bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate and transport of chlorine dioxide: Modeling chlorine dioxide in water distribution systems
Authors: Karadirek I. Ethem , Rizvanoglu Asli Nur , Okumus Batuhan , Cansu‐Aldemir Ozlem , Akdeniz Tugba
Published: August 2024

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of switching disinfectants from sodium hypochlorite bleach to chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in the water distribution system of Geyikbayiri, Antalya. For this purpose, bulk decay rates of ClO2 at various water temperatures were determined in laboratory studies. The study revealed ClO2 bulk decay rates of 0.12639 day−1, 0.17848 day−1, and 0.19621 day−1 at temperatures 15°C, 20°C, and 30°C, respectively. The EPANET, a widely employed computer program for simulating the extended‐period behavior of hydraulic and water quality in pressurized pipes, was utilized for the analysis of the fate and transport of ClO2. A hydraulic model was first developed, calibrated, and verified using distinct data sets. The Hazen‐Williams friction coefficient of the PSA was determined to be 120 by the trial‐and‐error method with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.408 m. A ClO2 model was then integrated with the calibrated and verified hydraulic model, revealing a wall decay rate of 0.01 m/day and an average MAE of 0.034 mg/l. After calibration and verification of the ClO2 model, several management scenarios were developed, and ClO2 dosing rates were determined. The study showed that ClO2 dosing rates of 0.40 mg/l and 0.45 mg/l should be applied to keep ClO2 concentrations within certain limits.

Practitioner Points

Disinfectants must maintain a sufficient residual in water distribution systems.

Chlorine dioxide requires less contact time and is not affected by pH fluctuations.

Modeling serves as a decision‐making tool for the management of disinfectants.

Bulk and wall decay rates of chlorine dioxide are crucial for management strategies.

Chlorine dioxide is a good alternative as a disinfectant in such systems.
An in‐depth comparative analysis of entropy generation and heat transfer in micropolar‐Williamson, micropolar‐Maxwell, and micropolar‐Casson binary nanofluids within PTSCs
Authors: AbuGhanem Muhammad , Raafat Philopatir B. , Ibrahim Fayez N.
Published: August 2024

Solar energy holds promise as a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of power. In this study, we focus on improving the thermal efficiency of parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) by investigating the performance of three different binary micropolar nanofluids – micropolar‐Casson, micropolar‐Maxwell, and micropolar‐Williamson – when used as heat transfer fluids within these collectors, with engine oil as the base fluid. The problem studied revolves around enhancing the heat transfer characteristics within PTSCs, crucial for maximizing energy conversion efficiency in solar power generation. By exploring the behavior of these nanofluids under various flow conditions, we aim to optimize the design and operation of PTSC systems for improved performance and sustainability. The importance of this research lies in its potential to significantly enhance the efficiency of solar energy harvesting, thereby contributing to the transition toward cleaner energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, the findings have implications for diverse applications, including solar aviation, solar‐powered maritime vessels, solar thermal power plants, industrial process heating, and solar‐driven water pumping mechanisms, where improved heat transfer efficiency is paramount for enhancing overall system performance and reducing operational costs. Furthermore, the investigation delves into the influence of various factors governing the flow of these binary micropolar nanofluids within PTSC setups, including aspects such as velocity, thermal characteristics, entropy generation, skin friction, drag force, and local Nusselt number. The results notably reveal substantial enhancements in thermal efficiency, with maximal relative enhancements quantified as 22.1768%, 19.3662%, and 17.7349% for micropolar‐Casson, micropolar‐Maxwell, and micropolar‐Williamson nanofluids, respectively.
A comparative study of exact and neural network models for wave‐induced multiphase flow in nonuniform geometries: Application of Levenberg–Marquardt neural networks
Authors: Hussain Syed Modassir , Ijaz Nouman , Dhahbi Sami , Saleem Najma , Zeeshan Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Multiphase fluids exhibit immiscible, heterogeneous structures like emulsions, foams, and suspensions. Their complex rheology arises from relative phase proportions, interfacial interactions, and component properties. Consequently, they demonstrate nonlinear effects—shear‐thinning, viscoelasticity, and yield stress. Peristalsis generates fluid flow by propagating contraction waves along channel walls. This mechanism can effectively transport multiphase and non‐Newtonian fluids in microsystems. Accurate modeling requires considering evolving phase relations, variable viscosity, slip, and particle migration anomalies, using approaches like homogenization theory or volume‐averaging. Applications include peristaltic pumping of emulsified biopharmaceuticals, microscale mixing/separating of multiphase constituents, and enhancing porous media fluid flow in oil reservoirs. Analytical and computational approaches to modeling multiphase fluid flows in peristaltic conduits provide an enhanced understanding of their complex dynamics, toward innovating engineering systems. An analytical approach is taken to model non‐Newtonian Ree‐Eyring fluid flows in asymmetric, peristaltic systems. Governing differential equations incorporate key parameters and yield closed‐form solutions for velocity, flow rate, and permeability. Suitable assumptions of long wavelength, and low Reynolds number provide accuracy. In parallel, an artificial neural network (ANN) is developed using supervised learning to predict permeability. The inputs consist of channel asymmetry, Reynolds number, amplitude ratio, and other physical factors. Outcomes validate both methodologies—analytical equations derive precise relationships from first principles, while ANNs reliably learn the system patterns from input‐output data. Additionally, ANNs can tackle more complex fluid dynamics problems with speed and adaptability. Their promising role is highlighted in developing new fluid models, improving the efficiency of simulations, and designing control systems. Side‐by‐side analytical and ANN simulation plots will further highlight ANN capabilities in emulating the system characteristics. This paves the path for employing machine learning to investigate multifaceted flows in flexible, peristaltic systems at scale. Performing a graphical examination of the engineering skin friction coefficient across a range of parameters, encompassing volume fraction, first and second order slip, Ree–Eyring fluid attributes, and permeability.
Focus Inside: Evidence from Spanish and Chinese
Authors: Méndez Vallejo Dunia Catalina , Hsu Yu-Yin
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides a fresh empirical examination of the interpretations and structures of the focalizing ser (FS) construction in Spanish and the emphatic shi structure in Mandarin Chinese. Its findings support Belletti’s (2004) claim that the TP-internal domain contains a focus projection, similar to what has been argued regarding sentences’ left periphery (CP). We report that these two typologically unrelated languages both allow TP-internal focus projections, before going on to explore the language-specific similarities and differences among various sentences containing ser and shi. Finally, we propose that both ser and shi acquire discourse functions to express focus information in a specific, systematic way.
Generalized dualities for heterotic and type I strings
Authors: Hassler Falk , Sakatani Yuho , Scala Luca
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We define generalized dualities for heterotic and type I strings based on consistent truncations to half-maximal gauged supergravities in more than three dimensions. The latter are constructed from a generalized Scherk-Schwarz ansatz in heterotic double field theory that satisfies the strong constraint. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the resulting embedding tensor are discussed, showing that only certain gaugings, called geometric, can arise from this procedure. For all of them, we explicitly construct the internal geometry and gauge potentials. In general, this construction is not unique and permits different uplifts which are used to define generalized T-duality. Two examples are worked out underlying the utility of our approach to explore new dualities and uplifts of half-maximal gauged supergravities.
Conditions for Semi-Boundedness and Discreteness of the Spectrum to Schrödinger Operator and Some Nonlinear PDEs
Authors: Zelenko Leonid
Published: August 2024

For the Schrödinger operator $$H=-\Delta + V({{\textbf{x}}})\cdot $$

H
=
-
Δ
+
V
(
x
)
·

, acting in the space $$L_2({{\textbf{R}}}^d)\,(d\ge 3)$$

L
2

(

R

d

)

(
d
≥
3
)

, necessary and sufficient conditions for semi-boundedness and discreteness of its spectrum are obtained without the assumption that the potential $$V({{\textbf{x}}})$$

V
(
x
)

is bounded below. By reducing the problem to study the existence of regular solutions of the Riccati PDE, the necessary conditions for the discreteness of the spectrum of operator H are obtained under the assumption that it is bounded below. These results are similar to the ones obtained by the author in [26] for the one-dimensional case. Furthermore, sufficient conditions for the semi-boundedness and discreteness of the spectrum of H are obtained in terms of a non-increasing rearrangement, mathematical expectation, and standard deviation from the latter for the positive part $$V_+({{\textbf{x}}})$$

V
+

(
x
)

of the potential $$V({{\textbf{x}}})$$

V
(
x
)

on compact domains that go to infinity, under certain restrictions for its negative part $$V_-({{\textbf{x}}})$$

V
-

(
x
)

. Choosing optimally the vector field associated with the difference between the potential $$V({{\textbf{x}}})$$

V
(
x
)

and its mathematical expectation on the balls that go to infinity, we obtain a condition for semi-boundedness and discreteness of the spectrum for H in terms of solutions of the Neumann problem for the nonhomogeneous $$d/(d-1)$$

d
/
(
d
-
1
)

-Laplace equation. This type of optimization refers to a divergence constrained transportation problem.
Internetbasierte Selbsthilfe bei Einsamkeit – Eine systematische Übersicht
Authors: Imwinkelried Milena , Seewer Noëmi , Berger Thomas , Krieger Tobias
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

In den letzten Jahren hat das Phänomen der Einsamkeit zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit erlangt. Einsamkeit ist weitverbreitet und kann bei längerem Anhalten negative Folgen für die psychische und physische Gesundheit haben. Internetbasierte Interventionen (IBI) zur Selbsthilfe haben sich für eine Vielzahl von psychologischen Störungen als hilfreich erwiesen. Aufgrund verschiedener spezifischer Aspekte stellen IBI auch für Einsamkeit eine vielversprechende Interventionsform dar. Ziel dieser systematischen Übersicht ist es, den aktuellen Stand der Forschung von Selbsthilfe-IBI zur Reduktion von Einsamkeit darzustellen.

Methoden

Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde in den Datenbanken Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, MedLine, PsycIndex, Cochrane Library und PsyArXiv im Zeitraum von Dezember 2023 bis Anfang Januar 2024 durchgeführt. Eingeschlossen wurden deutsch- oder englischsprachige Originalarbeiten, die Selbsthilfe-IBI zur Reduktion von Einsamkeit untersuchten.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt konnten 8 Studien, die zwischen 2017 und 2024 publiziert wurden, in die qualitative Analyse eingeschlossen werden. Alle Studien wurden in einkommensstarken Ländern mit überwiegend gut gebildeten weiblichen Teilnehmenden durchgeführt und waren hinsichtlich ihrer internen Validität mehrheitlich zufriedenstellend.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit legen nahe, dass Selbsthilfe-IBI eine vielversprechende Möglichkeit zur Verringerung von Einsamkeit sein können. Die Arbeit weist jedoch auch auf weiteren Forschungsbedarf hin. Zukünftige Arbeiten sollten größere Stichproben und Menschen unterschiedlicher Altersgruppen, Geschlechter und Bildungsniveaus berücksichtigen, um die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit verallgemeinern zu können.
Phase-field modeling of fracture in viscoelastic–viscoplastic thermoset nanocomposites under cyclic and monolithic loading
Authors: Arash Behrouz , Zakavati Shadab , Bahtiri Betim , Jux Maximilian , Rolfes Raimund
Published: August 2024

In this study, a finite deformation phase-field formulation is developed to investigate the effect of hygrothermal conditions on the viscoelastic–viscoplastic fracture behavior of epoxy nanocomposites under cyclic and monolithic loading. The formulation incorporates a definition of the Helmholtz free energy, which considers the effect of nanoparticles, moisture content, and temperature. The free energy is additively decomposed into a deviatoric equilibrium, a deviatoric non-equilibrium, and a volumetric contribution. The proposed derivation offers a realistic modeling of damage and viscoplasticity mechanisms in the nanocomposites by coupling the phase-field damage model and a viscoelastic–viscoplastic model. Numerical simulations are conducted to study the cyclic force–displacement response of both dry and saturated boehmite nanoparticle (BNP)/epoxy samples, considering BNP contents and temperature. Comparing numerical results with experimental data shows good agreement at various BNP contents. In addition, the predictive capability of the phase-field model is evaluated through simulations of notched nanocomposite plates subjected to monolithic tensile and shear loading.
Pilot screening of potential matrikines resulting from collagen breakages through ionizing radiation
Authors: Montanari Juliette , Schwob Lucas , Marie-Brasset Aurélie , Vinatier Claire , Lepleux Charlotte , Antoine Rodolphe , Guicheux Jérôme , Poully Jean-Christophe , Chevalier François
Published: August 2024

Little is known regarding radiation-induced matrikines and the possible degradation of extracellular matrix following therapeutic irradiation. The goal of this study was to determine if irradiation can cut collagen proteins at specific sites, inducing potentially biologically active peptides against cartilage cells. Chondrocytes cultured as 3D models were evaluated for extracellular matrix production. Bystander molecules were analyzed in vitro in the conditioned medium of X-irradiated chondrocytes. Preferential breakage sites were analyzed in collagen polypeptide by mass spectrometry and resulting peptides were tested against chondrocytes. 3D models of chondrocytes displayed a light extracellular matrix able to maintain the structure. Irradiated and bystander chondrocytes showed a surprising radiation sensitivity at low doses, characteristic of the presence of bystander factors, particularly following 0.1 Gy. The glycine-proline peptidic bond was observed as a preferential cleavage site and a possible weakness of the collagen polypeptide after irradiation. From the 46 collagen peptides analyzed against chondrocytes culture, 20 peptides induced a reduction of viability and 5 peptides induced an increase of viability at the highest concentration between 0.1 and 1 µg/ml. We conclude that irradiation promoted a site-specific degradation of collagen. The potentially resulting peptides induce negative or positive regulations of chondrocyte growth. Taken together, these results suggest that ionizing radiation causes a degradation of cartilage proteins, leading to a functional unbalance of cartilage homeostasis after exposure, contributing to cartilage dysfunction.
Prognostic value of 24-hour cultivation of peritoneal fluid to distinguish complicated from uncomplicated acute appendicitis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mark-Christensen Anders , Bro Sørensen Ditte , Qvist Niels , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Möller Sören , Ellebæk Mark Bremholm
Published: August 2024

Background

The distinction between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA) is important as it guides postoperative antibiotic treatment. A diagnosis based on intraoperative findings is imprecise and standard cultivation of peritoneal fluid is generally time-consuming with little clinical benefit. The aim of this study was to examine if cultivation of peritoneal fluid in acute appendicitis could reliably detect bacteria within 24 h.

Methods

Patients older than 18 years undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were prospectively enrolled at two surgical departments after informed consent was obtained. Periappendicular fluid was collected prior to appendectomy and sent for cultivation. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using 72-hour cultivation results as the gold standard. Patients with complicated AA as determined by the surgeon, received a three-day course of oral antibiotics. Postoperative infectious complications within 30 days after surgery were registered.

Results

From July 2020 to January 2021, 101 patients were included. The intraoperative diagnosis was complicated AA in 34 cases. Of these patients, six (17.6%) had bacteria cultured within 24 h after surgery, leading to a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 100%. The positive and negative predictive values were 1.00 and 0.96, respectively. Seven patients developed a postoperative infection (five superficial wound infections and two intra-abdominal abscess). In all cases with a positive cultivation result, the intraoperative diagnosis was complicated appendicitis and a postoperative course of antibiotics prescribed.

Conclusion

Twenty-four-hour cultivation of the peritoneal fluid in acute appendicitis is a valid indicator for peritoneal bacterial contamination. Randomized studies are necessary to determine if this approach is suitable for targeting postoperative antibiotic treatment as a means to prevent overtreatment without increasing the risk of infectious complications.
Clinical characteristics, predisposing factors and outcomes for Enterococcus faecalis versus Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections: a prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Scharloo Fenna , Cogliati Dezza Francesco , López-Hernández Inmaculada , Martínez Pérez-Crespo Pedro María , Goikoetxea Aguirre Ane Josune , Pérez-Rodríguez María Teresa , Fernandez-Suarez Jonathan , León Jiménez Eva , Morán Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Fernández-Natal Isabel , Reguera Iglesias José María , Natera Kindelán Clara , Fariñas Álvares Maria Carmen , Boix-Palop Lucía , Lopez-Cortes Luis Eduardo , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús ,   PROBAC/GEIRAS-SEIMC/SAMICEI group, Jover-Sáenz Alfredo , Sánchez-Calvo Juan Manuel , Gea-Lázaro Isabel , Bahamonde Carrasco Alberto , Vinuesa García David , del Arco Jiménez Alfonso , Smithson Amat Alejandro , Sánchez Porto Antonio , Pérez Camacho Inés , Cuquet Pedragosa Jordi , Merino de Lucas Esperanza , Becerril Carral Berta , Martín Aspas Andrés , Reche Isabel
Published: August 2024

Purposes

Enterococcal BSI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with fatality rates of approximately 20–30%. There are microbiological and clinical differences between E. faecalis and E. faecium infections. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in predisposing factors for E. faecalis and E. faecium BSI and to explore prognostic factors.

Methods

This study was a post-hoc analysis of PROBAC, a Spanish prospective, multicenter, cohort in 2016–2017. Patients with E. faecalis or E. faecium BSI were eligible. Independent predictors for BSI development in polymicrobial and monomicrobial BSI and in-hospital mortality in the monomicrobial group were identified by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 431 patients were included. Independent factors associated with E. faecium BSI were previous use of penicillins (aOR 1.99 (95% CI 1.20–3.32)) or carbapenems (2.35 (1.12–4.93)), hospital-acquired BSI (2.58 (1.61–4.12)), and biliary tract source (3.36 (1.84–6.13)), while congestive heart failure (0.51 (0.27–0.97)), cerebrovascular disease (0.45 (0.21–0.98)), and urinary tract source (0.49 (0.26–0.92)) were associated with E. faecalis BSI. Independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in E. faecalis BSI were Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.27 (1.08–1.51)), SOFA score (1.47 (1.24–1.73)), age (1.06 (1.02–1.10)), and urinary/biliary source (0.29 (0.09–0.90)). For E. faecium BSI, only SOFA score (1.34 (1.14–1.58) was associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The factors associated with E. faecium and E. faecalis BSI are different. These variables may be helpful in the suspicion of one or other species for empiric therapeutic decisions and provide valuable information on prognosis.
The evolution of sustainable renovation of existing buildings: from integrated seismic and environmental retrofitting strategies to a life cycle thinking approach
Authors: Passoni Chiara , Caruso Martina , Felicioni Licia , Negro Paolo
Published: August 2024

The sustainable renovation of existing buildings is currently at the top of the agenda of the European Union. Sustainability is typically defined as the result of the interaction of environmental, economic, and social aspects, and it is now considered a major target objective in all sectors of our economy, including the construction one. The concept of sustainable renovation has changed significantly over time, leading to the current interpretation that considers the need to simultaneously improve safety and resilience against natural hazards and minimise energy and resource consumption, as well as to reduce impacts along the life cycle of the building. This manuscript presents insights into combined/integrated environmental and seismic retrofitting techniques and assessment methods for the sustainable renovation of the existing building stock, specifically focussing on those conceived according to a Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach. This manuscript goes beyond the current available state of the art by highlighting the evolution of the concept of building sustainability throughout time, as well as defining a comprehensive taxonomy of available retrofitting strategies, while also identifying common clusters among available research papers. This research effort is part of the mission of the European Association of Earthquake Engineering (EAEE) Working Group 15 (WG15), which focusses on ‘combined seismic and environmental upgrading of existing buildings”.
Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of cellulose oligomer in LiCl/DMSO
Authors: Sasaki Atsushi , Konishi Tatsuhiro , Kobayashi Kayoko , Wada Masahisa , Kusumi Ryosuke
Published: August 2024

High-resolution solution-state 1H, 13C, and various 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of cellulose were obtained using cellulose oligomer dissolved in LiCl/dimethyl sulfoxide, which enabled the assignment of all 1H and 13C resonances. The observed resonances were classified into four groups of glucose rings, corresponding to internal residue, non-reducing end, and reducing ends with α- and β-anomeric configurations. This assignment included the OH protons, which are difficult to assign in cellulose using other solvent systems. NMR measurements and assignments were performed using different LiCl concentrations because information on the hydroxy protons is important for understanding the interaction between cellulose and the solvent. The resonances from the OH protons shifted downfield with increasing LiCl concentration, suggesting that LiCl was attracted to the hydroxy groups of cellulose in solution. Moreover, the magnitude of the shifts varied depending on the positions of the hydroxy groups, which indicated the regioselectivity of the interaction between LiCl and the cellulose hydroxy groups.

Graphical abstract
Early Educators and COVID-19: Reflections on Well-Being
Authors: Blanchard Sheresa Boone , Yeh Chia Jung , Busio Dionne Sills , Mann Lydia , Bruhn Alexis
Published: August 2024

Early childhood educators (birth through second grade) have faced a wide range of challenges while providing education and care for the youngest group of children. Their positions often range from child-care settings to grade school, with different configurations for benefits, class size, and salary. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 192 early educators shared their perceived stress levels and personal and employment context including relationship status, caregiving responsibilities, education level, work setting, and age group. While there were noted differences across the group, educators working in school-aged settings and those who were caregivers (outside of work) reported higher levels of stress. Interview results from a subset of survey respondents showed concerns about online learning and the well-being of their students, while also underscoring personal growth through the challenges.
A Meta-Analysis on Teachers’ Growth Mindset
Authors: Bardach Lisa , Bostwick Keiko C. P. , Fütterer Tim , Kopatz Myriel , Hobbi Daniel Memarpour , Klassen Robert M. , Pietschnig Jakob
Published: August 2024

The concept of growth mindset—an individual’s beliefs that basic characteristics such as intelligence are malleable—has gained immense popularity in research, the media, and educational practice. Even though it is assumed that teachers need a growth mindset and that both teachers and their students benefit when teachers adopt a growth mindset, systematic syntheses of the potential advantages of a growth mindset in teachers are lacking. Therefore, in this article, we present the first meta-analysis on teachers’ growth mindset and its relationships with multiple outcomes (50 studies, 81 effect sizes; N = 19,555). Multilevel analyses showed a small effect across outcomes. Statistically significant small-to-typical positive associations between teachers’ growth mindset and their motivation in terms of self-efficacy and mastery goals were observed in subgroup analyses. No statistically significant relationships were found with teachers’ performance-approach goals, teachers’ performance-avoidance goals, teachers’ performance on achievement tests, or student achievement. Teachers’ growth mindset was related to instructional practices in terms of mastery goal structures but unrelated to performance goal structures. Moderator analyses indicated that the dimensionality of the mindset measure (recoded from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset measure vs. assessed as a growth mindset), item referent and content of the mindset measure, publication status (published vs. unpublished), world region, educational level, and study quality influenced the strengths of some of the relationships. Overall, our findings extend knowledge about teachers’ mindset and add to the evidence base on teacher characteristics and their links to relevant outcomes.
Asymptotic solution of electromagnetic heating of skin tissue with lateral heat conduction
Authors: Jaime-Yepez Ulises , Wang Hongyun , Foley Shannon E. , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2024

We study the temperature evolution in the three-dimensional skin tissue exposed to an electromagnetic beam of millimeter wavelength. The skin absorption coefficient of the beam frequency determines how deep the electromagnetic energy penetrates into the skin tissue, which gives a sub-millimeter penetration depth for a 94 GHz wave. In contrast, in the lateral directions perpendicular to the depth, the beam size is usually much larger than the penetration depth. Based on this separation of length scales, we establish an asymptotic formulation in which each term has separable dependences on the depth coordinate and on the lateral coordinates. We solve it analytically to obtain a two-term asymptotic solution of the temperature distribution in the three-dimensional skin tissue. This closed-form analytical solution provides a practical and accurate way of predicting the temperature. When the beam size is moderately larger than the penetration depth (a ratio of 20), the effect of lateral heat conduction is well captured in the asymptotic solution with maximum error less than 0.0017 in the normalized temperature of magnitude well above 1.
Determinants of Gaps in Human Behaviour in Fire Research
Authors: Ronchi Enrico , Kapalo Katelynn , Bode Nikolai , Boyce Karen , Cuesta Arturo , Feng Yan , Galea Edwin R. , Geoerg Paul , Gwynne Steve , Kennedy Eric B. , Kinateder Max , Kinsey Michael , Kuligowski Erica , Köster Gerta , Lovreglio Ruggiero , Mossberg Axel , Ono Rosaria , Spearpoint Michael , Strahan Ken , Wong Stephen D.
Published: August 2024

This short communication presents the findings of the work conducted by the human behaviour in fire permanent working group of the International Association for Fire Safety Science. Its aim is to identify determinants of research gaps in the field of human behaviour in fire. Two workshops were conducted in 2023 in which research gaps were identified and discussed by twenty experts. The workshops led experts through a series of questions to determine the reasons (or determinants) for these gaps in human behaviour in building fires and wildfires. Through the questions, the primary identified determinants were (1) researchers’ literacy in the variety of methods adopted in the field, (2) difficulties associated with recruitment of study participants, (3) multi-disciplinary barriers across different research sub-domains, and (4) issues in obtaining funding for addressing fundamental human behaviour in fire research questions. Two key issues emerged from an open discussion during the workshops, namely the difficulties in attracting and training new people in the field (given the limited educational offers around the world on the topic) and the need for more regular opportunities for the community to meet.
Meanders, hyperelliptic pillowcase covers, and the Johnson filtration
Authors: Jeffreys Luke
Published: August 2024

We provide minimal constructions of meanders with particular combinatorics. Using these meanders, we give minimal constructions of hyperelliptic pillowcase covers with a single horizontal cylinder and simultaneously a single vertical cylinder so that one or both of the core curves are separating curves on the underlying surface. In the case where both of the core curves are separating, we use these surfaces in a construction of Aougab–Taylor in order to prove that for any hyperelliptic connected component of the moduli space of quadratic differentials with no poles there exist ratio-optimising pseudo-Anosovs lying arbitrarily deep in the Johnson filtration and stabilising the Teichmüller disk of a quadratic differential lying in this connected component.
Empathy and Autism: Establishing the Structure and Different Manifestations of Empathy in Autistic Individuals Using the Perth Empathy Scale
Authors: Brett Jack D. , Preece David A. , Becerra Rodrigo , Whitehouse Andrew , Maybery Murray T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is a common mischaracterisation that autistic individuals have reduced or absent empathy. Measurement issues may have influenced existing findings on the relationships between autism and empathy, and the structure of the empathy construct in autism remains unclear.

Methods

The present study sought to address these gaps by examining the structure and psychometric properties of the Perth Empathy Scale (PES) in autistic individuals (N = 239) compared to non-autistic individuals (N = 690).

Results

Our moderated non-linear factor analysis revealed that the multidimensional empathy construct manifested similarly in autistic and non-autistic individuals, with the PES displaying good validity and reliability. Moreover, the results revealed that autistic individuals reported reduced cognitive empathy and reduced affective empathy for positive and negative emotions. However, there was greater heterogeneity of empathic tendencies in the autistic sample, indicating that these mean differences may not be generalisable for all autistic individuals.

Conclusion

The present study highlights that the PES is suitable for assessing empathy across autistic and non-autistic individuals. This work with the PES also provides greater nuance to our understanding of empathy and autism, and based on these findings, we propose the empathy heterogeneity hypothesis of autism as a new way of describing empathy in autism.
Vaccine Hesitancy in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Context: Parental Vaccine Decision-Making and Coping with Stress Strategies
Authors: Gulle Bugra Taygun , Yassibas Ugur , Sarigedik Enes
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite no scientific evidence linking vaccines to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), vaccine hesitancy persists among parents of children with ASD. This study aims to compare vaccine hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with ASD, other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), and without NDD, and to examine the relationship between stress coping mechanisms and vaccine hesitancy, including comparing coping mechanisms between diagnostic groups as well as their association with hesitancy.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, one parent of each child with ASD, non-ASD NDD, or without NDD was included. Data were collected using a researcher-created form, the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Turkish, and the Coping Style Scale Brief Form. Vaccine hesitancy, parents’ COVID-19 vaccination status, and vaccination status of children’s younger siblings were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses, with a focus on correlations between vaccine hesitancy and coping styles.

Results

The study included one parent from each of 299 children. Parents of children with ASD showed an adjusted odds ratio of 2.66 (95% CI 1.35–5.06) for high vaccine hesitancy, 2.57 (95% CI 1.17–5.65) for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and 1.40 (95% CI 0.45–4.40) for younger siblings not receiving routine vaccines. A weak but significant correlation was observed between vaccine hesitancy and the use of restraint coping style among these parents (r = 0.280; p = 0.010).

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of targeted educational efforts and personalized communication to address vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with ASD. Enhancing vaccination coverage in this community requires further research to develop interventions tailored to their specific needs.
Influence of alloying elements on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of hypoeutectic Sn-6.5wt%Zn-0.5 wt%X (X = Ag, Al, Cu) lead-free solders
Authors: González-Parra R. , Novelo-Peralta O. , Lara-Rodríguez G. , Figueroa I. , Barba A. , Hernandez M.
Published: August 2024

Lead-free solders are promising candidates for the replacement of Sn–Pb solders due to their environmental friendly, good thermal properties and wettability which render them suitable for this application. In this study, a set of lead-free solders Sn-6.5 wt. and Sn-6.5 wt% Zn-0.5 wt% X (X = Ag, Al, Cu) were studied by metallography, mechanical and electrochemical techniques. The results show that the addition of the alloying elements Ag, Al and Cu modifies the amount of the eutectic phase and promotes the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The corrosion resistance of the samples also modified, showing that the formation of IMCs can have detrimental effects with higher current densities in saline media, as determined for the Ag and Al alloyed solders. The corrosion resistance is higher for the unalloyed and the Sn-6.5 wt%Zn-0.5 wt% Cu alloy. However, the addition of Cu not only stabilizes the corrosion products thus increasing the protective properties of the alloy, but also modifies the mechanical behaviour of the lead-free solders and so enhancing the UTS values and ductility. Furthermore, the surface morphology is influenced by the alloying elements showing a smooth surface (Sn-Zn, Cu) or a highly corroded appearance with round aggregates (Ag and Al). These new lead-free solders have a lower melting point with higher ductility than the commercial SAC 305. Therefore, these alternatives have high potential in applications in mechanical engineering.
Reaction of a Molten Cr-Si-Base Alloy with Ceramics and a High Entropy Oxide
Authors: Pelchen Lucas , Schenker Manuel , Lepple Maren , Ulrich Anke Silvia
Published: August 2024

Due to their higher thermal and chemical stability than other high-temperature materials, chromium-silicon-base (Cr-Si-base) alloys are promising materials for future gas turbines and other high-temperature applications operating under harsh conditions. To enable near-net-shape casting of Cr-Si-base alloys, a compatibility of the alloy melt with the ceramic crucibles and molds is necessary. Additionally, a metal-ceramic contact exists at the interface between thermal barrier coating (TBC) and alloy, where metallic may melts play a role in the case of coating failure and overheating. In this study, molten Cr92Si8 (in at. %) alloy is brought into contact with powders of ceramics commonly used for casting molds or crucibles (e.g. ZrSiO4, Al2O3, 3YSZ), to investigate liquid metal corrosion, interdiffusion, and stabilities. Additionally, the high entropy oxide (Sm0.2Gd0.2Dy0.2Er0.2Yb0.2)2Zr2O7 (HEO), a potential future TBC material, is investigated. Before melting using an electric arc furnace, the powders of the investigated ceramics were mixed with pulverized Cr92Si8 and pressed into alloy-ceramic pairs, to maximize the contact area between molten metal and ceramic. For microstructural investigations and phase analysis, the materials were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The widely used mold material ZrSiO4 and the coating BN were found to decompose, while reaction products of SiO2 and CoAl2O4 with the melt were detected. Al2O3, 3YSZ, and the HEO did not show decomposition or corrosion by the melt. Al2O3, 3YSZ, and the HEO are therefore considered as promising crucible, mold, and TBC materials for Cr-Si-base alloys.
Clot lysis time and thrombin generation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Siniarski Aleksander , Gąsecka Aleksandra , Krysińska Katarzyna , Frydrych Marta , Nessler Jadwiga , Gajos Grzegorz
Published: August 2024

Background

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease and is associated with a significant increase in mortality. AS has been shown to be linked with numerous coagulation system abnormalities, including increased fibrin deposition on the stenotic aortic valves. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the primary treatment method for patients at high surgical risk.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of treating severe AS with TAVI on thrombin generation and clot lysis time (CLT).

Methods

We studied 135 symptomatic AS patients recommended for TAVI by the local Heart Team. All measurements were performed before and 5-7 days after TAVI. Alongside clinical assessment and echocardiographic analysis, we assessed clot lysis time (CLT) and thrombin generation parameters, including lag time, peak thrombin generation, time to peak thrombin generation (ttPeak), and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP).

Results

70 patients were included in the final analysis. After TAVI, there was a significant 9% reduction in CLT despite a 12% increase in fibrinogen concentration. We observed significant increase in lag time and ttPeak (20% and 12%, respectively), and 13% decrease in peak thrombin concentration compared to pre-procedural levels. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that baseline CLT and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were independent predictors of significant reduction in mean aortic gradient, defined as TAVI procedure success.

Conclusions

CLT and peak thrombin concentration decreased, while Lag time and ttPeak increased significantly after TAVI. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated CLT and CRP levels as independent predictors of achieving a reduction in mean aortic gradient, defining TAVI procedure success.

Graphical abstract
Landscape and habitat characteristics jointly drive the urban distribution of a nuisance species
Authors: Willis Caitlin S. , Potvin Dominique A. , Cadwaladr Darian , Wills Erin K. , Gilby Ben L.
Published: August 2024

Identifying environmental variables that affect the distribution of pest and/or nuisance species promotes effective management strategies by improving urban planning and the targeted application of direct interventions like population control. Australian white ibis Threskiornis moluccus are considered a nuisance species throughout Australia, having increased significantly in abundance in coastal urban landscapes following declines in their native inland habitats over the past three decades. Few management interventions thus far have successfully reduced conflicts between ibis and humans, necessitating a better understanding of conditions driving ibis distribution and abundance. We surveyed 26 ibis colonies throughout the Moreton Bay region in central eastern Australia and quantified the effects of a range of spatial (e.g. connectivity with waste management facilities, urban land and wetlands) and habitat (e.g. nesting tree species, density and size) variables on ibis and nest abundance. Ibis and their nests were most abundant at sites within 10 km of waste management facilities, and < 60 m from residential or industrial estates. Ibis were also more abundant at sites with tree canopy height < 10 m and lower tree species richness. Nests were most abundant on water bound islands with tree density > 0.5 trees/m2. Urbanisation had contrasting effects, with nest numbers increasing with higher connectivity (i.e. closer proximity) to urban land, while ibis numbers decreased (relative to waste management facilities). Multifaceted approaches are required for controlling ibis populations, including restricting access to anthropogenic food resources, managing the condition of remnant habitats, and considering population control at sites with high connectivity to foraging grounds.
Non-invasive myocardial work as an independent predictor of postprocedural NT-proBNP in elderly patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ladányi Zsuzsanna , Bálint Tímea , Fábián Alexandra , Ujvári Adrienn , Turschl Tímea Katalin , Nagy Dávid , Straub Éva , Fejér Csaba , Zima Endre , Apor Astrid , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Szigethi Tímea , Papp Roland , Molnár Levente , Kovács Attila , Ruppert Mihály , Lakatos Bálint Károly , Merkely Béla
Published: August 2024

Aortic stenosis has become the most prevalent valvular disease with increasing life expectancy and the ageing of the population, representing a significant clinical burden for health care providers. Its treatment has been revolutionized by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as a safe and minimally invasive option for elderly patients. Left ventricular (LV) functional measurement is of particular importance before TAVR, however, increased afterload significantly influences the conventional echocardiographic parameters. Non-invasive myocardial work examines myocardial deformation in the context of instantaneous LV pressure, thus, it might be a more reliable measure of LV function. Accordingly, we aimed to study non-invasive myocardial work and its relationship with functional outcome following TAVR.

We enrolled 90 TAVR candidates (80 [75–84] years; 44% female). Using echocardiography, we quantified ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global myocardial work index (GWI) and global constructive work (GCW) before and 12 months after the procedure. Serum NT-proBNP levels were also measured. EF did not change (52.6 ± 13.1 vs. 54.2 ± 10.5%; p = 0.199), while GLS increased (-13.5 ± 4.6 vs. -15.2 ± 3.8%; p < 0.001). GWI decreased (1913 ± 799 vs. 1654 ± 613 mmHg%; p < 0.001) and so did GCW (2365 ± 851 vs. 2177 ± 652 mmHg%; p = 0.018). History of atrial fibrillation (AF) (β = 0.349) and preprocedural GCW (β = -0.238) were independent predictors of postprocedural NT-proBNP (p < 0.001).

GLS, GWI and GCW changed after TAVR while there was no alteration in EF. The preprocedural GCW and history of AF were independent predictors of postprocedural NT-proBNP. Accordingly, myocardial work indices may help patient selection and the prediction of the functional outcome in this population.
Effect of Vacuum Impregnation with Anthocyanin rich Fruit Juices on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Cubes
Authors: Dinçer Cüneyt , Üstünel Selinay , Erkoç Hatice Nur , Yiyen Aysu , Aykın-Dinçer Elif
Published: August 2024

This study was aimed to determine the effects of various fruit juices used as impregnation solutions on the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of dried chicken meat cubes. The pH, color parameters, total phenolic, antioxidant activity, water holding capacity, textural (TPA) and sensorial properties of the cubes were tested. Impregnation solutions used in the treatment groups were prepared with pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry juices, and salt solution (control). Impregnation was performed in two replicates and two samples were analyzed per replicate. The cubes were immersed in the solutions and the 10 min vacuum (250 mbar absolute pressure) − 10 min atmospheric pressure cycle was repeated at 4 °C for 2 h. pH values decreased (P < 0.01) by impregnation with various anthocyanin-rich fruit juices. Total phenolic and antioxidant activity were the highest (P < 0.01) in samples impregnated with pomegranate juice and were 720.71 mg GAE/kg and 840.22 mg TE/kg, respectively. The use of anthocyanin-rich fruit juices as impregnation solution decreased a* and b* values of samples (P < 0.01; P < 0.05, respectively). The TPA results indicated that impregnation with pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry juices induced lower (P < 0.01) hardness and higher (P < 0.05) adhesiveness values compared to the control. Consequently, the impregnation with anthocyanin-rich fruit juices such as pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry has the potential to improve the quality properties of dried chicken cubes.
PolypNextLSTM: a lightweight and fast polyp video segmentation network using ConvNext and ConvLSTM
Authors: Bhattacharya Debayan , Reuter Konrad , Behrendt Finn , Maack Lennart , Grube Sarah , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Commonly employed in polyp segmentation, single-image UNet architectures lack the temporal insight clinicians gain from video data in diagnosing polyps. To mirror clinical practices more faithfully, our proposed solution, PolypNextLSTM, leverages video-based deep learning, harnessing temporal information for superior segmentation performance with least parameter overhead, making it possibly suitable for edge devices.

Methods

PolypNextLSTM employs a UNet-like structure with ConvNext-Tiny as its backbone, strategically omitting the last two layers to reduce parameter overhead. Our temporal fusion module, a Convolutional Long Short Term Memory (ConvLSTM), effectively exploits temporal features. Our primary novelty lies in PolypNextLSTM, which stands out as the leanest in parameters and the fastest model, surpassing the performance of five state-of-the-art image and video-based deep learning models. The evaluation of the SUN-SEG dataset spans easy-to-detect and hard-to-detect polyp scenarios, along with videos containing challenging artefacts like fast motion and occlusion.

Results

Comparison against 5 image-based and 5 video-based models demonstrates PolypNextLSTM’s superiority, achieving a Dice score of 0.7898 on the hard-to-detect polyp test set, surpassing image-based PraNet (0.7519) and video-based PNS+ (0.7486). Notably, our model excels in videos featuring complex artefacts such as ghosting and occlusion.

Conclusion

PolypNextLSTM, integrating pruned ConvNext-Tiny with ConvLSTM for temporal fusion, not only exhibits superior segmentation performance but also maintains the highest frames per speed among evaluated models. Code can be found here: https://github.com/mtec-tuhh/PolypNextLSTM.