bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merging transport network companies and taxis in Curitiba’s BRT system
Authors: Medeiros Rafael Milani , Duarte Fábio , Bojic Iva , Xu Yang , Santi Paolo , Ratti Carlo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Brazilian city of Curitiba became known around the world for pioneering bus rapid transit (BRT) in the 1970s. Five decades later, public transport ridership is declining on the city’s bus-based system. One-person car trips and car ownership are soaring, and services provided by transport network companies rapidly proliferate and then disappear as congestion worsens and expands across the road network. This was the macro-scale scenario for mobility and modal trends in Curitiba until COVID-19 brought things to a screeching halt in 2020. The widespread use of information and communication technologies has allowed taxi and car ride-hailing transport network schemes to emerge while blurring the lines between public and private and individual and collective transport, locally as well as globally. In 2016, transport network company systems, apps, private cars, services, drivers and passengers disrupted Curitiba’s longstanding and well-regulated taxi system and market for licenses. In 2023, hailing a cab or a shared ride feels and costs the same for passengers (now customers). This study investigates whether these actors and technologies compete with or complement each other in this city, locating and quantifying the benefits for passengers of merging taxi and car ridesharing with the BRT system as first- and last-mile transport to and from BRT corridors. We developed mobile information and communication technologies and acquired, processed, and analyzed millions of data points for passenger location on BRT, ordinary bus, and taxi trips at the city scale. The shareability index for Curitiba’s taxi or car rides was calculated, demonstrating that 60% of all taxi trips have the potential to serve as first- and last-mile transport solution to and from the BRT terminals, stations, and corridors and that nearly 40% of taxi trips both originate and end near (< 500 m) this BRT system infrastructure. By envisioning how transport network companies could merge into the built environment thanks to urban transport digitization, we have developed a model for integrating public transport with the analytic framework of transport network companies that could be deployed in other cities with similar challenges related to public transport, sociotechnical arrangements, system complexity, policymaking, and planning.
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy generates sustained improvement of glycemic control compared with sleeve gastrectomy in the diet-induced obese rat model
Authors: Becerril Sara , Cienfuegos Javier A. , Rodríguez Amaia , Catalán Victoria , Ramírez Beatriz , Valentí Víctor , Moncada Rafael , Unamuno Xabier , Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Frühbeck Gema 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBariatric surgery has become a recognized and effective procedure for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our objective was to directly compare the caloric intake-independent effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with SG (SADI-S) on glucose tolerance in rats with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and to elucidate the differences between bariatric surgery and caloric restriction.A total of 120 adult male Wistar rats with DIO and insulin resistance were randomly assigned to surgical (sham operation, SG, and SADI-S) and dietary (pair-feeding the amount of food eaten by animals undergoing the SG or SADI-S surgeries) interventions. Body weight and food intake were weekly monitored, and 6 weeks after interventions, fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests, plasma insulin, adiponectin, GIP, GLP-1, and ghrelin levels were determined.The body weight of SADI-S rats was significantly (p < 0.001) lower as compared to the sham-operated, SG, and pair-fed groups. Furthermore, SADI-S rats exhibited decreased whole body fat mass (p < 0.001), lower food efficiency rates (p < 0.001), and increased insulin sensitivity, as well as improved glucose and lipid metabolism compared to that of the SG and pair-fed rats.SADI-S was more effective than SG, or caloric restriction, in improving glycemic control and metabolic profile, with a higher remission of insulin resistance as well as long-term weight loss.
Testability and viability: is inflationary cosmology “Scientific”?
Authors: Dawid Richard , McCoy Casey 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe provide a philosophical reconstruction and analysis of the debate on the scientific status of cosmic inflation that has played out in recent years. In a series of critical papers, Ijjas, Steinhardt, and Loeb have questioned the scientificality of current views on cosmic inflation. Proponents of cosmic inflation, such as Guth and Linde, have in turn defended the scientific credentials of their approach. We argue that, while this defense, narrowly construed, is successful against Ijjas, Steinhardt, and Loeb, the latters’ reasoning does point to a significant epistemic issue that arises with respect to inflationary theory. We claim that a broadening of the concept of theory assessment to include meta-empirical considerations is needed to address that issue in an adequate way.
Transformation of phenolic acids during radical neutralization
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata , Typek Rafał 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNegative influence of reactive oxygen species on living organisms and stability of food products is the reason for significant interest in the substances exhibiting antioxidant properties. Phenolic acids are very popular among the known diet antioxidants. The paper presents the results of research on the application of chromatographic measurements for determination of antioxidant changes and products of radical neutralization reaction for the chosen phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic and vanilic). The measurements were performed using the ABTS method in a long period time (8 days). The experiments have shown that the examined acids were depletion to ca 50 h but the reaction products (dimers or quinones) were converted into new compounds, observed in both methanolic and ethanolic measuring systems after a given period of time. The obtained results seem to be important in the context of living organisms because the biological activity of transformation products and their impact on human health have not been fully recognized yet. Moreover, the presented results can be interesting for both the producer and the consumer of food as generated substances may have influence on the nutritional value as well as the taste and aroma of the food in which phenolic compounds are applied.
An in-depth comparative analysis of data-driven and classic regression models for scour depth prediction around cylindrical bridge piers
Authors: Fuladipanah Mehdi , Hazi Mohammad Azamathulla , Kisi Ozgur 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe study focuses on the critical concern of designing secure and resilient bridge piers, especially regarding scour phenomena. Traditional equations for estimating scour depth are limited, often leading to inaccuracies. To address these shortcomings, modern data-driven models (DDMs) have emerged. This research conducts a comprehensive comparison involving DDMs, including support vector machine (SVM), gene expression programming (GEP), multilayer perceptron (MLP), gradient boosting trees (GBT) and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) models, against two regression equations for predicting scour depth around cylindrical bridge piers. Evaluation employs statistical indices, such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean average error (MAE) and normalized discrepancy ratio (S(DDRmax)), to assess their predictive performance. A total of 455 datasets from previous research papers are employed for assessment. Dimensionless parameters Froude number$$\left( {Fr = \frac{U}{{\sqrt {gy} }}} \right)$$Fr=Ugy, Pier Froude number$$Fr_{P} = \frac{U}{{\sqrt {g^{\prime } D} }}$$FrP=Ug′D, and the ratio of scour depth to pier diameter$$(\frac{\text{y}}{{\text{D}}})$$(yD)are carefully selected as influential model inputs through dimensional analysis and the gamma test. The results highlight the superior performance of the SVM model. In the training phase, it exhibits an RMSE of 0.1009, MAE of 0.0726, R2of 0.9401, and SDDRof 2.9237. During testing, the SVM model shows an RMSE of 0.023, MAE of 0.017, R2of 0.984, and SDDRof 5.301. Additionally, it has an average error of − 0.065 and a total error of − 20.642 in the training set and an average error of − 0.005 and a total error of − 0.707 in the testing set. Conversely, the M5 model exhibits the lowest accuracy. The statistical metrics unequivocally establish the SVM model as significantly outperforming the experimental models, placing it in a higher echelon of predictive accuracy.
Evaluation of the leaching of microplastics from discarded medical masks in aquatic environments: a case study of Mashhad city
Authors: Barari Fateme , Bonyadi Ziaeddin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the global use of face masks, with reports indicating that approximately 129 billion people worldwide use them every month. Many masks contain MPs, which can pose environmental and health risks. The aim of this study is to assess the properties of MPs that are released from ten different mask brands. The masks that were selected were weighed, immersed in deionized distilled water, stirred, and MPs that were released into the water were collected using a cellulose ester membrane. The collected MPs were then analyzed using an optical microscope to observe their shape and color. The results showed that the rates of MPs released from N95 masks, surgical masks, and 3D masks were 54, 23, and 23%, respectively. The N95 mask had the highest percentage of MPs due to its heavy weight. The observed shapes of MPs, in terms of abundance percentage, were filamentous > spherical > irregular > fragmented. Furthermore, the majority of MPs were found to be transparent or black in color. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the release of MPs from disposable face masks, shedding light on the critical issue of microplastic pollution resulting from mask waste.
Oat species and interspecific amphiploids show predominance of diploid nuclei in the syncytial endosperm
Authors: Tomaszewska Paulina , Kosina Romuald 
Published: November 2023

AbstractApart from apomictic types, the Polygonum-type eight-nuclear embryo sac is considered to be dominant in grasses. A triploid endosperm is formed as a result of double fertilisation. This study showed, for the first time, the dominance of diploid nuclei in the syncytial stage of the central cell of embryo sac in oat species and amphiploids. The dominance of diploid nuclei, which were the basis for the formation of polyploid nuclei, was weaker in amphiploids due to aneuploid events. The genomic in situ hybridisation method applied in the study did not distinguish the maternal and paternal haploid nuclei of embryo sac. However, this method demonstrated the lack of a set of genomes of one haploid nucleus. Embryological analyses of the initial stages of oat endosperm development revealed a fertilised egg cell, and two polar nuclei differing in size. It can be assumed that the formation of diploid oat endosperm occurred after the fusion of one polar nucleus and the nucleus of a male gamete, while the second polar nucleus gave rise to 1n nuclei. The levels of ploidy of syncytial nuclei were not influenced by both aneuploid events and correlated with pollen developmental anomalies. The differences in the analysed cytogenetic events distinguished amphiploids and their parental species in the ordination space.
Intellectual Property and the Constitutional Court of South Africa: Lessons from the Deployment of Adjudicative Strategies
Authors: Okorie Chijioke 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Constitutional Court of South Africa recently handed down its fourth decision so far in the field of intellectual property. These decisions came against the backdrop of reforms and reform proposals concerning intellectual property rights in South Africa. These reforms and reform proposals were prompted by the need to establish intellectual property laws that are attuned to South Africa’s local context and needs, while complying with South Africa’s international treaty obligations. Parallel to South Africa’s policy and legislative agenda, this paper recognises these four decisions (referred to as the “IP quartet”) as the emergence of an intellectual property rights jurisprudence. The paper analyses the IP quartet and identifies a coherent narrative with respect to the intersection between intellectual property rights and constitutional rights and the appropriate approach to determining their real-life applications. The paper also explains this intellectual property rights jurisprudence and its contribution, and considers the adjudicative strategies employed by the Constitutional Court in applying constitutional provisions to dealing with issues involving intellectual property rights. An explanation of this jurisprudence arising from these cases will: (a) promote an understanding of the scope of intellectual property rights including the appropriate nature of their intersection with constitutional provisions (specifically fundamental rights expressed in Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution); and (b) offer some guidance to lower courts and the executive arm of government on the appropriate approach to the interpretation, conceptualization and application of the intellectual property legal framework.
Numerical study for a newtonian nanofluid over a vertical cylindrical vessel surrounded by a hot tissue
Authors: Kamel R. S. , Ismaeel A. M. , Hady F. M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This manuscript introduces a theoretical model to study the problem of heat and mass transfer in biological tissues in a magnetic field, which simulates cancer treatment using thermal therapy. In particular, this model incorporates the influence of the Brownian motion and thermal thermophoresis of nanoparticles. Firstly, the non-linear governing equations of motion are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, then solved numerically according to appropriate boundary conditions using MATLAB built-in solver- bvp4c. All parameters and their impacts on the flow have been investigated and studied. The model predictions showed that increasing the heat absorption by nanoparticles in the tissue increases the tumour temperature, which helps to improve the therapeutic efficiency and reduce the concentration of nanoparticles. Hence, the results of this study could enhance the effectiveness of thermal therapy for malignancies.

Article Highlights

The transport of nanoparticles (NPs) to the deep tissue is improved when the heat transfer coefficient is raised.

The temperature of interstitial fluid significantly reduces the velocity of the interstitial fluid.

Exposing tumours to an external heat source enhances the NP delivery to the tumour.
Applications of Choquet expected utility to hypothesis testing with incompleteness
Authors: Kaido Hiroaki , Zhang Yi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Maximin and Choquet expected utility theories guide decision-making under ambiguity. We apply them to hypothesis testing in incomplete models. We consider a statistical risk function that uses a prior probability to incorporate parameter uncertainty and a belief function to reflect the decision-maker’s willingness to be robust against the model’s incompleteness. We develop a numerical method to implement a test that minimizes the risk function. We also use a sequence of such tests to approximate a minimax optimal test when a nuisance parameter is present under the null hypothesis.
On the taxonomy of the Thalpophila Hübner, 1820-Olivenebula Kishida and Yoshimoto 1977 generic complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Xyleninae)
Authors: Ronkay László , Ronkay Gábor 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe supraspecific taxa of the Thalpophila generic complex are revised, a new genus Dandiraniagen. n. and two new subgenera, Confectaniasubgen. n. and Wallaceaniasubgen n. are described. The genus Chlorothalpa Beck,1996) and its subgenus Subthalpa Beck, 1996 are reinstated from synonymy with Olivenebula Kishida and Yoshimoto, 1977. The western Palaearctic (European) species associated with Olivenebula are transferred to Chlorothalpa (comb. rev.). A new Chlorothalpa (Subthalpa) species, C. vargazolisp. n.; a new Olivenebula species, O. (O.) stanegombocisp. n. and a new subspecies O. (O.) oberthueri thomasbaronissp. n.; and two species and a new subspecies of Dandirania, D. (W.) sramkogaborisp. n., D. (W.) alfredrussellwallaceisp. n. and D. (D.) opulenta schreierissp. n. are described. Chlorothalpa (C.) graslini (Culot, 1913), Dandirania (D.) opulenta (Butler, 1889) and D. (W.) largeteaui (Oberthür, 1881) are upgraded to species level (stat. rev.).
The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders
Authors: Wojtas Adam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSince its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting the lives of millions of patients. While crucial in the history of drug development, recent studies undermine the effectiveness of currently used antidepressant drugs in comparison to placebo, emphasizing the long time it takes to initiate the therapeutic response and numerous adverse effects. Thus, the scope of contemporary pharmacological research shifts from drugs affecting the serotonin system to rapid-acting antidepressant drugs. The prototypical representative of the aforementioned class is ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist capable of alleviating the symptoms of depression shortly after the drug administration. This discovery led to a paradigm shift, focusing on amino-acidic neurotransmitters and growth factors. Alas, the drug is not perfect, as its therapeutic effect diminishes circa 2 weeks after administration. Furthermore, it is not devoid of some severe side effects. However, there seems to be another, more efficient, and safer way to target the glutamatergic system. Hallucinogenic agonists of the 5-HT2A receptor, commonly known as psychedelics, are nowadays being reconsidered in clinical practice, shedding their infamous 1970s stigma. More and more clinical studies prove their clinical efficacy and rapid onset after a single administration while bearing fewer side effects. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art literature and most recent clinical studies concerning the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental disorders. Specifically, the antidepressant potential of LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT will be discussed, together with a brief summary of other possible applications.
Parametric design and modular construction of a large additive-manufactured hypar shell structure
Authors: Su Chaohao , Yuan Meiqin , Fan Yi , Zhu Lu , Hu Nan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDespite recent advances in additive manufacturing technologies, challenges remain to build 3D-printed structures at the architectural scale due to the high cost of large printing equipment. To address this challenge, modular construction has demonstrated its merit by making smaller prefabricated components and using on-site assembly. This paper presents a case study of a 3D-printed hypar shell structural art using modular construction. Guided by parametric design and structural analysis, we optimized the hypar shell to form a butterfly-like shape with a hollow-out pattern. The prefabrication of modular units was completed using commercial 3D printers to catch a limited production time. The prefabricated modular unit of the hypar shell was assembled on site for the Guangzhou International Light Festival, in which the lighting effect was added through the adjustable transparency of hollow spaces within the sandwiched panels. The 3D-printed hypar shell was also disassembled and rebuilt in the UK, showcasing the adaptability and flexibility of the modular design. The resulting 3D-printed structural art not only provides unique aesthetics for the built environment but also demonstrates the possibility of building large shell structures with a low budget by reducing complex falsework.
A review on carbon emissions of global shipping
Authors: Deng Shiyu , Mi Zhifu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from shipping account for about 3% of total annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions and are assumed to increase markedly without mitigation measures. Following the introduction of the net-zero emissions target, the large uncertainties and challenges of a low-carbon transition in the shipping industry have raised concerns in the scientific community. This study presents a compressive review of CO2 emission inventories for the shipping industry, examines the historical CO2 emission trends and associated estimation uncertainties due to different methodologies, and further discusses the CO2 reduction measures and potential published in the literature. We aim to answer what has happened and what will happen in the shipping industry to identify potential challenges in realizing a roadmap to net-zero emissions. Here we show that there is a 20% variation in CO2 emissions reported by the reviewed inventories due to differences in estimation methodology and study scope, with top-down approaches (e.g., IEA) advancing the timeliness of emission estimation and bottom-up approaches (e.g., CAMS-GLOB-SHIP and EDGAR) facilitating the availability of geospatial information. The rebound in CO2 emissions by 2021 underscores the urgency of decoupling growth in seaborne trade from carbon emissions, and source and process control measures will provide most of the abatement potential, leaving the remaining abatement burden to be borne by carbon capture and out-of-industry transfers by 2050. However, secondary emissions, navigational safety, crew welfare, international cooperation, and economic and technical feasibility pose challenges to current low-carbon development. There remains a long way to go towards realizing the goal of the net-zero target, it requires the coordination and cooperation of all operators along the entire value chain of the shipping industry.