bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Of Pervious Concrete as A Replacement for Road Curb
Authors: Hasan Daliah , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Hashim Norhafida , Imran Nik Farhanim , Amran Muhamad Aqmal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pervious concrete is a well-known type of concrete characterized by its high porosity and permeability. It finds extensive use in road infrastructure, particularly in pavement construction, and offers cost-saving benefits due to the absence of fine aggregates in its mixture. While road curbs are still commonly built today, the utilization of pervious concrete as a substitute for curbs is rarely observed. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the compressive strength, flexural strength, and suitability of pervious concrete as a curb replacement. In this investigation, different water cement ratios (0.30, 0.33, 0.35, 0.38, and 0.40) were employed during the mixing of pervious concrete to determine the most optimal ratio and achieve the highest compressive and flexural strength for the road curb. To obtain the results, compressive and flexural tests were conducted on ten curb samples after a curing period of 28 days. The study aimed to examine the diverse effects of the various water cement ratios. The findings indicate a decrease in compressive stress as the water cement ratio increased. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the concrete mix was significantly stronger at a water cement ratio of 0.30 but exhibited a decline with higher ratios. Similar results were obtained in the flexural test, where a water cement ratio of 0.30 recorded the highest value of flexural strength. However, a water cement ratio of 0.40 yielded the second-highest flexural strength. These results emphasize that a lower water cement ratio leads to higher concrete strength. To further enhance the strength of the concrete, several recommendations are proposed, including the use of coating reinforcement bars, adjustment of coarse aggregate size, and the addition of admixtures to the pervious concrete mixture.
Presentation of some constructive solutions for a rotating machine with profiled rotors
Authors: Fischer-Szava Gabriel , Dobrovicescu Alexandru , (Duiculete) Georgiana Dăescu , Băran Nicolae , Constantin Mihaela , Dobre Cătălina , Abdul-Nabe Rana Adil , Ghioca Sevastiana Areta 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to present an original solution for conveying some liquids with the help of a rotating volumetric pump. The pump can be equipped with 1 to 4 specially processed profiled rotors and can transport viscous fluids, pure fluids, or polyphase fluids. It was concluded that the performance of this machine, which can also be used as a fan or low-pressure compressor, is superior to other similar machines.
CO2 energy vector in the concept of circular energy
Authors: Mihaescu L , Lazaroiu G , Desideri U , Negreanu G , Pisa I , Grigoriu R M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The paper analyzes the conversion of the carbon dioxide (CO2) through recovery and storage into an energy production vector by transforming it into methanol (CH3OH) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gaseous components can produce energy by combustion, and the resulting carbon dioxide is reintroduced into the capture and storage circuit. This type of carbon dioxide transformation into an energy vector in a circular energy system will contribute to the elimination or to the significant reduction of its long-term storage in caves or under the sea water. By eliminating storage, the costs will be significantly reduced, as well as the environmental pollution. The paper considers the methanol use in residential heating instead of liquid hydrocarbons, especially for isolated areas or without a natural gas network, and also in the internal combustion engines in transport, agriculture and construction. The first direction of the research included an experimental phase that involved using a 55kW boiler for medium-sized residential heating. The second direction analyzed the transformation of CO2 into CO (fuel gas) through gasification technology. For this transformation, the fixed bed gasification process was considered. The carbon monoxide can be used in a pure state or mixed with methane or other combustible gases, both in power plants and in internal combustion engines. The current significant results in the methanol production field enables CO2 to become an energy vector, instead of a gas with zero potential and expensive to store. Thus, the research can significantly contribute to the development of power engineering as a circular application in the context of circular economy.
Is lichen symbiont mutualism a myth?
Authors: Sanders William B 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLichens are classic examples of symbiosis, but some biologists have questioned whether the algal partner benefits from the relationship. Among the diverse lichen symbioses, the carbon transfer systems show remarkable convergences. When a compatible fungus is encountered, the alga proactively releases large amounts of carbohydrate, suggesting active participation rather than victimhood. Some lichen-related fungus–alga symbioses appear obligatory for the algal partner. Within true lichens, algal symbionts can persist at microsites where they might not otherwise be competitive, because of improved stress tolerance, reduced photoinhibition, protection from herbivores, and the more efficient moisture management and positioning for light interception that fungal structures provide. Algal clones continually disperse from the lichen thallus by diverse means, allowing the genotype to pioneer aposymbiotic colonies from a stable refuge. Because lichen-forming fungi conserve rather than consume their algal symbionts, the mutual self-interests of both partners substantially align in the stressful microhabitats where lichens are successful.
Zoonoses in a changing world
Authors: García-Moreno Jaime 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAnimals are continuously exposed to pathogens but rarely get infected, because pathogens must overcome barriers to establish successful infections. Ongoing planetary changes affect factors relevant for such infections, such as pathogen pressure and pathogen exposure. The replacement of wildlife with domestic animals shrinks the original host reservoirs, whereas expanding agricultural frontiers lead to increased contact between natural and altered ecosystems, increasing pathogen exposure and reducing the area where the original hosts can live. Climate change alters species’ distributions and phenology, pathogens included, resulting in exposure to pathogens that have colonized or recolonized new areas. Globalization leads to unwilling movement of and exposure to pathogens. Because people and domestic animals are overdominant planetwide, there is increased selective pressure for pathogens to infect them. Nature conservation measures can slow down but not fully prevent spillovers. Additional and enhanced surveillance methods in potential spillover hotspots should improve early detection and allow swifter responses to emerging outbreaks.
Political Institutions and Social Work: How Switzerland’s Direct Democracy, Federalist Structure and Consensus System Affect Social Workers’ Policy Engagement
Authors: Kindler Tobias 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The social work profession has a long tradition of engaging with policy to promote social justice, to improve the well-being of service users and the working conditions of social workers. Previous studies have mainly focused on the levels and forms of social workers’ policy engagement. However, little is known about the factors that influence social workers’ decisions to engage in policy. Addressing this research gap, this study focuses on one very specific influencing factor that has so far only received limited scholarly attention, namely, political institutions. More specifically, the article draws upon Switzerland as a case study and examines how Switzerland’s direct democracy, federalist structure and consensus system promote social workers’ policy engagement. The findings illustrate how these three key political institutions provide important opportunities for social workers—as individuals or as members of groups and coalitions—to access formal and informal areas of the policy process, both as private citizens and as part of their jobs. Based on these findings, the final section of the article outlines suggestions for further research.
The year 2022 in the European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging: Part I
Authors: Petersen Steffen E , Muraru Denisa , Westwood Mark , Dweck Marc R , Di Salvo Giovanni , Delgado Victoria , Cosyns Bernard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging with its over 10 years existence is an established leading multi-modality cardiovascular imaging journal. Pertinent publications including original research, how-to papers, reviews, consensus documents, and in our journal from 2022 have been highlighted in two reports. Part I focuses on cardiomyopathies, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease and related emerging techniques and technologies.
Concomitant exposure to air pollution, green space and noise, and risk of myocardial infarction: a cohort study from Denmark
Authors: Poulsen Aslak Harbo , Sørensen Mette , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A , Ketzel Matthias , Christensen Jesper H , Brandt Jørgen , Frohn Lise M , Massling Andreas , Khan Jibran , Münzel Thomas , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
The three correlated environmental exposures (air pollution, road traffic noise, and green space) have all been associated with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). The present study aimed to analyse their independent and cumulative association with MI.

Methods and results
In a cohort of all Danes aged 50 or older in the period 2005–17, 5-year time-weighted average exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), ultrafine particles, elemental carbon, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and road traffic noise at the most and least exposed façades of residence was estimated. Green space around residences was estimated from land use maps. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and cumulative risk indices (CRIs) were calculated. All expressed per interquartile range. Models were adjusted for both individual and neighbourhood-level socio-demographic covariates. The cohort included 1 964 702 persons. During follow-up, 71 285 developed MI. In single-exposure models, all exposures were associated with an increased risk of MI. In multi-pollutant analyses, an independent association with risk of MI was observed for PM2.5 (HR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.002–1.050), noise at most exposed façade (HR: 1.024; 95% CI: 1.012–1.035), and lack of green space within 150 m of residence (HR: 1.018; 95% CI: 1.010–1.027). All three factors contributed significantly to the CRI (1.089; 95% CI: 1.076–1.101).

Conclusion
In a nationwide cohort study, air pollution, noise, and lack of green space were all independently associated with an increased risk of MI. The air pollutant PM2.5 was closest associated with MI risk.
Protein Restriction Effects on Healthspan and Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster Are Additive With a Longevity-Promoting Diet
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ye Yunshuang , Sun Yinan , Li Yongxuan , Ge Mingxia , Chen Kangning , Yang Liping , Chen Guijun , Zhou Jumin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Aging of the organism is associated diminished response to external stimuli including weakened immune function, resulting in diseases that impair health and lifespan. Several dietary restriction modalities have been reported to improve health and lifespan in different animal models, but it is unknown whether any of the lifespan-extending dietary treatments could be combined to achieve an additive effect. Here, we investigated the effects of halving amino acids components in the HUNTaa diet, a synthetic medium known to extend lifespan in Drosophila. We found that dietary restriction by halving the entire amino acid components (DR group) could further extend lifespan and improve resistance to oxidative stress, desiccation stress, and starvation than flies on HUNTaa diet alone (wt group). Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila at 40, 60, and 80 days of age revealed that genes related to cell proliferation and metabolism decreased with age in the wt group, whereas background stimulus response and amino acid metabolism increased with age. However, these trends differed in the DR group, that is, the DR flies had downregulated stress response genes, including reduced background immune activation. Infection experiments demonstrated that these flies survived longer after feeding infection with Serratia marcescens and Enterococcus faecalis, suggesting that these flies had stronger immune function, and therefore reduced immune senescence. These results demonstrated that halving the entire amino acid components in the HUNTaa diet further extended health and lifespan and suggested that lifespan-extending diet and dietary restriction treatment could be combined to achieve additive beneficial results.
Reliability of the Frailty Index Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Stolz Erwin , Mayerl Hannes , Godin Judith , Hoogendijk Emiel O , Theou Olga , Freidl Wolfgang , Rockwood Kenneth 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Consistent and reproducible estimates of the underlying true level of frailty are essential for risk stratification and monitoring of health changes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of the frailty index (FI).

Methods
A total of 426 community-dwelling older adults from the FRequent health Assessment In Later life (FRAIL70+) study in Austria were interviewed biweekly up to 7 times. Two versions of the FI, one with 49 deficits (baseline), and another with 44 (follow-up) were created. Internal consistency was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and coefficient omega. Test–retest reliability was assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement error was assessed with the standard error of measurement, limits of agreement, and smallest detectable change.

Results
Participants (64.6% women) were on average 77.2 (±5.4) years old with mean FI49 at a baseline of 0.19 (±0.14). Internal consistency (coefficient omega) was 0.81. Correlations between biweekly FI44 assessments ranged between 0.86 and 0.94 and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0.88. The standard error of measurement was 0.05, and the smallest detectable change and upper limits of agreement were 0.13; the latter is larger than previously reported minimal clinically meaningful changes.

Conclusions
Both internal consistency and reliability of the FI were good, that is, the FI differentiates well between community-dwelling older adults, which is an important requirement for risk stratification for both group-level oriented research and patient-level clinical purposes. Measurement error, however, was large, suggesting that individual health deteriorations or improvements, cannot be reliably detected for FI changes smaller than 0.13.
A new method of estimating prevalence of childhood cancer survivors (POCCS): example of the 20-year prevalence in The Netherlands
Authors: Gini Andrea , Colombet Murielle , de Paula Silva Neimar , Visser Otto , Youlden Danny , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Stiller Charles A , Steliarova-Foucher Eva ,   the CRICCS Consortium, Dolya Anastasia , Gini Andrea , Stiller Charles , Kuehni Claudia , Youlden Danny , Heenen Delphine , Steliarova-Foucher Eva , Bray Freddie , Erdmann Friederike , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Winther Jeanette Falck , Aitken Joanne , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Hjorth Lars , Piñeros Marion , Colombet Murielle , de Paula Silva Neimar , Sherwood Sarah , Tomášiková Zuzana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Estimating the number of childhood cancer survivors is crucial for cancer control, including clinical guidelines. To compare estimates across countries despite data sharing restrictions, we propose a new method of computing limited-duration prevalence of childhood cancer survivors (POCCS) using aggregated data.

Methods
We developed a Markov model that simulates, for each calendar year and birth cohort in a population, the proportion of individuals in the following health states: healthy, newly diagnosed with cancer, surviving with cancer, and deceased. Transitions between health states were informed using annual sex- and age-specific incidence rates, conditional 1-year net survival probabilities from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (1989–2011), and annual mortality probability by sex and age group for The Netherlands from the Human Mortality Database. Applying a Markov model, we computed 20-year prevalence of childhood cancer survivors. The resulting POCCS estimates, stratified by sex, were compared with SEER*Stat estimates derived from individual cancer records from the same registry.

Results
In 2011, POCCS predicted 654 males [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 637–672] and 539 females (95% CI: 523–555) per million persons living in The Netherlands after childhood cancer diagnosed within the previous 20 years. Using SEER*Stat, the 20-year prevalence was 665 males (95% CI: 647–683) and 544 females (95% CI: 529–560) per million persons on 1 July 2011.

Conclusions
Using the POCCS model and aggregated cancer data, our estimates of childhood cancer survivors limited-duration prevalence were consistent with those computed by a standard method requiring individual cancer records. The POCCS method provides relevant information for planning follow-up and care for childhood cancer survivors.
Sensor fault estimation based on L∞ unknown input observer
Authors: Gao Sheng , Zhang Hailong , Kong Weiguo , Wang Zhaoguang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the fault estimation problem for a class of Lipschitz non-linear systems with sensor faults and disturbances. An augmented system consisting of system states and sensor faults is constructed to estimate sensor faults by designing an augmented state. A novel L∞ performance index is presented to reduce the influence of disturbances on fault estimation results. An unknown input observer (UIO) is proposed based on the L∞ performance index to achieve an asymptotic estimation of sensor faults. The design conditions of the L∞ UIO are deduced and solved using linear matrix inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed L∞ UIO and the fault estimation performance are demonstrated via numerical simulations of a single-link flexible joint robot.
A general collocation analysis for weakly singular Volterra integral equations with variable exponent
Authors: Liang Hui , Stynes Martin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Piecewise polynomial collocation of weakly singular Volterra integral equations (VIEs) of the second kind has been extensively studied in the literature, where integral kernels of the form $(t-s)^{-\alpha }$ for some constant $\alpha \in (0,1)$ are considered. Variable-order fractional-derivative differential equations currently attract much research interest, and in Zheng & Wang (2020, An optimal-order numerical approximation to variable-order space-fractional diffusion equations on uniform or graded meshes. SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 58, 330–352), such a problem is transformed to a weakly singular VIE whose kernel has the above form with variable $\alpha = \alpha (t)$, then solved numerically by piecewise linear collocation, but it is unclear whether this analysis could be extended to more general problems or to polynomials of higher degree. In the present paper, the general theory (existence, uniqueness, regularity of solutions) of variable-exponent weakly singular VIEs is developed using novel techniques. These results then underpin an error analysis of collocation methods where piecewise polynomials of any degree can be used. This error analysis is also novel—it makes no use of the usual resolvent representation, which is a key technique in the error analysis of collocation methods for VIEs in the current research literature. Furthermore, all the above analysis for a scalar VIE can be extended to certain nonlinear VIEs and to systems of VIEs. The sharpness of the theoretical error bounds obtained for the collocation methods is demonstrated by numerical examples.
On the Link of Lipschitz Normally Embedded Sets
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo , Sampaio José Edson 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A path-connected subanalytic subset in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ is naturally equipped with two metrics: the inner and the outer metrics. We say that a subset is Lipschitz normally embedded (LNE) if these two metrics are equivalent. In this article, we give some criteria for a subanalytic set to be LNE. It is a fundamental question to know if the LNE property is conical, that is, if it is possible to describe the LNE property of a germ of a subanalytic set in terms of the properties of its link. We answer this question by introducing a new notion called link Lipschitz normally embedding. We prove that this notion is equivalent to the LNE notion in the case of sets with connected links.
Light, Lamps, and Material Religion in Early Rabbinic Judaism
Authors: Gardner Gregg E 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecent scholarship on material religion has demonstrated how decentralizing texts, focusing on objects, and using material culture to shape our research inquiries enhances our understanding of religious traditions. This article seeks to initiate a conversation on material religion and ancient Judaism by applying methods from the former to archaeological finds from Roman-era Palestine and the numerous references to objects in late antique rabbinic texts. Focusing on ceramic oil lamps as a test case, I argue that attention to objects and how they were manufactured illuminates the influence of materiality on early rabbinic thought. Manufacturing was an important component of the Galilee’s material environment, which had a generative influence on its inhabitants. This paper shows how focusing on material culture and broad conceptualizations of materiality (including production, performance, and sensation) can enhance our understanding of late antique Judaism and rabbinic teachings that would later become central to Jewish tradition.