bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Lean Construction Tools on Environmental Sustainability in Morocco: A Structured Survey Analysis
Authors: Bajjou Mohamed Saad , Arabi Salma , Chafi Anas
Published: July 2024

This study explores the influence of Lean Construction (LC) techniques on environmental sustainability in the Moroccan construction industry. Known for minimizing waste and maximizing value in production systems, LC not only holds promise for improving efficiency and competitiveness but also has the potential to address environmental concerns. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing how LC can contribute to the environmental performance in Morocco based on a survey by structured questionnaire involving 330 Moroccan construction professionals. The methodology includes a comprehensive survey and analysis using SPSS V26.0. Key findings indicate a significant positive impact of LC on environmental performance, particularly in reducing material use, energy consumption, pollutant release, and non-product output. Notably, non-product output emerged as the most significantly influenced factor by LC practices. The study also reveals a differential impact of LC based on organizational characteristics, with distinct influences observed between contractors and consultants, especially in pollutant releases. These insights underscore the potential of LC in fostering environmental sustainability within the Moroccan construction sector. This survey is crucial for a more holistic understanding of LC’s impact, aligning with global environmental goals and the specific needs of the Moroccan construction industry.
Research on Existing Bridges Rapid Load-Lifting Technology with UHPC in Highways Reconstruction and Expansion Projects
Authors: Shi Jintao , Chen Zhijiang
Published: July 2024

There are a large number of small and medium-span bridges in the highway reconstruction and expansion projects. These bridges have been used for at least 20 years. Due to the design according to the old code the ultimate bearing capacity is generally insufficient after the reconstruction and expansion. This paper selects hollow-core slab bridges that account for more than 80% of the reconstruction and expansion projects as the research object, carefully evaluates the specific reasons for the insufficient bearing capacity of small and medium-span bridges, designs a plan for rapid loading-lifting of existing bridges, and uses theoretical analysis. Then, the comprehensive method of finite element calculation analyzes and studies on the reinforced bridge’s bearing capacity. The research shows that the existing small and medium-span bridges in the reconstruction and expansion project are mainly manifested by insufficient shear-bearing capacity after the load is improved. Using the bridge deck to add the UHPC cast-in-place layer (participating in the structural internal force) can effectively improve the existing old bridge Shear resistance capacity, and UHPC cast-in-situ layer shear reinforcement efficiency is much greater than that of ordinary concrete.
Research on the Cooling Effect of Environmentally Friendly Semi-flexible Pavement Material
Authors: Hong Dan , Liu Dan
Published: July 2024

The article studies the cooling mechanism of environmentally friendly semi-flexible pavement by studying the cooling by evaporation of water in the mortar to take away the latent heat of the pavement to form a natural and environmentally friendly water retention and cooling effect. Using a large pore matrix asphalt mixture filled with water retention mortar, simulated indoor sunlight irradiation warming to 60 ℃ after artificial sprinkling and natural rainfall test method, recorded the asphalt mixture with different void ratio and different grouting amount of specimens before and after the grouting matrix asphalt mixture to do the temperature reduction comparison. The results show that: environmentally friendly semi-flexible pavement materials compared to ordinary asphalt mixture with high reflectivity, less heat absorption, water retention and cooling effect is obvious, to alleviate the urban heat island effect has a certain role in promoting the cooling effect with the size of the void rate or the amount of grouting is positively proportional to the size of the grout.
Periodic Mist Spray's Dynamic Effect on Outdoor Micro-environment and Thermal Perception
Authors: Wang Pin , Lu Sumei , Wu Xiaowei , Tian Jun , Li Ning
Published: July 2024

Mist spraying is an active cooling technology to alleviate heat stress during hot summers. There is no clear conclusion as to when mist spray should be used and its cooling potential in hot-humid regions yet. A periodic mist spraying system was set up, and environmental measurements coupled with questionnaire surveys were conducted, investigating the dynamic effect of spraying on the micro-environment and thermal perception. The results showed that elevated ambient temperatures could lead to a more substantial cooling impact, with a maximum cooling value of 5.68 ℃. The increase in thermal comfort due to the mist outweighed the decrease in thermal sensation. The study indicated that the mist spray system should be activated if the ambient temperature reached 32.5 ℃. Spraying could help local residents maintain a physiological state close to slightly hot and neutral comfort when the ambient temperature exceeded 34℃. The findings provide valuable guidance for the application of mist spray system in practical engineering scenarios in hot-humid areas.
The geometry of GTPs and 5d SCFTs
Authors: Arias-Tamargo Guillermo , Franco Sebastián , Rodríguez-Gómez Diego
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We make progress in understanding the geometry associated to the Generalized Toric Polygons (GTPs) encoding the Physics of 5d Superconformal Field Theories (SCFTs), by exploiting the connection between Hanany-Witten transitions and the mathematical notion of polytope mutations. From this correspondence, it follows that the singular geometry associated to a GTP is identical to that obtained by regarding it as a standard toric diagram, but with some of its resolutions frozen in way that can be determined from the invariance of the so-called period under mutations. We propose the invariance of the period as a new criterion for distinguishing inequivalent brane webs, which allows us to resolve a puzzle posed in the literature. A second mutation invariant is the Hilbert Series of the geometry. We employ this invariant to perform quantitative checks of our ideas by computing the Hilbert Series of the BPS quivers associated to theories related by mutation. Lastly, we discuss the physical interpretation of a mathematical result ensuring the existence of a flat fibration over ℙ1 interpolating between geometries connected by mutation, which we identify with recently introduced deformations of the corresponding BPS quivers.
Erratum to: Quark-sector Lorentz violation in Z-boson production
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Sherrill Nathan , Szczepaniak Adam , Vieira Alexandre
Published: July 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP04(2021)228
A new gauge-theoretic construction of the 4-dimensional hyperkähler ALE spaces
Authors: Yan Jiajun
Published: July 2024

Non-compact hyperkähler spaces arise frequently in gauge theory. The 4-dimensional hyperkähler ALE spaces are a special class of complete non-compact hyperkähler spaces. They are in one-to-one correspondence with the finite subgroups of SU(2) and have interesting connections with representation theory and singularity theory, captured by the McKay Correspondence. The 4-dimensional hyperkähler ALE spaces are first classified by Peter Kronheimer via a finite-dimensional hyperkähler reduction. In this paper, we give a new gauge-theoretic construction of these spaces. More specifically, we realize each 4-dimensional hyperkähler ALE space as a moduli space of solutions to a system of equations for a pair consisting of a connection and a section of a vector bundle over an orbifold Riemann surface, modulo a gauge group action. The construction given in this paper parallels Kronheimer’s original construction and hence can also be thought of as a gauge-theoretic interpretation of Kronheimer’s construction of these spaces.
Maximal Amplitudes of Hyperelliptic Solutions of the Modified Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Wright Otis C.
Published: July 2024

A simple formula is proven for the maximal amplitudes of N-phase hyperelliptic solutions of the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The simple formula for the maximal amplitude depends only on the roots of an invariant polynomial.
A robust multi-objective optimization algorithm for accurate parameter estimation for solar cell models
Authors: Singla Manish Kumar , Gupta Jyoti , Alsharif Mohammed H. , Kim Mun-Kyeom , Aljaidi Mohammad , Safaraliev Murodbek
Published: July 2024

The accuracy of solar cell models is crucial for enhancing the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, existing solar cell models lack precise parameters, and the manufacturer's datasheet does not provide the required information for reliable modeling. Consequently, accurate parameter estimation becomes necessary. This paper presents a simple multi-objective optimization algorithm (Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Rat Search Algorithm (PSORSA)) designed to estimate cell parameters based on this observation. Unlike other optimization algorithms addressing this issue, the proposed algorithm aims to overcome challenges related to local minima and premature convergence, which often lead to suboptimal results. The paper focuses on assessing the reliability of the proposed algorithm by comparing its performance with other well-known optimization algorithms. The proposed optimizing algorithm is tested on the CEC 2019 benchmark function. Experimental results (RMSE), including statistical analysis, validate the algorithm's effectiveness by comparing them with other algorithms. At the end, non-parametric test is performed to justify the outcomes, vouching for the better performance of the proposed algorithm. The findings demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are particularly well-suited for estimating solar PV models. With its simple structure and high accuracy, the proposed algorithm exhibits great potential for various applications in the field of solar energy. Moreover, its computational efficiency and ease of implementation further contribute to its practicality.
Verwertungsstrategien für Wärmedämmverbundsysteme mit expandiertem Polystyrol
Authors: von Lützau E. , Flamme S. , Walter G.
Published: July 2024

Wärmedämmverbundsysteme (WDVS) bestehen aus einem Verbund aus mineralischen und dämmenden Komponenten und werden seit den 1960er-Jahren hauptsächlich mit expandiertem Polystyrol (EPS) als Dämmstoff verwendet. Aufgrund der langen Lebensdauer von WDVS fallen Abfälle erst Jahrzehnte nach dem Einbau an. Aktuell lässt sich ein Anstieg des WDVS-Abfallaufkommens in Deutschland beobachten, welcher sich noch mehrere Jahrzehnte fortsetzen wird.

Die derzeitigen Entsorgungsmöglichkeiten für diese Abfälle sind jedoch begrenzt. Müllverbrennungsanlagen (MVA), die derzeit den Status quo der Entsorgung darstellen, sind ausgelastet und deren Anlagentechnik ist für diese Abfälle nicht ausgelegt. Dies erhöht den Bedarf, neue Verwertungswege für EPS-haltige WDVS-Abfälle zu erschließen. Zudem wird bereits heute durch geltende rechtliche Bestimmungen, wie dem Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz, eine hochwertige, insbesondere stoffliche Verwertung gefordert.

Zwei vielversprechende alternative Entsorgungsstrategien sind die stofflich-energetische Verwertung in Zementwerken und das physikalisch-chemische Recycling von EPS durch PolyStyreneLoop. In Zementwerken kann das heizwertreiche EPS als Sekundärbrennstoff energetisch genutzt werden. Die mineralische Komponente dient als Rohstoffersatz und wird in den Zementklinker eingebunden, wodurch Primärrohstoffe eingespart werden können. Umfangreiche Untersuchungen und erste Großversuche haben die technische Machbarkeit bestätigt.

PolyStyreneLoop zielt vornehmlich auf das Recycling des in WDVS enthaltenen EPS ab. Obwohl dieser Ansatz noch nicht etabliert ist, könnte er zukünftig in Kombination mit der stofflichen Verwertung der mineralischen WDVS-Komponenten in Zementwerken eine umfassende Entsorgungslösung darstellen.

Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden im IWARU im Rahmen eines Forschungsvorhabens alternative Verwertungsstrategien mithilfe einer Modellierung hinsichtlich ihrer ökologischen und ökonomischen Vorteilhaftigkeit gegenüber dem Status quo bewertet. Die Modellierungen zeigen, dass die genannten Strategien sowohl unter ökologischen (hier CO2-Emissionen) als auch wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten Vorteile bieten.
Measuring decision confidence
Authors: Arts Sara , Ong Qiyan , Qiu Jianying
Published: July 2024

We examine whether the way individuals randomize between options captures their decision confidence. In two experiments in which subjects faced pairs of options (a lottery and a varying sure payment), we allowed subjects to choose randomization probabilities according to which they would receive each option. Separately, we obtained two measures of self-reported confidence - confidence statements and probabilistic confidence - for choosing between the two options. Consistent with the predictions of two theoretical frameworks incorporating preference uncertainty, the randomization probabilities correlated strongly with both self-reported measures (median Spearman correlations between 0.86 to 0.89) and corresponded in absolute levels to probabilistic confidence. This relationship is robust to two exogenous manipulations of decision confidence, where we varied the complexity of the lottery and subjects’ experience with the lottery.
A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence Models for Time-to-Event Outcome Applied in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction
Authors: Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Htun Htet Lin , Vered Mor , Owen Alice J. , Freak-Poli Rosanne
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) based predictive models for early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are increasingly being utilised. However, AI based risk prediction models that account for right-censored data have been overlooked. This systematic review (PROSPERO protocol CRD42023492655) includes 33 studies that utilised machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for survival outcome in CVD prediction. We provided details on the employed ML and DL models, eXplainable AI (XAI) techniques, and type of included variables, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDoH) and gender-stratification. Approximately half of the studies were published in 2023 with the majority from the United States. Random Survival Forest (RSF), Survival Gradient Boosting models, and Penalised Cox models were the most frequently employed ML models. DeepSurv was the most frequently employed DL model. DL models were better at predicting CVD outcomes than ML models. Permutation-based feature importance and Shapley values were the most utilised XAI methods for explaining AI models. Moreover, only one in five studies performed gender-stratification analysis and very few incorporate the wide range of SDoH factors in their prediction model. In conclusion, the evidence indicates that RSF and DeepSurv models are currently the optimal models for predicting CVD outcomes. This study also highlights the better predictive ability of DL survival models, compared to ML models. Future research should ensure the appropriate interpretation of AI models, accounting for SDoH, and gender stratification, as gender plays a significant role in CVD occurrence.
Evaluation of two CaMn1−x−yTixFeyO3−δ-based granules oxygen carriers for chemical looping applications
Authors: Li Zuoan , Gaertner Heiko , Sunding Martin F. , Larring Yngve
Published: July 2024

Upscaling of the laboratory oxygen carriers while keeping comparable performance as laboratory powders remains a challenge in the field of chemical looping combustion (CLC). In this work, two perovskite compositions of CaMn0.375Ti0.5Fe0.125O3 (termed CMTF8341) and CaMn0.5Ti0.375Fe0.125O3 (CMTF8431) have been fabricated by means of spray granulation. The fabricated granules were evaluated by redox cycles under CLC conditions and showed comparable performance with laboratory-prepared powders, i.e. high oxygen transfer capacity and fast redox kinetics. Under chemical looping oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) conditions, it has been found that steam leads to a slower kinetics and lower oxygen transfer capacity for these two compositions. When it comes to sulphur effect on the oxygen carriers, redox cycles with deep reduction showed no influence with H2S since the CaSO4 formed in air decompose but it affected the materials under mild CLOU due to calcium sulphate formed under such condition. Nonetheless, redox performance can be recovered by deep reduction with an enhanced oxygen capacity. These two oxygen carriers showed no degradation as compared to other tested minerals in the field of CLC. Microstructure analyses from SEM showed high degree of structure integrity after redox cycles at temperatures up to 1050 °C for the CMTF8341. Good mechanical strength was evidenced from cold attrition test, and the lifetime of the two granules was also predicted based on a standard reference.
Parameterization of nonlinear aeroelastic reduced order models via direct interpolation of Taylor partial derivatives
Authors: Candon Michael , Hale Errol , Balajewicz Maciej , Delgado-Gutiérrez Arturo , Muscarello Vincenzo , Marzocca Pier
Published: July 2024

The identification of optimally sparse Taylor partial derivatives presents a new opportunity in efficient nonlinear model reduction for complex aeroelastic systems. Unfortunately, for this class of reduced order model (ROM), the robustness that is observed in the linear regime to parameters including; dynamic pressure, control hinge linear stiffness, or even freeplay, can be quickly compromised in the nonlinear regime. In this paper, the nonlinear sensitivity of selected critical parameters is addressed by interpolating a library of nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic ROMs across a compact subspace in dynamic pressure and freeplay magnitude. The ROM, based on Lagrange interpolation of sparse higher-order Taylor partial derivatives, demonstrates excellent precision in modelling high amplitude transonic limit cycle oscillations for an all-movable wing with freeplay, capturing the LCO region (up to 96% of the linear flutter boundary), and for a range of freeplay values.
What is an art experience like from the viewpoint of sculpting clay?
Authors: March Paul Louis
Published: July 2024

For enactivists and pragmatists alike, sense-making is a systemic process of bringing the organism and environment into reciprocity. Steiner (2023) distinguishes enactivism from pragmatism by arguing that intention is compatible with enactivism but not pragmatism. After reviewing Steiner’s analysis, I consider its ontological consequences and phenomenological implications which I suggest cause problems for both enactivism and pragmatism, but in two different ways. Intention is consistent with the idea of an autonomy of sense-making but reveals its latent subjectivity – which sits uncomfortably with an enactivist account. The absence of intention implies the existence of states of supra-subjective consciousness but lack of such accounts is troublesome for pragmatism. Next, I introduce Material Engagement Theory. I emphasise its affinity to pragmatism and describe its role in developing clayful phenomenology, an experiential way of investigating creative practice from the perspective of the process. A case-study of a sculptural project illustrates how action, creating a construction-site atmosphere as it goes, gathers diverse materials and elements to itself: wood, clay, plaster, steel, a sculpted skull, a painting, a wall, tree trunks, scaffolding, neolithic sculptures etc. These elements draw themselves into rhythmical associations that resonate with others that are formed through and by sculptural gestures and these go onto form further gestural patterns. The project shows how a creative situation creates a sense of affective purpose by and through the act of creating itself.
Assessing earthworm exposure to a multi-pharmaceutical mixture in soil: unveiling insights through LC–MS and MALDI-MS analyses, and impact of biochar on pharmaceutical bioavailability
Authors: Fučík Jan , Jarošová Rea , Baumeister Andreas , Rexroth Sascha , Navrkalová Jitka , Sedlář Marian , Gargošová Helena Zlámalová , Mravcová Ludmila
Published: July 2024

In the European circular economy, agricultural practices introduce pharmaceutical (PhAC) residues into the terrestrial environment, posing a potential risk to earthworms. This study aimed to assess earthworm bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), the ecotoxicological effects of PhACs, the impact of biochar on PhAC bioavailability to earthworms, and their persistence in soil and investigate earthworm uptake mechanisms along with the spatial distribution of PhACs. Therefore, earthworms were exposed to contaminated soil for 21 days. The results revealed that BAFs ranged from 0.0216 to 0.329, with no significant ecotoxicological effects on earthworm weight or mortality (p > 0.05). Biochar significantly influenced the uptake of 14 PhACs on the first day (p < 0.05), with diminishing effects over time, and affected significantly the soil-degradation kinetics of 16 PhACs. Moreover, MALDI-MS analysis revealed that PhAC uptake occurs through both the dermal and oral pathways, as pharmaceuticals were distributed throughout the entire earthworm tissue without specific localization. In conclusion, this study suggests ineffective PhAC accumulation in earthworms, highlights the influence of biochar on PhAC degradation rates in soil, and suggests that uptake can occur through both earthworm skin and oral ingestion.

Graphical Abstract
Developmental disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 extends the longevity of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 receptor mutant
Authors: Traa Annika , Tamez González Aura A. , Van Raamsdonk Jeremy M.
Published: July 2024

The dynamic nature of the mitochondrial network is regulated by mitochondrial fission and fusion, allowing for re-organization of mitochondria to adapt to the cell’s ever-changing needs. As organisms age, mitochondrial fission and fusion become dysregulated and mitochondrial networks become increasingly fragmented. Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics has been shown to affect longevity in fungi, yeast, Drosophila and C. elegans. Disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 drastically increases the already long lifespan of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) mutants. In this work, we determined the conditions required for drp-1 disruption to extend daf-2 longevity and explored the molecular mechanisms involved. We found that knockdown of drp-1 during development is sufficient to extend daf-2 lifespan, while tissue-specific knockdown of drp-1 in neurons, intestine or muscle failed to increase daf-2 longevity. Disruption of other genes involved in mitochondrial fission also increased daf-2 lifespan as did treatment with RNA interference clones that decrease mitochondrial fragmentation. In exploring potential mechanisms involved, we found that deletion of drp-1 increases resistance to chronic stresses. In addition, we found that disruption of drp-1 increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal connectedness in daf-2 worms, increased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP levels, and increased mitophagy in daf-2 worms, but did not affect their ROS levels, food consumption or mitochondrial membrane potential. Disruption of mitophagy through RNA interference targeting pink-1 decreased the lifespan of daf-2;drp-1 worms suggesting that increased mitophagy contributes to their extended lifespan. Overall, this work defined the conditions under which drp-1 disruption increases daf-2 lifespan and has identified multiple changes in daf-2;drp-1 mutants that may contribute to their lifespan extension.
Association between adult education, brain volume and dementia risk: longitudinal cohort study of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Jin Jiayin , Sommerlad Andrew , Mukadam Naaheed
Published: July 2024

Less childhood education is a potentially modifiable risk factor for developing incident dementia but it is not known if education in later life is protective. We sought to add to previous work by testing the association between adult education and brain volume as well as exploring the impact of continuing adult education versus intermittent participation. We used data from participants of the UK Biobank cohort, with no prevalent dementia who were asked about adult education participation at baseline and at follow-up. Dementia status was ascertained from self-report or electronic health records. Cox proportional hazards models were built to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) between participation in adult education and dementia risk. In 499,337 participants aged between 40 and 69 at baseline with 13.2 years mean follow-up, in analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, deprivation, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes, ethnicity, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity and social isolation, we replicated previous findings of a protective effect of adult education on dementia risk (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74–0.90, P < 0.001), and showed a trend towards protection against dementia if adult education was continued rather than intermittent. Additionally, adult education did not impact on total brain volume (coefficient − 657.4, 95% CI − 2795.1 to 1480.3, P = 0.547) but it was associated with increased hippocampal volume (coefficient 33.9, 95% CI 8.9 to 59.0, P = 0.008) indicating a potential mechanism for protection against dementia. We have added evidence indicating that continuing adult education participation may be beneficial, although numbers for this analysis were very small. Analysis of brain volume indicated that adult education may have a protective effect by preserving hippocampal size or slowing volume loss, in line with the cognitive reserve hypothesis.
Hospital Rating Organizations’ Quality and Patient Safety Scores: Analysis of Result Discrepancies
Authors: Badr Samer , Nahle Tareq , Rahman Shakibur , Al Soueidy Amine , Stefaniak Martha , Burden Marisha , Rachoin Jean-Sebastien
Published: July 2024

Background

In the USA, multiple organizations rate hospitals based on quality and patient safety data, but few studies have analyzed and compared the rating results.

Objective

Compare the results of different US hospital-rating organizations.

Design

Observational data analysis of US acute care hospital ratings.

Participants

Four rating organizations: Hospital Compare® (HC), Healthgrades® (HG), The Leapfrog Group® (Leapfrog), and US News and World Report® (USN).

Main Measures

We analyzed the level of concordance (similar ranking), discordance (difference of 1 or more rankings), and severe discordance (difference of two or more rankings), as well as differences and correlations between the scores.

Key Results

From Feb 1 to Oct 3, 2023, we analyzed data from 2,384 hospitals. In Leapfrog, there were 688 hospitals (29%) with Grade A, 652 (27.3%) with B, 885 (37.1%) with C, 153 (6.4%) with D, and 6 (0.3%) with F. For HC, 333 hospitals (14%) had five stars, 676 (28.4%) four, 695 (29.2%) three, 502 (21.4%) two, and 171 (7.2%) one-star. In ratings between HC and Leapfrog, discordance was 70%, and severe discordance was 25.1%. USN ranked 469 hospitals (19.7%). Within the USN-ranked hospital group, there was a 62% discordance and 19.8% severe discordance between HC and Leapfrog. The analysis of orthopedic procedures from HG and USN showed discordance ranging from 48 to 61.2%.

Conclusion

The rating organizations’ reported metrics were highly discordant. A hospital's ranking by one organization frequently did not correspond to a similar ranking by another. The methodology and included timeline and patient population can help explain the differences. However, the discordant ratings may confuse patients and customers.
Bridging the nature–cultural heritage gap: evaluating sustainable entanglements through cemeteries in urban Asia
Authors: Ocón David , Young Wei Ping
Published: July 2024

The expanding footprint of urban Asian settlements and increasing living standards have put pressure on cemetery sites. Public health narratives and the sanctity associated with death matters in Asian urban landscapes have fed into the rhetoric of cemeteries as undesirable heritage spaces. Often lacking protection, many cemeteries have been exhumed, cleared, and relocated to allow room for new developments and infrastructure, risking the survival of this quiet element of the urban cultural patrimony. Within an Asian context, synergies between nature and cultural heritage preservation are not prevalent in major cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. In light of increasing recognition of urban cemeteries as multi-valued sites with both natural and cultural heritage values, this paper turns to deconstructing the nature–cultural binary and the concept of entanglement to frame an investigation of collaborative interactions. A focused study on Asian urban cemeteries follows, examining existing trends and adapted mix uses and highlighting the region’s unique conservation challenges. The analysis reveals three major typologies encapsulating the region’s current nature–cultural heritage entangled preservation approaches: sustainable compromises, memories, and everyday sustainability. To conclude, the paper distils respectful alternative futures for these spaces to be better integrated into the modern textures of the cities, unlocking functional recourses to destruction or oblivion.
Occurrence, isolation, and identification of emergent pathogens of taxon Vibrio from the Danube river in Bratislava city, Slovakia
Authors: Vozárová Alexandra , Šmátralová Veronika , Fľaková Renáta , Seman Milan
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio metschnikovii and Vibrio fluvialis, important aquatic human pathogens of genus Vibrio, were determined in the surface water of the Danube River in Bratislava. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Biochemical characteristics of environmental isolates could be slightly different from reference and clinical strains which is reflected in dissimilarity rate, which was in our case not sufficient. A molecular method called amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis was used for confirmation of phenotypic identification. The species identity of 19 out of 22 isolates was confirmed, in the case of 3 misidentified ones, the identity of the genus did not change. The identity of all V. cholerae isolates was confirmed by PCR using species-specific gene called ompW. Also, main virulence factors of these isolates were determined. None of the isolates possessed all three virulence factors necessary for the induction of cholera.
Trophoblast Side-Population Markers are Dysregulated in Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Wong Georgia P. , Hartmann Sunhild , Simmons David G. , Ellis Sarah , Nonn Olivia , Cannon Ping , Nguyen Tuong-Vi , Nguyen Anna , Bartho Lucy A. , Tong Stephen , Hannan Natalie J. , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J.
Published: July 2024

Dysregulated progenitor cell populations may contribute to poor placental development and placental insufficiency pathogenesis. Side-population cells possess progenitor properties. Recent human trophoblast side-population isolation identified enrichment of 8 specific genes (CXCL8, ELL2, GATA6, HK2, HLA-DPB1, INTS6, SERPINE3 and UPP1) (Gamage et al. 2020, Stem Cell Rev Rep). We characterised these trophoblast side-population markers in human placenta and in placental insufficiency disorders: preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Trophoblast side-population markers localised to mononuclear trophoblasts lining the placental villous basement membrane in preterm control, preeclamptic and FGR placental sections (n = 3, panel of 3 markers/serial section). Analysis of single-cell transcriptomics of an organoid human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation model (Shannon et al. 2022, Development) identified that all side-population genes were enriched in mononuclear trophoblast and trophoblasts committed to differentiation under hTSC culture conditions. In vitro validation via 96 h time course hTSC differentiation to EVTs or syncytiotrophoblasts (n = 5) demonstrated ELL2 and HK2 increased with differentiation (p < 0.0024, p < 0.0039 respectively). CXCL8 and HLA-DPB1 were downregulated (p < 0.030, p < 0.011 respectively). GATA6 and INTS6 increased with EVT differentiation only, and UPP1 reduced with syncytialisation. SERPINE3 was undetectable. Trophoblast side-population marker mRNA was measured in human placentas (< 34-weeks’ gestation; n = 78 preeclampsia, n = 30 FGR, and n = 18 gestation-matched controls). ELL2, HK2 and CXCL8 were elevated in preeclamptic (p = 0.0006, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0335 respectively) and FGR placentas (p = 0.0065, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001 respectively) versus controls. Placental GATA6 was reduced in pregnancies with preeclampsia and FGR (p = 0.0014, p = 0.0146 respectively). Placental INTS6 was reduced with FGR only (p < 0.0001). This study identified the localisation of a unique trophoblast subset enriched for side-population markers. Aberrant expression of some side-population markers may indicate disruptions to unique trophoblast subtypes in placental insufficiency.

Graphical Abstract
A stochastic population model with hierarchic size-structure
Authors: Barril Carles , Calsina Àngel , Farkas József Z.
Published: July 2024

We consider a hierarchically structured population in which the amount of resources an individual has access to is affected by individuals that are larger, and that the intake of resources by an individual only affects directly the growth rate of the individual. We formulate a deterministic model, which takes the form of a delay equation for the population birth rate. We also formulate an individual based stochastic model, and study the relationship between the two models. In particular the stationary birth rate of the deterministic model is compared to that of the quasi-stationary birth rate of the stochastic model. Since the quasi-stationary birth rate cannot be obtained explicitly, we derive a formula to approximate it. We show that the stationary birth rate of the deterministic model can be obtained as the large population limit of the quasi-stationary birth rate of the stochastic model. This relation suggests that the deterministic model is a good approximation of the stochastic model when the number of individuals is sufficiently large.
Soil Indigenous Microbes Interact with Maize Plants in High-Arsenic Soils to Limit the Translocation of Inorganic Arsenic Species to Maize Upper Tissues
Authors: Guan Hang , Caggìa Veronica , Gómez-Chamorro Andrea , Coll-Crespí Miquel , Chávez-Capilla Teresa , Schlaeppi Klaus , Ramette Alban , Mestrot Adrien , Bigalke Moritz
Published: July 2024

Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid that can enter the food chain through uptake by plants from soils followed by production of plant-based food. While soil–plant transfer of As in crops, especially rice, is relatively well studied, the role of soil microbes in As translocation in maize is not well understood. We performed a greenhouse pot experiment with maize plants grown at different soil As levels to study the role of soil microbes on uptake of different As species by maize. Three soil treatments with varying disturbance of the soil microbes (native soil, sterilized soil, and sterilized soil reconditioned with soil indigenous microbes) were intersected with three levels of As in soils (0, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 spiked As, aged for 8 weeks) in a greenhouse experiment, where maize was grown for 5 months. Compared to uncontaminated soils, maize in high-As soils tended to accumulate more As in stems and less in leaves and grains, proportionally. Arsenic levels in stems were increased in sterilized soils due to the disturbance of the microbiome. The sterilization effects caused a phosphorus and manganese deficiency, leading to a higher As uptake in plants, that increased with rising As levels and resulted in a lower total dry biomass of the plants. In summary, this study highlights the role of soil indigenous microbes in limiting the uptake and translocation of inorganic As into maize. Compared to rice, cultivating maize plants in high-As soils is recommended.
The influence of different abiotic conditions on the concentrations of free and conjugated deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in stored wheat
Authors: Oluwakayode Abimbola , Greer Brett , He Qiqi , Sulyok Michael , Meneely Julie , Krska Rudolf , Medina Angel
Published: July 2024

Environmental factors influence fungal growth and mycotoxin production in stored grains. However, the concentrations of free mycotoxins and their conjugates and how they are impacted by different interacting environment conditions have not been previously examined. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of storage conditions (0.93–0.98 aw) and temperature (20–25 °C) on (a) the concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and their respective glucosides/conjugates and (b) the concentrations of emerging mycotoxins in both naturally contaminated and irradiated wheat grains inoculated with Fusarium graminearum. Contaminated samples were analysed for multiple mycotoxins using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Method validation was performed according to the acceptable performance criteria set and updated by the European Commission regulations No. 2021/808/EC. As an important conjugate of deoxynivalenol, the concentrations of deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside were significantly different from its precursor deoxynivalenol at 0.93 aw (22% moisture content- MC) at 25 °C in the naturally contaminated wheat with a ratio proportion of 56:44% respectively. The high concentrations of deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside could be influenced by the wheat’s variety and/or harvested season/fungal strain type/location. Zeralenone-14-sulfate concentrations were surprisingly three times higher than Zearalenone in the naturally contaminated wheat at 0.98 aw (26% MC) at both temperatures. Emerging mycotoxins such as moniliformin increased with temperature rise with the highest concentrations at 0.95 aw and 25 °C. These findings highlight the influence and importance of storage aw x temperature conditions on the relative presence of free vs conjugated mycotoxins which can have implications for food safety.
A new framework on climate-induced food-security risk for small-scale fishing communities in Tanzania
Authors: Brodie Lara Paige , Caballero Smit Vasquez , Ojea Elena , Taylor Sarah F. W. , Roberts Michael , Vianello Patrick , Jiddawi Narriman , Aswani Shankar , Bueno Juan
Published: July 2024

Food insecurity is a pressing issue facing our world, particularly affecting coastal communities who rely on marine resources. The problem is further compounded by the rapidly changing climate, a deteriorating environment and growing human populations. It is essential to evaluate this issue accurately to reduce risk and improve the situation of coastal communities, especially in countries with less socioeconomic development. To this end, we develop a food security social-ecological risk assessment framework for developing communities in coastal areas of the Western Indian Ocean facing a changing environment. The framework integrates local ecological knowledge, expert scientific opinion, survey data, and satellite sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a observation. We conducted a local-scale case study in four regions in Tanzania; Mafia, Pemba, Tanga, and Unguja, revealing that they face moderate to high risk levels of food insecurity. The highest risk was observed in the island communities of Pemba and Unguja, while the communities of Mafia and Tanga had the lowest risk due to lower exposure and sensitivity to climate change. Our results show that recognizing the key differences across risk components is crucial in identifying effective intervention strategies for local practitioners. This study highlights the need for detailed assessments to provide accurate information on local-scale food security dynamics, specifically when assessing impacts induced by environmental and climatic changes.
Abdominoperineal Resection for T4 Low Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy—Are the Outcomes Acceptable?
Authors: Ballal Devesh S , Raj Prudvi , Janesh M , Kazi Mufaddal , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish P.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is no clear consensus on using the response MRI as opposed to the pretreatment MRI for surgical planning in cT4 low rectal cancer. The objective of this study is to determine the safety of using response MRI in surgical planning for T4 rectal cancer.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of abdominoperineal resections conducted at a single tertiary cancer center. Patients undergoing an abdominoperineal resection were divided into 2 groups: group A (clinical T3, mesorectal fascia positive) and group B (clinical T4), and propensity matching was used to account for uneven distribution of baseline characteristics. Primary outcome was the rate of pathological circumferential resection margin positivity. Secondary outcomes were survival outcomes and recurrence patterns.

Results

There were 237 patients in group A and 127 in group B, in the unmatched cohort, with a significantly higher number of females (43.3% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.005) and anterior circumferential resection margin positivity (68.5% vs. 49%, p < 0.001), with a lower number of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy in group B (38.6% vs. 49.8%, p = 0.041). After propensity matching baseline characters were comparable. There was a higher percentage of extended-total mesorectal excisions in group B (58.5% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.004). The rate of pathological circumferential positivity was comparable in both groups (20/168 in group A {11.9%} vs. 13/107 in group B {12.1%}, p = 0.951) with no impact of group on circumferential resection margin positivity on univariate (OR 1.023, p = 0.951) or multivariate regression (OR 0.993, p = 0.987). Both the DFS (median DFS 39 months vs. 54 months, p = 0.970) and OS (3-year OS 72% vs. 67%, p = 0.798) were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion

For T4 low rectal cancers, post-treatment MRI can be used for surgical planning without any detriment in pathological or long-term oncological outcomes.
L-PBF High-Throughput Data Pipeline Approach for Multi-modal Integration
Authors: Hernandez Kristen J. , Ciardi Thomas G. , Yamamoto Rachel , Lu Mingjian , Nihar Arafath , Jimenez Jayvic Cristian , Tripathi Pawan K. , Giera Brian , Forien Jean-Baptiste , Lewandowski John J. , French Roger H. , Bruckman Laura S.
Published: July 2024

Metal-based additive manufacturing requires active monitoring solutions for assessing part quality. Multiple sensors and data streams, however, generate large heterogeneous data sets that are impractical for manual assessment and characterization. In this work, an automated pipeline is developed that enables feature extraction from high-speed camera video and multi-modal data analysis. The framework removes the need for manual assessment through the utilization of deep learning techniques and training models in a weakly supervised paradigm. We demonstrate this pipeline’s capability over 700,000 high-speed camera frames. The pipeline successfully extracts melt pool and spatter geometries and links them to corresponding pyrometry, radiography, and processparameter information. 715 individual prints are examined to reveal melt pool areas that exceeds 0.07 mm2 and pyrometry signal over a threshold (375 pyrometry units) were more likely to have defects. These automated processes enable massive throughput of characterization techniques.
Numerical simulation on the dynamic mechanical response and fracture mechanism of rocks containing a single hole
Authors: Han Zhenyu , Liu Kai , Ma Jinyin , Li Diyuan
Published: July 2024

Caverns and tunnels are constantly exposed to dynamic loads, posing a potentially significant threat to the safety of rock structures. To facilitate the understanding of dynamic fracture around openings, a series of discrete element models were established to numerically examine the effect of hole shape on dynamic mechanical properties and crack evolution. The results indicate that the existence of a hole greatly reduces dynamic strength, and the reduction is closely related to hole shape. The strain variation of pre-holed specimens is more complicated and even larger than the value of intact specimens. Although crack initiation differs for varying hole shapes, the entire structural collapse of specimens is controlled by macro shear cracks along the diagonal direction of the specimen, which are effectively identified by velocity trend arrows and contact force distribution. Finally, comparative analysis between failure pattern of pre-holed specimens under static and dynamic loads were conducted.
Discounting in finite-time bargaining experiments
Authors: Heggedal Tom-Reiel , McKay Thomas
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the impact of different ways of inducing discounting in alternating-offer bargaining games in the lab. We examine this by following the framework of Ochs and Roth (Am Econ Rev, pp. 355–384, 1989) and test whether the model's predictions find support in data under three different discounting implementations; the shrinking-pie procedure, the effective-discounting procedure and the bargaining-delay procedure. We find no sensitivity to the number of periods in any of the three procedures. However, we find mixed evidence for the effect of changing the discount factor in the effective-discounting procedure and the shrinking-pie procedure, but the magnitude of effects are small. Furthermore, there was more disagreement in both the effective-discounting and bargaining-delay procedures than in the shrinking-pie procedure.
The Childhood Prevalence, Gender Ratio, and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cyprus Using School Report: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kilili-Lesta Margarita , Giannakou Konstantinos , Voniati Louiza
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To determine the childhood prevalence and characteristics of ASD in Cyprus and identify the factors associated with it.

Methods

This was a large-scale cross-sectional study of children 5 to 12 years of age attending schools across all Cyprus districts. Data were collected between February 20, 2023, and June 23, 2023, through a school questionnaire obtaining school information, student demographics, ASD characteristics, and language information, based on schools’ special education databases.

Results

Out of 9990 participants from 117 schools, a 1.8% prevalence of ASD was identified, with a substantial male predominance (80.3%, gender ratio 4.1). ASD prevalence was significantly lower in primary schools (1.3%, p<0.001) and markedly higher in special schools (41.9%, p<0.001) compared to pre-primary schools (2.7%, p<0.001). No significant differences were observed across age groups or school types (p>0.05). Most children with ASD (90.4%) received support primarily through speech-language therapy and special education (93.8%). Approximately 55.6% were reported as nonverbal/minimally verbal. Common comorbidities included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (37.6%) and intellectual disability (10.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis highlighted gender (OR 0.26, 95% C.I. 0.18–0.38), school system (OR 21.04, 95% C.I. 9.94–44.26), and school level (OR 0.48, 95% C.I. 0.34–0.67) as significant factors associated with ASD prevalence (p<0.001).

Conclusions

A 1.8% prevalence of ASD was identified, with 80.3% male representation and a 4.1 gender ratio. The likelihood of ASD was greater among males and those attending pre-primary or special schools. We displayed the need for ASD public policy enforcement in Cyprus mandating screenings in pre-primary schools for early identification, and monitoring prevalence rates through a central database, for adequate service planning.