bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primes and G-primes in $$\mathbb {Z}$$-nearalgebras
Authors: Chandel Shalini , Sharma Ram Parkash
Published: April 2023

Let N be a $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
-nearalgebra; that is, a left nearring with identity satisfying $$ k(nn^{\prime })=(kn)n^{\prime }=n(kn^{\prime })$$

k

(
n

n
′

)

=

(
k
n
)

n
′

=
n

(
k

n
′

)

for all $$k\in \mathbb {Z}$$

k
∈
Z

, $$n,n^{\prime }\in N$$

n
,

n
′

∈
N

and G be a finite group acting on N. Then the skew group nearring $$N*G$$

N

∗
G

of the group G over N is formed. If N is 3-prime ($$aNb=0$$

a
N
b
=
0

implies $$a=0$$

a
=
0

or $$b=0$$

b
=
0

), then a nearring of quotients $$ Q_{0}(N)$$

Q
0

(
N
)

is constructed using semigroup ideals $$A_{i}$$

A
i

(a multiplicative closed set $$A_{i}\subseteq N$$

A
i

⊆
N

such that $$A_{i}N\subseteq A_{i}\supseteq NA_{i}$$

A
i

N
⊆

A
i

⊇
N

A
i

) of N and the maps $$f_{i}:A_{i}\rightarrow N$$

f
i

:

A
i

→
N

satisfying $$ (na)f_{i}=n(af_{i})$$

(
n
a
)

f
i

=
n

(
a

f
i

)

, $$n\in N$$

n
∈
N

and $$a\in A_{i}$$

a
∈

A
i

. Through $$Q_{0}(N)$$

Q
0

(
N
)

, we discuss the relationships between invariant prime subnearrings (I-primes) of $$N*G$$

N

∗
G

and G-invariant prime subnearrings (GI-primes) of N. Particularly we describe all the I-primes $$P_{i}$$

P
i

of $$N*G$$

N

∗
G

such that each $$ P_{i}\cap N=\{0\}$$

P
i

∩
N
=

{
0
}

, a GI-prime of N. As an application, we settle Incomparability and Going Down Problem for N and $$N*G$$

N

∗
G

in this situation.
A Novel Framework for the Generation of Multiple Choice Question Stems Using Semantic and Machine-Learning Techniques
Authors: Kumar Archana Praveen , Nayak Ashalatha , K Manjula Shenoy , Chaitanya  , Ghosh Kaustav
Published: April 2023

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are a popular assessment method because they enable automated evaluation, flexible administration and use with huge groups. Despite these benefits, the manual construction of MCQs is challenging, time-consuming and error-prone. This is because each MCQ is comprised of a question called the "stem", a correct option called the "key" along with alternative options called "distractors" whose construction demands expertise from the MCQ developers. In addition, there are different kinds of MCQs such as Wh-type, Fill-in-the-blank, Odd one out, and many more needed to assess understanding at different cognitive levels. Automatic Question Generation (AQG) for developing heterogeneous MCQ stems has generally followed two approaches: semantics-based and machine-learning-based. Questions generated via AQG techniques can be utilized only if they are grammatically correct. Semantics-based techniques have been able to generate a range of different types of grammatically correct MCQs but require the semantics to be specified. In contrast, most machine-learning approaches have been primarily able to generate only grammatically correct Fill-in-the-blank/Cloze by reusing the original text. This paper describes a technique for combining semantic-based and machine-learning-based techniques to generate grammatically correct MCQ stems of various types for a technical domain. Expert evaluation of the resultant MCQ stems demonstrated that they were promising in terms of their usefulness and grammatical correctness.
A novel ensemble learning-based model for network intrusion detection
Authors: Thockchom Ngamba , Singh Moirangthem Marjit , Nandi Utpal
Published: April 2023

The growth of Internet and the services provided by it has been growing exponentially in the past few decades. With such growth, there is also an ever-increasing threat to the security of networks. Several efficient countermeasures have been placed to deal with these threats in the network, such as the intrusion detection system (IDS). This paper proposes an ensemble learning-based method for building an intrusion detection model. The model proposed in this paper has relatively better overall performance than its individual classifiers. This ensemble model is constructed using lightweight machine learning models, i.e., Gaussian naive Bayes, logistic regression and decision tree as the base classifier and stochastic gradient descent as the meta-classifier. The performance of this proposed model and the individual classifiers used to build the ensemble model is trained and evaluated using three datasets, namely, KDD Cup 1999, UNSW-NB15 and CIC-IDS2017. The performance is evaluated for binary class as well as multiclass classifications. The proposed method also incorporates the usage of a feature selection method called Chi-square test to select only the most relevant features. The empirical results definitively prove that using an ensemble classifier can be immensely helpful in the field of intrusion detection system with unbalanced datasets where misclassifications can be costly.
A time-sensitive learning-to-rank approach for cloud simulation resource prediction
Authors: Xiao Yuhao , Yao Yiping , Chen Kai , Tang Wenjie , Zhu Feng
Published: April 2023

Predicting the computing resources required by simulation applications can provide a more reasonable resource-allocation scheme for efficient execution. Existing prediction methods based on machine learning, such as classification/regression, typically must accurately predict the runtime of simulation applications and select the optimal computing resource allocation scheme by sorting the length of the simulation runtime. However, the ranking results are easily affected by the simulation runtime prediction accuracy. This study proposes a time-sensitive learning-to-rank (LTR) approach for cloud simulations resource prediction. First, we use the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) value from the field of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to analyze the impact of relevant factors on the simulation runtime and to extract the feature dimensions that significantly affect the simulation runtime. Second, by modifying the target loss function of the rankboost algorithm and training a time-sensitive LTR model based on simulation features, we can accurately predict the computing resource allocation scheme that maximizes the execution efficiency of simulation applications. Compared with the traditional machine learning prediction algorithm, the proposed method can improve the average sorting performance by 3%–48% and can accurately predict the computing resources required for the simulation applications to execute in the shortest amount of time.
Effect of thermal treatment and moisture content on the mechanical properties of soft sandstone under triaxial extension: an experimental study
Authors: Liu Zelin , Ma Chunde , Wei Xin’ao
Published: April 2023

The problem of deformation damage of soft rocks and the effect of temperature and moisture content on the mechanical properties of rocks has received wide attention in recent decades. To investigate the effect of thermal treatment and moisture content on the triaxial extension mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of soft rock, triaxial extension tests were conducted on sandstone specimens with good homogeneity at different heating temperatures (T = 25, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800 °C) and moisture contents (Kt = 0, 20, 50, 80, 100%) with the help of MTS815 testing machine. The results showed that: For rock specimens with Kt = 0, the mass of the specimens decreased monotonically with the increase of temperature, the elastic modulus (E) showed an overall decreasing trend, and the axial ultimate strain (εamax) was Ω-like pattern. The P-wave velocity (Vp) and axial stress showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing around T = 200 °C. All the specimens fractured instantaneously, and the SEM images showed some grain expansion before T ≤ 200 °C. At the same time, microcracks expand and become more intense after T > 200 °C. In addition, the multiple mineral compositions in the specimens showed more complex changes after different thermal treatments, which was another main reason for the deterioration of the specimens. Furthermore, the E decreases while εamax increases with the moisture content, and before T = 500 °C and Kt = 20%, the Kt significantly influences the triaxial extension strength; after that, however, the effect is minimal.
Impact of liquid nitrogen freeze–thaw on multistage gas flow: differences between shallow and deep coal in Qinshui Basin
Authors: Sun Yingfeng , Zhao Yixin , Li Yulin , Danesh Nima Noraei , Zhang Zetian
Published: April 2023

Liquid nitrogen freeze–thaw (LNFT) is an environmentally-friendly permeability enhancement technology. There are significant differences between shallow and deep coal in their composition and stress history. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal the difference in the impact of LNFT on the multistage gas flow between shallow and deep coal. In this paper, the differences in multistage gas flow were revealed from the perspective of a multiscale structure evolution, and the differences in the multiscale structure evolution were analyzed from the coal compositions and stress history. Nuclear magnetic resonance method was used in the multiscale structure evolution characterization. As for the multistage gas flow evolution, gas ad/de-sorption, diffusion, and seepage evolution characterization were investigated. There is a quadratic relationship between the total porosity and LNFT cycles in both shallow and deep coal. The fracture expansion is dominant in deep coal, while pores connectivity enhancement is dominant in shallow coal. The permeability of both shallow and deep coal increases during the LNFT cycling, presenting a logarithmic correlation between permeability and the number of cycles. With the same porosity, shallow coal has a higher permeability. LNFT cycling can improve the Langmuir volume. Langmuir volume and gas diffusion coefficients of deep coal is smaller both pre- and post-LNFT cycling. Except for CH4in deep coal, the Langmuir pressure and gas diffusion coefficients in both coals are improved by LNFT cycling.
Combined microflotation effects in polymetallic ores beneficiation
Authors: Turysbekov D. , Tussupbayev N. , Narbekova S. , Kaldybayeva Z.
Published: April 2023

Producing of heterogeneous concentrates with good recovery in the processing of polymetallic ores is a challenge. Many factors must be taken into account including ore grinding, reagent mode, water composition, pulp density and the volume of supplied bubbles when producing high-quality selective concentrates. Microbubbles smaller than 50 μm in size were produced based on the frother oxal T-92 at different concentrations using a generator. The most optimal number of microbubbles smaller than 50 µm was produced at a T-92 concentration of 0.5 g/dm3. Polymetallic ore of Kazakhstan deposit was used for flotation studies. The studies were conducted in the copper-lead rough concentrate producing cycle. Flotation active minerals chalcopyrite and galena pass into the foam product, while sphalerite and pyrite remain in the chamber product in this cycle. In this paper, the density of pulp (20, 30 and 50%) as one of the main factors that effects the selectivity of flotation is studied. The kinetics of ore flotation in the base mode and with the use of a microbubble generator has been studied at these densities. Test experiments have been performed at the optimum density. The use of a water–air microemulsion generator makes it possible to maintain the quality of the copper-lead concentrate and increase the extraction of copper into the rough concentrate by 7.41%, lead by 5.98%.
Offline Mining of Microservice-Based Architectures (Extended Version)
Authors: Soldani Jacopo , Khalili Javad , Brogi Antonio
Published: April 2023

Designing applications adhering to the key design principles of microservice-based architectures (MSAs) enables fully exploiting the potentials of cloud computing platforms. A specification of an application’s MSA can help determining whether it adheres to such principles, and reasoning on how to refactor it when this is not the case. However, manually generating such a specification is complex and costly, mainly due to the multitude of heterogeneous software services and service interactions forming an MSA. The main objective of this article is to automate the generation of the specification of an existing MSA. We introduce an offline technique for automatically mining the specification of an MSA from its Kubernetes deployment. The mined MSA is expressed in $$\mu$$
μ
TOSCA, a microservice-oriented profile of the OASIS standard TOSCA. We also provide an open-source prototype implementation of the proposed mining technique, called $$\mu$$
μ
TOM. Four case studies based on four different third-party applications show that our technique can effectively mine the MSAs of existing applications, being it more accurate than its state-of-the-art competitor. The proposed offline mining technique can help researchers and practitioners working with microservices, by enabling them to automatically mine the MSAs of their applications. The obtained MSAs can then be visualised and analysed with existing tools to enhance their adherence to the key design principles of MSAs.
How COVID-19 impacted cultural consumption: an explorative analysis of Gen Z’s digital museum experiences
Authors: Bonel Elena , Capestro Mauro , Di Maria Eleonora
Published: April 2023

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, arts and culture have experienced a paradoxical situation. The sector has been one of the most negatively affected due to both mobility restrictions and social distancing; yet for the same reasons, demand for online cultural experiences has intensified, and digital access has become more critical than ever. While extant research has focused mainly on the offering side of such changes and developments, this paper investigates how the pandemic impacted on cultural consumption online, and particularly for museum products. The research takes on a demand perspective, an often neglected one when analyzing digitalization and innovation in museums’ offering. Through a direct survey approach, the paper addresses a gap in research on younger subjects, the Generation Z, typically a non-demand segment. It specifically investigates their reactions to digital museum experiences, a realm that research based on museum data has pointed out as a probable route to their involvement. The research is based on two surveys on cultural consumption of a sample of Italian university students of over 1000 respondents, before and during lockdown. Results show that during COVID-19 not only has online cultural consumption increased, but so has the quality of the associated experience, where online museum visits are concerned. Results indicate that learning processes occurred during the pandemic, suggesting potential changes in cultural consumption mediated by digital technologies, with implications for multi-channel strategies of museums in the post-pandemic scenario.
Concave and convex growth do not differ over tethered vertebral segments, even with open tri-radiate cartilage
Authors: Farivar Daniel , Parent Stefan , Miyanji Firoz , Heffernan Michael J. , El-Hawary Ron , Larson A. Noelle , Andras Lindsay M. ,   Pediatric Spine Study Group, Skaggs David L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess the following hypotheses related to vertebral body tethering (VBT): 1. VBT is associated with asymmetric (concave > convex) increases in height over the instrumented vertebra. 2. The instrumented Cobb angle improves following VBT surgery with growth.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of pediatric patients from a multicenter scoliosis registry treated with VBT between 2013 to 2021. Inclusion criteria: patients with standing radiographs at < 4 months and ≥ 2 years after surgery. Distances between the superior endplate of the UIV and the inferior endplate of the LIV were measured at the concave corner, mid-point, and convex corner of the endplates. The UIV-LIV angle was recorded. Subgroup analyses included comparing different Risser scores and tri-radiate cartilage (TRC) closed versus open using student t-tests.

Results

83 patients met inclusion criteria (92% female; age at time of surgery 12.5 ± 1.4 years) with mean follow-up time of 3.8 ± 1.4 years. Risser scores at surgery were: 0 (n = 33), 1 (n = 12), 2 (n = 10), 3 (n = 11), 4 (n = 12), and 5 (n = 5). Of the 33 Risser 0 patients, 17 had an open TRC, 16 had a closed TRC. The UIV-LIV distance at concave, middle, and convex points significantly increased from immediate post-op to final-follow-up for Risser 0 patients, but not for Risser 1–5 patients. Increases in UIV-LIV distance were not significantly different between concave, middle, and convex points for all groups. There was no significant improvement or worsening in UIV-LIV angle for any group.

Conclusion

At a mean of 3.8 years following VBT, 33 Risser 0 patients demonstrated significant growth in the instrumented segment, though there was no difference between concave or convex growth, even for patients with open TRC.
The role of GPR39 zinc receptor in the modulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission
Authors: Starowicz Gabriela , Siodłak Dominika , Nowak Gabriel , Mlyniec Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite our poor understanding of the pathophysiology of depression, a growing body of evidence indicates the role of both glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling behind the effects of rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs). GPR39 is a zinc-sensing receptor whose activation leads to a prolonged antidepressant-like response in mice. Both GPR39 and zinc can modulate glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, however, exact molecular mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, we aimed to research the role of glutamatergic and GABAergic system activation in TC-G 1008 antidepressant-like effects and the disruptions in this effect caused by a low-zinc diet.

Methods

In the first part of our study, we investigated the role of joint administration of the GPR39 agonist (TC-G 1008) and ligands of the glutamatergic or GABAergic systems, in antidepressant-like response. To evaluate animal behaviour we used the forced swim test in mice. In the second part of the study, we assessed the effectiveness of TC-G 1008-induced antidepressant-like response in conditions of decreased dietary zinc intake and its molecular underpinning by conducting a Western Blot analysis of selected proteins involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.

Results

The TC-G 1008-induced effect was blocked by the administration of NMDA or picrotoxin. The joint administration of TC-G 1008 along with muscimol or SCH50911 showed a trend toward decreased immobility time. Zinc-deficient diet resulted in dysregulation of GluN1, PSD95, and KCC2 protein expression.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the important role of glutamate/GABA signaling in the antidepressant-like effect of TC-G 1008 and imply that GPR39 regulates the balance between excitatory and inhibitory activity in the brain. Thus, we suggest the zinc-sensing receptor be considered an interesting new target for the development of novel antidepressants.
Enhanced Two-Step Virtual Catchment Area (E2SVCA) model to measure telehealth accessibility
Authors: Shao Yaxiong , Luo Wei
Published: April 2023

The use of telehealth has increased significantly over the last decade and has become even more popular and essential during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing requirements. Telehealth has many advantages including potentially improving access to healthcare in rural areas and achieving healthcare equality. However, there is still limited research in the literature on how to accurately evaluate telehealth accessibility. Here we present the Enhanced Two-Step Virtual Catchment Area (E2SVCA) model, which replaces the binary broadband strength joint function of the previous Two-Step Virtual Catchment Area (2SVCA) with a step-wise function that more accurately reflects the requirements of telehealth video conferencing. We also examined different metrics for representing broadband speed at the Census Block level and compared the results of 2SVCA and E2VCA. Our study suggests that using the minimum available Internet speed in a Census Block can reveal the worst-case scenario of telehealth care accessibility. On the other hand, using the maximum of the most frequent available speeds reveals optimal accessibility, while the minimum of the most frequent reflects a more common case. All three indicators showed that the 2SVCA model generally overestimates accessibility results. The E2SVCA model addresses this limitation of the 2SVCA model, more accurately reflects reality, and more appropriately reveals low accessibility regions. This new method can help policymakers in making better decisions about healthcare resource allocations aiming to improve healthcare equality and patient outcomes.
Improving the fluorescent properties of polyacrylic acid by adding a mixture of (silver nanoparticles/rhodamine B)
Authors: Madani Wesal M , Seoudi Roshdi
Published: April 2023

The chemical reduction method was used to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The fluorescence spectrum was enhanced by mixing silver nanoparticles with rhodamine B (RhB) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). The surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) of AgNPs was studied using UV–vis spectroscopy to determine the effect of preparation times. TEM measurements confirmed the formation of AgNPs with an average size of 13–19 nm. The Fourier transform infrared bands at 1683 cm−1 and 1243 cm−1 of PAA have been changed into PAA blended with AgNPs/RhB, due to the interaction between AgNPs and PAA through C = O and C-O functional groups. PAA/(AgNPs/RhB) has high- and low-intensity bands in the UV–visible spectrum. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on PAA blended with RhB/AgNPs to study the crystallization process. Fluorescence measurements of PAA/(RhB/AgNPs) band emit at 587 nm and 440 nm, with 13–19 nm, respectively. Its emission wavelength is higher than the exciting wavelength, indicating an electronic transition from (SPR) of the nanoparticles and π-π* from RhB to PAA. As a result, adding (AgNPs/RhB) to PAA enhances its fluorescence emission spectrum.
The Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Treatment of Symptomatic Partial Rotator Cuff Injury Under the Background of Deep Learning
Authors: Xia Ping , Zhu Feng Qin , Fang Yan , Zhang Shu Han , Zhang Zhi Feng , Li Xiaoming , Chen Tao
Published: April 2023

Deep learning is one of the most powerful machine learning algorithms at present. The convolutional neural network model has the ability to automatically learn features, and has a greater performance advantage than other deep learning models in the field of image processing. Based on deep learning, the effects of platelet-rich plasma injection of betamethasone on shoulder pain and function in patients with partial rotator cuff injury were investigated. Eighty patients with tendinosis or a partial tear (<1.0 cm) were recruited between 2021 and 2022. Mixed injection of 1 mL betamethasone and 5 mL lidocaine, following 5 mL PRP injected in 7-day intervals, were infiltrated directly into the lesion of supraspinatus interstitial RCT under ultrasound control. The patients were assessed by the SPADI, CMS and ASES before and 1, 3, 6, 9 months after injection. MRI was also performed before and 6 months after injection. All patients had significant better ASES, SST, CMS score and improvement of motion and pain relief after PRP injection, compared with the baseline before injection (p < 0.05). In the MRI data, statistical pre- and post-comparisons revealed significant differences between location of partial rupture and grade of tendinopathy. There were no mortality and major complications observed during follow-up. Under the background of deep learning, ultrasound-guided injection of PRP with betamethasone can progressively relieve shoulder joint pain and improve motor function in patients with partial rotator cuff injury. Ultrasound-guided injection of PRP with betamethasone is safe and useful for rotator cuff disease.
Continuity Corrected Wilson Interval for the Difference of Two Independent Proportions
Authors: Shan Guogen , Lou XiangYang , Wu Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

Confidence interval for the difference of two proportions has been studied for decades. Many methods were developed to improve the approximation of the limiting distribution of test statistics, such as the profile likelihood method, the score method, and the Wilson method. For the Wilson interval developed by Beal (Biometrics 43:941, 1987), the approximation of the Z test statistic to the standard normal distribution may be further improved by utilizing the continuity correction, in the observation of anti-conservative intervals from the Wilson interval. We theoretically prove that the Wilson interval is nested in the continuity corrected Wilson interval under mild conditions. We compare the continuity corrected Wilson interval with the commonly used methods with regards to coverage probability, interval width, and mean squared error of coverage probability. The proposed interval has good performance in many configurations. An example from a Phase II cancer trial is used to illustrate the application of these methods.
Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor in a 16-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Al Hamoud Rehab Mohammed , Mohamed Saleh Magdy , Al-Najem Waseem A.
Published: April 2023

Carcinoid tumor is the most common neoplasm of the appendix. There is no specific preoperative clinical presentation for appendiceal carcinoids. The usual presentation is as a classic acute appendicitis, but it can also be asymptomatic. Rarely are there symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, which may include diarrhea, flushing, bronchoconstriction, and cardiac valve diseases, especially if there is liver metastasis. Carcinoid tumors are commonly diagnosed retrospectively after histological examination of the resected appendix. Appendiceal carcinoids usually behave as benign tumors, and appendectomy alone is a sufficient treatment in the majority of cases, while for larger lesions, a right hemicolectomy should be performed. The prognosis of patients with local appendiceal carcinoids is excellent. The present study reports the case of a 16-year-old female patient that presented with severe right lower quadrant pain for 2 days. The patient underwent a successful appendectomy and recovered 2 days later. Subsequently, an appendiceal carcinoid tumor located at the proximal half towards the base of the appendix was diagnosed by histopathological examination. A follow-up examination 2 weeks after surgery revealed that the patient was well, with no discomfort. This report aims to determine the prevalence of appendiceal carcinoids in young patients and the definitive management.
A review on the machining of polymer composites reinforced with carbon (CFRP), glass (GFRP), and natural fibers (NFRP)
Authors: Slamani Mohamed , Chatelain Jean-François
Published: April 2023

Composite material consumption is booming and is expected to increase exponentially in many industrial applications such as aerospace, automotive, marine and defense. However, in most cases, composite products require further processing before they can be used or assembled. Machining of composite materials is extremely difficult due to their anisotropic and non-homogeneous structure. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on composite materials and their machining processes, such as turning, milling and drilling. Damage related to these processes is also discussed. The paper is divided into seven main parts; the first, second and third parts give a brief overview of composite materials, reinforcements used in composite materials and composite manufacturing methods, respectively. The fourth part deals with post-processing machining operations, while the fifth, sixth and seventh parts are devoted to the machining of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, glass fiber reinforced polymer and natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, respectively. An analysis of the factors that influence the machining and the machinability criteria used for these materials is also presented, with particular emphasis on cutting forces, tool wear, delamination and surface finish. Non-traditional manufacturing methods are not discussed in this paper.
Geriatric surgical patients: is it possible to implement the comprehensive geriatric assessment in the emergency setting?
Authors: De Simone Belinda , Dhesi Jugdeep K. , Hoffman Melissa Red , Damaskos Dimitrios , Kaafarani Haytham M. , Chouillard Elie , Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Ansaloni Luca , Bravi Francesca , Agnoletti Vanni , Catena Fausto
Published: April 2023

With changing world demographics, increasing numbers of older patients present with complex surgical diseases and will require surgical management, mainly in the emergency setting.

Ageing is associated with multimorbidity and frailty, both of which are independent predictors of adverse outcomes.

Screening surgical patients for frailty, using specific tools, can lead to targeted interventions that reduce perioperative complications and length of hospital stay.

In the last 10 years, perioperative models of care incorporating Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and optimisation methodology have been implemented for elective surgical procedures.

In the emergency setting, surgeons are required to make critical, time-sensitive decisions, often with limited information and high responsibility. A comprehensive geriatric multidisciplinary assessment could support them in practice to improve the management of geriatric surgical patients.

We aim to report the last evidence about the comprehensive geriatric assessment for geriatric surgical patients, including its implementation in the emergency setting through a focused narrative review.

Graphical Abstract
Explaining Transformative Change in ASEAN and EU Climate Policy
Authors: Bal Charanpal , Coen David , Kreienkamp Julia , Paramitaningrum  , Pegram Tom
Published: April 2023

The Paris Agreement embodies a flexible approach to global cooperation, aimed at encouraging ever more ambitious climate action by a variety of players on all levels of governance. Regional organizations play an important role in mobilizing such action. This Element provides novel insights into the conditions under which policy entrepreneurs can bring about transformative policy change in regional settings, with a focus on the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It finds that opportunity structures in the EU have been conducive to successful climate-progressive policy entrepreneurship at several key junctures, but not consistently. In contrast, the ASEAN governance context provides few access points for non-elite interests, making it fiendishly difficult for policy entrepreneurs to push for substantive policy change in the face of powerful domestic veto players. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Cultural Resource Damage Assessment
Authors: Welch John R. , Cowell Shannon , Ryan Stacy L. , Whiting Duston , Cantley Garry J.
Published: April 2023

Unauthorized cultural resource alterations range from looting and grave robbing to contract violations and wildland fires. Such alterations degrade cultural resources’ spiritual, communal, ecological, economic, and scientific values. Alterations often violate communal senses of place, security, and belonging. Alterations complicate jurisdiction-specific management, which is premised on up-to-date information on resource sizes, conditions, and significance. Cultural resource damage assessment protocols based on proven forensic practices distil to eight fieldwork steps: verify the alteration, assemble the team, survey the scene, document the evidence, gather the evidence, assess the archaeological value and the cost of repair and restoration, prescribe emergency remediation, and confirm evidence documentation and custody. The eight steps give special consideration to local communities and Indigenous Territories, where unauthorized alterations are as common as they are elsewhere, whereas impacts to spiritual and cultural values are generally greater. Adapted to jurisdiction- and incident-specific circumstances, the steps will guide responses to alterations by community leaders, land managers, regulators, law enforcement agents, and archaeologists, including preparation of excellent damage assessment reports. Damage assessment practitioners and land managers should refine these practices to deter alterations, engage Tribes and other affected communities, halt postalteration degradation, ensure accountability, and enable jurisdiction-scale curation of cultural resources and their unique value constellations.
Structural wing optimisation targeting economical mission performance of a passenger aircraft
Authors: Rechtik S. , Daoud F.
Published: April 2023

In an aircraft design, optimisation has become a common practice, especially when structural and aerodynamics interactions are considered. Performance measures often used in an industrial setting include structural weight, drag, lift to drag ratio, fuel burn or maximum range. It is a common practice to evaluate such performance indicators only on a handful of sample points. To achieve a truly economical aircraft design it is necessary to include a fully integrated mission analysis during a multidisciplinary structural optimisation, as there is a strong coupling between a flight behaviour and actual operational conditions of an aircraft. This paper makes a case for a modular approach to a mission analysis implementation that could utilise a variety of physical models and their combinations, offsetting some of the computational demands related to a fully integrated mission analysis and allowing to focus resources where they are needed.
The Temporal Asymmetry of Influence Is Not Statistical
Authors: Adlam Emily
Published: April 2023

I argue that the temporal asymmetry of influence is not merely the result of thermodynamics: it is a consequence of the fact that the modal structure of the universe must admit only processes that cannot give rise to contradictions. I appeal to the process matrix formalism developed in the field of quantum foundations to characterize processes that are compatible with local free will while ruling out contradictions, and I argue that this gives rise to “consistent-chaining” requirements that explain the temporal asymmetry of influence. I compare this view to the perspectival account of causation advocated by Price and Ramsey.
Nature of the Shyok (Northern) Suture Zone between India and Asia: petrology, geochemistry and origin of the Tirit granitoids and associated dykes (Nubra Valley Ladakh Himalaya, NW India)
Authors: Chandra Rakesh , Kowser Nazia , Brookfield Michael E , Satyanarayanan Manavalan , Stöckli Daniel
Published: April 2023

The Shyok Suture Zone is an oceanic remnant of the Neo-Tethyan ocean sandwiched between the Ladakh Batholiths to the south and Karakoram Batholith to the north. The Tirit granitoids in this suture are dark-coloured, relatively rich in ferromagnesian minerals and range from granodiorite–tonalite to gabbro–diorite in composition. Mafic igneous enclaves are quite common and they are intruded by NW–SE parallel doleritic and aplitic dykes. The Tirit granitoids have a wide range of major oxide compositions (SiO2= 52.1–72.11 wt %, TiO2= 0.21–1.23 wt %, Al2O3= 11.42–13.52 wt %, MgO = 1.69–10.69 wt % and CaO = 3.24–9.31 wt %) and show calc-alkaline, metaluminous, I-type characteristics, transitional between primitive and mature arc continental plutons. Rare earth elements (REE) show considerable enrichment in light REE (LREE) as compared to the heavy REE (HREE). Late Cretaceous U/Pb dates (74–68 Ma) show that they formed during the pre-collision northward movement of India. The Tirit dykes are only slightly younger and probably part of the same episode.
Systems biology approaches to inform precision nutrition
Authors: Mitchelson Kathleen A. J. , Ní Chathail Méabh B. , Roche Helen M.
Published: April 2023

The precision nutrition paradigm is based on the premise that substantial variation exists between human subjects in terms of diet-related disease risk and response to dietary interventions. In terms of better defining, ‘the right diet for the right person at the right time’ may be more appropriate than ‘one-diet-fits-all’. This review will explore how systems biology and nutrigenomics approaches have advanced the precision nutrition paradigm. We will draw upon a number of elegant mechanistic studies that have enhanced our understanding with respect to the complex biology and inter-organ crosstalk, relating to inflammation and metabolism, that underpin cardio-metabolic health. Also, this review will explore the extent to which more targeted, precision nutrition approaches may attenuate adverse risk factors associated with cardio-metabolic disease. We will focus on the key characteristics or ‘metabotypes’ of high- v. low-risk individuals and response v. non-response to interventions, to generate greater insights with respect to risk stratification and therapeutic interventions to enhance disease prevention. The goal is to utilise systems biology to enhance understanding by underpinning more targeted nutritional approaches, which may improve efficacy of personalised nutrition interventions.
EXTENDED TECHNIQUE AND POLYPHONIC WRITING IN LUCIANO BERIO'S SEQUENZA XIV
Authors: Ferraz Silvio , Teixeira William
Published: April 2023

This article discusses the use of extended techniques by Luciano Berio (1925–2003), focusing on his Sequenza XIV, for cello, finished in 2002. Our analysis attempts to demonstrate how Berio uses new ways of playing the instrument to create a kind of polyphony. The article references a large number of writings by Berio himself, including sketches, drafts and early manuscripts of Sequenza XIV, including exchanges between the composer and Rohan de Saram, for whom he wrote the piece.
Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network: cohort profile and analysis of baseline data
Authors: Riches Nicholas , Vinikoor Michael , Guingane Alice , Johannessen Asgeir , Lemoine Maud , Matthews Philippa , Okeke Edith , Shimakawa Yusuke , Sombie Roger , Stockdale Alexander , Wandeler Gilles , Andersson Monique , Davwar Pantong , Desalegn Hailemichael , Duguru Mary , Fall Fatou , Maponga Tongai , Nyam Paul David , Seydi Moussa , Sinkala Edford , Taljaard Jantjie , Sonderup Mark , Spearman C. Wendy
Published: April 2023

Approximately 80 million people live with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the WHO Africa Region. The natural history of HBV infection in this population is poorly characterised, and may differ from patterns observed elsewhere due to differences in prevailing genotypes, environmental exposures, co-infections, and host genetics. Existing research is largely drawn from small, single-centre cohorts, with limited follow-up time. The Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network (HEPSANET) was established in 2022 to harmonise the process of ongoing data collection, analysis, and dissemination from 13 collaborating HBV cohorts in eight African countries. Research priorities for the next 5 years were agreed upon through a modified Delphi survey prior to baseline data analysis being conducted. Baseline data on 4,173 participants with chronic HBV mono-infection were collected, of whom 38.3% were women and the median age was 34 years (interquartile range 28–42). In total, 81.3% of cases were identified through testing of asymptomatic individuals. HBeAg-positivity was seen in 9.6% of participants. Follow-up of HEPSANET participants will generate evidence to improve the diagnosis and management of HBV in this region.
Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry analysis of PLZF and VASA in mice testis during spermatogenesis
Authors: Babatabar Darzi Mohammad , Nemati Farkhondeh , Azizi Hossein , Dehpour Jouybari Abbasali
Published: April 2023

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of male spermatogenesis and fertility. SSCs are distinguished by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into spermatozoa throughout the male reproductive life and pass genetic information to the next generation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Fluidigm reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the expression of PLZF and VASA in mice testis tissue. In this experimental study, whereas undifferentiated spermatogonial cells sharply expressed PLZF, other types of germ cells located in the seminiferous tubule were negative for this marker. Conversely, the germ cells near the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubule showed VASA expression, whereas the undifferentiated germ cells located on the basal membrane were negative. The ICC analysis indicated higher expression of PLZF in the isolated undifferentiated cells compared with differentiated germ cells. Fluidigm real-time RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant expression (P < 0.05) of VASA in the SSCs compared with differentiated cells and also showed expression of PLZF in undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results clearly proved the role of PLZF as a specific marker for SSCs, and can be beneficial for advanced research on in vitro differentiation of SSCs to functional sperms.
Development of a tool to support general practitioners to help adolescents with knee pain: an analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Guldhammer Clara , Holden Sinead , Audreucci Alessandro , Johansen Simon Kristoffer , Thomsen Janus Nikolaj Laust , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: April 2023

Aim:

Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model, this study aimed to determine the facilitators to a support tool for adolescent non-traumatic knee pain in general practice.

Background:

Many children and adolescents with non-traumatic knee pain consult their general practice. Currently, there are no tools to support general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of this group. There is a need to identify behavioural targets that would facilitate further development and implementation of such a tool.

Methods:

This study was designed as a qualitative study using focus group interviews with 12 medical doctors working in general practice. The semi-structured focus group interviews conducted online and followed an interview guide based on the TDF and COM-B model. Data were analysed via thematic text analysis.

Findings:

One of the biggest challenges from the general practitioner’s perspective was how to manage and guide adolescents with non-traumatic knee pain. The doctors had doubts in their capability to diagnose knee pain and saw opportunity to help structure the consultation. The doctors felt motivated to use a tool but considered access a potential barrier. Increasing opportunity and motivation by creating access in the community among general practitioners was considered important. We identified several barriers and facilitators for a support tool for the management of adolescent non-traumatic knee pain in general practice. To align with user needs, future tools should support diagnostic workup, structure the consultation and be easily available among doctors working in general practice.
Defining regorafenib as a senomorphic drug: therapeutic potential in the age-related lung disease emphysema
Authors: Park Jung-Jin , Oh Kwangseok , Lee Gun-Wu , Bang Geul , Park Jin-Hee , Kim Han-Byeol , Kim Jin Young , Shin Eun-Young , Kim Eung-Gook
Published: April 2023

Senescence, a hallmark of aging, is a factor in age-related diseases (ARDs). Therefore, targeting senescence is widely regarded as a practicable method for modulating the effects of aging and ARDs. Here, we report the identification of regorafenib, an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, as a senescence-attenuating drug. We identified regorafenib by screening an FDA-approved drug library. Treatment with regorafenib at a sublethal dose resulted in effective attenuation of the phenotypes of βPIX knockdown- and doxorubicin-induced senescence and replicative senescence in IMR-90 cells; cell cycle arrest, and increased SA-β-Gal staining and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, particularly increasing the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8. Consistent with this result, slower progression of βPIX depletion-induced senescence was observed in the lungs of mice after treatment with regorafenib. Mechanistically, the results of proteomics analysis in diverse types of senescence indicated that growth differentiation factor 15 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 are shared targets of regorafenib. Analysis of arrays for phospho-receptors and kinases identified several receptor tyrosine kinases, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and discoidin domain receptor 2, as additional targets of regorafenib and revealed AKT/mTOR, ERK/RSK, and JAK/STAT3 signaling as the major effector pathways. Finally, treatment with regorafenib resulted in attenuation of senescence and amelioration of porcine pancreatic elastase-induced emphysema in mice. Based on these results, regorafenib can be defined as a novel senomorphic drug, suggesting its therapeutic potential in pulmonary emphysema.
Targeting glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for cancer
Authors: Jin Jonghwa , Byun Jun-Kyu , Choi Yeon-Kyung , Park Keun-Gyu
Published: April 2023

Proliferating cancer cells rely largely on glutamine for survival and proliferation. Glutamine serves as a carbon source for the synthesis of lipids and metabolites via the TCA cycle, as well as a source of nitrogen for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis. To date, many studies have explored the role of glutamine metabolism in cancer, thereby providing a scientific rationale for targeting glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanism(s) involved at each step of glutamine metabolism, from glutamine transporters to redox homeostasis, and highlight areas that can be exploited for clinical cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms underlying cancer cell resistance to agents that target glutamine metabolism, as well as strategies for overcoming these mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the effects of glutamine blockade on the tumor microenvironment and explore strategies to maximize the utility of glutamine blockers as a cancer treatment.
BAP1 as a guardian of genome stability: implications in human cancer
Authors: Kwon Jongbum , Lee Daye , Lee Shin-Ai
Published: April 2023

BAP1 is a ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase domain-containing deubiquitinase with a wide array of biological activities. Studies in which advanced sequencing technologies were used have uncovered a link between BAP1 and human cancer. Somatic and germline mutations of the BAP1 gene have been identified in multiple human cancers, with a particularly high frequency in mesothelioma, uveal melanoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. BAP1 cancer syndrome highlights that all carriers of inherited BAP1-inactivating mutations develop at least one and often multiple cancers with high penetrance during their lifetime. These findings, together with substantial evidence indicating the involvement of BAP1 in many cancer-related biological activities, strongly suggest that BAP1 functions as a tumor suppressor. Nonetheless, the mechanisms that account for the tumor suppressor function of BAP1 have only begun to be elucidated. Recently, the roles of BAP1 in genome stability and apoptosis have drawn considerable attention, and they are compelling candidates for key mechanistic factors. In this review, we focus on genome stability and summarize the details of the cellular and molecular functions of BAP1 in DNA repair and replication, which are crucial for genome integrity, and discuss the implications for BAP1-associated cancer and relevant therapeutic strategies. We also highlight some unresolved issues and potential future research directions.