bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the health belief model (HBM) properties as predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviour
Authors: Subedi Sashikala , Leal Filho Walter , Adedeji Adekunle
Published: October 2023

Background

Public participation in preventive efforts is crucial in preventing infection and reducing mortality attributed to infectious diseases. The health belief model (HBM) suggests that individuals will likely participate in these efforts when experiencing a personal threat or risk, but only if the benefits of acting outweigh the risk or perceived barriers.

Methods

The current study explores the properties of the HBM as predictors of the public’s compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviour. Quantitative data on HBM properties, COVID-19 preventive behaviour, socioeconomic (SES) and demographic characteristics were collected from a sample of 674 adults in Hamburg, Germany. Binary logistic regression was computed to examine the effect of the properties of HBM on COVID-19 vaccination. Multiple linear regression was calculated to investigate the impacts of HBM properties on the likelihood of participants’ face mask usage as a protective measure against COVID-19 infection.

Results

The logistic regression model was statistically significant, X2(13) = 149.096, p < .001. The specificity and sensitivity for the model is 58.1% and 99.4%, respectively. Similarly, the multiple regression model results showed a good fit for the data. F (13, 650) = 17.093, p < .001, and adjusted R2= .240, suggesting that HBM properties predict face mask usage.

Conclusion

This study’s findings provide robust evidence to recommend that the concerned public health professionals consider individuals’ health beliefs when designing an effective COVID-19 preventive programme. Public health messaging should consider highlighting the benefits of preventive actions and the potential lethality of COVID-19 to evoke an individual’s appropriate concern.
Assessing global warming vulnerability of restricted and common plant species in alpine habitats on two Oceanic Islands
Authors: Mancebo Juana María González , Bello-Rodríguez Víctor , Cubas Jonay , Parada-Díaz Jesús , Bañares-Baudet Ángel , Palomares Ángel , Martín-Esquivel José Luís , del Arco Marcelino J.
Published: October 2023

Climate change is modifying plant communities and ecosystems around the world. Alpine ecosystems are of special concern on oceanic islands, due to their characteristic higher endemicity percentage, small area and undergoing severe climate change impact in the last few decades. During recent decades there has been increasing interest in the effects of climate change on biodiversity and a range of methods have been developed to assess species vulnerability. However, some new insights are necessary to obtain useful information for species management on oceanic islands. Here in the alpine area of two oceanic islands (Tenerife and La Palma) we evaluate the drivers that best explain the vulnerability of 63 endemic species along three scenarios, covering recent past to present and two future projections (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). The selected drivers were: loss of potential area, mismatch index between potential and occupied areas in different scenarios, and adaptive capacity constraints. We assess the influence of potential area size and whether the drivers of risk and the vulnerability for common, restricted and rare species are significantly different. Our results indicate that management must be widely distributed over the species, and not only focus on restricted species. Evidence for this was that drivers directly deriving from climate change showed no significant differences in their impact on the rarity groups identified. Vulnerability depends partially on the potential area size, showing a more complex picture where constraints on the adaptive capacity of the species have a strong enough influence to modify the effects of the characteristic drivers of climate change.
N-Hydroxyethyl-2-Pyrrolidone Improved Cu-Based Catalysts with High Performance for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhu Ruibo , Dai Yuanyuan , Xia Hangqi , Niu Qiang
Published: October 2023

To develop environmentally friendly acetylene hydrochlorination catalysts with high efficiency to replace HgCl2, copper-based catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The catalyst with the best performance was finally obtained by adding organic additives NHP. The acetylene conversion rate of the catalyst reached 89%, and the test conditions were T = 150 °C, GHSV(C2H2) = 90 h−1, VHCl/VC2H2 = 1:1.08. The characterization results of XRD, TEM, and ICP showed that NHP improved the dispersion of Cu and reduced the loss of Cu. In addition, from the results of TPR and XPS, the NHP inhibited the reduction of Cuα+ to Cu0, thereby preserving the long-term stability of the catalyst. The BET and TGA results show that the addition of organic additives greatly suppressed the formation of carbon deposits during the catalyst reaction process. Overall, this research provided a series of high-performance Cu-based catalysts obtained by the addition of organic additives NHP.

Graphical Abstract
The Indirect Effect of Biased Judgment Processing of Bodies on Eating Disorder Symptomatology Through Eating Disorder-Specific Reflection
Authors: Shao Rebecca , Krug Isabel , Dondzilo Laura
Published: October 2023

Background

The current study sought to empirically evaluate the relationships between biases involving judgment of bodies in terms of their shape and weight, ED-specific rumination subtypes (i.e., ED-specific reflection and ED-specific brooding) and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology.

Methods

Female undergraduates (n = 344) aged 17–24 years completed self-report measures of ED-specific rumination and ED symptomatology and a novel task designed to assess biased judgement processing of bodies.

Results

Results revealed that a bias in judging bodies in terms of their shape and weight was indirectly but not directly associated with ED symptomatology. Specifically, biased judgement processing was indirectly associated with ED symptomatology via ED-specific ruminative reflection but not via ED-specific ruminative brooding.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest biased judgement processing of bodies may contribute to ED symptomatology via ED-specific ruminative reflection. It is important to note that the indirect effect was small suggesting the involvement of other potential variables in this relationship. Thus, further exploration of the cognitive factors involved in the relationship between biased judgement processing and ED symptomatology is warranted.
Effect of environmental variables on mercury accumulation in sediments of an anthropogenically impacted tropical estuary (Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific)
Authors: Molina Andrés , Duque Guillermo , Cogua Pilar
Published: October 2023

Estuaries are the main entry areas of mercury to the marine environment and are important to understand the effect of this contaminant on marine organisms, since it accumulates in the sediments becoming available to enter the food trophic chain. This study aims to determine the environmental variables that mainly influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of total mercury accumulation in sediments of tropical estuaries. Sediment samples were collected from interior and exterior areas of the estuary during the dry and rainy seasons, representing the spatiotemporal gradients of the estuary. The grain size, organic matter content (OM), and total mercury concentration (THg) of the sediment samples were determined. In addition, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH of the water column associated with each sediment sample were assessed. The variations in environmental conditions, OM and THg in sediment were in accordance with a gradient which goes from conditions influenced by fresh water in the inner estuary to conditions influenced by sea water in the outer part of the estuary. The OM and THg in sediments presented similar variation patterns; they were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season and in the interior area of the estuary than in the exterior area. Despite the complex dynamic observed in the distribution and accumulation processes of mercury in sediments, these processes could be modeled from OM and salinity parameters. Due to the correlations found, in the process of accumulation of mercury in sediments the OM could represents the pathway of transport and accumulation of THg, and salinity could represent the influence of the hydroclimatic variations and environmental gradients of the estuary.
An Accommodation for Whom? Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Landscape of Flexible and Remote Work for Workers with Disabilities?
Authors: Brooks Jennifer D. , von Schrader Sarah
Published: October 2023

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, flexible and remote work was viewed as a silver bullet that would increase employment rates among people with disabilities. This view fails to recognize that not all workers with disabilities can obtain jobs that can be done remotely or on a flexible schedule. Data from the 2019 and 2021 years of the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey were used to examine if disabled workers’ gender, race, ethnicity, age, and education, increase (or decrease) their chances of accessing flexible and remote work and if the group of workers with disabilities who access such options expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that compared to their non-disabled counterparts, prior to the pandemic, workers with disabilities reported similar rates of flexible and remote work. Workers with disabilities, however, had lower rates of remote work after the start of the pandemic. Regardless of year, flexible and remote work rates vary by demographic group, with disabled workers who are white, female, and college-educated more likely to access these options than multiply marginalized disabled workers.
What’s in the bee nest holes? A single aggregation of Megachile parietina reveals and helps to fill up Eltonian shortfalls
Authors: Monterastelli Elisa , Orlotti Alfonso , Calderai Giulia , Natali Chiara , Lippi Marta Mariotti , Ciofi Claudio , Cini Alessandro , Dapporto Leonardo , Quaranta Marino , Dani Francesca Romana
Published: October 2023

Megachile (Chalicodoma) parietina (Geoffroy, 1785) is a Palearctic solitary bee included in the Red List of some central European Countries. Females build durable nests, reused year after year, by mixing soil with a salivary secretion. Like for most solitary bees, the resources contained within M. parietina nests attract several other insects which exploit pollen supplies or feed on the immature brood. These associated insects have mainly been studied for mantained bees and considered for their effect on the host reproductive success.

A very large nesting aggregation of M. parietina in Central Tuscany has been studied for three consecutive years. We have identified 32 associated insect species, which certainly are an underestimate of the species present. Among the identified species, only eight had been previously reported for M. parietina. All the species were classified both according to the specificity for the host taxon (Chalicodoma, Megachilidae, Anthophila, Hymenoptera, Others) and to the ecological relationship (cleptoparasites, parasitoids, predators of larvae, food commensal, scavengers, and occasional nest users).

This highlighted both the richness of the ecological network within the nesting aggregation and the value of studying these nesting sites to fill Eltonian shortfalls, i.e. the deficiency in ecology knowledge, of bees and their associated fauna.

Implications for insect conservation.

We suggest that, besides their role in pollination, large and stable bee nesting sites increase the local insect biodiversity, and that attention should be paid to their conservation within actions aimed to support populations of wild pollinators.
Low-dimensional neural ODEs and their application in pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bräm Dominic Stefan , Nahum Uri , Schropp Johannes , Pfister Marc , Koch Gilbert
Published: October 2023

Machine Learning (ML) is a fast-evolving field, integrated in many of today’s scientific disciplines. With the recent development of neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs), ML provides a new tool to model dynamical systems in the field of pharmacology and pharmacometrics, such as pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics. The novel and conceptionally different approach of NODEs compared to classical PK modeling creates challenges but also provides opportunities for its application. In this manuscript, we introduce the functionality of NODEs and develop specific low-dimensional NODE structures based on PK principles. We discuss two challenges of NODEs, overfitting and extrapolation to unseen data, and provide practical solutions to these problems. We illustrate concept and application of our proposed low-dimensional NODE approach with several PK modeling examples, including multi-compartmental, target-mediated drug disposition, and delayed absorption behavior. In all investigated scenarios, the NODEs were able to describe the data well and simulate data for new subjects within the observed dosing range. Finally, we briefly demonstrate how NODEs can be combined with mechanistic models. This research work enhances understanding of how NODEs can be applied in PK analyses and illustrates the potential for NODEs in the field of pharmacology and pharmacometrics.
Turbulent statistics and interface dynamics in a lubricated channel flow at $$Re_{\tau }=100$$
Authors: Alati Alessandro , De Angelis Elisabetta
Published: October 2023

In this work we aim to study, through the use of Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS), the turbulent drag reduction (DR) that occurs in a lubricated channel during the transport of a fluid at a low Reynolds number. In this situation, one of the two fluids separates the second from the wall forming a thin layer in contact with it. In our configuration the thin lubricating layer is adjacent to one of the wall, which will be called lubricated side and and we consider the same density $$(\rho _1=\rho _2)$$

(

ρ
1

=

ρ
2

)

for the two fluids, while for  the viscosity ratio $$(\lambda = \nu _1/\nu _2)$$

(
λ
=

ν
1

/

ν
2

)

we will consider  two different values: $$\lambda = 1$$

λ
=
1

and $$\lambda = 0.5$$

λ
=
0.5

. Moreover to assess the role of the surface tension we have duplicated the two simulations at We number of $$We=0.055$$

W
e
=
0.055

and $$We=0.5$$

W
e
=
0.5

. As expected the DR mechanism is strongly related to the viscosity ratio, in particular the flow rate increase when decreasing $$\lambda$$
λ
due to a relaminarization of the lubricated layer. Moreover, the parametric analysis on the effect of viscosity ratio and surface tension allows us to highlight very interesting modulations of the dynamics of the interface and of the turbulent kinetic budgets. To date, the latest studies in this area have been carried out using the Phase Field Method for the description of the interface. One of the scopes of the present study is to confirm and extend the existing results by exploring the dynamics of the flow with the use of the volume of fluid method.
Nonlinear dynamics of a piezoelectrically laminated initially curved microbeam resonator exposed to fringing-field electrostatic actuation
Authors: Rashidi Zahra , Azizi Saber , Rahmani Omid
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamics of a piezoelectrically sandwiched initially curved microbeam subjected to fringing-field electrostatic actuation is investigated. The governing motion equation is derived by minimizing the Hamiltonian over the time and discretized to a reduced-order model using the Galerkin technique. The modelling accounts for nonlinearities due to the fringing-field electrostatic force, initial curvature and mid-plane stretching. The electrostatic force is numerically computed using finite element simulation. The nonlinear dynamics of the microbeam in the vicinity of primary resonance is investigated, and the bifurcation types are determined by investigating the location of the Floquet exponents and their configuration with respect to the unit circle on the complex plane. The branches on the frequency–response curves, which originate from the period-doubling bifurcation points, are introduced, and the transition from period-1 to period-2 response is demonstrated by slight sweep of the excitation frequency over the time. The effect of DC and AC electrostatic excitation and the piezoelectric excitation on the response of the system are examined, and their effect on the bifurcation types is determined. The force response curves assuming the AC voltage as the bifurcation parameter are also introduced; it is illustrated that in contrast to in-plane electrostatic excitation, in fringing field-based resonators the resonator is not limited by pull-in instability, which is substantially confining the amplitude of the motion in in-plane resonators.
Exploring Factors Influencing the Inhibitory Effect of Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge on Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Rotondo Palma Rosa , Aceto Domenico , Rotolo Caterina , Ambrico Marianna , Dilecce Giorgio , Faretra Francesco , De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Ambrico Paolo Francesco
Published: October 2023

The application of Low-Temperature Plasmas has shown great potential as an effective and alternative tool for microbial inactivation in recent years. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to fully understand the possible factors influencing these processes. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of square wave modulated Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge on the direct inhibition of conidial germination in five different fungal species, various discharge conditions, and medium composition. The five different fungal species used were Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus carbonarius, Fusarium graminearum, and Alternaria alternata. On water agar, the inhibition of Botrytis cinerea was influenced by the applied voltage, which mainly reflects the uniformity of the treatment. Under the selected voltage condition, the inhibition increased with treatment duration and decreased with fungal spore complexity. B. cinerea and M. fructicola, with unicellular conidia and low melanin content, showed similar behaviour and high sensitivity to the treatment. F. graminearum and A. alternata, both having multicellular conidia, were more resistant to the plasma treatment and showed different sensitivity likely due to different content in melanin. However, after 1 min of treatment, complete inhibition of conidial germination was achieved for all the tested species. Inhibition of A. carbonarius conidia on different agarized media containing dextrose or malt extract was influenced by the complexity and composition of the medium, being potato dextrose agar that more hindered the plasma efficacy. Each medium exhibited a different electrical response studied by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy and morphology observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy images. These differences translated into a different response to the applied electrical field, influencing plasma generation and uniformity.
Levels of Physical Activity, Enjoyment, Self-Efficacy for Exercise, and Social Support Before and After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Imhagen Annika , Karlsson Jan , Ohlsson-Nevo Emma , Stenberg Erik , Jansson Stefan , Hagberg Lars
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can influence weight loss, health status, and quality of life. Known mediators to participate in PA are enjoyment, self-efficacy, and social support. Little is known about PA behavior in MBS individuals. The aim of this study was to explore levels of PA and the PA mediators enjoyment, self-efficacy, and social support before and after MBS and to investigate changes over time.

Methods

Adults scheduled to undergo MBS were recruited from a Swedish university hospital. Accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA, body weight, and PA mediators were collected at baseline and at 12 to 18 months post-surgery.

Results

Among 90 individuals included, 50 completed the follow-up assessment and had valid accelerometer data. Sedentary time (minutes/day) was unchanged, but sedentary time as percentage of wear time decreased significantly from 67.2% to 64.5% (p<0.05). Time spent in light PA and total PA increased significantly from 259.3 to 288.7 min/day (p < 0.05) and from 270.5 to 303.5 min/day (p < 0.01), respectively. Step counts increased significantly from 6013 to 7460 steps/day (p < 0.01). There was a significant increase in self-reported PA, enjoyment, self-efficacy for exercise, and positive social support from family. The increase in PA mediators did not lead to a significant change in time spent in moderate to vigorous PA.

Conclusion

The increase in PA-mediators was not associated with an increase in moderate to vigorous PA, but the strengthened PA mediators suggest potential for an increase in moderate to vigorous PA in patients undergoing MBS.

Graphical abstract
Assessment of radiation shielding properties of self-healing polymers and nanocomposites for a space habitat case study under GCR and LEO radiation
Authors: Pernigoni Laura , Lafont Ugo , Grande Antonio Mattia
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, the opportunity to introduce self-healing materials within space structures has drawn the attention of scientists and companies. Autonomous repair following damage caused by impacts with micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) would lead to safer human activity in space and would increase spacecraft operational life and autonomy, thus reducing replacement costs and possibly relieving astronauts from maintenance activities. In particular, integrating self-healing materials into structures to protect humans from the space environment is a fundamental step in the realization of long-lasting space exploration missions. Nevertheless, the way these materials interact with the environmental factors in space still needs to be properly analyzed and understood; in particular, space radiation is a serious threat to human health and material integrity. The proposed work hence investigates the shielding ability of candidate self-healing materials with the specific purpose of human protection in crewed missions. The NASA HZETRN2015 (High Z and Energy TRaNsport, 2015 version) software is used to simulate galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and low Earth orbit (LEO) environment. A comparison between a standard habitat layup proposed by NASA and a set of configurations containing self-healing polymers is performed to verify that the substitution of conventional bladder materials with the proposed self-healing solutions does not decrease the overall habitat shielding performance. A self-healing nanocomposite option with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is also analyzed to determine whether the insertion of nanofillers can increase the overall shielding performance. In the second phase, the comparison of puncture tests on blank and irradiated samples under conditions reproducing a space suit example is presented to assess the possible effects of radiation on the self-healing performance.
Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Hwang Yu-Na , Kwon In-Seo , Park Ju-Hee , Na Han-Heom , Kwon Tae-Hyung , Park Jin-Sung , Kim Keun-Cheol
Published: October 2023

Background

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a principal psychoactive extract of Cannabis sativa and has been traditionally used as palliative medicine for neuropathic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of hemp species, has recently attracted increased attention as a cancer treatment, but Δ9-THC is also requiring explored pharmacological application.

Objective

This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of Δ9-THC in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. We investigated whether Δ9-THC treatment induces cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.

Methods

We performed an MTT assay to determine the pharmacological concentration of Δ9-THC. Annxein V and Western blot analysis confirmed that Δ9-THC induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Metabolic activity was evaluated using MitoTracker staining and ATP determination. We investigated vesicle formation by Δ9-THC treatment using GW9662, known as a PPARγ inhibitor.

Results

The MTT assay showed that treatment with 40 μM Δ9-THC and above inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Multiple intracytoplasmic vesicles were detected upon microscopic observation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed cell death via G1 arrest. Δ9-THC treatment increased the expression of cell death marker proteins, including p53, cleaved PARP-1, RIP1, and RIP3, suggesting that Δ9-THC induced the death of colorectal cancer cells. Δ9-THC treatment also reduced ATP production via changes in Bax and Bcl-2. Δ9-THC regulated intracytoplasmic vesicle formation by modulating the expression of PPARγ and clathrin, adding that antiproliferative activity of Δ9-THC was also affected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Δ9-THC regulated two functional mechanisms, intracellular vesicle formation and cell death. These findings can help to determine how cannabinoids can be used most effectively to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Mechanical properties of MAG butt welded dissimilar structural steel joints with varying strength from grade S355 up to S960
Authors: Brätz Oliver , von Arnim Mareike , Eichler Stefan , Gericke Andreas , Hildebrand Jörg , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: October 2023

Mixed connections made of normal-strength and high-strength structural steels allow for optimized material usage and production effort in applications where, as a result of different mechanical effects on materials of the same type, it would otherwise be necessary to adjust the plate thickness. Reduced material consumption and smaller weld geometries can thus generate ecological and economic advantages. When welding high-strength structural steels, however, significant softening can occur in the heat-affected zone, which can influence the load-carrying behavior of the overall joint. Since there are currently no appropriate standards for butt welds made of steels with different strengths up to S960, a separate design concept is required. In this paper, the weldability and load-carrying capacity of multilayer MAG welded butt joints designed as mixed connections of a normal-strength structural steel S355 and a high-strength structural steel in the range S690 to S960 are investigated. Extensive experimental investigations are carried out, in which other influencing variables such as the filler metal used, the heat input, the plate thickness, and the weld geometry are varied in order to identify their effects on the load-carrying capacity of the welded joints. Among other things, the results form the basis for an empirically based design model for mixed connections.
Gender-related differences in patients with carcinoid syndrome: new insights from an Italian multicenter cohort study
Authors: Ruggeri R. M. , Altieri B. , Razzore P. , Retta F. , Sperti E. , Scotto G. , Brizzi M. P. , Zumstein L. , Pia A. , Lania A. , Lavezzi E. , Nappo G. , Laffi A. , Albertelli M. , Boschetti M. , Hasballa I. , Veresani A. , Prinzi N. , Pusceddu S. , Oldani S. , Nichetti F. , Modica R. , Minotta R. , Liccardi A. , Cannavale G. , Grossrubatscher E. M. , Tarsitano M. G. , Zamponi V. , Zatelli M. C. , Zanata I. , Mazzilli R. , Appetecchia M. , Davì M. V. , Guarnotta V. , Giannetta E. , La Salvia A. , Fanciulli G. , Malandrino P. , Isidori A. M. , Colao A. , Faggiano A. ,   NIKE Group
Published: October 2023

Background

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) and related carcinoid syndrome (CaS) has increased markedly in recent decades, and women appear to be more at risk than men. As per other tumors, gender may be relevant in influencing the clinical and prognostic characteristics of NEN-associated CS. However, specific data on carcinoid syndrome (CaS) are still lacking.

Purpose

To evaluate gender differences in clinical presentation and outcome of CaS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 144 CaS patients from 20 Italian high-volume centers was conducted. Clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, therapies, and outcomes (progression-free survival, PFS, overall survival, OS) were correlated to gender.

Results

Ninety (62.5%) CaS patients were male. There was no gender difference in the site of primary tumor, tumor grade and clinical stage, as well as in treatments. Men were more frequently smokers (37.2%) and alcohol drinkers (17.8%) than women (9.5%, p = 0.002, and 3.7%, p = 0.004, respectively). Concerning clinical presentation, women showed higher median number of symptoms (p = 0.0007), more frequent abdominal pain, tachycardia, and psychiatric disorders than men (53.3% vs 70.4%, p = 0.044; 6.7% vs 31.5%, p = 0.001; 50.9% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.003, respectively). Lymph node metastases at diagnosis were more frequent in men than in women (80% vs 64.8%; p = 0.04), but no differences in terms of PFS (p = 0.51) and OS (p = 0.64) were found between gender.

Conclusions

In this Italian cohort, CaS was slightly more frequent in males than females. Gender-related differences emerged in the clinical presentation of CaS, as well as gender-specific risk factors for CaS development. A gender-driven clinical management of these patients should be advisable.
Incidence, risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Tyrol, Austria: a prospective multicenter registry study
Authors: Mayerhöfer Timo , Perschinka Fabian , Klein Sebastian J. , Peer Andreas , Lehner Georg F. , Bellmann Romuald , Gasteiger Lukas , Mittermayr Markus , Breitkopf Robert , Eschertzhuber Stephan , Mathis Simon , Fiala Anna , Fries Dietmar , Ströhle Mathias , Foidl Eva , Hasibeder Walter , Helbok Raimund , Kirchmair Lukas , Stögermüller Birgit , Krismer Christoph , Heiner Tatjana , Ladner Eugen , Thomé Claudius , Preuß-Hernandez Christian , Mayr Andreas , Potocnik Miriam , Reitter Bruno , Brunner Jürgen , Zagitzer-Hofer Stefanie , Ribitsch Alexandra , Joannidis Michael
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in critically ill patients with and without COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors for, acute kidney injury and its effect on clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients in Tyrol, Austria.

Methods

This multicenter prospective registry study included adult patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, who were treated in one of the 12 dedicated intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 2020 until May 2022.

Results

In total, 1042 patients were included during the study period. The median age of the overall cohort was 66 years. Of the included patients, 267 (26%) developed acute kidney injury during their intensive care unit stay. In total, 12.3% (n = 126) required renal replacement therapy with a median duration of 9 (IQR 3–18) days. In patients with acute kidney injury the rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was significantly higher with 85% (n = 227) compared to 41% (n = 312) in the no acute kidney injury group (p < 0.001). The most important risk factors for acute kidney injury were invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 4.19, p < 0.001), vasopressor use (OR = 3.17, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.30, p < 0.001) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Hospital and intensive care unit mortality were significantly higher in patients with acute kidney injury compared to patients without acute kidney injury (Hospital mortality: 52.1% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001, ICU-mortality: 47.2% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

As in non-COVID-19 patients, acute kidney injury is clearly associated with increased mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Among known risk factors, invasive mechanical ventilation has been identified as an independent and strong predictor of acute kidney injury.

Graphical abstract
Adding household surveys to the behavioral economics toolbox: insights from the SOEP innovation sample
Authors: Fischbacher Urs , Neyse Levent , Richter David , Schröder Carsten
Published: October 2023

While laboratory and field experiments are the major items in the toolbox of behavioral economists, household panel studies can complement them and expand their research potential. We introduce the German Socio-Economic Panel’s Innovation Sample (SOEP-IS), which offers researchers detailed panel data and the possibility to collect personalized experimental and survey data for free. We discuss what SOEP-IS can offer to behavioral economists and illustrate a set of design ideas with examples. Although we build our discussion on SOEP-IS, our purpose is to provide a guide that can be generalized to other household panel studies as well.
A review on nanomaterial-based additive manufacturing: dynamics in properties, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Rahman Mustafijur , Islam Kazi Sirajul , Dip Tanvir Mahady , Chowdhury Mohammed Farhad Mahmud , Debnath Smita Rani , Hasan Shah Md. Maruf , Sakib Md. Sadman , Saha Tanushree , Padhye Rajiv , Houshyar Shadi
Published: October 2023

The incorporation of nanomaterials has revolutionized the field of additive manufacturing. The combination of additive manufacturing technology with nanomaterials has significantly broadened the scope of materials available for modern and innovative applications in various fields, including healthcare, construction, food processing, and the textile industry. By integrating nanomaterials into additive manufacturing, the manufacturing process can be enhanced, and the properties of materials can be improved, enabling the fabrication of intricate structures and complex shapes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on additive manufacturing techniques that utilize nanomaterials. It covers a wide range of nanomaterials employed in additive manufacturing and presents recent research findings on their incorporation into various categories of additive manufacturing, highlighting their impact on the properties of the final product. Moreover, the article discusses the potential of nanomaterial-based additive manufacturing technologies to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and explores the diverse applications of these techniques. The review concludes by outlining future research directions and focusing on addressing current challenges to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of nanomaterial-based additive manufacturing.

Graphical abstract
Linking artificial intelligence facilitated academic misconduct to existing prevention frameworks
Authors: Birks Daniel , Clare Joseph
Published: October 2023

This paper connects the problem of artificial intelligence (AI)-facilitated academic misconduct with crime-prevention based recommendations about the prevention of academic misconduct in more traditional forms. Given that academic misconduct is not a new phenomenon, there are lessons to learn from established information relating to misconduct perpetration and frameworks for prevention. The relevance of existing crime prevention frameworks for addressing AI-facilitated academic misconduct are discussed and the paper concludes by outlining some ideas for future research relating to preventing AI-facilitated misconduct and monitoring student attitudes and behaviours with respect to this type of behaviour.
Exiting Commercial Sex Work: a Case of Adolescent Street Girls of the Harare Central Business District in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikoko Witness
Published: October 2023

The paper interrogates narratives of adolescent street girls of the Harare Central Business District, Zimbabwe, exiting commercial sex work. A qualitative research methodology punctuated by street ethnography was adopted to gather data for the paper. A feminist social work approach and empowerment theory were used to have a deeper understanding of the lives of these children. Research findings suggest that there were very few cases where adolescent street girls of Harare Central Business District were successfully exiting transactional sex. There were varied and multiple reasons why they could not successfully exit commercial sex work. Some of them included addiction on commercial sex work, limited survival options outside commercial sex work, peer pressure, street subculture, and substance abuse. The paper concludes by advocating and lobbying key stakeholders such as the Government of Zimbabwe to improve the lives of children in street situations through provision of social protection mechanisms.
Boosting the nonlinear optical absorption of graphene oxide, and gold nanorods by tailoring graphene oxide-gold nanorods hybrids
Authors: Salah Abeer , Hassab-Elnaby Salah , Ramadan Marwa A.
Published: October 2023

Tailoring efficient nonlinear optical materials continues to be a topic of great interest in the scientific field. In this paper, we study the nonlinear response of graphene oxide nanosheets GO, gold nanorods AuNRs, and graphene oxide/gold nanorods hybrid nanocomposite GO@AuNRs respectively, GO was prepared by modified Hummer method while AuNRs were prepared by the seed-mediated method and GO@AuNRs prepared by simple ex-situ method. The nonlinear absorption was measured via open aperture Z scan using nanosecond pulses at 532 nm, The nonlinear absorption coefficients were measured for the proposed materials in colloidal and polymeric forms. The results show an enhancement of the nonlinear absorption and optical limiting of GO@AuNRs over GO and AuNRs. Furthermore, enhanced optical nonlinearity and stability are achieved in polymeric form compared to colloidal forms. These materials could potentially be used in optical limiting applications and photonic devices.

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The investigation of surface free energy components and moisture sensitivity damage of asphalt mixes modified with carbon black using the sessile drop method
Authors: Zarroodi Roozbeh , Hashjin Navid Ghafari , Faraji Mehdi , Payami Maryam
Published: October 2023

Asphalt pavement is vulnerable to moisture damage when water infiltrates the asphalt-aggregate interface and weakens their bond. To prevent this problem, researchers have explored the use of additives to increase resistance against moisture damage. The moisture sensitivity of asphalt mixtures can be assessed by measuring their basic properties related to the mechanism of moisture damage. One effective approach to this is using the surface free energy method, which calculates bond energies between different materials’ surfaces and identifies the most appropriate combination of asphalt and aggregate. High cohesion or adhesion bonding is crucial for the proper performance of asphalt mixtures, such as moisture damage resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of carbon black additive on moisture damage resistance using surface free energy methods, comparing results with the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) test. Modified asphalts containing 4, 8, 12, and 16% carbon black were tested, with natural base asphalt as a control sample. The study used surface free energy theory to determine moisture sensitivity parameters of asphalt mixtures by obtaining surface free energy components of the raw materials and testing the ratio of tensile strength. Results showed that adding 8% carbon black to the asphalt mixture improved moisture sensitivity, and increasing additive content up to 16% reduced it but still provided better results than samples made with pure asphalt. The study concluded that the surface free energy method can determine the suitable combination of asphalt and aggregate materials for resistance against moisture damage.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Damage Detection Method Through High-Resolution Photos on Various Statically Deflected Beams
Authors: De Nunzio Andrea Vincenzo , Faraco Giada , Giannoccaro Nicola Ivan , Messina Arcangelo
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, the authors deeply investigate and test a modern technique that allows the analysis of a structure starting from a photo to identify and locate damage present on it, rapidly and non-destructively without any physical interaction with the analyzed structure. The technique suitability is tested on four statically deformed beams, on which notches represent the defects. The core of the proposed method is the correlation between the curvature that each beam presents under load conditions and its flexural stiffness. The proposed methodology consists in taking a photo of the inflected beam; subsequently, the acquired photo is manipulated with specifically designed image processing tools, and the second derivative of the beam axis is estimated using two distinct numerical differentiator filters (Lanczos filter and Gaussian wavelets) along with suitable processing to reduce border distortions. The tests conducted demonstrate that it is possible, with an opportune static deflection amplitude, to accurately detect the position of the notch with the proposed procedure; a sensitivity analysis is also conducted by testing the procedure with different beam thicknesses, notch positions, and amplitude of the static deflection. Although the authors realize that the technique can generally require sensibly large displacements, the results seem promising.
Equilibrium Behavior in Tandem Markovian Queues with Heterogeneous Delay-Sensitive Customers
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Yiannis
Published: October 2023

We consider a system of two unobservable Markovian queues in tandem with strategic customers, who are heterogeneous regarding their delay sensitivity. The customers decide upon arrival whether to balk or join the system and receive service in the first queue or in both queues. We analyze their equilibrium strategic behavior which is specified by double-threshold strategies regarding their delay sensitivity parameter (one threshold for each queue). Moreover, we compare the strategic behavior of the heterogeneous customer population with its homogeneous counterpart. We complement our theoretical results with numerical experiments and provide managerial insights into the optimal control of the system parameters.
Extreme Precipitation in Tropical Squall Lines
Authors: Abramian Sophie , Muller Caroline , Risi Camille
Published: October 2023

Squall lines are substantially influenced by the interaction of low‐level shear with cold pools associated with convective downdrafts. Beyond an optimal shear amplitude, squall lines tend to orient themselves at an angle with respect to the low‐level shear. While the mechanisms behind squall line orientation seem to be increasingly well understood, uncertainties remain on the implications of this orientation. Roca and Fiolleau (2020, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-020-00015-4) show that long lived mesoscale convective systems, including squall lines, are disproportionately involved in rainfall extremes in the tropics. This article investigates the influence of the interaction between low‐level shear and squall line outflow on squall line generated precipitation extrema in the tropics. Using a cloud resolving model, simulated squall lines in radiative convective equilibrium amid a shear‐dominated regime (super optimal), a balanced regime (optimal), and an outflow dominated regime (suboptimal). Our results show that precipitation extremes in squall lines are 40% more intense in the case of optimal shear and remain 30% superior in the superoptimal regime relative to a disorganized case. With a theoretical scaling of precipitation extremes (C. Muller & Takayabu, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab7130), we show that the condensation rates control the amplification of precipitation extremes in tropical squall lines, mainly due to its change in vertical mass flux (dynamic component). The reduction of dilution by entrainment explains half of this change, consistent with Mulholland et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1175/jas-d-20-0299.1). The other half is explained by increased cloud‐base velocity intensity in optimal and superoptimal squall lines.
Increased Terrestrial Carbon Export and CO2 Evasion From Global Inland Waters Since the Preindustrial Era
Authors: Tian Hanqin , Yao Yuanzhi , Li Ya , Shi Hao , Pan Shufen , Najjar Raymond G. , Pan Naiqing , Bian Zihao , Ciais Philippe , Cai Wei‐Jun , Dai Minhan , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M. , Li Hong‐Yi , Lohrenz Steven , Leung L. Ruby
Published: October 2023

Global carbon dioxide (CO2) evasion from inland waters (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) and carbon (C) export from land to oceans constitute critical terms in the global C budget. However, the magnitudes, spatiotemporal patterns, and underlying mechanisms of these fluxes are poorly constrained. Here, we used a coupled terrestrial–aquatic model to assess how multiple changes in climate, land use, atmospheric CO2 concentration, nitrogen (N) deposition, N fertilizer and manure applications have affected global CO2 evasion and riverine C export along the terrestrial‐aquatic continuum. We estimate that terrestrial C loadings, riverine C export, and CO2 evasion in the preindustrial period (1800s) were 1,820 ± 507 (mean ± standard deviation), 765 ± 132, and 841 ± 190 Tg C yr−1, respectively. During 1800–2019, multifactorial global changes caused an increase of 25% (461 Tg C yr−1) in terrestrial C loadings, reaching 2,281 Tg C yr−1 in the 2010s, with 23% (104 Tg C yr−1) of this increase exported to the ocean and 59% (273 Tg C yr−1) being emitted to the atmosphere. Our results showed that global inland water recycles and exports nearly half of the net land C sink into the atmosphere and oceans, highlighting the important role of inland waters in the global C balance, an amount that should be taken into account in future C budgets. Our analysis supports the view that a major feature of the global C cycle–the transfer from land to ocean–has undergone a dramatic change over the last two centuries as a result of human activities.
Kelvin‐Helmholtz Waves and Magnetic Reconnection at the Earth's Magnetopause Under Southward Interplanetary Magnetic Field
Authors: Li Tongkuai , Li Wenya , Tang Binbin , Khotyaintsev Yuri. V. , Graham Daniel Bruce , Ardakani Akhtar , Burch J. L. , Gershman D. J. , Lavraud B. , Russell C. T. , Lu Quanming , Guo Xiaocheng , Wang Chi
Published: October 2023

We present Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) observations of a K‐H wave event under southward IMF conditions, accompanied by ongoing magnetic reconnection. The nonlinear K‐H waves are characterized by quasi‐periodic fluctuations, the presence of low‐density and high‐speed ions, and variations in the boundary normal vectors at both the leading and trailing edges. Our observations reveal clear evidence of on‐going magnetic reconnection through the identification of Alfvénic ion jets and the escape of energetic magnetospheric electrons. Among the 36 magnetopause current‐sheet crossings in this event, 19 exhibit unambiguous signatures of reconnection at both the leading (7) and trailing (12) edges. Notably, the estimated current‐sheet thicknesses at both edges are comparable to the ion‐inertial scale, confirming the compression effect resulting from the large‐scale evolution of the K‐H waves. The reconnection jets potentially contribute to the suppression of K‐H growth through boundary‐layer broadening and the development of complex flow and magnetic field patterns.