bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal characteristics and variability in the thermal state of permafrost on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Guojie Hu , Lin Zhao , Zhe Sun , Defu Zou , Yao Xiao , Guangyue Liu , Erji Du , Chong Wang , Yuanwei Wang , Xiaodong Wu , Lingxiao Wang , Yonghua Zhao
Published: February 2024

Permafrost degradation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) has significant impacts on climate, hydrology, and engineering and environmental systems. To understand the temporal and spatial characteristics of permafrost on the QTP, we quantified the variation in active layer thickness (ALT), permafrost thermal state, and future permafrost change under different scenarios using observational data, reanalysis data, and the numerical permafrost model. Generally, ALT ranged from 0.5 to 6.0 m with an average of 2.39 m, and mean annual ground temperature (at a depth of zero annual amplitude for ground temperature) mainly ranged between 0 and −3°C with an average of −0.85°C. The soil temperatures in different layers based on the ERA5‐Land data revealed even stronger increasing trends, for example, 0.245, 0.245, 0.244, and 0.238°C/decade at depths of 0–7, 7–28, 28–100, and 100–289 cm from 1980 to 2021, compared to those during the period from 1960 to 2021, which were 0.153, 0.156, 0.155, and 0.149°C/decade, respectively. The average warming trends in annual mean soil temperature were 0.153 and 0.243°C/decade from 1960 to 2021 and 1980 to 2021, respectively. The average rate of thickening of the ALT among the 10 active layer observation sites was 2.84 cm/year. There was a significant warming trend in ground temperature above ~15 m with warming of 0.063 to 0.120, 0.026 to 0.182, 0.101 to 0.314, and 0.189 to 0.303°C/decade at the QTB01, QTB06, QTB08, and XDTGT sites, respectively, and yearly minimum ground temperatures exhibited stronger warming trends than maximum ground temperatures. In addition, the simulation revealed significant increases in ground temperature at the Xidatan (XDT) and Tanggula (TGL) sites under both historical and future Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios, but the increases in ground temperature were significantly greater at TGL than XDT. These findings provide important information for understanding the variability in permafrost degradation processes and improving simulations of permafrost change under climate change on the QTP.
Mating behavior and responses to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid in the predator Cyrtorhinus lividipennis
Authors: Hu Kui , Jia Husheng , Fu Baobao , Li Yao , Liu Fang
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Mating is an essential factor that governs the size of insect populations that reproduce sexually. The extensive application of insecticides has both lethal and sublethal effects on the physiology and mating behavior of insect natural enemies. The predatory bug Cyrtorhinus lividipennis is a natural enemy of planthopper and leafhopper populations in the rice ecosystem. Unfortunately, the effects of insecticides on the mating behavior of C. lividipennis are not well‐understood.

RESULTS

The mating behavior of C. livdipennis consisted of mounting, antennal touch and mating attempts, genital insertion, adjustment of posture, and separation of the mating pair. Approximately 82.5% of the C. lividipennis mating pairs displayed their first mating at 12–36 h postemergence. Mating activity occurred throughout a 24‐h period, with peak activity at 12:00–14:00 h, and the mean duration of mating was 48.75 min. Sublethal exposure to imidacloprid increased mating latency. Compared with the controls, the duration of courtship, pre‐mating and adjusting posture for males treated with imidacloprid were prolonged. The duration of mating for females treated with imidacloprid was prolonged relative to untreated controls. The fecundity and daily spawning capacity of females treated with imidacloprid were higher than the untreated controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide insight into the mating process of C. lividipennis. Imidacloprid prolonged the duration of mating, which may explain the enhanced reproductive output in C. lividipennis females treated with imidacloprid. These findings will be useful in both rearing C. lividipennis and deploying this natural enemy in rice fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Using forest plots to interpret covariate effects in pharmacometric models
Authors: Jonsson E. Niclas , Nyberg Joakim
Published: February 2024

The inclusion of covariates in pharmacometric models is important due to their ability to explain variability in drug exposure and response. Clear communication of the impact of covariates is needed to support informed decision making in clinical practice and in drug development. However, effectively conveying these effects to key stakeholders and decision makers can be challenging. Forest plots have been proposed to meet these communication needs. However, forest plots for the illustration of covariate effects in pharmacometrics are complex combinations of model predictions, uncertainty estimates, tabulated results, and reference lines and intervals. The purpose of this tutorial is to outline the aspects that influence the interpretation of forest plots, recommend best practices, and offer specific guidance for a clear and transparent communication of covariate effects.
Sample size calculation for comparing two ROC curves
Authors: Jung Sin‐Ho
Published: February 2024

Biomarkers are key components of personalized medicine. In this paper, we consider biomarkers taking continuous values that are associated with disease status, called case and control. The performance of such a biomarker is evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of its receiver operating characteristic curve. Oftentimes, two biomarkers are collected from each subject to test if one has a larger AUC than the other. We propose a simple non‐parametric statistical test for comparing the performance of two biomarkers. We also present a simple sample size calculation method for this test statistic. Our sample size formula requires specification of AUC values (or the standardized effect size of each biomarker between cases and controls together with the correlation coefficient between two biomarkers), prevalence of cases in the study population, type I error rate, and power. Through simulations, we show that the testing on two biomarkers controls type I error rate accurately and the proposed sample size closely maintains specified statistical power.
Comprehensive review of Bcl‐2 family proteins in cancer apoptosis: Therapeutic strategies and promising updates of natural bioactive compounds and small molecules
Authors: Iksen  , Witayateeraporn Wasita , Hardianti Besse , Pongrakhananon Varisa
Published: February 2024

Cancer has a considerably higher fatality rate than other diseases globally and is one of the most lethal and profoundly disruptive ailments. The increasing incidence of cancer among humans is one of the greatest challenges in the field of healthcare. A significant factor in the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis is the dysregulation of physiological processes governing cell death, which results in the survival of cancerous cells. B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) family members play important roles in several cancer‐related processes. Drug research and development have identified various promising natural compounds that demonstrate potent anticancer effects by specifically targeting Bcl‐2 family proteins and their associated signaling pathways. This comprehensive review highlights the substantial roles of Bcl‐2 family proteins in regulating apoptosis, including the intricate signaling pathways governing the activity of these proteins, the impact of reactive oxygen species, and the crucial involvement of proteasome degradation and the stress response. Furthermore, this review discusses advances in the exploration and potential therapeutic applications of natural compounds and small molecules targeting Bcl‐2 family proteins and thus provides substantial scientific information and therapeutic strategies for cancer management.
Change in health‐related quality of life at early follow‐up in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ivarsson Bodil , Johansson Anders , Kjellström Barbro
Published: February 2024

Symptoms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) impact patient's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Studies on change and if a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in HRQoL is reached within a year after diagnosis are lacking. The aim was to investigate the change in HRQoL as well as the proportion of patients that reached MCID at an early postdiagnosis visit. The study included adult patients from the Swedish PAH & CTEPH registry, diagnosed 2008–2021, with Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) at time of diagnosis and a follow‐up. Data were analyzed as total population and dichotomized for sex, age (<65 vs. ≥65 years), time of diagnosis (≤2015 vs. >2015) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) subgroups. Data reported as median, interquartile range (IQR), and proportions (%). There were 151 patients (PAH = 119, CTEPH = 32) with an available CAMPHOR score at diagnosis and follow‐up. CAMPHOR total sum was 31 (IQR: 21–43) and 25 (14–36); (p < 0.001) at diagnosis and follow‐up, respectively. At follow‐up, 56% had reached MCID in total sum, while for domains activity, symptoms, and QoL 27%, 33%, and 39% reached MCID, respectively. These results were independent of PH subgroup, diagnosis before or after 2015 and sex. Age below 65 years was related to improvements in activity and worsening of symptoms. In conclusion on a group level, improvements in CAMPHOR total sum as well as all domains were seen in the first year after diagnosis, however, only slightly more than half of the patients reached MCID for CAMPHOR total sum.
Protein isolates made in the laboratory versus the factory: A case study with mung bean and chickpea
Authors: Loveday Simon M. , Halim Celyne
Published: February 2024

Protein isolates deliver functionalities such as gelling, emulsifying, and foaming, and many recent publications are reporting the functionality of new protein isolates produced in the laboratory. Laboratory protein isolation processes are quite different to industrial processes, and therefore isolate functionalities are likely to be different. We examined some of the differences between laboratory isolates and commercial isolates of mung bean and chickpea protein (MPBI and CPPI). We tested solubility as a function of pH, dispersibility by static light scattering, and viscosity enhancement in a rapid visco analyzer (RVA). Thermal transitions were evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Laboratory isolates were more soluble (e.g. 54%–57% vs. 5%–45% at pH 8) and dispersible than commercial isolates, with the largest DSC endotherms, indicating the least denaturation. Among commercial isolates, we found large differences in solubility, thermal properties, and viscosity enhancement, and minor differences in dispersibility and powder morphology. The hydration protocol had a strong effect on solubility and DSC results, and a moderate effect on RVA results. Comparisons between isolates produced in different laboratories are currently hampered by the use of nonstandard empirical methods for certain functionalities, and we highlight standardized methods for measuring dispersibility and viscosity enhancement. Protein isolation processes affect isolate functionality via effects on protein denaturation and aggregation, and via the morphology and surface chemistry of isolate powders. This means that findings with laboratory isolates cannot necessarily be extrapolated to commercial counterparts but also indicates the power of process design to modulate isolate functionality.
Realization of the Giant Pyroelectric Response via Modulated Polar Structures
Authors: Wen Lanji , Wu Xiaojun , Yin Jie , Zhang Yumin , Yang Diyan , Wu Jiagang
Published: February 2024

Among pyroelectric materials, Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT)‐based relaxors are particularly noteworthy due to their significant polarization fluctuation near the depolarization temperature (Td), resulting in a large pyroelectric response. What has been overlooked is the dynamic behavior of inherent polar structures, particularly the temperature‐dependent evolution of polar nanoregions (PNRs), which significantly impacts the pyroelectric behavior. Herein, based on the large pyroelectric response origination (the ferroelectric‐relaxor phase transition), the mixed nonergodic and ergodic relaxor (NR+ER) critical state is constructed, which is believed to trigger the easily fluctuating polarization state with excellent pyroelectric response. Composition engineering (with Li+, Sr2+, and Ta5+) strategically controls the relaxor process and modulates the dynamic behavior of inherent polar structures by the random field effect. The pyroelectric coefficient of more than 1441 µCm−2K−1 at room temperature (RT), more than 9221 µCm−2K−1 (RT), and ≈107911 µCm−2K−1 (Td) are achieved in the Li+‐doped sample, the Sr2+‐doped sample, and the (Li++Ta5+) co‐doped sample, respectively. This work earns the highest RT pyroelectric coefficient in BNT‐based relaxors, which is suitable for pyroelectric applications. Furthermore, it provides a strategy for modulating the pyroelectric performance of BNT‐based relaxors.
Scalable, Green, Flexible Photochromic Bacterial Cellulose for Multicolor Switching, Photo‐patterning, and Daily Sunlight UV Monitoring
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Yingcun , Gu Zongxue , Sun Ping , Liu Keshuai , Xu Duo , Gao Chong , Xu Weilin
Published: February 2024

Sustainable, durable, and diverse photochromic smart textiles based on bacterial cellulose (BC) have emerged as attractive candidates in UV‐sensing applications due to the green and easy functionalization of BC. However, existing BC‐based photochromic textiles lack photochromic efficiency and combining fastness. In this study, a green strategy for in situ fermentation is developed to achieve the directional distribution of functional particles and remarkable photochromism in photochromic bacterial cellulose (PBC). The unique functional design obtained by regulating the photochromic dye distribution in 3D nanonetworks of PBCs during in situ growth affords a more uniform distribution and high fastness. Benefiting from the uniform distribution of photochromic dyes and adequate utilization of the 3D network structure, more surface area is provided to receive and utilize the photon energy from the UV rays, making the photochromic process more effective. The as‐prepared PBCs exhibited rapid (within 1 min) and stable (30 cycles) discoloration and multicolor selectivity. Their simple preparation process and exceptional wearability, e.g., their flexibility, lightweight, and air permeability, make them suitable for various applications, including tunable color switching systems, photopatterning, and daily sunlight UV monitoring. This study provides empirical value for the biofabrication of photochromic textiles and wearable flexible UV sensors.
Analogous Confinement Effect Enables High Stability and High Capacity Ammonium Storage in Polyaniline@Poly(o‐fluoroaniline)@Carbon Layer
Authors: Zhi Xiaodong , Jin Jiuzeng , Wang Honggang , Feng Zhongmin , Wang Yun , Sun Ting
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable aqueous ammonium ion (NH4+) batteries have attracted much attention due to the unique properties of NH4+. Polyaniline (PA) with outstanding conductivity is a potential cathode material, but it can be oxidized to pernigraniline (PG) rapidly, resulting in its poor stability. In this study, polyaniline@poly(o‐fluoroaniline)@carbon layer (PA@POFA@C) is prepared for excellent and durable NH4+ storage. PA@POFA@C exhibits a high capacity of 208 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and maintains 126 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1. More importantly, an excellent capacity retention rate of 88.24% is achieved after 2000 cycles with ≈100% coulombic efficiency. Spectroscopy studies suggest analogous confinement effect can effectively limit the escape of hydrogen in imine group, and form the hydrogen‐restricted region between the PA and POFA layer which can provide H+ for the complete reduction of PG. Meanwhile, the hydrophobic effect of POFA effectively restrains the hydrolysis of PG. Interestingly, the introduction of C layer improves the hydrophilicity of electrode and shortens the activation process, serving as the outermost protective layer of the electrode. Finally, PA@POFA@C achieves desirable electrochemical performances with analogous confinement effect. This research provides ideas for the preparation of advanced polymer electrodes for aqueous NH4+ batteries.
Upconversion Nanoparticles Based Sensing: From Design to Point‐of‐Care Testing
Authors: Wu Jizhong , Wu Jiaxi , Wei Wenya , Zhang Yong , Chen Quansheng
Published: February 2024

Rare earth‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have achieved a wide range of applications in the sensing field due to their unique anti‐Stokes luminescence property, minimized background interference, excellent biocompatibility, and stable physicochemical properties. However, UCNPs‐based sensing platforms still face several challenges, including inherent limitations from UCNPs such as low quantum yields and narrow absorption cross–sections, as well as constraints related to energy transfer efficiencies in sensing systems. Therefore, the construction of high‐performance UCNPs‐based sensing platforms is an important cornerstone for conducting relevant research. This work begins by providing a brief overview of the upconversion luminescence mechanism in UCNPs. Subsequently, it offers a comprehensive summary of the sensors’ types, design principles, and optimized design strategies for UCNPs sensing platforms. More cost‐effective and promising point‐of‐care testing applications implemented based on UCNPs sensing systems are also summarized. Finally, this work addresses the future challenges and prospects for UCNPs‐based sensing platforms.
Confining N‐Doped Carbon Dots into PtNi Aerogels Skeleton for Robust Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Li Lanqing , Gao Wei , Wan Ziqi , Wan Xinhao , Ye Jianqi , Gao Jie , Wen Dan
Published: February 2024

Noble metallic aerogels with the self‐supported hierarchical structure and remarkable activity are promising for methanol fuel cells, but are limited by the severe poisoning and degradation of active sites during electrocatalysis. Herein, the highly stable electrocatalyst of N‐doped carbon dots‐PtNi (NCDs‐PtNi) aerogels is proposed by confining NCDs with alloyed PtNi for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. Comprehensive electrocatalytic measurements and theoretical investigations suggest the improvement in structure stability and regulation in electronic structure for better electrocatalytic durability when confining NCDs with PtNi aerogels. Notably, the NCDs‐PtNi aerogels perform 12‐fold higher activity than that of Pt/C and maintain 52% of their initial activity after 5000 cycles toward acidic methanol oxidation. The enhanced stability and activity of NCDs‐PtNi aerogels are also evident for oxygen reduction reactions in different electrolytes. These results highlight the effectiveness of stabilizing metallic aerogels with NCDs, offering a feasible pathway to develop robust electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Boosting the Solar Water Oxidation Performance of Fe2O3 Photoanode via Embedding Laser‐Generated Pt Nanocrystals
Authors: Li Fan , Jian Jie , Wang Shiyuan , Jia Lichao , Wang Hongqiang
Published: February 2024

α‐Fe2O3 with suitable band structure, good chemical stability, and easy preparation, is a potential photoanode material. However, the key to enhance the performance of α‐Fe2O3 photoanode is to improve the transport characteristics of bulk carriers. It is expected to form a Schottky barrier to improve the carrier separation efficiency by embedding metal nanoparticles into the matrix, but the process is still challenging. Herein, a strategy of forming the Schottky barrier is shown to improve bulk carrier transport dynamics by embedding laser‐generated Pt nanocrystals in α‐Fe2O3 photoanode, which achieves photocurrent densities of up to 1.16 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE (from original 0.21 mA cm−2). This work provides another way to promote the carrier transfer and separation of α‐Fe2O3, which is of great significance to improve the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance.
Photocatalytic Enhancement for CO2 Reduction Using Au Nanoparticles Supported on Fe‐Doped SrTiO3−δ Perovskite
Authors: Valdés‐Hernández Jesús , Luis Domínguez‐Juárez Jorge , Nava‐Mendoza Rufino , Martín Cortés‐Romero Carlos , Quintero‐Torres Rafael , Cuán‐Hernández Ángeles
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the use of Au nanoparticles supported on the SrTiO3−δ perovskite doped with Fe ions as a photocatalyst for CO2 reduction and methanol production using water as the hydrogen supplier. The photocatalytic evaluation of the synthesized materials shows that Au nanoparticles supported on the SrTi(1−x)FexO3−δ perovskites can enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The sample with the doping level x = 0.125 has the highest methanol production, 9.5 times more than the undoped sample and 3.5 times more than its counterpart without Au nanoparticles. The results of the DFT + U calculations show that the contributions from the iron atoms states reduce the energy gap in the perovskite composite, SrTi(1−x)FexO3−δ. Additionally, Fe incorporation endows the system with the capacity to create electron–hole pairs via direct band transitions at the high‐symmetry point R with the doping levels of x = 0.125 and x = 0.250.
Effect of Gas Distribution Mode on Bath Stirring and Mixing in a Bottom‐Blown Converter
Authors: Chen Shuang , Wang Zhou , Chen Nan , Li Jiwen , Liu Qing
Published: February 2024

Currently, converter steelmaking is the main method for steelmaking, the performance of bottom blowing and bath stirring would obviously affect the efficient and stable smelting of high‐quality clean steel. At present, the uniform bottom gas distribution mode is mostly applied in converter steelmaking, which would probably lead to unstable stirring performance and inadequate mixing at the later stage of furnace campaign. Therefore, a nonuniform bottom gas distribution mode is proposed herein, which intends to improve the mixing efficiency. The physical and numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of gas flowrate, nozzle configurations, and bottom gas distribution mode on bath stirring and mixing. In the results, it is shown that the large and asymmetric circulation flow is formed due to the nonuniform gas distribution for each nozzle, which enhances stirring in the horizontal direction and ultimately improves mixing efficiency. Compared with the uniform gas distribution mode, when gas distribution ratio of nonuniform bottom blowing is 3:1, the mixing time is reduced by 29%, the average velocity of liquid steel is increased from 0.0342 to 0.0404 m s−1, the ratio of the dead zone is decreased by 26.23%, and the proportion of active flow region is added by 10.49%.
Characterization of Sodium Alginate‐Based Edible Active Coating Incorporated with Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides and Its Application in Grape Packaging
Authors: Wu Pingxiang , Ding Kaili , Nie Feng , Wei Ming
Published: February 2024

In the present study, Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) are incorporated into sodium alginate (SA) for the development of SA‐DOPs films. The physical, mechanical, and functional properties of SA‐DOPs composite films and their ability to preserve fresh grapes are investigated. The results reveal that the addition of DOPs can significantly enhance the thickness, swelling ratio, tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability of the films (p < 0.05) whereas the water solubility and water vapor permeability are decreased. Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy results reflect interaction of chemical groups and bonds between SA and DOPs. The result of scanning of electron microscopy (SEM) indicates smooth for SA‐DOPs films while control film exhibits rough. The SA‐DOPs films exhibit potential antioxidant effects on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals. Furthermore, the composite films exhibit remarkable inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.05). In addition, the SA‐DOPs coatings can effectively reduce weight loss, inhibit polyphenol oxidase activity, extend the shelf life of the grapes at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) for 14 days. These results indicate that the SA‐DOPs edible coatings might be a promising candidate in food preservation industries.
Requirements engineering in industry 4.0: State of the art and directions to continuous requirements engineering
Authors: Barcelos Leonardo Vieira , Antonino Pablo Oliveira , Nakagawa Elisa Yumi
Published: February 2024

The 4th Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, intends to transform manufacturing processes into smart factories with full digitalization and intelligent, decentralized, and flexible production. In this scenario, Industry 4.0 systems (i.e., software‐intensive systems that automate smart factories) have required rigorous and continuous development, but smart factory companies often have difficulty dealing with Requirements Engineering (RE) where requirements continuously change and emerge at runtime to support the changeability of complex production processes. Such requirements encompass engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, electronic, production/manufacturing) and business areas and involve the vertical and horizontal integration of heterogeneous manufacturing systems. There is also a lack of a panorama of how Industry 4.0 projects have performed with RE activities. The main goal of this paper is to present the state‐of‐the‐art research concerning RE in Industry 4.0 and draw attention to the next most urgent steps. For this, we selected and examined studies that address RE for Industry 4.0, noting that much of this literature is recent but does not fully address the complexity and dynamism of the requirements for Industry 4.0. Grounded on these studies and our academic and industry experience, we highlight the need for Continuous Requirements Engineering (CRE) for Industry 4.0.

Significance and Practitioner Points: The main implications of this paper are: (i) For researchers: It offers the state of the art of RE in the context of Industry 4.0 and points out several important open issues that require an urgent investigation through new research topics; and (ii) For practitioners: It provides directions for new or even existing Industry 4.0 projects on how to deal with RE activities aiming to overcome the several challenges to perform them.
Investigating the effect of form curvature on diagrid tall buildings considering wind loads
Authors: Alizadegan Aram , Ardekani Amirreza , Golabchi Mahmood
Published: February 2024

The use of curved forms in tall buildings has increased recently due to their structural and esthetic advantages. Diagrid structures are typically used for these buildings because of their ability to express curved forms. There are, however, few studies about the curvature of tall buildings. This paper examines the effect of curvature on the wind force on tall curved buildings with diagrid system. So, to achieve this, the form of tall curved buildings is investigated, and the commonly used equations that constitute their form are determined. Then, applying computational fluid dynamics simulation, wind force was calculated on the developed alternatives which were created by the equations. Besides, the structural mass of each model is calculated by optimizing the cross‐section of the members. It is concluded that considering the conditions of the applied model, by increasing the concavity of the form, the suction on the building's facade increases. Further, with the increase of the concavity in the plan and elevation, the along wind force on the structure and overturning moment increases. Also, it is observed that the structural efficiency of curvilinear buildings is only appropriate to a certain extent of curvature, and with its increase, the structural efficiency decreases. This article offers useful information for the preliminary design of tall buildings.
QoS‐Based Bi‐Level Demand Response for Data Center to Facilitate Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Li Bin , Cao Wangzhang , Tang Tianyue , Qi Bing , Zhao Jianli , Liu Chuan
Published: February 2024

Scheduling workload is a demand response strategy for data centers to reshape electricity usage, which provides an opportunity for them to utilize renewable energy. Enhancing the flexibility of workload scheduling would promote the data center to integrate renewable energy. Considering that the improvement of flexibility in workload scheduling is tightly related to the Quality of Service (QoS) required by IT consumers (ITCs), it becomes desirable for the data center to collaborate with them to further facilitate renewable energy integration in demand response programs. This paper proposes a QoS‐based bi‐level demand response model for the data center, where game theory is adopted to resolve the conflict of interest in the collaboration between the data center and ITCs. At the upper level, the data center is a leader who provides differential monetary incentives to ITCs while dispatching workload to integrate renewable energy. At the lower level, ITCs act as followers who adjust the workload's QoS to enhance the flexibility of workload scheduling. Simulation results show that the proposed model can decrease the operating cost of the data center while increasing the utilization of renewable energy. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Variegated Platform Capitalism? Algorithms, Labour Process and Institutions in Deliveroo in Bologna and Uber in Lisbon
Authors: Marrone Marco , Pirina Giorgio
Published: February 2024

This paper addresses the topic of platformisation of labour by investigating two case studies: Uber in Lisbon and Deliveroo in Bologna. According to the theoretical frameworks of variegated capitalism and supported by the analysis of empirical evidence stemming from the ground, the authors outline the hypothesis of a variegated platformisation, that is, the persistence of (dis)continuities in the operations of digital platforms between different socio-institutional contexts. This means that while, on one hand, the platform business model’s logic of accumulation and value extraction is the same regardless of the contexts, on the other side platforms reveal a strong ability to move in (and between) the specific socio-institutional-political regulatory framework. By following the algorithm, which is adopting a multi-sided ethnographic approach investigating how algorithms change across time, space and sectors, the paper will stress both similarities and differences between platform labour process in Deliveroo in Bologna and Uber in Portugal. Finally, while on one hand the conclusion will focus on how institution (still) matter, crucially influencing the development of platforms, on the other it will be stressed the necessity of a more nuanced approach to understand the uneven development of platform capitalism.
Labour Policies for a Fairer Gig Economy
Authors: Dassori Beatrice , Donini Annamaria
Published: February 2024

The chapter will consider both the current legislative situation and PLUS proposals in relation to platform labour regulation. While in the first part of the article we will frame the legal status of platform labour around Europe and the ongoing regulatory initiatives, in the second part we will present the PLUS Charter for Platform Workers as a useful starting  point for building a fairer gig economy. In conclusion, we will evaluate this proposal in relation to the current debate, highlighting its limits and opportunities for further legislative initiatives.
Operations of Platforms. A Global Process in a Multipolar World
Authors: Mezzadra Sandro , Neilson Brett
Published: February 2024

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has engendered a crisis of mobility whose multiple dimensions have affected the movement of people and “stuff,” border regimes and logistical supply chains, the daily life of people in many parts of the world and the organization of labor. In such a conjuncture, digital platforms have emerged as key devices to manage the crisis, in such diverse fields as communication, food delivery, and e-commerce. The booming profits and stock exchange value of companies operating in such fields have been defining features of the economic implications of the pandemic conjuncture, while platforms have become increasingly visible in public discourse. Accordingly, digital platforms have come to figure prominently among those “systems underpinning social and economic life” whose maintenance and reproduction played a key role in defining “essential labor” during lockdowns in different parts of the world. The connection between platforms and mobility management has been apparent in the pandemic conjuncture, while new forms of risk and new hierarchies emerged between people who were often compelled to risk contagion to provide services and people who were allowed to work from home and could do that also due to those services. Working at the intersection between the domains of circulation and social reproduction, the operations of platforms prompt significant mutations of capital and labor, which deserve a detailed investigation. At the same time the chapter follows the call to “de-Westernize platform studies” and connects processes of platformization of capital and labor with the turbulent emergence of a multipolar world (with a specific attention paid to China).
The birational geometry of $$\overline{{\mathcal {R}}}_{g,2}$$ and Prym-canonical divisorial strata
Authors: Bud Andrei
Published: February 2024

We prove that the moduli space of double covers ramified at two points $${\mathcal {R}}_{g,2}$$

R

g
,
2

is uniruled for $$3\le g\le 6$$

3
≤
g
≤
6

and of general type for $$g\ge 16$$

g
≥
16

. Furthermore, we consider Prym-canonical divisorial strata in the moduli space $$\overline{{\mathcal {C}}^n{\mathcal {R}}}_g$$

C

n

R

¯

g

parametrizing n-pointed Prym curves, and we compute their classes in $$\textrm{Pic}_{\mathbb {Q}}(\overline{{\mathcal {C}}^n{\mathcal {R}}}_g)$$

Pic
Q

(

C

n

R

¯

g

)

.
Transient electrophoresis of a conducting cylindrical colloidal particle suspended in a Brinkman medium
Authors: Ayman Mai , Saad E. I. , Faltas M. S.
Published: February 2024

The time-dependent electrophoresis of an infinitely cylindrical particle in an electrolyte solution, saturated in a charged porous medium after the sudden application of a transverse or tangential step electric field, is investigated semi-theoretically with an arbitrary double-layer thickness in an arbitrary direction relative to the cylinder. The time-dependent modified Brinkman equation with an electric force term, which governs the fluid flow field, is used to model the porous medium and is solved by using the Laplace transform technique. Explicit formulas, for the time-dependent electrophoretic velocity of the cylindrical particle in Laplace’s transform domain, have been derived for both axially and transversely when the uniform electric fields are imposed. They can also be linearly superimposed for an arbitrarily oriented relative to the electric field. Semi-analytical results for the electrophoretic velocities are presented as functions of the dimensionless elapsed time, the ratio of the particle radius to the Debye length, the particle-to-medium density ratio, and the permeability parameter of the porous medium. The results demonstrate, in general, that the growth of the electrophoretic velocities with the time scale are more slower for high permeability, and the effect of the relaxation time for unsteady electrophoresis is found to be negligible, regardless of the thickness of the double layer, the relative mass density or the permeability of the medium. The normalized transient electrophoretic velocities exhibit a consistent upward trend as the ratio of the particle radius to the Debye screening length increases. Conversely, they display a consistent downward trend as the particle-to-fluid density ratio increases, while all other parameters remain constant. The effect of the relaxation time for the transient electrophoresis is much more important for a cylindrical particle than for a spherical particle due to its smaller specific surface area.
Increased cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Vondenhoff Sonja , Schunk Stefan J. , Noels Heidi
Published: February 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk of patients with CKD developing CVD is manifested already in the early stages of CKD development. The impact of declined kidney function on increased cardiovascular risk and the underlying mechanisms are complex and multifactorial. This review discusses the impact of (a) traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension as well as (b) CKD-specific pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The latter include uremic toxins, post-translational modifications and uremic lipids, innate immune cell activation and inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial cell dysfunction, increased coagulation and altered platelet responses, vascular calcification, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system (RAAS) and sympathetic activation, as well as anemia. Unraveling the complex interplay of different risk factors, especially in the context of patient subcohorts, will help to find new therapeutic approaches in order to reduce the increased cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable patient cohort.
Single Mini-incisional Blepharoplasty with the Orbicularis-Orbital Septum Fixation Technique for the Creation of a Natural Double Eyelid
Authors: Chen Bo , Ma Li , Qi Huijie , Luo Lizhou
Published: February 2024

Background

Mini-incisional double-eyelid blepharoplasty has increasingly gained popularity in oriental populations. Moreover, many related studies have made a detailed technical introduction to this topic. This study aims to introduce a simple single mini-incisional blepharoplasty procedure with orbicularis-orbital septum fixation technique to create a physiologically natural double eyelid with no visible scar and a short postoperative recovery time.

Methods

A single mini-incisional blepharoplasty with orbicularis-orbital septum fixation technique is described in detail and is illustrated with pictures. Patients who underwent this procedure in our department from November 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively reviewed

Results

This study included 159 patients who underwent a single mini-incisional blepharoplasty with the orbicularis-orbital septum fixation technique. Surgery duration ranged from 16 to 42 minutes (mean 27 minutes). The majority of the swelling was reduced in 5 days and completely disappeared in 2 weeks for most patients. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 31 months. All the double eyelids were natural and dynamic, and the creases were stable with no visible scar. Asymmetries occurred in 1.2% (2 of 159), and crease disappeared in 0.6% (1 of 159) of patients; during the follow-up period, no other complications were reported. Of the 159 patients, 99.4% (158) were satisfied with the surgical outcomes

Conclusions

The single mini-incisional blepharoplasty with the orbicularis-orbital septum fixation technique offers a simple, safe, and effective approach to creating double eyelids. It provides natural, stable, scarless, and rapid recovery results with a low risk of complication.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Global patterns of herbivorous reef fish productivity: the role of Prionurus laticlavius in the Galápagos
Authors: Tebbett Sterling B. , Yan Helen F. , Lutzenkirchen Lucas L. , Siqueira Alexandre C. , Bellwood David R.
Published: February 2024

Herbivorous fishes play important roles on coral reefs, acting as key trophic conduits of primary productivity. Whilst these roles are widely appreciated on tropical reefs, the relative contribution of fishes which inhabit marginal reefs, such as Prionurus surgeonfishes, is not well understood. Here, we examine the extent to which herbivorous fish productivity varies amongst global ecoregions, specifically considering the relative contribution of Prionurus. We also compare the productivity of Prionurus to that of other herbivorous fishes in relation to water temperatures. Our analysis revealed that the Eastern Galápagos Islands support the highest levels of herbivorous fish productivity recorded to date, with Prionurus laticlavius accounting for over 94% of that productivity. Moreover, Prionurus productivity peaked at relatively cool water temperatures (~ 22–25 °C), although patterns were driven by P. laticlavius. These results highlight the exceptional herbivorous fish productivity in the Eastern Galápagos Islands and the disproportionate contribution of P. laticlavius in this locality.
Historische Entwicklung der Diagnostik der bradykarden Rhythmusstörungen
Authors: Breithardt Günter
Published: February 2024

Die Einführung der His-Bündel-Elektrographie durch Benjamin Scherlag, New York 1969, zusammen mit der programmierten Stimulation des Herzens durch Philip Coumel, Paris 1967, und Hein Wellens, Amsterdam 1972, waren entscheidende Wendepunkte auf dem Weg zur invasiven Elektrophysiologie und der Entwicklung eines eigenständigen, inzwischen ausgeprägt interventionellen Schwerpunktes der Kardiologie. Das Hauptthema der 1970er Jahre waren die bradykarden Rhythmusstörungen, gefördert von der vor etwas mehr als 10 Jahren davor eingeführten Schrittmachertherapie. Die Ableitung der Potenziale des His-Bündels sowie weiterer Ableitungsorte in den Vorhöfen und Ventrikeln erlaubte eine differenzierte Beurteilung des Erregungsablaufs und der Refraktärzeiten. Die hochfrequente Vorhofstimulation zur Bestimmung der Sinusknotenerholungszeit und die vorzeitige Einzelstimulation zur Bestimmung der sinuatrialen Leitungszeit wurden zur Analyse der Sinusknotenfunktion entwickelt. In diesem Artikel wird die Einführung der His-Bündel-Elektrographie in einer allmählich zunehmenden Zahl von Zentren in Deutschland und ihr wissenschaftlicher Beitrag beschrieben.
Expression profiles of host miRNAs and circRNAs and ceRNA network during Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle
Authors: Wang Sha-Sha , Wang Xiangwei , He Jun-Jun , Zheng Wen-Bin , Zhu Xing-Quan , Elsheikha Hany M. , Zhou Chun-Xue
Published: February 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that is highly prevalent in the human population and can lead to adverse health consequences in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of many infections. However, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and circRNAs implicated in the host cell response during the lytic cycle of T. gondii are unknown. In this study, we profiled the expression of miRNAs and circRNAs in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) at different time points after T. gondii infection using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We identified a total of 7, 7, 27, 45, 70, 148, 203, and 217 DEmiRNAs and 276, 355, 782, 1863, 1738, 6336, 1229, and 1680 DEcircRNAs at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post infection (hpi), respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DE transcripts were enriched in immune response, apoptosis, signal transduction, and metabolism-related pathways. These findings provide new insight into the involvement of miRNAs and circRNAs in the host response to T. gondii infection.
Mixing time of random walk on dynamical random cluster
Authors: Lelli Andrea , Stauffer Alexandre
Published: February 2024

We study the mixing time of a random walker who moves inside a dynamical random cluster model on the d-dimensional torus of side-length n. In this model, edges switch at rate $$\mu $$
μ
between open and closed, following a Glauber dynamics for the random cluster model with parameters p, q. At the same time, the walker jumps at rate 1 as a simple random walk on the torus, but is only allowed to traverse open edges. We show that for small enough p the mixing time of the random walker is of order $$n^2/\mu $$

n
2

/
μ

. In our proof we construct a non-Markovian coupling through a multi-scale analysis of the environment, which we believe could be more widely applicable.
A deep learning approach to censored regression
Authors: Dănăilă Vlad-Rareş , Buiu Cătălin
Published: February 2024

In censored regression, the outcomes are a mixture of known values (uncensored) and open intervals (censored), meaning that the outcome is either known with precision or is an unknown value above or below a known threshold. The use of censored data is widespread, and correctly modeling it is essential for many applications. Although the literature on censored regression is vast, deep learning approaches have been less frequently applied. This paper proposes three loss functions for training neural networks on censored data using gradient backpropagation: the tobit likelihood, the censored mean squared error, and the censored mean absolute error. We experimented with three variations in the tobit likelihood that arose from different ways of modeling the standard deviation variable: as a fixed value, a reparametrization, and an estimation using a separate neural network for heteroscedastic data. The tobit model yielded better results, but the other two losses are simpler to implement. Another central idea of our research was that data are often censored and truncated simultaneously. The proposed losses can handle simultaneous censoring and truncation at arbitrary values from above and below.
Reorienting the Debate on Biological Individuality: Politics and Practices
Authors: Trappes Rose
Published: February 2024

Biological individuality is without a doubt a key concept in philosophy of biology. Questions around the individuality of organisms, species, and biological systems can be traced throughout the philosophy of biology since the discipline’s inception, not to mention the sustained attention they have received in biology and philosophy more broadly. It’s high time the topic got its own Cambridge Element. McConwell’s Biological Individuality falls short of an authoritative overview of the debate on biological individuality. However, it sends a welcome message to new and seasoned scholars to reorient the debate towards practically and politically relevant themes.