muhammad Nafees , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

Due to its ability to maximize thrust vectoring performance, the bypass dual throat nozzle (BDTN) has an advantage over other fluidic vectoring controls. In this study, numerical simulation is performed to analyze the flow characteristics and performance parameters of an aircraft engine with three different nozzle configurations. The nozzle of a representative engine, i.e., an F100 engine was selected as a model geometry to test the efficiency obtained by BDTN. The present investigation has shown that implementing a bypass channel on a real geometry nozzle has no significant effects on thrust vectoring performance in vectored mode. Although the real geometry scheme has a higher thrust and a discharge coefficient, the smaller cavity length resulted in lower vectoring angles. Modifying the real geometry nozzle according to the BDTN configuration significantly improved the thrust vectoring performance. However, the V-shaped bypass passage flow in the modified geometry scheme imposed un-necessary total pressure losses in the nozzle. A geometry scheme that utilized an arc-shaped rather than a V-shaped bypass passage is considered in this research and found to present minimize pressure losses. A total increase of 2% and 3.5% is hereby reported, for thrust and discharge coefficients, respectively. A decrease of 6% is reported in the thrust vectoring angle under an improved geometrical scheme. Out of three geometries, the real geometry scheme reported negligible thrust vectoring performance, while modified and improved geometry schemes indicated improved thrust vectoring performance without substantially changing the engine states.
Utilization of Manipulator Redundancy for Torque Reduction During Force Interaction
Authors: Jadav Shail , Palanthandalam-Madapusi Harish J.
Published: February 2024

The integration of robots into environments shared by humans has been enhanced through the use of redundant robots capable of executing primary tasks and secondary objectives such as obstacle avoidance and null-space impedance control. A critical secondary objective involves optimizing manipulator configurations to reduce torque and prevent torque saturation, similar to how athletes distribute loads to minimize the risk of injury. This paper suggests employing robotic redundancy to evenly distribute joint loads, thereby improving performance and avoiding torque saturation. Prior studies primarily focused on either endpoint stiffness control or kinetic energy minimization, each having its drawbacks. This paper introduces a novel objective function that responds to all external disturbances at the end-effector, aiming to lower joint torques via redundancy for precise trajectory tracking amidst disturbances. This method, which provides an inverse kinematics solution adaptable to various controllers, demonstrated a 29.85% reduction in peak torque and a 14.69% decrease in cumulative torques in the KUKA LBR iiwa 14 R820 robot.
Inlet Air Filtration Effects on Degradation and Life Cycle Costs in Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Power Plants: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kamboj Pertik , Nandagopal Pugalenthi , Duerr Matthias , Fahrendorf Ole
Published: February 2024

Gas turbine degradation significantly impacts the operation, maintenance, and lifecycle cost of gas turbines. Multiple components within the gas turbine contribute to the overall degradation of gas turbine-based combined cycles, with the compressor component being the primary contributor. The compressor degradation is predominantly influenced by the quality of the intake air. Airborne particles tend to deposit on the compressor blades and vanes, increase surface roughness and potentially alter the blade shape, which can result in additional aero losses.

Nowadays, customers are seeking gas turbines that exhibit less degradation, increased reliability, and greater availability. To meet these demands, many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are focusing on improving the quality of intake air through the incorporation of highly efficient filters. Such filters reduce the deposition of air particles on the compressor blades, which leads to improved long-term compressor performance, increased gas turbine parts life, and reduced water wash cycles, thereby improving availability. However, the high cost of these filters and the increased compressor inlet pressure drop can reduce the overall performance of the Gas Turbine-based Combined Cycle (GTCC). Thus, it is essential to consider the impact on the overall lifecycle cost when selecting an appropriate filter class, which can guide the customer in making an informed decision.

The first section of this paper discusses various classes of filters, their efficiency, and the resulting pressure drop. It also examines the degradation of Gas Turbine-based Combined Cycle (GTCC) associated with different air intake filters. The second section of the paper conducts a life cycle cost analysis of different filters using Siemens Energy’s in-house cost analysis tool called the Power Value (PV) tool. Although currently exclusive to Siemens Energy, the tool will be available to third-party users in the future. The analysis includes Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), calculations for a 25-year period of GTCC plant operation. The analysis takes into account appropriate capital, fuel, maintenance, and electricity costs.

This life cycle cost analysis provides valuable benefits to both customers and OEMs by comparing different air intake filter options and quantifying the total cost of each option, including capital, operational, and maintenance costs. This analysis enables customers and OEMs to identify the most cost-effective solutions during the project proposal and bidding phase. Additionally, this paper offers guidance on selecting suitable filters for various environments and highlights the impact of highly efficient filters on the decarbonization.
An Investigation of the Effect of Layer-Building Time on the Interlayer Adhesion Strength in Polymer Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Alzahrani Faisal J. , Noor Hussam , Coulter John P.
Published: February 2024

This research investigated the effect of layer-building time on the interlayer adhesion strength of polymer additive manufacturing. Many methods have been developed for polymer additive manufacturing and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most common type of polymer extrusion-based. FDM uses layer-by-layer building mechanisms to manufacture the products resulting in weak adhesion strength between layers in the building direction (z-axis). This causes mechanical performance variations in printed parts’ x, y, and z-axis. Longer layer-building time increases heat dissipation, making it more probable that large-scale products may be affected by weak interlayer adhesion issues. Small-scale 3D printing has advanced significantly, with researchers testing and applying the technology to various industrial sectors. Yet, a significant amount of work still has to be done on research into Big Area Additive Manufacturing BAAM intended for large-scale applications such as building and car manufacturing. This field needs further and extensive research to understand related challenges. Therefore, this work investigated the effect of layer-building time on interlayer adhesion strength. 2500 HP PLA was used in this investigation to print samples with four different layer-building times 30, 90, 150, and 210 seconds. Printed samples were prepared for flat-wise tensile testing (FTT) in a tensile machine. Results showed that interlayer adhesion strength weaken with increasing the layer-building time.
Analysis of Roll Dynamics With Computer Vision
Authors: Song Fei , Xu Liangyu , Zhang Haitao , Li Ke
Published: February 2024

Logging is the process that enables operators to collect data about the formation through which they are drilling in oilfield drilling operations. Logging-while-drilling (LWD) technologies enable real-time data collection or in a recorded mode as the drilling operations are in process. The LWD tools belong to the bottomhole assembly (BHA) at the lowest part of the drillstring, often together with measurement-while-drilling (MWD), rotary steerable system (RSS), and other subs. Formation measurement techniques with LWD tools can include gamma ray logging, resistivity measurement, density and neutron porosity logging, sonic logging, fluid sampling, and many others. BHA whirl is featured by the eccentric rotation of the BHA about a point other than its geometric center. Due to increasingly aggressive drilling environment, BHA whirl is known to be an extremely destructive downhole phenomenon among all types of drill dynamics. The extreme shocks and vibrations generated from BHA whirl could cause premature failures of BHA components, measurement devices, or sensors. In addition, lateral motions induced by BHA whirl can be a concern for the LWD measurement quality. Therefore, understanding the lateral motion and dynamics of the drilling tool in the presence of whirling is significant for reducing the risks associated with the health condition and measurement quality of the tool.

This paper presents development of a roll test system (i.e., a tubular assembly rolling along the inner wall of an impact ring while being spun with a drive motor) instrumented with accelerometers and high-speed cameras to imitate lateral dynamics that the tool could undergo while drilling in a controlled laboratory environment. Modern computer vision algorithms such as Hough transform are applied to experimentally determine the motion trajectory and lateral dynamics characteristics of the tool on the videos recorded with the high-speed camera. The results obtained from video analysis are then compared to the alternative measurements collected from the accelerometer on a 4.75-inch tool. Favorable agreement is observed, which validates the computer vision approach. Once validated, the authors further demonstrate that the developed video analysis approach can be employed to characterize and understand the lateral motion dynamics of 6.75-inch and 8.25-inch tools as well. Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision techniques demonstrated in this study could open new possibilities for fit-for-basin virtual qualification of new drilling tools and for post-run root cause analysis of drilling tool failures.
Renewable Energy Resources in the Long-Term Sustainability of Water Desalination As a Freshwater Source
Authors: Oviroh Peter Ozaveshe , Ukoba Kingsley , Jen Tien Chien
Published: February 2024

Due to growing populations, climate change, and water pollution, freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce. Managing the increasing water and energy demands requires addressing the relationship between energy production, which requires water, and water production, which uses energy. Desalination, as an option, is becoming a viable solution for meeting water demand in an increasing number of water-stressed areas. However, the increased demand for desalination to enhance the water supply and concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel use to power it are becoming issues. These have increased interest in renewable energy-powered desalination systems. As a result, there is an urgent need to advance sustainable and renewable energy technologies and water purification processes and technologies to meet the growing societal demand for water and energy. This review looks at some renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, marine energy, and a hybrid of renewable energy sources, in meeting the energy demand. It highlighted the additional beneficial incorporation of other applications and possible energy source combinations. The primary goal of this study is to examine recent advances in the technical, economic, environmental, and social impacts of desalination systems. The second goal is to present an overview of the role of renewable energy technologies in the long-term sustainability of projected water systems that will rely increasingly on desalination.
Rules and Procedures in Academia: Do They Help or Hurt?
Authors: Das Shuvra , Kleinke Darrell , Pistrui David , Bonnstetter Ron
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the need to reevaluate traditional policies and rules governing engineering education programs, especially considering the changing student demographics and the push for inclusive learning styles. Many rules and procedures used in engineering education programs were established in a bygone era when the student population was different, but today, many of those same rules hinder student learning. The authors use three different tools to identify some of these rules. Harmful rules that emerged included the 12-credit full-time requirement, required attendance policies, minimum grade policies, rigid course sequencing, and standardized testing. The authors show that these rules, imposed for the benefit of the institution to ease administration, have negative impacts on two of three student learning typologies. The authors suggest alternatives such as allowing students to take fewer credits to focus on challenging courses, providing flexible attendance policies, eliminating minimum grade policies, allowing for more flexible course sequencing, and assessing students through multiple measures rather than relying on standardized testing. The goal of the article is to raise awareness of how rules that are taken for granted can be unnecessary obstacles for student learning and detrimental to their personal well-being across all socioeconomic groups. The authors claim that it is time to create more inclusive and personalized approaches to engineering education.
Graphene Nanoparticle Modified Laser Engraved Kapton Sensor for Environmental Estrogen Detection
Authors: Ghosh Dipannita , Rahman Md Saydur , Ashraf Ali , Islam Nazmul
Published: February 2024

In this study, we developed a graphene-based flexible electrochemical immune sensor to rapidly detect 17β-estradiol in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) buffer solution. The irreversible oxidation of the molecule’s phenol group served as the basis for the electrochemical determination of 17β-estradiol. The calculated incubation time of the laser-engraved Kapton sensor with modified graphene polyaniline ink (LEK/G-PANI) is 30 minutes, and the optimum PH level is 7.4. The proposed immune sensor has impedance change with excellent linearity from 0.61 pg/ml to 156.3 pg/ml with a limit of detection (LOD) is 3.54 pg/ml(S/N = 3) when testing17β-estradiol in PBS (1x) buffer solution (pH = 7.4).