bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localizing structural damage based on auto-regressive with exogenous input model parameters and residuals using a support vector machine based learning approach
Authors: Gunes Burcu
Published: September 2024

Machine learning algorithms operating in an unsupervised fashion has emerged as promising tools for detecting structural damage in an automated fashion. Its essence relies on selecting appropriate features to train the model using the reference data set collected from the healthy structure and employing the trained model to identify outlier conditions representing the damaged state. In this paper, the coefficients and the residuals of the autoregressive model with exogenous input created using only the measured output signals are extracted as damage features. These features obtained at the baseline state for each sensor cluster are then utilized to train the one class support vector machine, an unsupervised classifier generating a decision function using only patterns belonging to this baseline state. Structural damage, once detected by the trained machine, a damage index based on comparison of the residuals between the trained class and the outlier state is implemented for localizing damage. The two-step damage assessment framework is first implemented on an eight degree-of-freedom numerical model with the effects of measurement noise integrated. Subsequently, vibration data collected from a one-story one-bay reinforced concrete frame inflicted with progressive levels of damage have been utilized to verify the accuracy and robustness of the proposed methodology.
Wiener-Hopf Indices of Unitary-Valued Functions on the Imaginary Axis
Authors: Frazho A. E. , Ran A. C. M. , van Schagen F.
Published: September 2024

This paper is concerned with the Wiener-Hopf indices of unitary-valued rational matrix functions on the imaginary axis. These indices play a role in the Fredholm theory for Wiener-Hopf integral operators. Our main result gives formulas for the Wiener-Hopf indices in terms of the matrices appearing in realizations of the factors in a Douglas-Shapiro-Shields factorization of the unitary-valued function. Two approaches to this problem are presented: one direct approach using operator theoretic methods, and a second approach using the Cayley transform which allows to use results for an analogous problem regarding unitary-valued functions on the unit circle and corresponding Toeplitz operators.
Can Physicochemical Properties Alter the Potency of Aeroallergens? Part 1 – Aeroallergen Protein Families
Authors: Teixeira Carla S. S. , Carriço-Sá Bruno , Villa Caterina , Mafra Isabel , Costa Joana
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

Respiratory allergies are non-communicable diseases caused by the hypersensitivity of the immune system to environmental aeroallergens. The culprits are aero-transported proteins eliciting respiratory symptoms in sensitized/allergic individuals. This review intends to provide a holistic overview on the categorization of aeroallergens into protein families (Part 1) and to exploit the impact of physicochemical properties on inhalant protein allergenicity (Part 2). This first part will focus particularly on aeroallergen organization into families and how this classification fits their physicochemical properties.

Recent Findings

Aeroallergen classification into protein families facilitates the identification of common physicochemical properties, thus aiding a better comprehension of known allergens, while predicting the behavior of novel ones. The available online databases gathering important features of aeroallergens are currently scarce.

Information on distinct aeroallergen classification is still lacking, as data is dispersed and often outdated, hampering an efficient evaluation of new aeroallergens.
Innovations in Imaging: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT for Assessment of Cardiovascular Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Trivedi Siddharth J , Bourque Jamieson M
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT), referred to as 18F-FDG PET/CT, plays a significant role in the diagnosis and management of patients with systemic infectious and inflammatory conditions. This review provides an overview of 18F-FDG PET/CT in systemic infectious and inflammatory conditions, including infective endocarditis (IE), cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED)/left ventricular assist device (LVAD) infection, sarcoidosis, and large-vessel vasculitis (LVV).

Recent Findings

This review highlights the past and present literature in the increasing role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular inflammation and infection, including diagnostic and prognostic findings.

They key aspects of this paper are to highlight the importance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular infection and inflammation, and to provide illustrations of how it can contribute to patient diagnosis and management.
Long-term experience with octreotide and lanreotide for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Kiesewetter Barbara , Pflüger Friedrich Franz , Melhorn Philipp , Mazal Peter , Raderer Markus
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The somatostatin analogs (SSA) octreotide and lanreotide are a mainstay in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The two pivotal trials differed considerably in terms of patient characteristics and are not directly comparable. Further comparative data are lacking.

Methods

This retrospective chart review study included patients with gastroenteropancreatic NET grade 1 or 2 who were treated with octreotide LAR or lanreotide autogel. The main aim was to compare the two SSA based on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from treatment start.

Results

In total, 129 patients were analyzed, 60% (n = 77) had a small intestinal NET and 31% (n = 40) a pancreatic NET. Histologically, 34% (n = 44) had NET G1, 55% (n = 71) a NET G2, and 11% (n = 14) a NET G1/G2 unclassified. Lanreotide was used in 90 patients (70%) and octreotide in 39 patients (30%). Overall, the median PFS was 32.2 months (95% CI 23.0–42.9 months). No PFS difference (p = 0.8) was observed between lanreotide (29.8 months, 95% CI 18.7–48.5 months) and octreotide (36.0 months, 95% CI 23.2–68.2 months). Median OS from treatment start was calculated at 93.5 months (95% CI 71.1–132.9 months). Again, the median OS following lanreotide (113.4 months, 95% CI 62.3–NA months) or after octreotide (90.3 months, 95% CI 71.1–NA months) did not differ significantly (p > 0.9).

Conclusions

Our long-term experience with octreotide and lanreotide in NET did not reveal differences in antitumor effectiveness. This is consistent with previous reports and might suggest that both SSA can be used interchangeably if needed.
Leukocyte Extracellular Vesicles Predict Progression of Systolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction (LYCHEE) – A Prospective, Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Gąsecka Aleksandra , Siniarski Aleksander , Duchnowski Piotr , Stępień Konrad , Błażejowska Ewelina , Gajewska Magdalena , Karaban Kacper , Porębska Kinga , Reda Aleksandra , Rogula Sylwester , Rolek Bartosz , Słupik Dorota , Gozdowska Roksana , Kleibert Marcin , Zajkowska Dominika , Grąt Michał , Grabowski Marcin , Filipiak Krzysztof J. , van der Pol Edwin , Nieuwland Rienk
Published: September 2024

Risk stratification in heart failure with mildly-reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) remains challenging. We evaluated the predictive value of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and plasma concentrations of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for the systolic and diastolic dysfunction progression in HFmrEF patients. Skin AGE accumulation was measured using AGE Reader. Plasma EV concentrations were measured using flow cytometry. Among 74 patients enrolled, 13 (18%) had systolic dysfunction progression and 5 (7%) had diastolic dysfunction progression during 6.5 months follow-up. Leukocyte EVs concentrations were higher in patients with systolic dysfunction progression (p = 0.002) and predicted the progression with 75.0% sensitivity and 58.3% specificity, independent of other clinical variables (OR 4.72, 95% CI 0.99–22.31). Skin AGE levels and concentrations of other EV subtypes were not associated with systolic or diastolic dysfunction progression. Increased leukocyte EVs concentrations are associated with 4.7-fold higher odds of systolic dysfunction progression in HFmrEF patients.

Graphical Abstract

AGE – advanced glycation end products, HFmrEF – heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction, ECHO – echocardiography, EV – extracellular vesicles
Navigating Business Model Redesign: The Compass Method for Identifying Changes to the Operating Model
Authors: Lara Machado Paola , van de Ven Montijn , Aysolmaz Banu , Turetken Oktay , vom Brocke Jan
Published: September 2024

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations constantly change their business models to respond to emerging digital technologies and shifting customer expectations. It is a fundamental challenge to translate these changes into the organization’s operating model. When organizations redesign their business models, significant adjustments to the operating model and its underlying business processes are necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the value proposition to customers. Existing research falls short in detailing how changes to the business model at the tactical level impact the operating model at the operational level. To address this gap, this paper introduces the Compass Method. This method provides guidance for decision-makers at the tactical and operational levels in identifying necessary changes to their operating model using a set of operating model design cards. The method has been developed following the design science research methodology and is grounded in extant knowledge from both business model research and process management research. Three rounds of design and evaluation of the method were completed in multiple settings. The study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between business models, operating models, and business processes, paving the way for the development of complementary methods and tools to further investigate this relationship.
Non-HACEK gram-negative bacilli infective endocarditis: data from a retrospective German cohort study
Authors: Dörfler Juliane , Grubitzsch Herko , Schneider-Reigbert Matthias , Pasic Miralem , Pfäfflin Frieder , Stegemann Miriam , Sander Leif E. , Kurth Florian , Lingscheid Tilman
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Infective endocarditis caused by non-HACEK gram-negative bacilli (GNB-IE) is rare but associated with significant morbidity and case fatality. Evidence on optimal treatment and management is limited. We aimed to describe the characteristics and management of GNB-IE patients, investigating factors associated with disease acquisition and unfavorable outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive single-center study (tertiary care and referral hospital) between 2015 and 2021, including adult patients with definite GNB-IE. We reviewed demographic, clinical and microbiological data, focusing on predisposing factors, clinical outcomes and 1-year mortality.

Results

Of 1093 patients with probable or definite IE, 19 patients (median age 69 years) had definite GNB-IE, with an increasing incidence throughout the study period. Median age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 4 points. Prosthetic valve IE (PVIE) was present in 7/19 (37%) patients. Nosocomial acquisition occurred in 8/19 (42%) patients. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common pathogens. Beta-lactam (BL) based combination therapy was applied in 12/19 (63%) patients (58% BL + fluoroquinolone, 42% BL + aminoglycoside). Cardiac surgery was required in 8/19 (42%) patients (PVIE 71%, native valve IE 25%), primarily for embolism prevention and heart failure. Complications occurred in 14/19 (74%) patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 21% (4/19); the one-year mortality rate was 44% (7/16). One-year mortality did not significantly differ between patients who underwent cardiac surgery and patients managed with anti-infective treatment alone (p = 0.633).

Conclusions

GNB-IE affects elderly patients with high comorbidity levels and recent health-care exposure. GNB-IE was associated with high complication rates and high mortality.
N-AquaRAM: A Cost-Efficient Deep Learning Accelerator for Real-Time Aquaponic Monitoring
Authors: Siddique Ali , Iqbal Muhammad Azhar , Sun Jingqi , Zhang Xu , Vai Mang I. , Siddique Sunbal
Published: September 2024

Aquaponics is an emerging area of agricultural sciences that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a symbiotic way to increase crop production. Though it offers a lot of advantages over traditional techniques, including chemical-free and soil-less farming, its commercial application suffers from some problems such as the lack of experienced manpower. To operate a stable smart aquaponic system, it is critical to estimate the fish size properly. In this context, the use of dedicated hardware for real-time aquaponic monitoring can greatly resolve the issue of inexperienced handlers. In this article, we present a complete methodology to train a deep neural network to perform fish size estimation in real time. To achieve high accuracy, a novel implementation of swish function is presented. This novel version is far more hardware efficient than the original one, while being extremely accurate. Moreover, we present a deep learning accelerator that can classify 40 million fish samples in a second. The dedicated real-time system is about 1600 times faster than the one based on general-purpose computers. The proposed neuromorphic accelerator consumes about 2600 slice registers on a low-end model of Virtex 6 FPGA series.
Unveiling Disparities: Analyzing Hispanic Inclusion in Liver Cancer Research Databases in the United States
Authors: Figueroa Gabriela Arroyo , Greten Tim F. , Bonilla Cecilia Monge
Published: September 2024

Primary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the United States in 2023. Hispanic people constitute approximately 19% of the nation’s total population according to the US Census. Hispanic patients have the highest relative incidence rates of liver cancer compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks, a disparity frequently overlooked in cancer research. In this study, our primary objective was to analyze the potential underrepresentation of Hispanic individuals in liver cancer research databases. We identified databases that had liver cancer-specific studies and be population-based in the United States. Our search yielded 7 cancer genomic databases, which were analyzed according to incidence percentages across ethnicity and race categories. Our study included 3104 patients; ethnic data was not reported for 13.1% (n = 406) of the patients. Samples were predominantly from individuals who identified as Not Hispanic (81.0%), Hispanic individuals represented 5.9%. Race was reported as follows: non-Hispanic Whites (61.0%), Asians (22.0%), non-Hispanic Blacks (5.4%), Other (3.1%), Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native (0.4%), Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (0.2%) and not reported (7.9%). These findings collectively underscore significant disparities in the representation of ethnic and racial groups, particularly Hispanics. Given the present racial and ethnic demographics of the US population and the projected surge in the Hispanic population in forthcoming years, it becomes imperative to address health disparities that may worsen without efforts to enhance proper inclusion in cancer research.
Young Doctors Program-Colorado: An Elective Elementary School Program to Improve Health Literacy, Utilization of the Healthcare System, and Osteopathic Awareness
Authors: Sposet Samantha , Fabich Riley , McEchron Matthew
Published: September 2024

The Young Doctors Program (YDP) is a “mini medical school” series for fifth-grade elementary children. The YDP was designed and led by medical students in the Academic Medicine and Leadership Track at the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado. The curriculum of the program was designed around the State of Colorado Learning Standards with the purpose of educating students about emergencies and common ailments in five body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and renal) while also providing exposure to healthcare as a profession. YDP provides children with insights into the healthcare system, an introduction to osteopathic medicine, and it enhances community outreach. This article provides a framework for the semester-long YDP curriculum as well as our final event which synthesizes learned information using standardized patients. We describe successes including community outreach and healthcare exposure in the elementary school, and challenges initiating connections with local schools and funding. Future goals include expanding outreach to other fifth-grade schools as well as growth to different age levels. Authors plan to pursue IRB approval for research to examine the benefits and efficacy of the YDP.
Advancements and Challenges in Organic–Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Cheng Shichao , Fu Chuankai , Yin Geping , Wang Liguang , Wu Yongmin , Huo Hua
Published: September 2024

To address the limitations of contemporary lithium-ion batteries, particularly their low energy density and safety concerns, all-solid-state lithium batteries equipped with solid-state electrolytes have been identified as an up-and-coming alternative. Among the various SEs, organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes (OICSEs) that combine the advantages of both polymer and inorganic materials demonstrate promising potential for large-scale applications. However, OICSEs still face many challenges in practical applications, such as low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability, which severely limit their applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in OICSEs. Specifically, the influence of inorganic fillers on the main functional parameters of OICSEs, including ionic conductivity, Li+ transfer number, mechanical strength, electrochemical stability, electronic conductivity, and thermal stability are systematically discussed. The lithium-ion conduction mechanism of OICSE is thoroughly analyzed and concluded from the microscopic perspective. Besides, the classic inorganic filler types, including both inert and active fillers, are categorized with special emphasis on the relationship between inorganic filler structure design and the electrochemical performance of OICSEs. Finally, the advanced characterization techniques relevant to OICSEs are summarized, and the challenges and perspectives on the future development of OICSEs are also highlighted for constructing superior ASSLBs.
Emerging Technologies for Decarbonizing Silicon Production
Authors: Hoover Haley , Bell Robert , Rippy Kerry
Published: September 2024

Silicon (Si) is an important material for alloying, solar photovoltaics, and electronics. However, current methods of producing silicon require energy consumption of around 11–13 kWh/kgSi and direct carbon emissions are 4.7–5 tons CO2 per ton Si which conflicts with global efforts to limit climate change. In this work, we discuss several promising methods for reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from the silicon production process. Such methods include using biocarbon, integrating the current process with carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCU/CCS), metallothermic reduction, hydrogen reduction, and molten salt electrolysis. We present the positive aspects and challenges of each approach. Biocarbon coupled with CCU/CCS is the most industrially mature technology and can be carbon–neutral or -negative but is not carbon-free. Hydrogen directly reducing silicon dioxide is not thermodynamically favorable, but it may be viable to use hydrogen in conjunction with other processes to reduce emissions. Metallothermic and electrochemical methods of production are promising and have the potential to create high-purity silicon with no reduction-related carbon emissions but have only been demonstrated at lab scale. Economic viability will likely be the next determining factor for which technologies are more widely researched and implemented.

Graphical Abstract
Heutagogy as a framework for Christian discipleship: the triadic role of biblical wisdom literature, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit
Authors: Hukkinen Esa , Luetz Johannes M. , Dowden Tony
Published: September 2024

Heutagogy—also known as self-determined learning—empowers individuals to take charge of their personal growth by fostering proactive approaches to self-development. In a Christian context, self-enacted spiritual growth can operate within a range of personal, denominational, and/or hermeneutical understandings of discipleship. Moreover, self-determined learning transcends diverse Christian traditions, mirroring different expressions of the role and work of the Holy Spirit in capacitating Christian discipleship. This conceptual paper contributes to the literature by expounding and advocating heutagogy as an under-appreciated framework for facilitating spiritual growth. To construct its argument, the paper draws on three sources: biblical wisdom literature, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and selected expressions of the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christian believers.
Lattice reconstruction for mixed-halide blue perovskite light-emitting diodes with high brightness, outstanding color stability and low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Wu Jionghua , Wang Renjie , Zhang Rui , Portale Giuseppe , Solano Eduardo , Liu Xiaoke , Gao Feng
Published: September 2024

We report a simple, effective, and universal lattice reconstruction approach to improve the quality of perovskite films by using nonpolar solvents with high Gutmann donor numbers (DNs). We find that high-DN nonpolar solvents, for instance, ethyl acetate, can interact with perovskite precursors. Such a solvent can make the perovskite lattice more ordered and “harder” and promote the formation of heterostructures with low-dimensional perovskite impurities and residual solvent molecules. As a result, the lattice-reconstructed perovskite films exhibit reduced defect densities and suppressed ion migration. The resultant mixed-halide blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) show greatly enhanced tolerance to high driving current densities and voltages, demonstrating high brightness, outstanding color stability and low efficiency roll-off. Our work provides a deep understanding of the interactions between nonpolar solvents and perovskites and offers useful guidelines for further development of high-power PeLEDs.
A Simple Bias Reduction for Chatterjee’s Correlation
Authors: Dalitz Christoph , Arning Juliane , Goebbels Steffen
Published: September 2024

Chatterjee’s rank correlation coefficient $$\xi _n$$

ξ
n

is an empirical index for detecting functional dependencies between two variables X and Y. It is an estimator for a theoretical quantity $$\xi $$
ξ
that is zero for independence and one if Y is a measurable function of X. Based on an equivalent characterization of sorted numbers, we derive an upper bound for $$\xi _n$$

ξ
n

and suggest a simple normalization aimed at reducing its bias for small sample size n. In Monte Carlo simulations of various models, the normalization reduced the bias in all cases. The mean squared error was reduced, too, for values of $$\xi $$
ξ
greater than about 0.4. Moreover, we observed that non-parametric confidence intervals for $$\xi $$
ξ
based on bootstrapping $$\xi _n$$

ξ
n

in the usual n-out-of-n way have a coverage probability close to zero. This is remedied by an m-out-of-n bootstrap without replacement in combination with our normalization method.
Adaptive reduced basis trust region methods for parameter identification problems
Authors: Kartmann Michael , Keil Tim , Ohlberger Mario , Volkwein Stefan , Kaltenbacher Barbara
Published: September 2024

In this contribution, we are concerned with model order reduction in the context of iterative regularization methods for the solution of inverse problems arising from parameter identification in elliptic partial differential equations. Such methods typically require a large number of forward solutions, which makes the use of the reduced basis method attractive to reduce computational complexity. However, the considered inverse problems are typically ill-posed due to their infinite-dimensional parameter space. Moreover, the infinite-dimensional parameter space makes it impossible to build and certify classical reduced-order models efficiently in a so-called “offline phase”. We thus propose a new algorithm that adaptively builds a reduced parameter space in the online phase. The enrichment of the reduced parameter space is naturally inherited from the Tikhonov regularization within an iteratively regularized Gauß-Newton method. Finally, the adaptive parameter space reduction is combined with a certified reduced basis state space reduction within an adaptive error-aware trust region framework. Numerical experiments are presented to show the efficiency of the combined parameter and state space reduction for inverse parameter identification problems with distributed reaction or diffusion coefficients.
Embodied Poverty: Bioarchaeology of the Brentwood Poor Farm, Brentwood, New Hampshire (1841–1868)
Authors: Garcia-Putnam Alex , Michael Amy R. , Duff Grace , Maronie Ashanti , McCrane Samantha M. , Morrill Michaela
Published: September 2024

Through a commingled, fragmentary assemblage of skeletal remains (MNI = 9) recovered from a 1999 salvage excavation, this article explores the lives and deaths of individuals interred at the Brentwood Poor Farm, Brentwood, New Hampshire (1841–1868). This work demonstrates that bioarchaeological analyses of smaller samples can provide nuanced accounts of marginalization and institutionalization even with scant historical records. The skeletal analysis presented here is contextualized within the larger history of the American poor farm system and compared to similar skeletal samples across the United States. The hardships these individuals faced—poverty, otherness, demanding labor—were embodied in their skeletal remains, manifesting as osteoarthritis, dental disease, and other signs of physiological stress. These individuals’ postmortem fates were also impacted by status; they were interred in unmarked graves, disturbed by construction, and once recovered, were again forgotten for more than 20 years.
Optimal surrender policy for reverse mortgage loans
Authors: Bernard Carole , Kolkiewicz Adam , Tang Junsen
Published: September 2024

This study conducts an optimal surrender analysis of reverse mortgage (RM) loans offered to elderly homeowners as a financing option. Recent market evidence on borrower early surrenders has raised concerns about the marketability of RM products and their impact on the program viability. In this article, we derive the borrower optimal surrender strategy as a function of the underlying value of the home used as collateral for RM contracts with tenure payment option. Using a probabilistic approach to American option pricing, we present a decomposition result for the value of the contract as the sum of its European counterpart without the surrendering provision and an early exercise premium. The methodology allows policymakers to assess the financial incentive of their policy design, from which we explain the existing market evidence about borrower rational lapse by means of the resulting surrender boundary and reference probabilities.
Bubble-induced convection and flow instability in liquid vessels
Authors: Shnapp Ron , Holzner Markus
Published: September 2024

Buoyancy-driven bubbly flows play pivotal roles in various scenarios, such as the oxygenation and mixing in the upper ocean and the reaction kinetics in chemical and bio-reactors. This work focuses on the convective flow induced by the localised release of large air bubbles (

$D_b=3.7$

mm,

${Re}_b=950$

) in a water tank, exploring the resulting flow and the transition from laminar to disturbed states as a function of the Rayleigh number ranging from

$3\times 10^3$

to

$2\times 10^5$

. At low

${Ra}$

the flow is smooth and laminar with weak temporal oscillations, while a highly disturbed state appears above a critical value

${Ra}_c$

. A theoretical analysis is presented that links the mean flow circulation to the Rayleigh number. Through an experimental investigation, utilising three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry and flow visualisation, we confirm the theory presented, and characterise the laminar to disturbed transition in the system. These findings not only enhance our fundamental understanding of buoyancy-driven convective flows but also hold significant implications for practical applications, particularly in the optimisation of bio-reactor design and other industrial processes reliant on controlled convective dynamics.
GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array eXtended (GLEAM-X) survey II: Second Data Release
Authors: Ross Kathryn , Hurley-Walker Natasha , Galvin Timothy James , Venville Brandon , Duchesne Stefan William , Morgan John , An Tao , Gürkan Gulay , Hancock Paul J. , Heald George , Johnston-Hollitt Melanie , White Sarah V.
Published: September 2024

We present the second data release for the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array eXtended (GLEAM-X) survey. This data release is an area of 12 892-deg

$^2$

around the South Galactic Pole region covering 20 h40 m

$\leq$

RA

$\leq$

6 h40 m, -90

$^\circ$

$\leq$

Dec

$\leq$

+30

$^\circ$

. Observations were taken in 2020 using the Phase-II configuration of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and covering a frequency range of 72–231 MHz with twenty frequency bands. We produce a wideband source finding mosaic over 170–231 MHz with a median root-mean-squared noise of

$1.5^{+1.5}_{-0.5}$

mJy beam

$^{-1}$

. We present a catalogue of 624 866 components, including 562 302 components which are spectrally fit. This catalogue is 98% complete at 50 mJy, and a reliability of 98.7% at a 5

$\sigma$

level, consistent with expectations for this survey. The catalogue is made available via Vizier, and the PASA datastore and accompanying mosaics for this data release are made available via AAO Data Central and SkyView.
Probing the soft X-ray properties and multi-wavelength variability of SN2023ixf and its progenitor
Authors: Panjkov Sonja , Auchettl Katie , Shappee Benjamin J. , Do Aaron , Lopez Laura , Beacom John F.
Published: September 2024

We present a detailed analysis of nearly two decades of optical/UV and X-ray data to study the multi-wavelength pre-explosion properties and post-explosion X-ray properties of nearby SN2023ixf located in M101. We find no evidence of precursor activity in the optical to UV down to a luminosity of

$\lesssim$

$1.0\times10^{5}\, \textrm{L}_{\odot}$

, while X-ray observations covering nearly 18 yr prior to explosion show no evidence of luminous precursor X-ray emission down to an absorbed 0.3–10.0 keV X-ray luminosity of

$\sim$

$6\times10^{36}$

erg s

$^{-1}$

. Extensive Swift observations taken post-explosion did not detect soft X-ray emission from SN2023ixf within the first

$\sim$

3.3 days after first light, which suggests a mass-loss rate for the progenitor of

$\lesssim$

$5\times10^{-4}\,\textrm{M}_{\odot}$

yr

$^{-1}$

or a radius of

$\lesssim$

$4\times10^{15}$

cm for the circumstellar material. Our analysis also suggests that if the progenitor underwent a mass-loss episode, this had to occur

$>$

0.5–1.5 yr prior to explosion, consistent with previous estimates. Swift detected soft X-rays from SN2023ixf

$\sim$

$4.25$

days after first light, and it rose to a peak luminosity of

$\sim10^{39}$

erg s

$^{-1}$

after 10 days and has maintained this luminosity for nearly 50 days post first light. This peak luminosity is lower than expected, given the evidence that SN2023ixf is interacting with dense material. However, this might be a natural consequence of an asymmetric circumstellar medium. X-ray spectra derived from merging all Swift observations over the first 50 days are best described by a two-component bremsstrahlung model consisting of a heavily absorbed and hotter component similar to that found using NuSTAR, and a less-absorbed, cooler component. We suggest that this soft component arises from cooling of the forward shock similar to that found in Type IIn SN2010jl.
The trajectories of free sugar intake during childhood, their main sources and its association with socio-economic factors: generation XXI birth cohort
Authors: Sosa Sofia , Severo Milton , Marinho Ana Rita , Lopes Carla
Published: September 2024

The study aimed to describe trajectories of free sugar (FS) intake, its main sources and the associations with socio-economic status (SES) in Portuguese children/adolescents evaluated at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years of age from Generation XXI birth-cohort. Dietary intake was assessed through 3-day food diaries (n 5268). Added sugar intake was estimated following a systematic methodology, and FS was based on the WHO definition. A mixed-effects model with linear and quadratic terms for time was used to estimate FS trajectories and its association with SES, adjusting for children’s sex, age, BMI and SES. The FS mean intake (g/day) was 37, 47, 51 and 48 at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years, respectively. FS intake increased 4·6 g/year (CI 95 %: 4·20, 5·04), but velocity decreased by 0·3 g/year2 until 13 years. At all ages, the main food source was sweets. Some item’s consumption declined (sweets 25–21 % and yoghurts 22–7 %) as children grew older. Inversely, soft drink intake increased (9–18 %). Boys and children from younger mothers had higher FS intake, whereas higher maternal–SES was associated with lower children’s FS intake: occupational status (β = –3·5; 95 % CI: –4·97, –1·94), years of education (β = –3·7; 95 % CI: –4·93, –2·40) and household income (β = –4·9; 95 % CI: –6·50, –3·27). The FS trajectories were similar by SES categories but different by obesity status (interaction term β = –1·04; CI 95 % (–1·50, –0·59)). An increasing FS trajectory during childhood is mainly driven by an increasing intake of soft drinks and nectars. The FS trajectory pattern did not change according to SES categories, but children’s FS intake was always higher when their mothers had a lower SES.
Sectorial economic activity and Divisia monetary aggregates
Authors: Dery Cosmas
Published: September 2024

This paper assesses the information content and predictive capabilities of Divisia monetary indicators concerning sector-specific economic activities. Although existing evidence strongly supports the informative nature and predictive potential of various Divisia indicators at an aggregate level, studies focusing on Divisia information content for specific industries are notably sparse. Sector-level data provide a more detailed insight into economic and labor market dynamics. By analyzing comprehensive sector-specific data on real GDP, value added, employment, and unemployment rates across thirteen diverse sectors in the United States, this paper investigates the predictive abilities of narrow and broad Divisia money across three categories (original, credit card-augmented, and credit card-augmented inside money). The results show that narrow Divisia money serve as robust predictors of sector-specific economic and labor market indicators, often surpassing the predictive capacity of the conventional Fed funds rate and slightly outperforming broad Divisia measures in relation to these indicators.
The effect of the implementation of the international code of marketing of breast-milk substitutes on child mortality in Ghana and Tanzania
Authors: Lima Constantino Juliana , Pichler Stefan , Kramer Lybrich , Biesma Regien
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes is an important instrument to protect and promote appropriate infant and young child feeding and the safe use of commercial milk formulas. Ghana and Tanzania implemented the Code into national legislation in 2000 and 1994, respectively. We aimed to estimate the effects of the Code implementation on child mortality (CM) in both countries.

Setting:

The countries analysed were Ghana and Tanzania.

Participants:

For CM and HIV rates, data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation from up to 2019 were used. Data for income and skilled birth rates were retrieved from the World Bank, for fertility from the World Population Prospects, for vaccination from the Global Health Observatory and for employment from the International Labour Organization.

Design:

We used the synthetic control group method and performed placebo tests to assess statistical inference. The primary outcomes were CM by lower respiratory infections, mainly pneumonia, and diarrhoea and the secondary outcome was overall CM.

Results:

One-sided inference tests showed statistically significant treatment effects for child deaths by lower respiratory infections in Ghana (P = 0·0476) and Tanzania (P = 0·0476) and for diarrhoea in Tanzania (P = 0·0476). More restrictive two-sided inference tests showed a statistically significant treatment effect for child deaths by lower respiratory infections in Ghana (P = 0·0476). No statistically significant results were found for overall CM.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the implementation of the Code in both countries had a potentially beneficial effect on CM due to infectious diseases; however, further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Surface Charging of the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Spacecraft in the Solar Wind at 1 AU
Authors: Holmberg M. K. G. , Jackman C. M. , Taylor M. G. G. T. , Witasse O. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Barabash S. , Michotte de Welle B. , Huybrighs H. L. F. , Imhof C. , Cipriani F. , Déprez G. , Altobelli N.
Published: September 2024

This article presents the first study of the interaction between the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft and the solar wind environment at 1 AU. The state‐of‐the‐art software Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software was used to simulate the surface charging of the spacecraft and the altered particle environment around the spacecraft. The simulations show that for a typical solar wind environment the spacecraft will charge to around 6 V, with the different dielectric parts of the spacecraft charging to potentials from around −36 to 8 V. For the studied extreme solar wind environment, similar to the environment found in the sheath region inside the shock front of an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection, the surface potential of the spacecraft is lower due to the increased accumulation of electrons. The spacecraft will charge to around 3 V, with the different dielectric surfaces charging from around −45 to 9 V. We also show how the interaction between the spacecraft and its environment alters the ion and electron particle environment around the spacecraft. This study is the first step toward developing correction techniques for the impact that the interaction between the JUICE spacecraft and its environment has on the JUICE charged particle and field measurements.
A flexible resistive strain gauge with reduced temperature effect via thermal expansion anisotropic composite substrate
Authors: Li Mengqiu , Hu Zhiyuan , Yan Bo , Wang Jiaxiang , Zhang Haodong , Ye Fengming , Sun Bin , Liu Junshan , Li Yahui , Ding Guifu , Zang Faheng , Yang Zhuoqing
Published: September 2024

Strain gauge plays vital roles in various fields as structural health monitoring, aerospace engineering, and civil infrastructure. However, traditional flexible strain gauge inevitably brings the pseudo-signal caused by the substrate temperature effect and determines its accuracy. Here, we present an anisotropic composite substrate designed to modify the thermal expansion performance via Micro-electro-mechanical System (MEMS) technology, which facilitates the development of strain gauges that are minimally affected by substrate temperature-induced effect. Compared to the isotropic flexible substrate, the simulated expansion displacement in the thermal insensitive direction is reduced by 53.6% via introducing an anisotropic thermal expansion structure. The developed strain gauge exhibits significantly reduced sensitivity to temperature-induced effect, with a temperature coefficient of resistance decreasing from 87.3% to 10%, along with a notable 47.1% improvement in TCR stability. In addition, the strain gauge displays a sensitivity of 1.99 and boasts a wide strain operational range of 0–6000 µε, while maintaining excellent linearity. Furthermore, stress response conducted on a model of an aircraft wing illustrates the rapid monitoring of the strain gauge, which can detect strain as low as 100 µε. This study strongly highlights the potential applicability of the developed strain gauge in the aircraft, ships, and bridges for monitoring stress.
Data-driven discovery of dynamics from time-resolved coherent scattering
Authors: Andrejevic Nina , Zhou Tao , Zhang Qingteng , Narayanan Suresh , Cherukara Mathew J. , Chan Maria K. Y.
Published: September 2024

Coherent X-ray scattering (CXS) techniques are capable of interrogating dynamics of nano- to mesoscale materials systems at time scales spanning several orders of magnitude. However, obtaining accurate theoretical descriptions of complex dynamics is often limited by one or more factors—the ability to visualize dynamics in real space, computational cost of high-fidelity simulations, and effectiveness of approximate or phenomenological models. In this work, we develop a data-driven framework to uncover mechanistic models of dynamics directly from time-resolved CXS measurements without solving the phase reconstruction problem for the entire time series of diffraction patterns. Our approach uses neural differential equations to parameterize unknown real-space dynamics and implements a computational scattering forward model to relate real-space predictions to reciprocal-space observations. This method is shown to recover the dynamics of several computational model systems under various simulated conditions of measurement resolution and noise. Moreover, the trained model enables estimation of long-term dynamics well beyond the maximum observation time, which can be used to inform and refine experimental parameters in practice. Finally, we demonstrate an experimental proof-of-concept by applying our framework to recover the probe trajectory from a ptychographic scan. Our proposed framework bridges the wide existing gap between approximate models and complex data.
Consonant lengthening marks the beginning of words across a diverse sample of languages
Authors: Blum Frederic , Paschen Ludger , Forkel Robert , Fuchs Susanne , Seifart Frank
Published: September 2024

Speech consists of a continuous stream of acoustic signals, yet humans can segment words and other constituents from each other with astonishing precision. The acoustic properties that support this process are not well understood and remain understudied for the vast majority of the world’s languages, in particular regarding their potential variation. Here we report cross-linguistic evidence for the lengthening of word-initial consonants across a typologically diverse sample of 51 languages. Using Bayesian multilevel regression, we find that on average, word-initial consonants are about 13 ms longer than word-medial consonants. The cross-linguistic distribution of the effect indicates that despite individual differences in the phonology of the sampled languages, the lengthening of word-initial consonants is a widespread strategy to mark the onset of words in the continuous acoustic signal of human speech. These findings may be crucial for a better understanding of the incremental processing of speech and speech segmentation.
Geochemical baseline establishment and accumulation characteristics of soil heavy metals in Sabaochaqu watershed at the source of Yangtze River, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Jiufen , Gong Cang , Tan Changhai , Wen Lang , Li Ziqi , Liu Xiaohuang , Yang Zhongfang
Published: September 2024

The establishment of soil geochemical baseline and heavy metal pollution assessment in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is of great significance for guiding environmental management in the high-cold and high-altitude regions. A total of 126 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected and the contents of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, As and Hg were determined in the Sabaochaqu basin of the Tuotuo River, the source of the Yangtze River, in the Tibetan Plateau. The baseline values of 8 heavy metals were determined by mathematical statistics, iterative 2times standard deviation method, cumulative frequency and reference element standardization, and the soil heavy metal pollution in the study area was assessed by enrichment factor method and pollution index method. The results showed that the average contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were 31.84, 0.29, 66.07, 17.35, 0.021, 27.86, 49.35 and 88.56 mg/kg, respectively. Baseline values were 22.24, 0.217, 64.16, 15.69, 0.0191, 26.46, 34.91, and 68.62 mg/kg, respectively. There is a great difference between the baseline value of soil heavy metals in study area and the Xizang soil background value, especially the baseline value of Cd was 2.68 times of its background value. The results of the pollution evaluation based on the baseline values showed that the 8 heavy metals were slightly enriched, and the overall pollution status was light pollution, and measures should be taken to control and manage them. The research results can provide a reference value for the evaluation of soil heavy metal pollution in the source region of the Yangtze River, and also provide a theoretical basis for the construction of soil heavy metal baseline values in similar high-cold and high-altitude regions.
Effect of silver nanoparticles and REP-PCR typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various sources
Authors: Elghazaly Eman M. , Torky Helmy A. , Tawfik Rasha Gomaa
Published: September 2024

This is the primary study at Matrouh Governorate to unveil antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) effect using electron microscopy, and REP-PCR analysis of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from COVID-19 patients, contaminated food, and Morel’s diseased sheep and goats. A total of 15 S. aureus strains were isolated; five from each of the COVID-19 patients, Morel's diseased sheep and goats, and contaminated food. All strains were considered multidrug-resistant (MDR). All strains showed the presence of biofilm. Morphological changes in the cell surface of the bacterium were evidenced, and penetration with the rupture of some bacterial cells. Based on REP-PCR analysis, 4 clusters (C1-C4) with dissimilarity between clusters C1 and C2 8% and between C3 and C4 15%. Cluster I included 3 strains from contaminated food with a similarity of 97%, and Cluster II included 2 strains from contaminated food and 2 from COVID-19-infected patients with a similarity of 96% (confirming the zoonotic nature of this pathogen). Cluster III contained 4 strains isolated from Morel's diseased sheep & goats with a similarity ratio of 99% in comparison the 4th cluster contained 3 strains isolated from COVID-patients and one from Morel's diseased sheep & goats with a similarity ratio of 92%.