bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-farm cereal rye biomass estimation using machine learning on images from an unmanned aerial system
Authors: KC Kushal , Romanko Matthew , Perrault Andrew , Khanal Sami
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the potential of using multispectral images collected by an unmanned aerial system (UAS) on machine learning (ML) frameworks to estimate cereal rye (Secale cereal L.) biomass. Multispectral images and ground-truth cereal rye biomass data were collected from 15 farmers’ fields up to three times between March and May in northwest Ohio. Images were processed to derive 13 vegetation indices (VIs). Out of 13 VIs, six optimal sets of VIs, including excess green (ExG), normalized green red difference index (NGRDI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), blue green ratio (B_G_ratio), red-edge triangular vegetation index (RTVI), and normalized difference red-edge (NDRE) were selected using the variance inflation factor (VIF) based feature selection approach. Six regression models including a multiple linear regression (MLR), elastic net (ENET), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) were investigated for estimation of cereal rye biomass based on the VIs. For most of the models, the six selected VIs performed better than or similar to the full set of 13 VIs with R2 ranging from 0.24 to 0.59 and RMSE ranging from 83.13 to 91.89 g/m2 during 10-fold cross-validation. During independent accuracy assessment with the selected set of VIs, XGB exhibited the highest R2 (0.67) and lowest RMSE (83.13 g/m2) and MAE (48.13 g/m2) followed by RF and ENET. For all the models, the agreement between observed and predicted biomass was high for biomass less than or equal to 200 g/m2 but decreased for biomass greater than 200 g/m2. When field-collected structural features were integrated with the selected VIs, the models showed improved performance, with R2 and RMSE of the models reaching up to 0.82 and 61.67 g/m2 respectively. Among the six VIs, SAVI showed the strongest impact on the model prediction for the best-performing RF and XGB regression models. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of precisely estimating and mapping cereal rye biomass based on UAS-captured multispectral images. Timely information on cover crop growth can facilitate numerous decision-making processes, including planning the planting operations, and management of nutrients, weeds, and soil moisture to improve agronomic and environmental outcomes.
Keeping pace with the digital transformation — exploring the digital orientation of SMEs
Authors: Escoz Barragan Kevin , Becker Felix Simon Rudolf
Published: July 2024

In the digital era, organizations strategically adopt digital transformation to thrive and prosper. In particular, they allocate substantial resources to cultivate digital orientation. However, limited research has explored how digital orientation impacts the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our study sheds light on this relationship, examining it through the lens of a resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability (DC) perspective. We empirically quantify digital orientation and its subdimensions using textual data extracted from SME websites. Our findings unveil a U-shaped relationship: while high performance is observable at both extremes of the spectrum, an initial increase in digital orientation is associated with performance setbacks until a specific threshold of digital orientation is reached, after which performance once again begins to improve. As a result, SMEs should consider a strategic allocation of resources while pursuing digital orientation to build capabilities during their digital transformation journey.
Autophagy alterations in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: the evidence from human studies
Authors: Jakubek Patrycja , Pakula Barbara , Rossmeisl Martin , Pinton Paolo , Rimessi Alessandro , Wieckowski Mariusz Roman
Published: July 2024

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and its impairment has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This review synthesizes the current evidence from human studies on autophagy alterations under these metabolic conditions. In obesity, most data point to autophagy upregulation during the initiation phase of autophagosome formation, potentially in response to proinflammatory conditions in the adipose tissue. Autophagosome formation appears to be enhanced under hyperglycemic or insulin-resistant conditions in patients with T2D, possibly acting as a compensatory mechanism to eliminate damaged organelles and proteins. Other studies have proposed that prolonged hyperglycemia and disrupted insulin signaling hinder autophagic flux, resulting in the accumulation of dysfunctional cellular components that can contribute to β-cell dysfunction. Evidence from patients with MASLD supports autophagy inhibition in disease progression. Nevertheless, given the available data, it is difficult to ascertain whether autophagy is enhanced or suppressed in these conditions because the levels of autophagy markers depend on the overall metabolism of specific organs, tissues, experimental conditions, or disease duration. Owing to these constraints, determining whether the observed shifts in autophagic activity precede or result from metabolic diseases remains challenging. Additionally, autophagy-modulating strategies are shortly discussed. To conclude, more studies investigating autophagy impairment are required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its role in the pathogenesis of obesity, T2D, and MASLD and to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Enhancing organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment
Authors: Jankelová Nadežda , Némethová Ildikó , Dabić Marina , Kallmuenzer Andreas
Published: July 2024

Organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBTE) represents an influential tool for environmental policy implementation in local governments. The present study examines this behavior among the immediate managers of local governments as they are considered essential conduits for transmitting environmental values to employees and citizens living in the administered municipal areas. The study's primary purpose is to explore the relationships of instrumental support for the environment (ISE) of mayors and immediate managers’ OCBTE in municipal governments through mediation-moderation analyses and bring original insights to local government governance. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 420 managers. The hypotheses were verified through structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 3.3 software. Findings indicate a direct relationship between the mayors’ ISE and the immediate management employees’ OCBTE in the municipalities. The mediating effects of the stakeholder demand (SD) and person-organization fit (POF) hypotheses were confirmed. A significant positive moderating effect of trust in the mayor was also approved. There was no moderating effect confirmed for commitment towards the mayor. These results extend our understanding of the mechanisms behind the pro-environmental micro-level additional role of employee behavior in local government settings and provide new insights into the factors that positively correlate with these behaviors.
Iron Metabolism, Calcium, Magnesium and Trace Elements: A Review
Authors: Rolić Tara , Yazdani Mazyar , Mandić Sanja , Distante Sonia
Published: July 2024

Iron (Fe) is fundamental to life on earth. In the human body, it is both essential and harmful if above threshold. A similar balance applies to other elements: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and trace elements including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni). These elements share some proteins involved in the absorption and transport of Fe. Cu and Cd can inhibit Fe absorption, while excess of Fe may antagonize Cu metabolism and reduce ceruloplasmin (Cp). Excessive Fe can hinder Zn absorption and transferrin (Trf) can bind to both Zn and Ni. Ca is able to inhibit the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in a dose-dependent manner to reduce Fe absorption and low Mg concentrations can exacerbate Fe deficiency. Pb competitively inhibits Fe distribution and elevated Cd absorption reduces Fe uptake. Exposure to Hg is associated with higher ferritin concentrations and Ni alters intracellular Fe metabolism. Fe removal by phlebotomy in hemochromatosis patients has shown to increase the levels of Cd and Pb and alter the concentrations of trace elements in some types of anemia. Yet, the effects of chronic exposure of most trace elements remain poorly understood.
Levels of Rare Earth Elements in Food and Human Dietary Exposure: A Review
Authors: González Neus , Domingo Jose L.
Published: July 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group consisting of the following 17 metals: Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Pm, Sc, Sm, Tb, Tm, Y and Yb. In the current century, the number of applications of REEs has significantly increased. They are being used as components in high technology devices of great importance industrial/economic. However, information on the risk of human exposure to REEs, as well as the potential toxic effects of these elements is still limited. In general terms, dietary intake is the main route of exposure to metals for non-occupationally exposed individuals, which should be also expected for REEs. The current paper aimed at reviewing the studies -conducted over the world- that focused on determining the levels of REEs in foods, as well as the dietary intake of these elements. Most studies do not suggest potential health risk for consumers of freshwater and marine species of higher consumption, or derived from the intake of a number of vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, as well as other various foodstuffs (honey, tea, rice, etc.). The current estimated daily intake (EDI) of REEs does not seem to be of concern. However, considering the expected wide use of these elements in the next years, it seems to be clearly recommendable to assess periodically the potential health risk of the dietary exposure to REEs. This is already being done with well-known toxic elements such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg, among other potentially toxic metals.
Elemental Composition and Health Risk Assessment of Deep-Sea Teleost’s of the Levantine Basin
Authors: Çiftçi Nuray , Ayas Deniz
Published: July 2024

The determination of metal(loid) (As, Fe, Al, Sr, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Cd) levels in the muscle tissue of 23 different deep-sea bony fish sampled off Mersin Bay (NE Levantine Basin) and the assessment of health risks for human consumption were aimed. Tissue metal(loid) concentrations were determined as dry weight and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The tissue metal(loid) concentrations (µg g dw) were converted to wet weight prior to health risk assessment calculations. Standard mathematical formulas were used to determine the health risk assessment. There was a statistically significant difference between the fish species in terms of tissue metal(loid) levels (p < 0.05). The highest metal(loid) level was found in C. sloani among other species. As and Fe had the highest and Cd the lowest tissue concentrations in the examined species (p < 0.05). The relationships between the metal(loid)s analyzed in the tissue were significant (p < 0.01;0.05). Fe had an antagonistic effect with Cd, while other metal(loid)s had a synergetic effect with each other. Risk assessment analyses were performed for the consumable species, and it was found that the estimated daily and weekly intakes were below the tolerable limits established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The target hazard quotient (THQ) values exceeded the threshold of 1 (THQ > 1) only for As. The target cancer risk (TCR) was below the tolerable limits (> 10−5) except for As, Cd, and Al.
Treatment patterns and humanistic burden of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Spain
Authors: Cedres Susana , Calvete Julio , Taylor-Stokes Gavin , Ayerza Néstor Álvarez , Larena David Vilanova , Daumont Melinda
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with long latency and poor prognosis. The real-world treatment patterns and humanistic burden of MPM in an international cohort of patients were recently published. Spanish data are currently lacking and are reported here.

Methods/Patients

Data were collected from three sources: physician-abstracted demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of patients with MPM; patient-completed questionnaires on treatment satisfaction, symptoms, caregiver use, and impact of the disease; and caregiver-completed questionnaire reporting their activity and its impact on their daily life.

Results

The 241 patients in Spain were primarily elderly (median age: 67 years), male, retired/unemployed/on long-term sick leave, and diagnosed at stage IV with unresectable disease. Exposure to asbestos was detected (54%, 101/188). First-line treatment (1L) consisted primarily of doublet chemotherapy (86%, 207/241). Of 102 patients who completed 1L at data abstraction, 67 were receiving maintenance therapy, most commonly singlet chemotherapy with pemetrexed. Best supportive care was given to 29 patients, primarily after 1L (86.2%, 25/29). Symptom burden was high and health-related quality of life was poor and declined with progression: mean (SD) EQ-5D score and EQ-5D visual analogue scale score were 0.615 (0.285) and 60.8 (17.1) in 1L and 0.497 (0.370) and 56.1 (19.5) in second line. Overall, 67% of patients (162/241) required daily assistance from their caregiver, who reported an impact on their psychological well-being.

Conclusions

Patients with MPM in Spain were overall treated according to treatment guidelines at the time. Nevertheless, a considerable burden of disease was reported by patients and caregivers.
One-dimensional deep learning driven geospatial analysis for flash flood susceptibility mapping: a case study in North Central Vietnam
Authors: Hoa Pham Viet , Binh Nguyen An , Hong Pham Viet , An Nguyen Ngoc , Thao Giang Thi Phuong , Hanh Nguyen Cao , Ngo Phuong Thao Thi , Bui Dieu Tien
Published: July 2024

Flash floods rank among the most catastrophic natural disasters worldwide, inflicting severe socio-economic, environmental, and human impacts. Consequently, accurately identifying areas at potential risk is of paramount importance. This study investigates the efficacy of Deep 1D-Convolutional Neural Networks (Deep 1D-CNN) in spatially predicting flash floods, with a specific focus on the frequent tropical cyclone-induced flash floods in Thanh Hoa province, North Central Vietnam. The Deep 1D-CNN was structured with four convolutional layers, two pooling layers, one flattened layer, and two fully connected layers, employing the ADAM algorithm for optimization and Mean Squared Error (MSE) for loss calculation. A geodatabase containing 2540 flash flood locations and 12 influencing factors was compiled using multi-source geospatial data. The database was used to train and check the model. The results indicate that the Deep 1D-CNN model achieved high predictive accuracy (90.2%), along with a Kappa value of 0.804 and an AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.969, surpassing the benchmark models such as SVM (Support Vector Machine) and LR (Logistic Regression). The study concludes that the Deep 1D-CNN model is a highly effective tool for modeling flash floods.
Reducing Mineral Fertilizer Usage: Utilizing Sheep Wool and Alkaline Hydrolysate for Enhanced Sugar Beet Cultivation
Authors: Taskin Mehmet Burak
Published: July 2024

The effects of sheep wool (SW) and its hydrolysate (H) on the vegetative growth, root development, nutrient concentrations and sugar quality parameters of sugar beet grown under full (FF) and reduced fertilizer (RF) conditions were investigated. The treatments were as follows: FF, FF + SW (4 g kg−1) and FF + SW + H (4 g kg−1 + 4 ml kg−1), RF, RF + SW (4 g kg−1) and RF + SW + H (4 g kg−1 + 4 ml kg−1). The shoot and root samples were collected at two-week intervals from the beginning of root development to harvest. In these samples, temporal change of leaf mineral element concentrations and sugar quality parameters of the sugar beet roots were determined. Reduced fertilizer application did not have a negative effect on shoot and root growth. SW and SW + H treatments significantly increased total shoot (40.2 and 52.1%) and root yield (4.59 and 7.61%) of sugar beet in reduced fertilizer conditions. Nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations of shoots increased significantly with SW and SW + H applications. Similar increases were also observed for phosphorus (P) in the 3rd sampling period. The treatments did not have an effect on potassium (K) concentrations of shoots but some increases observed in Na and α-amino N concentrations depending on SW and SW + H treatments. The SW and SW + H treatments significantly reduced sugar existence and refined sugar existence. On the other hand, the treatments had no significant effect on the refined sugar at harvest periods. Sheep wool and H can be incorporated into organomineral fertilizers, potentially reducing excessive fertilizer use and improving fertilizer efficiency.
3D point cloud reconstruction using panoramic images
Authors: Sharma Surendra Kumar , Jain Kamal , Shukla Anoop Kumar
Published: July 2024

Panorama photogrammetry, the process of analyzing panoramic images, has gained popularity in close-range photogrammetry for 3D reconstruction over the past decade. Initially, researchers utilized cylindrical or spherical panoramic images created through specialized cameras or conventional ones with rectilinear lenses. However, these methods were hindered by the high cost of panorama equipment and the need for manual reconstruction. Consequently, there's a growing demand for automated algorithms capable of reconstructing 3D point clouds from stitched panorama images. This study aims to provide a cost-effective solution for automatic 3D point cloud reconstruction from panoramas. The study is divided into two parts; it first outlines an image acquisition strategy for capturing overlapping perspective images to facilitate accurate panorama generation. Subsequently, it introduces an automated algorithm for 3D point cloud reconstruction from panorama images. The process utilizes the KAZE feature detector for feature detection and introduces a novel feature matching approach for matching panorama images. Accuracy assessment of the reconstructed 3D point clouds was done using three methods: Line Segment Based approach, yielding RMSE errors of 34.2mm and 39mm for dataset-1 and dataset-2 respectively, No-Reference 3D Point Cloud Quality Assessment, resulting in quality scores of 8.5939 and 7.4535 for dataset-1 and dataset-2 respectively, and M3C2 distance method computed value of 0.091059 and 0.165179 respectively, indicating high quality of the generated point clouds.
The Impact of Compassion Writing Interventions on Body Dissatisfaction, Self-Compassion, and Fat Phobia
Authors: Gracias Kimaya R. , Stutts Lauren A.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Body dissatisfaction is a prevalent concern among women in the United States. Self-compassion writing interventions have been found to reduce body dissatisfaction. However, limited research has examined how writing interventions on compassion for one’s body compares to writing interventions on compassion for others’ bodies, and no previous studies examined the effects of those interventions on fat phobia. This study’s main aim was to examine the impact of compassion writing interventions on body dissatisfaction, self-compassion, and fat phobia in women.

Methods

Participants included 198 women (age M = 38.97, SD = 11.72; range 18–65) from the general U.S. population who were randomized to one of three groups: self-compassion (wrote about being compassionate toward one’s body concerns), other-compassion (wrote about being compassionate toward another woman’s body concerns), and control (wrote about their tasks/activities in the previous two days). Participants completed questionnaires on their state body dissatisfaction, state self-compassion, and fat phobia pre- and post-intervention.

Results

State body dissatisfaction significantly decreased, and state self-compassion significantly increased in the self-compassion group. State self-compassion significantly increased in the other-compassion group. Although we found a significant time effect across groups for fat phobia, fat phobia scores only decreased in the self-compassion and other-compassion groups.

Conclusions

The self-compassion writing intervention had the most impact on body-related variables and may be valuable for women between 18 and 65 years old.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Long-term outcomes of CNS WHO grade 2 oligodendroglioma in adult patients: a single-institution experience
Authors: Byeon Yukyeng , Lee Chaejin , Jeon Juhee , Kim Gung Ju , Chong Sangjoon , Kim Young-Hoon , Cho Young Hyun , Hong Seok Ho , Hong Chang-Ki , Kim Jeong Hoon , Song Sang Woo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Oligodendrogliomas (ODGs) are a subtype of diffuse lower-grade gliomas with overall survival of > 10 years. This study aims to analyze long-term outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with WHO grade 2 ODG.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 138 adult patients diagnosed with 1p/19q co-deleted ODG who underwent surgical resection or biopsy between 1994 and 2021, analyzing clinical data, treatment details, and outcomes. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to identify significant prognostic factors.

Results

In the gross total resection (GTR) group, 63 (45.7%) underwent observation and 5 (3.6%) received postoperative treatment; in the non-GTR group, 37 (26.8%) were observed and 33 (23.9%) received postoperative treatment. The median PFS and OS were 6.8 and 18.4 years, respectively. Between adjuvant treatment and observation, there was no significant difference in PFS or OS. However, GTR or STR with less than 10% residual tumor exhibited significantly better PFS and OS compared to PR or biopsy (p = 0.022 and 0.032, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that contrast enhancement on MRI was associated with worse PFS (HR = 2.36, p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 5.89, p = 0.001). And the presence of seizures at presentation was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.28, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

This study underscores favorable long-term outcomes for patients with 1p/19q co-deleted ODG WHO grade 2. Our findings indicate that the EOR plays a crucial role as a significant prognostic factor in enhancing PFS and OS outcomes in WHO grade 2 ODG.
Incumbent inertia, innovativeness, and performance (dis)advantages: A demand-side learning perspective
Authors: Bohlmann Jonathan D. , Stanko Michael A. , Spanjol Jelena
Published: July 2024

Strategies of incumbent firms have received considerable attention in marketing and across business disciplines, but findings regarding performance (dis)advantages and innovativeness are mixed. Prior studies on supply-side sources (factors internal to the firm) of incumbent inertia disadvantages are more prevalent than those on demand-side factors, which relate to a firm’s customers and may explain potential incumbent advantages. We introduce an integrated demand-side framework to incumbent inertia, recognizing how the supply- and demand-side factors interrelate through learning mechanisms. On the one hand, incumbent firms learn and develop various routines and assets that influence their product strategies, typically reflecting inertia and incremental innovation. At the same time, customers learn about products in the market, forming preferences that reflect switching costs and network externalities (demand-side factors). Although an incumbent can gain advantages from demand-side effects, this could accelerate the onset of supply-side disadvantages. We present a set of research propositions that specify critical effects, and examine implications for incumbent strategies.
Open-hole extension limit of offshore extended-reach well considering formation collapse
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Li Jun , Li Zhonghui , Hu Pengjie , Lian Wei , Yang Hongwei , Han Jiaming
Published: July 2024

The current extension limit prediction model for offshore extended-reach well (ERW) in mudstone does not consider the formation collapse, which poses a huge risk to offshore drilling construction. To address this problem, this paper presents new open-hole extension limit prediction model for ERW. By considering formation collapse, rate of penetration (ROP), and annular pressure loss, the extension limit models during normal drilling and tripping were derived. The sensitivity of geological and engineering factors was evaluated by analyzing limits for wells 1H and 2H. The research results showed that: (1) The extension limit increases with the ROP and formation collapse duration, but decreases with the increase in mud weight, plastic viscosity, and flow rate. (2) In ERWs, the mud flow rate has a significant impact on the extension limit than the plastic viscosity of mud fluid. However, mud weight has the least impact compared to the two. (3) Considering various parameters, the predicted extension limit of well 1H, when the mud weight is 1.16 g/cm3 [9.67 ppg], is 1593.28 m [5225.96 ft] less than the limit when the collapse period is not considered.
The construction of the metaphorical teacher in policy: Strong Beginnings for compliant victims
Authors: McCandless Trevor , Moss Julianne , Fox Brandi , Chandir Harsha
Published: July 2024

An analysis of teacher metaphors has long been a feature of research into the development of early career teacher identity, however, the metaphors used to construct the ideal teacher in educational policy remains under-researched. These policy documents explicitly seek to frame what it means to be an effective teacher. As such, an analysis of the metaphors used in these documents to describe teachers ought to provide insights into how policy makers perceive teachers, particularly early career teachers, not least in how these metaphors differ from those held by early career teachers themselves. This research finds that a recent Australian government policy document Strong Beginnings, with the explicit aim to make initial teacher education courses more effective in producing teachers likely to stay in the profession, provides teacher metaphors that fall within three overarching categories: saviour, victim and compliant teachers. These categories of metaphor rarely overlap with those early career teachers use to describe either themselves or their profession. The teacher as compliant metaphor is mostly constructed indirectly by first making initial teacher education courses compliant in teaching core content. In this way policy proposes it is best placed to mandate changes to initial teacher education courses to ensure they produce effective teachers, and this effectiveness will be the deciding feature in keeping them in the profession long-term. This paper argues the mismatch of metaphors between those held by policy and early career teachers is likely to undermine this assumption.
HIV in Eswatini: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Mkhatshwa Neliswa P. , Dlamini Wisdom Mdumiseni , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree , Mandalakas Anna M. , Lanza Kevin
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

This review assessed the impact of climate change on HIV transmission and HIV care of children and adults in Eswatini, and what adaptation strategies can mitigate these impacts.

Recent Findings

The HIV crisis in Eswatini persists alongside the climate emergency, increasing poor health outcomes in individuals living with HIV. Although there is no clinical evidence of a direct influence of climate change on the biological effect of HIV, changing weather patterns have an effect on the livelihoods and sustenance of children, adults, and caregivers, which may consequently increase the likelihood of HIV transmission and disrupt HIV care.

Drought conditions—expected to increase with climate change—coupled with existing food insecurity and poverty are the main pathways linking HIV and climate change in Eswatini. Other climate-driven concerns for HIV treatment and care in Eswatini include heat waves, wildfires, floods, and storms.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Demolding Temperature on Final Distortion in Gravity Die Casting Process
Authors: Gor S. , Wolff N. , Pustal B. , Bührig-Polaczek A.
Published: July 2024

Distortion can be a prominent issue in the production of metal casting components, especially when using metal dies. Existing research underscores the pivotal role of the temperature at which the solidified component is extracted from the mold in contribution to the ultimate distortion of the component. This numerical investigation seeks a comprehensive understanding of the factors governing deformation by employing simulations that emulate experimental conditions. The study utilizes coupled thermomechanical simulations, executed through the commercial software “Abaqus,” across varying demolding temperatures. The temporal evolution of distortion is examined, with a focus on influential factors such as elastic and thermal strain. A quantitative and qualitative comparison is drawn between simulation outcomes and experimental results. The difference between experimental and simulation results was observed to increase linearly with higher demolding temperatures. The potential for leveraging the qualitative similarity between experimental and simulation results as a foundation for the development of distortion control strategies is deliberated.
Mutually Orthogonal Bioorthogonal Reactions: Selective Chemistries for Labeling Multiple Biomolecules Simultaneously
Authors: Venrooij Kevin R. , de Bondt Lucienne , Bonger Kimberly M.
Published: July 2024

Bioorthogonal click chemistry has played a transformative role in many research fields, including chemistry, biology, and medicine. Click reactions are crucial to produce increasingly complex bioconjugates, to visualize and manipulate biomolecules in living systems and for various applications in bioengineering and drug delivery. As biological (model) systems grow more complex, researchers have an increasing need for using multiple orthogonal click reactions simultaneously. In this review, we will introduce the most common bioorthogonal reactions and discuss their orthogonal use on the basis of their mechanism and electronic or steric tuning. We provide an overview of strategies to create reaction orthogonality and show recent examples of mutual orthogonal chemistry used for simultaneous biomolecule labeling. We end by discussing some considerations for the type of chemistry needed for labeling biomolecules in a system of choice.
Optimal design of selected features of exhaust system shields using different optimization methods and artificial neural networks
Authors: Długosz Adam , Jarosz Joachim
Published: July 2024

The article presents problems related to methods of optimal design of heat shields used in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines. The optimization method proposed in this paper goes well beyond the scope of the standard design process. The paper uses a variety of local and global optimization algorithms, those both built into numerical simulation systems and in-house and external algorithms. An optimization criterion was defined and numerically implemented, together with constraints derived from the real requirements for this type of shielding. A simplified numerical model of finite element method providing the required accuracy adapted to the optimization task was developed. In addition, the work also presents a method for creating finite element surrogate models using artificial neural networks. The process of selecting the network topology and its learning allowed the development of a metamodel characterized by very good quality, for which, despite the relatively large number of design variables, the response errors are completely acceptable from a practical point of view. Numerical results were compared and developed for the used methods and algorithms.
Skill, status and the Matthew effect: a theoretical framework
Authors: Bask Mikael
Published: July 2024

To gain a deeper understanding of the Matthew effect in academic recognition among researchers, three social influence models of status hierarchies in the form of agent-based models are presented, where the positivity of the Lyapunov characteristic exponent is the quantitative operationalization of the Matthew effect. We find that the Matthew effect in status attribution is a generic property of the social influence model where skills depend on status (28.1% of all examined parameterizations) twice as often as in the model with constant skills (14.1%) and that the Matthew effect is a generic property of the model where skills depend on previous skills (43.0%) trice as often as in the model with constant skills. Hence, if one argues in favor of a meritocratic system in which research grants are awarded based on researchers’ skills rather than their status in the scientific community, and if grant-providing bodies also adhere to this principle, there is a higher probability of observing the Matthew effect in academic recognition among researchers. Employing the Lyapunov characteristic exponent to investigate the presence of the Matthew effect in a theoretical model is novel in the literature.
Mental disorder and suicidal ideation detection from social media using deep neural networks
Authors: Ezerceli Özay , Dehkharghani Rahim
Published: July 2024

Depression and suicidal ideation are global reasons for life-threatening injury and death. Mental disorders have increased especially among young people in recent years, and early detection of those cases can prevent suicide attempts. Social media platforms provide users with an anonymous space to interact with others, making them a secure environment to discuss their mental disorders. This paper proposes a solution to detect depression/suicidal ideation using natural language processing and deep learning techniques. We used Transformers and a unique model to train the proposed model and applied it to three different datasets: SuicideDetection, CEASEv2.0, and SWMH. The proposed model is evaluated using the accuracy, precision, recall, and ROC curve. The proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art in the SuicideDetection and CEASEv2.0 datasets, achieving F1 scores of 0.97 and 0.75, respectively. However, in the SWMH data set, the proposed model is 4% points behind the state-of-the-art precision providing the F1 score of 0.68. In the real world, this project could help psychologists in the early detection of depression and suicidal ideation for a more efficient treatment. The proposed model achieves state-of-the-art performance in two of the three datasets, so they could be used to develop a screening tool that could be used by mental health professionals or individuals to assess their own risk of suicide. This could lead to early intervention and treatment, which could save lives.
Crashworthiness of Energy Absorbing Structures Under Combined Shear-Compression Loading: Effects of Materials and Geometries
Authors: Hwang Yong-Ha , Han Jae-Hung
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a study on the design of energy absorbing structures under combined shear-compression loading is conducted to effectively utilize the energy absorption principles of the material. Concave and convex designs are applied to energy absorbing structures made of metallic and braided composite materials. The energy absorption principles vary depending on the characteristics of each material. For metal, a design maximizing energy absorption through plastic deformation is necessary. Concave and convex designs induce initial crushing due to stress concentration under loads, reducing the maximum load. Subsequently, the load is distributed throughout the entire structure, improving load-bearing performance and enhancing energy absorption performance. Braided composites demonstrate superior characteristics in terms of specific stiffness, specific strength, and specific energy absorption when compared to metals. They absorb energy through damage accumulation in the laminate. Therefore, to optimize the performance, inducing a progressive failure mode becomes necessary. Unlike metals, braided composites can achieve effective energy absorption performance without altering the geometric shape. Energy absorbing structures are manufactured, and drop impact tests are carried out to assess their performance. In conclusion, it is observed that the geometric shapes effective in enhancing crashworthiness performance vary according to the energy absorption principles of each material. Also, the energy absorption per unit volume is found to be superior for metal energy absorbing structures, whereas the energy absorption per unit mass is better for composite energy absorbing structures. Therefore, depending on the application, both metals and composites can be effectively utilized as materials for energy absorbing structures.
Inspection of Some Extremely Nonlinear Oscillators Using an Inventive Approach
Authors: Moatimid Galal M. , Amer T. S. , Galal A. A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A group of classical oscillators of high nonlinearity, which cannot be completely analyzed, is addressed by introducing a novel technique. The main objective of the current investigation is to utilize the generalized He’s frequency formula (HFF) in studying the analytical explanations of specific types of extremely nonlinear oscillators. This interest arises from the growing fascination in the realm of nonlinear oscillators. Regarding several engineering and scientific fields, together with three particular situations, a generic example is presented.

Methods

Compared to prior perturbation approaches utilized in this field, the new strategy is straightforward and requires less processing and timing. This ground-breaking tactic, which converts the nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) into a linear one, is referred to as the non-perturbative approach (NPA), as an innovative approach. A new frequency that is comparable to a linear ODE, like in a simple harmonic situation, is produced in the procedure. When evaluating the physiologically significant specialized instances, the outcome from this straightforward approach not only exhibits a strong agreement with the numerical findings but also demonstrates that it is more accurate than the outcomes from other well-known approximate methodologies. An extensive description of the NPA is presented to ensure the maximum benefits.

Results

The theoretical findings are confirmed by conducting a numerical analysis with the aid of Mathematica Software (MS). The numerical solution (NS) and the theoretical responses demonstrated remarkable congruity. Conventional perturbation techniques typically use Taylor expansion to enlarge restoring forces, thereby reducing problem complexity. However, this weakness disappears with the NPA. Additionally, stability analysis of the problem alongside the NPA becomes feasible, unlike with prior conventional methodologies.

Conclusion

The NPA emerges as a more responsible resource when examining the NS for oscillators with significant nonlinearity. Its exceptional versatility in addressing various nonlinear problems underscores the NPA as a valuable benefit in the fields of engineering and applied science.
A critical review of various synthesis methods of nanoparticles and their applications in biomedical, regenerative medicine, food packaging, and environment
Authors: Srinivasan Laxmikarthika V. , Rana Sandeep Singh
Published: July 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles with unique features that have been used in a variety of fields, including healthcare, farming, and the food industry. Recent research has shown many possible uses for nanoparticles, including gas sensors, waste management, food preservation, high-temperature superconductors, field emission emitters, food processing, food packaging, and agriculture. Nanoparticles application is connected with the nutritive, coating, and sensory properties of food compounds. Nanoparticles have shown specific anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant activity, and making them an attractive tool for biomedical applications. Because of their extraordinary mechanical, magnetic, electric, thermal, and electric capabilities, some nanoparticles are more important than others. Numerous nanoparticles have been used in the sectors of agriculture, industry, the environment, medicine, sensors, fungicidal, nematicidal therapy, catalysis, and color degradation. Furthermore, the synthesis method is crucial for the final nanosystem’s characteristics. Food businesses frequently employ nano-coating to prevent food spoiling. The various NP synthesis techniques and their numerous applications in the relevant sector are therefore briefly explored. This review gives us an overview of the different synthesis methods of nanoparticles and their application in different fields of biotechnology such as nanomedicine, tissue engineering, the food industry, and biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract
Effectiveness of setarud (IMOD™) in attenuating gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats
Authors: Hormozi Maryam , Ahmadvand Hassan , Tavafi Majid , Baharvand Parastoo
Published: July 2024

Background

Gentamicin (GEN) can have serious adverse effects including nephrotoxicity. Setarud (IMOD™) is a new herbal drug with beneficial immune effects, obtained by mixing Tanacetum vulgare (tansy), Rosa canina and Urtica dioica (nettle) extracts as well as selenium, flavonoids and carotenes. This novel study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Setarud (IMOD™) in attenuating GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 180–200 g) were randomly divided into four groups (7 rats in each group): Control, IMOD treated (20 mg/kg body weight), GEN treated (100 mg/kg body weight), and GEN + IMOD co-treated. Injections were done intraperitoneally for 12 days. Serum urea, creatinine (Cr), Cr clearance, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) level, and activities of antioxidant enzymes Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured by the colorimetric method. Volume density of proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), tubular necrosis, tubular cast formation, and leukocytic infiltration were evaluated histopathologically.

Results

In the GEN group, there were significantly higher serum urea, Cr, and MDA levels with lower Cr clearance, GSH levels, POD, GPx and CAT activities, and PCT volume density with presence of tubular necrosis compared to the control and IMOD groups (P < 0.05). Treatment with IMOD significantly reduced the levels of urea, Cr and MDA, and increased Cr clearance and the activities of POD and CAT enzymes (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the activity of GSH and GPx were reported in the GEN + IMOD co-treated group compared to the GEN group. Moreover, IMOD significantly ameliorated PCT volume density and renal lesions caused by GEN.

Conclusion

IMOD (20 mg/kg body weight) can attenuate GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by inhibition of oxidative stress or increasing the normal activity of antioxidant enzymes. Further studies are recommended on the effects of different doses of IMOD.
A proposal for a layer-2 CBDC on a rollup
Authors: Nyffenegger Remo
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a proposal for introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) within a permissionless blockchain environment, specifically utilizing a layer 2 rollup. Several factors make exploring a CBDC on a blockchain worthwhile, including the potential demand for public money on blockchains and leveraging blockchain fundamentals for programmable payments. While the issuance of CBDC on a layer 1 blockchain may be a straightforward approach, it comes with drawbacks such as dependencies on network rules and limited privacy. Instead, I propose a design where an intermediated CBDC is issued on layer 2 through a zk-rollup architecture by licensed financial intermediaries who also provide tokenized deposits on layer 1. This paper delves into the technical specifications, economic considerations, as well as the advantages and limitations of this proposed design.
Temporal changes in the morphological and microbial diversity of biofilms on the surface of a submerged stone in the Danube River
Authors: Makk Judit , Toumi Marwene , Krett Gergely , Lange-Enyedi Nóra Tünde , Schachner-Groehs Iris , Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Tóth Erika
Published: July 2024

Epilithic biofilms are ubiquitous in large river environments and are crucial for biogeochemical processes, but their community structures and functions remain poorly understood. In this paper, the seasonal succession in the morphological structure and the taxonomic composition of an epilithic bacterial biofilm community at a polluted site of the Danube River were followed using electron microscopy, high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and multiplex/taxon-specific PCRs. The biofilm samples were collected from the same submerged stone and carried out bimonthly in the littoral zone of the Danube River, downstream of a large urban area. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the biofilm was composed of diatoms and a variety of bacteria with different morphologies. Based on amplicon sequencing, the bacterial communities were dominated by the phyla Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota, while the most abundant archaea belonged to the phyla Nitrososphaerota and Nanoarchaeota. The changing environmental factors had an effect on the composition of the epilithic microbial community. Critical levels of faecal pollution in the water were associated with increased relative abundance of Sphaerotilus, a typical indicator of “sewage fungus”, but the composition and diversity of the epilithic biofilms were also influenced by several other environmental factors such as temperature, water discharge and total suspended solids (TSS). The specific PCRs showed opportunistic pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas spp., Legionella spp., P. aeruginosa, L. pneumophila, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) in some biofilm samples, but extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes and macrolide resistance genes could not be detected.