bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient conjugate gradient based Cholesky CMA‐ES estimation algorithm for nonlinear systems
Authors: Mao Yawen , Xu Chen , Chen Jing , Pu Yan
Published: November 2023

This article studies the parameter estimation problems of nonlinear systems with colored noise using the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA‐ES), which is one of the most competitive evolutionary algorithms available and has been applied in the area of reinforcement learning and process control. However, a major limitation that impedes the application of the CMA‐ES is the high computational complexity caused by matrix decomposition. To solve this problem, an efficient Cholesky CMA‐ES which uses the Cholesky factor instead of the covariance matrix to reduce the computational complexity, and updates the search direction and distribution mean based on the conjugate gradient method to improve the search accuracy is proposed. By using the auxiliary model identification idea, the Cholesky CMA‐ES can be applied to solve the parameter estimation problems of the Hammerstein nonlinear systems with colored noise. Two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate its effectiveness.
English language proficiency standards aligned with content standards: How the Next Generation Science Standards and WIDA 2020 reflect each other
Authors: Lee Okhee , Grapin Scott
Published: November 2023

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) provide a vision for contemporary science education with all students, including the fast‐growing population of multilingual learners in the United States K‐12 context. The shifts heralded by the NGSS have resulted in significant changes to English language proficiency (ELP) or English language development (ELD) standards so they better align with content standards and support all students, including multilingual learners, to engage in language‐rich disciplinary practices (e.g., arguing from evidence). The purpose of this article is to describe ELP/ELD standards aligned with content standards. Specifically, we describe how the policy initiatives of the NGSS as science standards and WIDA 2020 as ELP/ELD standards reflect each other in terms of conceptual foundations and architecture of the standards guiding classroom practices. By becoming more explicitly aware of how science standards and language standards present “mirror images” of each other, science educators will be better positioned to collaborate with their language education colleagues. As this article is intended to engage science educators who are generally familiar with the NGSS but likely new to ELP/ELD standards, we describe WIDA 2020 in detail and in ways accessible to a broad audience. In doing so, we aim to ensure the science education and language education communities are coordinated in their efforts to promote equitable science learning for all students, including multilingual learners. We close with implications for research, policy, and practice through collaboration between science education (as well as other content areas) and language education.
A latent variable mixed‐effects location scale model that also considers between‐person differences in the autocorrelation
Authors: Nestler Steffen , Blozis Shelley A.
Published: November 2023

In public health research an increasing number of studies is conducted in which intensive longitudinal data is collected in an experience sampling or a daily diary design. Typically, the resulting data is analyzed with a mixed‐effects model or mixed‐effects location scale model because they allow one to examine a host of interesting longitudinal research questions. Here, we introduce an extension of the mixed‐effects location scale model in which measurement error of the observed variables is considered by a latent factor model and in which—in addition to the mean‐or location‐related effects—the residual variance of the latent factor and the parameters of the autoregressive process of this latent factor can differ between persons. We show how to estimate the parameters of the model with a maximum likelihood approach, whose performance is also compared with a Bayesian approach in a small simulation study. We illustrate the models using a real data example and end with a discussion in which we suggest questions for future research.
Bacterial Structure‐Inspired Synthesis of Tumor‐Microenvironment‐Activated Artificial Enzyme toward Photothermal Enhanced Chemodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Youwen , Tang Nailing , Zhao Ting , Gao Feng , Teng Xiaotong , Xu Longwu , Zhao Chunzhen , Li Wenjing , Tan Wei , Zhou Baolong
Published: November 2023

Bacteria therapy, using large sizes bacteria equipped with flagella, could easily penetrate the tumor tissue, exerting amazing effects. Inspired by this, carbon nanotubes‐assisted strategy, using CNTs to simulate the flagella of bacteria, is developed to improve the ability of vector to enter the cell. Via bionics, tumor microenvironment (TME) specific‐activated composite photothermal/Fenton enzyme (PZCo‐800) reacted selectively on the tumor sites was developed via direct pyrolysis of a Co‐Porphyrin‐based conjugated porous polymer (CMP) coated zeolitic‐imidazolate‐framework (ZIF‐8) hybrid. Carbonization caused the formation of flagella‐like CNTs, improving the ability of particles entering the cancer cells. PZCo‐800 utilized the acidic and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to initiate the Fenton‐like reaction (CDT), producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill tumor cells. Additionally, under laser irradiation (638 nm), the heat generated by PZCo‐800 offered a prominent photothermal therapy (PTT) boosting the Fenton‐like therapeutic effect. Both in vitro and in vivo assays verified the PTT and CDT worked collaboratively with a remarkable inhabitation of 81.17 % on tumor growth, far outperforming the monomodal CDT and PTT. This microenvironment activated artificial enzyme enabled safe and reliable cancer combination therapy.
Photoreduction of Aqueous Protons Coupling with Alcohol Oxidation on a S‐Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst MnO/Carbon Nitride
Authors: Hu Xuelian , Xu Yangsen , Tang Shuang , Shi Wenwu , Wang Xinzhong , Yu Yu‐Xiang , Zhang Wei‐De
Published: November 2023

Crystalline carbon nitride (CCN), derived from amorphous polymeric CN, is considered as a new generation of metal‐free photocatalyst because of its high crystallinity. In order to further promote the photocatalytic performance of CCN, p‐type MnO nanoparticles are in situ synthesized and merged with n‐type CCN through a one‐pot process to form p–n heterojunction. The formed interfacial electric field between the semiconductors with different work functions efficiently breaks the coulomb interaction between MnO and CCN. The prepared catalysts exhibit drastically increased photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) activity integrated with oxidation of alkyl and aryl alcohols under irradiation of visible light. In the aqueous solution of benzyl alcohol (BzOH), the hydrogen generation rate over MnO/CCN (39.58 µmol h−1) is nearly 7 times and 37 times that of pure CCN (5.76 µmol h−1) and CN (1.06 µmol h−1), respectively, combining with oxidation of BzOH to benzaldehyde. This work proposes an avenue for in situ construction of a novel 2D material‐based S‐scheme heterojunction and extends its application in solar energy conservation and utilization.
Weak‐Water‐Coordination Electrolyte to Stabilize Zinc Anode Interface for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Chunxin , Wang Huibo , Chen Shuwei , Bai Zhengshuai , Zhu Mengyu , Wang Huicai , Chen Danling , Ren Zejia , Chen Shi , Tang Yuxin , Zhang Yanyan
Published: November 2023

The performance of zinc‐ion batteries is severely hindered by the uncontrolled growth of dendrites and the severe side reactions on the zinc anode interface. To address these challenges, a weak‐water‐coordination electrolyte is realized in a peptone‐ZnSO4‐based electrolyte to simultaneously regulate the solvation structure and the interfacial environment. The peptone molecules have stronger interaction with Zn2+ ions than with water molecules, making them more prone to coordinate with Zn2+ ions and then reducing the active water in the solvated sheath. Meantime, the peptone molecules selectively adsorb on the Zn metal surface, and then are reduced to form a stable solid‐electrolyte interface layer that can facilitate uniform and dense Zn deposition to inhabit the dendritic growth. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell can exhibit exceptional cycling performance over 3200 h at 1.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2 in the peptone‐ZnSO4‐based electrolyte. Moreover, when coupled with a Na2V6O16·3H2O cathode, the cell exhibits a long lifespan of 3000 cycles and maintains a high capacity retention rate of 84.3% at 5.0 A g−1. This study presents an effective approach for enabling simultaneous regulation of the solvation structure and interfacial environment to design a highly reversible Zn anode.
Tests and finite element modeling of concrete beams reinforced with reused steel bars
Authors: Attia Mohammed M. , Abdelsalam Bassam Abdelsalam , Eita M. A. , Ahmed Mizan , Liang Qing Quan , Rageh Basem O.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the experimental study and finite element modeling of the flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with reused steel bars as longitudinal reinforcements. The experimental program and results of eight reinforced concrete (RC) beams constructed with and without reused steel bars are described in detail. The replacement percentages of brand‐new bars with reused steel bars in the tested beams were 50% and 100%. The reused steel bars were coated with and without epoxy. Steel fibers with fractions of 0.5% and 1.0% of the concrete volume were added to the concrete mixes. The load‐deflection relationship, ductility index, toughness, and failure modes of the tested beams are presented and discussed. It is shown that utilizing reused steel bars decreases the ultimate load of RC beams but increases their deflection at the ultimate load compared with the control beam. Increasing the steel fiber ratio increases the ultimate load and the deflection at the ultimate load of RC beams incorporating reused steel bars. However, the zinc‐rich epoxy used to coat the reused steel bars does not affect the behavior of the beams. Three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) models of the tested beams were developed using ABAQUS and validated against the test results. The developed FE models are capable of accurately simulating the experimentally observed behavior of RC beams with reused steel bars.
Early stakeholder modeling and analysis: New mobility services (Product Service Systems of Systems)
Authors: Fakhfakh Sarra , Jankovic Marija , Hein Andreas M. , Chazal Yann
Published: November 2023

Developing new mobility services such as electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles services requires not only the interaction and interoperation of independent systems such as electric vehicles, electric infrastructure, or off‐board servers, but also the collaboration of independent business partners, namely, car manufacturers, energy providers, and service providers, developing, managing and operating these systems. Such services show both Product Service Systems and Systems of Systems characteristics and, as such, can be defined as Product‐Service Systems of Systems. While extensive literature exists on developing and managing PSS product and service elements and SoS constituent systems, little research explicitly focuses on PSSoS stakeholders. In particular, the analysis of PSSoS stakeholder business partnerships and involvement in PSSoS development. PSSoS development is seen as the development, operation, and management of constituent systems. This paper contributes to addressing this gap and proposes an approach to manage stakeholder participation in the PSSoS business partnership and PSSoS development.
Prevalence of colistin resistance and antibacterial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from chickens: An assessment of the impact of regulatory intervention in South Africa
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim Z. , Qekwana Daniel N. , Naidoo Vinny
Published: November 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem largely due to the overuse of antimicrobials. In recognition of this, the World Health Assembly in 2015 agreed on a global action plan to tackle AMR. Following the global emergence of the mcr‐1‐associated colistin resistance gene in the livestock industry in 2016, several countries including South Africa restricted the veterinary use of colistin as the gene threatens the clinical utility of the drug. This study is a follow‐up to the restriction in place in order to evaluate the impact of such policy adoption.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of antibacterial resistance (ABR), and the mcr‐1 colistin resistance gene in broiler chicken over a 2‐year period, as a follow‐up to the veterinary ban on colistin use in South Africa.

Methods

A total of 520 swab samples were obtained during 2019 (March–April) and 2020 (February–March), from healthy broiler chicken carcasses (n = 20) and chicken droppings in transport crates (n = 20) at various poultry abattoirs (N = 7) in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Escherichia coli organisms were isolated and subjected to a panel of 24 antibacterials using the MicroScan machine. Screening for mcr‐1 colistin resistance gene was undertaken using PCR.

Result

Four hundred and thirty‐eight (438) E. coli strains were recovered and none demonstrated phenotypic resistance towards colistin, amikacin, carbapenems, tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam. The mcr‐1 gene was not detected in any of the isolates tested. Resistances to the aminoglycosides (0%–9.8%) and fluoroquinolones (0%–18.9%) were generally low. Resistances to ampicillin (32%–39.3%) and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (30.6%–3.6%) were fairly high. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in cephalosporins and cephamycin resistance was noted in the year 2020 (February–March) when compared with the year 2019 (March–April).

Conclusion

The absence of mcr‐1 gene and colistin resistance suggests that mitigation strategies adopted were effective and clearly demonstrated the significance of regulatory interventions in reducing resistance to critical drugs. Despite the drawback in regulatory framework such as free farmers access to antimicrobials OTC and a dual registration system in place, there is a general decline in the prevalence of ABR when the present data are compared with the last national veterinary surveillance on AMR (SANVAD 2007). To further drive resistance down, mitigation strategies should focus on strengthening regulatory framework, the withdrawal of OTC dispensing of antimicrobials, capping volumes of antimicrobials, banning growth promoters and investing on routine surveillance/monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial consumption.
Orthognathic surgery to improve malocclusion in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Steenkamp Gerhard , Hoogendijk Christiaan Fritz , Ruiz Jose Carlos Almansa , Koeppel Katja
Published: November 2023

Malocclusion is a common finding in both companion animals and humans due to dental or maxillofacial discrepancies. Treatment depends on the complications and the species it presents in. In humans, orthognathic surgery is commonly performed to address skeletal malocclusions. A male chimpanzee born in 2002 and orphaned due to the bush meat pet trade was rescued in 2010 by Chimp Eden, a chimpanzee sanctuary. In 2017, it presented with inappetence and weight loss of 6‐month duration. After a computed tomography scan was performed and full mouth impressions were made, a diagnosis of asymmetry of the mandible with the left side markedly shorter and rotated along its long axis was made (malocclusion class IV in a side‐to‐side direction). A bilateral sagittal split operation was performed to correct the malocclusion and improve its feeding. At the time of writing this report, it was eating freely and no complications were seen on multiple post‐operative radiographs.
Traumatic hip luxation in an orange‐spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus)
Authors: Fischer Borges Mariana , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Baldissera Raphael Augusto , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline , Teixeira Carlos Roberto
Published: November 2023

A free‐ranging adult, 1.59‐kg, female orange‐spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) was presented due to inability to locomotion. Ventrodorsal and lateral radiographs of the pelvis showed craniodorsal luxation of the right hip joint, and ischial fracture on the left side. Femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, but the lesser trochanter was preserved. At the final evaluation, 2 months after the surgery, the porcupine showed full weight‐bearing on the right hindlimb, with no signs of lameness. Range of motion of the hip joints showed a decrease in the right hip joint, but crepitation was not observed in palpation. On radiographs, no bony proliferation was seen along the osteotomy line or in the area of the lesser trochanter, and the right and left trochanter were on the same level. The animal was released back into its natural habitat.
Fossil fuels, stranded assets, and the energy transition in the Global South: A systematic literature review
Authors: Heras Augusto , Gupta Joyeeta
Published: November 2023

Complying with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change requires leaving fossil fuels underground (LFFU), which raises justice issues regarding the Global South and its energy transition. The literature is scattered with no review papers on the challenges of LFFU in the Global South, hence we ask: What can be learnt from reviewing the scholarship on the Global South's energy transition, focusing on LFFU and the issue of stranded resources and assets? Our review reveals: (a) renewable investments in the Global South are relatively low for the scale of change needed, and such renewable deployment is more additive than substitutive. Nonetheless, there is potential for the Global South to leapfrog; (b) literature on LFFU in the Global South is limited, and much of it focuses on subsidies. However, developing countries might include stranded assets in their accounting, making LFFU appealing; (c) the Right to Development influences the energy transition's governance and justice issues: limited governance hampers LFFU, while understudied power dynamics shape transition's political economies. However, a global and multilevel just transition may have the potential to achieve LFFU. Thus, the literature overlooks (i) the dilemmas of stranded resources and assets from a developing country perspective and the implications in terms of equity, development, and climate change impacts; and (ii) the underlying power dynamics. Future research should investigate energy leapfrogging viability, critically assess renewables' additive rather than substitutive character in the Global South, and better identify the constraints to an inclusive energy transition, posed by North–South power dynamics and FF incumbents.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development
Wave analysis in porous thermoelastic plate with microtemperature
Authors: Rani Pooja , Kumar Rajneesh , Partap Geeta
Published: November 2023

In the current study, wave analysis in porous thermoelastic plates with microtemperature subject to insulated or isothermal boundaries is the main focus. The governing equations, after expressing for the two‐dimensional case, are converted into nondimensional quantities. For further simplification, potential functions have been used. The normal mode analysis technique is applied to solve the problem. This technique is an influential methodology that furnishes suitable solutions with no presumed limitations. For stress‐free insulated, or isothermal boundaries, the frequency equations for symmetric and skew‐symmetric modes of wave propagation are derived. The attributes of waves (phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, specific loss, and penetration depth) are computed numerically and presented graphically to show the impacts of porosity and microtemperature. Particular cases of porous thermoelastic plates and thermoelastic plates with microtemperatures are presented. The present problem provides a theoretical foundation for the design and development of new composite materials and surface acoustic devices.
The proper timing of Atoh1 expression is pivotal for hair cell subtype differentiation and the establishment of inner ear function
Authors: You Dan , Ni Wenli , Huang Yikang , Zhou Qin , Zhang Yanping , Jiang Tao , Chen Yan , Li Wenyan
Published: November 2023

Atoh1 overexpression is essential for hair cell (HC) regeneration in the sensory epithelium of mammalian auditory and vestibular organs. However, Atoh1 overexpression alone cannot induce fully mature and functional HCs in the mammalian inner ear. In the current study, we investigated the effect of Atoh1 constitutive overexpression in native HCs by manipulating Atoh1 expression at different developmental stages. We demonstrated that constitutive overexpression of Atoh1 in native vestibular HCs did not affect cell survival but did impair vestibular function by interfering with the subtype differentiation of HCs and hair bundle development. In contrast, Atoh1 overexpression in cochlear HCs impeded their maturation, eventually leading to gradual HC loss in the cochlea and hearing dysfunction. Our study suggests that time-restricted Atoh1 expression is essential for the differentiation and survival of HCs in the inner ear, and this is pivotal for both hearing and vestibular function re-establishment through Atoh1 overexpression-induced HC regeneration strategies.
Applying additional autologous platelet‐rich fibrin matrix or serial platelet‐rich plasma to microfracture technique increases the quality of the repaired cartilage
Authors: Balta Orhan , Kurnaz Recep
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to investigate and compare the effects of biological adjuvants (platelet‐rich plasma, platelet‐rich fibrin matrix) and microfracture technique individually and in combination on full thickness chondral defects in a rabbit model.

Methods

A total of 60 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into six groups according to treatment modality as follows: control (C), microfracture (MF), platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), platelet‐rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), platelet‐rich fibrin matrix after microfracture (MF + PRFM) and platelet‐rich plasma after microfracture (MF + PRP) groups. The cartilage repair tissue was assessed histologically via International Cartilage Repair Score (ICRS) and macroscopically via ICRS macroscopic assessment scale.

Results

It was shown that overall macroscopic scores of the groups with MF were higher than those of the groups without MF. The cell morphology observed in the defect areas was mostly characterized with non‐chondrocyte cells in the groups without MF, whereas chondrocyte cells mostly prevailed in the groups with MF. There was a greater integration through the cartilage‐like tissue in the MF + PRP and MF + PRFM groups. The control group showed either fissures or fissures partially filled with fibrous tissue. When the groups were individually examined, there were statistically significant differences between the control and MF groups (p = 0.002), between the control and MF + PRFM groups (p = 0.001), between the control and MF + PRP groups (p < 0.001), between the PRFM and MF + PRFM groups (p = 0.014) and between the PRFM and MF + PRP (p = 0.023) groups in terms of histological evaluation scores.

Conclusion

The application of PRP and PRFM in combination with MF treatment exhibited a positive impact on the repair and restoration of cartilage, and produced better outcomes than the individual use of PRP and PRFM. Nevertheless, in the treatment of full thickness chondral defects, the use of PRFM injection is recommended, which is performed intraoperatively at a single time and with no difficulty of repeating after surgery, instead of serial PRP injections based on the macroscopic and histological results obtained in the present study indicating that there was no significant difference between the use of these two adjuvants.
Static and dynamic inefficiencies in an optimizing model of epidemics
Authors: Garibaldi Pietro , Moen Espen R. , Pissarides Christopher A.
Published: November 2023

Several externalities arise when agents shield optimally to avoid infection during an epidemic. We classify externalities into static and dynamic and compare the decentralized and optimal solutions when agents derive utility from social interaction. For low infection costs agents shield too little; for high costs they shield too much because of a “rat race to shield”: they delay social action until other agents contract the disease and society reaches herd immunity. Other externalities drive more wedges between the private and social outcomes. The expectation of a fully effective vaccine that ends the disease faster changes results, reversing excessive shielding.
Live slow, die old: larval propagation of slow-growing, stress-tolerant corals for reef restoration
Authors: Guest James , Baria-Rodriguez Maria Vanessa , Toh Tai Chong , dela Cruz Dexter , Vicentuan Kareen , Gomez Edgardo , Villanueva Ronald , Steinberg Peter , Edwards Alasdair
Published: November 2023

Efforts to restore coral reefs usually involve transplanting asexually propagated fast-growing corals. However, this approach can lead to outplanted populations with low genotypic diversity, composed of taxa susceptible to stressors such as marine heatwaves. Sexual coral propagation leads to greater genotypic diversity, and using slow-growing, stress-tolerant taxa may provide a longer-term return on restoration efforts due to higher outplant survival. However, there have been no reports to date detailing the full cycle of rearing stress-tolerant, slow-growing corals from eggs until sexual maturity. Here, we sexually propagated and transplanted two massive slow-growing coral species to examine long-term success as part of reef restoration efforts. Coral spat were settled on artificial substrates and reared in nurseries for approximately two years, before being outplanted and monitored for survivorship and growth for a further four years. More than half of initially settled substrates supported a living coral following nursery rearing, and survivorship was also high following outplantation with yields declining by just 10 to 14% over four years. At 6-years post-fertilisation over 90% of outplanted corals were reproductively mature, demonstrating the feasibility of restoring populations of sexually mature massive corals in under a decade. Although use of slower growing, stress tolerant corals for reef restoration may provide a longer-term return on investment due to high post-transplantation survival rates, considerable time is required to achieve even modest gains in coral cover due to their relatively slow rates of growth. This highlights the need to use a mix of species with a range of life-history traits in reef restoration and to improve survivorship of susceptible fast-growing taxa that can generate rapid increases in coral cover.
Age-dependent normal values for the ‘Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised’
Authors: van Lennep Marinde , Lansink Fréderique , Benninga Marc A. , van Wijk Michiel P.
Published: November 2023

The Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) is used to score and evaluate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) related symptoms such as regurgitation, irritability and crying. A cut-off of ≥ 16 has been suggested to discriminate between GER and GER-disease. However, age-specific normal values were not assessed. Aim of this study was to determine age-specific normal values in healthy infants. Cross-sectional survey in healthy infants aged 0–24 months during their regular check-ups at well-baby clinics and through an online questionnaire using the I-GERQ-R. Infants with a history of (suspected) GER-disease were excluded. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated to explore age-related trends. A total of 979 healthy infants (47% male, median age 6 [0–24] months) were included. Median I-GERQ-R score, regardless of age, was 6 (range: 0–27). I-GERQ-R scores significantly decreased with age (rs = -0.569, p < 0.001). Of all infants, 49 (5%) had a score of ≥ 16 which previously has been considered ‘suggestive of GER-disease’. Scores of ≥ 16 were most frequently seen in newborns aged 0–4 months (16% in 0–1 months to 4% in 3–4 months) and disappeared after the age of 16 months. High scores in the first months of life were caused by a high prevalence of regurgitation, colic-associated symptoms and hiccup frequency.

  Conclusion: Age-dependent normal values for the I-GERQ-R show that reflux symptoms decrease in the first 24 months of life in healthy infants. Scores of ≥ 16 should not necessarily be considered abnormal in young infants. Validation as a diagnostic tool for GER-disease using age-appropriate normal values is needed.

What is Known:• The Infant Gastro Esophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) was developed to objectively score and evaluate GER-related symptoms in infants.• Previously a cut off of ≥ 16 has been suggested to differentiate between gastro esophageal reflux (GER) and GER-disease.

What is New:• We present age-specific normal values of the I-GERQ-R in healthy infants.• I-GERQ-R scores clearly decrease with age and up to 16% of young healthy infants have a score that is above the previously suggested cut-off score of 16 for GER-disease.
Permanent stoma rate and long-term stoma complications in laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal total mesorectal excisions: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Burghgraef T. A. , Geitenbeek R. T. J. , Broekman M. , Hol J. C. , Hompes R. , Consten E. C. J. ,   The MIRECA Study Group
Published: November 2023

Background

The surgical resection of rectal carcinoma is associated with a high risk of permanent stoma rate. Primary anastomosis rate is suggested to be higher in robot-assisted and transanal total mesorectal excision, but permanent stoma rate is unknown.

Methods

Patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for MRI-defined rectal cancer between 2015 and 2017 in 11 centers highly experienced in laparoscopic, robot-assisted or transanal total mesorectal excision were included in this retrospective study. Permanent stoma rate, stoma-related complications, readmissions, and reoperations were registered. A multivariable regression analysis was performed for permanent stoma rate, stoma-related complications, and stoma-related reoperations.

Results

In total, 1198 patients were included. Permanent stoma rate after low anterior resection (with anastomosis or with an end colostomy) was 40.1% in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, 21.3% in patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery, and 25.6% in patients undergoing transanal surgery (P < 0.001). Permanent stoma rate after low anterior resection with an anastomosis was 17.3%, 11.8%, and 15.1%, respectively. The robot-assisted and transanal techniques were independently associated with a reduction in permanent stoma rate in patients who underwent a low anterior resection (with anastomosis or with an end colostomy) (OR 0.39 [95% CI 0.25, 0.59] and OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.22, 0.55]), while this was not seen in patients who underwent a restorative low anterior resection. 45.4% of the patients who had a stoma experienced stoma-related complications, 4.0% were at least once readmitted, and 8.9% underwent at least one reoperation.

Conclusions

The robot-assisted and transanal techniques are associated with a lower permanent stoma rate in patients who underwent a low anterior resection.
The effect of rebalancing techniques on the classification performance in cyberbullying datasets
Authors: Khairy Marwa , Mahmoud Tarek M. , Abd-El-Hafeez Tarek
Published: November 2023

Cyberbullying detection systems rely increasingly on machine learning techniques. However, class imbalance in cyberbullying datasets, where the percentage of normal labeled classes is higher than that of abnormal labeled ones, presents a significant challenge for classification algorithms. This issue is particularly problematic in two-class datasets, where conventional machine learning methods tend to perform poorly on minority class samples due to the influence of the majority class. To address this problem, researchers have proposed various oversampling and undersampling techniques. In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of such techniques in addressing class imbalance in cyberbullying datasets. We conduct an experimental study that involves a preprocessing step to enhance machine learning algorithm performance. We then examine the impact of imbalanced data on classification performance for four cyberbullying datasets. To study the classification performance on balanced cyberbullying datasets, we employ four resampling techniques, namely random undersampling, random oversampling, SMOTE, and SMOTE + TOMEK. We evaluate the impact of each rebalancing technique on classification performance using eight well-known classification algorithms. Our findings demonstrate that the performance of resampling techniques depends on the dataset size, imbalance ratio, and classifier used. The conducted experiments proved that there are no techniques that will always perform better the others.
Reliability assessment of the ocean thermal energy conversion systems through Monte Carlo simulation considering outside temperature variation
Authors: Ghaedi Amir , Sedaghati Reza , Mahmoudian Mehrdad , Rodrigues Eduardo M. G. , Godina Radu
Published: November 2023

The ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems, as renewable energy-based power plants, have the potential to play a significant role in meeting future electricity demands due to the vast expanse of the world's oceans. These systems employ the temperature difference between surface ocean waters and deep ocean waters to drive a thermodynamic cycle and produce electricity. The temperature of deep ocean waters, approximately 1000 m below the surface, is approximately 4 °C, while surface ocean temperatures typically range between 20 and 30 °C. The generated power of OTEC systems is dependent on these temperature differences and may vary with changes in surface ocean temperatures. In this study, the main focus is to find the impact of temperature variation on the failure rates of OTEC system components and the generated power output of these plants. The findings indicate that as the demand for the power system increases, its reliability decreases. In order to improve the reliability of the power system, the integration of a new generation unit, such as the close cycle OTEC power plant under investigation, could be necessary. The findings also indicate the importance of considering temperature variation in the evaluation of the reliability of such types of power plants based on renewable energy.
A study on berthing and unberthing of a single-shaft ship with a bow thruster
Authors: Okuda R. , Yasukawa H. , Hirata N. , Matsuda A.
Published: November 2023

In this study, the berthing and unberthing performances of a single-propeller and single-rudder inland container ship with a flapped rudder and bow thruster were investigated using free-running model tests. A navigation method was used for the tests to adjust the bow thruster, so that the heading remained parallel to the pier and the ship berths or unberths while sailing in oblique conditions. As a result, the proposed method enables the target ship to berth or unberth in shallow water with $$h/d=1.5$$

h
/
d
=
1.5

, where h is the water depth and d is the ship draft. Such a free-running test using the navigation method is useful for evaluating the berthing and unberthing performance of single-shaft ships with a bow thruster. In addition, a bow thruster impeller revolution controller was incorporated into the maneuvering simulation model proposed by the authors, and berthing calculations were performed. The calculation results were compared with free-running test results for validation. These results are consistent with the free-running test results with practical accuracy.
Non-excisional techniques for the treatment of intergluteal pilonidal sinus disease: a systematic review
Authors: Huurman E. A. , Galema H. A. , de Raaff C. A. L. , Wijnhoven B. P. L. , Toorenvliet B. R. , Smeenk R. M.
Published: November 2023

Non-excisional techniques for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) have gained popularity over the last years. The aim of this study was to review short and long-term outcomes for non-excisional techniques with special focus on the additive effect of treatment of the inner lining of the sinus cavity and the difference between primary and recurrent PSD. A systematic search was conducted in Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases for studies on non-excisional techniques for PSD including pit picking techniques with or without additional laser or phenol treatment, unroofing, endoscopic techniques and thrombin gelatin matrix application. Outcomes were recurrence rates, healing rates, complication rates, wound healing times and time taken to return to daily activities. In total, 31 studies comprising 8100 patients were included. Non-excisional techniques had overall healing rates ranging from 67 to 100%. Recurrence rates for pit picking, unroofing and gelatin matrix application varied from 0 to 16% depending on the follow-up time. Recurrence rates after additional laser, phenol and endoscopic techniques varied from 0 to 29%. Complication rates ranged from 0 to 16%, and the wound healing time was between three and forty-seven days. The return to daily activities varied from one to nine days. Non-excisional techniques are associated with fast recovery and low morbidity but recurrence rates are high. Techniques that attempt to additionally treat the inner lining of the sinus have worse recurrence rates than pit picking alone. Recurrence rates do not differ between primary and recurrent disease.
Delving into the modeling and operation of energy communities as epicenters for systemic transformations
Authors: Cristóbal Ana B. , Sanz-Cuadrado Cristina , Zhang Zhe , Victoria Marta , Fialho Luis , Cavaco Afonso , Bokalič Matevž , Narvarte Luis
Published: November 2023

With the emergence of energy communities, this paper explores their operationalization as a tool with which to create large and stable citizen science and education hubs focused on energy, where citizens can have the chance of exploring a first-hand approach to the energy transition. We present the rationale behind an energy community, whose purpose is to generate systemic and transformative changes in local environments. The concept of an energy community is used to reflect the legally recognized union of citizens, which is much stronger than any associative mechanism yet without such a structure. While the latter’s actions and interests align with those of energy communities, its operation mode differs in terms of the priority assigned to each of them. The developed model has been submitted for feedback to three European university communities. The feedback received has highlighted the acceptability of the model and encouraged us to move forward with its implementation. Approximately 90% of the participants in the study would partake in this type of energy community in very diverse ways, which shows the capacity of the model for inclusiveness and universal access to energy experiences. The barriers and drivers expressed by the participants of the study were analyzed to identify the aspects that foster or prevent citizens’ participation. This approach will allow us to define a more responsible action plan when turning these models into reality.
Modelling the thermal conductivity of nanofluids using a novel model of models approach
Authors: Onyiriuka Ekene
Published: November 2023

In this study, a unique method for modelling the thermal conductivity of nanofluids is proposed using a "model of models" approach. Three distinct data streams are utilised to achieve this. The first stream uses experimental data to predict thermal conductivity, an input for the primary machine learning model. The other stream involves modelling correlations from previous studies and integrating them as an additional input. Lastly, theoretical data streams are modelled and included as a last stream. By training a model on these combined data streams, the study aims to overcome various challenges in modelling nanofluids' thermophysical properties. The research holds great significance as it can potentially reconcile and understand errors that come with various modelling methods. This could result in improved model performance that closely resembles experimental data. The presented model in the model of models’ approach achieves a remarkable coefficient of determination (R-squared) value of 0.999 on the test data set, showcasing its exceptional accuracy and effectiveness in handling complex data, particularly about the thermophysical properties of nanofluids. Furthermore, this implicit general model comprises of data models incorporating material properties and physical phenomena, offering broad applicability. It is recommended that this approach be extended to viscosity, enhancing the understanding and prediction of nanofluid properties.
Emergence and suppression of chaos in small interdependent networks by localized periodic excitations
Authors: Chacón R. , García-Hoz A. Martínez , Martínez P. J. , Martínez J. A.
Published: November 2023

Mastering the emergence and suppression of chaos of complex networks is currently a fundamental task for the nonlinear science community with potential relevant applications in diverse fields such as microgrid technologies, neural control engineering, and ecological networks. Here, the emergence and suppression of chaos in a complex network of driven damped pendula, which consists of two small starlike networks coupled by a single link, is investigated in the case where only the two hubs are subject to impulse-induced chaos-mastering excitations. Distinct chaos-mastering scenarios are found which depend on whether the connectivity strategy between the starlike networks is hub-to-hub, hub-to-leaf, or leaf-to-leaf. An explanation is given of the underlying physical mechanisms of these chaos-mastering scenarios and their main characteristics. The findings may be seen as a contribution to an intermediate step towards the long-term goal of mastering chaos in scale-free networks of damped-driven nonlinear systems.
A God Gap Driving a Revolution from Conservative to the Far Right in the United States—With Significance for Europe?
Authors: Pickel Gert , Pickel Susanne
Published: November 2023

For some time now, the Christian right in the United States has sought proximity to the Republican Party. However, it is only since Donald Trump’s presidency that the central desires of the Christian right for a moral change have been fulfilled. This hope has existed since the 1980s and has been expressed in far-above-average voting behavior, especially of white evangelicals and Pentecostals for the Republicans. Thus, the Republicans’ focus on moral issues increasingly links them to the image of white Christian nationalism. This stance opposes transgender issues, homosexuality, abortion, and critical race theory and is preoccupied with America’s founding era and racist structures. Favored by the bipolar electoral system and driven by a politics that differentiates between good and evil, a political polarization is establishing itself that leaves hardly any room for compromise. These developments are not limited to the United States but are beginning to migrate globally, as recent incidents in Brazil, Serbia, and Russia show. The United States can be seen as a prototypical case of a particular form of transformation of a democracy into a polarized political system. A certain understanding of religion plays just as much a role in this as the rejection of plurality, especially at the level of sexual and gender diversity.
Systemic embolization in infective endocarditis
Authors: Kildahl Henrik Agerup , Brenne Evelyn Lauvstad , Dalen Håvard , Wahba Alexander
Published: November 2023

Embolism is a common complication in infective endocarditis which may lead to serious complications, such as stroke, intestinal ischemia, and peripheral embolization. A comprehensive literature search was performed and the registry at our centre, including 390 cases of infective endocarditis, diagnosed between 2010 and 2020, was investigated. Large registries show that 20–40% of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) are affected by embolism. In many instances, embolism is present already at the time of diagnosis. The rate of embolism during the hospital stay in our data was 11%. However, only 2% developed clinical embolism during or following surgery. According to recent guidelines, previous embolism, and the presence of vegetations > 10 mm present an indication for surgical treatment. Routine imaging revealed non-symptomatic cerebral embolism in 8.5% of surgical patients. However, it is not clear whether detection of non-symptomatic embolism and consecutive surgical treatment improves the prognosis of infective endocarditis.
Model-based sonification based on the impulse pattern formulation
Authors: Linke Simon , Bader Rolf , Mores Robert
Published: November 2023

The most common strategy for interactive sonification is parameter mapping sonification, where sensed or defined data is pre-processed and then used to control one or more variables in a signal processing chain. A well-known but rarely used alternative is model-based sonification, where data is fed into a physical or conceptual model that generates or modifies sound. In this paper, we suggest the Impulse Pattern Formulation (IPF) as a model-based sonification strategy. The IPF can model natural systems and interactions, like the sound production of musical instruments, the reverberation in rooms, and human synchronization to a rhythm. Hence, the IPF has the potential to be easy to interpret and intuitive to interact with. Experiment results show that the IPF is able to produce an intuitively interpretable, natural zero, i.e., a coordinate origin. Coordinate origins are necessary to sonify both polarities of a dimension as well as absolute magnitudes.
Prediction and therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironment-associated gene CTSK in gastric cancer
Authors: Bai Zilong , Yan Chunyu , Chang Dongmin
Published: November 2023

Background

Cathepsin-K (CTSK) is overexpressed in Gastric cancer (GC) and the mechanism of its overexpression in GC is still unclear. The present work found CTSK as a potential predictive biomarker and immunotherapeutic target for GC based on the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Methods

From public databases, gene expression profiles and clinical data of GC were downloaded to analyze the distribution of stromal and immune cells and tumor abundance in TME. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with TME were obtained by differential analysis, followed by cross-screening to obtain CTSK as a gene associated with TME. Next, a series of methods and tools were employed to explore the relationships between clinicopathological features of GC and CTSK expression as well as prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints and drug sensitivity. And GSEA was used to investigate the potential role of CTSK in the tumor microenvironment of GC.

Results

From the dataset, we obtained a total of 656 DEGs associated with TME and the stromal component of TME was found to be closely involved in GC prognosis. CTSK was cross-screened as the key gene associated with TME by the PPI network and univariate Cox regression analysis. Pan-cancer analysis revealed significant high expression of CTSK in a variety of cancers. Subsequently, we hypothesized that high-expressed CTSK was closely correlated with poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis of tumors, and that CTSK, a GC TME-related gene, was largely involved in a range of biological behaviors of tumors, with a significant correlation between several immune cells.

Conclusion

CTSK was validated as a potential prognostic biomarker related to TME of GC and could be a promising next-generation immunotherapeutic target for GC.