bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paid summer undergraduate internships are one strategy to increase diversity in genetic counseling
Authors: Kessler Lisa Jay , Conway Laura J. , Love Rosaria , Valverde Kathleen D.
Published: August 2023

The genetic counseling profession has attempted to enhance the diversity of its workforce since its inception but does not yet reflect the demographics of the United States. One barrier to entry into genetic counseling programs may be the ability to gain exposure to the profession prior to applying for entry. Many applicants participate in unpaid shadowing experiences, which could be a limitation to students from underrepresented backgrounds who may be less familiar with the field or who cannot forgo a salary. To address this concern, the University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program developed a six‐week, paid summer internship designed for undergraduates interested in genetic counseling and from underrepresented backgrounds in the field. Students were recruited via social media and word of mouth. Three undergraduates participated in the first year and four in the second year. Participants received lectures on basic topics in genetics and medical genetics, engaged in workshops and panel discussions, attended rounds and case conferences, interacted with genetic counseling mentors, and were able to shadow genetic counselors in the clinic. Benefits to the interns included enhanced appreciation for the field, development of connections with practicing genetic counselors, and development of connections with each other. The program received positive and constructive feedback and has been continued for future summers.
Identification and target of action of cholecystokinin‐releasing peptides from simulated digestion hydrolysate of wheat protein
Authors: Song Hongdong , Wang Qingyu , Shao Zhuwei , Wang Xinyue , Cao Hongwei , Huang Kai , Guan Xiao
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Wheat protein intake leads to improved appetite control. However, the active components causing appetite in wheat have not been fully clarified. Gut cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a vital role in appetite control. This study aimed to investigate the ability of wheat protein digest (WPD) to stimulate CCK secretion and clarify the active components and target of action.

RESULTS

WPD was prepared by a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. WPD treatment with a concentration of 5 mg mL−1 significantly stimulated CCK secretion in enteroendocrine STC‐1 cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, oral gavage with WPD in mice significantly increased plasma CCK level at 60 min (P < 0.01). Preparative C18 column separation was used to isolate peptide fractions associated with CCK secretion and peptide sequences were identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A new CCK‐releasing peptide, RYIVPL, that potently stimulated CCK secretion was successfully identified. After pretreatment with a specific calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonist, NPS 2143, CCK secretion induced by WPD or RYIVPL was greatly suppressed, suggesting that CaSR was involved in WPD‐ or RYIVPL‐induced CCK secretion.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that WPD has an ability to stimulate CCK secretion in vitro and in vivo, and determined that peptide RYIVPL in WPD could stimulate CCK secretion through CaSR. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revitalizing Cytokine‐Based Cancer Immunotherapy through Advanced Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Pengwen , Paraiso West Kristian Dizon , Cabral Horacio
Published: August 2023

Cytokines can coordinate robust immune responses, holding great promise as therapeutics against infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. In cancer treatment, numerous pro‐inflammatory cytokines have displayed promising efficacy in preclinical studies. However, their clinical application is hindered by poor pharmacokinetics, significant toxicity and unsatisfactory anticancer efficacy. Thus, while IFN‐α and IL‐2 are approved for specific cancer treatments, other cytokines still remain subject of intense investigation. To accelerate the application of cytokines as cancer immunotherapeutics, strategies need to be directed to improve their safety and anticancer performance. In this regard, delivery systems could be used to generate innovative therapies by targeting the cytokines or nucleic acids, such as DNA and mRNA, encoding the cytokines to tumor tissues. This review centers on these innovative delivery strategies for cytokines, summarizing key approaches, such as gene delivery and protein delivery, and critically examining their potential and challenges for clinical translation.
Reconstituting Low‐Density Lipoprotein with NIR‐Absorbing Organic Photothermal Agents for Targeted Killing of Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Tian Liang , Wu Kaiyu , Wang Chao , Zhu Chunlei
Published: August 2023

Photothermal therapy (PTT) systems typically do not possess intrinsic tumor‐targeting capability, resulting in indiscriminate thermal damage to both cancer and normal cells. Herein, a low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐based nanosystem (denoted as MTTQ@LDL) is reported for targeted photothermal killing of cancer cells. Such a nanosystem is fabricated by reconstituting the lipophilic core of LDL with an organic photothermal agent MTTQ. The reconstitution process improves the supramolecular photothermal effects of MTTQ assemblies, which contributes to the significantly enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (41.3% vs. 16.2%). MTTQ@LDL can actively target LDL receptor‐overexpressed cancer cells via receptor‐mediated endocytosis, enabling the selective killing of cancer cells over normal cells (98% vs. 7%) post‐NIR irradiation. Reconstituted LDL can serve as a promising platform for targeted delivery of functional materials, holding great promise in tumor eradication in vivo.
Study of Antimony‐Doped Silicene Nanoribbons in the Electric Field
Authors: Van Ngoc Hoang
Published: August 2023

Silicene is a structure made of silicon atoms with a honeycomb hexagonal configuration. Silicene is not a flat structure like graphene, it has buckling. Silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs) are low‐dimensional structures built from silicene with chemically modified edges. The electronic properties of SiNRs also depend on the modification elements at the two edges. The antimony element will be doped in the SiNRs, and the electric field acting on the system is a constant electric field 0.3 V Å‐1. The configurations are stable after optimization by density function theory (DFT), and the energies of formation of the systems will also be calculated. The energy bands, states of the configurations will be plotted, analyzed, and compared. The structures after doping are all semi‐metallic, the band gap has disappeared. The partial states are also investigated, which depends on the density of particles per unit cell.
Participation of apoptotic markers in the process of maturation and elimination of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the Corynorhinus mexicanus bat
Authors: Samano‐Barbosa Gihovani Ademir , López‐Trinidad Blanca Patrícia , Rodríguez‐Tobón Ahiezer , Chávez‐Zamora Julio Cesar , Cortés‐Barberena Edith , León‐Galván Miguel Angel , Rodríguez‐Tobón Ernesto , Arenas‐Ríos Edith
Published: August 2023

The Corynorhinus mexicanus bat is characterized by a specific form of reproductive asynchrony between males and females. After mating, some sperm remain in the male's epididymis, the organ where the sperm had matured. It has not yet been determined if apoptotic markers participate in the process of the maturation and/or elimination of these cells, so studying this topic is essential for our understanding of this species. Male bats were collected during three stages: Before mating; during the Mating phase; After mating and the final phase, which we call, Storage. Their epididymides were removed, weighed and measured. Sperm were extracted and the following sperm parameters were evaluated: active caspases, phosphatidylserine externalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm from the testes enter the epididymis during Before mating, causing the organ to grow. During Mating phase, spermatozoa present a large amount of active caspases with externalization of phosphatidyl serine, even while still alive. This suggests that these two markers could participate in maturation and elimination, respectively.
Impact of store brand competition on retailer's strategic inventory in decentralized supply chains
Authors: Balasubramanian Ganesh , Ponnachiyur Maruthasalam Arulanantha Prabu
Published: August 2023

Retailers often sell their own store brands that compete with the national brands. Store brand competition induces the supplier to quote lower wholesale prices for national brands. In multi‐period selling environments, retailers may complement this wholesale price reduction by carrying strategic inventories. Hence, store brand carrying retailers face the following dilemma. On the one hand, strong store brand competition might be sufficient to lower the national brand's wholesale price substantially. In this case, the retailer need not carry any strategic inventory. On the other hand, the wholesale price reduction induced solely by store brand competition might not be substantial. In this case, the retailer might want to carry either national brand or store brand strategic inventory to complement the wholesale price reduction. We address the above dilemma by investigating the effect of store brand competition on the strategic inventory decision using a two‐period game‐theoretic framework. We enhance the current understanding of the retailer's strategic inventory by incorporating the impact of store brand competition. Our analysis reveals that it is never optimal for the retailer to carry store brand as strategic inventory even when the store brand and the national brand are close substitutes. We also find that a store brand selling retailer may become worse off when being endowed with the option of carrying strategic inventory. However, when the holding cost is sufficiently low, we show that the strategic inventory and store brand competition complement each other and benefit the retailer.
A nonlinear programming algorithm for finite element limit analysis using feasible arc searching technique
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiao Yao
Published: August 2023

This article presents a nonlinear programming algorithm for finite element limit analysis (FELA) based on feasible arc searching technique (FAST). The proposed algorithm has the potential to significantly reduce the iteration numbers required for convergence, making it a valuable tool for solving complex optimization problems from FELA. The algorithm also introduces several new features to the existing methods, including: (i) a novel method for determining a reasonable updating step length; (ii) the avoidance of solving an additional “phase one problem” for finding an initial feasible point; and (iii) the proposition of an empirical criterion for detecting infeasibility problems. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been demonstrated through several classic examples derived from geotechnical engineering. The initial two examples show the superior convergence speed of the novel approach compared to existing methods. Additionally, the third example highlights the efficacy of the feasibility detection criterion for problems involving both prescribed and unknown external forces.
The difference of time‐based prospective memory between Type A and Type B individuals under different time monitoring conditions
Authors: Gan Jiaqun , Ding Yi , Guo Yunfei , Wang Enguo
Published: August 2023

Time‐based prospective memory (TBPM) is affected by many factors, which include Type A and Type B personality types. Type A individuals have a strong desire to complete tasks and a strong sense of time‐urgency to complete established tasks before the deadline. Type B individuals have fewer time constraints and usually procrastinate until the deadline to complete the task. Compared with Type B individuals, Type A individuals may perform better in TBPM due to their advantages in time cognition and attitude. This study explores the differences in the TBPM ability between Type A individuals and Type B individuals under different time monitoring conditions. In Experiment 1, there was no limit to how many times participants could check the time. The results showed that the performance of TBPM between Type A individuals and Type B individuals was not different. In Experiment 2, participants could only check the time once during each TBPM task. The results showed that, compared to Type B individuals, Type A individuals performed better in TBPM, with higher time monitoring frequency and slower response speed to the ongoing tasks. These findings suggest that the performance of Type A individuals in TBPM has an advantage only under the restricted time monitoring condition. This advantage is then mainly due to the increase in the attention consumption of Type A individuals in both internal and external attention.
Mechanisms of damage and fracture of aramid fibers: Focus on the role of microfibril cooperativity in fracture toughness
Authors: Richard Clotilde , Bresson Bruno , Bès Maxime , Schittecatte Laura , Le Roux Solène , Didane Nizar , Bataille François , Joannès Sébastien , Marcellan Alba
Published: August 2023

Pushing the limits of synthetic polymers in terms of stiffness and strength, aromatic polyamide fibers–like Kevlar®–are used for demanding applications in the form of fiber assemblies as ropes. The unique mechanical performance of aramid fiber is intimately linked to its hierarchical structure and orientation, induced during the spinning process. Surprisingly, after nearly 60 years of heavy use, very little is known about damage mechanisms and rational explanation of such high resistance. We report an experimental investigation of the fiber damage mechanisms at the single fiber scale (diameter ≅ 10 μm) with the aim to establish a link with the microstructure. Damage mechanisms and crack propagation are observed in situ for the first time and unveil a widespread damage over the entire length of the fiber in the form of a network of transverse and longitudinal cracks. These observations make it possible to draw a novel scenario of fracture that mitigates the small strain failure hypothesis. To shed light on the crucial role of microfibril cooperativity in fracture toughness, a slight twist is applied to the single fiber to promote tortuosity and frictional contacts between microfibrils. Statistical fracture analysis demonstrated the beneficial impact of such torsion on early failure events, since lowest fracture stresses are shifted to higher stresses.
Efficient removal of Ni(II) by nanosecond pulsed discharge‐modified resins: Characterization, capacity, and kinetics
Authors: Wang Hong‐Li , Chen Chao‐Jun , Yuan Hao , Xu Qing‐Nan , Liang Jian‐Ping , Li Si‐Si , Wang Wen‐Chun , Yang De‐Zheng
Published: August 2023

A porous functionalized resin was produced using nanosecond pulsed discharge for the purpose of removing Ni(II). The implications of discharge time, O2 concentration, and solution pH on adsorption capacity were explored. Studies indicated that nanosecond pulsed discharge‐modified resins in 5 min of discharge time and 8% of O2 concentration had a removal efficiency of 97.2%, and an increase of 36% compared to the raw. Furthermore, the residual Ni(II) concentration (0.3 mg/L) is well below the national permitted emission standard (0.5 mg/L). The rise in Ni(II) removal efficiency is associated with the increased specific surface area and oxygen‐containing functional groups. Chemisorption played an important role in the removal of Ni(II) by raw and modified resins.
Aeolus Rayleigh‐channel winds in cloudy conditions
Authors: Marseille Gert‐Jan , de Kloe Jos , Dabas Alain , Flament Thomas , Rennie Michael
Published: August 2023

Aeolus carried the first Doppler wind lidar to measure wind profiles from space. Aeolus was a European Space Agency explorer mission with the objective to retrieve winds data from the collected atmospheric return signal that is the result of Mie and Rayleigh scattering of laser emitted light by atmospheric molecules and particulates. During the course of the mission the quality of Aeolus winds measured in clear‐air conditions from Rayleigh‐channel‐collected data, so called Rayleigh‐clear winds, improved substantially. The same is true for winds measured in cloudy and aerosol‐rich atmospheric conditions from Mie‐channel‐collected data, the so‐called Mie‐cloudy winds. For the latter conditions, good quality winds can in principle also be obtained from Rayleigh‐channel‐collected data, the so‐called Rayleigh‐cloudy winds, if contamination of the purely molecular signal by Mie scattering is well addressed. We assess a linear and nonlinear correction for Mie contamination, the latter with the aid of numerical weather prediction model data for determing the correction parameters. We show that the nonlinear correction is able to provide unbiased Rayleigh‐cloudy winds. This makes Rayleigh‐cloudy winds suitable for use in numerical weather prediction, but also for direct comparison with other wind observations obtained in cloudy conditions, such as atmospheric motion wind vectors.
Prospects for developing an Hepatitis C virus E1E2‐based nanoparticle vaccine
Authors: Toth Eric A. , Andrianov Alexander K. , Fuerst Thomas R.
Published: August 2023

Globally, more than 58 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective vaccine for HCV is therefore a major unmet medical and public health need. Since HCV rapidly accumulates mutations, vaccines must elicit the production of broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs) in a reproducible fashion. Decades of research have generated a number of HCV vaccine candidates. Based on the available data and research through clinical development, a vaccine antigen based on the E1E2 glycoprotein complex appears to be the best choice, but robust induction of humoral and cellular responses leading to virus neutralisation has not yet been achieved. One issue that has arisen in developing an HCV vaccine (and many other vaccines as well) is the platform used for antigen delivery. The majority of viral vaccine trials have employed subunit vaccines. However, subunit vaccines often have limited immunogenicity, as seen for HCV, and thus multiple formats must be examined in order to elicit a robust anti‐HCV immune response. Nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both arms of the immune system. This review discusses the potential for development of a nanoparticle‐based HCV E1E2 vaccine, with an emphasis on the potential benefits of such an approach along with the major challenges facing the incorporation of E1E2 into nanoparticulate delivery systems and how those challenges can be addressed.
Nonlinear control design for walking assistance training robotic systems
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Shuoyu , Shi Peng
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the control problem for a novel walking assistance training robot is considered where the main objective is utilizing the robot to control the tilt angle and the position of a user. First, the novel walking assistance training robot together with a user is modeled as a nonlinear dynamical system in state space form with control input where the control input includes two elements standing for pulling forces on two straps which attach to the chest and back, respectively, of the user. Then, based on the nonlinear dynamical system and some results proposed in this paper, a feedback control system is developed, and a nonlinear state feedback control algorithm is designed where the control input includes two parts, namely, a dynamical part and a constant part. By doing this, it is ensured that the feedback control system is stable, and achieves the main objective under some limits for the control input. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed nonlinear state feedback control algorithm.
Automatically drawing vegetation classification maps using digital time‐lapse cameras in alpine ecosystems
Authors: Okamoto Ryotaro , Ide Reiko , Oguma Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Alpine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Monitoring the distribution of alpine vegetation is required to plan practical conservation activities. However, conventional field observations, airborne and satellite remote sensing are difficult in terms of coverage, cost and resolution in alpine areas. Ground‐based time‐lapse cameras have been used to observe the regions' snowmelt and vegetation phenology and offer significant advantages in terms of cost, resolution and frequency. However, they have not been used in research monitoring of vegetation distribution patterns. This study proposes a novel method for drawing georeferenced vegetation classification maps from ground‐based imagery of alpine regions. Our approach had two components: vegetation classification and georectification. The proposed vegetation classification method uses a pixel time series acquired from fall images, utilizing the fall leaf color patterns. We demonstrated that the performance of the vegetation classification could be improved using time‐lapse imagery and a Recurrent Neural Network. We also developed a novel method to accurately transform ground‐based images into georeferenced data. We propose the following approaches: (1) an automated procedure to acquire Ground Control Points and (2) a camera model that considers lens distortions for accurate georectification. We demonstrated that the proposed approach outperforms conventional methods, in addition to achieving sufficient accuracy to observe the vegetation distribution on a plant‐community scale. The evaluation revealed an F1 score and root‐mean‐square error of 0.937 and 3.4 m in the vegetation classification and georectification, respectively. Our results highlight the potential of inexpensive time‐lapse cameras to monitor the distribution of alpine vegetation. The proposed method can significantly contribute to the effective conservation planning of alpine ecosystems.
Tuning Elastic Properties of Metallic Nanoparticles by Shape Controlling: From Atomistic to Continuous Models
Authors: Erbì Matteo , Amara Hakim , Gatti Riccardo
Published: August 2023

Understanding and mastering the mechanical properties of metallic nanoparticles is crucial for their use in a wide range of applications. In this context, atomic‐scale (molecular dynamics) and continuous (finite elements) calculations is used to investigate in details gold nanoparticles under deformation. By combining these two approaches, it is shown that the elastic properties of such nano‐objects are driven by their size but, above all, by their shape. This outcome is achieved by introducing a descriptor in the analysis of the results enabling to distinguish among the different nanoparticle shapes studied in the present work. In addition, other transition‐metal nanoparticles are considered (copper and platinum) using the aforementioned approach. The same strong dependence of the elastic properties with the shape is revealed, thus highlighting the universal character of the achievements.
A Skin‐Inspired Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogel with High Stretchable, Adhesive, Healable, and Decomposable Properties for Highly Sensitive Dual‐Sensing of Temperature and Strain
Authors: Ge Si Jia , Liu Shi Nian , Gu Zhong Ze , Xu Hua
Published: August 2023

Developing smart hydrogels with excellent physicochemical properties and multi‐sensing capabilities for various simulation of human skin's functions still remains a great challenge. Here, based on simple and convenient one‐step covalent cross‐linking method enhanced by dynamic RS‐Ag interactions, a skin‐inspired multifunctional conductive hydrogel with desirable physicochemical properties (including high stretchability, self‐adhesion, self‐healing, decomposition and removability) is developed for highly sensitive dual‐sensing of temperature and strain. Benefiting from the synergistic action of multiple hydrogen bonds, RS‐Ag bonds and S‐S bonds, the gel exhibited a novel thermosensitive mechanism. The prepared hydrogels exhibited extremely high mechanical properties (maximum tensile strength of 0.35 MPa, elongation at break nearly 1800%, compressive stress over 4.43 MPa), excellent self‐healing (96.82% (stress), 88.45% (temperature), 73.89% (mechanical property)), decomposition (the molecular weight after decomposition is below 700) and self‐adhesion (enhanced contact with the material interface). In addition, this conductive hydrogel could also simultaneously achieve highly sensitive temperature‐sensing (TCR: 10.89) and stress‐sensing (GF: 1.469). As a proof‐to‐concept, the hydrogel displayed superior capability for simulation of human skin to perception of touch, pressure and ambient temperature simultaneously, indicating promising applications in the fields of wearable devices, personal health care, and human‐machine interfaces.
The ‘Mousetrap’: Challenges of the Fluctuating Demand on the Electricity Grid in the UK
Authors: Milev George , Al-Habaibeh Amin
Published: August 2023

Currently, in the UK the power demand fluctuates throughout the day, especially during wintertime. The shape of the demand curve resembles the profile of a ‘mouse’. Around the tail area the energy consumption increases gradually, and that represents the demand during early morning hours which eventually flattens until the early evening. The head of the ‘mouse’ represents the early evening hours and the load on the grid peaks sharply. These sudden surges in power demand could potentially damage the grid leading to possible blackouts. In addition, this makes it difficult to depend on renewable energy such as wind turbines and solar panels without the use of energy storage. To examine the link between people’s behaviour and the grid, Covid-19 lockdown patterns were explored as it was a time of change in behaviour. Even during COVID-19 restrictions, which had an impact on people’s lives, the shape of the power demand curve did not significantly change; it followed the same shape of a ‘mouse’ compared to pre and post Covid periods, but during the pandemic the energy demand levels were slightly lower. The results suggests that in order to improve the stability of the demand, and hence remove this ‘mousetrap’, alternatives such as using renewable energy combined with electric and thermal energy storage systems can be integrated into the grid, which eventually can lead to flatten the demand curve.
Towards the Tees Valley Energy Transition—Residential Decarbonisation and Skills Analysis
Authors: van Schaik Paul , Cotton Matthew , Dawood Huda , Dawood Nashwan , Imani Elena , Knowles Michael , Leighton Charlotte , Lorrimer Susan , Mountain Andrea , Segovia Edgar , Stubbs Rosemary , Vall Natasha
Published: August 2023

Guided by the theory of planned behaviour, we conducted an interview study to identify beliefs that potentially influence social-housing residents’ future behaviour with domestic low-carbon technology in retrofit housing. The study included (group interview n = 6, individual interviews n = 14). Behavioural beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs were identified from participants’ answers using the theory of planned behaviour and thematic analysis. For successful implementation, it will be important to ensure that the predominant benefits (positive beliefs) emerging from this study are implemented (e.g., lower heating bills) and the barriers (negative beliefs) are avoided or alleviated (e.g., upfront costs). The results will be quantified in a follow-up, survey study.
Exploring Windows Opening Behaviour of Occupants of Residential Buildings Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Salim Sherna , Al-Habaibeh Amin
Published: August 2023

The residential sector contributes significantly to the overall energy consumption in the UK. Occupant’s behaviour is a major factor that sometimes could be overlooked when considering energy efficiency of buildings. Although building simulations play a major role in the design of energy efficient buildings, significant discrepancies have been seen between the actual and predicted energy values in simulation models. This is because simulation does not consider occupant behaviour in many cases or finds it difficult to present such behaviour. This study attempts to investigate the reason behind occupant’s behaviour of windows opening; to analyse the collected data, to understand the occurrences that lead to an occupant opening window in a residential building. In this paper, data were collected from a selected house in Nottingham. Data were experimentally collected in peak winter of 2020, from end of Nov/20 to March/21 during Covid-19 pandemic. Sensors were fitted to measure radiator temperature, room temperature, room humidity and near-window temperature both upstairs and downstairs. Outdoor ambient temperature for the same period was also collected. Stochastic models were implemented with datasets with window opening behaviour as response. The input parameters to the model were the radiator temperature, room temperature, outside ambient temperature, and time. The predicated output was the window status (open/close). The prognostic precision of the suggested model was verified by testing the models with the rest of the collected data. The predicted values were compared with the actual measured values. The results show a strong prediction with success rate of 76.2%. The findings from this investigation have been found to be able to identify the factors that contribute to the ‘performance gap’ in energy efficiency of a building.
Development of an Affordable MGT-CHP for Domestic Applications
Authors: Hosseini Seyedvahid , Madani Seyed Hossein , Hatami Sara , Izadi Ali , Sarkandi Mohamad Ali , Norouzi Ali , Chizari Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

The micro gas turbine (MGT) is considered one of the main solutions for the future power generation system to provide secure and stable energy. Thanks to its multi-fuel capability and high values of power-to-weight ratio, it is a suitable candidate for many applications such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, range extenders, and auxiliary power units. Among these applications, the micro-CHP system benefits from both the electricity and exhaust heat of the MGT for household or industrial process applications. The MGT could be integrated with a heat exchanger to introduce a CHP boiler to the domestic boiler market. To reduce the cost and size of the package and to compete with a traditional boiler the simple Brayton cycle without the recuperator is considered and all of the useful energy in the exhaust gas is transferred to the heat exchanger to provide hot water. To further reduce the cost of the system to compete in the market, off-the-shelf components were adopted in this project. In this article, the development process of this product is presented including conceptual design based on the type and size of the market. It follows with an evaluation of off-the-shelf compressor and turbine modulus from the automotive turbochargers to match the operating conditions. Here, the MGT is designed in a way that can be adapted to the boilers with minimum components change. A high-speed alternator was powered with a tie grid drive/inverter to enable a bi-directional connection of the power unit to the network. A comparison between the product definition and experimental results of a demonstrator prototype is presented which reveals gaps between design and prototype outcomes. Analysis shows that 23% of the power degradation can be recovered by enhancing the cooling. Potential development and improvement scenarios are addressed for future development.
Oil and Gas Supply Chain: Analysing Stakeholder Sustainability Risk Perception
Authors: Egila Ashem , Kamal Muhammad Mustafa , Tjahjono Benny
Published: August 2023

Recent developments on a worldwide scale have highlighted the continued importance of the oil and gas supply chain, despite the growing demand for a more diverse energy portfolio, especially in many developing countries. This study investigates the sustainability risks present within the oil and gas supply chain by analysing the subjective risk perceptions of internal stakeholders. In the context of this study, sustainability risk factors are identified across the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic). A quantitative research survey design of oil and gas industry stakeholders was undertaken, specifically identifying top management, middle management, supervisors, and operations to assess any variation in sustainability-related risk perception. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to determine the relative importance of the selected risks. The results indicate that stakeholder risk perception significantly impacted sustainability risk management within the oil and gas sectors. It also shows that socioeconomic risk variables were considered more severe and frequent than environmental risk factors as the most significant for internal stakeholders in the oil and gas industries within the study context.
Computational Analysis of Hydro-powered Bunyip Pump
Authors: Beard Scott Daniel , Al Qubeissi Mansour , Khanal Bidur
Published: August 2023

With the emerging energy demand, water shortage in rural areas, electric supply challenges, and urgent needs for net zero technologies, there has been a recent response with alternative Hydro-Powered Pumping (HPP) technology, known as the Bunyip. The recently developed system continues to build commercial success, designed to overcome several limitations associated with the previous technology of Hydraulic Ram Pump (HRP) system, such as capacity, height and water leakage issues. This paper is aimed at providing in-depth investigation into the HPP system and possible further hydraulic enhancement, using CFD parametric analysis. This could provide an insight into the fundamental flow mechanics, operational efficiency, standard capacity, and relative delivery. The investigation comprises an initial manufacture data appraisal of performance for three HPP devices. We paired our analysis with the meticulous application and numerical modelling to gather the parametric dataset, and validate against physical testing data. One key finding was that for a delivery head of 50 m, a 6 L/s supply at 4 m of head, resulted in an efficiency of 12% with respect to the water delivered relative to the volume ‘wasted’ through the discharge. Thus, in order to facilitate some of the distinguishing features for the Bunyip, the efficiency is sacrificed to a value lower than that comparable to an HRP.
S-confining gauge theories and supersymmetry enhancements
Authors: Bajeot Stephane , Benvenuti Sergio , Sacchi Matteo
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We propose new classes of 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 S-confining gauge theories, with a simple gauge group, rank-two matter and cubic superpotentials. The gauge group can be symplectic, orthogonal or special unitary. In some cases we derive the dualities via the deconfinement technique that uses iteratively known, more fundamental, dualities. In the symplectic case we discuss the 3d reduction to a confining unitary gauge theory with monopole superpotential. This 3d S-confinement provides an understanding of a recently proposed 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theory that flows to the conformal manifold of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM with SU(2n + 1) gauge group. The 3d perspective allows us to generalize this construction to another similar flow with supersymmetry enhancement: a 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theory that flows to the conformal manifold of a 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 necklace theory with SU(2n + 1)3 gauge group.
Improving Graph Neural Networks by combining active learning with self-training
Authors: Katsimpras Georgios , Paliouras Georgios
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel framework, called STAL, which makes use of unlabeled graph data, through a combination of Active Learning and Self-Training, in order to improve node labeling by Graph Neural Networks (GNNs). GNNs have been shown to perform well on many tasks, when sufficient labeled data are available. Such data, however, is often scarce, leading to the need for methods that leverage unlabeled data that are abundant. Active Learning and Self-training are two common approaches towards this goal and we investigate here their combination, in the context of GNN training. Specifically, we propose a new framework that first uses active learning to select highly uncertain unlabeled nodes to be labeled and be included in the training set. In each iteration of active labeling, the proposed method expands also the label set through self-training. In particular, highly certain pseudo-labels are obtained and added automatically to the training set. This process is repeated, leading to good classifiers, with a limited amount of labeled data. Our experimental results on various datasets confirm the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Micro-habitat features determine oviposition site selection in High Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries
Authors: Simons Julia , Oxbrough Anne , Menéndez Rosa , Ashton Paul
Published: August 2023

The survival of butterfly populations depends on successful oviposition strategies. The limited mobility of early life stages requires females to select sites that reflect larval requirements. However, as land use and climate changes are altering habitat conditions and micro-climate, some species may adapt ovipositing strategies and flourish while others, with narrow niche requirements, may be unable to respond. Oviposition site selection and micro-habitat niche is examined for two closely related butterfly species—the specialist High Brown Fritillary (Fabriciana adippe) and relative generalist Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja) through field observations of egg-laying females and analysis of micro-habitat characteristics. A total of 104 oviposition behaviour observations across both species were recorded in 69 1 m2 quadrats, with the habitat characteristics compared to randomly selected quadrats in the same area. Results show that higher host plant density was a positively significant factor for oviposition site selection only for the High Brown Fritillary. Moreover, the cover of live Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and grass were important for site selection in both species, with High Brown Fritillaries tolerating less live Bracken and grass cover than Dark Green Fritillaries. This confirms the more specific requirements and narrower micro-habitat niche of the High Brown Fritillary, which appears to be more sensitive to micro-habitat cooling.

Implications for insect conservation

The management of Bracken mosaic habitats for these two species should aim to supress grass growth and maintain Bracken density within limits, by opening the Bracken canopy on a rotation through grazing or manual cutting, ensuring a continuous supply of suitable micro-habitat.
A novel model to evaluate spatial structure in thinned conifer-broadleaved mixed natural forests
Authors: Liu Hui , Dong Xibin , Meng Yuan , Gao Tong , Mao Liangliang , Gao Ran
Published: August 2023

In order to ensure the effective analysis and reconstruction of forests, it is key to ensure the quantitative description of their spatial structure. In this paper, a distance model for the optimal stand spatial structure based on weighted Voronoi diagrams is proposed. In particular, we provide a novel methodological model for the comprehensive evaluation of the spatial structure of forest stands in natural mixed conifer-broadleaved forests and the formulation of management decision plans. The applicability of the rank evaluation and the optimal solution distance model are compared and assessed for different standard sample plots of natural mixed conifer-broadleaved forests. The effect of crown width on the spatial structure unit of the trees is observed to be higher than that of the diameter at breast height. Moreover, the influence of crown length is greater than that of tree height. There are nine possible spatial structure units determined by the weighted Voronoi diagram for the number of neighboring trees in the central tree, with an average intersection of neighboring crowns reaching 80%. The rank rating of natural forest sample plots is correlated with the optimal solution distance model, and their results are generally consistent for natural forests. However, the rank rating is not able to provide a quantitative assessment. The optimal solution distance model is observed to be more comprehensive than traditional methods for the evaluation of the spatial structure of forest stands. It can effectively reflect the trends in realistic stand spatial structure factors close to or far from the ideal structure point, and accurately assesses the forest spatial structure. The proposed optimal solution distance model improves the integrated evaluation of the spatial structure of forest stands and provides solid theoretical and technical support for sustainable forest management.
Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Patients Older than 65 Years – a Multicenter Study
Authors: Dowgiałło-Gornowicz Natalia , Lech Paweł , Major Piotr ,   Collaborative Study Group, Franczak Paula , Jaworski Paweł , Juszczuk Klaudia , Karpińska Izabela , Katkowski Bartosz , Kowalski Grzegorz , Kucharska Alicja , Orłowski Michał , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Szymański Michał , Walędziak Maciej , Wityk Mateusz
Published: August 2023

Introduction

With the increase in life expectancy and a growing number of people suffering from obesity, bariatric and metabolic surgery is becoming a major concern in the elderly population. The study aimed to collect, systematize and present the available data on the surgical treatment of obesity among Polish patients over 65 years of age.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study analysed patients over 65 years who underwent laparoscopic bariatric procedures in Poland from 2008 to 2022. The efficacy endpoints were percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), improvement in obesity-related diseases.

Results

The group consisted of 284 patients (173 women, 60.9%). The mean follow-up was 47.5 months. The mean BMI before surgery was 43.1 kg/m2. 146 (51.4%) patients had T2D, and 244 (85.9%) had HT. The most common procedure was sleeve gastrectomy (82.0%). The mean EWL% after surgery was 50.9%, and the mean TWL% after surgery was 20.6%. There was the statistically significant difference between AGB vs OAGB, SG vs OAGB in %EWL (p = 0.0116, p = 0.009, respectively) and RYGB vs OAGB in %TWL (p = 0.0291). After surgery, 93 patients (63.7%) had complete or partial remission of T2D, and 112 patients (45.9%) had complete or partial remission of HT.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment of obesity in patients over 65 years of age. OAGB seems to have better results in weight loss than SG, RYGB, and AGB in older patients.

Graphical Abstract
TERT mutations-associated alterations in clinical characteristics, immune environment and therapy response in glioblastomas
Authors: Tang Feng , Chen Xi , Liu Jin-Sheng , Liu Zhen-Yuan , Yang Jin-Zhou , Wang Ze-Fen , Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: August 2023

Objective TERT

is the most frequently mutated gene in adult glioblastomas (GBMs) defined by the 2021 World Health Organization classification system. The present study aims to explore differences in clinical characteristics and immune microenvironment between TERT mutant and wild-type GBM.

Methods

Three GBM-related cohorts consisting of 205 GBM patients in our cohort, 463 GBM patients without immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI) therapy and 1465 tumour patients (including 92 GBM cases) receiving ICI treatment in the MSK cohort were included. Retrospective analysis and immunohistochemistry assay were used for investigating the local (including tumour cells, local immune cells, and seizures) and systemic (including circulating immune cells, coagulation-related functions, and prognosis) effects of TERT mutations. Besides, differences in genetic alterations and immunotherapy responses between TERT mutant and wild-type GBMs were also explored.

Results

We found that TERT mutant and wild-type GBMs possessed similar initial clinic symptoms, circulating immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response. With respect to that in TERT wild-type GBMs, mutations in TERT resulted in higher levels of tumour-infiltrating neutrophils, prolonged coagulation time, worse chemotherapy response and poorer overall survival.

Conclusion

Mutations in TERT alter the local immune environment and decrease the sensitivity of GBM to chemotherapy.
Nanomechanical Characterization of Bone Quality Depending on Tissue Age via Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Kwon Jinha , Cho Hanna
Published: August 2023

Characterization of bone quality during the healing process is crucial for successful implantation procedures and patient comfort. In this study, a bone implant specimen that underwent a 4-week healing period was investigated. Bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to simultaneously obtain the morphology and elastic modulus maps of the newly formed and pre-existing bone regions within the sample. Results indicate that the new bone matrix possessed lower mineralization levels and presented larger, uneven mineral grains, exhibiting the attributes of a woven bone. On the other hand, the old bone matrix exhibited a more uniform and mineralized structure, which is characteristic of lamellar bones. The new bone had a lower overall elastic modulus than the old bone. Bimodal AFM further confirmed that the new bone displayed three regions comprising unmineralized, partially mineralized, and fully matured sections, which indicate a turbulent change in its composition. Meanwhile, the old bone exhibited two sections comprising partially mineralized and matured bone parts, which denote the final phase of mineralization. This study provides valuable insights into the morphological and nanomechanical differences between the old and new bone matrixes and presents a novel approach to investigate bone quality at different phases of the bone-healing process.
Embedding Librarians in Archaeological Field Schools
Authors: Hrynick M. Gabriel , Anderson Arthur W. , Moore Erik C. , Meade Mike
Published: August 2023

Participating in an archaeological field school is one of the only educational experiences that nearly all professional archaeologists have during their training. As a result, field schools are uniquely suited to provide experiential education in emerging skills that all archaeologists will need, such as information and data literacies at all stages of the contemporary research and publishing cycle. The “embedded” librarian program in the University of New Brunswick's Downeast Maine Coastal Archaeology Field School is an effective means to deploy that focused expertise to help students better understand the relationship between fieldwork, data, and dissemination. At the same time, being in the field provides librarians with the knowledge to respond more effectively to the complex data management and research needs of archaeologists. We encourage large research projects to consider librarians as specialist members of the research team.