bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralight Membrane Structures Toward a Sustainable Environment
Authors: Comitti Alessandro , Vijayakumaran Harikrishnan , Nejabatmeimandi Mohammad Hosein , Seixas Luis , Cabello Adrian , Misseroni Diego , Penasa Massimo , Paech Christoph , Bessa Miguel , Bown Adam C. , Dal Corso Francesco , Bosi Federico
Published: January 2024

The building construction industry is the largest anthropogenic source of pollution, with massive energy consumption and substantial CO2 emissions. Lightweight tension structures allow the simultaneous implementation of several sustainable strategies by using recyclable low-carbon structural membranes offering a greener alternative to glass and other cladding materials. Their efficient structural load-bearing mechanisms result in significant weight savings in buildings and a drastic reduction of the environmental impact associated with material production, transportation, use, and disposal. A subgroup of lightweight materials, structural fabrics, and foils has been gaining popularity among designers and architects in recent years because of their desirable features such as high stiffness, strength, ductility, durability, and functional properties. While these structural membranes open new crucial perspectives for the clean energy transition and have been recently employed worldwide, their full potential is still limited by the lack of construction codes, advanced optimization tools, and comprehensive viscous-thermo-mechanical constitutive models. This chapter aims to foster the design of membrane structures by presenting their basic principles and recent advancements in the field. It covers the design approaches, employed materials and efforts in their characterization and modeling, implications on the sustainability of the built environment, current challenges, and future pathways from both academic research and engineering design viewpoints.
Anomaly-free dark matter models with one-loop neutrino masses and a gauged U(1) symmetry
Authors: de Boer T. , Klasen M. , Zeinstra S.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We systematically study and classify scotogenic models with a local U(1) gauge symmetry. These models give rise to radiative neutrino masses and a stable dark matter candidate, but avoid the theoretical problems of global and discrete symmetries. We restrict the dark sector particle content to up to four scalar or fermionic SU(2) singlets, doublets or triplets and use theoretical arguments based on anomaly freedom, Lorentz and gauge symmetry to find all possible charge assignments of these particles. The U(1) symmetry can be broken by a new Higgs boson to a residual discrete symmetry, that still stabilizes the dark matter candidate. We list the particle content and charge assignments of all non-equivalent models. Specific examples in our class of models that have been studied previously in the literature are the U(1)D scotogenic and singlet-triplet scalar models breaking to Z2. We also briefly discuss the new phenomenological aspects of our model arising from the presence of a new massless dark photon or massive Z′ boson as well as the additional Higgs boson.
Quercetin: a promising virulence inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasB in vitro
Authors: Ren Yanying , Zhu Rui , You Xiaojuan , Li Dengzhou , Guo Mengyu , Fei Bing , Liu Ying , Yang Ximing , Liu Xinwei , Li Yongwei
Published: January 2024

With the inappropriate use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major dilemma for patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Elastase B (LasB), a crucial extracellular virulence factor secreted by P. aeruginosa, has been identified as a key target for antivirulence therapy. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, exhibits promising potential as an antivirulence agent. We aim to evaluate the impact of quercetin on P. aeruginosa LasB and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed a rather favorable intermolecular interaction between quercetin and LasB. At the sub-MICs of ≤256 μg/ml, quercetin was found to effectively inhibit the production and activity of LasB elastase, as well as downregulate the transcription level of the lasB gene in both PAO1 and clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. Through correlation analysis, significant positive correlations were shown between the virulence gene lasB and the QS system regulatory genes lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR in clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. Then, we found the lasB gene expression and LasB activity were significantly deficient in PAO1 ΔlasI and ΔlasIΔrhlI mutants. In addition, quercetin significantly downregulated the expression levels of regulated genes lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR, pqsA, and pqsR as well as effectively attenuated the synthesis of signaling molecules 3-oxo-C12-HSL and C4-HSL in the QS system of PAO1. Quercetin was also able to compete with the natural ligands OdDHL, BHL, and PQS for binding to the receptor proteins LasR, RhlR, and PqsR, respectively, resulting in the formation of more stabilized complexes. Taken together, quercetin exhibits enormous potential in combating LasB production and activity by disrupting the QS system of P. aeruginosa in vitro, thereby offering an alternative approach for the antivirulence therapy of P. aeruginosa infections.

Key points

• Quercetin diminished the content and activity of LasB elastase of P. aeruginosa.

• Quercetin inhibited the QS system activity of P. aeruginosa.

• Quercetin acted on LasB based on the QS system.
Older adults’ communication with an interactive humanoid robot
Authors: Strutz Nicole , Perotti Luis , Heimann-Steinert Anika , Klebbe Robert
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

One possible approach to counter singularization and loneliness of older adults is the development and implementation of socially interactive robots. Little is known about the expectations and experiences of older adults with socially interactive humanoid robots.

Material and methods

In a mixed-methods design study, user expectations before interaction and the experience and evaluation of verbal and non-verbal communication after interaction with a robot were assessed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the interaction.

Results

The majority of older adults expected verbal communication. After the interaction the evaluation of the quality of verbal communication differed. Participants did not expect any form of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication was highlighted as particularly positive. Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements were described as confidence building.

Conclusion

The robot’s ability to communicate nonverbally might positively influence older adults’ experience of communication with the robot. In the development of socially interactive robots non-verbal communication should be given more consideration in order to contribute to successful human-robot interaction.
Optimizing vestibular implant electrode positioning using fluoroscopy and intraoperative CT imaging
Authors: Loos Elke , Stultiens Joost J. A. , Volpe Benjamin , Vermorken Bernd L. , Van Boxel Stan C. J. , Devocht Elke M. J. , van Hoof Marc , Postma Alinda A. , Guinand Nils , Pérez-Fornos Angelica , Van Rompaey Vincent , Denys Sam , Desloovere Christian , Verhaert Nicolas , van de Berg Raymond
Published: January 2024

Purpose

 Vestibular implant electrode positioning close to the afferent nerve fibers is considered to be key for effective and selective electrical stimulation. However, accurate positioning of vestibular implant electrodes inside the semicircular canal ampullae is challenging due to the inability to visualize the target during the surgical procedure. This study investigates the accuracy of a new surgical protocol with real-time fluoroscopy and intraoperative CT imaging, which facilitates electrode positioning during vestibular implant surgery.

Methods

 Single-center case-controlled cohort study with a historic control group at a tertiary referral center. Patients were implanted with a vestibulocochlear implant, using a combination of intraoperative fluoroscopy and cone beam CT imaging. The control group consisted of five patients who were previously implanted with the former implant prototype, without the use of intraoperative imaging. Electrode positioning was analyzed postoperatively with a high-resolution CT scan using 3D slicer software. The result was defined as accurate if the electrode position was within 1.5 mm of the center of the ampulla.

Results

With the new imaging protocol, all electrodes could be positioned within a 1.5 mm range of the center of the ampulla. The accuracy was significantly higher in the study group with intraoperative imaging (21/21 electrodes) compared to the control group without intraoperative imaging (10/15 electrodes), (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

 The combined use of intraoperative fluoroscopy and CT imaging during vestibular implantation can improve the accuracy of electrode positioning. This might lead to better vestibular implant performance.
Superconcentration for minimal surfaces in first passage percolation and disordered Ising ferromagnets
Authors: Dembin Barbara , Garban Christophe
Published: January 2024

We consider the standard first passage percolation model on $${\mathbb {Z}}^ d$$

Z

d

with a distribution G taking two values $$0<a<b$$

0
<
a
<
b

. We study the maximal flow through the cylinder $$[0,n]^ {d-1}\times [0,hn]$$

[
0
,
n
]

d
-
1

×

[
0
,
h
n
]

between its top and bottom as well as its associated minimal surface(s). We prove that the variance of the maximal flow is superconcentrated, i.e. in $$O(\frac{n^{d-1}}{\log n})$$

O
(

n

d
-
1

log
n

)

, for $$h\ge h_0$$

h
≥

h
0

(for a large enough constant $$h_0=h_0(a,b)$$

h
0

=

h
0

(
a
,
b
)

). Equivalently, we obtain that the ground state energy of a disordered Ising ferromagnet in a cylinder $$[0,n]^ {d-1}\times [0,hn]$$

[
0
,
n
]

d
-
1

×

[
0
,
h
n
]

is superconcentrated when opposite boundary conditions are applied at the top and bottom faces and for a large enough constant $$h\ge h_0$$

h
≥

h
0

(which depends on the law of the coupling constants). Our proof is inspired by the proof of Benjamini–Kalai–Schramm (Ann Probab 31:1970–1978, 2003). Yet, one major difficulty in this setting is to control the influence of the edges since the averaging trick used in Benjamini et al. (Ann Probab 31:1970–1978, 2003) fails for surfaces. Of independent interest, we prove that minimal surfaces (in the present discrete setting) cannot have long thin chimneys.
VolcAshDB: a Volcanic Ash DataBase of classified particle images and features
Authors: Benet Damià , Costa Fidel , Widiwijayanti Christina , Pallister John , Pedreros Gabriela , Allard Patrick , Humaida Hanik , Aoki Yosuke , Maeno Fukashi
Published: January 2024

Volcanic ash provides unique pieces of information that can help to understand the progress of volcanic activity at the early stages of unrest, and possible transitions towards different eruptive styles. Ash contains different types of particles that are indicative of eruptive styles and magma ascent processes. However, classifying ash particles into its main components is not straightforward. Diagnostic observations vary depending on the magma composition and the style of eruption, which leads to ambiguities in assigning a given particle to a given class. Moreover, there is no standardized methodology for particle classification, and thus different observers may infer different interpretations. To improve this situation, we created the web-based platform Volcanic Ash DataBase (VolcAshDB). The database contains > 6,300 multi-focused high-resolution images of ash particles as seen under the binocular microscope from a wide range of magma compositions and types of volcanic activity. For each particle image, we quantitatively extracted 33 features of shape, texture, and color, and petrographically classified each particle into one of the four main categories: free crystal, altered material, lithic, and juvenile. VolcAshDB (https://volcash.wovodat.org) is publicly available and enables users to browse, obtain visual summaries, and download the images with their corresponding labels. The classified images could be used for comparative studies and to train Machine Learning models to automatically classify particles and minimize observer biases.
Partizipation im innerstädtischen Transformationsprozess: Das Beispiel der „Zukunftswerkstatt Innenstadt“ in Peine
Authors: Förster Amelie , Panzer-Krause Sabine
Published: January 2024

Mit dem Sofortprogramm „Perspektive Innenstadt“, das von 2021–2023 lief, wurden Kommunen in Niedersachsen bei der Bewältigung der Folgen der COVID-19-Pandemie in den Innenstädten unterstützt. Gleichzeitig fördert auch das Bundesprogramm „Zukunftsfähige Innenstädte und Zentren“ bis 2025 die Umsetzung innovativer Konzepte und Handlungsstrategien zur Stärkung der Resilienz der Innenstädte. Im Rahmen eines Beteiligungsprozesses haben sich die städtischen Akteure im niedersächsischen Mittelzentrum Peine über Maßnahmen für beide Programme verständigt. Diese Studie untersucht den partizipativen Prozess mit Blick auf die beteiligten Akteure, um Erfolgsfaktoren und Hindernisse städtischer Beteiligungsprozesse zu identifizieren. Dazu wurden eine nichtteilnehmende Beobachtung sowie Expert*inneninterviews durchgeführt. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass sich neben der Innenstadt und dem Einzelhandel auch Peines Akteursgefüge der Stadtentwicklung in einer Transformationsphase befindet, welche vor allem durch die Etablierung eines integrierten Stadtmarketings Potenzial für eine erfolgreiche Neupositionierung der Innenstadt bietet. Zudem wird aber auch deutlich, dass sich Politik und Verwaltung noch stärker neuen Beteiligungsformen gegenüber öffnen und den Ausbau einer engen und langfristigen Kooperation aller städtischen, Akteure weiter vorantreiben müssen.
Dental and periodontal dimensions stability after esthetic clinical crown lengthening surgery: a 12‐month clinical study
Authors: Carneiro Valéria Martins de Araújo , Gomes Andressa Meireles Seabra , Marinho Mônica Umpierre , de Melo Gabriel Simino , Kasabji Feras , An Tien-Li , Stefani Cristine Miron , Guimarães Maria do Carmo Machado , Andrade Carlos Alexandre Soares
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the stability of periodontal tissues 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months after esthetic crown lengthening (ACL) and the possible correlations between changes in those structures.

Materials and methods

Twenty individuals were evaluated through clinical assessment, photography, and tomography. Measurements included gingival margin (GM), clinical crown length (CCL), interdental papilla height (PH) and width (PW), gingival thickness (GT), bone thickness (BT), probing depth (PD), distance between alveolar crest and GM, distance between alveolar crest and cementoenamel junction. Nonparametric and correlation statistics were performed (p < 0.05).

Results

CCL at T0 was 7.42 ± 0.70 mm and increased to 9.48 ± 0.49 mm immediately after ACL, but it decreased to 8.93 ± 0.65 mm at T12. PD decreased 0.60 mm from T0 to T6, and it increased 0.39 mm from T6 to T12. BT decreased 0.20 mm, while GT increased 0.29 mm from T0 to T12. Both PW and PH showed enlargement in T12. A positive moderate correlation was found between CCL/T0 and CCL/T12, GT/T0 and AC-GM/T12, BT/T0 and GT/T12. A few negative moderate correlations were PD/T0 and CCL/T12, PD/T0 and PH/T0, PD/T0 and BT/T12.

Conclusions

ACL procedure was effective. Although some rebound occurred, that was not clinically important. PD tended to reestablish its original length, partially due to a migration of GM during the healing period. Besides, a thickening of supracrestal soft tissues was observed.

Clinical relevance

The present study centers on the factors influencing the stability of periodontal tissues after esthetic crown lengthening, underscoring the procedure’s influence on esthetics and biology and the need for careful treatment planning.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on prescription stimulant use among children and youth: a population-based study
Authors: Antoniou Tony , Pajer Kathleen , Gardner William , Penner Melanie , Lunsky Yona , McCormack Daniel , Tadrous Mina , Mamdani Muhammad , Gozdyra Peter , Juurlink David N. , Gomes Tara
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 associated public health measures and school closures exacerbated symptoms in some children and youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Less well understood is how the pandemic influenced patterns of prescription stimulant use. We conducted a population-based study of stimulant dispensing to children and youth ≤ 24 years old between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2022. We used structural break analyses to identify the pandemic month(s) when changes in the dispensing of stimulants occurred. We used interrupted time series models to quantify changes in dispensing following the structural break and compare observed and expected stimulant use. Our main outcome was the change in the monthly rate of stimulant use per 100,000 children and youth. Following an initial immediate decline of 60.1 individuals per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 99.0 to − 21.2), the monthly rate of stimulant dispensing increased by 11.8 individuals per 100,000 (95% CI 10.0–13.6), with the greatest increases in trend observed among females, individuals in the highest income neighbourhoods, and those aged 20 to 24. Observed rates were between 3.9% (95% CI 1.7–6.2%) and 36.9% (95% CI 34.3–39.5%) higher than predicted among females from June 2020 onward and between 7.1% (95% CI 4.2–10.0%) and 50.7% (95% CI 47.0–54.4%) higher than expected among individuals aged 20–24 from May 2020 onward. Additional research is needed to ascertain the appropriateness of stimulant use and to develop strategies supporting children and youth with ADHD during future periods of long-term stressors.
Correlation of visual field deficits and q-ball high-resolution fiber tractography of the optic radiation for adjacently located intracerebral lesions: preliminary results from a single-center prospective study
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Scherer Moritz , Peretzke Robin , Neher Peter , Jesser Jessica , Beisse Christina , Unterberg Andreas W. , Daniela Becker
Published: January 2024

Visual field deficits (VFDs) are common in patients with temporal and occipital lobe lesions. Diffusion tensor fiber tractography (DTI-FT) is widely used for surgery planning to reduce VFDs. Q-ball high-resolution fiber tractography (QBI-HRFT) improves upon DTI. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of DTI-FT and QBI-HRFT for surgery planning near the optic radiation (OR) as well as the correlation between VFDs, the nearest distance from the lesion to the OR fiber bundle (nD-LOR), and the lesion volume (LV). This ongoing prospective clinical trial collects clinical and imaging data of patients with lesions in deterrent areas. The present subanalysis included eight patients with gliomas near the OR. Probabilistic HRFT based on QBI-FT and conventional DTI-FT were performed for OR reconstruction based on a standard diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequence in clinical use. Quantitative analysis was used to evaluate the lesion volume (LV) and nD-LOR. VFDs were determined based on standardized automated perimetry. We included eight patients (mean age 51.7 years [standard deviation (SD) 9.5]) with lesions near the OR. Among them, five, two, and one patients had temporodorsal, occipital, and temporal lesions, respectively. Four patients had normal vision preoperatively, while four patients had preexisting VFD. QBI-FT analysis indicated that patients with VFD exhibited a significantly smaller median nD-LOR (mean, −4.5; range −7.0; −2.3) than patients without VFD (mean, 7.4; range −4.3; 27.2) (p = 0.050). There was a trend towards a correlation between tumor volume and nD-LOR when QBI-FT was used (rs = −0.6; p = 0.056). A meticulous classification of the spatial relationship between the lesions and OR according to DTI-FT and QBI-FT was performed. The results indicated that the most prevalent orientations were the FT bundles located laterally and intrinsically in relation to the tumor. Compared with conventional DTI-FT, QBI-FT suggests reliable and more accurate results when correlated to preoperative VFDs and might be preferred for preoperative planning and intraoperative use of nearby lesions, particularly for those with larger volumes. A detailed analysis of localization, surgical approach together with QBI-FT and DTI-FT could reduce postoperative morbidity regarding VFDs. The display of HRFT techniques intraoperatively within the navigation system should be pursued for this issue.
Clinical outcomes of sentinel node navigation surgery in patients with preoperatively estimated stage IA endometrial cancer and evaluation of validity for continuing sentinel node navigation surgery based on dispersion of recurrence probability
Authors: Yamashita Tsuyoshi , Itoh Takahiro , Asano Takuya , Suina Asuka , Nishimori Mitsutaka , Munakata Satoru , Satoh Hideki
Published: January 2024

Background

To evaluate the feasibility of the use and continuation of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery (SNNS) as an alternative to pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for patients with preoperatively estimated stage IA endometrial cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study selected the electronic medical records of all patients who had received CT scans and MRI imaging before surgery from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2021. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were detected by administrating 99mTc-phytate and/or indocyanine green into the cervix, and the clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent SNNS or PLND were evaluated. Furthermore, in case of nodal recurrence, a new procedure to determine whether the facility should continue with SNNS or not was developed that compares the maximum likelihood hypothesis and an alternative one based on recurrence rates.

Results

Among 137 patients, SLN biopsies with ultrastaging were performed on 91 patients. The SLN detection rate was 95.6%. Over a 59-month median observation period, no statistically significant differences were shown in overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease-free survival between the SNNS and PLND groups when introducing the propensity score method (p-values: 0.06, 0.153, and 0.625, respectively). Our procedure demonstrated that, in our department without recurrence up to the 65th attempt, it was possible to continue SNNS if a recurrence occurs at the 66th attempt.

Conclusion

This study suggests the validity of SNNS as an alternative to PLND. Even in the absence of evidence from randomized controlled trials, we can confirm the validity of continuing SNNS using our procedure.
Zebra finches increase social behavior in traffic noise: Implications for urban songbirds
Authors: Hawkins Carly E. , Pantel Jelena H. , Palia Sophia T. , Folks Christine C. , Swaddle John P.
Published: January 2024

Traffic noise is a pervasive pollutant that affects wildlife at individual and group levels through mechanisms such as disrupting communication, affecting antipredator strategy, and/or changing how they use space within a habitat. Urbanization is expanding rapidly—few places remain untouched by anthropogenic noise disturbance—so understanding the implications of noise on wildlife behavior is paramount to conservation efforts. We asked whether traffic noise could change space use and social network metrics in flocks of captive birds. Specifically, we quantified the effects of playbacks of traffic noise on individual sociality (weighted degree, number of social partners weighted by the frequency of interactions with those social partners) and flock clustering (global clustering coefficient, connectivity of neighbors). In this study, we recorded social interactions and space use of flocks of captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) before, during, and after an experimental traffic noise introduction in two treatments: high- and lower-amplitude noise. Our results demonstrated that individual sociality and flock clustering increased in response to the noise introduction in both high-amplitude and low-amplitude treatments. Additionally, birds in the high-amplitude treatment spent more time in the room with active playback during noise playback whereas birds in the lower-amplitude treatment decreased time spent in the room closest to the high-amplitude treatment. Increased social behavior in response to traffic noise could influence disease transmission, social learning, and mating dynamics. We suggest future studies explore the mechanisms driving increased social behavior in traffic noise, such as perceived predation risk, vigilance, and cross-sensory interference.
The Role of TikTok in Students’ Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Ramsden Ethan , Talbot Catherine V.
Published: January 2024

Students are exposed to various academic, financial and psychosocial stressors while studying at a university, and have increasingly turned to social media to alleviate stress and access social support. While evidence suggests that social networking sites may promote health awareness and health-protective behaviours, little research has explored TikTok, a relatively new platform with over 800 million active users. Seven university students (6 females, 1 non-binary; all White British; mean age = 20.57) were interviewed about their experiences on TikTok, their motivations behind using it and its effects on their psychological wellbeing. A thematic analysis of this data revealed that while TikTok use temporarily relieved academic stress, it also encouraged addictive behaviour and upward social comparisons. These differential effects were largely mediated by TikTok’s algorithm, which recommended content based on users’ previous interactions.
Surgical Management of Primary Anorectal Melanoma: Is Less More?
Authors: Fadel Michael G. , Mohamed Hesham S. , Weir Justin , Hayes Andrew J. , Larkin James , Smith Myles J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Ano-uro-genital (AUG) Mucosal Melanoma UK guidelines recommended a less radical surgical strategy for anorectal melanoma (ARM) where possible. We report our experience of ARM consistent with that approach including clinical presentation, intervention undertaken and prognosis.

Methods

We present a retrospective study of 15 consecutive patients with ARM surgically treated between November 2014 and April 2023. Patients were divided into the two surgery types: wide local excision (WLE, n = 9) and abdominoperineal resection (APR, n = 6). Data on demographics, diagnosis, treatment and oncological outcomes were assessed between the groups.

Results

The mean age was 65.3 ± 17.4 years and 6 (40.0%) were female patients. Nine patients (60.0%) were diagnosed with stage I and six patients (40.0%) with stage II disease. R0 margins were achieved in all cases. The overall mean length of stay was lower following WLE compared to APR (2.6 ± 2.4 days versus 14.0 ± 9.8 days, p = 0.032). Two complications were observed in the WLE group compared to four complications after APR (p = 0.605). Five patients (55.5%) developed local/distant recurrence in the WLE group compared to three patients (50.0%) in the APR group (p = 0.707), with a median overall survival of 38.5 (12–83) months versus 26.5 (14–48) months, respectively.

Conclusions

Achieving clear margins by the least radical fashion may have equivalent oncological outcomes to radical surgery, potentially reducing patient morbidity and preserving function. In our experience, the surgical management of ARM consistent with the ‘less is more’ approach adhering to AUG guidelines has acceptable outcomes.
Increasing realism in modelling energy losses in railway vehicles and their impact to energy-efficient train control
Authors: Nold Michael , Corman Francesco
Published: January 2024

The reduction of energy consumption is an increasingly important topic of the railway system. Energy-efficient train control (EETC) is one solution, which refers to mathematically computing when to accelerate, which cruising speed to hold, how long one should coast over a suitable space, and when to brake. Most approaches in literature and industry greatly simplify a lot of nonlinear effects, such that they ignore mostly the losses due to energy conversion in traction components and auxiliaries. To fill this research gap, a series of increasingly detailed nonlinear losses is described and modelled. We categorize an increasing detail in this representation as four levels. We study the impact of those levels of detail on the energy optimal speed trajectory. To do this, a standard approach based on dynamic programming is used, given constraints on total travel time. This evaluation of multiple test cases highlights the influence of the dynamic losses and the power consumption of auxiliary components on railway trajectories, also compared to multiple benchmarks. The results show how the losses can make up 50% of the total energy consumption for an exemplary trip. Ignoring them would though result in consistent but limited errors in the optimal trajectory. Overall, more complex trajectories can result in less energy consumption when including the complexity of nonlinear losses than when a simpler model is considered. Those effects are stronger when the trajectory includes many acceleration and braking phases.
Livelihood transitions in rural Vietnam under climate change effects in the period of 2008–2018
Authors: Chuong Huynh Ngoc , Loc Tran Thi , Tuyen Tran Luc Thanh , Ngoc Bui Hong
Published: January 2024

The goal of this research is assess the variation in livelihood choices of households in Vietnam rural areas under the effects of climate change. Sustainable livelihood analysis framework and previous studies show that climate change has positive significant impacts on household livelihood transitions. Base on secondary dataset (Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey) from 2008 to 2018 and applying multinomial logit model, the authors have indicated that climate change not only directly affects livelihood choices of inhabitans in rural areas but also indirectly influcences them through livelihood capitals, including: human capital, natural capital, material capital, financial capital, and social capital. In addion, authors have shown that the wage-based and nonagricultural strategy preferred under the effects of climate change. This study has also determined the effects of climate change on rural households via livelihood capitals, particularly human and social capital. Finally, the authors suggested some policy implications about quickly policy implement from government, enhancing social capital as well as social networks of households, improving human capital for climate change adaptation.
Investigating stone column effectiveness for sabkha soil improvement: field tests and numerical model
Authors: Abas Hassan. A. , Medawi Abdullah M.
Published: January 2024

This study explores the application of stone columns to improve the bearing capacity of sabkha soil for the construction of a Lattice Communication Tower foundation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Geotechnical investigation report, an on-site footing loading test to evaluate the foundation's bearing capacity and settlement behavior following stone column installation, and post-cone penetration tests (CPT) to assess soil densification are all part of the study data. The uppermost 4 m of the soil profile comprise a medium to dense layer of sand with silt, followed by a 12-m layer of weak sabkha soil (SPT, N less than 4). Below the sabkha layer, the strata exhibit varying densities, ranging from medium to dense and very dense layers, extending to the maximum depth of investigation. The comparison of Pre- and Post-CPT data revealed significant improvements in the sand and silt layer above the sabkha layer, as well as moderate improvements in the upper portion of the sabkha layer. However, the majority of the sabkha soils and underlying soil layers did not show significant improvement. Plaxis 3D numerical models were employed to provide insights into the performance of the composite area encompassing stone columns and the surrounding soil. Comparing field tests and numerical models showed that neglecting stone column installation effects in numerical models led to overestimating settlements. However, when examining the field data and numerical results with a raised coefficient of lateral earth pressure when of$${K}_{^\circ }=2$$K∘=2, a distinct alignment between settlement values consistent with those derived from field testing. The findings highlight the importance of including site-specific conditions and installation effects in numerical modeling to accurately predict the behavior of stone columns in sabkha soils.
Comprehensive assessment of recent major chemical accidents in China and path to sustainable solutions
Authors: Liang Hao-Yuan , Yan Tao , Zhao Wei-Wei
Published: January 2024

China’s chemical manufacturing sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, making it a global leader in chemical production. However, this rapid expansion has led to an increase in chemical accidents, particularly major chemical accidents (MCAs), resulting in significant casualties and property loss. This study focuses on MCAs that occurred in China between 2017 and 2022, using mathematical statistics. It examines various aspects of accidents, including the annual number of accidents and casualties, distribution across months, types of accidents, accident stages, direct causes of accidents, and geographical distribution of accidents. Furthermore, this study investigated the potential of using novel digital tools to enhance the safety of chemical production. By analysing the data and identifying trends, this study aims to contribute to the prevention of large-scale chemical disasters. Furthermore, it explores the implementation of smart management of chemical plants, utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) for example, to ensure the sustainable advancement of the chemical industry.
Avant-Garde on Record
Authors: Goldman Jonathan
Published: January 2024

An innovative contribution to music history, cultural studies, and sound studies, Avant-garde on Record revisits post-war composers and their technologically oriented brand of musical modernism. It describes how a broad range of figures (including Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Henri Pousseur, Toshirō Mayuzumi, Claire Schapira, Anthony Braxton and Gunther Schuller) engaged with avant-garde aesthetics while responding to a rapidly changing, technologically fuelled, spatialized audio culture. Jonathan Goldman focuses on how contemporary listeners understood these composers' works in the golden age of LPs and explores how this reception was mediated through consumer-oriented sound technology that formed a prism through which listeners processed the 'music of their time'. His account reveals unexpected aspects of twentieth-century audio culture: from sonic ping-pong to son et lumière shows, from Venetian choral music by Stravinsky to the soundscape of Niagara Falls, from a Buddhist Cantata to an LP box set cast as a parlour game.
A Study on the Incidence and Prevalence of 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Canada Using Multiple Data Sources
Authors: Price Tiffany R. , Hodgkinson Victoria , Westbury Grace , Korngut Lawrence , Innes Micheil A. , Marshall Christian R. , Nelson Tanya N. , Huang Lijia , Parboosingh Jillian , Mah Jean K.
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant death and represents a significant burden of care. An improved understanding of the epidemiology of SMA in Canada may help inform strategies to improve the standard of care for individuals living with SMA.

Methods:

We employed a multisource approach to estimate the minimal incidence and prevalence of 5q SMA and to gain greater insight into recent clinical practices and treatment trends for the Canadian SMA population. Data sources included the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP), Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR), and molecular genetics laboratories in Canada.

Results:

The estimated annual minimum incidence of 5q SMA was 4.38, 3.44, and 7.99 cases per 100,000 live births in 2020 and 2021, based on CPSP, CNDR, and molecular genetics laboratories data, respectively, representing approximately 1 in 21,472 births (range 12,516–29,070) in Canada. SMA prevalence was estimated to be 0.85 per 100,000 persons aged 0–79 years. Delay in diagnosis exists across all SMA subtypes. Most common presenting symptoms were delayed milestones, hypotonia, and muscle weakness. Nusinersen was the most common disease-modifying treatment received. Most patients utilized multidisciplinary clinics for management of SMA.

Conclusion:

This study provides data on the annual minimum incidence of pediatric 5q SMA in Canada. Recent therapeutic advances and newborn screening have the potential to drastically alter the natural history of SMA. Findings underline the importance of ongoing surveillance of the epidemiology and long-term health outcomes of SMA in the Canadian population.
A viscous vortex model for predicting the drag reduction of riblet surfaces
Authors: Wong J. , Camobreco C.J. , García-Mayoral R. , Hutchins N. , Chung D.
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces a viscous vortex model for predicting the optimal drag reduction of riblet surfaces, eliminating the need for expensive direct numerical simulations (DNSs) or experiments. The footprint of a typical quasi-streamwise vortex, in terms of the spanwise and wall-normal velocities, is extracted from smooth-wall DNS flow fields in close proximity to the surface. The extracted velocities are then averaged and used as boundary conditions in a Stokes-flow problem, wherein riblets with various cross-sectional shapes are embedded. Here, the same smooth-wall-based boundary conditions can be used for riblets, as we observe from the DNSs that the quasi-streamwise vortices remain unmodified apart from an offset. In particular, the position of these vortices remain unpinned above small riblets. The present approach is compared with the protrusion-height model of Luchini et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 228, 1991, pp. 87–109), which is also based on a Stokes calculation, but represents the vortex with only a uniform spanwise velocity boundary condition. The key novelty of the present model is the introduction of a wall-normal velocity component into the boundary condition, thus inducing transpiration at the riblet crests, which becomes relevant as the riblet size increases. Consequently, the present model allows for the drag-reduction prediction of riblets up to the optimal size. The present approach does not rely on the scale separation formally required by homogenisation techniques, which are only applicable for vanishingly small riblets.
An alternative to the Navier–Stokes equation based on the conservation of acceleration
Authors: Caltagirone Jean-Paul
Published: January 2024

The derivation of the Navier–Stokes equation in continuum mechanics leads to a number of consequences which are discussed in depth. In spite of its very high representativity of real flows, this equation presents some artefacts due to the whole notion of the continuous medium. An alternative to the Navier–Stokes equation is proposed, based on the conservation of energy per unit mass instead of momentum. The classical inertial frame of reference is replaced by a set of local frames of reference where interactions are treated as cause and effect. Invoking the principle of equivalence between energy and mass, the latter is eliminated from the quantities used in this new formalism. All quantities, variables and physical properties are thus expressed in units of mass. The law of motion is established in the form of the conservation of acceleration, an energy per unit of mass and length. The acceleration is thus written in the form of a Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition, in two terms, the first curl-free and the second divergence-free as a function of two potentials, scalar and vector. Maxwell's idea of federating the laws of electrodynamics and magnetism to establish electromagnetism is taken up here to establish the new law of motion as a nonlinear wave equation. This approach makes it possible to demonstrate that this law is relativistic from the start. The form of the equation of motion in two Lagrangians gives access to symmetries related to the conservation of certain quantities according to Noether's theorem.
Total and static temperature statistics in compressible turbulent plane channel flow
Authors: Gerolymos G.A. , Vallet I.
Published: January 2024

The paper studies the statistics of total and static temperature (total

$h_t$

and static

$h$

enthalpy) in compressible turbulent plane channel flow using direct numerical simulations (DNS) data covering the range of centreline Mach numbers

$0.3\lessapprox \bar {M}_{{{CL}}_x} \lessapprox 2.5$

and Huang–Coleman–Bradshaw friction Reynolds numbers

$100\lessapprox Re_{\tau ^\star }\lessapprox 1000$

. For this class of very-cold-wall flows, the DNS data for correlation coefficients and joint probability density functions (p.d.f.s) show that

$h_t'$

is invariably very strongly correlated with the streamwise velocity fluctuation

$u'$

, in contrast to static temperature (static enthalpy

$h'$

) whose correlation with

$u'$

weakens rapidly with increasing wall distance. We study various correlations and joint p.d.f.s of

$h_t'$

and

$h'$

in relation to the fluctuating velocity field, including the turbulent Prandtl number

$Pr_{{T}}$

, and discuss the predictions of Reynolds analogy. The scaling of the mean enthalpy and the fluctuating enthalpy variance and fluxes with respect to inner and outer velocity scales is investigated. The complex behaviour and scaling of different terms in the transport equations for the enthalpy variance and fluxes are discussed.
Four-dimensional variational data assimilation of a turbulent jet for super-temporal-resolution reconstruction
Authors: He Chuangxin , Zeng Xin , Wang Peng , Wen Xin , Liu Yingzheng
Published: January 2024

The super-temporal-resolution (STR) reconstruction of turbulent flows is an important data augmentation application for increasing the data reach in measurement techniques and understanding turbulence dynamics. This paper proposes a data assimilation (DA) strategy based on weak-constraint four-dimensional variation to conduct an STR reconstruction in a turbulent jet beyond the Nyquist limit from given low-sampling-rate observations. Highly resolved large-eddy simulation (LES) data are used to produce synthetic measurements, which are used as observations and for validation. A segregated assimilation procedure is realised to assimilate the initial condition, inflow boundary condition and model error separately. Different types of observational data are tested. The first type is down-sampled LES data containing many small-scale turbulence structures with or without synthetic noise. The DA results show that the temporal variation of the small-scale structures is well recovered even with noise in the observations. The spectra are resolved to a frequency approximately one order of magnitude higher than what can be captured within the Nyquist limit. The second type of observation is low-sampling-rate tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo-PIV) data with or without the injection of small-scale structures. The modulation between the large-scale structures contained in the tomo-PIV fields and the small scales injected from the observations is improved. The resultant small scales in the STR reconstruction have the characteristics of authentic turbulence to a considerable extent. Additionally, DA yields much smaller errors in the prediction of particle positions when compared with the Wiener filter, demonstrating the great potential for Lagrangian particle tracking in measurement techniques.
On Calderon's problem for the connection Laplacian
Authors: Gabdurakhmanov Ravil , Kokarev Gerasim
Published: January 2024

We consider Calderón's problem for the connection Laplacian on a real-analytic vector bundle over a manifold with boundary. We prove a uniqueness result for this problem when all geometric data are real-analytic, recovering the topology and geometry of a vector bundle up to a gauge transformation and an isometry of the base manifold.
Sialic acid in human milk and infant formulas in China: concentration, distribution and type
Authors: Lv Youping , Wang Xinyue , Huang Jiale , Zhang Wei , Zhu Meizhen , Dekyi Kelsang , Zhang Yichen , Zheng Linxi , Li Hongwei
Published: January 2024

This study compared the concentrations, types and distributions of sialic acid (SA) in human milk at different stages of the postnatal period with those in a range of infant formulas. Breast milk from mothers of healthy, full-term and exclusively breastfed infants was collected on the 2nd (n 246), 7th (n 135), 30th (n 85) and 90th (n 48) day after birth. The SA profiles of human milk, including their distribution, were analysed and compared with twenty-four different infant formulas. Outcome of this observational study was the result of natural exposure. Only SA of type Neu5Ac was detected in human milk. Total SA concentrations were highest in colostrum and reduced significantly over the next 3 months. Approximately 68·7–76·1 % of all SA in human milk were bound to oligosaccharides. Two types of SA, Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc, have been detected in infant formulas. Most SA was present in infant formulas combined with protein. Breastfed infants could receive more SA than formula-fed infants with the same energy intake. Overall, human milk is a preferable source of SA than infant formulas in terms of total SA content, dynamics, distribution and type. These SA profiles in the natural state are worth to be considered by the production of formulas because they may have a great effect on infant nutrition and development.
The temporal association between social isolation, distress, and psychotic experiences in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis
Authors: Akcaoglu Zeynep , Vaessen Thomas , Velthorst Eva , Lafit Ginette , Achterhof Robin , Nelson Barnaby , McGorry Patrick , Schirmbeck Frederike ,   EU-GEI High Risk Study, Morgan Craig , Hartmann Jessica , van der Gaag Mark , de Haan Lieuwe , Valmaggia Lucia , McGuire Philip , Kempton Matthew , Steinhart Henrietta , Klippel Annelie , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Batink Tim , van Winkel Ruud , van Amelsvoort Thérèse , Marcelis Machteld , van Aubel Evelyne , Reininghaus Ulrich , Myin-Germeys Inez
Published: January 2024

Background

Psychotic experiences (PEs) and social isolation (SI) seem related during early stages of psychosis, but the temporal dynamics between the two are not clear. Literature so far suggests a self-perpetuating cycle wherein momentary increases in PEs lead to social withdrawal, which, subsequently, triggers PEs at a next point in time, especially when SI is associated with increased distress. The current study investigated the daily-life temporal associations between SI and PEs, as well as the role of SI-related and general affective distress in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

We used experience sampling methodology in a sample of 137 CHR participants. We analyzed the association between SI, PEs, and distress using time-lagged linear mixed-effects models.

Results

SI did not predict next-moment fluctuations in PEs, or vice versa. Furthermore, although SI-related distress was not predictive of subsequent PEs, general affective distress during SI was a robust predictor of next-moment PEs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SI and PEs are not directly related on a moment-to-moment level, but a negative emotional state when alone does contribute to the risk of PEs. These findings highlight the role of affective wellbeing during early-stage psychosis development.