bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the electrochemical behavior of a newly designed TiMg dental implant
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Mohamed Hassan , Balog Martin
Published: December 2023

This study is aimed to evaluate the galvanic corrosion of a newly designed TiMg dental implant. The TiMg composite was tested in two forms: (1) cylinders (TiMg cyl) and (2) dental implants (TiMg DI). Surface roughness was measured using a confocal microscope. The electrochemical behavior was determined in a Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) by the open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Surfaces after corrosion were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). OCP of TiMg cyl and TiMg DI increased in the noble direction, indicating the formation and growth of a base film on their surfaces. After 2-h immersion, TiMg cyl had higher values of iCorr and RCorr compared with those of TiMg DI. After 24-h immersion, a prominent reduction in the values of iCorr and RCorr was observed, and ECorr shifted positively. The Nyquist plots of TiMg cyl and TiMg DI show capacitive loops that tended to close after 2-h exposure. As the time extended, TiMg DI showed higher corrosion resistance compared with that of TiMg cyl, and the linear diffusion response arose from the formation and dissolution of chemically non-stable by-products caused by the hydrogen evolution. In such a case, the involved reaction was controlled by charge transfer and diffusion processes. The formation of a film composed of stable CAp species that attached directly to the surface and chemically non-stable by-products that included (Mg3(PO4)2) and Mg(OH)2 was demonstrated. To conclude, the obtained results revealed that TiMg DI of a complicated threaded design had a more stable passive film and higher corrosion resistance in HBSS compared with those of TiMg cyl of a cylindrical design. These findings have the utmost importance for the fabrication of dental implants.

Graphical abstract
Using Eurostat data to teach statistics to prospective primary teachers: on how the context of the task may promote their social awareness
Authors: Ubilla Francisca M. , Gorgorió Núria
Published: December 2023

The concept of statistical sense provides an understanding of the goals of statistics education and helps to clarify the design of activities that promote the development of statistical literacy, reasoning and thinking. The new approaches to statistics in schools mean special attention must be paid to teacher training. This training should enable them to develop their statistical sense while awakening their social awareness. Drawing on the idea of the cycle of learning from data, we developed an activity based on data extracted from EUROSTAT, with the goal being to find out how the social issues underlying the data might play a role in the development of a socially critical stance among prospective teachers. We also wanted to find out how the complexity of the data presented might interfere with a satisfactory resolution of the cycle of learning from data. In general, we observed that when the data were socially relevant and closely related to their interests, the activity generated opportunities for the development of their social awareness. However, the development of the cycle may have been constrained by the difficulties they encountered when handling data with characteristics typical of civic statistics. We conclude that not all the contexts that accompany the cycle of learning from data promote social awareness in the same way and that the data representations associated with the cycle must be aligned with the prospective teachers’ prior statistical knowledge.
Magnetic Nanoparticles Encapsulated Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks: A New Delivery System for Crocin
Authors: Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Kassem Dina H. , Hathout Rania M.
Published: December 2023

The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles enclosed in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (MNPs@ZIF-8) was successful carried out at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The synthesis procedure was selected because it is uncomplicated and does not call for the use of any sophisticated pieces of apparatus throughout its execution. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were investigated to characterize the materials. The analysis of the data allowed MNPs@ZIF-8 to evolve into a highly crystalline phase with particles ranging in size from 50 to 100 nanometers. This was made feasible by the fact that the phase could be created. It was explored whether or not MNPs@ZIF-8 was effective as a nanocarrier for the delivery of natural medicines like crocin. It was demonstrated to be very biocompatible and had an IC50 value of > 1000 μg/mL, which is the concentration at which half of the maximum inhibitory effect is produced. The IC50 value for crocin-loaded MNPs-ZIF-8 was 419 ± 0 μg/mL, which was roughly half of the IC50 value for pure crocin, which was 716 ± 160 μg/mL.
The Stability Region for Schur Stable Trinomials with General Complex Coefficients
Authors: Barrera Gerardo , Barrera Waldemar , Navarrete Juan Pablo
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we characterize the stability region for trinomials of the form $$f(\zeta ):=a\zeta ^n + b\zeta ^m +c$$

f

(
ζ
)

:
=
a

ζ
n

+
b

ζ
m

+
c

, $$\zeta \in \mathbb {C}$$

ζ
∈
C

, where a, b and c are non-zero complex numbers and $$n,m\in \mathbb {N}$$

n
,
m
∈
N

with $$n>m$$

n
>
m

. More precisely, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions on the coefficients a, b and c in order that all the roots of the trinomial f belongs to the open unit disc in the complex plane. The proof is based on Bohl’s Theorem (Bohl in Math Ann 65(4):556–566, 1908) introduced in 1908.
Modeling of light absorption in self-assembled truncated conical quantum dot structures
Authors: Ali Nouran M. , El-Batawy Yasser M.
Published: December 2023

Quantum Dots have shown a significant potential as a top candidate for infrared photodetection at higher temperatures. In the presented work, a theoretical model for estimating the coefficient of optical absorption of self-assembled truncated conical quantum dot is developed. This model considers both bound-to-continuum and bound-to-bound absorption mechanisms that increase the accuracy of the absorption coefficient estimation. The developed model is based on estimating the bound states by diagonalizing the Hamiltonian matrix, where the density of states is computed using the Non-Equilibrium Greens function and the effective mass theory to obtain the unbound states. The kinetic equation of Green’s function is solved numerically by finite difference method. Besides, the effects of quantum dot size, height, aspect ratio, and density on the coefficient of the optical absorption are investigated. The results of the developed model are contrasted with those of other alternative QD structures where the truncated conical QD structure results in a higher absorption coefficient in infrared range than semispherical and conical QD structures.
Cover crop cultivars and species differ in root traits potentially impacting their selection for ecosystem services
Authors: Wong Kong M. , Griffiths Marcus , Moran Amelia , Johnston Andrea , Liu Alexander E. , Sellers Mitchell A. , Topp Christopher N.
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

Cover crops have the potential to aid in adapting agricultural systems to climate change impacts through their ecosystem services, such as preventing soil erosion, remediating soil structure, and storing carbon belowground. Though roots are integral to these processes, there is a lack of cover crop root trait data. This study aims to characterize rooting behavior of several commercially available cover crops and assess how differences in root system architecture potentially impact their selection for ecosystem services.

Methods

Twenty-two cover crop cultivars across the grass, legume, and brassica families were grown in O’Fallon, Missouri, USA. Canopy cover was monitored throughout the growing season. Shoot and root biomass samples were collected and analyzed.

Results

Cereal rye and winter triticale were the most winter hardy cultivars and provided the highest percent canopy cover. Cereal rye and winter triticale also generated the highest amount of shoot and root biomass among treatments but diverged in their root system architectures. Winter triticale forms coarser roots and exhibited deeper rooting, which may be better suited for carbon sequestration. Rapeseed and Siberian kale have favorable C:N ratios for nutrient recycling, but rapeseed may invest more into lateral root formation and have a higher potential to “catch” excess nutrients.

Conclusion

Selection of cover crops for ecosystem services should account for root system architecture and their suitability for these ecosystem services. Differences in root traits among cultivars within the same family highlight the potential to breed cover crop root system architecture to further enhance ecosystem service efficacy.
Prediction framework for parking search cruising time and emissions in dense urban areas
Authors: Xiao Runhua Ivan , Jaller Miguel
Published: December 2023

The growing need for temporary pickups/drop-offs and commercial deliveries is crowding out the already inadequate on-street parking spaces designated for car trips, deteriorating the phenomenon of parking search. This paper: (1) uses empirical data and conducts descriptive and comparative analysis using a spatial lag model to analyze the factors influencing average cruising time (ACT) related to parking search, and (2) proposes a novel framework to predict grid-based ACT and to estimate average emission metrics (AEM). The study inputs an aggregated GPS dataset in a 6-month period to the framework and uses New York City and Los Angeles as case study cities. The descriptive and comparative analysis results support the spatial spillover effect of parking search and reveal that residential area, retail area, accommodation, and food services (hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.) employees are the most significant influencing factors on ACT and that temporary pickups/drop-offs and commercial delivery are also unneglectable sources of parking search. The prediction results show a concentrated distribution of ACT in New York City due to private vehicles’ spillover of parking searches. Los Angeles exhibits a relatively high degree of overlap between parking hotspots and emission blackspots, particularly in areas with intense truck activity, further substantiating the close relationship between truck activities and elevated emissions. Following the key findings, the paper proposes several policy recommendations. In practice, this prediction framework can ingest short-term data to provide ACT prediction maps to identify parking hotspots and emission blackspots.
Long-Term Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Support Adaptive Management in a Sciaenid Fishery (Tagus Estuary, Portugal)
Authors: Stratoudakis Yorgos , Vieira Manuel , Marques João Pedro , Amorim Maria Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J. , Quintella Bernardo R.
Published: December 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is useful for monitoring vocal fish but has had so far limited application in fisheries management. Here, four years (2016–2019) of concurrent daily catch and effort fishery data in Portugal and species-specific vocal activity in the Tagus estuary are compared to describe biological and small-scale fishery dynamics for a large sciaenid fish, the meagre (Argyrosomus regius), that aggregates to spawn. Consistent patterns in seasonality of acoustic and fisheries variables indicate that most fishing takes place within the Tagus estuary in spring and summer months, when higher vocal activity related to spawning aggregations is detected in the PAM station. Good fit of statistical models shows that PAM (sound pressure level in the third-octave band with centre frequency at 500 kHz during dusk) and PAM-supported variables (mean weekly catch per first sale transaction) can provide useful surveillance indicators to improve local management. Signs of overexploitation and hyperstability are detected and communicated to the estuarine fishing communities with the aim to initiate an adaptive local management cycle. The approach can be relevant for fisheries targeting other vocal fish that seasonally aggregate and face similar threats of overexploitation.

Graphical Abstract
Conceptual change and conceptual enrichment: a frame-based reconstruction of Austin’s theory of speech acts
Authors: Kornmesser Stephan
Published: December 2023

In this article, I will use the frame-model to analyze different kinds of concept change. Mainly, I will use frames to distinguish between what I will call inter-conceptual change and intra-conceptual change as well as between conceptual structure change and conceptual content change. Further, I will introduce the notion of conceptual enrichment as opposed to conceptual change. To achieve these goals, I will expand the frame-model where necessary and exemplify the proposed extensions by means of a frame-based analysis of John L. Austin’s distinction between constative and performative utterances.
Adherence to direct or vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a long-term observational study
Authors: Salmasi Shahrzad , Safari Abdollah , De Vera Mary A. , Högg Tanja , Lynd Larry D. , Koehoorn Mieke , Barry Arden R. , Andrade Jason G. , Deyell Marc W. , Rush Kathy L. , Zhao Yinshan , Loewen Peter
Published: December 2023

Our objectives were to measure long-term adherence to oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify patient factors associated with adherence. Using linked, population-based administrative data from British Columbia, Canada, an incident cohort of adults prescribed OACs for AF was identified. We calculated the proportion of days covered (PDC) as a time-dependent covariate for each 90-day window from OAC initiation until the end of follow-up. Associations between patient attributes and adherence were assessed using generalized mixed effect linear regression models. 30,264 patients were included. Mean PDC was 0.69 (SD 0.28) over a median follow-up of 6.7 years. 54% of patients were non-adherent (PDC < 0.8). After controlling for confounders, factors positively associated with adherence were number of drug class switches, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, history of vascular disease, time since initiation, and age. Age > 75 years at initiation, polypharmacy (among VKA users only), and receiving DOAC (vs. VKA) were negatively associated with adherence. PDC decreased over time for VKA users and increased for DOAC users. Over half of AF patients studied were, on average, nonadherent to OAC therapy and missed 32% of their doses. Several patient factors were associated with higher or lower adherence, and adherence to VKA declined during therapy while DOAC adherence increased slightly over time. To min im ize the risk stroke, adherence-supporting interventions are needed for all patients with AF, particularly those aged > 75 years, those with prior stroke or vascular disease, VKA users with polypharmacy, and DOAC recipients.
Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) is colonizing urban areas in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Montoya-Lerma James , Rodríguez Jonathan , Castaño-Quintana Karen
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have examined the effect of invasive species on biodiversity in urban environments, however, few of them have investigated the role of native species while turning into invasive pests. In Colombia, Atta cephalotes, a native leaf-cutting ant (LCA), has responded successfully to the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural-rural environments and, most recently, to residential and urban development. In this study, we illustrate the incidence and distribution of this native ant species in an environment where animal life must face urban disturbs in the physical environment, resource availability, and ecosystem processes associated with human urbanization in Cali, the third most important city in Colombia. For this, A. cephalotes nests were georeferenced in public green areas located in 12 communes across the city of Cali, southern Colombia. Vegetation and soil cover, urban settings, foraging trails and plants foraged by the ants were recorded. A. cephalotes nests were present in all green areas and, even in human dwellings; the ants harvested both native and introduced plant species. Despite being well adapted to strongly modified urban environments, this ant species appears to be dependent on human-subsidized resources. Given the wide distribution of leaf-cutting ants in Latin America, it is plausible to expect that similar processes are underway in other countries where these ants are found. Hence, this study also proposes to alert the academic and social communities to direct future research towards evaluating both the responses and impacts of these ants in relation to changes in the urban landscape.
Early cerebral amyloid-β accumulation and hypermetabolism are associated with subtle cognitive deficits before accelerated cerebral atrophy
Authors: Bakhtiari Aftab , Benedek Krisztina , Law Ian , Fagerlund Birgitte , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Osler Merete , Lauritzen Martin , Larsson Henrik B. W. , Vestergaard Mark B.
Published: December 2023

Aims

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain. The deposition of Aβ is believed to initiate a detrimental cascade, including cerebral hypometabolism, accelerated brain atrophy, and cognitive problems—ultimately resulting in AD. However, the timing and causality of the cascade resulting in AD are not yet fully established. Therefore, we examined whether early Aβ accumulation affects cerebral glucose metabolism, atrophy rate, and age-related cognitive decline before the onset of neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

Participants from the Metropolit 1953 Danish Male Birth Cohort underwent brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the radiotracers [11C]Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB) (N = 70) and [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (N = 76) to assess cerebral Aβ accumulation and glucose metabolism, respectively. The atrophy rate was calculated from anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans conducted presently and 10 years ago. Cognitive decline was examined from neurophysiological tests conducted presently and ten or 5 years ago.

Results

Higher Aβ accumulation in AD-critical brain regions correlated with greater visual memory decline (p = 0.023). Aβ accumulation did not correlate with brain atrophy rates. Increased cerebral glucose metabolism in AD-susceptible regions correlated with worse verbal memory performance (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

Aβ accumulation in known AD-related areas was associated with subtle cognitive deficits. The association was observed before hypometabolism or accelerated brain atrophy, suggesting that Aβ accumulation is involved early in age-related cognitive dysfunction. The association between hypermetabolism and worse memory performance may be due to early compensatory mechanisms adapting for malfunctioning neurons by increasing metabolism.
Interplay of body mass index and metabolic syndrome: association with physiological age from midlife to late-life
Authors: Ler Peggy , Ploner Alexander , Finkel Deborah , Reynolds Chandra A. , Zhan Yiqiang , Jylhävä Juulia , Dahl Aslan Anna K. , Karlsson Ida K.
Published: December 2023

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) share common pathophysiological characteristics with aging. To better understand their interplay, we examined how body mass index (BMI) and MetS jointly associate with physiological age, and if the associations changed from midlife to late-life. We used longitudinal data from 1,825 Swedish twins. Physiological age was measured as frailty index (FI) and functional aging index (FAI) and modeled independently in linear mixed-effects models adjusted for chronological age, sex, education, and smoking. We assessed curvilinear associations of BMI and chronological age with physiological age, and interactions between BMI, MetS, and chronological age. We found a significant three-way interaction between BMI, MetS, and chronological age on FI (p-interaction = 0·006), not FAI. Consequently, we stratified FI analyses by age: < 65, 65–85, and ≥ 85 years, and modeled FAI across ages. Except for FI at ages ≥ 85, BMI had U-shaped associations with FI and FAI, where BMI around 26-28 kg/m2 was associated with the lowest physiological age. MetS was associated with higher FI and FAI, except for FI at ages < 65, and modified the BMI-FI association at ages 65–85 (p-interaction = 0·02), whereby the association between higher BMI levels and FI was stronger in individuals with MetS. Age modified the MetS-FI association in ages ≥ 85, such that it was stronger at higher ages (p-interaction = 0·01). Low BMI, high BMI, and metabolic syndrome were associated with higher physiological age, contributing to overall health status among older individuals and potentially accelerating aging.
Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of different walling materials with an environmental approach (comparison between earth-based vs. conventional construction techniques in Iran)
Authors: Dormohamadi Mansoure , Rahimnia Reza , Bunster Victor
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Climate change, environmental concerns, and economic problems pose challenges to the construction sector in Iran, which must provide affordable solutions while addressing environmental issues. Hence, natural earthen building materials are critically needed to reduce energy-intensive and costly construction practices dramatically. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for comparing life cycle assessments (LCA) and life cycle costs (LCC), for load-bearing walls of an single-family affordable housing unit in a desert part of Iran, Ardakan City.

Methods

To do so, both LCA and LCC for the unit were performed, considering a cradle-to-site perspective. For this purpose, 22 load bearing wall systems are assessed, including 18 stabilized and unstabilized earthen construction techniques, such as adobe, rammed earth (RE), and compressed earth block (CEB), in addition to four conventional wall assemblies of fired brick (FB), autoclaved aerated concrete block (AAC), ceramic block (CB), and concrete masonry unit (CMU). As well as assessing the environmental impact and life cycle costs associated with the life cycle of each wall, the optimal assembly of the wall is also examined.

Results

Results show that unstabilized earthen walling alternatives have significantly lower environmental impacts than conventional materials.

Conclusions

Sensitivity analysis indicates that by utilizing local materials to the maximum extent possible, impacts can be further minimized. Considering the results, transportation may even account for a greater proportion of EI than wall components.
Small-scale measurement of the transition in fracture behavior of marine sediments
Authors: Dorgan Kelly M. , Lockridge Grant , Clemo William Cyrus
Published: December 2023

Bubbles grow and burrows extend through cohesive, muddy marine sediments by fracture. In contrast, sands are non-cohesive, granular materials. Natural sediments comprised of heterogeneous mixtures of muds and sands are common in coastal areas and provide important habitat for infaunal animals. To explore the transition from cohesive to non-cohesive mechanical behavior of natural sediments, we modified a probe designed for measuring fracture toughness (KIc). The helical probe is rotated and translated into sediment to grip a plug of sediment, then translated upward to break off the plug while force is measured. Fracture toughness is calculated from the peak net force. The probe shows clearly distinct results in muddier sediments, in which fracture occurs, and in sandier sediments, in which no fracture occurs. The modified probe is limited to near-surface sediments, but it provides a novel method for distinguishing cohesive sediments with tensile strength from non-cohesive sediments on scales relevant for burrowing animals or bubble growth. This measurement allows for comparison of surface and subsurface cohesion and for assessing how tensile strength depends on other properties of sediments.
Breaking the unsustainable paradigm: exploring the relationship between energy consumption, economic development and carbon dioxide emissions in Ecuador
Authors: Borja-Patiño Jennifer , Robalino-López Andrés , Mena-Nieto Angel
Published: December 2023

Energy consumption is a crucial driver for economic development, improving the quality of life of the population of a country. This study attempts to contribute to the discussion by employing a systemic approach and methodology to examine the relationship between energy consumption (EC), gross domestic product (GDP) and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in Ecuador using time series from 1990 to 2018 with a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). The energy balance and the enlarged Kaya identity are utilised to quantify the environmental impact of human activities. Furthermore, correlational cointegration and Granger causality tests are used to analyse the long-term and short-term relationships between variables in different sectors. The results reveal that there is no Granger causality between the variables in the agriculture and transport sectors, but there are unidirectional causality relationships in the industry and services sectors. In the industry sector, the study finds that EC Granger causes GDP (Wald test p value = 0.0038) and CO2 Granger causes GDP (Wald test p value = 0.0433). In the services sector, GDP Granger causes CO2 (Wald test p value = 0.0075), and EC Granger causes CO2 (Wald test p value = 0.0122), reinforcing the loop between GDP and CO2 in both the sectors. The analysed relationships help to inform policymakers about the likely impact of interventions. In addition, the study shows that Ecuador is in the initial phase of the Environmental Kuznets Curve, and provides strategies to manage sectoral energy consumption and valuable insights for other developing countries in Latin America seeking to pursue sustainable development.
Processes of sustainability transformation across systems scales: leveraging systemic change in the textile sector
Authors: Leventon Julia , Buhr Maike , Kessler Lisa , Rodriguez Aboytes Jorge Gustavo , Beyers Felix
Published: December 2023

Sustainability research emphasizes the importance of intervening with both individual and organizational behaviours as well as the systems that shape them to create sustainability transformations. However, to date there is a lack of studies that bridge the divide between small case-based interventions and global systems at broader scales, and the complex interactions across scales and processes. This paper works with a leverage points framework to consider systems transformation. It focuses on four individual sustainability interventions in the textile sector and explores how they are embedded within a complex set of nested systems, and how these connected systems shape the transformative potential of the interventions. By using an onion metaphor for systems with several onion layers representing the current textile sector and its multiple connected and nested systems, we integrate and reflect across four in-depth case studies, conducted over a period of 3 years, using a range of empirical research approaches. The findings show that the studied interventions all target multiple deep leverage points within their target systems of production and consumption. All are limited in fulfilling their transformative potential by a range of barriers that we trace back to the economic and policy and regulation systems that they are embedded within. The economic system enforces a paradigm of consumption-based growth, and the policy and regulation system fails to either support change, or restrict unsustainable behaviours. Our findings demonstrate the need to think across systems scales to understand leverage points and transformative change; our nested systems approach is one way to do so. We outline two promising pathways for sustainability transformations: (1) focussing on how to create spillover effects of favourable interventions in sub-systems to push outwards against the constraints of the current policy and regulation, and economic systems; and (2) by targeting actors and interventions within the policy and regulation and economic systems to create change in the paradigms and design they embody and enforce on the systems nested within them.
Popularity of Surgical and Pharmacological Obesity Treatment Methods Searched by Google Users: the Retrospective Analysis of Google Trends Statistics in 2004–2022
Authors: Kamiński Mikołaj , Miętkiewska-Dolecka Maja , Kręgielska-Narożna Matylda , Bogdański Paweł
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Many individuals search for obesity treatment options on the Internet. We aimed to analyze the popularity of pharmacological and surgical obesity treatment methods searched by Google users.

Material and Methods

We used Google Trends to identify topics representing the following: recommended surgical methods (n = 9), recommended pharmacological methods (n = 10), and not recommended pharmacological methods (n = 34). The data was generated for 2004–2022 and 2020–2022. Relative search volume (RSV) was adjusted using “Gastric bypass surgery” as a benchmark. We analyzed the geographical and temporal trends of the topics.

Results

In 2004–2022, the topics representing recommended surgical methods numerically gained the most popularity among Google users, but in 2020–2022 the recommended drugs exceeded other obesity treatment methods. The most popular individual topics since 2004 were “flaxseed,” “Spirulina,” “Carnitine,” “Bariatric surgery,” and “Orlistat.” The most dynamic increases of searches since 2004 were observed for “Sleeve gastrectomy,” “Curcumin,” “Psyllium,” and “Bupropion/Naltrexon.” Since 2018, topics representing GLP-1 analogs such as “Semaglutide” and “Saxenda” revealed exponential increases in RSV, causing that “Semaglutide” to become the fourth most popular topic in 2020–2022.

Conclusions

Google users across the world were the most interested in topics representing bariatric surgery, but recently recommended drugs for the treatment of obesity gained the most attention. The most popular individual topics were dietary supplements with uncertain effects on weight loss.

Graphical Abstract
Tricuspid valve repair and replacement for infective endocarditis
Authors: Galeone Antonella , Gardellini Jacopo , Perrone Fabiola , Francica Alessandra , Mazzeo Gina , Lucchetti Marcello Raimondi , Onorati Francesco , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: December 2023

Infective endocarditis represents a challenging and life-threatening clinical condition affecting native and prosthetic heart valves, endocardium, and implanted cardiac devices. Right-sided infective endocarditis account for approximately 5–10% of all infective endocarditis and are often associated with intravenous drug use, intracardiac devices, central venous catheters, and congenital heart disease. The tricuspid valve is involved in 90% of right-side infective endocarditis. The primary treatment of tricuspid valve infective endocarditis is based on long-term intravenous antibiotics. When surgery is required, different interventions have been proposed, ranging from valvectomy to various types of valve repair to complete replacement of the valve. Percutaneous removal of vegetations using the AngioVac system has also been proposed in these patients. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the current surgical options and to discuss the results of the different surgical strategies in patients with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis.
The Differential Geometry of Curves in $$B^1\times \mathbb {R}$$
Authors: Ho Pak Tung , Huang Yen-Chang
Published: December 2023

The three-dimensional pseudohermitian manifolds with positive, zero, and negative constant pseudohermitian sectional curvature, respectively, with vanishing pseudohermitian torsion are the Heisenberg group $$H_1$$

H
1

, the CR sphere $$S^3$$

S
3

, and the circle bundle $$B^1\times \mathbb {R}$$

B
1

×
R

. While the differential geometry of curves in $$H_1$$

H
1

and $$S^3$$

S
3

has been studied before, there has not been any study on the differential geometry of curves in $$B^1\times \mathbb {R}$$

B
1

×
R

. In this paper, we take the first step in this direction. Among other things, we find the explicit formulas of the p-curvature and T-variation for curves in $$B^1\times \mathbb {R}$$

B
1

×
R

. We also prove the fundamental theorem of curves in $$B^1\times \mathbb {R}$$

B
1

×
R

.
Rainier Russet: A Dual Use Russet Potato with Long Tuber Dormancy, Excellent Process Quality, and High Early Harvest Packaging Efficiency
Authors: Blauer Jacob M. , Sathuvalli Vidyasagar , Charlton Brian A. , Yilma Solomon , Shock Clint C. , Baley Nicole , Qin Ruijun , Feibert Erik , Novy Richard G. , Whitworth Jonathan L. , Pavek Mark J. , Knowles Norman R. , Knowles Lisa O. , Fuller Nora , Stark Jeffrey C. , Spear Rhett R. , Thornton Michael K. , Olsen Nora , Jayanty Sastry , Navarre Duroy A. , Feldman Max J. , Vales Isabel
Published: December 2023

‘Rainier Russet’ was released in 2020 as a medium- to late-maturing selection with russeted tubers. Total yields are less, but similar to controls ‘Ranger Russet’ and ‘Russet Burbank’, and U.S. No. 1 yields are higher than Russet Burbank with increased tubers > 284 g. Compared to controls, it has high protein levels, high specific gravity, excellent fry color and flavor ratings, low acrylamide potential, good post-harvest merit scores for processing quality, and few internal and external tuber defects. Rainier Russet is susceptible to blight diseases, PVY, and Fusarium dry rot (F. solani var. sambucinum), but resistant to common scab (Streptomyces scabies) and Fusarium dry rot (F. solani var. coeruleum). Compared to Russet Burbank, tubers are less susceptible to hollow heart/brown center, secondary growth, growth cracks, and internal brown spot but higher tuber defects for net necrosis and shatter bruise with similar blackspot bruise potential. Rainier Russet is noted for its long tuber dormancy compared to Russet Burbank.
Gaze-Cues of Humans and Robots on Pedestrian Ways
Authors: Jakobowsky Carla S. , Abrams Anna M. H. , Rosenthal-von der Pütten Astrid M.
Published: December 2023

Delivery robots and personal cargo robots are increasingly sharing space with incidentally co-present persons (InCoPs) on pedestrian ways facing the challenge of socially adequate and safe navigation. Humans are able to effortlessly negotiate this shared space by signalling their skirting intentions via non-verbal gaze cues. In two online-experiments we investigated whether this phenomenon of gaze cuing can be transferred to human–robot interaction. In the first study, participants (n = 92) watched short videos in which either a human, a humanoid robot or a non-humanoid delivery robot moved towards the camera. In each video, the counterpart looked either straight towards the camera or did an eye movement to the right or left. The results showed that when the counterpart gaze cued to their left, also participants skirted more often to the left from their perspective, thereby walking past each other and avoiding collision. Since the participants were recruited in a right-hand driving country we replicated the study in left-hand driving countries (n = 176). Results showed that participants skirted more often to the right when the counterpart gaze cued to the right, and to the left in case of eye movements to the left, expanding our previous result. In both studies, skirting behavior did not differ regarding the type of counterpart. Hence, gaze cues increase the chance to trigger complementary skirting behavior in InCoPs independently of the robot morphology. Equipping robots with eyes can help to indicate moving direction by gaze cues and thereby improve interactions between humans and robots on pedestrian ways.
Characterization and Microstructure of Recycled Eroded Particles from Die-Sink Electro Discharge Machining of H11 Alloy for Applicability in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Voigt Oliver , Wendler Marco , Siddique Asim , Stöcker Hartmut , Quitzke Caroline , Peuker Urs A.
Published: December 2023

Different waste streams from electro discharge machining (EDM) were investigated for an upcycled usage in processes for additive manufacturing (AM). These erosion sludges accumulate in filter cartridges and at the bottom of machining basins. The enclosed particles were extracted, sieved and investigated via laser diffraction, dynamic image analysis, scanning electron microscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, elemental analysis and flowability measurements. Additionally, thermal, crystallographic and metallographic investigations as well as X-ray micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) were utilized for the characterization of particle and material properties. In general, eroded powders fulfill the requirements for AM regarding particle size and shape very well, which is confirmed in morphological investigations and powder flow characteristics showing similar properties as the H11 AM reference material. The chemical composition of the powders is equal to the machined H11 alloy, except for the high carbon content. Carbon is entrapped in the iron lattice originating from pyrolysis of the present dielectric fluid and the graphite electrode during rapid solidification, which leads to a transition from martensite to cementite structures. This change is observed in the microstructure of powders, in which acicular primary cementite and austenite are present. After remelting with slow heating and cooling rates the microstructure changed to ledeburite II with retained austenite and martensitic phases. The pore size and shape distributions obtained by µ-CT measurements showed a pore formation in the compact sample. These results provide a fundament of major properties as well as handling and recycling suggestions for eroded particles enclosed in waste sludges.

Graphical Abstract
BLCA prognostic model creation and validation based on immune gene-metabolic gene combination
Authors: Yue Shao-Yu , Niu Di , Liu Xian-Hong , Li Wei-Yi , Ding Ke , Fang Hong-Ye , Wu Xin-Dong , Li Chun , Guan Yu , Du He-Xi
Published: December 2023

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a prevalent urinary system malignancy. Understanding the interplay of immunological and metabolic genes in BLCA is crucial for prognosis and treatment.

Methods

Immune/metabolism genes were extracted, their expression profiles analyzed. NMF clustering found prognostic genes. Immunocyte infiltration and tumor microenvironment were examined. Risk prognostic signature using Cox/LASSO methods was developed. Immunological Microenvironment and functional enrichment analysis explored. Immunotherapy response and somatic mutations evaluated. RT-qPCR validated gene expression.

Results

We investigated these genes in 614 BLCA samples, identifying relevant prognostic genes. We developed a predictive feature and signature comprising 7 genes (POLE2, AHNAK, SHMT2, NR2F1, TFRC, OAS1, CHKB). This immune and metabolism-related gene (IMRG) signature showed superior predictive performance across multiple datasets and was independent of clinical indicators. Immunotherapy response and immune cell infiltration correlated with the risk score. Functional enrichment analysis revealed distinct biological pathways between low- and high-risk groups. The signature demonstrated higher prediction accuracy than other signatures. qRT-PCR confirmed differential gene expression and immunotherapy response.

Conclusions

The model in our work is a novel assessment tool to measure immunotherapy’s effectiveness and anticipate BLCA patients’ prognosis, offering new avenues for immunological biomarkers and targeted treatments.
Switching to bio-based packaging for organic products: supply chain actors’ perspectives
Authors: Mandolesi S. , Kilic B. , Naspetti S. , Zanoli R.
Published: December 2023

The use of fossil-based plastics used for packing organic foods is under the lens of the organic movement because of the contrast with the organic farming principles and its negative impact on the environment. Bioplastics, which can be bio-based and biodegradable, are a promising solution to address the various issues, i.e. social and environmental, caused by the intense use of conventional plastics. Nevertheless, using bioplastics as a more sustainable solution in the food packaging industry is still controversial. It involves a variety of opinions, consensus, and disagreements among food supply chain actors. The present study investigated stakeholders’ viewpoints regarding the acceptance of bio-based packaging in the Italian organic food supply chain. Individual perspectives from a selected group of organic stakeholders (producers, distributors, and researchers) were captured by applying the Q methodology. Two relevant divergent views were identified, as well as consensus agreements. The study shows how Q methodology can effectively discover the most relevant viewpoints about an emerging topic.
Estimation of porosity and volume of shale using artificial intelligence, case study of Kashafrud Gas Reservoir, NE Iran
Authors: Ardebili Pooya Naghizadeh , Jozanikohan Golnaz , Moradzadeh Ali
Published: December 2023

The key problem in oil exploration and engineering is the lack of accurate and reliable data about the reservoir parameters of a field. Having a precise assessment of petrophysical properties can provide the ability to make decisions with a high degree of confidence about planning for production, exploitation, and further field development scenario. In this research, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach was developed to improve the estimation of reservoir parameters including porosity and volume of shale, which has a significant role in different stages of hydrocarbon exploration, in the Kashafrud Gas Reservoir in the northeast of Iran. For this purpose, we measured the petrophysical properties of 27 samples of the Kashafrud Formation. To increase the amount of data for employing a multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN), a geostatistical algorithm was used to increase the amount of laboratory measured data of porosity and volume of shale to 686 and 702, respectively. In addition, 2263 well-logging data from the same well were provided. The optimal MLP network with the topology of 6-7-1, and 6-8-1 was selected to estimate the porosity and shale volume with mean squared error (MSE) of 2.78731E−4, and 1.28701E−9, respectively. The training process was performed using two different sets of input data. In the first approach, all available well-logging data were used as input, ending up in high MSE. In the second approach, some selected well logs were used based on the results of sensitivity analysis which clearly improved the estimations. The ability of MLP networks made great improvements in the estimation of the both parameters up to 99.9%. The presence of valuable core data in this study significantly improved the process of comparison and conclusion. The final results prove that AI is a trusted method, also the potential of the ANN method for the reservoir characterization and evaluation associated problems should be taken into consideration. Due to the unavailability of core data along the whole wells, the application of intelligent methods, such as machine learning (ML) can be used to estimate the parameters in other oil or gas fields and wells.
From fragmentation to coherence: student experience of assessment for learning
Authors: Arnold Julie , Willis Jill
Published: December 2023

Student experience of Assessment for Learning (AfL) pedagogies ideally provides multiple entry points for students to take past learning forward into future learning. In practice, points of disconnection may confound the accessibility of AfL’s repertoire of practices. This paper investigates the AfL experiences of students with likely language and attentional difficulties and their peers in three Australian secondary schools. Ninety-two students shared their insights in interviews and focus groups, with data analysed abductively through a conceptual frame of six dimensions. Common practical effects for students included recognition and value of a range of teacher practices. Students with language and attentional difficulties indicated more uneven recall of processes, especially when teacher practice of AfL was fragmented and classroom routines prioritised summative assessment. Fragmentation in turn compromised the emotional and evaluative dimensions of experience that catalyse continuity in learning. Critical insights from students about how they searched for and secured cohesive experiences points to how AfL offers agentic possibilities for learning beyond the immediate activities of the classroom.
An Educational Study of Electromagnetic Phenomena on Ferromagnetic Structure Using a Software Environment
Authors: Oyman Serteller Necibe Fusun
Published: December 2023

The solution to electromagnetic problems relies on complex numerical differential equations that are difficult to understand. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze them step by step and visualize them in a computer environment, even by developing a program. This approach enhances understanding of the subject and facilitates further research. In this study, an electromagnetic phenomenon is examined on a ferromagnetic structure using the Maxwell 2D static-elliptical partial differential equation within a developed software environment. The paper covers all aspects, ranging from the mathematical model and analysis solution to the fundamental operating parameters and characteristics, with a focus on educational purposes. The modeling and software development have been executed in a user-friendly manner, enabling students to apply various numerical techniques to practical problems while maintaining control over the entire modeling process. Through this study, it is anticipated that the transition from theory to practice can be facilitated more smoothly and directly. The theoretical analysis has been conducted using Mathematica software, and a comparison with finite element magnetic method simulation on a typical magnetic structure has been presented to illustrate the analogy. A comprehensive analysis of the Maxwell static-elliptical electromagnetic equation, based on a 2D numerical solution within a specific domain, has been performed in a detailed and unambiguous manner, utilizing different equation forms, boundary conditions, and ferromagnetic materials, all for educational purposes.