bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delay effects on distributed constrained optimization over double‐integrator multi‐agent systems
Authors: Shao Bingxue , Lu Minghui , Shi Xiasheng , Ren Lu
Published: June 2024

Communication plays a pivotal role in distributed optimization problems, where unavoidable communication delays are presented. This research studies the distributed constrained optimization problem concerning second‐order multi‐agent systems with double‐integrator under time‐varying communication delays. An adaptive distributed optimization algorithm using multi‐agent system consensus technique and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions is developed to deal with this problem. The local constraint term is solved adaptively through local dual Lagrange multipliers. When the cost function is strongly convex, and the communication topology is undirected and connected, we employ the Lasalle invariance principle to analyze the delay effects on convergence analysis. Moreover, we give an upper bound on communication delay. Finally, the provided numerical simulation examples demonstrate that the developed method is robust for the limited communication delay and the derived results are conservative.
Consensus recommendations for the use of novel antiretrovirals in persons with HIV who are heavily treatment‐experienced and/or have multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1: Endorsed by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, American College of Clinical Pharmacy: An executive summary
Authors: Cluck David B. , Chastain Daniel B. , Murray Milena , Durham Spencer H. , Chahine Elias B. , Derrick Caroline , Dumond Julie B. , Hester E. Kelly , Jeter Sarah B. , Johnson Melissa D. , Kilcrease Christin , Kufel Wesley D. , Kwong Jeffrey , Ladak Amber F. , Patel Nimish , Pérez Sarah E. , Poe Jonell B. , Bolch Charlotte , Thomas Ian , Asiago‐Reddy Elizabeth , Short William R.
Published: June 2024

Treatment options are currently limited for persons with HIV‐1 (PWH) who are heavily treatment‐experienced and/or have multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1. Three agents have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2018, representing a significant advancement for this population: ibalizumab, fostemsavir, and lenacapavir. However, there is a paucity of recommendations endorsed by national and international guidelines describing the optimal use (e.g., selection and monitoring after initiation) of these novel antiretrovirals in this population. To address this gap, a modified Delphi technique was used to develop these consensus recommendations that establish a framework for initiating and managing ibalizumab, fostemsavir, or lenacapavir in PWH who are heavily treatment‐experienced and/or have multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1. In addition, future areas of research are also identified and discussed in the main document.
A comprehensive, updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiologic evidence on the connection between herpes zoster infection and the risk of stroke
Authors: Heiat Mohammad , Salesi Mahmood , Peypar Mohammad Hossein , Ramazani Ali , Abdorrashidi Mahdi , Yeganeh Amin Vesal
Published: June 2024

Stroke is a common worldwide cause of death and disability, resulting from an obstruction or reduction in blood flow to the brain. Research has demonstrated that systemic infection such as herpes zoster (HZ) / ophthalmicus herpes zoster (HZO) can potentially trigger stroke. This study includes an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of the epidemiologic data on the connection between HZ/HZO infection and the risk of stroke. A meticulous search of different database yielded 905 studies. Furthermore, an additional 14 studies from a previous meta‐analysis were incorporated. Eligible studies underwent rigorous screening, resulting in 18 papers. Statistical analyses, including random/fixed effects models and subgroup analyses, were conducted to assess pooled relative risk (RR) and heterogeneity. The meta‐analysis consisted of 5,505,885 participants and found a statistically significant association between HZ infection and the risk of stroke (pooled RR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.34). The HZO infection showed a significantly higher overall pooled RR of 1.71 (95% CI 1.06–2.75), indicating a strong connection with the risk of stroke. Subgroup analysis revealed that the odds ratio might play a significant role in causing heterogeneity. Time since infection emerged as a crucial factor, with heightened stroke risk in the initial year post‐HZ/HZO exposure, followed by a decline after the first year. Asian/Non‐Asian studies demonstrated varied results in HZ/HZO patients. Meta‐analysis reveals a significant HZ/HZO‐stroke link. Subgroups highlight varied risks and warrant extended Asian/non‐Asian patient investigation.
Anti‐unwinding attitude maneuver control with predefined time for rigid spacecraft with input saturation
Authors: Xu Yu‐Tian , Wu Ai‐Guo , Dong Rui‐Qi
Published: June 2024

In this article, anti‐unwinding sliding mode attitude maneuver control with predefined time is investigated for rigid spacecraft with input saturation. First, a nonsingular sliding function containing two equilibrium points is designed to ensure the predefined‐time convergence of system states and unwinding‐free performance of the closed‐loop system on the sliding phase. Then, an auxiliary system with a dynamic parameter is presented to compensate the impact of input saturation. With this parameter, the auxiliary system can handle input saturation that occurs. Based on the sliding function and the auxiliary system, an attitude maneuver controller is developed to guarantee the robustness of the closed‐loop system to bounded external disturbance. Under the designed controller, the states of the closed‐loop system are driven into a neighborhood of the sliding surface within a predefined time. Moreover, the unwinding phenomenon is also avoided on the reaching phase. Numerical simulation results illustrate the unwinding‐free performance and predefined‐time convergence of the closed‐loop system under the proposed control strategy.
Toward sustainable development: Revealing the dynamic impacts of the belt and road initiative on energy transition
Authors: Chishti Muhammad Zubair , Sharif Arshian , Xu Qi , Sharma Gagan Deep
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the influence of the belt and road initiative (BRI) on energy transition within the context of sustainable development goal (SDG) 7. The study utilizes daily data from May 3, 2017, to June 30, 2023, and deploys advanced econometric methods like heatmap‐based QVAR, cross‐quantilogram, and recursive time‐varying methods. The findings determine that BRI can significantly foster the global energy transition process. Further, the Paris Agreement (PA) and green finance (GF) support the energy transition system by showing positive effects. In contrast, geopolitical risk (GPR) introduces disruptive elements that impede green energy production. Notably, the amalgamation of GF, PA, and BRI showcases the potential to not only facilitate SDG 7 but also contribute substantially to SDGs 8 and 13. Based on the above findings, the study suggests fostering synergies and collaboration between GF, PA, and BRI to maximize their combined impact on the energy transition, which may decrease the influence of GPR.
Deficiencies of women's participation in climate governance and sustainable development challenges in Bangladesh
Authors: Humayra Jeba , Uddin Md. Kamal , Pushpo Nusrat Yeasmin
Published: June 2024

In Bangladesh, women endure the consequences of climate change while also serving a crucial role in domestic and community‐led climate change responses. Given the gender power dynamics that have developed in Bangladesh, integrating women as distinguishable actors and effective agents in climate governance remains a challenge. Bangladesh is a traditionally patriarchal society, and because of deeply ingrained gender inequalities, men dominate the family, community, and society. Most research has been conducted on women's vulnerability and victims, but only a few were conducted on how women can be change‐makers. This research found that with women's contribution and equal participation, achieving effective climate governance in Bangladesh is possible. The study also discovered that the absence of women from climate governance perpetuates gender inequality and makes it more challenging to achieve sustainable development objectives. The intricate relationships between gender equality, efficient climate governance, and the more general aim of sustainable development within the context of Bangladesh are explored in this study. In light of the findings, the study argues for and puts forward policy proposals for recognizing women's active contribution as change makers and supporting gender equality as a crucial strategy in climate governance in Bangladesh.
An Extensive Analysis of Current Synthetic Methodologies and Applications of Imidazo/Benzimidazo[1,2‐c]Quinazolines
Authors: Bairy Gurupada , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: June 2024

A great deal of attention has been received on developing N‐heterocyclic compounds due to their ambitious biological activities. Many of them are essential footstep to the development and discovery of new drugs. Imidazole/benzimidazole and quinazoline are essential pharmacologically active N‐heterocycles, and one of the molecular framework built up from their combination, imidazo/benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline, is of great attention in terms of synthesis, reactions, and medicinal applications. The positional variation of hetero N‐atoms and the functional groups acting as substituents in the main scaffold have a direct impact on the properties of imidazo/benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines. In addition to its physiological activities, this moiety is useful for electrical conductivity, molecules/ions sensing, coordination complex and coordination polymer (CP) formation, and their diverse applications. The major objective of this review is to highlight various synthetic approaches for imidazo/benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines motif since 2000. Toxicant‐free reaction conditions and the use of an extensive range of inexpensive substrates are two of the main practical benefits of the protocol in accomplishing the sustainable development goals.
A Computational Study of Metal Hydrides Based on Rubidium for Developing Solid‐State Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Didi Youssef , Bahhar Soufiane , Tahiri Abdellah , Naji Mohamed , Rjeb Abdelilah
Published: June 2024

In this work, we explore the physical properties of RbXH3 (X=Cr, Zr) perovskite hydrides for solid‐state hydrogen storage. The structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and hydrogen storage properties were theoretically investigated using density functional theory and CASTEP software. The selected candidates were fully relaxed and optimized in the cubic phase space group Pm‐3 m. The structural phase stability was verified by means of thermodynamic, dynamic and mechanical stabilities. Mechanical analyses based on Poisson's ratio (ν), G/B ratio, and Cauchy pressure show that RbCrH3 and RbZrH3 exhibit brittle behavior with preference of ionic bonding. The electronic structures unveil half‐metallicity in RbCrH3 compound and metallic‐like behavior in RbZrH3. Furthermore, optical calculations were also conducted to gain additional insights into the physical properties of RbXH3 compounds. The gravimetric hydrogen storage (Cwt %) capacities have been calculated as 2.09 wt % and 1.64 wt % for RbCrH3 and RbZrH3, respectively. The hydrogen desorption temperatures have been obtained as 545.11 K and 548.15 K for RbCrH3 and RbZrH3, respectively. Our calculation propose RbCrH3 hydride as potential material for hydrogen storage application.
Platinum Nanozyme Probes for Cellular Imaging by Electron Microscopy
Authors: De Luca Elisa , Pedone Deborah , Scarsi Anna , Marotta Roberto , Catalano Federico , Debellis Doriana , Cursi Lorenzo , Grimaldi Benedetto , Moglianetti Mauro , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: June 2024

The highly efficient peroxidase‐like activity of platinum nanozymes (3–20 nm size) is exploited within the complex cellular environment to catalyze the oxidation of the DAB substrate, producing an electron‐dense signal around the nanozyme surface, upon osmium staining. It is proved that such nanozyme amplification can achieve a catalytic signal enhancement up to 10‐fold, enabling the quick detection of the Pt particles (even of 3 nm size) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also at low magnification and across wide fields of view in the intricate intracellular milieu. The developed procedure is ideally suited to overcome standard amplification strategies currently used in TEM analysis, such as gold or silver enhancements. Furthermore, the wide versatility of the Pt‐nanozyme probes in TEM imaging is demonstrated in immuno‐EM and protein trafficking studies, showing their potential to track the subcellular localization of target biomolecules at both low and high magnifications. These results suggest that the use of nanozymes might represent a paradigm shift in the conventional amplification systems currently employed in electron microscopy for cellular analyses, offering enhanced imaging capabilities.
New analytical models to predict the mechanical performance of steel fiber‐reinforced alkali‐activated concrete
Authors: Rossi Laura , Patel Ravi A. , Dehn Frank
Published: June 2024

The use of alkali‐activated concrete (AAC) as an alternative construction material to Portland cement‐based concrete (PCC) has been widely encouraged by its enhanced mechanical and durability performance and environmental benefits. However, AAC exhibits low flexural and tensile strength, limiting its application in areas where high post‐cracking flexural and tensile load‐bearing capacity are needed. Steel fibers can be added to improve the composite ductility and toughness. Steel fiber‐reinforced alkali‐activated concrete (SFRAAC) is a new emerging technology with research studies evaluating the effect of fiber addition on its mechanical properties still in the early stages. To promote the application of SFRAAC, analytical models predicting their mechanical performance are needed. This study evaluates the applicability to SFRAAC of previously published analytical models developed for steel fiber‐reinforced cement‐based concrete (SFRPCC). Experimental data available in the literature have been collected to create an extensive database to validate and then calibrate these currently available correlations between mechanical properties for SFRAAC. The prediction models considered in this study correlate the mechanical performance of SFRAAC, that is, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, flexural and residual flexural strength, to the compressive strength of the reference concrete without fibers, the fiber volume fraction and the fiber reinforcing index. Thus, by knowing the performance of the AAC matrix and the fiber properties and dosage, it is possible to predict the overall mechanical behavior of the steel fiber‐reinforced composite.
Effect of solid lubricant reinforcing on drilling performance of castamide and thermal analysis
Authors: Yarar Eser , Sinmazçelik Tamer
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the pressing need for enhancing the machining performance and hole quality of castamide by investigating the effects of solid lubricant addition and drilling parameters. Castamide, a highly crystalline polyamide synthesized via anionic ring‐opening polymerization, offers superior mechanical, physical, and chemical properties compared to conventional polyamide 6. However, its machining process, particularly drilling, remains a critical challenge due to its viscoelastic nature and sensitivity to heat generation. Using experimental investigations, thrust forces, drilling temperatures, hole geometry, and quality parameters are systematically analyzed and discussed. Notably, the study introduces Kestlub, a modified version of castamide with solid lubricant, and evaluates its drilling performance, a previously unexplored area in the literature. The research employs response surface methodology to model experimental data, considering both linear and quadratic effects of drilling parameters. Additionally, the significance of each parameter is assessed using ANOVA tables and Pareto charts, offering valuable insights into optimizing the drilling process for enhanced hole quality in castamide. It found that optimal drilling conditions occur at low rotational speeds and high feed rates, but thermal damage, influenced by factors like thermal conductivity and transition temperature, affects hole geometry and burr formation.

Highlights

Drilling performances of solid lubricant reinforced castamides were investigated.

Drilling temperatures were recorded with a thermal camera and differential scanning calorimeter and thermal gravimetric analyses were performed.

Drilling properties were analyzed statistically according to the response surface method.

It found that optimal drilling conditions occur at low rotational speeds and high feed rates.
Gastrotomy for removal of a gastric fishhook foreign body in a blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Authors: Stratton Hayley S. , Davis Ragon , Lewbart Gregory A.
Published: June 2024

An adult blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) presented for ingestion of a fishing lure. Manual retrieval of the fishing lure was attempted via palpation of the stomach through the oral cavity and oesophagus. The lure was palpable within the lumen of the stomach, but it could not be safely extracted, as one of the treble‐barb hooks on the lure had perforated the gastric wall. The lure was surgically removed via gastrotomy. Six weeks following surgery, the patient experienced dehiscence of the skin incision, which was left open for healing by second intention. The patient made a complete recovery. This is the first documented gastrotomy for successful removal of a gastric fishhook foreign body in a teleost fish.
Surveyed veterinary students in Australia find ChatGPT practical and relevant while expressing no concern about artificial intelligence replacing veterinarians
Authors: Worthing Kate A. , Roberts Madeleine , Šlapeta Jan
Published: June 2024

Background

Chat Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a freely available online artificial intelligence (AI) program capable of understanding and generating human‐like language. This study assessed veterinary students’ perceptions about ChatGPT in education and practice. It compared perceptions about ChatGPT between students who had completed a critical analysis task and those who had not.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study surveyed 498 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students at The University of Sydney, Australia. Second‐year DVM students researched a veterinary pathogen and then completed a critical analysis of ChatGPT (version 3.5) output for the same pathogen. A survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model was then delivered to all DVM students from all years of the programme, collecting data using Likert‐style, categorical and free‐text items.

Results

Over 75% of the 100 respondents reported having used ChatGPT. The students found ChatGPT's output relevant and practical for their use but perceived it as inaccurate. They perceived ChatGPT output to be more useful for veterinary students than for pet owners or veterinarians. Those who had completed the critical analysis assignment had a more positive view of ChatGPT's practicality for veterinary students but noted its authoritative tone even when delivering inaccurate information. Over 50% of the students agreed that information about tools such as ChatGPT should be included in the veterinary curriculum. Students agreed that veterinarians should embrace AI but disagreed that AI would eventually replace the need for veterinarians.

Conclusions

A critical appraisal of outputs from AI tools such as ChatGPT may help prepare future veterinarians for the effective use of these tools.
COVID-19 pneumonia in lung transplant recipients: understanding risk factors and treatment outcomes in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Toshikazu , Hirama Takashi , Akiba Miki , Watanabe Tatsuaki , Watanabe Yui , Oishi Hisashi , Niikawa Hiromichi , Okada Yoshinori
Published: June 2024

Lung transplant (LTx) recipients face a significant risk from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with elevated hospitalization mortality rates even post-vaccination. While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) typically induces pneumonia in even healthy individuals, it can also infect the transplanted lungs of LTx recipients, potentially leading to graft dysfunction. Despite the prevalence of COVID-19 pneumonia in LTx recipients, data on its characteristics and associated risk factors remain limited. This retrospective study analyzed data from LTx recipients at Tohoku University Hospital between January 2001 and November 2023. COVID-19 cases were identified, and patient records, including thoracic computed tomography (CT) evaluations, were reviewed. Patient characteristics, vaccination history, immunosuppressant use, and comorbidities were assessed. Descriptive analysis was utilized for data presentation. Among 172 LTx recipients, 39 (22.7%) contracted COVID-19, with 9 (23%) developing COVID-19 pneumonia. COVID-19 incidence in LTx recipients aligned with national rates, but pneumonia risk was elevated. Delayed antiviral therapy initiation was noted in pneumonia cases. Remdesivir was uniformly administered and remained the primary treatment choice. LTx recipients are susceptible to COVID-19 pneumonia, warranting vigilance and tailored management strategies. Pre-transplant vaccination and prompt COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment are imperative for optimizing outcomes in this population.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Spatial Transcriptomics Literature from 2006 to 2023
Authors: Zhao Shu-Han , Ji Xin-Yu , Yuan Guo-Zhen , Cheng Tao , Liang Hai-Yi , Liu Si-Qi , Yang Fu-Yi , Tang Yang , Shi Shuai
Published: June 2024

In recent years, spatial transcriptomics (ST) research has become a popular field of study and has shown great potential in medicine. However, there are few bibliometric analyses in this field. Thus, in this study, we aimed to find and analyze the frontiers and trends of this medical research field based on the available literature. A computerized search was applied to the WoSCC (Web of Science Core Collection) Database for literature published from 2006 to 2023. Complete records of all literature and cited references were extracted and screened. The bibliometric analysis and visualization were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix R Package software, and Scimago Graphica. A total of 1467 papers and reviews were included. The analysis revealed that the ST publication and citation results have shown a rapid upward trend over the last 3 years. Nature Communications and Nature were the most productive and most co-cited journals, respectively. In the comprehensive global collaborative network, the United States is the country with the most organizations and publications, followed closely by China and the United Kingdom. The author Joakim Lundeberg published the most cited paper, while Patrik L. Ståhl ranked first among co-cited authors. The hot topics in ST are tissue recognition, cancer, heterogeneity, immunotherapy, differentiation, and models. ST technologies have greatly contributed to in-depth research in medical fields such as oncology and neuroscience, opening up new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Moreover, artificial intelligence and big data drive additional development in ST fields.

Graphical Abstract

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies and application prospects. (1) Imaging-based approaches, including in situ sequencing (ISS)—where transcripts are amplified and sequenced in tissue—and ISH-based approaches—where imaging probes are sequentially hybridized in tissue. (2) NGS-based techniques, in which positional information is encoded onto transcripts prior to NGS sequencing.
Long-term outcomes of older adults with acute COVID-19 following inpatient geriatric rehabilitation: a prospective cohort study from the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Mccarthy Aoife , Robinson Katie , Dockery Frances , McLoughlin Kara , O’Connor Margaret , Milos Antonella , Corey Gillian , Carey Leonora , Steed Fiona , Haaksma Miriam , Whiston Aoife , Tierney Audrey , Galvin Rose
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a paucity of research reporting the long-term outcomes of older adults who have completed geriatric rehabilitation following COVID-19.

Aim

The primary aim of this study is to describe the long-term functional outcomes of a cohort of older adults with acute COVID-19 who have completed inpatient geriatric rehabilitation.

Methods

This is a subgroup analysis of Irish data from a pan-European prospective cohort study. Functional ability, patient reported symptoms, and quality of life were measured using the Barthel index, the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Screen, and the EQ-5D-5L, respectively.

Results

Thirty patients enrolled in the study. The rate of mortality was 23.3% at 6 months after discharge from rehabilitation. Patients achieved a return to pre-admission functional ability but reported a significant increase in patient reported symptoms and their quality of life did not return to pre-admission levels when assessed at 6 months after discharge from rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for older adults with acute COVID-19 infection can assist patients to return to their premorbid functional ability. On discharge from rehabilitation, ongoing follow-up of older adults is recommended to assist them to negotiate and manage ongoing symptomatology such as breathlessness or fatigue.
Generative AI and Cognitive Computing-Driven Intrusion Detection System in Industrial CPS
Authors: Islam Shareeful , Javeed Danish , Saeed Muhammad Shahid , Kumar Prabhat , Jolfaei Alireza , Islam A. K. M. Najmul
Published: June 2024

Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPSs) are becoming more and more networked and essential to modern infrastructure. This has led to an increase in the complexity of their dynamics and the challenges of protecting them from advanced cyber threats have escalated. Conventional intrusion detection systems (IDS) often struggle to interpret high-dimensional, sequential data efficiently and extract meaningful features. They are characterized by low accuracy and a high rate of false positives. In this article, we adopt the computational design science approach to design an IDS for ICPS, driven by Generative AI and cognitive computing. Initially, we designed a Long Short-Term Memory-based Sparse Variational Autoencoder (LSTM-SVAE) technique to extract relevant features from complex data patterns efficiently. Following this, a Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Network with Hierarchical Attention (BiRNN-HAID) is constructed. This stage focuses on proficiently identifying potential intrusions by processing data with enhanced focus and memory capabilities. Next, a Cognitive Enhancement for Contextual Intrusion Awareness (CE-CIA) is designed to refine the initial predictions by applying cognitive principles. This enhances the system’s reliability by effectively balancing sensitivity and specificity, thereby reducing false positives. The final stage, Interpretive Assurance through Activation Insights in Detection Models (IAA-IDM), involves the visualizations of mean activations of LSTM and GRU layers for providing in-depth insights into the decision-making process for cybersecurity analysts. Our framework undergoes rigorous testing on two publicly accessible industrial datasets, ToN-IoT and Edge-IIoTset, demonstrating its superiority over both baseline methods and recent state-of-the-art approaches.
Shock–shock interaction on the Reusability Flight Experiment (ReFEx)
Authors: Surujhlal Divek , Wartemann Viola , Wagner Alexander
Published: June 2024

The Reusability Flight Experiment (ReFEx) is currently under development at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). A coupled experimental and numerical campaign was carried out to investigate the surface heating on the payload geometry during return consisting of a forebody and canard. In this way, numerical tools for a post-flight analysis can be preemptively improved where required. Experiments were undertaken at the High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel Göttingen (HEG) on a 1:4 scale model with the use of temperature sensitive paint on the payload geometry to obtain surface heat flux. The model configuration was varied in angle of attack and canard deflection. Laminar and turbulence-model solvers in the DLR-TAU code were used for the numerical simulations. This investigation focussed on the shock–shock interaction of the nose bow shock with the leading-edge shock of the canards showing significant surface heat flux along the canard. Larger surface heat fluxes were measured in the experiments downstream of the shock interaction on the canard, than obtained from the laminar CFD calculations. This was attributed to transition of the boundary layer within the interaction regions, in the presence of significant adverse pressure gradients. Other flow features along the forebody in the vicinity of the canard were qualitatively matched better by the fully-turbulent numerical solutions than the laminar ones. This work aims to demonstrate the extent to which the numerical and experimental tools assist useful insights into flow phenomena during the return stages of the ReFEx payload geometry, and the aspects for which improvements are required.
Attributes influencing port times of container ships
Authors: Russo Francesco , Pedà Girolamo , Musolino Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Shipping of freight by sea is the pillar of international trade. Maritime transport has its crucial nodes in the port systems. One of the main characteristic of ports in the context of maritime transport, is given by the port time of ships from arrival to departure in/from the port, after having completed the loading/unloading operations. It is therefore necessary to know how the different attributes of the ports influence the port times of ships. The most important attributes are then discussed and a multiple linear regression model is estimated. The results obtained are interesting because they highlight the role of attributes that affect the entire port system, such as the ship capacity. The results are important because they make it possible to identify overall investments relating to the single port system in addition to the usual actions to optimize the processing of individual ships.
The development of China’s monopoly over cobalt battery materials
Authors: Gulley Andrew L.
Published: June 2024

While previous resource conflicts have often been linked to fuel minerals such as oil, future resource conflict may revolve around nonfuel minerals that enable strategic emerging technologies. During a 2010 diplomatic dispute, China reportedly blocked exports of rare earth elements to Japan, thereby leveraging China’s near-monopoly to threaten Japanese manufacturers of advanced technologies including batteries and permanent magnets. Although this caused significant concern for manufacturers outside China, China’s control over other critical minerals has yet to be studied comprehensively. Besides rare earth elements, perhaps no mineral has received more attention for its supply risks than cobalt. Here Chinese control is estimated for each cobalt material at each stage of the cobalt supply chain from 2000 through 2022. The results show that from mining, to refining, consumption, recycling, stocks, and trade, China dominates the cobalt materials that feed lithium-ion battery cathode production. Specifically, the results show that in 2022 Chinese firms had control over 62% of cobalt mine materials primarily used for cobalt chemical refining, 95% control of refined commercial-grade cobalt chemicals, 92% control of battery-grade tricobalt tetroxide, 85% control of battery-grade cobalt sulfate, and 91% control of nickel–cobalt-manganese cathode precursor materials. China’s monopoly over cobalt battery materials may imply a serious supply risk to non-Chinese battery producing and consuming industries—especially given rising geopolitical tensions and the reemergence of critical mineral export restrictions including gallium for semiconductors, germanium for solar panels, graphite for lithium-ion batteries, and (again) rare earth elements.
Sterke correlatie tussen de intensiteit van prostaatkankerrecidieven op de PSMA PET/CT-scan en het intra-operatieve gammasonde signaal
Authors: Berrens Anne-Claire , Sorbi Malou A. , Donswijk Maarten L. , de Barros Hilda A. , Azargoshasb Samaneh , van Oosterom Matthias N. , Rietbergen Daphne D. D. , Bekers Elise M. , van der Poel Henk G. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , van Leeuwen Pim J.
Published: June 2024

Samenvatting

Prostaatspecifiek membraan antigeen (PSMA) positronemissietomografie (PET) wordt gebruikt om prostaatkankerpatiënten met een biochemisch recidief te selecteren voor radiogeleide chirurgie (RGC). Tijdens RGC kan kankerweefsel worden geïdentificeerd na intraveneuze injectie van de PSMA-gerichte tracer [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S. Het doel was om de correlatie te onderzoeken tussen de maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) op de preoperatieve PSMA PET/CT-scan en het intra-operatieve numerieke signaal (tellingen/seconde) gemeten met de Drop-In-gammasonde. Negenentwintig patiënten werden geïncludeerd in de prospectieve TRACE-studie (NCT03857113). Drieëndertig recidieven (29 nodaal, vier lokaal) werden preoperatief geïdentificeerd met een mediane SUVmax van 6,2 (interkwartielafstand [IKA] 4,2–9,7). Het mediane gammasondesignaal was 134 tellingen/s (IKA 81–220) in vivo en 109 (IKA 72–219) ex vivo, met een sterke correlatie met de SUVmax-waarden (ρs 0,728 en 0,763; p < 0,001, respectievelijk). Onze bevindingen tonen een directe relatie tussen de SUVmax-waarden op PSMA PET/CT-scan en het intra-operatieve signaal. De SUVmax-waarden kunnen dus worden gebruikt om patiënten te selecteren voor RGC.
Heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity in an arid-zone elephant shrew
Authors: Chalwin-Milton Olivia J. B. , Freeman Marc T. , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: June 2024

Endotherms vary widely in their capacity to defend sublethal body temperature (Tb) during acute heat exposure. Interspecific variation in the upper thermal limits of small mammals remains poorly studied, particularly in taxa other than bats. We hypothesised that rupicolous elephant shrews (Macroscelidae), on account of their occupancy of above-ground rock crevices in hot habitats and rapid cursorial locomotion, have evolved pronounced heat tolerance capacities. To test this hypothesis, we quantified relationships between Tb, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and evaporative water loss (EWL) in western rock elephant shrews (Elephantulus rupestris) exposed to air temperature (Tair) approaching or exceeding Tb under conditions of low humidity representative of the study population’s arid, winter-rainfall habitat in western South Africa. Our data revealed a pronounced capacity to tolerate Tair > Tb, with E. rupestris tolerating Tair up to 48.0 ± 0.1 °C while defending Tb > 7 °C below Tair (maximum Tb = 41.64 ± 0.16 °C). Three behavioural pathways were employed to dissipate heat: open mouth panting, flattening their body posture, and nose-licking. At the highest experimental Tair values achieved, EWL increased 15.05-fold relative to normothermic levels and heat was dissipated evaporatively at rates equivalent to 174%—240% of metabolic heat production. The heat tolerance limit of Tair = 48 °C in E. rupestris is one of the highest yet recorded in a non-volant small mammal, and our data support the notion that elephant shrews possess a pronounced capacity to avoid lethal hyperthermia during acute heat exposure.
Snakebite Management: The Need of Reassessment, International Relations, and Effective Economic Measures to Reduce the Considerable SBE Burden
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: June 2024

The sole treatment for snakebite envenomation (SBE), the anti-snake venom (ASV), suffers from considerable drawbacks, including side effects and limited species specificity. Additionally, despite its existence for more than a century, uniform availability of good quality ASV does not yet exist. The present review describes the journey of a SBE victim and highlights the global crisis of SBE management. A detailed analysis of the current ASV market has also been presented along with the worldwide snake distribution. The current production of country specific licensed ASV throughout the globe along with their manufacturers has been examined at the snake species level. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of on-ground situation of SBE management in antivenom manufacturing countries has been done using the most recent literature. Additionally, the export and import of different ASVs have been discussed in terms of procurement policies of individual countries, their shortcomings, along with the possible solution at the species level. It is interesting to note that in most countries, the existence of ASV is really either neglected or overstated, implying that it is there but unsuitable for use, or that it is not present but can be obtained from other countries. This highlights the urgent need of significant reassessment and international collaborations not just for development and production, but also for procurement, distribution, availability, and awareness. A PROMISE (Practical ROutes for Managing Indigenous Snakebite Envenoming) approach has also been introduced, offering simple, economical, and easy to adopt steps to efficiently alleviate the worldwide SBE burden.
Wind tunnel bench test of a pitch-and-plunge aeroelastic model undergoing nonlinear post-flutter oscillations
Authors: Santos Matheus Martines dos , Adeodato Arthur , Dağlı Osman , de Sousa Vagner Candido
Published: June 2024

The nonlinear post-flutter aeroelastic behavior of a classical pitch-and-plunge airfoil model in low-speed wind tunnel bench tests is reported in this study for a range of airflow speeds where stable oscillations are observed. An experimental airfoil prototype is designed, characterized and evaluated. Time domain data of the airfoil motion as well as other pertinent frequency and bifurcation characteristics are presented for different values of airflow speed, starting at the critical linear flutter speed of the airfoil model and increasing up to the sudden manifestation of violent unstable oscillations (when the test is interrupted for the safety of the structural apparatus). Stable post-flutter nonlinear oscillations, mainly attributed to the dynamic stall phenomenon and in a lesser degree to hardening structural effects, are observed for a range of airflow speeds starting at the neutral stability boundary of the aeroelastic system. The amplitudes of oscillation increase with increasing airflow speed and settle onto a limit-cycle. The coupled frequency of oscillation is dominated by the plunge degree-of-freedom and also increases with increasing airflow speed. The observed critical airfoil cut-in speed of limit-cycle onset is about 8.1 m/s (reduced speed of 5.1), and the observed cut-out speed of unstable response is about 9.5 m/s (reduced speed of 6.0). This work contributes with the literature of Aeroelasticity by presenting the realization, evaluation, and wind tunnel test data of a pitch-and-plunge airfoil model undergoing nonlinear post-flutter oscillations that may be useful to support other studies for verification purposes of eventual numerical simulations of similar aeroelastic systems.
Assessment of capacity and performance of points of entry in detection of public health events, reporting and responding to public health emergencies, Uganda, July–September 2022
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy , King Patrick , Mayinja Harriet , Migisha Richard , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus , Harris Julie R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Expanded human mobility has increasingly led to the spread of disease outside of the areas in which it first occurs. Consequently, there is an enhanced focus on building capacity to detect disease at points of entry (PoEs). We assessed capacity and performance in the detection of public health events, reporting, and responding to public health emergencies (PHEs) at PoEs in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional assessment from June 27 to September 12, 2022, at official PoEs in Uganda. We adopted a standardised assessment tool for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) PoE capacity requirements. Capacity areas included coordination and communication, routine prevention and control measures expected at all times, and response to PHEs. We abstracted and analysed surveillance data on the performance of PoEs including completeness of PoE reporting, proportion of travellers screened, and proportion of suspected ill travellers isolated, investigated and referred for further care if necessary.

Results

We assessed all 53 gazetted PoEs (4 airports, 16 inland ports, and 33 ground crossings). Most (94%) reported communication capacities with national and sub-health authorities with 88% completeness of reporting. Forty-two per cent provided access to appropriate medical services for assessment and care of ill travellers, 42% had access to sanitary facilities, 21% had access to safe water, and 23% had appropriate waste management and vector control. Regarding the capacity to respond to PHEs, all designated PoEs had a public health emergency contingency plan,74% provided screening of all travellers but screened 56% of the travellers, 38% had the capacity to quarantine and isolate suspected human cases, and 15% had the capacity to transport suspected cases to referral health facilities. Twenty three percent of the suspected ill travellers were isolated, investigated and referred for further care if necessary. Only 8% assessed animals being transported through PoEs for priority animal transboundary diseases.

Conclusion

Existing capacity and performance gaps in detection and response to PHEs may limit the ability to respond effectively to potential PHEs if they occur. There is a need to establish infrastructure, equipment and personnel for and assessment, isolation and quarantine of humans and animals.
Addressing gaps in protection of health workers and infrastructures in fragile and conflict-affected states in Africa
Authors: Agbo Kingsley Chukwuka , Haruna Usman Abubakar , Oladunni Amos Abimbola , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: June 2024

Fragile and conflict-affected areas in Africa continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, causing underperformance on a wide range of health-related objectives. Africa is a testament to unprecedented level of insecurity ranging from inter-ethnic, inter-communal and intra-communal violence; religious strife; assassination; armed banditry; and kidnapping. There have been documented cases of violence against healthcare workers as well as the infrastructures. These situations impacted health service delivery in several ways such as spread of infectious diseases through population displacement and overcrowding, impaired access to healthcare because of the damage to medical facilities, death of healthcare workers and social unrest. In a bid to safeguard healthcare workers, health units, and health transportation, several strategies, policies and laws were put in place by worldwide institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council and the World Health Assembly. There is need for concerted effort to sustain healthcare services and ensure continuity of care in the face of conflict and instability in Africa. In addition, establishing and implementing evidence-based measures like adequate security measures, adherence to international humanitarian law, accountability, and advocacy are all necessary to protect health infrastructure and healthcare workers from attacks, kidnappings, and violence would help close the gaps that currently exist in protecting health workers and infrastructure in unstable and conflict-affected states in Africa. This article aims examine gaps in protecting health workers and infrastructure during armed conflicts in African countries, and propose strategies to strengthen legal frameworks and promote adherence to international humanitarian law in order to safeguard healthcare services in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Studies on the adsorption of aqueous cadmium and the treatment of mine tailings using anionic Type-C starch
Authors: Akinterinwa Ayodele , Oladele Ebun , Hammed Abdulazeez M. , Malgwi Daniel
Published: June 2024

Adsorption-based water treatment technology is a sustainable strategy for health and environmental wellness, as well as mineral recovery and resource conservation. Extended studies on the Cd2+ adsorption characteristics of the cross-linked/phosphorylated carboxymethyl starch (SCCS) derivatives produced by treating a Type-C starch with anionic precursors, including sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and sodium monochloroacetate (SMCA) were carried out. The optimum product was subjected to surface area studies using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, and then Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) before and after adsorption of Cd2+. The BET results showed that the derivative is mesoporous (pore size: 3.5–6.4 m3/g), while the FTIR results indicated that the adsorption of Cd2+ can be attributed to interactions with the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and phosphoryl functional groups on the SCCS platform. Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and recovery/regeneration were extensively studied using various models and experimental conditions. The results showed that Cd2+ was efficiently adsorbed (≈ 99%) at equilibrium, and the data fitness for multiple models indicated that the adsorption process is based on a combination of physisorption and chemisorption processes that are thermodynamically feasible and reversible for economic utilization of the adsorbent. The adsorbent was used in the treatment of mine tailing, and the result showed that the removal of minerals from the tailings was very efficient (≈ 100%).
Childhood Depression
Authors: Tompson Martha C.
Published: June 2024

An evidence-based guide to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression with a focus on a family-based approach

Up-to-date overview of the evidence-base
Step-by-step guidance of a family-focused treatment
Downloadable handouts for clinical practice

This volume in the Advances in Psychotherapy series provides the reader with an up-to-date, evidence-based introduction to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation, and adjustment disorders. After exploring the latest knowledge on the diagnosis, course, theories, and contributing factors of childhood depression, the author presents a step-by-step description of family-focused treatment for childhood depression (FFT-CD), which integrates CBT and family therapy goals.
Treatments for depression that work well for adolescents and adults cannot simply be extended to children as their cognitive capabilities are not as fully developed nor stable. FFT-CD focuses on positive and supportive parent–child interactions that support the development of a positive self, helping parents provide the child with additional positive feedback on their developmentally appropriate achievements, and enhancing child and family coping. Downloadable resources include numerous FFT-CD handouts for children and parents. This text should be particularly useful to child or school psychologists, marriage and family therapists, child psychiatrists and anyone working with depressed youth and their families.