bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Assessment of Biogas to Liquid Fuel Conversion via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: A Case Study of Biogas Generated from Municipal Sewage
Authors: Katiyo Munashe , Gudukeya Loice , Kanganga Mufaro , Sukdeo Nita 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis research looks at how biogas (a renewable energy resource) can be harnessed using municipal sewage waste, and the potential of biogas use for generating liquid fuels (diesel and petrol) using Fischer Tropsch synthesis. The research also looks at the economic implications of carrying out the venture, and also determines the viability and feasibility of developing such an initiative in Zimbabwe. The production of biofuel from biogas via Fischer Tropsch synthesis was successfully simulated using the Aspen Plus simulation software which enabled a techno‐economic assessment to be conducted based on these results. The minimum retail price of Fischer Tropsch diesel and petrol fuel was determined to be slightly under $1.10/litre for both fuels, with an annual total plant production capacity of 200 million litres per year. The plant was designed to produce around 270 000 L of petrol fuel per day that can be refined and further upgraded to premium quality grade petrol for export. The plant was also designed to produce nearly 320 000 L of diesel fuel per day for direct use as liquid transportation fuel. The total biogas input requirement for the plant is 700 tonnes/hour of biogas (2000 m3/hour) [1m3 = 0.353 tonnes]. The total sulphur production is 30 tonnes per day, and the total carbon dioxide extracted and captured is 1500 tonnes per day. The total plant cost was estimated at $200 million USD. The financial analysis for the plant operations shows positive financial performance with a nearly 20% return on investment. A payback period of 5 years is projected.
The LaST Tool – The Longevity and Sustainable Transition Tool
Authors: Jensen Peter Byrial , Haase Louise Møller , Cooper Tim , Steward Joseph , Marsh Phillipa , Laursen Linda Nhu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDue to customers’ increased focus on environmental sustainability, companies have been looking to position themselves as producers of consumer goods with greater longevity. Useful tools exist within academia to assist companies in this transformation process. However, the knowledge is scattered, and the focus of tools is often on either the mapping of companies’ status quo or actionable solutions that increase the longevity of their products. Creating a common understanding and coherency to make the knowledge usable in practice has proven to be difficult, as an immediate match of the most appropriate action tools to the mappings does not exist. Therefore, there is a need for a practical transition tool that, in the process of mapping, assists companies in understanding their positions and potential and proposes suitable action tools to assist in the required change process for producing consumer goods with greater longevity. This could mitigate the challenges for practitioners and bridge the different types of tools, hence enabling companies to develop products with increased longevity more easily.
Classifying Multi-generational Products for the Circular Economy
Authors: Hapuwatte Buddhika M. , Badurdeen Fazleena , Jawahir I. S. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractManufacturers are increasingly interested in the circular economy (CE) and potential of circular productions. To fully utilize CE, better guidance at the design stage is needed to establish closed-loop flows and prioritize higher value retaining end-of-use (EoU) practices such as reuse and remanufacture (i.e., parts harvesting). Intergenerational commonality (IC) is a method to increase EoU parts harvesting. However, closed-loop parts harvesting potential depends on the compatible timing between design generations' production and EoU returns curves. Therefore, in this paper, we explore an approach to make an initial assessment on where IC as a closed-loop CE strategy can produce most benefit, where such closed-loops may fall short, and what favorable design decisions can be made. The proposed indicator (based on the ratio between product's average usable lifetime and time between generation introductions, uavg/tintro) provides a basis for developing an objective design-support tool. Using a hypothetical example, we discuss the approach and effectiveness of this indicator. The insights gained suggest that overall production's sustainability performance show substantial improvement when uavg/tintro < 1.25, and the IC benefits are highest when 0.25 < uavg/tintro < 2.0. We also highlight a few managerial insights gained from the indicator useful to strategize EoU recovery and IC.
On representation matrices of boundary conditions in SU(n) gauge theories compactified on two-dimensional orbifolds
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiharu , Kodaira Eiji , Kojima Kentaro , Yamashita Toshifumi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We study the existence of diagonal representatives in each equivalence class of representation matrices of boundary conditions in SU(n) or U(n) gauge theories compactified on the orbifolds T2/ℤN (N = 2, 3, 4, 6). We suppose that the theory has a global G′ = U(n) symmetry. Using constraints, unitary transformations and gauge transformations, we examine whether the representation matrices can simultaneously become diagonal or not. We show that at least one diagonal representative necessarily exists in each equivalence class on T2/ℤ2 and T2/ℤ3, but the representation matrices on T2/ℤ4 and T2/ℤ6 can contain not only diagonal matrices but also non-diagonal 2 × 2 ones and non-diagonal 3 × 3 and 2 × 2 ones, respectively, as members of block-diagonal submatrices. These non-diagonal matrices have discrete parameters, which means that the rank-reducing symmetry breaking can be caused by the discrete Wilson line phases.
Temporal Evolution of Perihematomal Blood-Brain Barrier Compromise and Edema Growth After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Dan , Wang Xin , Zhang Xue , Zhu Huachen , Sun Shengjun , Mane Ravikiran , Zhao Xingquan , Zhou Jian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal evolution of perihematomal blood-brain barrier (BBB) compromise and edema growth and to determine the role of BBB compromise in edema growth.

Methods
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage patients who underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP) were divided into five groups according to the time interval from symptom onset to CTP examination. Permeability-surface area product (PS) maps were generated using CTP source images. Ipsilateral and contralateral mean PS values were computed in the perihematomal and contralateral mirror regions. The relative PS (rPS) value was calculated as a ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral PS value. Hematoma and perihematomal edema volume were determined on non-contrast CT images.

Results
In the total of 101 intracerebral hemorrhage patients, the ipsilateral mean PS value was significantly higher than that in contralateral region (z = −8.284, p < 0.001). The perihematomal BBB permeability showed a course of dynamic changes including an increase in the hyperacute and acute phases, a decrease in the early subacute phase and a second increase in the late subacute phase and chronic phase. Perihematomal edema increased gradually until the late subacute phase and then slightly increased. There was a relationship between rPS value and edema volume (β = 0.254, p = 0.006).

Conclusion
The perihematomal BBB permeability is dynamic changes, and edema growth is gradually increased in patients following intracerebral hemorrhage. BBB compromise plays an essential role in edema growth. The quantitative assessment of BBB compromise may provide valuable information in therapeutic interventions of intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
Zur Notwendigkeit einer Finanz- und Strukturreform der Pflegeversicherung
Authors: Rothgang Heinz 
Published: April 2023

ZusammenfassungBei Einführung der Pflegeversicherung im Jahr 1994 wurden Ausgestaltungsentscheidungen getroffen, die das System bis heute prägen. In diesem Diskussionsbeitrag werden 3 dieser Entscheidungen untersucht. Jeweils wird ein Bewertungsmaßstab formuliert, um die aktuelle Situation zu beurteilen. Bei negativer Beurteilung werden Reformoptionen diskutiert.Die Ausgestaltung der Pflegeversicherung mit betraglich begrenzten Versicherungsleistungen und nach oben offenen Eigenanteilen hat zu Gesamteigenanteilen geführt, die von der Mehrheit der Heimbewohnenden nicht mehr aus dem laufenden Einkommen finanziert werden können. Um ihre ursprünglichen Ziele erfüllen zu können, müsste die Pflegeversicherung daher vom Kopf auf die Füße gestellt werden – durch eine absolute Begrenzung der Eigenanteile in Höhe und Dauer.Auch das „duale Versicherungssystem“ aus einer sozialen Pflegeversicherung und einer privaten Pflegepflichtversicherung hat sich als „Geburtsfehler“ des Systems erwiesen. Da das Kollektiv der Privatversicherten über eine wesentlich günstigere Risikostruktur und höhere Durchschnittseinkommen verfügt, ist die vom Bundesverfassungsgericht geforderte „gleichmäßige Lastenverteilung“ bei der Finanzierung nicht gegeben. Zur Behebung dieser Ungleichbehandlung ist die Überführung des dualen Systems in eine integrierte Pflegeversicherung oder zumindest ein Risikostrukturausgleich zwischen beiden Zweigen zu fordern.Dass die Pflegeversicherung als eigener Zweig der Sozialversicherung eingeführt wurde, lässt sich dagegen rechtfertigen. Allerdings wäre es zur Überwindung von Schnittstellenproblemen notwendig, die Finanzierungskompetenz für die geriatrische Rehabilitation bei der Pflegeversicherung und die für die medizinische Behandlungspflege in Pflegeheimen bei der Krankenversicherung anzusiedeln.
Neue Methoden zur In-vivo-Diagnostik der Schulterkinematik
Authors: Croci Eleonora , Baum Cornelia , Mündermann Annegret 
Published: April 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Erfassung der In-vivo-Schulterkinematik gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung.

Fragestellung
Welche neuen Methoden stehen für die In-vivo-Diagnostik der Schulterkinematik zur Verfügung?

Material und Methode
Es wird eine Übersicht über aktuelle Literatur und Technologien gegeben.

Ergebnisse
Neben der etablierten markerbasierten Bewegungsanalyse können markerlose Bewegungsanalyse, elektromagnetische Systeme, ultraschallbasierte Bewegungsanalyse, tragbare Sensoren und medizinische Bildgebung zur In-vivo-Diagnostik der Schulterkinematik verwendet werden. Jedes dieser Systeme birgt Chancen, muss aber im Kontext der jeweiligen (technischen) Vor- und Nachteile beurteilt werden.

Schlussfolgerung
Neue Methoden zur In-vivo-Diagnostik der Schulterkinematik erlauben die Erfassung komplexer Bewegungsmuster sowie Alltagsbewegungen und können einen direkten Bezug zur Anatomie und jeweiligen Pathologie herstellen.
Cancer progression by the okadaic acid class of tumor promoters and endogenous protein inhibitors of PP2A, SET and CIP2A
Authors: Fujiki Hirota , Sueoka Eisaburo , Watanabe Tatsuro , Komori Atsumasa , Suganuma Masami 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Okadaic acid class of tumor promoters are transformed into endogenous protein inhibitors of PP2A, SET, and CIP2A in human cancers. This indicates that inhibition of PP2A activity is a common mechanism of cancer progression in humans. It is important to study the roles of SET and CIP2A vis-à-vis their clinical significance on the basis of new information gathered from a search of PubMed.

Results and discussion
The first part of this review introduces the carcinogenic roles of TNF-α and IL-1, which are induced by the okadaic acid class of compounds. The second part describes unique features of SET and CIP2A in cancer progression for several types of human cancer: (1) SET-expressing circulating tumor cells (SET-CTCs) in breast cancer, (2) knockdown of CIP2A and increased PP2A activity in chronic myeloid leukemia, (3) CIP2A and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity in erlotinib sensitive- and resistant-non-small cell lung cancer, (4) SET antagonist EMQA plus radiation therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma, (5) PP2A inactivation as a common event in colorectal cancer, (6) prostate cancer susceptibility variants, homeobox transcription factor (HOXB13 T) and CIP2A T, and (7) SET inhibitor OP449 for pre-clinical investigation of pancreatic cancer. In the Discussion, the binding complex of SET is briefly introduced, and overexpression of SET and CIP2A proteins is discussed in relation to age-associated chronic inflammation (inflammaging).

Conclusion
This review establishes the concept that inhibition of PP2A activity is a common mechanism of human cancer progression and activation of PP2A activity leads to effective anticancer therapy.
Synergistic anticancer activity of combined ATR and ribonucleotide reductase inhibition in Ewing's sarcoma cells
Authors: Sturm Max-Johann , Henao-Restrepo Julián Andrés , Becker Sabine , Proquitté Hans , Beck James F. , Sonnemann Jürgen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Ewing’s sarcoma is a highly malignant childhood tumour whose outcome has hardly changed over the past two decades despite numerous attempts at chemotherapy intensification. It is therefore essential to identify new treatment options. The present study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of combined inhibition of two promising targets, ATR and ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), in Ewing’s sarcoma cells.

Methods
Effects of the ATR inhibitor VE821 in combination with the RNR inhibitors triapine and didox were assessed in three Ewing’s sarcoma cell lines with different TP53 status (WE-68, SK-ES-1, A673) by flow cytometric analysis of cell death, mitochondrial depolarisation and cell cycle distribution as well as by caspase 3/7 activity determination, by immunoblotting and by real-time RT-PCR. Interactions between inhibitors were evaluated by combination index analysis.

Results
Single ATR or RNR inhibitor treatment produced small to moderate effects, while their combined treatment produced strong synergistic ones. ATR and RNR inhibitors elicited synergistic cell death and cooperated in inducing mitochondrial depolarisation, caspase 3/7 activity and DNA fragmentation, evidencing an apoptotic form of cell death. All effects were independent of functional p53. In addition, VE821 in combination with triapine increased p53 level and induced p53 target gene expression (CDKN1A, BBC3) in p53 wild-type Ewing’s sarcoma cells.

Conclusion
Our study reveals that combined targeting of ATR and RNR was effective against Ewing’s sarcoma in vitro and thus rationalises an in vivo exploration into the potential of combining ATR and RNR inhibitors as a new strategy for the treatment of this challenging disease.
Early risk factors for conduct problem trajectories from childhood to adolescence: the 2004 Pelotas (BRAZIL) Birth Cohort
Authors: Martins-Silva Thais , Bauer Andreas , Matijasevich Alicia , Munhoz Tiago N. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Santos Iná S. , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Murray Joseph 
Published: April 2023

AbstractConduct problems are associated with an increased risk of a wide range of physical, mental, and social problems. However, there is still uncertainty about how early risk factors differentiate different developmental patterns of conduct problems and whether findings replicate across diverse social contexts. We aimed to identify developmental trajectories of conduct problems, and test early risk factors, in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil. Conduct problems were measured at ages 4, 6, 11, and 15 years from caregiver reports on the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Conduct problem trajectories were estimated using group-based semi-parametric modeling (n = 3938). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between early risk factors and conduct problem trajectories. We identified four trajectories: three with elevated conduct problems, including early-onset persistent (n = 150; 3.8%), adolescence-onset (n = 286; 17.3%), and childhood-limited (n = 697; 17.7%), and one with low conduct problems (n = 2805; 71.2%). The three elevated conduct problem trajectories were associated with a wide range of sociodemographic risk factors, prenatal smoking, maternal mental health, harsh parenting, childhood trauma, and child neurodevelopmental risk factors. Early-onset persistent conduct problems were particularly associated with trauma, living without a father figure, and attention difficulties. The four trajectories of conduct problems from ages 4 to 15 years in this Brazilian cohort have similar longitudinal patterns to those identified in high-income countries. The results confirm previous longitudinal research and developmental taxonomic theories on the etiology of conduct problems in a Brazilian sample.
Japan’s greenhouse gas reduction scenarios toward net zero by 2050 in the material cycles and waste management sector
Authors: Yamada Koji , Ii Ryota , Yamamoto Madoka , Ueda Hiroyuki , Sakai Shinichi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe first draft scenario toward net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for the material cycles and waste management sector was presented by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan in August 2021. The details of the future GHG emission estimation used to create the draft scenario are described in this document. For multiple scenarios where more aggressive measures, such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), were included in addition to business-as-usual and the current policy continuity scenario, future GHG emissions were estimated as the sum of the products of activities and emission factors indicating changes in measures between scenarios. The estimation outcomes demonstrated that future GHG emissions from the solid waste management sector could be anticipated to be zero or even negative when material conversion to biomass, primarily for plastics, recycling to raw materials, and installation of CCUS at incineration facilities are assumed. Extensions of prior plans are not enough to reach the goal of net zero emissions, according to the measures necessary and the volume and pace of their implementation suggested in this study. Stakeholders should collaborate with great ambition.
Covert infection with an RNA virus affects medfly fitness and the interaction with its natural parasitoid Aganaspis daci
Authors: Hernández-Pelegrín Luis , García-Martínez Ricardo , Llácer Elena , Nieves Lorena , Llopis-Giménez Ángel , Catalá-Oltra Marta , Dembilio Óscar , Pérez-Hedo Meritxell , Urbaneja Alberto , Ros Vera I. D. , Beitia Francisco , Herrero Salvador 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWith the advent of high-throughput sequencing, large sets of insect-infecting RNA viruses producing apparent asymptomatic infections are being discovered. In the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata, an agricultural key pest of a wide range of fruits, 13 different RNA viruses have been described so far. Recent analysis demonstrated a wide distribution of these viruses in different medfly strains collected worldwide, but little is known about the interactions between those viruses and the medfly host. Previous studies suggested that a higher abundance of Ceratitis capitata nora virus (CcaNV) correlated with a shorter lifespan in adults. Here, we investigated the effect of CcaNV on a broad range of parameters related to host fitness and its interaction with other trophic levels. CcaNV purified from a naturally infected medfly strain was added to the larval diet. Pupal weight, adult emergence, flying ability, and longevity were monitored after oral infections. Our results revealed detrimental effects associated with a CcaNV infection in the medfly, in terms of reduced pupal weight and reduced adult longevity. Moreover, we tested the influence of a CcaNV infection in medflies on the parasitism performance of Aganaspis daci, an endoparasitoid used in biological control programs against medflies. Our results showed that A. daci progeny increased when parasitizing on CcaNV-infected larvae. Overall, we proved that covert RNA viruses can impact the insect ecology, directly affecting its insect host biology and indirectly influencing multitrophic interactions.
A suggestive approach for assessing item quality, usability and validity of Automatic Item Generation
Authors: Falcão Filipe , Pereira Daniela Marques , Gonçalves Nuno , De Champlain Andre , Costa Patrício , Pêgo José Miguel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAutomatic Item Generation (AIG) refers to the process of using cognitive models to generate test items using computer modules. It is a new but rapidly evolving research area where cognitive and psychometric theory are combined into digital framework. However, assessment of the item quality, usability and validity of AIG relative to traditional item development methods lacks clarification. This paper takes a top-down strong theory approach to evaluate AIG in medical education. Two studies were conducted: Study I—participants with different levels of clinical knowledge and item writing experience developed medical test items both manually and through AIG. Both item types were compared in terms of quality and usability (efficiency and learnability); Study II—Automatically generated items were included in a summative exam in the content area of surgery. A psychometric analysis based on Item Response Theory inspected the validity and quality of the AIG-items. Items generated by AIG presented quality, evidences of validity and were adequate for testing student’s knowledge. The time spent developing the contents for item generation (cognitive models) and the number of items generated did not vary considering the participants' item writing experience or clinical knowledge. AIG produces numerous high-quality items in a fast, economical and easy to learn process, even for inexperienced and without clinical training item writers. Medical schools may benefit from a substantial improvement in cost-efficiency in developing test items by using AIG. Item writing flaws can be significantly reduced thanks to the application of AIG's models, thus generating test items capable of accurately gauging students' knowledge.
Improving conservation outcomes in agricultural landscapes: farmer perceptions of native vegetation on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Amato Bianca , Petit Sophie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWith agriculture the primary driver of biodiversity loss, farmers are increasingly expected to produce environmental outcomes and protect biodiversity. However, lack of attention to the way farmers perceive native vegetation has resulted in conservation targets not being met. The Yorke Peninsula (YP), South Australia, is an agricultural landscape where < 5% of vegetation remains on private properties and roadsides. To identify YP farmers’ barriers to vegetation conservation on the roadside and private properties, we interviewed 35 farmers representing 56,980 ha of farms (11% of the YP area) and three agronomists. We identified five barriers to conservation: (1) negative perceptions of roadside vegetation and (2) management bodies; (3) absence of effective conservation programs making use of farmers’ motivations; (4) > 50% farmers perceived that long-term planning was for ≤ 30 years, not enough time to promote ecosystem conservation; (5) a lack of natural resource management information for farmers—as a result, farmers relied on their own experience to manage vegetation. Furthermore, most farmers depended on agronomists, who generally had no stake in biodiversity conservation. We recommend that (1) the Local Council restore social capital by liaising with farmers to promote roadside vegetation (2) long-term farmer-led conservation action be established and supported by Government and industry acting as facilitators rather than project managers; (3) a change in policy and training promote the involvement of agronomists in conservation and its management on private properties; (4) all levels of Government develop schemes to demonstrate the tangible benefits of native vegetation as habitat for wildlife; (5) on-farm conservation be celebrated as successful farming.