bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ITO free All Tungsten‐Based Electrochromic Energy Storage Device as Smart Window
Authors: Ganesha Mukhesh K. , Hakkeem Hafis , Mondal Indrajit , Singh Ashutosh K. , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: September 2024

Excessive electricity usage in buildings, notably for heating and cooling, accounts for over 30% of energy consumption, creating a pressing need for energy‐saving solutions. Electrochromic Smart Windows (ECSW) aims to reduce energy use while maintaining comfort but faces high costs due to materials like tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO) and thick electrochromic films. Moreover, achieving full opacity in the colored state of ECSW is a bottleneck for the industry to overcome privacy concerns. Herein, efforts are directed toward finding cost‐efficient alternatives, with all‐tungsten‐based mesh networks showing promise due to enhanced stability. This newly developed ITO‐free, all‐tungsten ECSW displays minimal transmittance (≈3%) in the colored state using only 260 nm thick sub‐stoichiometric tungsten oxide (WO3‐x) film within a lithium‐ion‐based electrolyte. The ECSW device of size (25 cm2) also demonstrates areal capacitance of ≈13 mF cm−2 to power a liquid crystal display (LCD) for ≈25 min, showcasing its energy storage capabilities. Additionally, to confirm scalability and cost‐effectiveness, a larger 15 × 15 cm2 ECSW utilized a single hybrid electrode, highlighting the potential for reducing costs when scaling up production processes. This advancement represents a significant stride toward accessible and energy‐efficient smart window technology, offering broader applicability within modern architectural practices.
An azo substituted quinoline‐malononitrile enzyme‐activable aggregation‐induced emission nanoprobe for hypoxia imaging
Authors: Zhu Zhirong , Liu Shichang , Wu Xupeng , Yu Qianqian , Duan Yi , Hu Shanshan , Zhu Wei‐Hong , Wang Qi
Published: September 2024

The development of efficient aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) active probes is crucial for disease diagnosis, particularly for tumors and cardiovascular diseases. Current AIE‐active probes primarily focus on improving their water solubility to resist aggregation, thereby achieving an initial fluorescence‐off state. However, the complex biological environment can cause undesirable aggregation, resulting in false signals. To address this issue, we have ingeniously introduced an azo group into the AIE luminogen (AIEgen), developing a reductase‐activated AIE probe, Azo‐quinoline‐malononitrile (QM)‐PN, for imaging hypoxic environments. In this probe, the azo group promotes intramolecular motion through rapid E/Z isomerization, causing the excited state energy to dissipate via non‐radiative decay, thus turning off the initial fluorescence. In the presence of reductase, Azo‐QM‐PN is reduced and cleaved to produce the hydrophobic AIEgen NH2‐QM‐PN, which subsequently aggregates and generates an in situ AIE signal, thereby imaging the hypoxic environment with reductase. Encapsulation of Azo‐QM‐PN with DSPE‐PEG2000 results in the formation of the nanoprobe Azo‐QM‐PN NPs, which can effectively penetrate cell membranes, specifically illuminate tumor cells, monitor fluctuations in azo reductase levels, and deeply penetrate and image multicellular tumor spheroids, demonstrating potential for hypoxic tumor imaging. Additionally, the nanoprobe Azo‐QM‐PN NPs can selectively image hypoxic atherosclerotic plaque tissues, showing potential for detecting atherosclerosis. Therefore, in this study, we successfully developed an enzyme‐activated AIE probe for imaging hypoxic environments, laying the foundation for further clinical applications.
The Perovskite Optoelectronic Devices – A Look at the Future
Authors: Rogalski Antoni , Wang Fang , Wang Jin , Martyniuk Piotr , Hu Weida
Published: September 2024

The perovskite materials are broadly incorporated into optoelectronic devices due to a number of advantages. Their rapid technological progress is related to the relatively simple fabrication process, low production cost and high efficiency. Significant improvement is made in the light emitting, detection performance and device design especially operating in the visible and near‐infrared regions. This review presents the status and possible future development of the perovskite devices such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes. The fundamental properties of perovskite materials related to their effective device applications are summarized. Since the development of the perovskite technology is mainly driven by the revolutionary evolution of the semiconductor perovskite solar cell as a robust candidate for next‐generation solar energy harvesting, this topic is considered first. The device engineering of various perovskite photodetector structures, including perovskite quantum dot photodetectors, is then discussed in detail. Their performance is compared with the current commercial photodetectors available on the global market together with their challenges. Finally, the considerable progress in the fabrication of the perovskite light‐emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency exceeding 20% is presented. The paper is completed in an attempt to determine the development of perovskite optoelectronic devices in the future.
Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm: An ultrasound finding
Authors: Sirlyn Quanson , Upton Anthony
Published: September 2024

Isolated internal iliac (hypogastric) artery aneurysms are sporadic. When they rupture, patients face a significant risk due to the deep‐seated location of the aneurysm within the pelvis region. Herein, we describe a rare case of an unruptured isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm measuring 4.1 × 4.0 × 3.2 cm found coincidentally in a routine female pelvic ultrasound. Considering the heightened risk of rupture, expeditious diagnosis and intervention are imperative.
Bitcoin Price Prediction Using Deep Bayesian LSTM With Uncertainty Quantification: A Monte Carlo Dropout–Based Approach
Authors: Hassan Masoud Muhammed
Published: September 2024

Bitcoin, being one of the most triumphant cryptocurrencies, is gaining increasing popularity online and is being used in a variety of transactions. Recently, research on Bitcoin price predictions is receiving more attention, and researchers have investigated the various state‐of‐the‐art machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to predict Bitcoin price. However, despite these models providing promising predictions, they consistently exhibit uncertainty, which cannot be adequately quantified by classical ML models alone. Motivated by the enormous success of applying Bayesian approaches in several disciplines of ML and DL, this study aims to use Bayesian methods alongside Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) to predict the closing Bitcoin price and consequently measure the uncertainty of the prediction model. Specifically, we adopted the Monte Carlo dropout (MC‐Dropout) method with the Bayesian LSTM model to quantify the epistemic uncertainty of the model's predictions and provided confidence intervals for the predicted outputs. Experimental results showed that the proposed model is efficient and outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art models in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and R2. Thus, we believe that these models may assist the investors and traders in making critical decisions based on short‐term predictions of Bitcoin price. This study illustrates the potential benefits of utilizing Bayesian DL approaches in time series analysis to improve data prediction accuracy and reliability.
Jing‐Si Herbal Tea Suppresses H2O2‐Instigated Inflammation and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Bax and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release in HIG‐82 Synoviocytes
Authors: Kao Shih‐Wen , Chang Yu‐Chun , Lin Feng‐Huei , Huang Tai‐Lung , Chen Tung‐Sheng , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Lin Kuan‐Ho , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: September 2024

Inflammation is an intrinsic protective mechanism against various forms of cellular injuries in humans; however, its undesired activation results in tissue damage and cell death. The onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the key characteristics of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which an effective treatment is yet to be developed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of a novel herbal preparation, Jing‐Si herbal tea (JS), against H2O2‐induced inflammation and cellular damage in HIG‐82 synoviocytes. We found that JS did not show any significant alterations in cell viability at <188 μg/mL; however, a cytotoxic effect was observed at 188–1883 μg/mL concentrations tested. We found that expressions of inflammation associated extracellular matrix (ECM)‐degrading proteases MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐2, ‐8, and ‐17 were abnormally enhanced under H2O2‐induced pathological oxidative stress (ROS) in HIG‐82 cells. Interestingly, JS treatment not only reduced the ROS levels but also significantly repressed the protein expressions of collagen degrading proteases in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with JS showed enhanced cell viability against H2O2‐induced toxic ROS levels. The expressions of cell protective aggrecan, Collagen II, and Bcl‐2 were increased, whereas MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐2, Cytochrome C, and cleaved Caspase 3 were decreased by JS under inflammatory agents H2O2, MIA, LPS, and TNF‐α treatment, respectively, in HIG‐82 cells. Interestingly, the cytoprotective effect of JS treatment was attributed to a decreased mitochondrial localization of Bax and a reduction of Cytochrome C release into the cytoplasm of H2O2‐treated HIG‐82 cells. Collectively, our results suggest a novel protective mechanism of JS for RA treatment, which could be potentially applied as a complementary treatment or as an alternative therapeutic approach to mitigate inflammatory diseases.
How reliable is the X‐ray fluorescence‐based differentiation between glass wool and rock wool and the age classification of rock wool?
Authors: Paul Andrea , Liestmann Zoe , Zaenker Steffen , Vogel Kristin , Broszies Tanja , Ostermann Markus
Published: September 2024

A prerequisite for the recycling of mineral wool is information about the type of material, that is, whether it is glass wool or rock wool. As mineral wool produced before the year 2000 can be potentially carcinogenic, it is furthermore important to distinguish between “old” and “new” wool when handling the material. Based on VDI 3492, it is possible to determine the material and, in the case of rock wool, the age by analyzing the mass fractions of eight oxides, which are the main components of mineral wool. This study presents the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses of 141 man‐made mineral fibers collected in Germany. Only in a few cases it was not possible to clearly assign the material type. In contrast, the identification of “old” and “new” rock wool posed a challenge as there were many borderline samples. Based on the available data, a chemometric model was developed that can classify “old” and “new” RW with a sensitivity of 93% and 89% and with a specificity of 100% in both cases. However, care must be taken when oxide contents are close to the specification limits. The reason for this mainly lies in the overlapping intervals of key oxides as suggested by VDI 3492, and, to a lesser extent, in the uncertainties typically occurring in the XRF‐based analysis of oxides. With this study, a comprehensive collection and evaluation of XRF data on mineral wool is made available, which can serve as a reference database for future users.
Localizability of the approximation method
Authors: Pich Ján
Published: September 2024

We use the approximation method of Razborov to analyze the locality barrier which arose from the investigation of the hardness magnification approach to complexity lower bounds. Adapting a limitation of the approximation method obtained by Razborov, we show that in many cases it is not possible to combine the approximation method with typical (localizable) hardness magnification theorems to derive strong circuit lower bounds. In particular, one cannot use the approximation method to derive an extremely strong constant-depth circuit lower bound and then magnify it to an $$\textsf{NC}^{1}$$

NC
1

lower bound for an explicit function. To prove this, we show that lower bounds obtained by the approximation method are in many cases localizable in the sense that they imply lower bounds for circuits which are allowed to use arbitrarily powerful oracles with small fan-in.
Revolutionizing transportation: an overview of 3D printing in aviation, automotive, and space industries
Authors: Wawryniuk Zuzanna , Brancewicz-Steinmetz Emila , Sawicki Jacek
Published: September 2024

This review article provides a deep dive into the diverse landscape of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies and their significant impact on the automotive and aviation sectors. It starts by exploring various AM methodologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Metal Jet Fusion (MJF), Binder Jetting (BJ), and Directed Energy Deposition (DED), with a specific focus on their applicability, strengths, and challenges within these industries. The article then delves into the practical applications of AM in rapid prototyping, functional part production, and component repair. The results highlight the versatility and precision of SLA and DLP, the strength and durability of SLS, and the potential of metal-based technologies like LPBF, SLM, EBM, and DMLS in manufacturing critical components. The integration of AM with automotive and aviation design underscores the transformative nature of these technologies, driving advancements in lightweight, intricate, and high-performance components. The review concludes by emphasising AM's significant opportunities and acknowledging the ongoing challenges in material properties, post-processing, and production scalability, thereby underscoring the necessity for future research and innovation in these sectors.
Characterization of pre- and on-treatment soluble immune mediators and the tumor microenvironment in NSCLC patients receiving PD-1/L1 inhibitor monotherapy
Authors: Murata Daiki , Azuma Koichi , Murotani Kenta , Kawahara Akihiko , Nishii Yuuya , Tokito Takaaki , Sasada Tetsuro , Hoshino Tomoaki
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite the favorable therapeutic efficacy observed with ICI monotherapy, the majority of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients do not respond. Therefore, identifying patients who could optimally benefit from ICI treatment remains a challenge.

Methods

Among 183 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who received ICI monotherapy, we analyzed 110 patients whose pre- and post-treatment plasma samples were available. Seventy-three soluble immune mediators were measured at ICI initiation and 6 weeks later. To identify useful biomarkers, we analyzed the association of pre-treatment levels and on-treatment changes of soluble immune mediators with survival of patients. The associations of pre-treatment or on-treatment biomarkers with irAE development, PD-L1 expression, CD8+ TIL density, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were also analyzed.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that pre-treatment biomarkers included 6 immune mediators, whereas on-treatment biomarkers included 8 immune mediators. Multivariate analysis showed that pre-treatment biomarkers included 4 immune mediators (CCL19, CCL21, CXCL5, CXCL10), whereas on-treatment biomarkers included 5 immune mediators (CCL7, CCL19, CCL23, CCL25, IL-32). IrAE development was associated with on-treatment change in CCL23. PD-L1 expression was associated with the pre-treatment levels of TNFSF13B and the on-treatment change in CCL25. CD8+ TIL density was associated with the pre-treatment CXCL10 level, whereas NLR was correlated with pre-treatment levels of CCL13 and CCL17.

Conclusion

We identified several soluble immune mediators as pre-treatment and on-treatment biomarkers of survival in patients with NSCLC treated with ICI monotherapy. Some of these biomarkers were associated with other possible predictors, including irAE development, PD-L1 expression, CD8+ TIL density and NLR. Further large-scale studies are needed to establish biomarkers for patients with NSCLC who received ICI monotherapy.
Transcriptional activation domains interact with ATPase subunits of yeast chromatin remodelling complexes SWI/SNF, RSC and INO80
Authors: Wendegatz Eva-Carina , Engelhardt Maike , Schüller Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2024

Chromatin remodelling complexes (CRC) are ATP-dependent molecular machines important for the dynamic organization of nucleosomes along eukaryotic DNA. CRCs SWI/SNF, RSC and INO80 can move positioned nucleosomes in promoter DNA, leading to nucleosome-depleted regions which facilitate access of general transcription factors. This function is strongly supported by transcriptional activators being able to interact with subunits of various CRCs. In this work we show that SWI/SNF subunits Swi1, Swi2, Snf5 and Snf6 can bind to activation domains of Ino2 required for expression of phospholipid biosynthetic genes in yeast. We identify an activator binding domain (ABD) of ATPase Swi2 and show that this ABD is functionally dispensable, presumably because ABDs of other SWI/SNF subunits can compensate for the loss. In contrast, mutational characterization of the ABD of the Swi2-related ATPase Sth1 revealed that some conserved basic and hydrophobic amino acids within this domain are essential for the function of Sth1. While ABDs of Swi2 and Sth1 define separate functional protein domains, mapping of an ABD within ATPase Ino80 showed co-localization with its HSA domain also required for binding actin-related proteins. Comparative interaction studies finally demonstrated that several unrelated activators each exhibit a specific binding pattern with ABDs of Swi2, Sth1 and Ino80.
The interaction of lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum with pericardial adipose tissue biomarkers by computed tomography
Authors: Lacaita Pietro G. , Senoner Thomas , Bilgeri Valentin , Rauch Stefan , Barbieri Fabian , Kindl Benedikt , Plank Fabian , Dichtl Wolfgang , Deeg Johannes , Widmann Gerlig , Feuchtner Gudrun M.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Novel pericardial adipose tissue imaging biomarkers are currently under investigation for cardiovascular risk stratification. However, a specific compartment of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS), is included in the pericardial fat volume (PCFV) quantification software. Our aim was to evaluate LHIS by computed tomography angiography (CTA), to elaborate differences to other pericardial adipose tissue components (EAT) and paracardial adipose tissue (PAT), and to compare CT with [18F]FDG-PET.

Materials and methods

Of 6983 patients screened who underwent coronary CTA for clinical indications, 190 patients with LHIS were finally included (age 62.8 years ± 9.6, 31.6% females, BMI 28.5 kg/cm2 ± 4.7) in our retrospective cohort study. CT images were quantified for LHIS, EAT, and PAT density (HU), and total PCFV, with and without LHIS, was calculated. CT was compared with [18F]FDG-PET if available.

Results

CT-density of LHIS was higher (− 22.4 HU ± 22.8) than all other pericardial adipose tissue components: EAT right and left (97.4 HU ± 13 and − 95.1 HU ± 13) PAT right and left (− 107.5 HU ± 13.4 and − 106.3 HU ± 14.5) and PCFV density −83.3 HU ± 5.6 (p < 0.001). There was a mild association between LHIS and PAT right (Beta 0.338, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.098–577) and PAT left (Beta 0.249, p = 0.030; 95% CI: 0.024–0.474) but not EAT right (p = 0.325) and left (p = 0.351), and not with total PCFV density (p = 0.164). The segmented LHIS volume comprised 3.01% of the total PCFV, and 4.3% (range, 2.16–11.7%) in those with LHIS > 9 mm. [18F]FDG-PET: LHIS was tracer uptake positive in 83.3% (37.5%: mild and 45.8%: minimal) of 24 patients.

Conclusions

LHIS is a distinct compartment of PCFV with higher density suggesting brown fat and has no consistent association with EAT, but rather with PAT.

Clinical relevance statement

LHIS should be recognized as a distinct compartment of the EAT, when using EAT for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Key Points

LHIS is currently included in EAT quantification software.

LHIS density is relatively high, it is not associated with EAT, and has a high [18F]FDG-PET positive rate suggesting brown fat.

LHIS is a distinct compartment of the EAT, and it may act differently as an imaging biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.
Myxospore density of Kudoa inornata varies significantly within symmetrical white muscle tissue replicates of its fish host, the spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus
Authors: Snyder Augustus M. , McElroy Eric J. , de Buron Isaure , Casu Fabio , Beers Jody M.
Published: September 2024

The spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, is a popular game fish in the southeastern USA. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the adult population in South Carolina estuaries are infected in their skeletal muscle by the myxosporean, Kudoa inornata. However, little is known about this parasite’s biology, including the distribution and densities of myxospores within tissues of infected fish, which we expect affect the physiology of their hosts. In order to correlate densities with physiological parameters in future studies, we quantified the myxospores density in muscle and characterized the variation among individual fish. Naïve juvenile seatrout was experimentally infected via presumed K. inornata actinospores exposure to raw seawater. A plug of muscle was extracted from two bilaterally symmetrical regions in the epaxial fillet from fresh and frozen carcasses. Variation in density data was calculated both within and among individuals. Within individuals, density counts were compared between left- and right-side biopsies. There was no significant difference between fresh and frozen plugs, and variation among individuals accounted for the greatest proportion of variation at 68.8%, while variation within individuals was substantial at 25.6%. Simulation and correlation tests confirmed that bilaterally symmetrical replicates varied significantly within individuals. When sampled from areas surrounding the initial biopsies, myxospore density estimates were more similar than between sides. Our findings have important implications for sampling design, particularly for studies investigating physiological parameters at the cellular or molecular level in association with parasite infection.
Switch to faricimab after initial treatment with aflibercept in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Aldhanhani Aisha A. , Azzam Ola A. , AlAli Sahar H. , Almasri Khaled G. , Aljneibi Shaikha H. , Pichi Francesco
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and outcomes of switching neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients from aflibercept to faricimab, focusing on visual acuity, retinal fluid management, and treatment intervals. The primary aim was to assess the early outcomes in nAMD patients refractory to aflibercept and explore faricimab’s potential as a longer-lasting therapeutic alternative.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 50 refractory nAMD patients at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi from September 2022–May 2023. Patients were switched from aflibercept to faricimab, having met specific criteria for refractory nAMD. The study analyzed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and fluid changes post-switch, using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Results

After three faricimab injections, significant reductions in CST were observed, with a notable decrease in retinal fluid. The mean BCVA remained stable throughout the study period. Although there was a decrease in the maximum pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, it was not statistically significant. Treatment intervals post-switch showed that the majority of patients maintained or extended their treatment intervals, with a significant proportion achieving resolution of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF).

Conclusions

Switching to faricimab from aflibercept in refractory nAMD patients led to significant improvements in retinal fluid management and CST, with stable BCVA outcomes. Faricimab presents a promising alternative for patients requiring frequent aflibercept injections, potentially offering a more manageable treatment regimen with extended dosing intervals. This study highlights the need for personalized therapeutic strategies in nAMD treatment, though further research is necessary to optimize treatment switches.
Survey of Recent Results in Privacy-Preserving Mechanisms for Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Kossek Magdalena , Stefanovic Margareta
Published: September 2024

Privacy-preserving communication in cooperative control is essential for effective operations of various systems where sensitive information needs to be protected. This includes systems such as smart grids, traffic management systems, autonomous vehicle networks, healthcare systems, financial networks, and social networks. Recent privacy-preserving cooperative control literature is categorized and discussed in this paper. Advantages and disadvantages of differential privacy and encryption-based privacy-preserving protocols are described. The objective of this work is to examine and analyze existing research and knowledge related to the preservation of privacy in the context of cooperative control. This paper aims to identify and present a range of approaches, techniques, and methodologies that have been proposed or employed to address privacy concerns in multi-agent systems. It seeks to explore the current challenges, limitations, and gaps in the existing literature. It also aims to consolidate the findings from various studies to provide an overview of privacy-preserving cooperative control in multi-agent systems. The goal is to assist in the development of novel privacy-preserving mechanisms for cooperative control.
Chondrule Properties and Formation Conditions
Authors: Marrocchi Yves , Jones Rhian H. , Russell Sara S. , Hezel Dominik C. , Barosch Jens , Kuznetsova Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

Chondrules are iconic sub-millimeter spheroids representing the most abundant high-temperature dust formed during the evolution of the circumsolar disk. Chondrules have been the subject of a great deal of research, but no consensus has yet emerged as to their formation conditions. In particular, the question of whether chondrules are of nebular or planetary origin remains largely debated. Building upon decades of chondrule investigation and recent headways in combining petrographic observations and O−Ti−Cr isotopic compositions, we here propose a comprehensive vision of chondrule formation. This holistic approach points toward a nebular origin of both NC and CC chondrules, with repetitive high-temperature recycling processes controlling the petrographic and isotopic diversities shown by chondrules. Chondrule precursors correspond to mixing between (i) early-formed refractory inclusions ± NC-like dust and (ii) previous generation of chondrules ± CI-like material. Chondrule formation took place under open conditions with gas-melt interactions with multi-species gas (H2O, Mg, SiO) playing a key role for establishing their characteristics. Petrographic and isotopic systematics do not support disk-wide transport of chondrules but point toward local formation of chondrules within their respective accretion reservoirs. Altogether, this shows that several generations of genetically-related chondrules (i.e., deriving from each other) co-exist in chondrites. In addition to supporting the nebular brand of chondrule-forming scenarios, this argues for repetitive and extremely localized heating events for producing chondrules.
Reconciling conflicting sustainability rationalities: a co-creation approach in urban logistics governance
Authors: Shrestha Subina
Published: September 2024

Transforming urban logistics governance to become more sustainable comprises reconciling diverse actors’ rationalities. Yet, conventional market-driven solutions, which aim to optimize freight transport, tend to focus on operational efficiency over diverse rationalities. In this paper, we reframe the challenge of urban logistics sustainability governance as that of knowledge integration, which necessitates a transdisciplinary approach that engages with diverse rationalities. By combining data from a co-creation workshop and interviews with logistics actors, we investigate if and how urban logistics sustainability governance can benefit from unpacking these multiple rationalities. Our findings show emergent tensions in Bergen stem from the ad-hoc and fragmented nature of urban logistics planning, which obscures the diverse actor rationalities and assumptions. Actors navigated these tensions in dialogic processes and co-created a shared understanding that sustaining dialogues and using a public-space perspective could mainstream logistics into the city’s planning process. Adopting a transdisciplinary co-creation approach, we demonstrate, can reconcile the diverse rationalities in urban logistics sustainability governance. It facilitates individual and social learning in dialogic processes where actors can reflect on each other’s perspectives, agency, and expectations. We thus call for a shift in planning from an emphasis on market-driven solutions toward process-focus to navigate the innate messiness of governing urban logistics sustainability.
Lattice Parameter of Austenite in Silicon Cast Irons
Authors: Lacaze Jacques , Lopez Marcos G. , Dehmas Moukrane
Published: September 2024

Upon solidification, graphitic cast irons undergo a volume change whose amplitude depends on two opposite terms, the contraction associated with austenite formation and the expansion due to graphite crystallization. During cooling after solidification, further precipitation of graphite occurs that continuously changes the physical properties of the material and possibly affects the eutectoid transformation that transforms the matrix from austenitic to ferritic or ferritic-pearlitic. This work intended to study the density of graphitic cast irons at high temperature, i.e., in the temperature range where the matrix is austenitic. High-temperature laboratory X-rays have been carried out on several alloys containing various carbon and silicon contents to characterize the austenite mean lattice parameter. By complementing these results with literature data, a statistical analysis was carried out that expresses the austenite mean lattice parameter as a function of temperature and composition, evidencing the high uncertainty related to the austenite carbon content. Finally, one of the investigated alloys was submitted to a simultaneous dilatometry and X-ray analysis in a synchrotron from room temperature to 1050 °C. The data are used to discuss the austenite lattice parameter prediction and the possibility of density prediction.
In Situ Measurement of Track Shape in Cold Spray Deposits
Authors: Julien Scott E. , Hanson Nathaniel , Lynch Joseph , Boese Samuel , Roberts Kirstyn , Padir Taşkin , Ozdemir Ozan C. , Müftü Sinan
Published: September 2024

Cold spray is a material deposition technology with a high deposition rate and attractive material properties that has great interest for additive manufacturing (AM). Successfully cold spraying free-form parts that are close to their intended shape, however, requires knowing the fundamental shape of the sprayed track, so that a spray path can be planned that builds up a part from a progressively overlaid sequence of tracks. Several studies have measured track shape using ex situ or quasi-in situ approaches, but an in situ measurement approach has, to the authors’ knowledge, not yet been reported. Furthermore, most studies characterize the track cross section as a symmetric Gaussian probability density function (PDF) with fixed shape parameters. The present study implements a novel in situ track shape measurement technique using a custom-built nozzle-tracking laser profilometry system. The shape of the track is recorded throughout the duration of a spray, allowing a comprehensive investigation of how the track shape evolves as the deposit is built up. A skewed track shape is observed—likely due to the side-injection design of the applicator used—and a skewed Gaussian PDF—a more generalized version of the standard Gaussian PDF—is fit to the track profile. The skewed Gaussian fit parameters are studied across two principal nozzle path parameters: nozzle traverse speed and step size. Empirical relationships between the fit parameters and the nozzle path parameters are derived, and a physics-based inverse relationship between nozzle speed and powder mass deposition rate is obtained. One of the fit parameters is shown to be an effective means of monitoring deposition efficiency during spraying. Overall, the approach presents a promising means of measuring track shape, in situ, as well as modeling it using a more general shape function.
Integrative assessment of congestion in heart failure using ultrasound imaging
Authors: Di Fiore Valerio , Del Punta Lavinia , De Biase Nicolò , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Gargani Luna , Dini Frank Lloyd , Armenia Silvia , Li Vigni Myriam , Maremmani Davide , Masi Stefano , Taddei Stefano , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo
Published: September 2024

In heart failure (HF), congestion is a key pathophysiologic hallmark and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. However, the presence of congestion is often overlooked in both acute and chronic settings, particularly when it is not clinically evident, which can have important clinical consequences. Ultrasound (US) is a widely available, non-invasive, sensitive tool that might enable clinicians to detect and quantify the presence of (subclinical) congestion in different organs and tissues and guide therapeutic strategies. In particular, left ventricular filling pressures and pulmonary pressures can be estimated using transthoracic echocardiography; extravascular lung water accumulation can be evaluated by lung US; finally, systemic venous congestion can be assessed at the level of the inferior vena cava or internal jugular vein. The Doppler evaluation of renal, hepatic and portal venous flow can provide additional valuable information. This review aims to describe US techniques allowing multi-organ evaluation of congestion, underlining their role in detecting, monitoring, and treating volume overload more objectively.
Development of a Quality Indicator Set for the Optimal Acute Management of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the Australian Context
Authors: Jeffcote Toby , Battistuzzo Camila R. , Roach Rebecca , Bell Catherine , Bendinelli Cino , Rashford Stephen , Jithoo Ron , Gabbe Belinda J. , Flower Oliver , O’Reilly Gerard , Campbell Lewis T. , Cooper D. James , Balogh Zsolt J. , Udy Andrew A. ,   Delphi panel, Chow Andrew , Delaney Anthony , Hooper Andrew , Nadkarni Aniket , Poulter Amber-Louise J. , Wells Adam , Reddi Benjamin , Mitra Biswadev , Sheridan Brad , Burns Brian , Rienecker Carly , Bodnar Daniel , Bowen David , Gantner Dashiell , Nasrallah Fatima , Healy Geoffrey , Ryan Gleen , Anstey James R. , Hsu Jeremy , Bellapart Judith , King Kate , Harbour Kelly , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Bihari Shailesh , Fitzgerald Melinda , Noonan Michael , Plummer Mark , Reade Michael C. , Waak Michaela , Weeden Mark , Cooper Paul David , Cameron Peter , Bellomo Rinaldo , McNamara Robert , McGloughlin Stephen , O’Brien Terence J. , Withers Teresa , Westerlund Torg
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based set of indicators of high-quality acute moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) clinical management that can be used to measure structure, process, and outcome factors that are likely to influence patient outcomes. This is the first stage of the PRECISION-TBI program, which is a prospective cohort study that aims to identify and promote optimal clinical management of msTBI in Australia.

Methods

A preliminary set of 45 quality indicators was developed based on available evidence. An advisory committee of established experts in the field refined the initial indicator set in terms of content coverage, proportional representation, contamination, and supporting evidence. The refined indicator set was then distributed to a wider Delphi panel for assessment of each indicator in terms of validity, measurement feasibility, variability, and action feasibility. Inclusion in the final indicator set was contingent on prespecified inclusion scoring.

Results

The indicator set was structured according to the care pathway of msTBI and included prehospital, emergency department, neurosurgical, intensive care, and rehabilitation indicators. Measurement domains included structure indicators, logistic indicators, and clinical management indicators. The Delphi panel consisted of 44 participants (84% physician, 12% nursing, and 4% primary research) with a median of 15 years of practice. Of the 47 indicators included in the second round of the Delphi, 32 indicators were approved by the Delphi group.

Conclusions

This study identified a set of 32 quality indicators that can be used to structure data collection to drive quality improvement in the clinical management of msTBI. They will also be used to guide feedback to PRECISION-TBI’s participating sites.
Immigrant-Native Wage Gap in Sweden: Do Personality Traits Matter?
Authors: Pello-Esso Wazah , Gerdtham Ulf , Lönn Sara Larsson , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: September 2024

Sweden has an immigrant-native wage gap. Although the impact of educational attainment and other variables have been studied, the impact of specific personality traits analyzed separately on the wage gap remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a unique dataset that usually contains unobserved personality traits evaluated by psychologists during the Swedish military conscription, as well as post-conscription labor market data to examine whether and to what extent heterogeneity in four different personality traits contributes to disparities in wages among men born in Sweden (both Swedish-born parents) and naturalized men born outside EU-15. The sample consisted of 278,660 males (6% with a foreign background) and was based on the 1975–1990 birth cohorts. The findings show that two of the four personality traits, i.e., intensity and emotional stability, significantly contribute to the immigrant-native wage gap. Men born outside the EU-15 received lower returns (2–3%) from these traits compared to men born in Sweden. The difference in returns from these traits was robust across the sensitivity analyses. Our overall conclusion is that specific personality traits play a role in the immigrant-native wage gap.
Crime Victimization, Immigrants, and Public Opinion in Ghana: A Micro-level Analysis
Authors: Dzordzormenyoh Michael K.
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the impact of crime victimization and nationalism on public attitudes towards immigrants in Ghana. Using a nationally representative sample of 2,400 Ghanaians collected between 2016 and 2018, this study examined the effects of theft, physical assault, armed robbery, and nationalism on public acceptance and willingness to coexist with immigrants. The findings indicate that crime victimization has a limited influence on the public acceptance of immigrants in Ghana, while a positive correlation is observed between nationalism, defined as a strong attachment to Ghana, and acceptance of immigrants. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between nationalism, defined as a strong attachment to Ghana, and acceptance of immigrants. The study also finds evidence supporting the demographic hypothesis, suggesting that the demographic factors of the general public affect the perceptions of immigrants. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the limited empirical research on public attitudes towards immigrants in Ghana and the broader literature on this topic from a global-south perspective. The findings can inform the development of practical immigration policies that promote Ghana as a migrant-friendly nation, while safeguarding the interests of its citizens. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between crime, victimization, and immigration in Ghana and other African countries.
Double reduction via invariance & conservation laws and analysis of solitons of the Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation in optics
Authors: Raza Ali , Kara A. H. , Alqurashi Bader M.
Published: September 2024

We will study of the perturbed Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation, also known as derivative nonlinear Schrödinger-III. The dark soliton solutions are constructed analytically using some Ansatz method. Their physical aspects are discussed in this study for better understanding the behaviour of dark solitons with respect to different wave numbers. The invariance analysis will be carried out, conservation laws of DNLS-III will be constructed and presented and double reduction will used to find invariant solutions.
Optical dromions for Radha–Lakshmanan model with fractional temporal evolution by modified simplest equation
Authors: Murad Muhammad Amin S. , Iqbal Mujahid , Arnous Ahmed H. , Yildirim Yakup , Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Hussein Layth , Biswas Anjan
Published: September 2024

The paper addressed the long-lost model that recovers optical dromions, namely the Radha–Lakshmanan equation. The fractional temporal evolution gave way to the slow evolution of such dromions. The simplest equation algorithm yielded such solutions that are enlisted and supported with numerical simulations.
Development of low-cost ceramic membranes from industrial ceramic for enhanced wastewater treatment
Authors: Taha M. A. , Abdel-Ghafar H. M. , Amin Sh. K. , Ali M. E. A. , Mohamed E. A. , Mohamed F. M.
Published: September 2024

The study examined the feasibility of utilizing the mixture of ceramic sludge and roller kiln wastes, to produce low-cost ceramic-based membranes designated for use in wastewater treatment applications. In recent years, the treatment of wastewater contaminated with humic acid has posed significant challenges due to its complex nature and resistance to conventional treatment methods. To improve the physical, mechanical, and filtration qualities of the membranes, the study involved preparing them using a blend of five distinct composition ratios of totally recycled ceramic sludge and roller kiln wastes, which were then sintered at temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 1300 °C. The most effective membrane showed the best permeate flux and humic acid separation efficiency for the wastewater samples when it was sintered at 1000 °C using only ceramic sludge waste. The produced membranes were thoroughly examined to reveal their structural and chemical characteristics. This confirmed the effective integration of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and their influence on the membranes’ functionality. f-MWCNTs were added to the membrane’s surface via wet impregnation and drop casting methods. This resulted in a notable improvement in the membrane’s humic acid separation efficiency, which increased to 92.61%, and the flux increased to 128.46 L/m2/h at a concentration of 100 mg L−1 as well. The opportunity to develop effective and environmentally sustainable ceramic membranes for water treatment using industrial ceramic wastes is highlighted by this study.
Optimization Over Families of Quasi-Periodic Orbits
Authors: Lujan David , Scheeres Daniel J.
Published: September 2024

Quasi-periodic orbit families in astrodynamics are usually studied from a global standpoint without much attention to the specific orbits which are computed. Instead, we focus on the computation of particular quasi-periodic orbits and develop tools to do so. These tools leverage the parametric structure of families of quasi-periodic orbits to treat orbits only as a set of orbit frequencies instead of states in phase space. We develop a retraction on the family of quasi-periodic orbits to precisely navigate through frequency space, allowing us to compute orbits with specific frequencies. The retraction allows for movements in arbitrary directions. To combat the effects of resonances which slice through frequency space we develop resonance avoidance methods which detect resonances during continuation procedures and change the step size accordingly. We also develop an augmented Newton’s method for root-finding and an augmented gradient descent method for unconstrained optimization over a family of quasi-periodic orbits. Lastly, we implement an augmented Lagrangian method to solve constrained optimization problems. We note that many of the tools developed here are applicable to a wider range of solutions defined implicitly by a system of equations, but focus on quasi-periodic orbits.
Impact of Affordable Care Act Provisions on the Racial Makeup of Patients Enrolled at a Deep South, High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic
Authors: Tinglin Jillian , McLeod M. Chandler , Williams Courtney P. , Tipre Meghan , Rocque Gabrielle , Crouse Andrew B. , Krontiras Helen , Gutnik Lily
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Black women are less likely to receive screening mammograms, are more likely to develop breast cancer at an earlier age, and more likely to die from breast cancer when compared to White women. Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions decreased cost sharing for women’s preventive screening, potentially mitigating screening disparities. We examined enrollment of a high-risk screening program before and after ACA implementation stratified by race.

Methods

This retrospective, quasi-experimental study examined the ACA’s impact on patient demographics at a high-risk breast cancer screening clinic from 02/28/2003 to 02/28/2019. Patient demographic data were abstracted from electronic medical records and descriptively compared in the pre- and post-ACA time periods. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis using Poisson regression assessed yearly clinic enrollment rates by race using incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Two thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven patients enrolled in the clinic. On average, patients were 46 years old (SD, ± 12), 82% were commercially insured, and 8% lived in a highly disadvantaged neighborhood. In ITS models accounting for trends over time, prior to ACA implementation, White patient enrollment was stable (IRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02) while Black patient enrollment increased at 13% per year (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05–1.22). Compared to the pre-ACA enrollment period, the post-ACA enrollment rate remained unchanged for White patients (IRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97–1.01) but decreased by 17% per year for Black patients (IRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.92).

Conclusion

Black patient enrollment decreased at a high-risk breast cancer screening clinic post-ACA compared to the pre-ACA period, indicating a need to identify factors contributing to racial disparities in clinic enrollment.