bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software Refactoring Network: An Improved Software Refactoring Prediction Framework Using Hybrid Networking‐Based Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Pandiyavathi T. , Sivakumar B.
Published: November 2024

Software refactoring plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the quality of software systems. The software refactoring network aims to connect developers, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, best practices, and tools related to refactoring. However, the network faces various challenges, such as the complexity of software systems, the diversity of refactoring techniques, and the need for automated and intelligent solutions to assist developers in making refactoring decisions. By leveraging deep learning techniques, the software refactoring network can enhance the speed, accuracy, and relevance of refactoring suggestions, ultimately improving the overall quality and maintainability of software systems. So, in this paper, an advanced deep learning–based software refactoring framework is proposed. The suggested model performs three phases as (a) data collection, (b) feature extraction, and (c) prediction of software refactoring. Initially, the data is collected from ordinary datasets. Then, the collected data is fed to the feature extraction stage, where the source code, process, and ownership metrics of all refactored and non‐refactored data are retrieved for further processing. After that, the extracted features are predicted using Adaptive and Attentive Dilation Adopted Hybrid Network (AADHN) techniques, in which it is performed using Deep Temporal Context Networks (DTCN) with a Bidirectional Long‐Short Term Memory (Bi‐LSTM) model. Here, the parameters in the hybrid networking model are optimized with the help of Constant Integer Updated Golden Tortoise Beetle Optimizer (CIU‐GTBO) for improving the prediction process. Therefore, the accuracy of the developed algorithm has achieved for different datasets, whereas it shows the value of 96.41, 96.38, 96.38, 96.38, 96.41, 96.38, and 96.39 for antlr4, junit, mapdb, mcMMO, mct, oryx, and titan. Also, the precision of the developed model has shown the better performance of 96.38, 96.32, 96.37, 96.33, 96.35, 96.37, and 96.31 for the datasets like antlr4, junit, mapdb, mcMMO, mct, oryx, and titan.
Spatially Controlled MicroRNA Imaging in Mitochondria via Enzymatic Activation of Hybridization Chain Reaction
Authors: Dai Kaining , Zhao Jian , Li Lele , Fu Xiaojun
Published: November 2024

Live‐cell imaging of RNA in specific subcellular compartments is essential for elucidating the rich repertoire of cellular functions, but it has been limited by a lack of simple, precisely controlled methods. Here such an approach is presented via the combination of hybridization chain reaction and spatially restricted enzymatic activation with organelle‐targeted delivery. The system can localize engineered DNA hairpins in the mitochondria, where target RNA‐initiated chain reaction of hybridization events is selectively activated by a specific enzyme, enabling amplified RNA imaging with high precision. It is demonstrated that the approach is compatible with live cell visualization and enables the regulatable imaging of microRNA in mitochondria. Since in situ activation of the signal amplification with enzyme eliminates the need for genetically encoded protein overexpression, it is envisioned that this simple platform will be broadly applicable for precise RNA imaging with subcellular resolution in a variety of biological processes.
Two‐Phase Extraction, Structural Characterization of the Polysaccharide from Raspberry Pomace and Its Protection Effects against Erythrocyte Hemolysis
Authors: Liu Junwen , Wang Yushun , Song Yuhan , Zhang Hongda , Wei Yanhui , Wang Libo , Xu Yaqin
Published: November 2024

In present study, a new polysaccharide (RPP) from raspberry pomace is prepared through ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction (UAATPE) and purification using two‐step column chromatography, the extraction conditions are optimized by response surface method (RSM). Under the optimal parameters: liquid to material ratio of 80 mL g−1, ultrasonic power of 340 W, and ultrasonic time of 39 min, the yield of the polysaccharides is 11.72 ± 0.05%. RPP with average molecular weight (Mw) of 59 300 Da is composed of six monosaccharides. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed that RPP contains six main glycosidic linkages including α‐l‐Araf‐(1→, →2)‐α‐l‐Rhap‐(1→, →4)‐β‐d‐Manp‐(1→, →4)‐α‐d‐GalAp‐(1→, →3)‐β‐d‐Galp‐(1→, →4)‐β‐d‐Glcp‐(1→. RPP exhibits remarkable protective effects against H2O2‐induced erythrocyte hemolysis, the generations of reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde are inhibited, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase are effectively enhanced. The current findings proved that UAATPE is an effective method to extract the polysaccharide from raspberry pomace and provides a new idea for the utilization of nutrient‐rich raspberry fruit residue.
Prognostic impact of adipose tissue loss at 1 month after surgery in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Itaru , Komori Keisuke , Onuma Shizune , Watanabe Hayato , Suematsu Hideaki , Nagasawa Shinsuke , Kano Kazuki , Kawabe Taiichi , Aoyama Toru , Hayashi Tsutomu , Yamada Takanobu , Sato Tsutomu , Saito Aya , Ogata Takashi , Cho Haruhiko , Yoshikawa Takaki , Rino Yasushi , Oshima Takashi
Published: November 2024

Background

The postoperative impact of short‐term changes in skeletal muscle loss (SML) and adipose tissue loss (ATL) on treatment outcomes is unclear in patients with gastric cancer (GC). We investigate the role of SML and ATL at 1 month after surgery in determining postoperative survival and recurrence rates in patients with GC.

Methods

We analyzed 540 patients with GC and assessed their skeletal muscle mass, visceral fat mass, and subcutaneous fat mass using computed tomography scans preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Patients were categorized into high and low groups based on their levels of SML, visceral ATL (v‐ATL), and subcutaneous ATL (s‐ATL). Additionally, they were classified into three groups (high ATL, intermediate ATL, and low ATL) based on their v‐ATL and s‐ATL measurements.

Results

Patients with higher v‐ATL and s‐ATL had lower overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates. High ATL was an independent prognostic factor for decreased OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–4.42; and P = 0.02) and RFS (HR 2.51; 95% CI 1.34–4.71; and P = 0.004) rates.

Conclusion

A reduction in adipose tissue volume shortly after surgery (1 month) could potentially indicate an increased risk of recurrence and mortality in patients with GC.
Public Education Policies and the Struggle of the Indigenous Movement for a Decolonial Interculturality
Authors: Minoia Paola , Tapia Andrés
Published: November 2024

This chapter presents some conceptual aspects related to the recognition of pluriversal knowledges existing in the country through public education policies. In Ecuador, an intercultural bilingual education programme (IBE) was negotiated between the government and indigenous movements, together with land restitution and recognition of Indigenous territories. In line with this programme, state curricula would be reformed through pedagogies of direct connection with land, ancestral knowledges, languages, cultures, and ways of life. The chapter presents the historical context for the creation and operation of IBE, and analyses the plans for its implemention. It illustrates various contradictions between governmental discourses that recognize the plurinational nature of the country—and hence the effort required to support the project of intercultural citizenship—and the reality of political practices that lack coherence, such as the institution of Millennium Schools. Tensions arise when the government’s actions contradict the aspirations for equity and recognition claimed by Indigenous peoples and nationalities. Decoloniality, interculturality, and plurinationality, challenged by bureaucratism and financial disinvestment of IBE, are reclaimed in social outbreaks, including those of 2019 and 2022.
Project Case: Triple Win Project—Fair and Sustainable Recruitment of Nurses
Authors: Bernhardt Maja , Luciano Sonja Alves
Published: November 2024

Germany’s nursing sector is already feeling the impact of a significant shortage of nurses today. At present, vacancies outnumber the amount of qualified job seekers on the job market. According to expert estimations, the nursing sector will need 500,000 new nurses by 2030.
Shaping Inclusive Urban Districts: DGNB-Certification as a Tool for Age-Appropriate Quarters
Authors: Eichinger Christian
Published: November 2024

As the world’s population is ageing and urbanising rapidly, cities take the key role in the discussion of how to achieve a sustainable future that needs to integrate high living standards for all inhabitants, energy efficiency and limited consumption of resources. China is at the forefront of these developments, with the migration of the rural population towards urban centres and its ageing society. Several Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment Tools have been developed to aid planning and urban design to adapt to these challenges. This article examines the “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen” (DGNB, German Sustainable Building Council)” programme as a tool for generating inclusive urban design. It specifically looks at the integration of the needs of the elderly and their integration in the assessment criteria of the DGNB. The article considers the requirements for a social- and functional mix, public spaces, accessibility and thermal comfort. As an outlook, it gives an overview over the application of the DGNB urban design programme in the Chinese context.
Coordinated Development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region—Research into How the Elderly Care Industry and Vocational Education in the Field of Gerontology Are Being Integrated—A Case Study of Tianjin City Vocational College
Authors: Fu Jian
Published: November 2024

The coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has seen the integration of multiple resources via a “Five-party collaboration” between government, industry, enterprises, vocational schools and research institutes, linking academic resources from schools and colleges in the region to the elderly care industry. This has enabled resource sharing and advantageous complementarity between vocational colleges and elderly care enterprises in the fields of human resources, knowledge, technology and equipment. Key research topics related to the coordinated development of vocational education in the region focus on improving the quality of training of elderly care professionals, promoting talent in the region, integrating industry into education, and collaborative innovation.
Cooperative Control of Multiple CAs
Authors: Nagai Takayuki , Nakamura Tomoaki , Sugiura Komei , Taniguchi Tadahiro , Suzuki Yosuke , Hirata Masayuki
Published: November 2024

In a world where Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) are active in real society, it is expected that one person will control multiple CAs or multiple CAs will cooperate with each other to perform a task. For one operator to control multiple CAs simultaneously, technologies with which one person can operate multiple CAs are required. CAs should work while understanding the intentions of the operator according to the task and environment. In addition, it is assumed that not only able-bodied people but also people with disabilities, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, will control CAs. This chapter outlines new technologies for realizing the simultaneous remote and coordinated control of multiple CAs (flexible CA control) from various perspectives.
Development of the CA Platform
Authors: Miyashita Takahiro , Utsumi Akira , Yoshimi Takashi
Published: November 2024

The Cybernetic Avatar (CA) platform serves as a software foundation that facilitates connections between CAs and teleoperators and empowers both of them to deliver services to people. This chapter introduces the CA platform and emphasizes its crucial attributes: scalability, customizability, and interoperability. We describe the CA platform’s conceptual framework and social field experiments that leverage its capabilities and discuss its international standardization efforts to maintain the interoperability of the platform’s specifications. This comprehensive overview will provide readers with a deeper understanding of the CA platform's pivotal role in advancing CAs and their applications.
Cybernetic Avatars and Society
Authors: Nakano Yukiko , Kanda Takayuki , Even Jani , Sanfeliu Alberto , Garrell Anais , Kukita Minao , Tsugita Shun , Shimpo Fumio , Yuasa Harumichi
Published: November 2024

Toward a future symbiotic society with Cybernetic Avatars (CAs), it is crucial to develop socially well-accepted CAs and to discuss legal, ethical, and socioeconomic issues to update social rules and norms. This chapter provides interdisciplinary discussions for these issues from the perspectives of technological and social sciences. First, we propose avatar social implementation guidelines and present studies that contribute to the development of socially well-accepted CAs. The second part of this chapter addresses the ethical and legal issues in installing CAs in society and discusses solutions for them.
Aldoxime dehydratases: production, immobilization, and use in multistep processes
Authors: Martínková Ludmila , Kotik Michael , Kulik Natalia , Křístková Barbora , Šťastná Katarína , Winkler Margit
Published: November 2024

The synthesis of nitriles is of utmost importance for preparative organic chemistry. The classical routes are often associated with disadvantages such as toxicity of the reagents and drastic conditions. The uses of enzymes like aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) and hydroxynitrile lyases constitute attractive benign alternatives. In this review, we summarize the recent trends regarding Oxds. Thousands of oxd genes were sequenced but less than thirty Oxds were investigated on protein level. We give an overview of these Oxds, their sequence analysis, conditions required for their overexpression, and their purification and assays. We then focus on the use of Oxds especially in multistep reactions combining the chemical or chemoenzymatic synthesis of aldoximes from different starting materials with the enzymatic dehydration of aldoximes to nitriles, possibly followed by the hydration of nitriles to amides. Progress in Oxd immobilization is also highlighted. Based on data published mainly in the last 5 years, we evaluate the industrial prospects of these enzyme processes in comparison with some other innovations in nitrile synthesis.

Key points

• Aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) are promising for cyanide-free routes to nitriles

• A comprehensive overview of wet-lab explored Oxds is provided

• Recent trends include combining Oxds with other enzymes or chemical catalysts

Graphical Abstract
Association of body mass index with pathologic agreement of preoperative and postoperative tumor grade in endometrial cancer
Authors: Taylor Samantha , Scalia Peter , Meyer Raanan , Nourmoussavi Brodeur Melica , Salvador Shannon , Lau Susie , Gotlieb Walter , Levin Gabriel
Published: November 2024

Objective

We aim to study association of BMI of EC patients, with the level of agreement between preoperative and postoperative tumor grade.

Methods

A retrospective study. We included patients with EC diagnosed in an outpatient clinic which had surgical staging as in our division. We categorized patients into BMI categories according to the World Health Organization; (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), (BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2), and (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). We further dichotomized the study population for obesity, defined as BMI ≥ 30.0. We analyzed agreement between preoperative and postoperative tumor grade, stratified by patient’s BMI.

Results

Overall, 623 women met study inclusion criteria, with a median age of 64 [interquartile range (IQR) 57–72]. Among the study cohort, the median BMI was 30.7 [IQR 25.6–38.8], with 330 (53.0%) patients being obese. EC grade 1 was diagnosed preoperatively in 353 (56.7%), grade 3 in 148 (23.8%), and grade 2 in 122 (19.6%). Endometrioid histology was diagnosed in 463 (74.3%), serous in 78 (12.5%), mixed histotype in 51 (8.2%), clear cell in 20 (3.2%) and carcinosarcoma in 11 (1.8%). In 68.7% (n = 428), there was no change in postoperative grade, and in 24.9% (n = 155), there was upgrading of tumor, and in 6.4% (n = 40), there was a tumor downgrade. There were 3 (0.5%) cases in which no tumor was found on final pathology. The rate of no change was higher in preoperative grade 3 (89.9%) vs. grades 1 (63.5%) and grade 2 (58.2%), p < .001). There was no difference in grading agreement when obese patients were compared to non-obese, p = .248. There was no difference in grading agreement when comparing the various BMI categories, with no change proportion ranging between 58.2% in BMI 30.0–34.9 mg/kg2 and 79.7% in BMI 35.0–39.9 mg/kg2, p = .104. ROC analysis of BMI as predictor of no-change yielded an area under the curve of 0.466 (95% confidence interval 0.418–0.515) with a maximal performance at a BMI of 33.8 mg/kg2. The agreement between preoperative and postoperative tumor grade among all patients was kappa = 0.517. The agreement did not differ when compared between obese patients (kappa = 0.456) and non-obese (kappa = 0.575).

Conclusion

Our study found no significant association between BMI and the agreement between preoperative and postoperative tumor grading in EC.
Virtual reality for patient informed consent in skull base tumors and intracranial vascular pathologies: A pilot study
Authors: Westarp Emilia , Saemann Attill , Zelechovski Marek , Faludi Balazs , Cattin Philippe , Soleman Jehuda , Guzman Raphael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

With the growing demand for shared decision-making and patient-centered care, optimal informed consent (IC) has gained relevance. Virtual reality (VR) has seen significant technological advancements, and its medical applications currently include surgical planning and medical education. This pilot study investigates the feasibility of VR-enhanced informed consent (VR-IC) in neurosurgery to improve preoperative IC and patient satisfaction.

Methods

We included patients aged 18 to 75 years who were scheduled for skull base meningioma or brain aneurysm surgery between May and December 2023. Exclusion criteria were visual/auditory impairments and severe cognitive/psychiatric disorders. Patients received standard IC followed by VR-IC using patient-specific VR models of their pathology. After an initial demonstration by the surgeon, the patients used the VR station independently. A questionnaire with 18 questions on a 5-point Likert scale assessed the subjective impression of VR-IC.

Results

Ten patients participated in the study, with six (60%) undergoing aneurysm clipping and four (40%) undergoing skull base meningioma resection. The mean age of the participants was 58 years (± 15, range 27 to 75 years), with four female patients (40%). Patients overall rated the VR-informed consent (VR-IC) positively with a mean of 4.22 (± 0.84). There was a better understanding of their pathology (mean 4.30 ± 0.92) and the planned procedure (mean 3.95 ± 1.04). Trust in the surgeon was rated with a mean of 3.47 (± 0.94). Only minimal side effects from the VR experience including dizziness or discomfort were noted (mean 4.60 ± 0.22). None of the participants dropped out of the study.

Conclusion

VR-enhanced informed consent is feasible and improves patient understanding and satisfaction without significant side effects. These findings will guide the planning of a randomized controlled trial to validate the benefits of VR-IC in neurosurgery further.
Self-supervised multi-hop heterogeneous hypergraph embedding with informative pooling for graph-level classification
Authors: Hayat Malik Khizar , Xue Shan , Yang Jian
Published: November 2024

In heterogeneous graph analysis, existing self-supervised learning (SSL) methods face several key challenges. Primarily, these approaches are tailored for node-level tasks and fail to effectively capture global graph-level features, a crucial aspect for comprehensive graph understanding. Furthermore, they predominantly rely on meta-path-based techniques to unravel graph structures, a process that can be computationally intensive and often intractable for complex networks. Another significant limitation is their inability to account for nonpairwise relationships, a common characteristic in real-world networks like protein-protein interaction and collaboration networks, limiting their effectiveness in graph-level learning where high-order connectivity is essential. To address these issues, we propose an innovative SSL framework for heterogeneous hypergraph embedding, expressly designed to enhance graph-level classification. Our framework introduces multi-hop attention in hypergraph convolution, a significant leap from existing attention mechanisms specifically for hypergraphs that primarily focus on immediate neighborhoods. This multi-hop approach allows for an expansive capture of relational structures, both near and far, uncovering intricate patterns integral to accurate graph-level classification. Complementing this, we implement an informative graph-level attentive pooling mechanism that surpasses traditional aggregation methods. It intelligently synthesizes features, taking into account their structural and semantic importance within the hypergraph, thereby preserving critical contextual information. Furthermore, we refine our contrastive learning approach and introduce targeted negative sampling strategies, creating a more robust learning environment that excels at discerning nuanced graph-level features. Rigorous evaluation against established graph kernels, graph neural networks, and graph pooling methods on real-world datasets demonstrates our model’s superior performance, validating its effectiveness in addressing the complexities inherent in heterogeneous graph-level classification.
Prophylactic closed-incisional negative pressure wound therapy following posterior instrumented spinal fusion: a single surgeon’s experience and cost-benefit analysis
Authors: Kramer Dallas E. , Bharthi Rosh , Myers Daniel , Chang Patrick , Dabecco Rocco , Xu Chen , Yu Alexander
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine surgery are associated with morbidity and resource utilization. Applying prophylactic closed-incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) during posterior instrumented fusion has mixed results in reducing rates of wound complications and SSI. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and potential cost-savings associated with ciNPWT in high-risk patients receiving posterior instrumented spinal fusion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving posterior instrumented spinal fusion for any surgical indication between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, and compared rates of wound dehiscence, SSI, and reoperation for wound complications between standard surgical dressings and ciNPWT. Surgical dressing selection was based on the senior author’s assessment of infection risk factors. Results: A total of 229 patients (n = 85 standard surgical dressings, n = 144 ciNPWT) were included. The ciNPWT group had significantly more risk factors for wound-related complications, including older age (61.8 vs. 58.5 years, p = 0.042), diabetes mellitus (36.8% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.037), more instrumented levels (5.6 vs. 3.9, p < 0.0001), estimated blood loss (1298 vs. 998 mL, p = 0.036), and deformity was the predominant operative indication (29.9% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.040). Prophylactic ciNPWT was associated with significantly lower rates of wound dehiscence (21.5% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.036) and SSI (8.3% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.005). Number needed to treat with ciNPWT to prevent one SSI was 8 patients. The cost of preventing one SSI was $4,560. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated a potential mean savings of $21,662 per operative SSI prevented and $270,775 per 100 patients undergoing posterior instrumented fusion with ciNPWT. Conclusions: Prophylactic ciNPWT use is a cost-effective means of reducing rates of wound dehiscence and SSI following posterior instrumented fusion.
Active Versus Passive Learning in Large-Group Sessions in Medical School: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Investigating Effects on Learning and the Feeling of Learning
Authors: Boedeker Peter , Schlingmann Tobias , Kailin Joshua , Nair Ajith , Foldes Cara , Rowley David , Salciccioli Katherine , Maag Ronald , Moreno Nancy , Ismail Nadia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The evidence base for active learning in medical education is based largely on trials with suspect internal validity. We empirically compared the learning and feeling of learning of participants when in large-group interactive sessions and passive lectures using a rigorous trial capable of providing an unambiguous assessment of effect. Further, we evaluated if there was a differential effect based on prior achievement.

Materials and Method

We conducted a two-day randomized cross-over trial with 146 s-year medical students. Passive learning involved lecture-based case presentation with minimal interaction; in the large-group interactive session, students worked in teams on the same cases. Participants completed a test of learning and a feeling of learning survey. Effects were estimated using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

Participants in the large-group interactive session scored 0.27 standard deviations higher on the test of learning (p = 0.010) than when in the passive lecture. Learners in the lower 50% of prior achievement benefited most from active learning. The feeling of learning was 0.56 standard deviations higher in the large-group interactive session (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Transformation of passive lectures to interactive learning sessions is feasible, has the potential to close achievement gaps by benefiting the lowest achieving learners the most, and provides students a greater sense of learning than passive lectures.
Enhanced long-lasting luminescence nanorods for ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 N protein
Authors: Wei Yi , Song Menglin , Li Lihua , Ma Yingjin , Lao Xinyue , Liu Yuan , Li Guogang , Hao Jianhua
Published: November 2024

Persistent luminescence nanomaterials can remain luminescence when the light source is turned off, which exhibits promise in biosensor and bioimaging fields since they have the ability to completely eradicate tissue autofluorescence. Although significant progress has been made in the persistent luminescence biosensing, there is still a dearth of long-afterglow detection platform with low limit of detection (LOD) and high sensitivity. Herein, Zn2GeO4:Mn, Cr persistently luminescent nanorods (PLNRs) with superior persistent luminescence and long afterglow time were developed. The addition of Cr3+ manifestly improves persistent luminescence intensity and afterglow duration through creating a deep defect trap. Then the biosensors were constructed by combining the Zn2GeO4:Mn,Cr PLNRs-antibody and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-antibody for nucleocapsid protein detection based on electrostatic attraction. The LOD value for nucleocapsid protein realizes as low as 39.82 ag/mL, which is much lower than the previously reported persistent luminescent-based biosensors. Accordingly, the low detection sensitivity is attributed to fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In addition, high specificity is also achieved. Therefore, the as-prepared Zn2GeO4:Mn,Cr persistently luminescent materials can act as the promising candidate in biosensors applications. This strategy provides effective guidance for the development of biosensing platforms with high sensitivity and specificity.
Relationship between the B4C reinforcement content and the properties of MAO films on the B4C/Al matrix composites
Authors: Song Yingwei , Zhu Mingyu , Dong Kaihui , Han En-Hou
Published: November 2024

Thermal control coating is necessary for the B4C/Al matrix composites (AMCs) used in nuclear power field. Micro-arc Oxidation (MAO) technology is a suitable method to prepare thermal control coating on B4C/AMCs, but the B4C reinforcements has a great influence on the MAO process. In this paper, the effects of the B4C content on the spark discharge, microstructure and properties of the MAO films were studied by a Dual-channel Oscilloscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicate that the spark discharge in the early stage of oxidation is inhibited with the increase of the B4C particles in AMCs, but the effect declines in the later stage. Also, the compactness and blackness of the MAO films reduce due to the negative effect of the B4C particles on the oxidation process, but the lowest emissivity of the MAO film is still higher than 0.85, which can still meet the general requirement for thermal control coatings in actual applications.
The Anger Rule
Authors: Banks Antoine J. , White Ismail K.
Published: November 2024

In The Anger Rule, Antoine J. Banks and Ismail K. White examine how Black politicians are uniquely penalized for expressing anger, especially anger related to race. Drawing on social psychology and philosophy, Banks and White demonstrate how this anger penalty helps sustain racial inequality. They argue that anger infers power because it propels individuals to change the status quo. When Black politicians are constrained from expressing anger, it limits their ability to mobilize against wrongs and rally fellow group members; it also signals a lack of power to Black voters. This argument is assessed using a multi-method approach of national survey experiments and content analysis of United States presidential and House congressional speeches and remarks. The findings show that Black politicians and voters are aware of the anger penalty, therefore constraining their anger in political spaces to avoid backlash from those who maintain the racial status quo.
Human Rights Due Diligence for Arms Companies: Lessons from Supply Chain Regulations
Authors: Alwishewa Hiruni
Published: November 2024

In comparison to other high-risk industrial sectors, human rights due diligence (HRDD) in the arms sector remains unclear and underdeveloped. This article elucidates how supply chain regulations can provide pertinent guidance for clarifying and elaborating the standards and requirements of the HRDD obligations of arms companies. Part I reaffirms the importance of independent HRDD obligations for arms companies due to the significant human rights risks posed by arms exports. Part II contextualises the limitations in the development of HRDD in the arms industry by examining the corporate policies of major arms companies. Part III explicates why supply chain regulations for conflict minerals are suitable guidance for clarifying and elaborating the HRDD obligations of arms companies. Part IV details five elements of an HRDD framework for arms companies that are essential for comprehensively identifying, evaluating and addressing the human rights risks of arms exports. Part V offers concluding remarks.
Owning towards death: The asset condition as existential conundrum
Authors: Davies William
Published: November 2024

Moral and pragmatist sociology has studied capitalism as a set of institutions that require justification, which has historically been offered through forms of rewarding and meaningful work, anchoring the human life course in a narrative of individual and collective progress. However, emerging with neoliberalism, then becoming explicit after 2008, contemporary capitalism has become organised around the logic of assets and wealth as opposed to labour and production. This provokes a vacuum of justification. Once all actors are (as Minsky argued) balance sheet actors and profit becomes a function of sheer temporality, the economy ceases to function as a moral order and instead becomes imbued with existential concerns of temporality, durability, survival, and finitude. Possessed only of certain contingently acquired assets and liabilities, the self becomes wholly contingent in the sense described by Heidegger; that is, as ‘thrown’ into having had a past and into a relationship of ‘care’ towards the future. The article identifies symptoms of this existential condition in empirical studies of wealth elites, for whom (in the absence of conventional liberal and production-based measures of worth) problems of meaning, purpose, and finitude are endemic.
Pooling and repooling risk: The limits of Insurtech platforms in inclusive insurance
Authors: Perticone Yannick , Graz Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the promise of Insurtech to expand the frontier of the insurance market to include vulnerable populations around the world. It contributes to current debates on the proliferation of new technologies for financial inclusion as embedded in contemporary forms of platform-based capitalism. We argue that Insurtech’s promises fall short of expectations because of the contradiction between the principles of platform scalability and insurance risk pooling. Such contradictions lead Insurtech platforms to unpool risk rather than provide innovative technologies to pool it. This ultimately limits the expansion of markets for inclusive insurance as Insurtech platforms struggle to scale up the market through their supposedly disruptive technology. Our analysis draws on a range of regulatory reports, complemented by in-depth interviews with Insurtech executive officers. The article offers insights into the contradictory principles currently driving the digital inclusive insurance market, as well as the limits to the ongoing global expansion of platform capitalism.
A 172 mJ, high-energy picosecond 355 nm ultraviolet laser system at 100 Hz
Authors: Li Jiatong , Zhang Jiayu , Ma Tiejun , Yao Yongping , Liang Runze , Zhou Xue , Jia Chunyan , Huang Shengjun , Nie Hongkun , Yao Bo , He Jingliang , Zhang Baitao
Published: November 2024

A high-energy picosecond 355 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser operating at 100 Hz was demonstrated. A 352 mJ, 69 ps, 1064 nm laser at 100 Hz was realized firstly by cascaded regenerative, laser diode end-pumped single-pass and side-pumped main amplifiers. The stimulated Raman scattering-based beam shaping technique, thermally induced birefringence compensation and 4f spatial filter-image relaying systems were used to maintain a relatively homogeneous beam intensity distribution during the amplification process. By using lithium triborate crystals for second- and third-harmonic generation (THG), a 172 mJ, approximately 56 ps, 355 nm UV laser was achieved with a THG conversion efficiency of 49%. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest pulse energy of a picosecond 355 nm UV laser so far. The beam quality factor

${M}^2$

and pulse energy stability were

${M}_x^2$

=3.92,

${M}_y^2$

=3.71 and root mean square of 1.48%@3 hours. This laser system could play significant roles in applications including photoconductive switch excitation, laser drilling and laser micro-fabrication.
Drift-free, 11 fs pulse delay stability in dual-arm PW-class laser systems
Authors: Nazîru Andrei B. , Popa Ştefan , Lupu Ana-Maria , Matei Dan Gh. , Dumitru Alice , Nistor Dmitrii , Toma Antonia , Văsescu Lidia , Dăncuş Ioan , Stan Claudiu A. , Ursescu Daniel
Published: November 2024

Simultaneous ultra-intense pulses at petawatt laser facilities enable a broad range of experiments in nuclear photonics and strong field quantum electrodynamics. These experiments often require very precise control of the time delays between pulses. We report measurements of the time delay between the two 1 PW outputs of the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility in Romania. The short-term standard deviation of the time delay was approximately half of the pulse duration of 23 fs, and the average delay drifted with up to 100 fs/h. The drift and sporadic delay jumps were corrected using a feedback loop, which reduced the long-term standard deviation of the delay close to its short-term value. These results imply that in ELI-NP experiments using two simultaneous pulses, a temporal overlap of better than half of the pulse duration can be achieved for more than two thirds of the shots, which would enable high data rate experiments using simultaneous petawatt pulses.
Efficient high-power 2.3 μm continuous-wave laser operation of diffusion-bonded composite YVO4/Tm:GdVO4 crystals
Authors: Yu Xiaoxu , Pan Zhongben , Pan Han , Chu Hongwei , Chen Weidong , Li Dechun
Published: November 2024

We reported on an efficient high-power continuous-wave laser operation on the 3H4 → 3H5 transition of Tm3+ ions in a diffusion-bonded composite YVO4/Tm:GdVO4 crystal. Pumped by a laser diode at 794 nm, a maximum output power of 7.5 W was obtained from a YVO4/Tm:GdVO4 laser at 2.29 μm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 40.3% and exceeding the Stokes limit. To the best of our knowledge, this result represents the maximum power ever achieved from a Tm laser at 2.3 μm.
Double-diffusive convection with gravitationally unstable temperature and concentration gradients in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Hu Chenglong , Yang Yantao
Published: November 2024

Geothermal gradients and heterogeneous permeability are commonly observed in natural geological formations for underground CO

$_2$

sequestration. In this study, we conduct three-dimensional direct numerical simulations on the double-diffusive convection with both unstable temperature and concentration gradients in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media. For homogeneous porous media, the root-mean-squared velocity increases linearly with density ratio defined as the buoyancy ratio by temperature and concentration differences. The flow structures show no remarkable changes when temperature Rayleigh number

${Ra}_T$

is less than its critical value, but alter from sheet-like to cellular structures as

${Ra}_T$

surpasses this threshold. The concentration wavenumber scales approximately as

$k_{rS}\sim {Ra}_e^{0.47}$

with a defined effective Rayleigh number

${Ra}_e$

. By using a scale analysis, the concentration flux exhibits a consistent linear relation with the total driving forces for all simulations. For heterogeneous porous media, where the Dykstra–Parsons coefficient

$V_{DP}$

and correlation length

$l_{r}$

determine the spatial distribution of the permeability field, the flow is strengthened in places with higher permeability. The velocity and concentration flux are less affected by

$l_{r}$

than that by

$V_{DP}$

. For small correlation length, the flow structures coarsen and their characteristic width generally increases with increasing heterogeneity. For large correlation length, small structures emerge in the regions with large permeability, which can be attributed to the intensified local Rayleigh number triggering more vigorous convection there. The variations of concentration flux with

$l_{r}$

and

$V_{DP}$

can be explained by the portion of area covered by high concentration with large vertical velocity near the boundaries.
Willingness to pay of Portuguese sparkling wine consumers: Econometric and machine learning approaches
Authors: Lourenço-Gomes Lina , Pereira Mário Gonzalez , Gonçalves Norberto Jorge , Gonçalves Tânia , Rebelo João
Published: November 2024

Understanding consumer choices and their drivers of willingness to pay (WTP) for a bottle of wine has been a research challenge in wine economics, particularly in niche markets such as sparkling wine. This study investigates the determinants of WTP for sparkling wine based on data from Portuguese consumers. The results provided by two alternative methodologies are compared: a traditional econometric model, based on the estimation of an ordered probit model; and a modelling approach based on data-driven and using machine learning algorithms. Both approaches present similar results, highlighting the relevance of some determinants including income, Champagne brand, not being a protected designation of origin and being a red wine consumer as main predictors of WTP for sparkling wine in Portugal.
Le fardeau administratif dans tous ses états : Saisir les interactions entre les individus et les institutions publiques
Authors: Daigneault Pierre-Marc , Defacqz Samuel , Dupuy Claire
Published: November 2024

Le fardeau administratif renvoie au phénomène selon lequel la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques et, plus généralement, les interactions avec l’État, sont coûteuses et difficiles. Chaque personne est en effet confrontée à des coûts d'apprentissage lorsqu'elle acquiert de l'information sur les programmes et services publics, à des coûts de conformité lorsqu'elle tente de satisfaire à leurs règles, et à des coûts psychologiques (stress, etc.) lorsqu'elle interagit avec ceux-ci. Cette littérature, presque exclusivement anglophone, s'est développée à un rythme effréné. Cette synthèse critique fait le bilan de ces récents développements et propose une discussion articulée autour de trois thèmes : 1) Que sont les fardeaux administratifs et quels enjeux soulèvent-ils? ; 2) Quelles sont les sources des fardeaux? ; et 3) Quelles en sont les conséquences distributives et politiques? Des pistes de recherche future sont proposées pour chacun de ces thèmes.
Drooling in developmentally normal children: a review
Authors: Saniasiaya Jeyasakthy , van der Meer Graeme , Toll Ed C
Published: November 2024

Objective

Drooling or saliva spillage has been explored widely among children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, the approach to drooling in an otherwise developmentally normal child remains unexplored, as it is regarded as self-limiting. Nonetheless, drooling beyond age 4 in the awake stage should raise concern.

Methods

This narrative review aims to shed light on drooling in developmentally normal children, also known as ‘healthy droolers’, and the available evidence on its management.

Results

Most notable factors causing saliva spillage include poor oral-motor control and impaired oral sensation. Delayed saliva acquisition may be an early indicator of developmental or intellectual delay. Drooling impairs both the children's and parents' overall quality of life significantly.

Conclusion

Healthy droolers can be managed by simple behavioural therapy and reassurance.
The native/non-native debate: A practitioner responds
Authors: Griffiths Carol
Published: November 2024

It is, perhaps, with some surprise that I find the native/non-native divide again attracting attention. The first I remember of this being an issue was when we were informed that the native speaker was dead (Paikeday, 1985). Needless to say, to those of us who did not feel at all deceased, this came as a surprise, but the announcement certainly attracted attention. The next contribution to the debate that I remember was Peter Medgyes's (1992) question regarding whether native or non-native was worth more. And so the dispute has continued spasmodically until the present, when we find two pieces on the subject within two recent issues of Language Teaching (Llurda & Calvet-Terré, 2024; Selvi et al., 2024).
Institutions and development in a fragile limited access order of late-medieval Lithuania
Authors: Bureika Mantas
Published: November 2024

Applying the framework of North et al. (2009, Violence and Social Orders: A Conceptual Framework for Interpreting Recorded Human History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), this paper analyses institutional and economic development in a new setting – the Grand Duchy of Lithuania between 1245 and 1386. Although remaining a fragile limited access order, Lithuania achieved positive institutional change. Its elite became more stable by restricting ruling privileges to the grand duke's family and integrating rival dukes through administrative positions and hereditary property rights. This arrangement encouraged land accumulation and productive activity over extraction, while the elite started providing better security to traders and craftsmen seeking to finance its war against the Teutonic Order. Synthesised material evidence reflects development at the extensive margin. However, health data shows no increase in average living standards, potentially due to population growth and inequality. Both sets of findings are consistent with the conceptual framework, as it expects fragile limited access orders to be underdeveloped from a static perspective, but improve following institutional development.
Flexible dual-band antenna for ISM/5G enabled MIMO systems with pattern diversity for wireless body area networks
Authors: Namath Sini , Rajamohan Kumudham , Subramaniam Ramesh , Alagarsamy Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2024

This paper outlines the design of a six-element multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with pattern diversity for industrial scientific medical (ISM)/5G-enabled wireless body area networks (WBANs). Within the MIMO configuration, each element has a quasi-yagi antenna configuration implemented on an ultrathin microwave laminate. The proposed quasi-yagi antenna has a small form factor of 25 × 25 mm, featuring a dipole-like radiator excited through a microstrip-line to tapered slot-line transition. The antenna’s radiators are patterned to ensure a dual-narrow impedance bandwidth. The conventional strip-line director in the planar yagi is replaced with a semicircular loop-like director, enhancing directional radiation patterns. This proposed flexible antenna offers versatile functionality by operating at both ISM standards of 2.45 GHz and the 5G wireless local area network standard at 3.5 GHz. The quasi-yagi elements are strategically distributed in a hexagonal formation to construct the six-element MIMO scheme with pattern diversity, resulting in a tangential radiation pattern suitable for on-body communication. Following fabrication, the prototype MIMO antenna’s simulation results are validated through real-time measurements. The proposed antenna exhibits an average gain exceeding 3.5 dBi across both operating bands. Furthermore, the proposed MIMO antenna exhibits promising performance metrics suitable for densely cluttered WBAN environments.
Comparing herbicide application methods with See & Spray™ technology in soybean
Authors: Avent Tristen H. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Patzoldt William L. , Schwartz-Lazaro Lauren M. , Houston Michael M. , Butts Thomas R. , Vazquez Alan R.
Published: November 2024

New machine-vision technologies like the John Deere See & Spray™ could provide the opportunity to reduce herbicide use by detecting weeds and target-spraying herbicides simultaneously. Experiments were conducted for 2 yr in Keiser, AR, and Greenville, MS, to compare residual herbicide timings and targeted spray applications versus traditional broadcast herbicide programs in glyphosate/glufosinate/dicamba-resistant soybean. Treatments utilized consistent herbicides and rates with a preemergence (PRE) application followed by an early postemergence (EPOST) dicamba application followed by a mid-postemergence (MPOST) glufosinate application. All treatments included a residual at PRE and excluded or included a residual EPOST and MPOST. Additionally, the herbicide application method was considered, with traditional broadcast applications, broadcasted residual + targeted applications of postemergence herbicides (dual tank), or targeted applications of all herbicides (single tank). Targeted applications provided comparable control to broadcast applications with a ≤1% decrease in efficacy and overall control ≥93% for Palmer amaranth, broadleaf signalgrass, morningglory species, and purslane species. Additionally, targeted sprays slightly reduced soybean injury by at most 5 percentage points across all evaluations, and these effects did not translate to a yield increase at harvest. The relationship between weed area and targeted sprayed area also indicates that nozzle angle can influence potential herbicide savings, with narrower nozzle angles spraying less area. On average, targeted sprays saved a range of 28.4% to 62.4% on postemergence herbicides. On the basis of these results, with specific machine settings, targeted application programs could reduce the amount of herbicide applied while providing weed control comparable to that of traditional broadcast applications.