bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improve Thermal Performance and comfortable Design of Public Library Located in Middle Eastern Regions Facing Drastic Climate Change
Authors: Qashqari Amirah , Jefferies Tom
Published: July 2024

Public libraries have important functions as information hubs and cultural institutions, drawing a variety of user groups. As user experience, contentment and general productivity are greatly improved by the thermal comfort of interior spaces, libraries are committed to providing suitable temperatures for both human thermal comfort and for preserving books. The standards for the handling and care of library resources established by the International Federation of Library Associations in 1999 specify the need for constant temperature and humidity in the safekeeping of library items. The recommended temperature range for sedentary activities including reading, is 20-22 °C, comfortable for people in cold regions. Hot climates prevalent in Middle Eastern nations, challenges achieving thermal comfort for library visitors. According to ASHRAE Standard 55 (2020), the most comfortable temperature in hot and humid environments is 24°C, +/- 1°C. Three methods were used in this study. First, this study gives an overview of the history of libraries in Middle East regions, and analyses the development of design elements in controlling temperatures and book preservation of this region’s libraries before and after air conditioning. Second, comparative case studies of Qatar National Library and King Fahad Library showcase differing thermal comfort approaches. Third, interviews with the two libraries users and administrators. Interior temperature, design choice and clothing preferences of patrons are examined in relation to thermal comfort in libraries. The results show that public libraries in hot regions often struggle to provide the temperatures needed to give user comfort and preserve books. This study identifies factors and design approaches to improve the thermal comfort and sustainability of Middle Eastern libraries, intersecting quantitative factors (air temperature and flow) with qualitative factors (colour, material finish and architectural and interior design). It exposes tensions between these approaches to book conservation and user comfort, to develop guidelines for effective design strategies in libraries.
Revealing the role of green roof substrate: limitations of simulated substrate temperatures for summer and winter day and night thermal performance in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Pianella Andrea , Aye Lu , Chen Zhengdong , Williams Nicholas S. G.
Published: July 2024

Green roofs, integrated into conventional buildings, offer valuable thermal benefits, with extensive research and validated models focused on specific climates and summer conditions. However, their applicability requires further refinement, as conflicting year-round performance results have been observed. This study investigates the thermal performance of unvegetated green roofs with various depths in Melbourne, Australia, over almost a year. Utilizing Sailor’s green roof model, the research reveals reasonable accuracy for winter and deeper roofs, but notable discrepancies for 100 mm thick green roofs during the day. Additionally, the study provides experimental data on non-vegetated green roof top temperatures of a typical building in South-East Australia. Night and day comparisons are emphasized to identify model limitations due to different energy balance mechanisms of green roofs. Despite recognizing the green roof substrate’s role in regulating heat flux, few studies independently examine its thermal benefits. Implemented in EnergyPlus, the green roof model is modified for input ranges, including thermal conductivity and leaf area index (LAI), enabling simulations of the three experimental unvegetated green roofs. A refined green roof model is suggested, considering substrate moisture content variations, associated thermal conductivity, and distinct thermal mechanisms during day and night.
Optimal operation of natural ventilation using a combined method of machine learning and physical simulation
Authors: Takeuchi Kenichiro , Hiyama Kyosuke
Published: July 2024

Natural ventilation is an effective means of saving energy in office buildings. However, to maximize the effectiveness of natural ventilation, advanced operational techniques are required. Natural ventilation window should be opened as much as possible without compromising comfort, and the operating hours of HVAC system must be minimized as much as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to make sequential decisions on whether or not to open natural ventilation window based on indoor and outdoor environment. In recent years, machine learning methods have been proposed to optimize operations based on operational data. However, many issues have been pointed out, such as low accuracy in the stage immediately after construction is completed, when there is little operational data. In this study, we propose a method that combines classical physical simulation and machine learning to complement the weakness of optimal control using machine learning. Specifically, we attempted to make decisions on natural ventilation control using a new composite model that combines both a neural network model as a machine learning method and a thermal network model as a physical simulation method to predict the indoor environment after natural ventilation. In a case study for a virtual office building model in Tokyo, the proposed model showed higher prediction accuracy than the neural network model alone during the period shortly after construction was completed, when operational data was scarce, and was able to reduce RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) by about 97% in predicting room temperature three hours after the start of natural ventilation. This study suggests that a newly proposed model for predicting the indoor environment can be used to achieve more accurate natural ventilation control.
CO2-based occupancy forecasting with an Agent-Based Model
Authors: Veynandt François , Derler Bernhard , Heschl Christian
Published: July 2024

In the realm of building performance optimization, understanding occupancy dynamics is pivotal for enhancing both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Occupancy forecasts, serving as critical inputs for data-driven predictive control technologies, play a significant role in this domain. To address this need, we propose a novel model that directly estimates building occupancy levels. This model is particularly applicable to buildings equipped with mechanical ventilation systems and CO2 concentration sensors. The number of persons is estimated by utilizing the CO2 production rate of people and applying the principle of mass conservation. The CO2-based approach has been validated with manually recorded ground-truth measurements. A forecast is generated using the first order Markov chain model in combination with an Agent-Based Modell (ABM). The probability transition matrix of the Markov chain defines the behaviour of the occupant-agents, which is used in the ABM to generate behaviour profiles. The model has been tested on four office rooms, with a one-year measurement dataset. The Markov chain with ABM provides a forecast, which encompasses the stochasticity of people’s behaviour. The presence True Positive Rate (TPR) reaches 50 % and the False Positive Rate (FPR) is 15 %, in average. The occupancy TPR is only 30 % and the FPR 15 %. The proposed approach offers a framework to easily implement further variables, like occupancy-related power consumption, lighting operation, window opening etc.
Multi-criteria decision making for timber constructions: analysis of ceiling types using utility analysis
Authors: Theilig K , Merk D , Blömer T , Lang W , Winter S , Birk S
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Timber constructions are gaining prominence in global decarbonization efforts for climate goals. While addressing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, building planning must consider multiple factors. Methods: This study compares three timber construction methods for office ceilings—solid wood, linear-shaped, and composite timber-concrete—to conventional reinforced concrete. Fourteen timber alternatives are analyzed based on thirteen criteria, covering environmental and construction aspects of resource use, climate protection, building physics, and structural considerations. The utility analysis, a multi-criteria decision-making method, ranks the alternatives while considering all criteria simultaneously. Sensitivity analyses with different criteria weightings examine the robustness of the rankings. Results: A ribbed slab structure with a wet screed is recommended for office ceilings, prioritizing vibration behavior and environmental aspects. Solid wood and linear-shaped ceilings outperform composite timber-concrete or reinforced concrete in building physics and structural aspects. Dry-screed alternatives are not presently recommended due to vibration and economic reasons. Conclusions: This study shows that the utility analysis supports the decision-making in the wooden building parts’ design and planning process. Since the ranking of alternatives depends on the set criteria and their weighting, the seemingly objective decision is based on subjective evaluations. Thus, sensitivity analyses with different weightings are essential, and transparent decision-making documentation is crucial.
Reclaiming earth blocks using various techniques
Authors: Pelicaen E , Novais Passarelli R , Knapen E
Published: July 2024

Earth block masonry offers a low-impact alternative to conventional building methods. Despite the growing need for circular construction practices, the reuse of earth blocks remains underexplored. This initial study addresses this gap by empirically assessing the reclaimable potential of various earth block masonry configurations. Moulded non-stabilised and compressed cement-stabilised earth blocks are combined with three types of mortar. Ten sample walls and a prototype partitioning wall are deconstructed, and blocks are cleaned using standard tools. Reusable and damaged fractions are measured quantitatively, while qualitative evaluations gauge the effort and speed of the processes. Findings reveal that both earth blocks combined with earth mortar exhibit high reclaimable potential, followed by walls with an earth adhesive mortar. Conversely, walls with bastard mortar containing earth show low reclaimable potential, making them more suitable for demolition and recycling. These outcomes contribute to the ongoing discourse on end-of-life scenarios for masonry, providing a foundation for life cycle assessment considering earth block reuse. Further research is initiated to correlate earth block masonry bond strength with suitable reclamation techniques. Other research tracks worth exploring are economic and organisational challenges associated with earth block reclamation.
Beneficial use of recycled aggregates from concrete sludge using a new dry washing technology
Authors: Rønning A , Engelsen C J , Norman S-H , Mooselu M G , Døssland L T , Thorstensen R T
Published: July 2024

Demands for a more sustainable concrete production with reduced waste streams and lower carbon footprint has introduced new solutions that transform waste streams into recyclable raw materials and bring them back into the value chain. Here, recycled aggregates with carbonation potential from a dry-washing technology for concrete trucks are considered to reduce concrete waste. Accordingly, the environmental impacts of a dry-washing method in ready-mix concrete production were investigated through a scenario-based attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The environmental impacts are calculated by a cradle-to-gate LCA modelling in SimaPro® based on onsite interviews in Norway, existing environmental product declarations (EPD), and geography-specific life cycle inventory data. Also, the properties of the reclaimed aggregates have been tested to ensure their mechanical strength for use in fresh concrete. LCA showed that the dry-washing method reduces environmental impact compared to the conventional handling of concrete sludge. The technology reduces the concrete sludge by > 80% thereby reducing the treatment of washing water. Using recycled aggregates decreases the extraction of virgin aggregates. The study contributes to circularity in the production design of concrete by controlling the material and waste flow in the life cycle of concrete.
Financing and management models as a design tool for circular housing projects
Authors: Lespagnard M , Galle W , De Temmerman N
Published: July 2024

Can financing and management models for housing projects guide the design of more circular and inclusive housing solutions? A growing housing crisis in Europe intensifies the pressure on traditional support measures, limiting access to equitable housing. But what if environmental solutions could aid in answering the housing problems our cities are facing? Circular strategies, facilitating reuse and recycling, have the potential to enhance long-term affordability. However, their adoption is hindered by a lack of understanding of the correlation between specific circular design choices and socio-institutional parameters, including management and financing models. This research applies the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method to study 22 existing housing projects. The method allows to establish connections between three circular design choices (reuse, two types of adaptable design) and the distinct characteristics of housing projects. Data was collected through site visits, workshops and semi-structured interviews with architects, housing-cooperatives, policymakers, and housing companies in European countries. As a result, the study provides recommendations for designers, policymakers, and project initiators and managers. Furthermore, we identified missed opportunities for linking circular design strategies to project characteristics. The results could assist in making better-informed design choices related to specific contexts.
New vernacular construction: Environmental awareness and territorial inclusivity
Authors: Bocco Guarneri A , Habert G
Published: July 2024

Studies on vernacular architecture document the built heritage; discuss its preservation; and sometimes focus on its sustainability, expressing admiration for the wisdom it embodies. Traditional buildings are exemplary in terms of embodied environmental impact, but can hardly be transformed into ‘sustainable’ buildings in the contemporary sense, for legal, cost, technical, or cultural reasons. Today’s lifestyles and expectations of comfort are very different from the original ones. Much appreciation of vernacular buildings derives from an aestheticising approach that emphasises appearance and craftsmanship. Such appreciation is tied to the perpetuation of ‘traditional’ forms but can lead to gentrify heritage and to design buildings that are unaffordable to local individuals and communities. We present not a literature review, but a theoretical proposal of a new vernacular, rooted in locality (origin of materials, socio-economic system, skills, etc., drawing inspiration from food self-sufficiency policies) and affordable by everyone – as it was the case with ‘traditional’ vernacular – but also able to respond to contemporary priorities such as counteracting climate change by opting for negative-embodied carbon materials, and meeting present expectations of comfort. Each of these criteria is discussed in detail. Within such constraints, we claim there would still much scope for creativity and innovation in terms of architectural design, behavioural choices, and policy adoption. The analysis of four recent buildings designed by outstanding contemporary architects in three continents completes the paper, substantiating very different examples in tune with the proposed approach. Open questions – including regarding the possibility of future identification of quantitative thresholds to describe ‘new vernacular’ buildings – are discussed in the conclusion.
Influence of fibre direction on the mechanical properties and artificial intelligence-based performance prediction of hybrid abaca-jute amino composites
Authors: S Ramesh , B H Maruthi Prashanth , Gomathi P , Swamy G M , Kandagal Zaheerabbas B , Anne Gajanan
Published: July 2024

In this study, the Hot-press method was used to create hybrid laminates using an equal amount of jute and abaca fibers with various fiber orientations [0/0/0/0/0/0, 0/45/0/0/45/0, 0/90/0/0/90/0, and +45/−45/+45/+45/−45/+45] embedded in amino resin. To assess the impact of fiber orientation on natural fiber hybrid eco-fiber composites, as per ASTM standard the tensile, flexural, impact, and ILSS tests were carried out. Additionally, conducting an in-depth statistical examination through the utilization of Machine Learning techniques like Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to make predictions. The experimental results revealed that the voids and defects have a significant impact on composite density. (0/45/0/0/45/0)The fiber-oriented composite (Composite B) had a higher experimental density and void content than the other composites. The Composite A (0/0/0/0/0/0) outperformed other composites in terms of tensile strength, flexural load-bearing capacity, and impact strength by 5% to 29%. When compared to other composites, the Composite A fiber-oriented composite had the highest ILSS value (3.35 MPa). SEM analysis revealed a good interface between abaca-jute ecofibers and amino resin in the composite. ANN effectively predicts strengths with high R2 scores of 1, 0.98, and 0.99 for tensile, flexural, and impact strengths. The model’s interaction coefficients are close to 1, indicating strong correlative and predictive value.
Applying two approaches to detect unmeasured confounding due to time-varying variables in a self-controlled risk interval design evaluating COVID-19 vaccine safety signals, using myocarditis as a case example
Authors: Bots Sophie H , Belitser Svetlana , Groenwold Rolf H H , Durán Carlos E , Riera-Arnau Judit , Schultze Anna , Messina Davide , Segundo Elena , Douglas Ian , Carreras Juan José , Garcia-Poza Patricia , Gini Rosa , Huerta Consuelo , Martín-Pérez Mar , Martin Ivonne , Paoletti Olga , Bissacco Carlo Alberto , Correcher-Martínez Elisa , Souverein Patrick , Urchueguía-Fornes Arantxa , Villalobos Felipe , Sturkenboom Miriam C J M , Klungel Olaf H
Published: July 2024

We test the robustness of the self-controlled risk interval (SCRI) design in a setting where time between doses may introduce time-varying confounding, using both negative control outcomes (NCOs) and quantitative bias analysis (QBA). All vaccinated cases identified from 5 European databases between September 1, 2020, and end of data availability were included. Exposures were doses 1-3 of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines; outcomes were myocarditis and, as the NCO, otitis externa. The SCRI used a 60-day control window and dose-specific 28-day risk windows, stratified by vaccine brand and adjusted for calendar time. The QBA included two scenarios: (1) baseline probability of the confounder was higher in the control window and (2) vice versa. The NCO was not associated with any of the COVID-19 vaccine types or doses except Moderna dose 1 (IRR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.09). The QBA suggested that even the strongest literature-reported confounder (COVID-19; RR for myocarditis = 18.3) could only explain away part of the observed effect, from IRR = 3 to IRR = 1.40. The SCRI seems robust to unmeasured confounding in the COVID-19 setting, although a strong unmeasured confounder could bias the observed effect upward. Replication of our findings for other safety signals would strengthen this conclusion.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Pharmacoepidemiology.
Temporal changes in the risk of six-month post-COVID symptoms: a national population-based cohort study
Authors: Pastorello Anne , Meyer Laurence , Coste Joël , Davisse-Paturet Camille , de Lamballerie Xavier , Melchior Maria , Novelli Sophie , Rahib Delphine , Bajos Nathalie , Vuillermoz Cécile , Franck Jeanna-Eve , Manto Carmelite , Rouquette Alexandra , Warszawski Josiane ,   EpiCov study group
Published: July 2024

It is unclear how the risk of post-COVID symptoms evolved during the pandemic, especially before the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 variants and the availability of vaccines. We used modified Poisson regressions to compare the risk of six-month post-COVID symptoms and their associated risk factors according to the period of first acute COVID: during the French first (March-May 2020) or second (September-November 2020) wave. Nonresponse weights and multiple imputation were used to handle missing data. Among participants aged 15 years or older in a national population-based cohort, the risk of post-COVID symptoms was 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.9%-15.3%) in March-May 2020, vs 7.0% (95% CI, 6.3%-7.7%) in September-November 2020 (adjusted relative risk [RR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.55). For both periods, the risk was higher in the presence of baseline physical condition(s), and it increased with the number of acute symptoms. During the first wave, the risk was also higher for women, in the presence of baseline mental condition(s), and it varied with educational level. In France in 2020, the risk of six-month post-COVID symptoms was higher during the first than the second wave. This difference was observed before the spread of variants and the availability of vaccines.
INCAWrapper: a Python wrapper for INCA for seamless data import, -export, and -processing
Authors: Mattanovich Matthias , Hesselberg-Thomsen Viktor , Lien Annette , Vaitkus Dovydas , Saad Victoria Sara , McCloskey Douglas
Published: July 2024

Motivation

INCA is a powerful tool for metabolic flux analysis, however, import and export of data and results can be tedious and limit the use of INCA in automated workflows.

Results

The INCAWrapper enables the use of INCA purely through Python, which allows the use of INCA in common data science workflows.

Availability and implementation

The INCAWrapper is implemented in Python and can be found at https://github.com/biosustain/incawrapper. It is freely available under an MIT License. To run INCA, the user needs their own MATLAB and INCA licenses. INCA is freely available for noncommercial use at mfa.vueinnovations.com.
Scientific telephone: The cautionary tale of the global coverage of lichens
Authors: Drotos Katherine H I , Larson Douglas W , McMullin R Troy
Published: July 2024

Scientific history has many examples of profound statements that are later found to be unsubstantiated. The consequences of such misinformation can be dire. In the present article, we present a case where an unevidenced estimate of global lichen coverage proliferated through both scientific literature and popular media. We traced this estimate to a non-peer-reviewed publication from 1987. We found 76 academic articles (collectively cited 4125 times) and 13 other academic documents citing the statistic, citation chains without source attribution, and instances where the number or context was changed. We also found the statistic 37 times in popular media, which is especially concerning, given that these media communicate science to the broader public. We demonstrate how an unevidenced statement can spread, change through time, and ultimately be repeated without demand for evidence. We hope this case unplugs the telephone and provides a cautionary tale for researchers to ensure critical evaluation of citation and communication practices.
Disaster Preparedness in Social Work: Enhancing Policy in Australian Human Service Organisations
Authors: Bell Karen , Boetto Heather
Published: July 2024

This article reports on a small study that aimed to enhance disaster preparedness policy in Australian human service organisations. Adopting a transformative ecosocial lens, the researchers collaborated with emergency services as part of action research (AR) to co-design a series of workshops. The objectives of the workshops were to progressively develop disaster preparedness policy relating to risk assessment, service continuity and recovery plans. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants from human service organisations were undertaken post-workshop to explore their experiences and the impacts of workshops on organisational policy. Qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis. Five key themes emerged from the data. The themes were knowledge acquisition, the interrelationship between policy and practice, inter- and intra-professional relationships, organisational challenges and marginalisation. Whilst results indicated that workshops provided participants with opportunities to enhance disaster preparedness policy, participants described ongoing challenges inhibiting their progress within an organisational context. Implications for social work highlight the interrelationship between policy and practice and underscore the value of the profession’s multidimensional approach to practice. The need to disrupt the influence of the neoliberal discourse within the organisational context is critical for enhancing disaster preparedness and for mitigating the inequitable impacts of disasters on marginalised groups.
Discrete polyketones: synthesis, derivatization, and potential applications
Authors: Inokuma Yasuhide
Published: July 2024

The present account reviews recent progress in the synthesis, functionalization, and application of discrete polyketones. Whereas most polyketones are synthesized as polydisperse polymers with various molecular chain lengths and sizes, discrete polyketones are obtained in chemically pure forms. This allows precise structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction. Discrete polyketones have been used to determine the critical chain length that distinguishes the crystallization behaviors of small molecules from those of macromolecules. Calix[3]pyrrole, which is a ring-contracted analogue of porphyrinogen, was first obtained from a cyclic hexaketone. The discovery of the strain-induced ring expansion reaction of calix[3]pyrroles has provided an important insight into solving a long-standing enigma in porphyrin synthesis. Chemical derivatization of discrete polyketones using ketone-derived transformations has resulted in the generation of various functional molecules for potential applications. These molecules have been used to develop several materials, including luminescent chromophores, ion adsorbents, drug–drug conjugates, and microfluidic devices for cancer diagnosis.
Could hydrogen gas be produced using human cells?
Authors: Catal Tunc
Published: July 2024

Although fossil fuels are widely used to meet energy needs, intensive research has been carried out in recent years on hydrogen production from renewable sources due to their decrease over time and environmental pollution concerns. Biofuel cell technology is one of the promising current technologies. It has been proven that various microorganisms produce energy through their natural metabolism, and that energy production is produced in biofuel cells by exoelectrogenic microorganisms that can transfer electrons to an electrode surface. Although it has been stated that employing human cells to generate energy is feasible, it is unknown whether doing so would enable the production of hydrogen. Within the scope of this perspective article, the issue of hydrogen production in bioelectrolysis cells using human cells will be discussed for the first time. Optimizing hydrogen production in bioelectrolysis cells using human cells is important in terms of contributing to hydrogen technologies. Within the scope of the article, promising human cell lines for hydrogen production are emphasized and hydrogen production potentials in bioelectrolysis cells using these cell lines are discussed. In conclusion, some human cells can be used for hydrogen gas production in bioelectrolysis cells due to their bioelectrochemical and metabolic properties.
2024 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on Complicated Intraabdominal Infections: Diagnostic Imaging of Suspected Acute Cholecystitis and Acute Cholangitis in Adults, Children, and Pregnant People
Authors: Bonomo Robert A , Edwards Morven S , Abrahamian Fredrick M , Bessesen Mary , Chow Anthony W , Dellinger E Patchen , Goldstein Ellie , Hayden Mary K , Humphries Romney , Kaye  , Potoski Brian A , Rodríguez-Baño  , Sawyer Robert , Skalweit Marion , Snydman David R , Tamma Pranita D , Donnelly Katelyn , Loveless Jennifer
Published: July 2024

This article is part of a clinical practice guideline update on the risk assessment, diagnostic imaging, and microbiological evaluation of complicated intraabdominal infections in adults, children, and pregnant people, developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In this article, the panel provides recommendations for diagnostic imaging of suspected acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis. The panel's recommendations are based on evidence derived from systematic literature reviews and adhere to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
Fundamental implications of the neglect of servicisation by development economists
Authors: Fforde Adam
Published: July 2024

The article deploys servicisation as a case study to discuss economists’ methods and the confirmation bias issue. Data show the average pattern of structural transformation in developing countries has since the early 1990s been servicisation, and the faster the growth, the greater the servicisation. Data also show that servicisation has been an extremely under-researched topic compared with industrialisation. This is an example of confirmation bias—weak links between theory and facts—that erodes the plausibility of policy advice. The paper analyses methods and their policing, and points to issues to address to reduce risks of confirmation bias by strengthening ‘the power of facts’.
Elevated RHAMM as a biomarker for predicting diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Qi Bingxue , Lou Yan , Zhu Yongyue , Chen Yang , Yang Shixin , Meng Fanjie , Pan Zhuo , Liu Shuangshuang , Yan Guanchi , Lu Xiaodan , Huang Li-Hao
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a significant challenge globally as a complication of diabetes. Hyaluronan (HA), a critical non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix, plays a pivotal role in the progression of DKD. This study assesses the predictive significance of HA's corresponding receptor, RHAMM (receptor for HA-mediated motility), in DKD pathogenesis in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

Methods

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilized to measure plasma and urine levels of HA, CD44 and RHAMM in 99 diabetic patients. Immunohistochemistry staining was employed to examine HA deposition, CD44 and RHAMM expressions from 18 biopsy-proven DKD patients. Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to establish associations between plasma HA, CD44 and RHAMM levels, and clinical parameters in DKD patients with T2DM.

Results

Elevated plasma and urine HA, CD44 and RHAMM levels were notably observed in the severe renal dysfunction group. Plasma RHAMM exhibited positive correlations with HA (r = 0.616, P < .001) and CD44 (r = 0.220, P < .001), and a negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = –0.618, P < .001). After adjusting for other potential predictors, plasma RHAMM emerged as an independent predictor of declining eGFR (β = –0.160, P < .05). Increased HA, CD44 and RHAMM levels in kidney biopsies of DKD patients were closely associated with heightened kidney injury. The ROC curve analysis highlighted an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.876 for plasma RHAMM, indicating superior diagnostic efficacy compared to CD44 in predicting DKD pathogenesis. The combined AUC of 0.968 for plasma RHAMM, HA and CD44 also suggested even greater diagnostic potential for DKD pathogenesis.

Conclusion

These findings provide initial evidence that elevated RHAMM levels predict DKD pathogenesis in T2DM patients. The formation of a triple complex involving HA, CD44 and RHAMM on the cell surface shows promise as a targetable biomarker for early intervention to mitigate severe renal dysfunctions.
Face recognition using deep learning on Raspberry Pi
Authors: Ahmed Ali Aboluhom Abdulatif , Kandilli Ismet
Published: July 2024

Facial recognition on resource-limited devices such as the Raspberry Pi poses a challenge due to inherent processing limitations. For real-time applications, finding efficient and reliable solutions is critical. This study investigated the feasibility of using transfer learning for facial recognition tasks on the Raspberry Pi and evaluated transfer learning that leverages knowledge from previously trained models. We compared two well-known deep learning (DL) architectures, InceptionV3 and MobileNetV2, adapted to face recognition datasets. MobileNetV2 outperformed InceptionV3, achieving a training accuracy of 98.20% and an F1 score of 98%, compared to InceptionV3’s training accuracy of 86.80% and an F1 score of 91%. As a result, MobileNetV2 emerges as a more powerful architecture for facial recognition tasks on the Raspberry Pi when integrated with transfer learning. These results point to a promising direction for deploying efficient DL applications on edge devices, reducing latency, and enabling real-time processing.
Development, Stasis and Detours in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre and Great Expectations
Authors: Hill David
Published: July 2024

Both Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre and Great Expectations suggest the possibility of individual growth and formation leading to maturity and fulfilment, but in each case the hero’s development is problematic. Progress is not linear; it is marked by detours and is threatened or undercut by elements of stasis when time – and life – seems to stop, but equally the hero’s development seems to depend on these moments of stasis. In Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre a number of characters close to Wilhelm, primarily female characters, demonstrate an inability or refusal to engage with life that may be associated with sickness, introversion or the inability to manage past trauma – or indeed the transcendence offered by art and beauty. In Great Expectations Pip’s development as a moral person is undercut by his illusion that the deathly Miss Haversham has plans to provide him with the wealth and social status to put him on a level with Estella. His social advancement as ‘a gentleman’ thus hinders his true development as a moral person and produces a temporary moral stasis. Nevertheless, in both novels the female characters associated with stasis play an essential part in setting the hero on a course that promises positive development and self-fulfilment. In the end, though, neither author is entirely able to resolve the tensions within their idea of development, which seems to run counter to the idea of stasis but also, somehow, to require it: correspondingly, the endings of both novels are open and uncertain.
Structure size may affect fish density around oil platforms
Authors: Lawrence Joshua M , Heath Michael R , Speirs Douglas C , Fernandes Paul G
Published: July 2024

Thousands of offshore oil and gas platforms have been installed worldwide and are known to act as artificial reefs. Many platforms are nearing the end of their operational lives and will soon require decommissioning, but uncertainty remains about the impacts of these structures, and their removal, on the environment. Fish aggregate at platforms, but little is known about the extent of these effects in the North Sea and the causes of variability in these associations. Here, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) was used to collect fisheries acoustic data on distributions of schooling and non-schooling fish around six oil platforms, collecting data within tens of metres of four of the surveyed platforms. In areas with more platforms, more non-schooling fish were found, and the probability of detecting fish schools was higher. Interplatform variability was found in trends in non-schooling fish density with increasing distance from platform, but the relationship was found to be strongest and most negative at the larger platforms. These findings may influence future management decisions around the decommissioning of these platforms, particularly if some structure is to be left in place to maximize the potential benefits associated with these artificial reef effects.
Effect modification by statin use status on the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Bai Li , Kwong Jeffrey C , Kaufman Jay S , Benmarhnia Tarik , Chen Chen , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V , Kim JinHee , Lu Hong , Burnett Richard T , Chen Hong
Published: July 2024

Background

Numerous studies have linked fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to increased cardiovascular mortality. Less is known how the PM2.5-cardiovascular mortality association varies by use of cardiovascular medications. This study sought to quantify effect modification by statin use status on the associations between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality from any cardiovascular cause, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke.

Methods

In this nested case-control study, we followed 1.2 million community-dwelling adults aged ≥66 years who lived in Ontario, Canada from 2000 through 2018. Cases were patients who died from the three causes. Each case was individually matched to up to 30 randomly selected controls using incidence density sampling. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between PM2.5 and mortality. We evaluated the presence of effect modification considering both multiplicative (ratio of ORs) and additive scales (the relative excess risk due to interaction, RERI).

Results

Exposure to PM2.5 increased the risks for cardiovascular, CHD, and stroke mortality. For all three causes of death, compared with statin users, stronger PM2.5-mortality associations were observed among non-users [e.g. for cardiovascular mortality corresponding to each interquartile range increase in PM2.5, OR = 1.042 (95% CI, 1.032–1.053) vs OR = 1.009 (95% CI, 0.996–1.022) in users, ratio of ORs = 1.033 (95% CI, 1.019–1.047), RERI = 0.039 (95% CI, 0.025–0.050)]. Among users, partially adherent users exhibited a higher risk of PM2.5-associated mortality than fully adherent users.

Conclusions

The associations of chronic exposure to PM2.5 with cardiovascular and CHD mortality were stronger among statin non-users compared to users.
HESS energy configuration strategy based on load regulation for wind power
Authors: Liu Zenglei , Chen Bangjun
Published: July 2024

Energy storage systems are particularly suitable for renewable energy sources, such as wind power, because these renewable energy sources are volatile. The hybrid energy storage system (HESS) considers the advantages of multiple energy storage systems and is considered very promising; therefore, the energy configuration strategy of an excellent HESS that considers both cost and performance is crucial. This article based on HESS consists of battery and supercapacitor (SC), additional consideration of user load; thus, by adjusting user translatable load and reducible load, the pressure of wind power and HESS can be alleviated to take into account the cost and performance of HESS. Further, a simple and easy-to-implement energy configuration strategy for HESS is proposed, which takes into account that the energy stored in the battery is almost the energy stored in the HESS and calculates the battery energy and then the SC energy through the gap between the load and the wind power. We used three sets of cases: without HESS, with HESS but without load control, and with HESS and load control. The results show that, compared with HESS without load control, HESS with load control can achieve lower HESS cost, wind abandonment rate, and load power shortage rate, which is impossible to combine with traditional strategies.
Unique Continuation at Infinity: Carleman Estimates on General Warped Cylinders
Authors: De Ponti Nicolò , Pigola Stefano , Veronelli Giona
Published: July 2024

We obtain a vanishing result for solutions of the inequality $|\Delta u| \leq q_{1} |u| + q_{2} |\nabla u|$ that decay to zero along a very general warped cylindrical end of a Riemannian manifold. The appropriate decay condition at infinity on $u$ is related to the behavior of the potential functions $q_{1}$ and $q_{2}$ and to the asymptotic geometry of the end. The main ingredient is a new Carleman estimate of independent interest. Geometric applications to conformal deformations and to minimal graphs are presented.
A DNA Methylation Signature From Buccal Swabs to Identify Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Karlsson Lovisa , Öhrnberg Isabelle , Sayyab Shumaila , Martínez-Enguita David , Gustafsson Mika , Espinoza Patricia , Méndez-Aranda Melissa , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Diero Lameck , Tonui Ronald , Paues Jakob , Lerm Maria
Published: July 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is among the largest infectious causes of death worldwide, and there is a need for a time- and resource-effective diagnostic methods. In this novel and exploratory study, we show the potential of using buccal swabs to collect human DNA and investigate the DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures as a diagnostic tool for TB.

Methods

Buccal swabs were collected from patients with pulmonary TB (n = 7), TB-exposed persons (n = 7), and controls (n = 9) in Sweden. Using Illumina MethylationEPIC array, the DNAm status was determined.

Results

We identified 5644 significant differentially methylated CpG sites between the patients and controls. Performing the analysis on a validation cohort of samples collected in Kenya and Peru (patients, n = 26; exposed, n = 9; control, n = 10) confirmed the DNAm signature. We identified a TB consensus disease module, significantly enriched in TB-associated genes. Last, we used machine learning to identify a panel of 7 CpG sites discriminative for TB and developed a TB classifier. In the validation cohort, the classifier performed with an area under the curve of 0.94, sensitivity of 0.92, and specificity of 1.

Conclusions

In summary, the result from this study shows clinical implications of using DNAm signatures from buccal swabs to explore new diagnostic strategies for TB.
Reasoning with large language models for medical question answering
Authors: Lucas Mary M , Yang Justin , Pomeroy Jon K , Yang Christopher C
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate approaches of reasoning with large language models (LLMs) and to propose a new prompting approach, ensemble reasoning, to improve medical question answering performance with refined reasoning and reduced inconsistency.

Materials and Methods

We used multiple choice questions from the USMLE Sample Exam question files on 2 closed-source commercial and 1 open-source clinical LLM to evaluate our proposed approach ensemble reasoning.

Results

On GPT-3.5 turbo and Med42-70B, our proposed ensemble reasoning approach outperformed zero-shot chain-of-thought with self-consistency on Steps 1, 2, and 3 questions (+3.44%, +4.00%, and +2.54%) and (2.3%, 5.00%, and 4.15%), respectively. With GPT-4 turbo, there were mixed results with ensemble reasoning again outperforming zero-shot chain-of-thought with self-consistency on Step 1 questions (+1.15%). In all cases, the results demonstrated improved consistency of responses with our approach. A qualitative analysis of the reasoning from the model demonstrated that the ensemble reasoning approach produces correct and helpful reasoning.

Conclusion

The proposed iterative ensemble reasoning has the potential to improve the performance of LLMs in medical question answering tasks, particularly with the less powerful LLMs like GPT-3.5 turbo and Med42-70B, which may suggest that this is a promising approach for LLMs with lower capabilities. Additionally, the findings show that our approach helps to refine the reasoning generated by the LLM and thereby improve consistency even with the more powerful GPT-4 turbo. We also identify the potential and need for human-artificial intelligence teaming to improve the reasoning beyond the limits of the model.
Fentanyl-related deaths in Ontario, Canada: toxicological findings and circumstances of death in 4395 cases (2020–22)
Authors: Adamo Alexandra , Marshall Karlie , Woodall Karen L
Published: July 2024

Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths in Ontario, Canada. This report examines toxicological findings in a series of death investigations in which fentanyl was quantitated to identify the prevalence, trends, and demographic data associated with fentanyl in Ontario, Canada, and to highlight the changes in these trends since fentanyl began appearing in casework in Ontario in the early 2000s. A retrospective study of all cases in which fentanyl was quantitated in blood, using liquid chromatography (LC)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), was conducted for the time period between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. A total of 4395 cases were included; 77% of the decedents were male, and 23% was female with ages ranging from 0 to 95 years. The most frequently classified cause of death was mixed drug toxicity (69%) followed by fentanyl intoxication at 19%. Less than 10% of cases where fentanyl was quantitated were classified as nondrug-related deaths. Fentanyl concentrations in all cases ranged from 1.3 to >2000 ng/mL. Other drugs were frequently detected with fentanyl. In mixed drug toxicity cases, stimulants were the most frequently encountered class of drugs: cocaine was identified in 51.8%, and methamphetamine was observed in 43.0% of cases. Detailed reports for select cases were included to provide additional insight into the different case types and to show the difficulty in interpreting blood concentrations without additional detailed case histories. This study provides valuable information for the scientific and medical community regarding the continued use of fentanyl and how patterns of fentanyl use have evolved since it began to appear in forensic casework.
An Occupation-Based Review of Outcome Measures Used to Assess Hand Function After Burn Injury
Authors: Cancio Jill M , Stav Wendy B , Colaianni Donna
Published: July 2024

While occupation began as the central concept of occupational therapy at the dawn of the profession, the use of occupation throughout the therapy process, including assessment, has wavered in recent decades. Occupation is defined as meaningful and purposeful activities that individuals do to occupy their time and attention. The use of occupation-based assessments is vital to establishing care with an occupational focus. The purpose of this article is to review the outcome assessment tools commonly used in the burn literature to evaluate hand function and critique the presence of occupation in each assessment using the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment. Knowledge of the occupational nature of assessments is important to the delivery of an occupational therapy evaluation comprised of a battery of assessments inclusive of discrete measures of movement as well as performance-based tools to represent the person from an occupational perspective. Many outcome measures used in upper extremity burn rehabilitation are discrete in nature and do not measure occupations of clients. The Suitcase Packing Activity may be a viable addition to an assessment battery to address this essential need.