bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waukeshaaspis eatonae n. gen. n. sp.: a specialized dalmanitid (Trilobita) from the Telychian of southeastern Wisconsin
Authors: Randolfe Enrique Alberto , Gass Kenneth C.
Published: November 2024

A new dalmanitid trilobite is described from the early Silurian (Telychian) Waukesha Biota in Wisconsin, USA, best known for its variety of exceptionally preserved arthropods. Waukeshaaspis eatonae new genus new species is the most common trilobite found in the Waukesha Biota, numbering ~200 specimens, allowing a thorough description of the dorsal exoskeleton. This new taxon has a combination of characters unique to the Dalmanitidae, including a distinct embayment on the posterior margin of the pygidium. Embayments are rare for dalmanitids, most species having instead a caudal spine. The lengthening of the genal spines might have served a similar function to that which a caudal spine would have served, allowing the embayment to fulfill a different function, related to keeping an opening when enrolled. The abundance at the preservation site suggests physiological tolerance at the habitation site.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/50a214e3-72f0-4ca2-b8f1-4ad4460bc1d4
Who’s in for no strings: revisiting the determinants of universal basic income support
Authors: Rincón García Leire
Published: November 2024

Universal basic income (UBI) is becoming a prominent alternative to reform the welfare state, yet public support for this policy remains a puzzle. Existing scholarship empirically shows that certain groups like the low-income and left-wing show support, but it remains unclear if this translates to a preference for UBI over alternatives. This paper argues against this assumption: UBI challenges welfare norms and deservingness principles, suggesting people would typically prefer means-tested options. Drawing on a conjoint experiment, this paper empirically shows supportive evidence of the idea that support for a UBI does not translate into an inherent preference for UBI. These findings have widespread implications for both the UBI literature and the politics of welfare reform.
A semi-supervised anomaly detection approach for detecting mechanical failures
Authors: Soete Colin , Rademaker Michaël , Van Hoecke Sofie
Published: November 2024

Predictive maintenance attempts to prevent unscheduled downtime by scheduling maintenance before expected failures and/or breakdowns while maximally optimizing uptime. However, this is a non-trivial problem, which requires sufficient data analytics knowledge and labeled data, either to design supervised fault detection models or to evaluate the performance of unsupervised models. While today most companies collect data by adding sensors to their machinery, the majority of this data is unfortunately not labeled. Moreover, labeling requires expert knowledge and is very cumbersome. To solve this mismatch, we present an architecture that guides experts, only requiring them to label a very small subset of the data compared to today’s standard labeling campaigns that are used when designing predictive maintenance solutions. We use auto-encoders to highlight potential anomalies and clustering approaches to group these anomalies into (potential) failure types. The accompanied dashboard then presents the anomalies to domain experts for labeling. In this way, we enable domain experts to enrich routinely collected machine data with business intelligence via a user-friendly hybrid model, combining auto-encoder models with labeling steps and supervised models. Ultimately, the labeled failure data allows for creating better failure prediction models, which in turn enables more effective predictive maintenance. More specifically, our architecture gets rid of cumbersome labeling tasks, allowing companies to make maximum use of their data and expert knowledge to ultimately increase their profit. Using our methodology, we achieve a labeling gain of 90% at best compared to standard labeling tasks.
Restitution and the Treaty of Versailles: Restitution from Germany to France, 1918–1928
Authors: Lincoln Vanessa
Published: November 2024

This article proposes a re-examination of one of the most controversial cases of reparations: the Treaty of Versailles. By focusing on Article 238, which stipulated the restitution of objects stolen or displaced by the German army during the First World War, we can see that the treaty helped to solidify norms concerning the protection of civilian property in wartime and gave civilians a right to have a voice in international law. However, the process of restitution was beset with both practical and political challenges and its success hinged on the role of public authorities, the nature of the objects returned and the impact of social class dynamics. Through this study, we are able to gain a more nuanced understanding of the possibilities of restitution, its potential as well as its limitations.
Authority, Vigilance, Paranoia: Placing the Dutch Civil Militia in the History of the Paramilitary Radical Right, 1918–1940
Authors: Kunkeler Celestine S.
Published: November 2024

The formation of the civil militias (burgerwachten) in 1918 across a range of Dutch cities, in response to the threat of revolution, has received extremely limited attention in both Dutch and international historiography. They have never been studied in their own right, having been considered a largely local and politically irrelevant phenomenon. In fact this large voluntary organisation existed both locally and nationally, and recruited over 100,000 men and women, and had ties to state and fringe groups abroad. Reconstructing the formation and development of the militias, and analysing its character as a paramilitary and strikebreaking organisation, this article demonstrates that the militias were an important ideological formation. The militia institutionalised anti-Bolshevism and radical right paramilitarism in the Netherlands, and as such had a role to play in the counter-revolutionary network that was developed across Europe.
Developing a Postpandemic Model for Hybrid Clinical Ethics Rotations in Postgraduate Medical Education
Authors: Kolmes Sara , Dirksen Kevin M.
Published: November 2024

Bioethics education in residency helps trainees achieve many of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones and gives them resources to respond to bioethical dilemmas. For this purpose, The Providence Center for Health Care Ethics has offered a robust clinical ethics rotation since 2000. The importance of bioethics for residents was highlighted as the COVID-19 pandemic raised significant bioethical concerns and moral distress for residents. This, combined with significant COVID-19-related practical stressors on residents led us to develop a virtual ethics rotation. A virtual rotation allowed residents flexibility as they were called to help respond to the unprecedented demands of a pandemic without compromising high quality education. This virtual rotation prioritized flexibility to support resident wellbeing and ethical analysis of resident experiences. This article describes how this rotation was able to serve residents without overstraining limited bandwidth, and address the loci of resident pandemic distress. As pandemic pressures lessened, The Providence Center for Health Care Ethics transitioned to a hybrid rotation which continues to prioritize resident wellbeing and analysis of ongoing stressors while incorporating in-person elements where they can improve learning. This article provides a description of the rotation in its final form and resident feedback on its effectiveness.
Heterogeneity in 10-year course trajectories of moderate to severe major depressive disorder among veterans
Authors: Panaite V. , Luther S. L. , Finch D. K. , Cohen N. J. , Schultz S. K. , Tsalatsanis A. , Pfeiffer P. N.
Published: November 2024

Aims

Epidemiological studies show that despite the episodic nature, the long-term trajectory of depression can be variable. This study evaluated the heterogeneity of 10-year trajectory of major depressive disorder (MDD) related service utilization and associated clinical characteristics among US Veterans with a first diagnosis after 9/11.

Methods

Using a cohort design, electronic health record data for 293,265 Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans were extracted to identify those with MDD between 2001 and 2021 with a full preceding year of clinical data and 10 years following the diagnosis. Latent class growth analysis compared clinical characteristics associated with four depression trajectories. Across all Veterans Affairs (VA)hospitals, 25,307 Veterans met our inclusion criteria. Demographic and clinical information from medical records was extracted and used as predictors of depression 10-year trajectories.

Results

Among the study cohort (N = 25,307), 27.7% were characterized by brief contact, 41.7% were later re-entry, 17.6% were persistent contact and 12.9% were prolonged initial contact for depression related services. Compared to Veterans with trajectories showing brief contact, those with protracted treatment (persistent or prolonged initial contact) were more likely to be diagnosed with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and with MDD that was moderate to severe or recurrent.

Conclusions

Depression is associated with a range of treatment trajectories. The persistent and prolonged initial contact trajectories may have distinct characteristics and uniquely high resource utilization and disability income. We can anticipate that patients with comorbid PTSD may need longer-term care which has implications for brief models of care.
Sensitivity of Southcentral U.S. Johnsongrass Accessions to Selected Herbicides
Authors: Fleming Jacob , Norsworthy Jason K. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar , Subramanian Nithya , Barber Tom , Manuchehri Misha , Kumar Vipan , Piveta Leonardo
Published: November 2024

New technologies in grain sorghum allow for the use of multiple acetyl CoA carboxylase- (ACCase) or acetolactate synthase- (ALS) inhibiting herbicides for johnsongrass control. With the growing issue of herbicide resistance, producers need to understand which herbicides will successfully control johnsongrass accessions. To determine the efficacy of herbicides recently registered or ones with potential to become available for use in grain sorghum, johnsongrass seeds were collected from 2017 to 2021 in Arkansas, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma and were screened for sensitivity to fluazifop, quizalofop, nicosulfuron, and imazamox. Additionally, glyphosate sensitivity was evaluated because of its use before planting or postharvest. Quizalofop resulted in 100% mortality of all johnsongrass accessions. Of the johnsongrass accessions evaluated, 89% were completely controlled with glyphosate. The ALS inhibitors nicosulfuron and imazamox resulted in 100% mortality of all Oklahoma accessions, but failures occurred on samples from other states. One accession from Kansas, 12 from Texas, and eight from Arkansas were found to have reduced sensitivity to nicosulfuron and imazamox. If producers plan to plant grain sorghum in areas with johnsongrass populations, an ACCase-inhibitor herbicide will most likely provide effective control. Imazamox and nicosulfuron, in conjunction with the appropriate trait, can be utilized in areas with sensitive johnsongrass populations or where other sensitive grass species are present.
Newly Established Bermudagrass Response to Topramezone and Photosystem II-Inhibitor Herbicides
Authors: Negrisoli Raphael M. , Odero D. Calvin
Published: November 2024

Bermudagrass is the most troublesome and difficult-to-control perennial grass weed in Florida sugarcane. Once established, it is only controlled effectively during the sugarcane fallow period using nonselective herbicides and tillage combinations. It is important to evaluate options for selective management of bermudagrass that escape sugarcane fallow period management programs to mitigate its progressive increase as the crop cycle increases from plant cane to ratoon crops. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted in Belle Glade, Florida, from 2017 to 2018 to determine the response of newly established bermudagrass from sprigs with stolons to two or three sequential applications of topramezone (25 and 50 g ha-1) every 14 d and the combinations of topramezone (25 and 50 g ha-1 ) with photosystem II (PS II)-inhibitor herbicides atrazine (2,240 g ha-1), ametryn (440 g ha-1), and metribuzin (2,240 g ha-1). Two or three sequential applications of topramezone with a cumulative total of 75 to 100 g ha-1 provided >93% bermudagrass control 42 d after the first sequential application under greenhouse and field conditions. These treatments had 12% chance of survival 70 d after the first sequential application. There was an additive effect of PS-II inhibitor herbicides on bermudagrass control in mixtures with topramezone. The mixture of topramezone (50 g ha-1) with metribuzin and atrazine provided more than 87% and 92% bermudagrass control under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively, 42 d after treatment. Bermudagrass treated with topramezone (50 g ha-1) mixture with metribuzin had 23% chance of survival 70 d after treatment. The results show good efficacy of sequential topramezone applications every 14 d or mixtures with PS-II inhibitor herbicides atrazine and metribuzin for control of newly established bermudagrass which typically escape control measures during the sugarcane fallow management period.
Barley cover crops outperform brown mustard for early-season weed control in New Mexico chile pepper
Authors: Toth Caroline R. , Schutte Brian J.
Published: November 2024

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and brown mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] are winter cover crops known to produce allelochemicals that suppress plant growth. Incorporating barley or brown mustard residues into the soil before planting a spring-seeded cash crop may suppress early-season weeds in the cash crop; however, the comparative levels of weed suppression offered by barley and brown mustard cover crops incorporated into soil have not been determined. This study analyzed the relative capacities of barley and brown mustard cover crops to suppress early-season weeds of spring-seeded chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Reductions in weed density or hand-hoeing time as a result of barley and/or brown mustard cover crop treatment were determined in two chile pepper fields in New Mexico over two growing seasons. For cover crop species that suppressed weeds in multiple site-years, a controlled environment study clarified possible growth stages adversely affected by determining the effects of cover crop–amended soil on the germination and seedling development of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson). Field study results indicated barley reduced early-season weed densities of chile pepper by up to 80% compared with the noncover control. Barley also reduced hoeing time in 3 of 4 site-years without affecting chile pepper fruit yield. Mustard cover crops reduced weed density in only 1 site-year (56% reduction relative to noncover control) and did not decrease hoeing time. The controlled environment study indicated that soil amended with barley slowed germination of A. palmeri without inhibiting seedling development. The results of this study indicate that a barley cover crop is more effective than brown mustard for early-season weed control of chile pepper in the southwestern United States.
Was Hans Asperger Complicit in the Nazi Child Euthanasia by Participating in the Gugging Commission?
Authors: Tatzer Ernst , Maleczek Werner
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Objective: In 2018, Herwig Czech (2018 , 2020 ) and Edith Sheffer (2018 ) accused Hans Asperger of complicity in the Nazi child euthanasia program also because of his participation in the Gugging Commission. Method: We reviewed all documents related to the Commission to clarify Asperger’s role. Results: The Commission consisted of officials from Vienna and Lower Danube and had the primary task of determining which children admitted to Gugging could attend an auxiliary school. As part of the investigations, a group of children was also diagnosed as incapable of learning and developing normally based on a list prepared by Gugging’s Director. According to two documents prepared for the Commission, these children were to be assigned to the “Aktion Jekelius”. The two authors imply that “Aktion Jekelius” was a cover term for the murder of these children and was known as such. However, this designation was communicated only within the Reich Governor’s Office in Lower Danube. Conclusion: According to the available documents, there is no indication that Hans Asperger, as a member of the Vienna delegation, knew about “Aktion Jekelius” and its hidden murderous intentions. He therefore had no reason to refuse to participate in the Commission. Analysis of the subsequent transfers of children to Spiegelgrund showed no direct connection with the Commission’s activities.
Perceived Effectiveness of Components of Interventions to Support People Bereaved By Suicide
Authors: Hofmann Laura , Putri Adelia Khrisna , Pitman Alexandra , Bantjes Jason , Castelli Dransart Dolores Angela , Causer Hilary , Cerel Julie , Chow Amy , De Leo Diego , Feigelman Bill , Genest Christine , Griffin Eve , Hybholt Lisbeth , Kawashima Daisuke , Kõlves Kairi , Krysinska Karolina , Leaune Edouard , Leenaars Antoon , Levi-Belz Yossi , McNally Sandra , Omerov Pernilla , Pelaez Silvia , Peprah Jennifer , Postuvan Vita , Rothes Inês Areal , Scavacini Karen , Scocco Paolo , Seibl Regina , Hagström Anneli Silvén , Skruibis Paulius , Thomyangkoon Prakarn , Tiatia-Siau Jemaima , Van der Hallen Ruth , Wagner Birgit , Andriessen Karl
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Background: Suicide bereavement increases the probability of adverse outcomes related to grief, social functioning, mental health, and suicidal behavior. While more support for individuals bereaved by suicide has become available, the evidence regarding its effectiveness is not straightforward. The literature suggests that identifying best-practice components is key in designing effective postvention interventions. Aims: This metareview aims to identify components of suicide bereavement interventions perceived to be effective by suicide-bereaved people. Method: The review adhered to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Emcare, EBM Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 11 eligible systematic reviews published between 2008 and 2023. The methodological quality was assessed using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) (PROSPERO registration CRD42023458300). Results: Our narrative synthesis reported the components perceived to be effective in relation to structure and content of interventions, facilitators, and modality (peer, group, community, online). Limitations: The quality of the included reviews varied considerably, and not all reviews reported on perceived effectiveness of interventions’ components. Meta-analysis of findings was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Conclusion: The findings provide crucial information for researchers, service providers, and policymakers to enhance the provision of evidence-based support for people bereaved by suicide.
Comparing conventional and action video game training in visual perceptual learning
Authors: Yeh Maggie S. , Li Tan , Huang Jinfeng , Liu Zili
Published: November 2024

Action video game (AVG) playing has been found to transfer to a variety of laboratory tasks in visual cognition. More recently, it has even been found to transfer to low-level visual "psychophysics tasks. This is unexpected since such low-level tasks have traditionally been found to be largely “immune” to transfer from another task, or even from the same task but a different stimulus attribute, e.g., motion direction. In this study, we set out to directly quantify transfer efficiency from AVG training to motion discrimination. Participants (n = 65) trained for 20 h on either a first-person active shooting video game, or a motion direction discrimination task with random dots. They were tested before, midway, and after training with the same motion task and an orientation discrimination task that had been shown to receive transfer from AVG training, but not from motion training. A subsequent control group (n = 18) was recruited to rule out any test–retest effect, by taking the same tests with the same time intervals, but without training. We found that improvement in motion discrimination performance was comparable between the AVG training and control groups, and less than the motion discrimination training group. We could not replicate the AVG transfer to orientation discrimination, but this was likely due to the fact that our participants were practically at chance for this task at all test points. Our study found no evidence, in either accuracy or reaction time, that AVG training transferred to motion discrimination. Overall, our results suggest that AVG training transferred little to lower-level visual skills, refining understanding of the mechanisms by which AVGs may affect vision.

Protocol registration The accepted stage 1 protocol for this study can be found on the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/zdv9c/?view_only=5b3b0c161dad448d9d1d8b14ce91ab11.

The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 01/12/22. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZDV9C
An evaluation of online information acquisition in US news deserts
Authors: Greene Kevin T. , Pisharody Nilima , Guevara Alonso , Evans Nathan , Shapiro Jacob N.
Published: November 2024

A growing concern is that as local newspapers disappear, communities lose trusted gatekeepers and develop information voids, creating openings for misinformation to thrive. Previous work has not evaluated whether residents of news deserts have developed different information acquisition habits. We fill this gap by directly comparing information consumption and referral patterns inside and outside of news deserts in a novel dataset of engagement with online media by millions of users on the Edge browser. We find little evidence that those in news deserts consume more low-quality sites or are more likely to be referred to low-quality sites from search engines or social media. We find some evidence that those in news deserts do consume more national news than locations with local media outlets. These results contribute to our understanding of how the loss of local newspapers has impacted online information acquisition.
Variable resolution machine learning optimization of antennas using global sensitivity analysis
Authors: Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Koziel Slawomir
Published: November 2024

The significance of rigorous optimization techniques in antenna engineering has grown significantly in recent years. For many design tasks, parameter tuning must be conducted globally, presenting a challenge due to associated computational costs. The popular bio-inspired routines often necessitate thousands of merit function calls to converge, generating prohibitive expenses whenever the design process relies on electromagnetic (EM) simulation models. Surrogate-assisted methods offer acceleration, yet constructing reliable metamodels is hindered in higher-dimensional spaces and systems with highly nonlinear characteristics. This work suggests an innovative technique for global antenna optimization embedded within a machine-learning framework. It involves iteratively refined kriging surrogates and particle swarm optimization for generating infill points. The search process operates within a reduced-dimensionality region established through fast global sensitivity analysis. Domain confinement enables the creation of accurate behavioral models using limited training data, resulting in low CPU costs for optimization. Additional savings are realized by employing variable-resolution EM simulations, where low-fidelity models are utilized during the global search stage (including sensitivity analysis), and high-fidelity ones are reserved for final (gradient-based) tuning of antenna parameters. Comprehensive verification demonstrates the consistent performance of the proposed procedure, its superiority over benchmark techniques, and the relevance of the mechanisms embedded into the algorithm for enhancing search process reliability, design quality, and computational efficiency.
The circulatory levels and bone expression of MIR21, 34a, 155 and their target genes in a section of Egyptian Population
Authors: El-Tahan Rasha A , Oriquat Ghaleb A , Sorour Islam , Salem Sherif M , Kamel Maher A , Michel Trez N , Abu-Samra Nehal
Published: November 2024

Bone tissue is constantly regenerated and repaired through a finely balanced process known as bone remodeling. Many miRNAs act as regulators of the signaling pathways involved in bone metabolic processes to maintain tissue homeostasis. This study aimed to assess the circulating levels of MIR21, MIR34a, and MIR155 in human serum and their bone expression, and the expression of bone turnover-related genes which can reflect the bone quality. This prospective study was conducted on 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) indicated for surgical interventions for neural decompression +/- fixation. Relative quantification of expression of MIR21, miR34a, and MIR155 and bone related genes was assayed using PCR. The serum levels of osteocalcin and Serum Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (sBAP) were assayed using a human ELISA kit. The main finding of the present work was the strong positive association between the circulating levels of only miR21 and MIR155 and their bone expression in the population under study and with bone markers and target genes Also, a positive association was found between both bone expression and circulating MIR21 levels with age and sBAP. These results suggest that the circulating levels of these microRNAs as early markers for the predication of bone quality.
Comparison of AI software tools for automated detection, quantification and categorization of pulmonary nodules in the HANSE LCS trial
Authors: Kondrashova Rimma , Klimeš Filip , Kaireit Till Frederik , May Katharina , Barkhausen Jörg , Stiebeler Susanne , Sperl Jonathan , Dettmer Sabine , Wacker Frank , Vogel-Claussen Jens
Published: November 2024

Participant management in a lung cancer screening (LCS) depends on the assigned Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) category, which is based on reliable detection and measurement of pulmonary nodules. The aim of this study was to compare the agreement of two AI-based software tools for detection, quantification and categorization of pulmonary nodules in an LCS program in Northern Germany (HANSE-trial). 946 low-dose baseline CT-examinations were analyzed by two AI software tools regarding lung nodule detection, quantification and categorization and compared to the final radiologist read. The relationship between detected nodule volumes by both software tools was assessed by Pearson correlation (r) and tested for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The consistency of Lung-RADS classifications between Software tool 1 (S1, Aview v2.5, Coreline Soft, Seoul, Korea) and Software tool 2 (S2, Prototype ‘’ChestCTExplore’’, software version ToDo, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) was evaluated by Cohen’s kappa (κ) and percentual agreement (PA).The derived volumes of true positive nodules were strongly correlated (r > 0.95), the volume derived by S2 was significantly higher than by S1 (P < 0.0001, mean difference: 6mm3). Moderate PA (62%) between S1 and S2 was found in the assignment of Lung-RADS classification (κ = 0.45). The PA of Lung-RADS classification to final read was 75% and 55% for S1 and S2, but the incorporation of S1 into the initial nodule detection and segmentation must be considered here. Significant nodule volume differences between AI software tools lead to different Lung-RADS scores in 38% of cases, which may result in altered participant management. Therefore, high performance and agreement of accredited AI software tools are necessary for a future national LCS program.
Heat-inactivated Streptococcus pneumoniae augments circadian clock gene expression in zebrafish cells
Authors: Morales Fénero Camila , Sacksteder Raina E. , Diamos Andrew G. , Kimmey Jacqueline M.
Published: November 2024

The circadian clock is a cell-autonomous process that regulates daily internal rhythms by interacting with environmental signals. Reports across species show that infection can alter the expression of circadian genes; however, in teleosts, these effects are influenced by light exposure. Currently, no reports analyze the direct effects of bacterial exposure on the zebrafish clock. Using zebrafish Z3 cells, we demonstrate that exposure to heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HK-Spn) augments the expression of core repressive factors in a light- and time-dependent manner. In constant darkness, HK-Spn highly upregulated cry1a, per3, and per1b expression. In the presence of light, HK-Spn exposure rapidly and strongly upregulated per2 and cry1a, and this was proportionally increased with light intensity. The combinatorial effect of light and HK-Spn on per2 and cry1a was not duplicated with H2O2, a known byproduct of light exposure. However, the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine was sufficient to block HK-Spn augmentation of per2, cry1a, and per3. These findings demonstrate that exposure to an inactive bacteria influences the expression of zebrafish clock genes under different light conditions.
Ultrasound identification of the cementoenamel junction and clinical correlation through ex vivo analysis
Authors: Qi Baiyan , Fu Lei , Abdelrehim Tamer , Chang Jason J. , Chang Harrison , Chen Casey , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: November 2024

Accurately identifying periodontal landmarks via acoustic imaging is increasingly important. Here, we evaluated the accuracy of cementoenamel junction (CEJ) identification using ultrasound by comparing it to clinical methods in 153 extracted human teeth. The distance between the CEJ to a reference point was measured using two clinical methods (visual examination and tactile sensation) as well as ultrasound imaging. Statistical analyses were performed across all teeth and sub-groups, including tooth types (incisors, cuspids, and molars/premolars), and two classifications: A- vs. B- (visually detectable or undetectable CEJ, respectively); and CL-S vs. CL-D (shallow or deep cervical lesions). In A- or CL-S teeth, ultrasound measurements highly agreed with clinical measurements, showing a 1.72-mm 95% CI for A- and 1.99-mm 95% CI for CL-S compared to visual examination, and a 1.77-mm 95% CI for A- and a 2.10-mm 95% CI for CL-S compared to tactile sensation, respectively. For 80% of A- and 76% of CL-S teeth, the difference between ultrasound and visual examination was within ± 20%. For 81% of A- and 80% of CL-S teeth, the difference between ultrasound and tactile sensation was within ± 20%. The variance of ultrasound versus clinical CEJ identifications showed a significant correlation (r = 0.6607) to the cervical lesion depth. The errors between ultrasound and clinical measurements show no significant bias across different tooth types.
Crossmodal correspondences between visual and speech angularity and tactile jaggedness of response key
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Ueno Naoki , Nakahashi Keigo , Nagai Masayoshi
Published: November 2024

Several studies reported various crossmodal correspondences related to tactile features. These previous studies have investigated tactile-related correspondences through explicit matching or subjective evaluation tasks, which required participants to recognize relationships between tactile and other sensory features or rate tactile materials on scales with adjective labels related to visual or auditory features. However, these tasks are prone to occur the experimenter-expectancy effects and arbitrary categorization of tactile materials by the labels, making it difficult to assess implicit and non-arbitrary aspects of crossmodal correspondences. To address this, we used a speeded classification task to examine whether the angularity/roundedness of visual and auditory stimuli correspond to tactile jaggedness/fluffiness. Participants distinguished between angularity or roundedness (Experiment 1: visual shapes; Experiment 2: speech sounds) by pressing right- or left-positioned response keys with task-irrelevant jaggedness or fluffiness without prior instruction on which key represented jaggedness/fluffiness. Results showed faster keypresses for jagged/fluffy responses to angular/rounded stimuli, suggesting an implicit correspondence between these sensory features except for the experimenter-expectancy effects and the influence of the labels. Unlike previous studies that examined the correspondence with simple tactile features (e.g., weight, size), our findings suggest that even complex tactile-quality features, such as jaggedness/fluffiness, implicitly correspond to visual and auditory angularity/roundedness.
Next-generation methods for precise pH detection in ocular chemical burns: a review of recent analytical advancements
Authors: Sandaruwan H. H. P. Benuwan , Manatunga Danushika C. , N. Liyanage Renuka , Costha Narahenpitage Pabakara , Dassanayake Rohan S. , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Zhou Yang , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

This review emphasizes the need for new ocular pH measurement technologies such as contact lenses, fiber optic sensors, pH-responsive films, nanomaterials, and sensors to improve accuracy beyond conventional methods.
A multifunctional zeolite film enables stable high-voltage operation of a LiCoO2 cathode
Authors: Lin Zezhou , Ying Yiran , Xu Zhihang , Chen Gao , Gong Xi , Wang Zehua , Guan Daqin , Zhao Leqi , Yang Mingyang , Fan Ke , Liu Tiancheng , Li Hao , Zhang Honglei , Li Huangxu , Zhang Xi , Zhu Ye , Lu Zhouguang , Shao Zongping , Hou Peiyu , Huang Haitao
Published: November 2024

This work proposes a multifunctional AlPO4-5 zeolite coating with a unique porous structure for developing a high-voltage LiCoO2 cathode.
Correlation between organic residuals of green synthesized nanoparticles and resistive switching behavior
Authors: Duong Trung Bao Ngoc , Pham Phu-Quan , Tran Anh Thuy , Bui Dat Tan , Pham Anh Tuan Thanh , Thi Nguyen Tien Cam , Nguyen Linh Ho Thuy , Dieu Thi Ung Thuy , Vu Hoang Nam , Pham Ngoc Kim
Published: November 2024

The analog characteristics and RS mechanism of ZnO-based memristors.
Hydrogen-intercalation PdZn bimetallene for urea electro-synthesis from nitrate and carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Wang Yanan , Xu Shan , Deng Kai , Yu Hongjie , Xu You , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: November 2024

We have reported the incorporation of hydrogen into PdZn bimetallene, showing excellent performance for electrosynthesis of urea due to the optimized adsorption energy of intermediates.
Ternary NiFeCo-glycerolate catalysts: rational design for improved oxygen evolution reaction efficiency
Authors: Lima Irlan S. , Gonçalves Josué M. , Angnes Lucio
Published: November 2024

This work reports a ternary Ni0.4Fe0.3Co0.3-glycerolate as an OER electrocatalyst using a one-step solvothermal strategy. This optimized composition achieved an overpotential of 277 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH.
Breaking the trade-off between ΔEST and oscillator strength in hybrid LR/SR-CT compounds for enhanced TADF performance
Authors: R. Nikhitha , Mondal Anirban
Published: November 2024

We design hybrid thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters through quantum chemical calculations and numerical simulations.
Protective effect of mesenchymal stromal cells in diabetic nephropathy: the In vitro and In vivo role of the M-Sec-tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Barutta Federica , Corbetta Beatrice , Bellini Stefania , Gambino Roberto , Bruno Stefania , Kimura Shunsuke , Hase Koji , Ohno Hiroshi , Gruden Gabriella
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the development of podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) are long channels that connect cells and allow organelle exchange. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can transfer mitochondria to other cells through the M-Sec-TNTs system. However, it remains unexplored whether MSCs can form heterotypic TNTs with podocytes, thereby enabling the replacement of diabetes-damaged mitochondria. In this study, we analysed TNT formation, mitochondrial transfer, and markers of cell injury in podocytes that were pre-exposed to diabetes-related insults and then co-cultured with diabetic or non-diabetic MSCs. Furthermore, to assess the in vivo relevance, we treated DN mice with exogenous MSCs, either expressing or lacking M-Sec, carrying fluorescent-tagged mitochondria. MSCs formed heterotypic TNTs with podocytes, allowing mitochondrial transfer, via a M-Sec-dependent mechanism. This ameliorated mitochondrial function, nephrin expression, and reduced apoptosis in recipient podocytes. However, MSCs isolated from diabetic mice failed to confer cytoprotection due to Miro-1 down-regulation. In experimental DN, treatment with exogenous MSCs significantly improved DN, but no benefit was observed in mice treated with MSCs lacking M-Sec. Mitochondrial transfer from exogenous MSCs to podocytes occurred in vivo in a M-Sec-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the M-Sec-TNT-mediated transfer of mitochondria from healthy MSCs to diabetes-injured podocytes can ameliorate podocyte damage. Moreover, M-Sec expression in exogenous MSCs is essential for providing renoprotection in vivo in experimental DN.
The effect of different mission profiles and ambient temperature on the lifetime of boost converter IGBT with a robust controller in a hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Salim Majid , Safarzadeh Omid
Published: November 2024

The reliability of power electronic converters is one of the essential issues in designing of electric vehicles. This paper estimates the lifetime of the boost converter switch by Semikron and Coffin‐Manson models for two common failure mechanisms of Bond wire and Base plate solder, respectively. Four mission profiles based on the Artemis standard are applied to hybrid electrical vehicle model to determine unidirectional output power. Kharitonov's theory is used to design a robust controller to handle the uncertainty raised by different power cycles of the electric vehicle and the parameters of the converter during simulation. Stability of converter is achieved during simulation by identifying simple proportional integral controller coefficients with Kharitonov's theorem. A prototype 230 W boost converter is designed and utilized to validate average model and switch loss calculation relationships. The lifetime results indicate that the number of cycles, and the average and the maximum junction temperature have a more impact than the duration of the drive cycle on the lifetime of the converter. A mixed mission profile is considered to investigate the effect of sudden change in driving modes and speed on total consumed life and lifetime to enhance the study's applicability. Lifetime of switch is decreased significantly in mixed mode in comparison with other mission profiles in the same driving time. Furthermore, the motorway mission profile has 53%, 39.6%, and 160% less total consumed life in comparison with the urban, rural and mixed mission profiles, respectively. In addition, the effect of ambient temperature changes on IGBT lifetime has been investigated for four mission profiles. While motorway had the least total consumed life in 25°C, the urban had better performance in comparison with other mission profiles from 25 to 55°C.
Feasibility study of analogue filters based on memristor
Authors: Gao Shan , Chandrasekaran Sridhar , Purnama Irwan , Simanjuntak Firman Mangasa
Published: November 2024

This paper reports the critical parameters in fitting the Al:HfO2 memristor and exploits the memristor symbol derived from this fitting to design filter circuits. Memristor‐based filters can obtain at least two different filter ranges with the same filtering effect as conventional filters. Multistate resistance can be achieved by controlling the filamentary gap; adjusting the initial gap in the high resistance state from 1 to 0.1 nm could vary the cut‐off frequency of the filters from 230 MHz to 1.54 GHz. Memristor‐based band‐pass filter is also simulated by cascading a low‐pass filter and a high‐pass filter; the results show that a cut‐off frequency of 5.46 to 22.22 GHz can be tuned by adjusting the initial gap of a low resistance state from 0.4 nm down to 0.2 nm. Replacing the resistor in a conventional filter with a memristor allows the filter to have a variable range; this would solve the limitation where the conventional analogue filters have only a single filter range due to the fixed values of their constituent elements.
Identification and Mitigation of Deposited Indoor Air Microplastics in an Office Environment in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Dewika M. , Markandan Kalaimani , Nagaratnam Shalini , Irfan N. Ahmad , Jamian Nor Ruwaida , Yusuf Sara Yasina , Khalid Mohammad , Wong Alexander H.M. , Chin W.M.
Published: November 2024

Microplastic (MP) contamination in indoor environments has become a growing concern due to its potential health risks and environmental implications. Since humans spend a significant portion of their lives indoors, exposure to MPs through various pathways, including settled dust, air, water, and food, is a substantial concern. Ventilation, air conditioning, and filtration systems play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. This study investigated the effectiveness of Air Purifier Units (APUs) in reducing MP concentrations in office environments within a Malaysian university. The efficiency of APUs can vary depending on factors such as purifier type, filtration method, airflow rate, and room size. The results demonstrated a 35% average reduction in MP counts when APUs were operational, regardless of whether air vents were open or closed. Specifically, with air vents open, MP counts decreased from 1273.8 to 825.5 when the APU was on. Similarly, with air vents closed, counts dropped from 1272.4 to 831.5. These findings were further validated through statistical analysis using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and the Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, and Dunn’s test for group comparisons. The study’s findings highlight the significant impact of APUs in mitigating airborne MP exposure, contributing to improved indoor air quality and reducing potential health risks associated with MP inhalation. These results provide valuable insights for building managers, policymakers, and individuals seeking to create healthier indoor environments.
The Development of Traceability Technology in The Fisheries Industry Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pembayun Lintar Sekar , Widodo Kuncoro Harto , Hajad Makbul , Manikharda
Published: November 2024

Traceability has become an essential component of the fisheries supply chain. It ensures food safety, verifies product legitimacy, and addresses customer concerns about product origin and authenticity. In fisheries traceability refers to the ability to track the source and movement of fishery products throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this study is to find out how the development of traceability in the fisheries supply chain today. This study uses documents in the form of scientific articles obtained from 3 reference sources namely Scopus, PubMed and WebofScience. The total articles obtained were 2655 which were then screened from the title, abstract to the suitability of the documents obtained with the objectives of this study which resulted in 40 selected articles. The traceability system in the fisheries supply chain has been very developed and also uses the latest technology to guarantee the seafood obtained by consumers, but there are still many obstacles such as dishonest fisheries industry players that make the system not run well. The development of digital technology utilizing IoT, QR codes, and e-DNA is required to integrate monitoring technology so that marine products presented to consumers can be guaranteed.
Seasonal Water Level Variations and Predictive Modeling in Kampung Parit Hylam, Johor
Authors: Uma Muhammad Hazim Ahmad , Musa Sabariah , Jaafar Nuranisha Irdayu , Zulkifli Nur Farahanim Mohd
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to assess seasonal water level variations and their impacts in Kampung Parit Hylam, located on the West Coast of Johor. The research focused on the distinct effects of the Southwest Monsoon (April-September) dry season and the Northeast Monsoon (October-March) wet season. The study quantified water level variations across seasons by analyzing historical tidal records, weather data, and earth-level measurements. Using Minitab software, the project predicted short-term water level changes over 3, 6, and 9 months, based on historical trends and future climate scenarios. The Winter Multiplicative Method model, with a MAPE of 6% for low tides and 0% for high tides, was selected for its accuracy and ability to capture seasonal patterns. For March, June, and September 2024, actual low tide levels were 0.60 m, 0.00 m, and 0.60 m, respectively, while forecasted levels were 0.67 m, 0.68 m, and 0.54 m, with a 95% PI ranging from 0.60 m to 0.80 m, closely matching the actual values. Similarly, actual high tide levels were 2.60 m, 2.30 m, and 2.60 m, with forecasted levels at 2.67 m, 2.72 m, and 2.68 m, with a 95% PI of 2.60 m to 2.70 m, accurately covering the actual levels. These levels were significantly below the minimum bund height of 4 m, indicating effective protection. Additionally, the study evaluated the effectiveness of existing bunds in mitigating water level rise and structural vulnerability. The findings aimed to provide accurate water level forecasts, support effective water resource management, and offer recommendations for enhancing bund design and maintenance. This comprehensive analysis was intended to aid local authorities and the community in planning and preparing for the impacts of seasonal water level fluctuations.
Experiments on Soil Microcosms for The Assessment of Greenhouse Gases Fluxes from Different Land Uses in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Laslo Lucian , Enache Natalia , Matei M. , Boboc M. , Radu Alexandru , Ramli Norazrin
Published: November 2024

The importance of greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in ecosystematmosphere exchanges has grown due to climate change impacts. Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires emission reduction and removals, with land use contributing the most. Despite the advance of techniques to quantify GHG dynamics and their involved parameters, it is still uncertain how GHG fluxes respond to changes in each involved parameter, especially for in-situ conditions. Soil moisture and temperature are important parameters in relation to GHG fluxes, with a high degree of natural variation and influence from climate change. With the aim to establish the sensitivity of GHG fluxes for different soil types to natural and anthropogenic variations of parameters, experiments can be conducted in laboratory conditions with efficient resource allocation. Soils were sampled from parcels of long term in-situ monitored lands and large pots were prepared to create microcosms for tests in laboratory conditions. The results of GHG flux monitoring (CO2) are presented in relation to soil moisture as a result of precipitation simulations by water applications on selected microcosms (from agricultural crops and abandoned land). The laboratory results are also compared with field measurements from the same parcels, realised in a period with similar precipitation quantities and temperatures. The presented results constitute the starting point for the laboratory tests on soils, verified by field data, with the aim of establishing the most suitable intervals of parameters for performant land use and carbon removal.