bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der optimierte Einsatz von Stahl in Bestandsstrukturen – am Beispiel der Videowall Stadion Salzburg
Authors: Olipitz Michael
Published: April 2023

Aufgrund unserer begrenzten Ressourcen stellt zukünftig die Verbesserung und Weiterentwicklung unseres Bestands eine der wesentlichen Aufgaben im Bauwesen dar. Der geringstmögliche Ressourceneinsatz gepaart mit dem geringstmöglichen CO2e‐Verbrauch einer Konstruktion in der Herstellungsphase ist vom Planer durch die optimierte Wahl von Material, Struktur als auch der Herstellungsart zu finden. Der metallische Werkstoff Stahl weist durch seine implizierte Leistungsfähigkeit und durch seine Kreislauffähigkeit viele Vorteile gegenüber den mineralischen und biotischen Werkstoffen auf, wobei eine nachhaltige Baustoffwahl immer einen Optimierungsprozess unter Berücksichtigung sämtlicher Randbedingungen darstellt. Nach einer allgemeinen Ausführung zu Energie‐, Ressourceneffizienz als auch Kreislauffähigkeit der Baustoffe Stahl, Holz und Stahlbeton beschreibt dieser Beitrag den Entwurfsprozess sowie die Montage von zwei Videowallwänden in das Bestandsdach des Stadions Salzburg. Dazu wird auf die Randbedingungen der Bestandsdachsituation, die Konstruktion der Videowall als auch auf den Montageprozess vor Ort eingegangen. Um solche Aufgaben innerhalb eines sehr kurzen Zeitfensters und unter minimalem Ressourcenverbrauch erfolgreich abzuwickeln, sind sowohl ein ausreichender Kenntnisstand über das Bestandsobjekt als auch die enge kooperative Zusammenarbeit von Planung und Bau wesentliche Voraussetzungen. Das Bestandsdach sorgt in erster Linie für Inspiration und Anreiz zur Weiterentwicklung und erfordert entsprechendes Wissen, Erfahrung und Kreativität der Beteiligten. Der Herstellprozess sollte dabei nicht das Agieren einzelner Akteure sein, sondern bestenfalls eine Gemeinschaftsaufgabe von Planung und Bau mit einer möglichst fairen Verteilung der Chancen und Risiken. Denn nur wenn ein gemeinschaftliches Vorgehen – lean‐basierend – im Fokus steht, lassen sich vermehrt ressourcenschonende und CO2e‐reduzierte Bauwerke verwirklichen und damit nachhaltige Bausubstanz ganz im Sinne eines ökologischen Rationalismus schaffen.
Bond‐slip model between anchored CFRP strip and concrete by using ANN
Authors: Anil Özgür , Çevik Abdulkadir
Published: April 2023

For the last 20 years, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have been widely used in the retrofitting and strengthening of structures with inadequate earthquake performance. One of the most important design criteria in retrofitting and strengthening details developed with CFRP is delaying the debonding of CFRP strips from the surface. For this reason, the use of anchors in reinforcement details developed with CFRP has increased. In this study, available experimental data in the literature on bond‐slip research related to anchored CFRP strips were collected and a database was created. By using this database, it was aimed to create a generalized capacity equation and constitutive bond‐slip model for anchored strips via the artificial neural networks technique. The proposed NN models on the constitutive bond‐slip model are intended to be useful in design codes and finite element algorithms.
Teaching Phonemic and Phonological Awareness to Children Who Speak African American English
Authors: Washington Julie A. , Lee‐James Ryan , Stanford Carla Burrell
Published: April 2023

There is tremendous variation in the use of American English by major geographic regions, as well as within these regions or cities, and by cultural background. The variety of English spoken by many African American people in the United States is called African American English (AAE). AAE affects early literacy skills in ways that may require differentiated classroom instruction that focuses on integrating this important language variety into both teaching and learning. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) present the characteristics of AAE and its relationship to the development of reading; (2) outline the impact of AAE on foundational language and reading skills, especially phonemic and phonological awareness; and, (3) provide some guidance for addressing variation in the classroom when teaching phonemic and phonological awareness, while simultaneously affirming African American children's identitities by acknowledging and celebrating the language strengths they bring to the classroom.
Postoperative pharmacological ventilation in a dog following surgical stabilisation of the first and second cervical vertebrae
Authors: Teotino Giulia , Auckburally Adam , Gonzales Gomez Ana , Tayari Hamaseh
Published: April 2023

A 7‐month‐old, crossbreed dog presented for collapsing episodes and acute non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed absence of the dorsal arch of the first cervical vertebrae and displacement of the second cervical vertebrae, with severe spinal cord compression. Surgical spinal stabilisation was performed under general anaesthesia. Postoperatively, attempts to wean the animal from mechanical ventilation were unsuccessful. Despite the dog's efforts to breathe spontaneously, severe hypercapnia (EtCO2 11.4 kPa [85.5 mmHg]) developed. Due to a lack of appropriate resources, pharmacological support of ventilation was attempted, using doxapram (2 mg/kg intravenously), followed by a variable‐rate infusion (5–30 µg/kg/min) maintained for 48 hours. The dog was discharged 48 hours after doxapram discontinuation.
A comparison of staff presence and signage on zoo visitor behavior
Authors: Tay Claudia , McWhorter Todd J. , Xie Shangzhe , Mohd Nasir Tiara Sophia Binte , Reh Borja , Fernandez Eduardo J.
Published: April 2023

Many zoos favor the use of signage to encourage learning and positive visitor experiences as well as discourage negative behaviors by visitors because of its simplicity, relatively low maintenance needed, and low cost. However, current literature suggests that conventional signage has limited impact on visitors in zoos. This study hypothesized that visitors would be less likely to exhibit negative behaviors (e.g., feeding and touching) in the presence of uniformed staff compared to signage. The study was conducted twice a day over 4 weeks with one condition per week (Baseline, Signage, Staff, and Signage + Staff). The total number of visitors and the frequency of negative visitor behaviors were observed. These behaviors reduced from 14.0% (Baseline; no signage and no staff) and 13.1% (Signage), to 4.8% (Staff) and 6.1% (Signage + Staff). Both the Staff and Signage + Staff conditions were significantly lower than the Baseline and Signage conditions. However, signage alone did not significantly differ from the baseline condition, when no intervention was implemented, and staff and signage together did not significantly differ from staff alone. This was also observed in both negative visual behaviors and negative tactile behaviors from visitors. The results suggest that methods other than signage may be more effective at reducing undesired visitor behaviors. This study could guide the design of future signage or even potentially encourage zoos to reduce reliance on signs and employ other strategies.
More Than Soft Power
Authors: Kearney Amanda , Bradley John , Dodd Vincent , Norman a-Marrngawi Dinah , Timothy a-Muluwamara Mavis , Dimanyurru Graham Friday , a-Karrakayny Annie
Published: April 2023

In this chapter we take the discussion of Indigenous Law further, by exploring the problematic notion of soft power and examining the epistemic logics and bad habits that have led to a perception of Indigenous Laws and knowledges as marginal, esoteric and mystical. It is argued that the positioning of Indigenous Law as an esoteric or subordinate alternative to contemporary white liberal democracy is a framing which substantiates a deep inequity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and communities.

Problematising the interface at which Indigenous Laws meets western bureaucratic and legal habits is however only one part of this chapter. It is crucial to retain our focus on Indigenous Laws as they are lived and held by people within their own communal contexts. Hence the chapter importantly attends to the positioning on Indigenous Laws in contemporary life, placing an emphasis on the role of Law in supporting communities, amidst the changing conditions and contexts in which Law is emplaced. We explore the overarching applications of Indigenous Laws for Indigenous benefit.
Phenomenology at the Intersection of Gender and Race
Authors: Leboeuf Céline
Published: April 2023

Research on the experience of gendered embodiment, on the one hand, and racialized embodiment, on the other hand, has emerged as an important tradition in phenomenology thanks to the works of Simone de Beauvoir inThe Second Sex(1949) and Frantz Fanon inBlack Skin, White Masks(1952) respectively. Beauvoir’s work has been prolonged by pioneering feminist phenomenologists, such as Iris Marion Young and Sandra Bartky, who have investigated both the cultural significance of female bodily functions and the alienating effects of feminine standards of beauty for women. And those inspired by Fanon—for example, George Yancy and Alia Al-Saji—have homed in on the experiences of persons of color confronted by the white gaze or entering white spaces. While each of these lineages has contributed to expanding the discipline of phenomenology, specific descriptions of the bodily experiences of women of color have received comparatively little attention in this field. This chapter aims to fill this gap by exploring the bodily experiences of women of color, thereby making a case for expanding phenomenological work at the intersection of gender and race.
The Phenomenology of Zozobra: Mexican and Latinx Philosophers on (Not) Being at Home in the World
Authors: Gallegos Francisco
Published: April 2023

This chapter discusses some contributions that Mexican and Latinx phenomenologists have made to the critical phenomenology of home, i.e., the experience of “being at home in the world”—an experience that has always been both deeply cherished and bitterly contested. Tracing a line of thought that runs from the work of two Mexican phenomenologists in the 1940s and 1950s (Jorge Portilla and Emilio Uranga) to the work of two contemporary Latinx phenomenologists in the U.S. (Gloria Anzaldúa and Mariana Ortega), we find a shared view that the Mexican and Latinx experience has been marked by zozobra, an anxious condition characterized by the inability to be at home in the world. However, these philosophers disagree about the source of this zozobra, and even whether zozobra is something that should overcome or embraced and celebrated. Reading these thinkers together, we learn that home is several things simultaneously: an essential foundation for human existence; an illusory ideal whose pursuit leads us to exclude vulnerable others and vulnerable parts of ourselves; and a site for the negotiation of the circumstances in which one finds oneself, in the tragic and beautiful hope of creating a life to call one’s own.
Geometric Operations in Mario Botta’s Architectural Work
Authors: Ronco Francesca , Bertola Giulia , Pupi Enrico
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the role of primary plane figures, primary solids, and geometric operations in Mario Botta’s architectural works during fifty years of his career. Through the selection of three case studies, the research allows the creative process to be discretized and analyzed from a geometric-mathematical point of view.
Three Concepts of Nilpotence in Loops
Authors: Semanišinová Žaneta , Stanovský David
Published: April 2023

We introduce the abstract concept of supernilpotence in loop theory, and relate it to existing concepts, namely, central nilpotence and nilpotence of the multiplication group. We prove that the class of supernilpotence is greater or equal than the class of nilpotence of the multiplication group, and combining existing results, we show that a finite loop is supernilpotent if and only if its multiplication group is nilpotent. We also provide a new exposition of a classical result and crucial ingredient, that loops with a nilpotent multiplication group are centrally nilpotent and admit a prime decomposition.
Convolutional neural network–based classification for improving the surface quality of metal additive manufactured components
Authors: Abhilash P. M. , Ahmed Afzaal
Published: April 2023

The metal additive manufacturing (AM) process has proven its capability to produce complex, near-net-shape products with minimal wastage. However, due to its poor surface quality, most applications demand the post-processing of AM-built components. This study proposes a method that combines convolutional neural network (CNN) classification followed by electrical discharge-assisted post-processing to improve the surface quality of AMed components. The polishing depth and passes were decided based on the surface classification. Through comparison, polishing under a low-energy regime was found to perform better than the high-energy regimes with a significant improvement of 74% in surface finish. Also, lower energy polishing reduced the occurrences of short-circuit discharges and elemental migration. A 5-fold cross-validation was performed to validate the models, and the results showed that the CNN model predicts the surface condition with 96% accuracy. Also, the proposed approach improved the surface finish substantially from 97.3 to 12.62 μm.
Fractional nonlinear energy sinks
Authors: Zhang Shengtao , Zhou Jiaxi , Ding Hu , Wang Kai , Xu Daolin
Published: April 2023

The cubic or third-power (TP) nonlinear energy sink (NES) has been proven to be an effective method for vibration suppression, owing to the occurrence of targeted energy transfer (TET). However, TET is unable to be triggered by the low initial energy input, and thus the TP NES would get failed under low-amplitude vibration. To resolve this issue, a new type of NES with fractional nonlinearity, e.g., one-third-power (OTP) nonlinearity, is proposed. The dynamic behaviors of a linear oscillator (LO) with an OTP NES are investigated numerically, and then both the TET feature and the vibration attenuation performance are evaluated. Moreover, an analogy circuit is established, and the circuit simulations are carried out to verify the design concept of the OTP NES. It is found that the threshold for TET of the OTP NES is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the TP NES. The parametric analysis shows that a heavier mass or a lower stiffness coefficient of the NES is beneficial to the occurrence of TET in the OTP NES system. Additionally, significant energy transfer is usually accompanied with efficient energy dissipation. Consequently, the OTP NES can realize TET under low initial input energy, which should be a promising approach for micro-vibration suppression.
Genetic parameters of husk spot resistance in macadamia breeding families
Authors: Nunn Jasmine , Hardner Craig , De Faveri Joanne , Akinsanmi Olufemi A. , O’Connor Katie , Alam Mobashwer , Topp Bruce
Published: April 2023

Husk spot caused by the Pseudocercospora macadamiae fungus induces premature abscission of fruit in many industry standard macadamia cultivars. Fungicides and other management strategies add to farm costs, thus breeding for varietal resistance is important. Genetic parameters of husk spot symptom expression had not previously been estimated. To guide selection methods for field resistance, over 300 open-pollinated seedlings of 32 families and 24 parent genotypes were inoculated, and seven symptom expression traits were evaluated. Narrow-sense and broad-sense heritabilities were estimated, breeding values were predicted, and correlations between breeding values of trait pairs were tested for significance. The traits with the highest heritabilities were necrotic lesion number per fruit (H2 = 0.41–0.59; h2 = 0.21–0.30) and necrotic incidence (H2 = 0.19–0.27; h2 = 0.17–0.24). Breeding values of the two traits were highly correlated (r = 0.98; p < 0.001), suggesting that either trait could be used to indirectly select for the other. All genotypes expressed symptoms to some degree, however, breeding values for necrotic traits and symptom-induced premature abscission were low for clones and progeny of cultivar ‘HAES791’. Necrotic trait breeding values were also promising for progeny of cultivar ‘HAES246’ and clones of Australian Macadamia Breeding Program elite selection, ‘BAM263’. Having been identified as potentially partially resistant, these selections can now be further evaluated and used as parents of new progeny populations.
Inhibitory effect of Bofutsushosan (Fangfengtongshengsan) extract on the absorption of fructose in rats and mice
Authors: Takagi Kohei , Sugihira Takashi , Kitamura Miho , Kawai Mami , Mitsuguchi Yoko , Tsukamoto Kosei , Nakanishi Hirofumi , Makino Toshiaki
Published: April 2023

Bofutsushosan (BTS; fangfengtongshengsan in Chinese) is a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo and Chinese medicine comprising 18 crude drugs and used to treat obesity and metabolic syndrome. In our previous study, BTS boiling water extract inhibited the uptake of fructose absorbed via glucose transporter 5 into cultured cells. In this study, the inhibitory effect of BTS extract on the absorption of fructose from the intestine was investigated in vivo. The extract of BTS was orally administered to rats at doses equivalent to 25-fold of the daily dose for humans. One minute after sample administration, fructose was orally administered and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4 h after the administration of fructose. The absorption of fructose from the intestine was significantly reduced by treatment with BTS extract, and this in vivo study reproduced previous in vitro results. Subsequently, the blood samples were collected from the portal vein 30 min after the oral administration of fructose in mice. BTS extract significantly reduced fructose absorption in mice, and compared the effect of modified BTS samples by removing one to several crude drugs from BTS. We found that the dried rhizome of Rheum palmatum (RR) significantly contributed to the inhibitory effect of BTS on fructose absorption. We found sennoside A to be the active ingredient of RR for the inhibition of fructose absorption, and that its effect almost saturated at a dose of 3 mg/kg. These results support the action mechanisms of BTS when used for the treatment of obesity in clinics and drug stores.

Graphical abstract
Towards the concept of gas-to-power demand response
Authors: Hilbert Markus , Kleine Andreas , Dellnitz Andreas
Published: April 2023

Due to the war in Ukraine, the European Commission has released its “Save Gas for a Safe Winter” plan, communicating the goal of reducing gas consumption in the electricity sector, among others. In this paper, the gas consumption in the electricity sector is picked up and the well-established concept of demand response is brought into alignment with the consumption of gas in the electricity sector, leading to the concept of gas-to-power demand response. Two proposed programs based on this concept are then applied in a production planning approach that shows how companies could proactively contribute to easing the tense situation in Europe, particularly in Germany, especially using methods such as scheduling and/or lot-sizing. This article is intended to serve as a basis for further discussions in the political and economic sectors.
Technology of Standard SMT Components Embedded Into PCB by Using Different Materials as Filling Masses
Authors: Stęplewski Wojciech , Rybak Andrzej , Dziedzic Andrzej , Bialas Marcin , Wojcik Mariusz , Ostaszewski Dariusz , Ramotowski Edward , Janeczek Kamil , Chołaj Aneta , Kościelski Marek , Sitek Anna , Liszewska Dorota
Published: April 2023

The technique of embedding components inside printed circuit boards (PCBs) is described, using different filling masses. To investigate the possibility of placing the components inside the printed circuit board, a residual circuit breaker with an overload protection (RCBO) system was adapted. Four types of fillings (two epoxy and two silicone) were used in the tests, which were carried out showing the full functionality of the systems embedded in the PCB, regardless of the applied sealing compound. A certain disadvantage was the shrinkage of the applied masses, which was visible in some cases in the occurrence of gaps in the flooding spaces. However, it should be emphasized that the tests were preliminary and that the adjustment of the filling shrinkage will be optimized in subsequent tests.
Cell death in the lateral geniculate nucleus, and its possible relationship with nicotinic receptors and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Authors: Chang Cynthia , Vivekanandarajah Arunnjah , Waters Karen A , Machaalani Rita
Published: April 2023

The role of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in vision has been extensively studied, yet its extraretinal capacities are still being investigated, including its role in arousal from sleep. The β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit is involved in the laminal organisation of the LGN with magnocellular (MC) and parvocellular (PC) neurons. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) occurs during a sleep period and, neuropathologically, is associated with increased neuronal cell death and altered nAChRs. A recent qualitative pilot study from our group implicates the possibility of increased neuronal death/apoptosis in the SIDS LGN. The present study used quantitative analysis to report the baseline expression of apoptotic and nAChR subunits α7 and β2 in the PC and MC layers of the LGN, to determine correlations amongst these markers within layers and across layers, and to evaluate changes in the expression of these markers in the LGN of SIDS infants, along with associations with SIDS risk factors, such as age, sex, cigarette smoke exposure, bed-sharing, and presence of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Tissue was immunohistochemically stained for cell death markers of active caspase-3 (Casp-3) and TUNEL, and for the α7 and β2 nAChR subunits. Amongst 43 cases of sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI), classifications included explained deaths (eSUDI, n = 9), SIDS I (n = 5) and SIDS II (n = 29). Results indicated a strong correlation of the apoptotic markers and β2 nAChR subunit between the LGN layers, but not across the markers within the layers. Amongst the diagnostic groups, compared to eSUDI, the SIDS II cases had decreased Casp-3 expression while β2 nAChR expression was increased in both PC and MC layers. Amongst the SIDS risk factors, URTI and bed-sharing were associated with changes in neuronal death but not in the α7 and β2 markers. In conclusion, our findings do not support a role for the α7 and β2 nAChRs in apoptotic regulation of the LGN layers during infancy. However, for SIDS victims, an inverse correlation between the changes for markers of apoptosis and the β2 nAChR subunit expression suggests altered LGN function.
Looking for an Objective Parameter to Identify Early Vocal Dysfunctions in Healthy Perceived Singers
Authors: Longo Lucia , Angeletti Diletta , Parrinello Silvia , Cilfone Armando , Giliberti Claudia , Mariconte Raffaele
Published: April 2023

The finding of minimal laryngeal dysfunctions in professional voice users is essential to prevent the onset of organic vocal pathologies. The purpose of this study is to identify an objective parameter that supports the phoniatric evaluation in detecting minimal laryngeal dysfunctions in singers. 54 professional and non-professional singers have been evaluated with laryngostroboscopy, Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), maximum phonation time (TMF), minimum intensity of sound emission (I-min), maximum frequency (F-max), voice handicap index (VHI), singing voice handicap index (SVHI), manual phonogram and audiometric examination. The SVHI of all the “healthy” singers was on average 23.7 ± 22.5, while that of the “dysfunctional” 20.9 ± 18. No statistically significant difference was found between the SVHI scores of the total of healthy singers compared to the scores of the dysfunctional ones on the VSL (p = 0.6). The between-group comparison of the means of individual parameter values of DSI, TMF, F-max, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR, and SPI was not statistically significant (respectively p = 0.315, 0.2, 0.18, 0.09, 0.2, 0.08, 0.3). The only parameter analyzed that was statistically significant was the I-min (p < 0.05). SVHI is a valid instrument for the evaluation after a therapy but in our experience, it is not useful in distinguishing healthy from dysfunctional patients. The minimum intensity of sound emission measured with the sound level meter (I-low2) resulted a reliable parameter to identify minimal laryngeal dysfunctions and a useful tool in supporting the phoniatric diagnostic-therapeutic process in singers.
J-ACCESS investigation and nuclear cardiology in Japan: implications for heart failure
Authors: Nakajima Kenichi , Nishimura Tsunehiko
Published: April 2023

While coronary heart disease remains a global cause of mortality, the prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing in developed countries including Japan. The continuously increasing aging population and the relatively low incidence of ischemic origins are features of the HF background in Japan. Information about nuclear cardiology practice and prognosis has accumulated, thanks to the multicenter prognostic J-ACCESS investigations (Series 1‒4) over two decades in Japan. Although the rate of hard cardiac events is lower in Japan than in the USA and Europe, similar predictors have been identified as causes of major adverse cardiac events. The highest proportion (50–75%) of major events among patients indicated for nuclear cardiology examinations in the J-ACCESS registries is severe HF requiring hospitalization. Therefore, the background and the possible reasons for the higher proportion of severe HF events in Japan require clarification. Combinations of age, myocardial perfusion defects, left ventricular dysfunction, and comorbid diabetes and chronic kidney disease are major predictors of cardiovascular events including severe HF. Although the Japanese Circulation Society has updated its clinical guidelines to incorporate non-invasive imaging modalities for diagnosing chronic coronary artery disease, the importance of risk-based approaches to optimal medical therapy and coronary revascularization is emphasized herein.
Quasicrystals and art: interesting new facts
Authors: Makovicky Emil
Published: April 2023

Quasiperiodic ornamental patterns represent only a small percentage of patterns when compared to the entire body of periodic patterns. Decagonal pattern is known since twelfth century Iran and fourteenth century western Islam (Andalusia and Morocco). A rich spectrum of octagonal patterns exists at the latter localities (fourteenth century and later), whereas a sole example of a dodecagonal pattern comes from Morocco. Later copies exist in all these regions. My most recent studies were concentrated upon the Andalusian and Moroccan regions, in which the fourteenth century (and later) wall mosaics occur as uninterrupted coatings of entire walls so that the motif of individual panels had to be adjusted to secure continuity of their underlying bar-and-band structure. In Andalusia, the tetragonal structure of the panels and their complexes were locally adjusted to become octagonal quasiperiodic. Only two geometric types of such octagrids were derived in Andalusia, in agreement with the rarity of quasiperiodic ornaments in general. In Morocco, before the panel substructure became heavily masked by an overflow of rosettes of several sizes, the mosaic panel was based on an octagonal quasiperiodic grid and ornamental rosettes were placed in it, disposed in the form of concentric octagons. As a prominent example, the octagonal motif of the Nejjarine Fountain and its plaster encasement will be discussed.
Facies framework and depositional setting of the Middle-Upper Eocene Hamra Formation, north of Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Khalifa Mohamed Abdelghany , Mashaal Noha Mohamed
Published: April 2023

The Middle-Upper Eocene Hamra Formation, covering the northern plateau of the Bahariya Oasis, northwestern Desert, comprises two informal (lower and upper) members; the lower member (Upper Middle Eocene, 34.5-m thick) is made up entirely of fossiliferous limestone rocks (Nummulites gizehensis, Nummulites champolioni), while the upper member (Late Eocene, 38-m thick) consists of an intercalation of limestone with thin beds of sandstone, siltstone, and claystone. The upper member is highly fossiliferous with Turrittella, Carolia palcnoids, and Ostrea multicostata. Seven carbonate and three clastic microfacies have been recognized in five measured sections of the Hamra Formation. The carbonate microfacies were deposited on the proximal ramp setting of a warm and shallow sub-tropical environment. The lower member can be correlated with the (Upper Middle Eocene) Sath El Hadid and Fashn formations, while the upper member is correlated with the Upper Eocene Beni Sueif Formation. The reduced thickness of both members of the Hamra Formation compared with the corresponding rock units to the east reflects the structural uplift prevailed in the north of Bahariya Oasis during sedimentation.
Prospective Association of High Effort and Low Reward Imbalance at Work with Risk of Diabetes: A Cohort Study in US Workers
Authors: Wege Natalia , Siegrist Johannes , Li Jian
Published: April 2023

Background

The contribution of psychosocial stress in the workplace to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not well investigated. As most studies were conducted in Europe, a further test from the USA seems well justified. The objective of the current investigation was to examine prospective associations of work stress based on the effort-reward imbalance model with risk of T2DM in a national sample of US workers.

Method

Using data from the national population-based Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS) study with a prospective cohort design and a 9-year follow-up period, the effects of a ratio combining data on effort and reward at work (ER ratio) at baseline on risk of T2DM at follow-up were examined in 1493 workers who were free from diabetes at the baseline survey, applying multivariable Poisson regression analysis.

Results

During the follow-up, 109 individuals (7.30%) reported onset of diabetes. The analyses demonstrated a significant association between continuous data of the E-R ratio and risk of diabetes (RR and 95% CI = 1.22 [1.02, 1.46]), after adjustment for modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors at baseline. A dose-dependent response was observed with trend analysis when using quartiles of the E-R ratio.

Conclusion

In the US workers, high effort in combination with low reward at work was significantly associated with elevated risk of T2DM 9 years later. The risk profiles of diabetes should be adapted in consideration of psychosocial work environment and taken into account by conceptualizing prevention programs of chronic non-communicable diseases.
ACPSEM position paper on ROMP scope of practice and staffing levels for magnetic resonance linear accelerators
Authors: Marsh Linda , Rykers Kym , Sobolewski Matthew ,   the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Linac Working Group (MRILWG) of the ACPSEM
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this position paper is to outline the ACPSEM recommendations on Medical Physicist scope of practice and staffing levels, as they relate to the use of dedicated MRI-Linacs in the treatment of patients. A core function of Medical Physicists is to safely implement changes in medical practice via the introduction of new technology and to ensure high quality radiation oncology services are provided to patients. Determining the feasibility of MRI-Linacs in any existing setting, or in establishing a new site, mandates the knowledge and services of Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists (ROMPs) as the Qualified Experts within this setting. ROMPs are key members of the multi-disciplinary team which will be required to steer the successful establishment of MRI Linac infrastructure within departments. To support efficient implementation, ROMPs must be embedded in the process from the start, including any feasibility study, initiation of the project, and development of the business case. ROMPs must be retained throughout all stages of acquisition, service development, and ongoing clinical use and expansion. The number of MRI-Linacs in Australia and New Zealand is growing. This expansion is occurring in parallel with rapid technological evolution, expanding tumour stream applications, and increasing consumer uptake. Growth and applications of MRI-Linac therapy will continue to occur beyond current known horizons, via development on the MR-Linac platform itself and through the migration of learning from this platform to conventional Linacs (known horizons for example include the use of daily, online image guided adaptive radiotherapy and MRI data informing decision making for planning and treatment before and throughout treatment courses). Clinical use, research and development will be a significant component of expanding patient access to MRI-Linac treatment and there will be an ongoing need to attract and retain ROMPs to initially establish services and in particular to drive service development and delivery for the life of the Linacs. MRI and Linac technologies mean it is necessary to perform a specialized workforce assessment for these devices, distinct from those employed for conventional Linacs and associated services. MRI-Linacs are complex, have a heightened risk profile compared to standard Linacs, and are unique in their treatment of patients. Accordingly, the workforce needs for MRI-Linacs are greater than for standard Linacs. To ensure safe and high-quality Radiation Oncology patient services are provided, it is recommended that staffing levels should be based on the 2021 ACPSEM Australian Radiation Workforce model and calculator using the MRI-Linac specific ROMP workforce modelling guidelines outlined in this paper. The ACPSEM workforce model and calculator are closely aligned with other Australian/New Zealand and international benchmarks.
Socioeconomic Inequalities and Ethnic Discrimination in COVID-19 Outcomes: the Case of Mexico
Authors: Salas-Ortiz Andrea
Published: April 2023

In Mexico, Indigenous people were hospitalised and killed by COVID-19 at a disproportionate rate compared to the non-Indigenous population. The main factors contributing to this were poor health conditions and impoverished social and economic circumstances within the country. The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which ethnic disparities are attributable to processes of structural discrimination and further explore the factors that exacerbate or mitigate them. Using administrative public data on COVID-19 and Census information, this study uses the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method to examine the extent to which disparities are illegitimate and signal discrimination against Indigenous people. The results show that although ethnic disparities were mainly attributable to observable differences in individual and contextual characteristics, 22.8% (p < 0.001) of the ethnic gap in hospitalisations, 17.5% in early deaths and 16.4% in overall deaths remained unexplained and could potentially indicate systemic discrimination. These findings highlight that pre-existing and longstanding illegitimate disparities against Indigenous people jeopardise the capacity of multi-ethnic countries to achieve social justice in health.
Skin Pigmentation Impacts the Clinical Diagnosis of Wound Infection: Imaging of Bacterial Burden to Overcome Diagnostic Limitations
Authors: Johnson Jonathan , Johnson Alton R. , Andersen Charles A. , Kelso Martha R. , Oropallo Alisha R. , Serena Thomas E.
Published: April 2023

Underrepresentation of diverse skin tones in medical education and providers’ implicit racial bias drives inequities in wound care, such as disproportionally poor outcomes for Black patients. Diagnostic indicators (e.g., erythema) can present differently depending on skin pigmentation. This post hoc analysis of 350 chronic wounds from a prospective 14-site clinical trial aimed to determine how the perception of clinical signs and symptoms of infection (CSS) differs by patient skin tone and if fluorescence-imaging can offer a more objective diagnostic solution. Participants were grouped by skin tone (low, medium, high) as measured by the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification (FSPC) scale. CSS and total bacterial load (TBL) were compared across FSPC groups, along with sensitivity to detect TBL >104 CFU/g using CSS alone and combined with fluorescence-imaging. Erythema was reported less often with increasing FSPC score (p = 0.05), from 13.4% (low), to 7.2% (medium), to 2.3% (high), despite comparable bacterial loads (median = 1.8 × 106 CFU/g). CSS sensitivity in the high group (2.9%) was 4.8-fold to 8.4-fold lower than the low (p = 0.003) and medium groups (p = 0.04). Fluorescence-imaging significantly improved the detection of high bacterial load in each group, peaking in the high group at 12-fold over CSS alone. These findings underscore the threat of pervasive racialized health inequities in wound care, where missed diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria and infection could delay treatment, increasing the risk of complications and poor outcomes. Fluorescence-imaging is poised to fill this gap, at least in part, serving as a more objective and equitable indicator of wound bacteria. Clinicaltrials.gov#NCT03540004 registered 16-05-2018.
Flight risk evaluation based on flight state deep clustering network
Authors: Wang Guozhi , Xu Haojun , Pei Binbin , Cheng Haoyu
Published: April 2023

Flight risk evaluation based on data-driven approach is an essential topic of aviation safety management. Existing risk analysis methods ignore the coupling and time-variant characteristics of flight parameters, and cannot accurately establish the mapping relationship between flight state and loss-of-control risk. To deal with the problem, a flight state deep clustering network (FSDCN) model was proposed to mine latent loss-of-control risk information implicating in raw flight parameters. FSDCN integrates the feature extraction and clustering into an end-to-end deep hybrid network to extract latent risk features from multivariate time-series flight parameters and cluster them. In the FSDCN model, a sequential multi-attention encoder–decoder network is designed to extract embedded risk features, and the feature clustering layer is designed to iteratively refine clustering effects and feature extraction. Besides, a loss-of-control classifier is added to optimize the risk feature vector expression and ensure sufficient dividing feature for facilitate clustering. The multi-task joint learning strategy is adopted to improve the clustering performance of the model further. According to extracted risk features and similarity metrics, the optimal clusters number of flight states is set as 5. Comparative experiments show that FSDCN significantly performs better than other clustering models with performance percentage error below $$6\%$$

6
%

. Through statistical analysis of clustering results, the risk level is quantified for each cluster. Three high-difficulty maneuver cases are presented to demonstrate FSDCN for flight risk evaluation. The flight parameter sequences of the maneuver cases are input into the well-trained FSDCN to obtain the risk prediction results. The spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the risk-quantized results are consistent with flight parameters over-limit situations, which demonstrates the effectiveness of FSDCN on clustering flight states. The experimental results on flight maneuver cases show that FSDCN can find potential loss-of-control risk features according to multivariate time-series flight data and provide support for in-flight risk warnings.
Euler-Euler CFD simulation of high velocity gas injection at pool scrubbing conditions
Authors: Li Shiwang , Apanasevich Pavel , Lucas Dirk , Liao Yixiang
Published: April 2023

Pressure relief by blowdown is one of the most important measures to prevent excessive pressures in the primary circuit or containment in severe nuclear accidents. Pool scrubbing can significantly reduce the release of radioactive materials, e.g., aerosols, to the environment during the pressure relief. The decontamination factor indicating the particle retention efficiency depends, among other factors, on the hydrodynamic conditions of the gas-liquid two-phase flow inside the pool. In the present work, the hydrodynamics in two typical pool scrubbing experiments is investigated with the two-fluid model, and the influence of some key factors including bubble diameter, nozzle submergence as well as interaction models are analysed. One case is a rectangular pool and the other is a cylindrical column, and their injection Weber number is around 2×103 and 4×105, respectively. The numerical results show that as the distance from the nozzle exit increases, the void fraction and velocity field expand from the central region, where the nozzle is located, to the whole cross section. The profile and its development depends largely on the bubble size and the interaction force model. It reveals that in the monodisperse simulation, the tuning of bubble diameter is necessary for achieving good agreement, although it is difficult for high velocity gas injection. More information is required to properly describe the bubble size distribution as well as its evolution in pool scrubbing conditions. Furthermore, the experimental data show clear drag reduction in the bubble swarm generated by the gas jet, and the mechanism and model improvement possibilities need to be investigated.
Case Studies in Star Formation
Authors: MacKay Duncan , Thompson Mark , Urquhart James
Published: April 2023

Case Studies in Star Formation offers an overview of our current observational and theoretical understanding in the molecular astronomy of star formation. The book is divided into six sections: the first introduces an overview of star formation and the essential language, concepts and tools specific to molecular astronomy studies. Each subsequent section focuses on individual sources, beginning with a description of large-scale surveys. The volume covers low- and high mass star formation, ionization and photodissociation regions, and concludes with the extragalactic perspective. Conventional textbooks begin with principles, ending with a few convenient examples. Through copious examples, Case Studies reflects the reality of research, which requires the creative matching of ongoing observations to theory and vice-versa, often raising as many questions as answers. This supplementary study guide enables graduate students and early researchers to bridge the gap between textbooks and the wealth of research literature.
Modelling socio-economic mortality at neighbourhood level
Authors: Wen Jie , Cairns Andrew J.G. , Kleinow Torsten
Published: April 2023

In this study, we quantify the relationship between socio-economic status and life expectancy and identify combinations of socio-economic variables that are particularly useful for explaining mortality differences between neighbourhoods in England. We achieve this by examining socio-economic variation in mortality experiences across small areas in England known as lower layer super output areas (LSOAs). We then consider 12 socio-economic variables that are known to have a strong association with mortality. We estimate the relationship between those variables and mortality rates using a random forest algorithm. Based on the resulting estimate, we then create a new socio-economic mortality index – the Longevity Index for England (LIFE). The index is constructed in a way that eliminates the impact of care homes that might artificially increase mortality rates in LSOAs with care homes compared to LSOAs that do not contain a care home. Using mortality data for different age groups, we make the index age-dependent and investigate the impact of specific socio-economic characteristics on the age-specific mortality risk. We compare the explanatory power of the LIFE index to the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) as predictors of mortality. While we find that the IMD can explain regional mortality differences to some extent, the LIFE index has significantly greater explanatory power for mortality differences between regions. Our empirical results also indicate that income deprivation amongst the elderly and employment deprivation are the most significant socio-economic factors for explaining mortality variation across LSOAs in England.
Environmental chamber studies of eye and respiratory irritation from use of a peracetic acid–based hospital surface disinfectant
Authors: Dalton Pamela H. , Maute Christopher , Hicks Jeffrey B. , Watson Heather N. , Loccisano Anne E. , Kerger Brent D.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To characterize personal exposures and measures of eye and respiratory tract irritation in controlled environmental chamber studies of 44 healthy adult volunteers simulating upper-bound use of peracetic acid (PAA)–based surface disinfectant for terminal cleaning of hospital patient rooms.

Design:

Experimental, within-subject, double-blinded cross-over design.

Methods:

Objective and subjective exposure effects were assessed for PAA and its components: acetic acid (AA) and hydrogen peroxide (HP). Deionized water was included as a control. Breathing-zone concentrations of PAA, AA, and HP were assessed for 8 female multiday volunteers (5 consecutive days) and 36 single-day volunteers (32 females and 4 males). Wetted cloths were used to wipe high-touch surfaces for 20 minutes per trial. Also, 15 objective measures of tissue injury or inflammation and 4 subjective odor or irritation scores were assessed.

Results:

Disinfectant trials showed 95th percentile breathing zone concentrations of 101 ppb PAA, 500 ppb AA, and 667 ppb HP. None of the volunteers observed over 75 test days exhibited significant increases in IgE or objective measures of eye and respiratory tract inflammation. Subjective ratings for disinfectant and AA-only trials showed similar increases for odor intensity and nose irritation, with lower ratings for eye and throat irritation. Females were 2.5-fold more likely than males to assign moderate + irritation ratings.

Conclusions:

Simulated upper-bound hospital use of PAA-based disinfectant led to no significant increases in objective markers of tissue injury, inflammation, or allergic sensitization, and no frank signs of eye or respiratory tract irritation.
What Do You Do When You Can Do No More? Limited Resources, Unimaginable Environments, Personal Danger: What Have Previous Disasters Taught Us About Moral and Ethical Challenges?
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Kuipers Jessica
Published: April 2023

Historically, natural and manmade disasters create many victims and impose pressures on health-care infrastructure and staff; potentially hampering the provision of patient care and overloading clinician capacity. Throughout the course of history, clinicians have performed heroics to work well above their required duty, despite limitations, even putting their own health and safety at risk. In times when clinicians needed to either physically abandon patients or consider abandoning active treatment, we have seen extreme hesitancy to do so, fearing that they may be giving up too soon, that undue harm may come to patients, or even feeling unsure of legal or moral burdens that may ensue. In times when clinicians are placed in this unimaginable position, feeling isolated and overwhelmed, it is essential that they be supported and provided with resources to standardize decision-making.