bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply chain performance: a novel integrated decision-making model
Authors: Zhong Jianlan , Cheng Han , Gholami Hamed , Letchumanan L. Thiruvarasu , Toptancı Şura
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) significantly affects supply chain management (SCM) and its performance in today's highly competitive corporate climate. It is crucial to consider this relationship to achieve optimal supply chain performance (SCP). This study aims to assess this impact by defining and examining the multi-dimensional relationships between KM Process Elements (KMPEs) and SCP Evaluation Criteria (SCPEC) within a comprehensive theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrating KMPEs and SCPEC becomes an uncertain decision-making problem due to data deficiency and the vagueness of decision-makers’ judgments. To address uncertainties, this study uses interval-valued neutrosophic (IVN) sets and proposes an IVN model consisting of SWARA, which is one of the effective multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches, and house of quality (HOQ) methods. IVN-SWARA is used to weight the SCPEC while IVN-HOQ establishes relationships and prioritizes the KMPEs and SCPEC.

Findings

The results show that reliability is the most significant SCP evaluation criterion. Among the KMPEs, capitalization, sharing, and transfer exhibit stronger associations with the SCPEC compared to the other elements. Capitalization as one of the KMPEs was found to be the most critical one, and efficiency is the criterion most affected by all elements of the KM process.

Originality/value

This study uses innovative methodologies to evaluate the adoption of KM processes on SCP under uncertain environments and involving multi-decision-makers. The proposed integrated model demonstrates flexibility and practicality in combining KM and SCM, leading to improved SCP. Notably, this study presents the development of IVN-SWARA and the use of the integrated IVN-SWARA - IVN-HOQ decision tool, which are novel contributions to the existing literature.
New approaches to measuring welfare
Authors: Cooper Kristen , Fabian Mark , Krekel Christian
Published: August 2023

Economics has traditionally understood ‘welfare’ (what makes a life go well) as the satisfaction of preference. This conceptualisation of welfare is typically measured using revealed preferences, proxied through income and prices or stated in willingness‐to‐pay surveys. Recent decades have seen growing challenges to this paradigm. The climate crisis, among other phenomena, has called into question whether income and price data effectively proxy preferences, and willingness‐to‐pay surveys continue to struggle with accurately pricing important items such as biodiversity, digital goods, privacy and social connections. Preference satisfaction as a welfare criterion has also been challenged conceptually by psychologists and scholars working in the development space, among others. In this article, we review recent innovations in alternate ways of conceptualising and measuring welfare for the purposes of economic welfare analysis. We focus on using stated preferences over aspects of well‐being, life‐satisfaction scales and the WELLBY approach, and well‐being frameworks such as Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index. While not without weaknesses, these approaches also have marked strengths relative to the traditional approach.
Proportion of unplanned tube replacements and complications following gastrostomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Farrugia Emily , Semciw Adam Ivan , Bailey Shanelle , Cooke Zoe , Tuck Caroline
Published: August 2023

Aims

Gastrostomy feeding represents a vital component of supportive care provided to people with swallowing or feeding difficulties; however, the rate of specific long‐term complications is currently unknown in the adult population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of specific long‐term gastrostomy‐related complications and unplanned replacements in adults.

Methods

A prospective systematic review of Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases was performed. Key complications of hypergranulation, infection and displacement among studies relevant to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, radiologically inserted gastrostomy tubes and balloon replacement tubes were critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Results were synthesised quantitatively in a meta‐analysis using random effects where the population and condition were sufficiently homogeneous.

Results

In total, 453 studies were identified, of which 17 met inclusion criteria. 8.5% of adults with a gastrostomy were found to have had an infection ≥42 days after initial tube insertion (p < 0.01), while 13% had hypergranulation (p < 0.01). Displacement occurred in 10.8% of adults (p < 0.01), with age (p < 0.001) and sex (p < 0.001) presenting as a risk factor (R2 = 75%) following meta‐regression.

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 10 people with a gastrostomy will experience a complication related to either hypergranulation, infection or dislodgement. Age, in combination with sex, may provide a guide for risk of displacement among adult female cohorts, though further studies reporting prevalence of gastrostomy‐related complications along with participant demographics are required.
Antitumor activity of a whey peptide‐based enteral diet in C26 colon tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: Liu Enuo , Yang Mingjun , Li Qilin , Cheng Qianqian , Wang Yuzhu , Ye Luyi , Tian Fang , Ding Hao , Ling Yiqun , Xia Minjie , Ji Zai‐Si , Li Weihua
Published: August 2023

The antitumor effects of a whey peptide‐based enteral diet, whose main components are whey peptides and yogurt fermented by Lactobacillus delbureckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131, were investigated in mice. Our results indicated that the tumor weight in C26 carcinoma‐transplanted mice was significantly smaller at day 16 post‐implantation in the whey peptide‐based enteral diet group (1.36 ± 0.54 g) than in the control group (1.83 ± 0.89 g) (p < 0.05). The whey peptide‐based enteral diet group exhibited higher tumor cell apoptosis, lower cell proliferation, and inactive angiogenesis indicating by higher degree of TUNEL, lower positive rates of Ki‐67, VEGF, and CD34 than control group. It also attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration of spleen and liver as indicated by the decreased spleen index (10.89 ± 2.06 vs. 12.85 ± 2.92, p < 0.05) and increased liver index (58.09 ± 11.37 vs. 53.19 ± 6.67, p < 0.05) in the whey peptide‐based enteral diet group than the control diet group. These results proved the inhibitory effect of the whey peptide‐based enteral diet on tumor growth, which might be attributed to the whey peptides component.

Practical Application

A whey peptide‐based enteral diet (MEIN®), containing cheese whey and multiple nutrients, was selected to verify the anti‐tumor effect by animal experiments. The tumor weight growth, tumor cell proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration of spleen and liver in tumor model mice was significantly attenuated by the whey peptide‐based enteral diet, that might be attributed to its whey peptides component. These results provided an additive direction for cancer therapy and need a further study including clinical trials.
Exploratory analysis to predict pneumonitis during durvalumab consolidation therapy for patients with locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer from proteomic profiling of circulating extracellular vesicles
Authors: Torasawa Masahiro , Horinouchi Hidehito , Yagishita Shigehiro , Utsumi Hirofumi , Okuda Keitaro , Takekoshi Daisuke , Ito Saburo , Wakui Hiroshi , Murata Saori , Kaku Sawako , Okuma Kae , Matsumoto Yuji , Shinno Yuki , Okuma Yusuke , Yoshida Tatsuya , Goto Yasushi , Yamamoto Noboru , Araya Jun , Ohe Yuichiro , Fujita Yu
Published: August 2023

Background

Risk factors for predicting pneumonitis during durvalumab consolidation after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC) are still lacking. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication and are potential diagnostic tools for various diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively collected predurvalumab treatment serum samples from patients treated with durvalumab for LA‐NSCLC, isolated EVs using anti‐CD9 and anti‐CD63 antibodies, and performed proteomic analyses. We examined EV proteins that could predict the development of symptomatic pneumonitis (SP) during durvalumab treatment. Potential EV‐protein biomarkers were validated in an independent cohort.

Results

In the discovery cohort, 73 patients were included, 49 with asymptomatic pneumonitis (AP) and 24 with SP. Of the 5797 proteins detected in circulating EVs, 33 were significantly elevated (fold change [FC] > 1.5, p < 0.05) in the SP group, indicating enrichment of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. Patients with high levels of EV‐RELA, an NF‐κB subunit, had a higher incidence of SP than those with low levels of EV‐RELA (53.8% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.0017). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, EV‐RELA demonstrated a higher area under the curve (AUC) than lung V20 (0.76 vs. 0.62) and was identified as an independent risk factor in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.008, odds ratio 7.72). Moreover, high EV‐RELA was also a predictor of SP in the validation cohort comprising 43 patients (AUC of 0.80).

Conclusions

Circulating EV‐RELA may be a predictive marker for symptomatic pneumonitis in patients with LA‐NSCLC treated with durvalumab.
Parents' understanding and experiences of blood component transfusion in the neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Moore Carmel Maria , O'Sullivan Sara , Curley Anna E.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Blood component transfusion is a common intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Parents consent on their babies' behalf. This study aimed to explore parents' understandings and experiences of consenting and the subsequent blood transfusion.

Methods

A “low inference” qualitative descriptive semi‐structured interview approach was utilised. Grounded theory was employed. Parents described their memories of babies' transfusions, their responses to the consent process and assessed the written information they were given.

Results

A purposive sample of 17 parents whose babies required blood transfusion in the NICU participated. Parents talked about their initial fears of transfusion, later replaced by confidence in the process and results of transfusion and trust in the healthcare professional team. The main themes elicited by the interviews were parents' expectations and outcomes of transfusion, parents' prior and current opinions of transfusion, parents trust in healthcare professionals and how parents would like to receive information about transfusions in the NICU.

Conclusion

Parents in our study trust information from the healthcare professionals caring for their baby and would like more specific information about how blood transfusion will impact their baby, in a variety of means. Parents felt that blood transfusions were beneficial for their babies.
CFO pay convexity, risk taking and corporate hedging
Authors: Barbi Massimiliano , Febo Valentina , Massimiliani Irene
Published: August 2023

We study how a CFO's risk‐taking incentives affect corporate hedging by utilising hand‐collected data from 2009 to 2019 on corporate hedging and managerial compensation for a sample of US oil and gas firms. The relative convexity of CFO equity compensation negatively affects the likelihood and extent of hedging. When the CFO and CEO have diverging risk‐taking incentives, the relative convexity of the CFO's equity payoff prevails over that of the CEO. This evidence underscores the primary role of the CFO in steering a firm's hedging strategy.
A review of prevention and management of castration complications
Authors: Baldwin Christopher M.
Published: August 2023

Despite castration being one of the most frequently performed elective equine surgical procedures, complication rates are high and range from severe life‐threatening conditions to mild complications that are of no consequence to the horse. This article will briefly review strategies to prevent complications and surgical castration techniques before reviewing, in‐depth, the following complications: excessive scrotal swelling and seroma formation, scrotal infection, septic funiculitis, septic peritonitis, haemorrhage, evisceration, omental prolapse, pyrexia, tetanus, penile trauma, hydrocele, signs of colic and continued stallion‐like behaviour. Whilst this list of complications can be daunting, an understanding of male anatomy, castration techniques and an awareness of possible complications can reduce both the incidence and mortality of complications, should they occur. This article will consider castrations performed in both a hospital and field setting and will review complication prevention, surgical techniques of castration and the management of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Vulvar‐vaginal‐gingival‐otic syndrome
Authors: Shao Yakun , Sun Kailv , Yang Min , Chang Jianmin
Published: August 2023

In order to retrospectively analyse the multi‐site involvement pattern of erosive lichen planus patients, we retrospectively reported the clinical and medical data of three patients with erosive lichen planus which involving their vulva, vagina, gingiva, and ear canal. We confirmed the existence of otic lichen planus, and found that it is more common in patients with vulvovaginal‐gingival syndrome of erosive lichen planus. Therefore, we propose ‘vulvovaginal‐gingival‐otic syndrome’ to further describe this rare compound pattern of lichen planus.
White and green rust chimneys accumulate RNA in a ferruginous chemical garden
Authors: Helmbrecht Vanessa , Weingart Maximilian , Klein Frieder , Braun Dieter , Orsi William D.
Published: August 2023

Mechanisms of nucleic acid accumulation were likely critical to life's emergence in the ferruginous oceans of the early Earth. How exactly prebiotic geological settings accumulated nucleic acids from dilute aqueous solutions, is poorly understood. As a possible solution to this concentration problem, we simulated the conditions of prebiotic low‐temperature alkaline hydrothermal vents in co‐precipitation experiments to investigate the potential of ferruginous chemical gardens to accumulate nucleic acids via sorption. The injection of an alkaline solution into an artificial ferruginous solution under anoxic conditions (O2 < 0.01% of present atmospheric levels) and at ambient temperatures, caused the precipitation of amakinite (“white rust”), which quickly converted to chloride‐containing fougerite (“green rust”). RNA was only extractable from the ferruginous solution in the presence of a phosphate buffer, suggesting RNA in solution was bound to Fe2+ ions. During chimney formation, this iron‐bound RNA rapidly accumulated in the white and green rust chimney structure from the surrounding ferruginous solution at the fastest rates in the initial white rust phase and correspondingly slower rates in the following green rust phase. This represents a new mechanism for nucleic acid accumulation in the ferruginous oceans of the early Earth, in addition to wet‐dry cycles and may have helped to concentrate RNA in a dilute prebiotic ocean.
The spread of satellite DNAs in euchromatin and insights into the multiple sex chromosome evolution in Hemiptera revealed by repeatome analysis of the bug Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
Authors: Cabral‐de‐Mello Diogo C. , Mora Pablo , Rico‐Porras José M. , Ferretti Ana B. S. M. , Palomeque Teresa , Lorite Pedro
Published: August 2023

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are highly repeated tandem sequences primarily located in heterochromatin, although their occurrence in euchromatin has been reported. Here, our aim was to advance the understanding of satDNA and multiple sex chromosome evolution in heteropterans. We combined cytogenetic and genomic approaches to study, for the first time, the satDNA composition of the genome in an Oxycarenidae bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis. The species exhibits a male karyotype of 2n = 19 (14A + 2 m + X1X2Y), with a highly differentiated Y chromosome, as demonstrated by C‐banding and comparative genomic hybridization, revealing an enrichment of repeats from the male genome. Additionally, comparative analysis between males and females revealed that the 26 identified satDNA families are significantly biased towards male genome, accumulating in discrete regions in the Y chromosome. Exceptionally, the OhyaSat04‐125 family was found to be distributed virtually throughout the entire extension of the Y chromosome. This suggests an important role of satDNA in Y chromosome differentiation, in comparison of other repeats, which collectively shows similar abundance between sexes, about 50%. Furthermore, chromosomal mapping of all satDNA families revealed an unexpected high spread in euchromatic regions, covering the entire extension, irrespective of their abundance. Only discrete regions of heterochromatin on the Y chromosome and of the m‐chromosomes (peculiar chromosomes commonly observed in heteropterans) were enriched with satDNAs. The putative causes of the intense enrichment of satDNAs in euchromatin are discussed, including the possible existence of burst cycles similar to transposable elements and as a result of holocentricity. These data challenge the classical notion that euchromatin is not enriched with satDNAs.
Left ventricular assist devices for treatment of refractory advanced heart failure: the Western Australian experience
Authors: Silbert Benjamin , Shah Amit , Dembo Lawrence , Hayes Helen , Larbalestier Robert , Baumwol Jay
Published: August 2023

Background

Left ventricular (LV) assist devices (LVADs) can prolong survival and improve quality of life in end‐stage heart failure.

Aims

Review outcomes of the Western Australian LVAD programme.

Methods

Retrospective database and medical record review.

Results

One hundred forty‐seven LVADs have been implanted in 23 years, of which 95 were newer‐generation devices (HeartWare HVAD [HW], HeartMate II and HeartMate 3). Presented data refer to these devices only. Most patients (94%) were classed as bridge‐to‐transplant or ‐candidacy/decision, with the remainder classed as ‘destination therapy’ (DT). Mean LV ejection fraction was 20%, and 36% had severe right ventricular dysfunction. Sixty‐two percent of patients had a nonischaemic cardiomyopathy. Following LVAD implant, the median length of stay in intensive care was 2 days, and in the hospital overall was 23 days. Ninety‐six percent of patients survived to hospital discharge, and, following discharge, 98% of days with LVAD were spent as an outpatient. The median number of hospital readmissions was 1.5 per patient per year. LVAD‐associated infection requiring admission or intravenous antibiotics at any time after implant occurred in 36%, significant gastrointestinal bleeding in 19% and stroke in 11%. The percentage of patients alive with LVAD still in situ at 1, 2 and 5 years was 94%, 88% and 62% respectively, which exceeds current international registry outcomes. All DT patients survived at least 4 years, spending 97% of days with LVAD as an outpatient. The two longest‐surviving HW DT patients worldwide (11.3 and 10.5 years) are among this cohort.

Conclusions

Excellent outcomes can be achieved with LVADs in appropriately selected patients.
Validation of a clinical model for predicting left versus right ventricular outflow tract origin of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Bourquin Luc , Küffer Thomas , Asatryan Babken , Badertscher Patrick , Baldinger Samuel H. , Knecht Sven , Seiler Jens , Spies Florian , Servatius Helge , Kühne Michael , Noti Fabian , Osswald Stefan , Haeberlin Andreas , Tanner Hildegard , Roten Laurent , Reichlin Tobias , Sticherling Christian
Published: August 2023

Background

Prediction of the chamber of origin in patients with outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVA) remains challenging. A clinical risk score based on age, sex and presence of hypertension was associated with a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) origin. We aimed to validate this clinical score to predict an LVOT origin in patients with OTVA.

Methods

In a two‐center observational cohort study, unselected patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for OTVA were enrolled. All procedures were performed using an electroanatomical mapping system. Successful ablation was defined as a ≥80% reduction of the initial overall PVC burden after 3 months of follow‐up. Patients with unsuccessful ablation were excluded from this analysis.

Results

We included 187 consecutive patients with successful CA of idiopathic OTVA. Mean age was 52 ± 15 years, 102 patients (55%) were female, and 74 (40%) suffered from hypertension. A LVOT origin was found in 64 patients (34%). A score incorporating age, sex and presence of hypertension reached 73% sensitivity and 67% specificity for a low (0–1) and high (2–3) score, to predict an LVOT origin. The combination of one ECG algorithm (V2S/V3R‐index) with the clinical score resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 70% for PVCs with R/S transition at V3.

Conclusion

The published clinical score yielded a lower sensitivity and specificity in our cohort. However, for PVCs with R/S transition at V3, the combination with an existing ECG algorithm can improve the predictability of LVOT origin.
Smoke exposure and childhood atopic eczema and food allergy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lau Hui Xing , Lee Jia Wei , Yap Qai Ven , Chan Yiong Huak , Samuel Miny , Loo Evelyn Xiu Ling
Published: August 2023

Background

There is no consensus on the effect of timing and type of smoke exposure on early allergy development. This study aimed to determine the relationship between early eczema or food allergy/hypersensitivity development in children by firstly investigating the effect of smoke exposure across critical development periods and secondly by analyzing effects of parental atcive or passive smoking.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase) were searched in May 2022 and assessed by two independent reviewers. Case–control, cross‐sectional or cohort studies reporting on smoke exposure from preconception to postnatal periods and atopic eczema, food allergy and/or hypersensitivity outcomes by age 3 years were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled risk ratios.

Results

From 1689 identified records, 32 studies with nearly 190,000 subjects were included. Parental smoking during preconception, pregnancy and postnatal periods was generally not associated with the risk of eczema, food allergy and food sensitisation development by age 3 years. Maternal active smoking during pregnancy was negatively associated with self‐reported doctor diagnosis of eczema (RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98; I2 = 50.56) and maternal passive smoking during pregnancy was positively associated with clinician assessment of eczema in one study (RR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.06–1.79).

Conclusion

Our findings highlighted the importance of in utero programming in early‐life allergy development. Despite the weak evidence, our results suggest pregnant women should minimise their contact with second‐hand smoke to prevent offspring eczema development. There is a need for greater utilisation of objective allergy assessments in future studies.
Increased drought resistance in state transition mutants is linked to modified plastoquinone pool redox state
Authors: Leverne Lucas , Roach Thomas , Perreau François , Maignan Fabienne , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja
Published: August 2023

Identifying traits that exhibit improved drought resistance is highly important to cope with the challenges of predicted climate change. We investigated the response of state transition mutants to drought. Compared with the wild type, state transition mutants were less affected by drought. Photosynthetic parameters in leaves probed by chlorophyll fluorescence confirmed that mutants possess a more reduced plastoquinone (PQ) pool, as expected due to the absence of state transitions. Seedlings of the mutants showed an enhanced growth of the primary root and more lateral root formation. The photosystem II inhibitor 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)−1,1‐dimethylurea, leading to an oxidised PQ pool, inhibited primary root growth in wild type and mutants, while the cytochrome b6f complex inhibitor 2,5‐dibromo‐3‐methyl‐6‐isopropylbenzoquinone, leading to a reduced PQ pool, stimulated root growth. A more reduced state of the PQ pool was associated with a slight but significant increase in singlet oxygen production. Singlet oxygen may trigger a, yet unknown, signalling cascade promoting root growth. We propose that photosynthetic mutants with a deregulated ratio of photosystem II to photosystem I activity can provide a novel path for improving crop drought resistance.
Genomic content of wheat has a higher influence than plant domestication status on the ability to interact with Pseudomonas plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Gruet Cécile , Alaoui Maroua , Gerin Florence , Prigent‐Combaret Claire , Börner Andreas , Muller Daniel , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan
Published: August 2023

Plant evolutionary history has had profound effects on belowground traits, which is likely to have impacted the ability to interact with microorganisms, but consequences on root colonization and gene expression by plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) remain poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that wheat genomic content and domestication are key factors determining the capacity for PGPR interaction. Thus, 331 wheat representatives from eight Triticum or Aegilops species were inoculated under standardized conditions with the generalist PGPR Pseudomonas ogarae F113, using an autofluorescent reporter system for monitoring F113 colonization and expression of phl genes coding for the auxinic inducing signal 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol. The interaction with P. ogarae F113 was influenced by ploidy level, presence of genomes AA, BB, DD, and domestication. While root colonization was higher for hexaploid and tetraploid species, and phl expression level higher for hexaploid wheat, the diploid Ae. tauschii displayed higher phl induction rate (i.e., expression:colonisation ratio) on roots. However, a better potential of interaction with F113 (i.e., under non‐stress gnotobiotic conditions) did not translate, after seed inoculation, into better performance of wheat landraces in non‐sterile soil under drought. Overall, results showed that domestication and especially plant genomic content modulate the PGPR interaction potential of wheats.
When the adrenals alert us to a systemic fungal disease
Authors: Fernandes Daniel Alvarenga , Resende Mariângela Ribeiro , da Silva Acsa Caroline Mesquita , Schenka André Almeida , Barreto Icléia , Reis Fabiano
Published: August 2023

We present a patient referred for investigation of adrenal insufficiency, confirmed due to disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), with abdominal and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Establishing the pathogenesis and immunological processes involved in chronic or latent infections by PCM has been challenging. Medical doctors caring for patients with immunodeficiencies should learn about these fungal infections to properly guide travel planning and have this possibility in the diagnostic arsenal when the patient returns from endemic areas. After 13 months of treatment, the patient showed good clinical evolution, and we repeated imaging exams, showing partial improvement of the preview lesions. Diagnosis and treatment can prevent catastrophic events.
Investigation on Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow-Induced Vibrations of a Horizontal Elastic Pipe
Authors: Su Heng , Qu Yegao , Peng Zhike
Published: August 2023

This paper is concerned with experimental analyses on the vibration behaviors of a horizontal pipe containing gas–liquid two-phase flow with different flow patterns. The effects of flow patterns and superficial velocities on pressure fluctuations and structural responses are evaluated in detail. Numerical simulations on the fluid–structure interactions within the pipe are carried out using the volume of fluid method and the finite element method. A strongly partitioned coupling method is adopted to ensure the compatibility and equilibrium interface conditions between the fluid and the elastic pipe. The accuracy of the numerical solutions is confirmed by comparing with experimental results. It is found that the fluctuation frequency of the pressure fluctuations of the two-phase flow ranges from 0 Hz to 5 Hz. The standard deviation (STD) value of the pressure fluctuation of the two-phase flow increases with an increase in the superficial liquid velocity, and the maximum magnitude appears in slug flows. The vibration responses of the pipe exhibit strong dependence on the momentum flux of the two-phase flow, which mainly excites the fundamental flexural vibration mode of the pipe. The magnitude of vertical vibration response of the pipe is equal to that of the lateral vibration response, and the vibration response measured at the middle of the pipe does not contain the second-order operating mode. Moreover, the STD value of the structural responses of the pipe increases proportionally with an increase in the gas flowrate, while the predominant vibration frequency of the pipe slightly increases.
Vertical NiO/β-Ga2O3 rectifiers grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wan Hsiao-Hsuan , Li Jian-Sian , Chiang Chao-Ching , Ren Fan , Yoo Timothy Jinsoo , Kim Honggyu , Osinsky Andrei , Alema Fikadu , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: August 2023

The performance of vertical Schottky and NiO/β-Ga2O3 p-n heterojunction rectifiers in which the Ga2O3 was grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is reported. The Si-doped Ga2O3 drift layers employed in the study had a doping concentration of 7.6 × 1015 cm−3 with a thickness of approximately 6 μm. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed an absence of interfacial features or extended defects around the drift layer region, indicating that MOCVD provides high-quality β-Ga2O3 epitaxial films for fabrication of vertical rectifiers. Both Schottky and NiO/Ga2O3 p-n heterojunction rectifiers attained the highest reported breakdown voltage of 486 and 836 V, respectively, for this growth technique. The heterojunction rectifiers showed an on/off ratio surpassing 109 within the voltage range of 0 to −100 V. Additionally, the Schottky barrier diodes demonstrate an on/off ratio of up to 2.3 × 106 over the same voltage range. These findings highlight the promise of MOCVD as a growth method for the type of rectifiers needed in power converters associated with an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
A history of anti-racism in science
The Remnants of Race Science
Sebastián Gil-Riañ
o Columbia University Press, 2023. 392 pp.
Authors: Determann Jörg Matthias
Published: August 2023

Twentieth-century scientists were imperfect diversity advocates in the Global South
Embrace the improbability of existence
The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity’s Future
Marcelo Gleiser
HarperOne, 2023. 256 pp.
Authors: Stanley Matthew
Published: August 2023

Learning to appreciate the rarity of life could improve our climate future, argues a physicist
Forest carbon offsets are failing
Authors: Jones Julia P. G. , Lewis Simon L.
Published: August 2023

Analysis reveals emission reductions from forest conservation have been overestimated
As oceans warm, scientists forecast heat waves
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: August 2023

Sea temperature predictions could inform fisheries management and conservation
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and young people: an umbrella review
Authors: Bevilacqua Leonardo , Fox-Smith Lana , Lewins Amy , Jetha Poonam , Sideri Athena , Barton Gil , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Beazley Peter
Published: August 2023

Background

Over the past 3 years, a multitude of studies have highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people (CYP). In this umbrella review, we synthesise global evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of CYP from existing systematic reviews with and/or without meta-analysis.

Methods

Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we evaluated 349 citations and identified 24 eligible reviews with medium to high methodological quality to be reviewed narratively.

Results

Most of the reviews reported a high prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal behaviour, eating disorders and other mental health problems. Most studies that used data at multiple time points indicate a significant increase in mental health problems in CYP, particularly in females and older adolescents.

Conclusions

Multipronged psychosocial care services, policies and programmes are needed to alleviate the burden of mental health problems in CYP as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated global health measures.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021276312.
The pandemic body: the lived body during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rodrigues Jamila , Body Kathryn , Carel Havi
Published: August 2023

In this study, we conduct a detailed analysis of qualitative survey data focusing on adult populations in the UK, Japan and Mexico to address the following question: How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s lived experience of their bodies, other people’s bodies and the world? We identify five themes: (i) fear and danger, (ii) bodily doubt and hypervigilance, (iii) risk and trust, (iv) adapting and enduring and (v) changes in perspective. We use two theoretical frameworks: first, Mary Douglas’ anthropological work on purity, risk, danger and symbolism is applied to understand how social and cultural meanings attached to the body have changed during the pandemic. Second, we use the concept of bodily doubt developed by Havi Carel to interpret how people experience their bodies and other people’s bodies differently during the pandemic. While we recognise the significant variation in people’s embodied experience of the pandemic, our findings suggest there are commonalities that span different countries and cultures. Specifically, we look at responses to COVID-19 protective countermeasures such as national lockdowns and physical distancing which we suggest have reduced people’s ability to put faith in their own bodies, trust other people and trust the political leadership. We conclude by proposing that the changes to our lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted changes in perspective and a renewed focus on what people consider important in life from a social, moral, cultural and political point of view.
Wind pressure on a 45° gabled roof: verifying code provisions with field measurements and wind tunnel data
Authors: Chavez M. , Baskaran A. , Aldoum M. , Stathopoulos T. , Geleta T.N. , Bitsuamlak G.T.
Published: August 2023

The wind load provisions for gabled roofs with a slope of 27° < α < 45° in the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) were derived from wind tunnel studies conducted in the 1970s. The coefficients have remained basically unchanged until this time. The paper presents the results of full-scale measurements and wind tunnel experiments to verify the necessity to update the current NBCC provisions. A full-scale building with a gabled roof of 45° was instrumented with pressure taps, and the wind load was monitored for 15 months. Special attention is given to the roof overhang by considering the simultaneous pressure contribution from both the upper and lower surfaces. The building and surroundings were replicated at a wind tunnel scale and investigated by Concordia University and Western University. Based on these three sources of data, the study concluded that the corner and edge provisions for both cases—a roof with and without overhang—need to be increased. It is suggested to merge the corner and edge into a single “perimeter” load provision. This code simplification would help the roofing industry to reduce misleading interpretations of the code and minimize failure due to installation errors.
Three generations of colored fermions with $$S_3$$ family symmetry from Cayley–Dickson sedenions
Authors: Gresnigt Niels , Gourlay Liam , Varma Abhinav
Published: August 2023

An algebraic representation of three generations of fermions with $$SU(3)_C$$

S
U

(
3
)

C

color symmetry based on the Cayley–Dickson algebra of sedenions $${\mathbb {S}}$$
S
is constructed. Recent constructions based on division algebras convincingly describe a single generation of leptons and quarks with Standard Model gauge symmetries. Nonetheless, an algebraic origin for the existence of exactly three generations has proven difficult to substantiate. We motivate $$\mathbb {S}$$
S
as a natural algebraic candidate to describe three generations with $$SU(3)_C$$

S
U

(
3
)

C

gauge symmetry. We initially represent one generation of leptons and quarks in terms of two minimal left ideals of $$\mathbb {C}\ell (6)$$

C
ℓ
(
6
)

, generated from a subset of all left actions of the complex sedenions on themselves. Subsequently we employ the $$S_3$$

S
3

automorphism of order three, which is an automorphism of $$\mathbb {S}$$
S
but not of $$\mathbb {O}$$
O
, to generate two additional generations. Given the relative obscurity of sedenions, efforts have been made to present the material in a self-contained manner.
Privacy and Ethics Concerns Using UX Research Platforms
Authors: Luria Michal
Published: August 2023

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
FQN Inference in Partial Code by Prompt-tuned Language Model of Code
Authors: Huang Qing , Yuan Zhiqiang , Xing Zhenchang , Peng Xin , Xu Xiwei , Lu Qinghua
Published: August 2023

Partial code usually involves non-fully-qualified type names (non-FQNs) and undeclared receiving objects. Resolving the FQNs of these non-FQN types and undeclared receiving objects (referred to as type inference) is the prerequisite to effective search and reuse of partial code. Existing dictionary-lookup based methods build a symbolic knowledge base of API names and code contexts, which involve significant compilation overhead and are sensitive to unseen API names and code context variations. In this article, we propose using a
p
rompt-tuned c
o
de
m
asked language mod
e
l (MLM) as a neural knowledge base for type inference, called POME, which is lightweight and has minimal requirements on code compilation. Unlike the existing symbol name and context matching for type inference, POME infers the FQNs syntax and usage knowledge encapsulated in prompt-tuned code MLM through a colze-style fill-in-blank strategy. POME is integrated as a plug-in into web and integrated development environments (IDE) to assist developers in inferring FQNs in the real world. We systematically evaluate POME on a large amount of source code from GitHub and Stack Overflow, and explore its generalization and hybrid capability. The results validate the effectiveness of the POME design and its applicability for partial code type inference, and they can be easily extended to different programming languages (PL). POME can also be used to generate a PL-hybrid type inference model for providing a one-for-all solution. As the first of its kind, our neural type inference method opens the door to many innovative ways of using partial code.
Macrophage angiotensin AT2 receptor activation is protective against early phases of LPS-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Fatima Naureen , Ali Riyasat , Faisal Tahmid , Kulkarni Kalyani , Patel Sanket , Hussain Tahir
Published: August 2023

Endotoxin such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a risk factor for and often leads to chronic kidney diseases. The present study revealed that bone marrow-derived macrophage activation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) contributes to the anti-inflammation and partial renoprotection against early stages of LPS-induced AKI. Since AT2R is an emerging anti-inflammatory and organ-protective target, this study advances our understanding of AT2R’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms associated with renoprotection.
Reducing the Sidelobes in Doppler-Range Beam Pattern and Controlling the Frequency Channel in SIAR
Authors: Yaghoubi Aliabad Pourya , Soleimani Hossein , Soleimani Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Synthetic impulse and aperture radar (SIAR) is a multi-input multi-output orthogonal multicarrier frequency radar, kind of frequency diverse array (FDA). This radar has omnidirectional emission in the transmitter and each receiver or receiving array can form a beam. The 4D matched filter of this radar’s circular arrays can reveal the range, elevation angle, azimuth angle, and Doppler. The existence of a high sidelobe in the range-Doppler is one of the significant challenges of this radar, and pulse-to-pulse frequency code non-agile (PPFCNA) and pulse-to-pulse frequency code agile (PPFCA) are often used to reduce it. Weighting is one of the available methods for reducing sidelobes in array radars, but weighting in the matched filter is more effective in SIAR radars due to their ability to transmit signals with different and orthogonal frequencies. This paper proposes the use of amplitude weighting in the submatched filter, which is made possible by increasing the degree of freedom in the SIAR process. In this method, each receiver’s signal is independently processed and weighted with a submatched filter. Then, a synthetic pulse is formed by combining the data from multiple channels. The output of the simulation with weighting in the matched filter for the PPFCNA indicates an 8.7908 dB reduction in sidelobes, while the output for the PPFCA indicates a 3.3779 dB reduction in sidelobes.
Volume and Visual Field Defects in Occipital Stroke: The NOR-OCCIP Study
Authors: Tharaldsen Ane R. , Kurz Kathinka D. , Kurz Martin W. , Midelfart Anna , Sand Kristin M. , Dalen Ingvild , Hoff Jana M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. The majority of patients with occipital infarcts display homonymous visual field defects (VFD), with negative implications on activities of daily living and quality of life. To overcome the disability, better prognostic markers in the acute phase, as well as more targeted rehabilitation, would be useful. The aim of the current study was to present an overview of the topographic distribution of occipital infarcts and to investigate whether lesion volume can predict VFD at baseline and after six months. Materials and Methods. Multicenter, prospective study including patients with acute occipital infarcts (NOR-OCCIP project). All patients were examined by a neurologist in the acute phase, admitted to a stroke unit, and further assessed by an ophthalmologist within two weeks. Topographic and volumetric data from brain imaging in 72 patients were analyzed and computed by an experienced neuroradiologist. Results. A majority (81%) had occipital infarcts with involvement of the primary visual cortex, and VFD were detected on perimetry in 80% of the examined patients. Higher infarct volume led to more severe VFD at baseline (

p
=
0.019

); this was more evident if the infarct was located on the right side (

p
=
0.001

). The odds for VFD improvement after six months were higher the larger the infarcts were (

p
=
0.020

). There was a statistically significant association between volume of infarcts and atrial fibrillation (

p
=
0.016

), previous myocardial infarction (

p
=
0.023

), and modified Rankin Scale at three months (

p
=
0.007

). Conclusion. Higher infarct volumes led to more severe VFD at baseline. More than half of the patients (54%) experienced improvement of their VFD at six months; a higher grade of improvement was seen in patients with larger occipital infarcts. Large infarcts were more common in patients with cardiovascular disease, strengthening the argument for secondary prevention.
Research on the Performance of Calcium Carbide Slag–Fly Ash Stabilized Soil
Authors: Cai Yanxia , Zang Zhishu , Zuo Xiaolin , Liu Fengtao , Li Lengxue , Lu Kaiji , Huang Qianlong
Published: August 2023

To address the scarcity of lime resources, this study explores the potential of using industrial solid waste, including fly ash (FA) and carbide slag, as replacements for lime or cement in soil stabilization for roadbed construction. The optimal mixing ratio of FA and calcium carbide slag (CCS) was determined using compaction and unconfined compressive tests. The study also examines the relationship between the optimum moisture content and the maximum dry density of the FA and CCS binder, as well as the strength variation trend. The study investigated the optimal mixing ratio of FA–CCS-stabilized soil, and the strength variation trend of FA and carbide slag-stabilized soil under different age and mixing ratios, using tests such as the unconfined compressive energy test, splitting strength test, compressive modulus of resilience test, and California bearing ratio test. Results indicate that the optimal mixing ratio of FA and CCS binder is 1 : 4, the advocated mixing ratio of CCS-stabilized soil is 8 : 92, and the excellent mixing ratio of CCS–FA-stabilized soil is 8 : 32 : 60.
A Study to Explore the Feasibility of Using a Social Return on Investment Approach to Evaluate Short Breaks
Authors: Toms Gill R. , Stringer Carys Ll , Prendergast Louise M. , Seddon Diane , Anthony Bethany F. , Edwards Rhiannon T.
Published: August 2023

Short breaks help maintain caring relationships, enabling people to remain living in their own homes and contributing significant economic benefit to public services. However, relatively little is known about the added social value generated by community-based short breaks. To address this evidence gap, we explored the feasibility of using a social return on investment (SROI) evaluation to explore a day support service in North Wales for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers. Following good practice for evaluating complex interventions, we developed a logic model based on the literature and interviews to understand the mechanisms and outcomes of the day support service. Using questionnaires, we quantified outcomes for the current service cohort, which included people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and paid companions. Seven people living with dementia, three unpaid carers, and four companions completed questionnaires. By following the SROI analysis approach, three key learning points were identified. The first was around ways to capture outcomes from all stakeholder subgroups expected to experience material change. The second concerned the importance of collecting longitudinal data. This included the need to consider how to adapt the SROI method to work with small populations. The third concerned how to value “maintenance” of wellbeing as well as improved wellbeing.