bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and simulation‐based modeling of a vehicle seat
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Langer Patrick , Mäder Marcus , Marburg Steffen
Published: September 2023

The automotive industry must deal with significant challenges in the future. Consequently, predicting the Noise‐Vibration‐Harshness (NVH) in the early design and concept phase becomes essential. Especially dynamic seat behavior immediately affects ride comfort and hence customer acceptance. Therefore, it is necessary to have reliable finite element (FE) models for the simulation‐based prediction of the dynamic seat behavior. This study describes different aspects of the experimental‐ and simulation‐based modeling of a vehicle seat. The experimental modal analysis is used to characterize the seat system as well as the subsystem's seat backrest and frame. The structural dynamics of a seat depend on various sensitive parameters. We identified the dominant mode shapes below 100 Hz, which are lateral, fore‐and‐aft, and twisting modes. We could see that the seat backrest has a substantial mass influence. Besides, we showed that the twisting mode can be modified by varying cross‐direction stiffness. Thus, findings are utilized to improve the predictive power of simulation results.
Hemp hurd filled PLA‐PBAT blend biocomposites compatible with additive manufacturing processes: Fabrication, rheology, and material property investigations
Authors: Jubinville Dylan , Sharifi Javid , Fayazfar Haniyeh , Mekonnen Tizazu H.
Published: September 2023

A co‐continuous 50:50 blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) was compounded with 10–40 wt% hemp hurd microparticles (<250 μm) to achieve balanced material properties for additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications. The blend and composites were further compatibilized with maleic anhydride via an in situ reactive extrusion process to enhance the adhesion between the polymers and the fillers and subsequently improve stress transfer between the components. All composite samples were processed further via injection molding and 3D printing processes to analyze and compare the rheology, morphology, thermal, mechanical properties, and other physio‐chemical properties. For the unfilled polymer blends, the injection molded and 3D printed sample specimens displayed similar mechanical properties. However, in the hemp filled composites, the injection molded specimens demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties. This indicates that the 3D printing process requires further parameter optimization to eliminate potential gaps between the printing layers and enhance mechanical properties. Overall, the PLA:PBAT blends filled with hemp hurd microparticles provided balanced composite properties in addition to their sustainability attribute, which makes them an appealing alternative for the fabrication of compostable and tough materials via additive manufacturing processes.

Highlights

Upon maleation, the blend components formed a co‐continuous morphology.

Sustainable plastic filament with up to 40 wt% hemp hurd micro particles.

3D printing can compete with injection molding in filled composites.

Successfully 3D printed model furniture with 30 wt% hemp filler.
Curing conditions for low‐resistivity contacts on transparent conductive oxide layers for different solar cell applications
Authors: Gensowski Katharina , Freund Timo , Much Maximilian , Muramatsu Kazuo , Tepner Sebastian , Clement Florian
Published: September 2023

The Cu (ln1‐xGax)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell technology is a potentially high‐efficient approach with unique properties compared with silicon photovoltaic, like flexible lightweight substrates and different colored designs. So far, the full potential of the transparent conductive oxide layers has not been exploited yet as no front contacts are applied, resulting in significant losses from the cell‐to‐module level. In this study, Ag front contacts are applied by parallel dispensing onto indium tin oxide layers of silicon heterojunction substrates and CIGS substrates. Subsequently, a thermally curing process is carried out to form the conductive contacts. The curing conditions are varied between 200°C ≥ Tc ≥ 100°C combined with 20 min ≥ tc ≥ 1.5 min. The study aims to determine the curing parameters enabling low‐resistivity contacts by using low‐temperature curing Ag paste and ultralow‐temperature curing Ag paste. The lateral electrode resistance and the contact resistivity of printed electrodes are measured. The results of simultaneous thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry (pastes) and microstructure analysis of printed electrodes are used to explain the electrical parameters of the printed electrodes. In general, higher curing temperatures and longer curing durations encourage the sintering and densification process of the applied electrodes resulting in low‐resistivity contacts. Contact resistivities below ρc,TLM < 5 mΩ·cm2 and lateral electrode resistance of Rlateral ≥ 17 Ω m−1 are obtained for different paste systems. However, optimal curing conditions of low‐temperature curing pastes can cause thermal damage to the CIGS device. Therefore, ultralow‐temperature curing pastes seem to be promising candidates for front contact metallization of CIGS substrates.
Long term respiratory morbidity of cesarean‐delivered second twin compared to their vaginally‐delivered sibling: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Yoles Israel , Sheiner Eyal , Wainstock Tamar
Published: September 2023

Background

Offspring born via cesarean delivery (CD) may be more prone to develope long‐term respiratory diseases, compared to those delivered vaginally (VD). In this study, we compared the rates of respiratory diseases between first twins VD and second twins delivered via CD.

Methods

This was a retrospective database study. All twin deliveries encompassed at the Soroka University Medical Center, a large tertiary hospital in southern Israel, between 1991 and 2020, in which the first twin was VD and the second via CD were included. Respiratory diseases included respiratory tract diseases such as bronchiolitis and bronchial asthma. The cumulative incidence of respiratory diseases was compared between the twins using Kaplan−Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox models to adjust for confounding variables.

Results

A total of 395,408 deliveries occurred during the study period, with 13,402 (3.4%) of all deliveries being twins. Of these, 184 (1.4%) were first twins VD and second twins delivered via CD. The second CD twin was more likely to have a non‐reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and an Apgar score less than 7 at 5 min. No other differences were found between the siblings. The incidence of long‐term respiratory diseases was not statistically different between the CD and VD siblings (7.6% vs. 9.4%, respectively; OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.23−1.26). Similarly, the cumulative incidence of respiratory diseases was not statistically different (Kaplan−Meier, log‐rank, p = .59), and in the multivariable analysis which adjusted for birthweight and fetal distress during delivery (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.43−26.25).

Conclusions

While the immediate outcomes for the CD twin were slightly worse compared to the VD twin, there was no difference in long‐term respiratory diseases between the siblings.
Clinical outcomes and recurrence patterns of high‐intermediate‐risk and high‐risk early‐stage endometrial cancer treated with postoperative intracavitary brachytherapy
Authors: Yan Zihan , Ren Kang , Wang Wenhui , Hu Ke , Hou Xiaorong , Zhang Fuquan
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical outcomes and recurrence patterns of high‐intermediate‐risk (HIR)‐ and high‐risk (HR) early‐stage endometrial cancer (EC) treated with postoperative intracavitary brachytherapy alone.

Methods

We included 152 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I‐II endometrial cancer with HIR and HR factors who received vaginal brachytherapy alone after surgery in our center between April 2008 and December 2017. The irradiation area was the top and upper halves of the vagina. The reference point was defined as 0.5 cm below the vaginal mucosa. The radiation dose was 25–30 Gy 5–6 times. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate; differences were assessed using the log‐rank test, and univariate and multivariate prognostic analyses were performed using the Cox regression model.

Result

The median follow‐up was 49.2 months (range 3–132 months). The 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), locoregional failure‐free survival time (LRFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) rates were 93.2%, 83.4%, 87.9%, and 86.6%, respectively. Treatment failure occurred in 18 patients, locoregional recurrence in 11, and distant metastasis in 14 (four with locoregional recurrence). Distant metastasis is the main recurrence pattern in patients at HIR and HR. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that age was an independent prognostic factor for OS, DFS, DMFS, and LRFS.

Conclusion

The main recurrence pattern after adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy alone was distant metastasis in patients with HIR and HR early‐stage EC. Age at onset was an independent prognostic factor for survival. Vaginal brachytherapy alone is an acceptable treatment option for patients with HIR and HR early‐stage endometrial cancer.
Extreme warm events in the South Orkney Islands, Southern Ocean: Compounding influence of atmospheric rivers and föhn conditions
Authors: Lu Hua , Orr Andrew , King John , Phillips Tony , Gilbert Ella , Colwell Steve , Bracegirdle Thomas J.
Published: September 2023

Extreme warm events in the South Orkney Islands (SOIs) are investigated using synoptic observations from Signy and Orcadas stations for 1947–1994 and 1956–2019 respectively. Defining the extremes as temperatures exceeding the 95th percentile of the temperature distribution, we reveal the characteristics and associated drivers of the warm events, especially the top 10 events in both summer and winter. At both stations, extreme warm events often involve a combined effect of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and localised föhn warming, with distinct characteristics due to the station locations relative to Coronation Island, the largest and highest island of the SOIs. For example, warm events at Signy are warmer (by an average of around 3°C) than the corresponding concurrent temperatures at Orcadas. The number of warm events per year has significantly increased over the record periods at both stations, which could potentially impact ecosystems by increasing melting of snow and ice. Extreme warm events at Signy are dominated by föhn warming in combination with ARs originating from the Southern Atlantic Ocean, where warm, moisture‐rich air is rapidly advected towards the islands by enhanced northerly winds. By contrast, the Orcadas warm extremes involve both warm‐air advection and föhn warming associated with enhanced northwesterlies/westerlies with ARs originating in the Pacific Ocean that travel across the Drake Passage. Simulation of one of the top 10 warm events for Signy station using a 1‐km grid spacing configuration of the atmosphere‐only UK Met Office Unified Model is used to disentangle the role of local versus large‐scale forcing. We find that the majority of the warming can be attributed to föhn effects for the case study. These results demonstrate the complexity of Antarctic temperature extremes.
Do financial market frictions hurt the performance of women‐led ventures? A meta‐analytic investigation
Authors: Ross David Gaddis , Shin Dong Hyun
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

Extant research offers conflicting views about the size and nature of gender‐related disparities in venture financing and venture performance. We theorize that gender‐related frictions in debt financing, the most common source of capital for new ventures, materially impair the performance of women‐led ventures but that these frictions decline with financial development. We find strong support for these predictions in a meta‐analysis of 63 primary studies in which we use financial development to instrument for the impact of gender‐related financial frictions on venture performance; in fact, in the absence of gender‐related financial frictions, ventures led by women would modestly outperform ventures led by men. We also find that gender‐related financial frictions are greater for access to, than the terms of, debt financing.

Managerial Summary

We use meta‐analysis to offer a quantitative synthesis of the research on gender, venture finance, and venture performance. We find evidence that women encounter gender‐related frictions in obtaining debt financing for their ventures, materially impairing their ventures' performance. In fact, in the absence of these frictions, ventures led by women would modestly outperform ventures led by men. We also find that gender‐related frictions in venture finance are greater for access to, than the terms of, debt financing and that these frictions tend to be stronger in countries with less developed financial institutions and markets.
Unraveling the Electron Transfer Effect of Single‐Metal Ce‐N4 Sites via Mesopore‐Coupling for Boosted Oxygen Reduction Activity
Authors: Liu Jianping , Guo Chaozhong , Sun Lingtao , Liu Yao , Chen Hongdian , Shu Chenyang , Dai Jiangyou , Xu Chuanlan , Jin Rong , Li Honglin , Si Yujun
Published: September 2023

The development of cerium (Ce) single‐atom (SA) electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with high active‐site utilization and intrinsic activity has become popular recently but remains challenging. Inspired by an interesting phenomenon that pore‐coupling with single‐metal cerium sites can accelerate the electron transfer predicted by density functional theory calculations, here, a facile strategy is reported for directional design of a highly active and stable Ce SA catalyst (Ce SA/MC) by the coupling of single‐metal Ce‐N4 sites and mesopores in nanocarbon via pore‐confinement‐pyrolysis of Ce/phenanthroline complexes combined with controlling the formation of Ce oxides. This catalyst delivers a comparable ORR catalytic activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.845 V versus RHE to the Pt/C catalyst. Also, a Ce SA/MC‐based zinc–air battery (ZAB) has exhibited a higher energy density (924 Wh kgZn−1) and better long‐term cycling durability than a Pt/C‐based ZAB. This proposed strategy may open a door for designing efficient rare‐earth metal catalysts with single‐metal sites coupling with porous structures for next‐generation energy devices.
High‐Valence Metal Doping Induced Lattice Expansion for M‐FeNi LDH toward Enhanced Urea Oxidation Electrocatalytic Activities
Authors: Huo Jia‐Min , Wang Ying , Xue Jiang‐Nan , Yuan Wen‐Yu , Zhai Quan‐Guo , Hu Man‐Cheng , Li Shu‐Ni , Chen Yu
Published: September 2023

The precise design of low‐cost, efficient, and definite electrocatalysts is the key to sustainable renewable energy. The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a promising alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction for energy‐saving hydrogen generation. In this study, by tuning the lattice expansion, a series of M‐FeNi layered double hydroxides (M‐FeNi LDHs, M: Mo, Mn, V) with excellent UOR performance are synthesized. The hydrolytic transformation of Fe‐MIL‐88A is assisted by urea, Ni2+ and high‐valence metals, to form a hollow M‐FeNi LDH. Owing to the large atomic radius of the high‐valence metal, lattice expansion is induced, and the electronic structure of the FeNi‐LDH is regulated. Doping with high‐valence metal is more favorable for the formation of the high‐valence active species, NiOOH, for the UOR. Moreover, the hollow spindle structure promoted mass transport. Thus, the optimal Mo‐FeNi LDH showed outstanding UOR electrocatalytic activity, with 1.32 V at 10 mA cm−2. Remarkably, the Pt/C||Mo‐FeNi LDH catalyst required a cell voltage of 1.38 V at 10 mA·cm−2 in urea‐assisted water electrolysis. This study suggests a new direction for constructing nanostructures and modulating electronic structures, which is expected to ultimately lead to the development of a class of auxiliary electrocatalysts.
High Accuracy Protein Identification: Fusion of Solid‐State Nanopore Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Dutt Shankar , Shao Hancheng , Karawdeniya Buddini , Bandara Y. M. Nuwan D. Y. , Daskalaki Elena , Suominen Hanna , Kluth Patrick
Published: September 2023

Proteins are arguably one of the most important class of biomarkers for health diagnostic purposes. Label‐free solid‐state nanopore sensing is a versatile technique for sensing and analyzing biomolecules such as proteins at single‐molecule level. While molecular‐level information on size, shape, and charge of proteins can be assessed by nanopores, the identification of proteins with comparable sizes remains a challenge. Here, solid‐state nanopore sensing is combined with machine learning to address this challenge. The translocations of four similarly sized proteins is assessed using amplifiers with bandwidths (BWs) of 100 kHz and 10 MHz, the highest bandwidth reported for protein sensing, using nanopores fabricated in <10 nm thick silicon nitride membranes. F‐values of up to 65.9% and 83.2% (without clustering of the protein signals) are achieved with 100 kHz and 10 MHz BW measurements, respectively, for identification of the four proteins. The accuracy of protein identification is further enhanced by classifying the signals into different clusters based on signal attributes, with F‐value and specificity of up to 88.7% and 96.4%, respectively, for combinations of four proteins. The combined use of high bandwidth instruments, advanced clustering and machine learning methods allows label‐free identification of proteins with high accuracy.
Recent advances of carbon nanotubes in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hu Xian‐Gang , Lin Zhenhua , Ding Liming , Chang Jingjing
Published: September 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have exhibited tremendous potential in photovoltaic fields owing to their appreciable performance and simple fabrication. Nevertheless, device performances are still required to be further improved before commercial applications. As one‐dimensional materials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been utilized to regulate stability and efficiency of PSCs because of their excellent chemical stability, flexibility, as well as tunable optical and electrical characteristics. In this review, we comprehensively summarize various functions of CNTs in PSCs, such as transparent electrodes, hole/electron‐transport layers, counter electrodes, perovskite additives, and interlayers. Additionally, applications of CNTs toward the advancement of flexible and semitransparent PSCs are provided. Finally, we preview the challenges and research interests of using CNTs in high‐efficiency and stable perovskite devices.
Unique prenatal manifestations of biallelic NDUFAF5 variants: expansion of phenotype
Authors: Brabbing‐Goldstein D. , Kozlova D. , Bazak L. , Basel‐Salmon L. , Gilboa Y. , Marciano‐Levi I. , Zahra J. , Kanengisser‐Pines B. , Botvinik A. , Kurolap A. , Birnbaum R. , Yaron Y.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Mitochondrial complex‐I deficiency, nuclear type 16, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in NDUFAF5 (C20orf7) (OMIM 618238). The aim of this study was to describe a severe early prenatal manifestation of this disorder, which was previously considered to occur only postnatally.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective case series including five fetuses from three non‐related families, which shared common sonographic abnormalities, including brain cysts, corpus callosal malformations, non‐immune hydrops fetalis and growth restriction. Genetic evaluation included chromosomal microarray analysis and exome sequencing. Two fetuses from the same family were also available for pathology examination, including electron microscopy.

Results

Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed no chromosomal abnormality in any of the tested cases. Trio exome sequencing demonstrated that three affected fetuses from three unrelated families were compound heterozygous or homozygous for likely pathogenic variants in NDUFAF5. No other causative variants were detected. The association between NDUFAF5 variants and fetal malformations was further confirmed by segregation analysis. Histological evaluation of fetal tissues and electron microscopy of the skeletal muscle, liver, proximal tubules and heart demonstrated changes that resembled postmortem findings in patients with mitochondrial depletion disorders as well as previously undescribed findings.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial complex‐I deficiency and specifically biallelic mutations in NDUFAF5 have a role in abnormal fetal development, presenting with severe congenital malformations. Mitochondrial complex‐I disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of corpus callosal malformations and brain cysts, especially when associated with extracranial abnormalities, such as fetal growth restriction and non‐immune hydrops fetalis. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hydrological modeling of the Silala River basin. 1. Model development and long‐term groundwater recharge assessment
Authors: Yáñez‐Morroni Gonzalo , Suárez Francisco , Muñoz José F. , Lagos Magdalena Sofía
Published: September 2023

The Silala is a small river, originating in the Andean Altiplano, which flows from Bolivia into Chile. Prior to a legal dispute between Chile and Bolivia over the status and use of the waters of the Silala, few hydrological studies had been performed in the basin. Further insights were required to better understand the surface‐water and groundwater discharges from Bolivia to Chile, and the effects of historical channelization of the Bolivian wetlands on these flows. A semi‐distributed hydrological model was therefore developed to estimate the discharges from the basin and provide recharge inputs to a groundwater model used to investigate the effects of channelization. Long‐term temperature and precipitation data were available for 1969–1992, while more detailed data were available for 2018–2019. 1969–1992 was selected as a suitable length of record for long‐term groundwater recharge estimation, and the recent data were reserved for model validation, reported in a companion paper. Prior model parameter ranges were identified based on field observations and scientific literature, and sampling of both input and parameter uncertainty allowed determination of representative, lower and upper groundwater recharge scenarios. Results show strong inter‐annual and seasonal variability, the largest groundwater recharge being observed during the Austral summer. A representative groundwater recharge rate of 39.5 mm/year was obtained for the basin to the international border, with feasible lower and upper bounds of 34.9 and 50.2 mm/year, respectively. This lies within the range of 21–51 mm/year estimated by Bolivia for 1969–2017, albeit higher than their best estimate (24 mm/year).

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Imprinted small nucleolar RNAs: Missing link in development and disease?
Authors: Gawade Kishor , Raczynska Katarzyna D.
Published: September 2023

The 14q32.2 (DLK1‐DIO3) and 15q11‐q13 (SNURF‐SNRPN) imprinted gene loci harbor the largest known small nucleolar RNA clusters expressed from the respective maternal and paternal alleles. Recent studies have demonstrated significant roles for the 15q11‐q13 located SNORD115‐SNORD116 C/D box snoRNAs in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurodevelopmental disorder. Even though the effect of SNORD116 deletion is apparent in the PWS phenotype, similar effects of a SNORD113‐SNORD114 cluster deletion from the 14q32.2 locus in Kagami‐Ogata syndrome (KOS14) and upregulation in Temple syndrome (TS14) remain to be explored. Moreover, apart from their probable involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders, snoRNAs from the SNORD113‐SNORD114 cluster have been implicated in multiple biological processes, including pluripotency, development, cancers, and RNA modifications. Here we summarize the current understanding of the system to explore the possibility of a link between developmental disorders and C/D box snoRNA expression from the imprinted 14q32.2 locus.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs
The green and sustainable radiology department
Authors: Mariampillai Jeffrey , Rockall Andrea , Manuellian Christine , Cartwright Sara , Taylor Samuel , Deng Michael , Sheard Sarah
Published: September 2023

As manmade climate change threatens the health of the planet, it is important that we understand and address the contribution of healthcare to global emissions. Medical imaging is a significant contributor to overall emissions. This article aims to highlight key issues and examples of sustainable practices, in order to empower radiologists to make a change within their department.
Cryptorchidism in the sub-Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus tropicalis
Authors: Bester M. N.
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of cryptorchidism, a condition when one or more testes failed to move to their proper position(s), was evaluated for sub-Antarctic fur seals from Gough Island, South Atlantic. The reproductive tracts of male fur seals (n = 123) were examined and reproductive organs measured in a previous study. Only one fur seal, a 5-year-old sexually mature male, had one inguinal testis on the right side, and a small abdominal one situated below the kidney on the same side. A matching contralateral testis could not be located, neither in the scrotum or inguinal canal nor within the abdominal cavity. Amongst pinnipeds, cryptorchids rarely occurred in northern fur seals (0.01% to 0.02% prevalence), harbour seals (undetermined prevalence) and in sub-Antarctic fur seals (0.8% prevalence). Inconsequential on a population level, the rare instances of cryptorchidism in seals are interesting curiosities.
Cardiovascular effects of relaxin-2: therapeutic potential and future perspectives
Authors: Almeida-Pinto Nísia , Dschietzig Thomas Bernd , Brás-Silva Carmen , Adão Rui
Published: September 2023

The hormone relaxin-2 has emerged as a promising player in regulating the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Through binding to the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), this hormone elicits multiple physiological responses including vasodilation induction, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, and angiogenesis stimulation. The role of relaxin-2, or its recombinant human form known as serelaxin, has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies as a potential therapy for cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure, whose current therapy is still unoptimized. However, evidence from past clinical trials has been inconsistent and further research is needed to fully understand the potential applications of relaxin-2. This review provides an overview of serelaxin use in clinical trials and discusses future directions in the development of relaxin-2 mimetics, which may offer new therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.
Heart weight must not be measured before dissection during autopsies
Authors: Lohner Larissa , Sinning Christoph , Suling Anna Isabella , Tse Rexson , Garland Jack , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: September 2023

During autopsies, weighing the heart is a standard procedure. In addition to myocardial pathologies, heart size, and ventricular wall thickness, heart weight is a common parameter to describe cardiac pathology and should be recorded as accurately as possible. To date, there exists no standard for recording heart weight at autopsy, although some authors recommend weighing the heart after dissection and removal of blood and blood clots. In the study presented, the hearts of 58 decedents were weighed after being dissected out of the pericardial sac (a), after dissection using the short-axis or inflow-outflow method with manual removal of blood and blood clots (b), and after rinsing and drying (c). Depending on the dissection method, the heart weight was 7.8% lower for the inflow-outflow method and 11.6% lower for the short-axis method after dissection compared to before and correspondingly 2.9% to 5% lower again after rinsing and drying respectively. Accordingly, the heart should be dissected, blood and blood clots removed, rinsed with water, and dried with a surgical towel after dissection, before weighing.
Is headache a risk factor for dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cermelli Aurora , Roveta Fausto , Giorgis Lia , Boschi Silvia , Grassini Alberto , Ferrandes Fabio , Lombardo Chiara , Marcinnò Andrea , Rubino Elisa , Rainero Innocenzo
Published: September 2023

Objective

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we critically evaluate available evidence regarding the association between primary headaches and subsequent decline of cognitive function and dementia.

Background

Recent studies suggested that headache disorders may increase the risk for dementia. However, available studies are conflicting.

Methods

To identify qualifying studies, we searched scientific databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and BMC, screening for relevant papers. In order to reduce the heterogeneity between different studies, the analyses were further subdivided according to the clinical diagnoses and the study methodologies.

Results

We identified 23 studies investigating the association between primary headaches and the risk of dementia. Of these, 18 met our inclusion criteria for meta-analysis (covering 924.140 individuals). Overall effect-size shows that primary headaches were associated with a small increase in dementia risk (OR = 1,15; CI 95%: 1,03–1,28; p = 0,02). Analyzing subgroups, we found that migraine was associated with both a moderate increased risk of all-cause dementia (OR = 1,26; p = 0,00; 95% CI: 1,13–1,40) as well as a moderate increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 2,00; p = 0,00; 95% CI: 1,46–2,75). This association was significant in both case–control and retrospective cohort studies but not in prospective studies.

Conclusions

Our study supports the presence of a link between primary headaches and dementia. However, in the subgroup analysis, only patients with migraine showed a moderate increase risk for all-cause dementia and for Alzheimer’s disease. Additional rigorous studies are needed to elucidate the possible role of primary headaches on the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia.
Estimating regional unemployment with mobile network data for Functional Urban Areas in Germany
Authors: Hadam Sandra , Würz Nora , Kreutzmann Ann-Kristin , Schmid Timo
Published: September 2023

The ongoing growth of cities due to better job opportunities is leading to increased labour-related commuter flows in several countries. On the one hand, an increasing number of people commute and move to the cities, but on the other hand, the labour market indicates higher unemployment rates in urban areas than in the surrounding areas. We investigate this phenomenon on regional level by an alternative definition of unemployment rates in which commuting behaviour is integrated. We combine data from the Labour Force Survey with dynamic mobile network data by small area models for the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. From a methodical perspective, we use a transformed Fay–Herriot model with bias correction for the estimation of unemployment rates and propose a parametric bootstrap for the mean squared error estimation that includes the bias correction. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated in a case study based on official data and in model-based simulations. The results in the application show that unemployment rates (adjusted by commuters) in German cities are lower than traditional official unemployment rates indicate.
Uncovering Polysubstance Use Patterns in Canadian Youth with Machine Learning on Longitudinal COMPASS Data
Authors: Yang Yang , Butt Zahid A. , Leatherdale Scott T. , Chen Helen H.
Published: September 2023

Understanding polysubstance use (PSU) patterns and their associated factors among youth is crucial for addressing the complex issue of substance use in this population. This study aims to investigate PSU patterns in a large sample of Canadian youth and explore associated factors using data from COMPASS, a longitudinal health survey of Canadian secondary school students. The study sample consisted of 8824 students from grades 9 and 10 at baseline in 2016/17, followed over 3 years until 2018/19. Leveraging machine learning methods, especially the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate latent Markov models, we conducted a comprehensive examination of PSU patterns. Our analyses revealed distinct PSU patterns among Canadian youth, including no-use (C1), alcohol-only (C2), concurrent use of e-cigarettes and alcohol (C3), and poly-use (C4). C1 showed the highest prevalence (60.5%) in 2016/17, declining by 2.4 times over 3 years, while C3 became the dominant pattern (32.5%) in 2018/19. The prevalence of C3 and C4 increased by 2.3 and 4.4 times, respectively, indicating a growing trend of dual and multiple substance use. Risk factors associated with PSU patterns included truancy (ORC2 = 1.67, 95 % CI [1.55, 1.79]; ORC3 = 1.92, 95 % CI [1.80, 2.04]; ORC4 = 2.79, 95 % CI [2.64, 2.94]), having more smoking friends, more weekly allowance, elevated BMI, being older, and attending schools unsupportive in quitting drugs/alcohol. In contrast, not gambling online (ORC2 = 0.22, 95 % CI [−0.16, 0.58]; ORC3 = 0.14, 95 % CI [-0.24, 0.52]; ORC4 = 0.08, 95 % CI [−0.47, 0.63]), eating breakfast, residing in urban areas, and having higher school connectedness were protective factors against a higher-use pattern. This study provides insights for policymakers, educators, and health professionals to design targeted and evidence-based interventions, addressing youth substance use challenges through a comprehensive examination of PSU patterns and influential factors impacting substance use behaviors.
A Note on the Krylov Solvability of Compact Normal Operators on Hilbert Space
Authors: Caruso Noè Angelo
Published: September 2023

We analyse the Krylov solvability of inverse linear problems on Hilbert space $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
where the underlying operator is compact and normal. Krylov solvability is an important feature of inverse linear problems that has profound implications in theoretical and applied numerical analysis as it is critical to understand the utility of Krylov based methods for solving inverse problems. Our results explicitly describe for the first time the Krylov subspace for such operators given any datum vector $$g\in \mathcal {H}$$

g
∈
H

, as well as prove that all inverse linear problems are Krylov solvable provided that g is in the range of such an operator. We therefore expand our knowledge of the class of Krylov solvable operators to include the normal compact operators. We close the study by proving an isomorphism between the closed Krylov subspace for a general bounded normal operator and an $$L^2$$

L
2

-measure space based on the scalar spectral measure.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Violence Against Children: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mojahed Amera , Mack Judith T. , Specht Lina , Sandoz Vania , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper was to explore the different ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected violence against children (VAC).

Recent Findings

Recent research of peer-reviewed articles using operational or survey data revealed the pandemic’s impact in terms of institutional responses, risk and mediating factors, changes in VAC dynamics, and a likely increase in child marriage.

Findings include a decrease in institutional responses, activities, and prevention case openings; an increased incidence of interparental intimate partner violence (IPV) witnessing cases, hospital admissions for suspected Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), other pediatric injuries, and sexual violence; a change in family conflict dynamics; and an estimated increase in child marriages. It also revealed mediating factors between the relationship of the pandemic and VAC (such as parental stress and mental health symptoms), as well as risk factors observed by service providers, which include the risk of mental health symptoms of both parents and children. Post-pandemic VAC research can be improved by utilizing operational or survey data in a meaningful way to be able to derive sound intervention approaches to diminish the pandemic’s impact on VAC and child marriage. We also propose for researchers to integrate child marriage into the definition of VAC.
Everyday Discrimination Scale: Dimensionality in a Portuguese community sample and specific versions for sexual and gender minority
Authors: Seabra Daniel , Gato Jorge , Petrocchi Nicola , Carreiras Diogo , Azevedo Julieta , Martins Luís , Salvador Maria do Céu
Published: September 2023

Perceived everyday discrimination is a transversal phenomenon with a negative impact on people’s health. This study aimed to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of three versions of the Everyday Discrimination Scale, with three different samples: the European Portuguese validation (EDS-PT, considering any reason for discrimination), using a sample of adults from the community (N = 610), a specific version for sexual minority (EDS-SM), with a sample of sexual minority individuals (N = 352), and a specific version for gender minority (EDS-GM), in a sample of gender minority individuals (N = 108). Factor structure and reliability of the different versions were examined. A second-order two-factor model (Everydaydiscrimination with factor 1 Unfair Treatment and factor 2 Personal Rejection) presented good adjustment and adequate reliability. Furthermore, all versions of EDS revealed weak to moderate correlations with indicators of convergent validity (mental health, satisfaction with life, social safeness, and social support). This study's outcomes provide insights into different types of everyday discrimination and suggest that the EDS-PT, EDS-SM and EDS-GM are valid and reliable measures useful in research and clinical contexts.
Heavy Mineral and Mineral Magnetic Tracers of Basaltic versus Cratonic Weathering as Indicators of Spatio-temporal Shifts in the Monsoonal Intensity over Central Indian Region
Authors: Kulkarni Y. R. , Sangode S. J. , Meshram D. C.
Published: September 2023

Indian summer monsoon holds its core over Central Indian Region (CIR) through Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea branches. The majority of CIR is occupied by the Godavari Drainage Basin (GDB) which generates a large and episodic flux of sediments in the Bay of Bengal indicating a major shift in the monsoonal pattern over CIR. The large part of Deccan basalt province of GDB is present in the semi-arid watershed governed by the precipitation mostly from Arabian sea branch. Whereas the cratonic province is present in a high monsoonal zone governed by the precipitation from Bay of Bengal branch. Both these zones also represent Cratonic (non-basaltic) versus Basaltic sources converging at the Pranhita/Godavari confluence before their mixing onwards into delta and finally in the Bengal fan. Based on the heavy mineral and low temperature magnetic mineral characteristics of bed loads from the Godavari River before, at and after the confluence we attempt to characterise these two sources as a function of shift in monsoonal pattern over central India. The quantitative heavy mineral studies show dominance of stable minerals derived from the non-basaltic sources with a downstream trend for stable heavy minerals in a long profile to indicate stronger cratonic sources. The surface textures of garnet, epidote and hornblende indicate rapid transport and low residence time for the sediments derived from Precambrian granites, Proterozoic and Gondwana sediments presently defining the Core Monsoon Zone. The opaque grains represented by discrete ilmenite, magnetite and magnetite inclusions in aggregated quartz characteristic of the Deccan basaltic source show decreasing order downstream. The low temperature magnetic susceptibility for heavy minerals indicate Multi Domain and Ti-rich magnetite from Deccan basalts and magnetic inclusion in siliciclastic grains derived mostly from local sources. More detailed heavy mineral and geochemical analysis of the core sediments would help in documenting the temporal shifts in monsoonal intensity and its core regime over the Indian continent.
Is theoretical topic-specific research “old fashioned”? An epistemological inquiry about the ontological creativity of Mathematics Education Research
Authors: Asenova Miglena
Published: September 2023

In Mathematics Education (ME), research dealing with topic-specific (TS) issues (e.g., what levels of development exist in learning fractions) produces usually local results and is considered less fashionable and attractive for innovative research projects than research dealing with context-specific (CS) issues that have more general and abstract scopes (e.g., what is mathematical instruction? what is the field of ME?) and produces middle-range or grand theories. TS- and CS-research run along separate tracks with little or no crossover, at least from the beginning of the socio-political-turn in ME, but connecting them could help to single out hidden variables in CS-research. This paper shows that TS-research creates specific mathematical objects that allow us to reduce the distance between these two lines of research. Mathematical objects specific to ME research are shown to be both a technical link between the two lines of research because they allow topic-specificity to access more abstract and general realms of research, as well as factor at stake when aspects related to the social, political, and ethical implications of the ontological creativity of TS-research are discussed in a critical postmodern approach. Discussing its impact on textbooks, teacher-training, teaching practices, further TS-research-practices, as well as on the researcher’s epistemological empowerment and on the self-referentiality of ME research, TS-research moves from the periphery to the heart of CS-research.
Understanding the formation of “false friends” (hidden lack of fusion defects) in laser beam welding by means of high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging
Authors: Schricker K. , Diegel C. , Schmidt L. , Seibold M. , Friedmann H. , Fröhlich F. , Eichler S. , Chen Y. , Requardt H. , Rack A. , Bergmann J. P.
Published: September 2023

This paper provides a fundamental understanding of “false friend” formation, i.e., hidden defects associated with lack of fusion, using an experimental setup that allowed an insight into the processing zone based on high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging. The setup enabled the welding of a lap joint of AISI 304 high-alloy steel sheets (X5CrNi18-10/1.4301), with the ability to adjust different gap heights between top and bottom sheet (up to 0.20 mm) and to acquire high-speed X-ray images at 100 kHz simultaneously with the welding process. On this basis, a time-resolved description of the “false friend” formation can be provided by visualizing the interaction between keyhole and melt pool during laser welding and solidification processes within the gap area. The bridgeability of the gap was limited due to the gap height and insufficient melt supply leading to the solidification of the bridge. The distance between the solidified bridge and the keyhole increased with time, while the keyhole and melt pool dynamics initiated the formation of new melt bridges whose stability was defined by melt flow conditions, surface tension, and gap heights. The alternating formation and solidification of melt bridges resulted in entrapped areas of lacking fusion within the weld, i.e., “false friends.” Finally, based on the results of this study, a model concept is presented that concludes the main mechanisms of “false friend” formation.
Military Expenditure, Governance, and Environmental Degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Ndour Cheikh T.
Published: September 2023

This article examines how good governance counteracts the effects of military expenditure on carbon emissions in forty African countries. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) is used to analyze time series data from 2010 to 2020. Military expenditure per capita is used to measure military expenditure per penetration, while CO2 emissions per capita are used as an indicator of environmental degradation. The following findings are established. First, from the non-interactive regressions, we find suggestive evidence that arms expenditure increases CO2 emissions. All indicators of good governance contribute to the increase of CO2 emissions. Second, with interactive regressions, we find that improved governance has a negative effect on CO2 emissions per capita. Third, the results are robust to a sensitivity check, considering the synergy effects of governance. This paper provides policy recommendations on low-carbon economies, military expenditure and governance that could help to ensure environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, the study findings can provide guidance to other developing countries seeking to implement effective approaches to environmental sustainability while strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
Effect of Climate Change on Water Temperature and Stratification of a Small, Temperate, Karstic Lake (Lake Kozjak, Croatia)
Authors: Šarović Kristina , Klaić Zvjezdana B.
Published: September 2023

As closed systems, lakes are extremely vulnerable to climate change. Understanding the response to climate change is crucial for effective management and conservation of the lakes and their associated ecosystems. This study focuses on Lake Kozjak, Croatia, a small lake belonging to the Plitvice Lakes system. This system represents a unique hydrogeological karstic phenomenon, closely dependent on a delicate biochemical balance necessary for tufa formation. We apply a simple one-dimensional model, SIMO v.1.0, to predict future water temperature in Lake Kozjak under three scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) from 2006 to 2100. The model was calibrated using measured water temperature profiles and meteorological data from a nearby station. In addition to analyzing the average temperatures of the epilimnion, hypolimnion and the whole lake, we also studied the surface and bottom layer temperatures and their relation to specific forcing parameters. The Schmidt stability index was used as a quantitative indicator to assess lake stability. The simulation results indicate average lake water temperature increase of 0.51, 1.41 and 4.51 °C (100 y)−1 for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. This increase in the water temperature is not accompanied by a substantial strengthening of stratification under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 scenarios due to the temperature raise being present both in the epilimnion and hypolimnion. However, significant lengthening of the stratification period is observed even for the most stringent scenario, 16, 28 and 47 d (100 y)−1 for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. The predicted water temperature increase and prolonged stratification period may carry serious ecological and environmental implications.

Highlights

• Mean lake water temperature is projected to increase by 0.51 to 4.51 °C (100 y)−1.

• Baseline scenario surface temperature increase of 5.2 °C (100 y)−1 is predicted.

• Stratification period is predicted to lengthen by 16 (RCP2.6) to 47 days (RCP8.5).

• Substantial stratification strengthening is expected only under RCP8.5.