bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Pressure‐Resistant and Mechanically Durable Superhydrophobic Coatings via Non‐Solvent Induced Phase Separation for Anti‐Icing
Authors: Li Bucheng , Liang Weidong , Zhang Jiaren , Wei Jinfei , Mao Mingyuan , Zhang Junping
Published: October 2024

Inspired by the lotus leaf effect, superhydrophobic coatings have significant potential in various fields, However, their poor pressure resistance, weak mechanical durability, and complex preparation processes severely limit practical applications. Here, a method for preparing pressure‐resistant and durable superhydrophobic coatings by simply spray‐coating a phase separation suspension containing fluorinated silica nanoparticles and polyolefin adhesive onto substrates is introduced, which forms superhydrophobic coatings with a porous and hierarchical micro‐/nanostructure. The resulting superhydrophobic coatings exhibit outstanding pressure resistance, maintaining a Cassie‐Baxte state after 18 days of submersion in 1 m of water. Furthermore, the coatings demonstrate remarkable mechanical durability, withstanding 200 cycles of Taber abrasion, 100 cycles of tape‐peeling, and 750 g of sand abrasion. The coatings also show excellent chemical stability, enduring long‐term immersion in corrosive liquids and 120 d of outdoor exposure. Additionally, the coatings display excellent anti‐icing properties and can be applied to various substrate surfaces. This approach improves on the limitations of conventional superhydrophobic coatings and accelerates the application of superhydrophobic coatings in real‐world environments.
Boosting Fast Charging of Lithium‐Metal Batteries via Weak Interactions Between Non‐Solvating Solvents and Anions in High‐Safety Eutectic Electrolytes
Authors: Xie Lin , Liang Yihong , Wang Jialin , Wu Wanbao , Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: October 2024

Proper design of the solvation structure is crucial for the development of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this paper, the use of 1,2‐Dimethoxyethane (DME) as a non‐solvating cosolvent in amide‐based eutectic electrolytes is proposed to address challenges related to high viscosity, high polarization, and low conductivity, thus enhancing the compatibility with lithium metal anodes. Through physical characterization combined with simulation calculations the existence of a weak interaction between DME and anions is confirmed, which promotes the dissociation of lithium salts and increases the Li+ transference number and diffusion coefficient, thus improving the fast charging performance of eutectic electrolytes. In addition, stable SEI layer enriched with inorganic components is formed during the cycling process, resulting in uniform and dense lithium deposition. The fast charging performance of the cell can be effectively improved by utilizing the interaction between anions and solvents. The LiFePO4 (LFP)||Li cell has a capacity retention of 97% after 1200 cycles at 5 C and also performs well at high temperature of 50 °C. Overall, the use of a non‐solvating cosolvent in eutectic electrolytes presents a promising and innovative approach for enhancing electrolyte performance in LMBs.
Data‐Driven Approach Using a Hybrid Model for Predicting Oxygen Consumption in Argon Oxygen Decarburization Converter
Authors: Mingming Li , Xihong Chen , Dongxu Liu , Lei Shao , Wentao Zhou , Zongshu Zou
Published: October 2024

Accurately controlling oxygen supply in argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) process is invariably desired for efficient decarburization and reducing alloying elements consumption. Herein, a data‐driven approach using a hybrid model integrating oxygen balance mechanism model and a two‐layer Stacking ensemble learning model is successfully established for predicting oxygen consumption in AOD converter. In this hybrid model, the oxygen balance mechanism model is used to calculate the oxygen consumption based on industrial data. Then the model calculation error is compensated using an optimized two‐layer Stacking model that is identified as (random forest (RF) + XGBoost + ridge regression)‐RF model by evaluating different hybrid model frameworks and Bayesian optimization. The results show that, in comparison to conventional prediction model based on oxygen balance mechanism, the present hybrid model greatly improves the control accuracy of oxygen consumption in AOD industrial production. The hit rate and mean absolute error of the present hybrid model for predicting oxygen consumption are 84.8% and 330 Nm3, respectively, within absolute oxygen consumption prediction error ±600 Nm3 (relative error of 3.8%). This data‐driven approach using the present hybrid model provides one pathway to efficient oxygen consumption control in AOD process.
Research on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Reinforcing Steel Under Ultrahigh Strain Rate
Authors: Sun Haodong , Si Chaorun , Wang Junbiao
Published: October 2024

The strain rate effect significantly influences the dynamic mechanical behavior of reinforcing steel under impact loads. To investigate the effect of strain rate on the dynamic mechanical behavior of reinforcing steel, this study conducts dynamic compression tests on four types of reinforcing steel using a Split Hopkinson pressure bar. The results show that there is a significant strain rate effect on the reinforcing steel when the strain rate reaches 103–104 s−1. The experimental results are analyzed using the Johnson–Cook model (J–C model), and the original model is modified based on the error between the model predictions and the experimental results. The results indicate that the modified J–C model, which includes an enhanced strain rate effect term, better predicts the dynamic mechanical behavior of reinforcing steel at ultrahigh strain rates.
Estimation of Expectile‐Based Marginal Expected Shortfall Under Asymptotic Independence
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Chen Liujun , Ji Jingyu
Published: October 2024

The expectile‐based marginal expected shortfall (XMES) is an analogue of the quantile‐based marginal expected shortfall (QMES). We study the asymptotic behaviour of XMES when the underlying random variables are asymptotically independent. We consider two different methods for the estimation of XMES: one based on least asymmetrically weighted squares and the other making use of the QMES. We establish the asymptotic theories for both estimators. Additionally, we investigate the finite sample performance of our methods through a simulation study and present a concrete application to financial data.
Development of a Starch‐Based Foam System With Oxygen‐Controlled Release
Authors: Zhan Jun , Cao Meng , Qu Xiaoqing , Peng Panpan
Published: October 2024

Calcium peroxide (CP) offers promising applications in the food industry due to its oxygen‐donating properties. However, the rapid release of oxygen by CP needs to be addressed for fruit preservation applications. In this paper, a starch‐based foam is prepared to embed CP to alleviate this problem. Results show that the starch foam extruded at 150 °C and 150 rpm shows a high foaming ratio of 19.28 and displays a high moisture adsorption capacity of 0.21 g water/g solids when stored at 97% relative humidity (RH), which effectively regulates the water accessibility to CP. The initial oxygen release rate of the embedded CP is reduced from 0.19 to 0.07 mmol L−1 h−1, and the release time is prolonged. The wet‐stored foam shows excellent cushioning ability, with a recovery ratio higher than 72%. The starch‐based active foam with a tunable release of oxygen and cushioning properties can be used as active packaging for fresh fruit transportation and preservation.
Navigating water policy implementation in Myanmar
Authors: Thein Khin Ni Ni
Published: October 2024

Key Messages

Collaboration between people and decision makers is essential for effective water policy implementation: The article emphasizes the importance of both decision makers and the public in implementing water policies. Decision makers set frameworks and provide resources, while public involvement ensures practical application and sustainability. Effective implementation requires ongoing dialogue and cooperation between these groups, particularly in politically unstable contexts like Myanmar.

Challenges stem from weak governance and institutional fragmentation: The editorial highlights significant challenges in implementing water policies in Myanmar, such as weak institutional frameworks, poor governance, lack of political will, inadequate technical and human resources, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. These issues are compounded by a lack of coordination among government bodies, leading to overlapping responsibilities and competition, which stifle innovation and active participation.

A people‐centered, inclusive approach and spiritual transformation are needed: The article proposes that a new water management paradigm should integrate socio‐technology, system science, and spiritual transformation to address water issues effectively. It argues that promoting empathy, trust, and collaborative practices can help overcome historical mistrust and trauma among different groups in Myanmar. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable water policy that aligns with cultural values and promotes fair water resource sharing.
Do African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana) Show Interspecific Social Long‐Term Memory for Their Zoo Keepers?
Authors: Kränzlin Martin , Azogu‐Sepe Idu , Pouydebat Emmanuelle , Böhmer Christine
Published: October 2024

“An elephant never forgets” is a popular phrase that refers not only to the elephant's extraordinary ability to remember migration routes but also to its pronounced social long‐term memory (SLTM). Previous studies have shown intra‐ and interspecies SLTM performance, but the ability of elephants to have memories of individual humans has not yet been investigated. We tested this interspecific SLTM using auditory, olfactory, and visual stimuli, each from familiar and unfamiliar persons, in two African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows living in a zoo. The two‐choice object tests revealed a higher interest in sensory stimuli from familiar keepers they had not seen for 13 years than in unfamiliar people. Statistically significant differences were found for olfactory stimuli. In addition, there was significantly more interest in visual stimuli from current keepers than in stimuli from unfamiliar people. Contrary to the results of a previous study with elephants, this was not observed for olfactory stimuli. Due to the small sample size and magnitude of the influencing factors, that is, outdoor experiment, only spatial separation of the animals, these results only represent indications of the possible interspecific SLTM. Nevertheless, we were able to provide the first empirical evidence that L. africana stores information about specific people over a long period of time. Further studies with larger sample sizes, cross‐modal testing, and people disliked by the elephants could provide more insights.
Comparison of protein immobilization methods with covalent bonding on paper for paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Chen Yang , Danchana Kaewta , Kaneta Takashi
Published: October 2024

In this study, two methods were examined to optimize the immobilization of antibodies on paper when conducting a paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P-ELISA). Human IgG, as a test-capture protein, was immobilized on paper via the formation of Schiff bases. Aldehyde groups were introduced onto the surface of the paper via two methods: NaIO4 and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) with glutaraldehyde (APTS-glutaraldehyde). In the assay, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-human IgG (HRP-anti-IgG) binds to the immobilized human IgG, and the colorimetric reaction of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzyzine (TMB) produces a blue color in the presence of H2O2 and HRP-anti-IgG as a model analyte. The immobilization of human IgG, the enzymatic reaction conditions, and the reduction of the chemical bond between the paper surface and immobilized human IgG all were optimized in order to improve both the analytical performance and the stability. In addition, the thickness of the paper was examined to stabilize the analytical signal. Consequently, the APTS-glutaraldehyde method was superior to the NaIO4 method in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. Conversely, the reduction of imine to amine with NaBH4 proved to exert only minimal influence on sensitivity and stability, although it tended to degrade reproducibility. We also found that thick paper was preferential when using P-ELISA because a rigid paper substrate prevents distortion of the paper surface that is often caused by repeated washing processes.
CFT Correlators and Mapping Class Group Averages
Authors: Romaidis Iordanis , Runkel Ingo
Published: October 2024

Mapping class group averages appear in the study of 3D gravity partition functions. In this paper, we work with 3D topological field theories to establish a bulk-boundary correspondence between such averages and correlators of 2D rational CFTs whose chiral mapping class group representations are irreducible and satisfy a finiteness property. We show that Ising-type modular fusion categories satisfy these properties on surfaces with or without field insertions, extending results in [1], and we comment on the absence of invertible global symmetries in the examples we consider.
Some counterexamples in surface homology
Authors: Buser Peter , Makover Eran , Muetzel Bjoern
Published: October 2024

We present four counterexamples in surface homology. The first example shows that even if the loops inducing a homology basis intersect each other at most once, they still may separate the surface into two parts. The other three examples show some difficulties in working with minimal homology bases. Introducing hyperbolic ribbon graphs we modify the examples so as to have a hyperbolic metric.
Regular semigroups weakly generated by set
Authors: Oliveira Luís
Published: October 2024

We prove the existence and uniqueness (up to isomorphism) of a regular semigroup $${{\,\textrm{F}\,}}(X)$$

F

(
X
)

weakly generated by a set X of elements such that all other regular semigroups weakly generated by X are homomorphic images of $${{\,\textrm{F}\,}}(X)$$

F

(
X
)

. The semigroup $${{\,\textrm{F}\,}}(X)$$

F

(
X
)

is introduced by a presentation and the word problem for that presentation is solved. The structure of the semigroup $${{\,\textrm{F}\,}}(X)$$

F

(
X
)

is also studied.
Collapse of Inelastic Hard Spheres in Dimension $$d \ge 2$$
Authors: Dolmaire Théophile , Velázquez Juan J. L.
Published: October 2024

We study the collapse of three inelastic particles in dimension $$d \ge 2$$

d
≥
2

. We obtain general results of convergence and asymptotics concerning the variables of the dynamical system describing a collapsing system of particles. We prove a complete classification of the singularities when a collapse of three particles takes place, obtaining only two possible orders of collisions between the particles. In the first case, we recover that the particles arrange in a nearly linear chain, already studied by Zhou and Kadanoff, and in the second case, we obtain that the particles arrange in an equilateral triangle, and we show that, after sufficiently many collisions, the particles collide according to a unique order of collisions, which is periodic. Finally, we construct an initial configuration leading to a nearly linear collapse, stable under perturbations, and such that the angle between the particles at the time of collapse can be chosen a priori, with an arbitrary precision.
Dexamethasone is non-inferior to antihistamine plus dexamethasone premedication in preventing ramucirumab plus nab-paclitaxel infusion-related reactions in gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Negoro Yutaka , Maeda Taichi , Igarashi Hiroyuki , Shigemori Mina , Tanaka Toshihiro , Ito Yukio , Tanizawa Norihiko , Nishikawa Shota , Ogawa Jyunya , Kamitani Yukio , Watanabe Kyohei , Tsukamoto Hitoshi , Goto Nobuyuki
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Ramucirumab (RAM) is recommended as premedication with H1-receptor antagonists (H1RA) to prevent infusion-related reactions (IRRs). However, RAM is a human antibody with a low incidence of IRRs. We evaluated the noninferiority of non-H1RA (dexamethasone [DEX] alone) premedication to H1RA (plus DEX) premedication in terms of IRRs in patients with gastric cancer receiving RAM plus nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX).

Methods

This was a noninferiority, multicenter, retrospective trial conducted in three Japanese centers to assess the incidence of IRRs in patients receiving RAM plus nab-PTX for gastric cancer between 2018 and 2023. Patients with gastric cancer receiving RAM plus nab-PTX were divided into groups with and without H1RA premedication. The incidence of IRRs was compared between the two groups.

Results

Ninety patients were evaluated, with non-H1RA and H1RA premedications in 43 and 47 cases, respectively. After the first dose of RAM, IRRs were not observed in either group. IRRs during the overall doses were 0% for non-H1RA premedication and 2.1% for H1RA premedication (90% confidence interval (CI): –5.6%–1.3% for each comparison). The upper limit of the 90% CI (1.3%) did not exceed the noninferiority margin (Δ) of + 10% and therefore met the noninferiority criteria.

Conclusion

RAM plus nab-PTX for gastric cancer with DEX premedication may be possible without H1RA premedication.
Several epidemic and multiple sporadic genotypes of OXA-244-producing Escherichia coli in Poland; predominance of the ST38 clone
Authors: Biedrzycka Marta , Izdebski Radosław , Gniadkowski Marek , Żabicka Dorota
Published: October 2024

OXA-244-producing Escherichia coli (OXA-244-Ec) has disseminated in Europe, mostly in the community. In Poland it has spread since 2017, especially in 2023, but in contrast to other countries, all isolates have been identified in hospitals so far. The isolates (n = 101) represented one large and two limited outbreaks in different regions, and multiple epidemiologically and genetically non-related organisms. The OXA-244-Ec population consisted of 14 STs, with ST38 dominating. The ST38 isolates belonged to two major lineages, Clusters A and B, responsible for two of the hospital outbreaks. Enhanced concern and vigilance are necessary in the OXA-244-Ec surveillance.
Not ready in the ways that count– a qualitative exploration of junior doctor’s perceived preparedness for practice using Legitimation Code Theory
Authors: Pattinson Stuart Redvers , Savelberg Hans , Atherley Anique
Published: October 2024

Despite demonstrating the required competencies to graduate, many newly qualified doctors find the transition to internship difficult. There is a concern over whether their preparation is aligned with the expectations of the role. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the competencies needed for legitimate practice as junior doctors and explores their perceived preparedness for practice. A qualitative, descriptive study using focus groups was undertaken with first year internship doctors. Thirty-two junior doctors in their first year of internship took part in five focus groups. The data were analysed using a reflective thematic analysis approach with a subsequent analysis using the Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) specialisation dimension coding framework to aid interpretation. Personal attributes including adaptability, organisation and proactivity form the basis of achievement in internship. While graduates felt ready in some ways, it was not in the ways that counted. Participants felt well prepared in terms of their clinical knowledge and skills, but legitimacy came from being able to take responsibility, communicate effectively and apply knowledge confidently and efficiently to all aspects of patient care, something that they did not feel ready to do. Using LCT has revealed a shift in the basis of achievement between medical school, where individual academic performance is rewarded, and internship, where personal and social competencies are legitimised. There is a clash between what graduates feel well prepared for and the expectations and demands of the internship role, resulting in a difficult and stressful transition from student to doctor.
A tutorial review on solid oxide fuel cells: fundamentals, materials, and applications
Authors: Sikstrom Daniel , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: October 2024

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are recognized as a clean energy source that, unlike internal combustion engines, produces no CO2 during operation when H2 is used as a fuel. They use a highly efficient chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process to convert oxygen and hydrogen into electricity and water. They can provide smaller-scale power for transportation (e.g., cars, buses, and ships) and be scaled up to provide long-term energy for an electrical grid, making SOFCs a promising, clean alternative to hydrocarbon combustion. Conventional SOFCs faced challenges of high operating temperatures, high cost, and poor durability. Research into advanced cathode, anode, electrolyte, and interconnect materials is providing more insight into the ideal structural and chemical properties that enable the commercialization of highly stable and efficient intermediate temperature (IT) SOFCs. In this paper, we discuss the functional properties of the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and interconnectors for IT-SOFCs. The performance of SOFCs depends not only on the materials used but also on the optimization of operating conditions to maximize efficiency. The voltaic, thermodynamic, and fuel efficiency of SOFCs is presented.
Refining of Secondary Pb with Retention of Sn Using Al and Ca Additions
Authors: Malecha Daniel , Świec Paweł , Albrecht Robert , Jarosz Piotr , Małecki Stanisław
Published: October 2024

Lead grid from spent lead-acid batteries contains significant amounts of tin and antimony. In classical pyro-refining processes of lead, tin oxidizes and is transferred to dross, making its recovery problematic and expensive. This paper presents an innovative method of pyro-refining lead using metallic aluminum and calcium to purify the lead from contaminants while retaining a higher amount of tin than in the traditional process. The changes in the chemical composition of an impure lead alloy containing tin, under the influence of refining by adding Al and/or Ca, are discussed based on laboratory-scale studies. Microanalysis of the metallic dross formed during the process was conducted. Analyses of the metallic dross microstructures showed that lead impurities, such as Sb, As, Cu, Se, and Te, tend to accumulate in areas containing Al or Ca. The amount and form of dross produced in industrial practice indicate that its removal would be challenging. Therefore, in the second part of the study, the metallic dross was subjected to a reduction process, and the resulting products were analyzed for their chemical and phase composition. The analyses indicate that the degree of impurities return to the lead during reduction varied significantly depending on the method used.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parents: A Systematic Review of Target Groups, Effects, and Intervention Features
Authors: Caetano Bárbara , Chorão Ana , Alves Stephanie , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Pires Raquel
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown effectiveness in promoting parents’ and children’s well-being. The development of MBIs for parents has been growing worldwide, but varied curricula and overlapping contexts make it hard to grasp their core features. The aim of this study was to synthesize and summarize the target groups, effects, dissemination, format, and content features of MBIs for parents.

Method

A literature search for peer-reviewed articles published before December 2023 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines. A quality appraisal was conducted for each included study. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MBIs for parents were included.

Results

After the eligibility assessment, 20 RCTs were identified. Most studies included only mothers and non-clinical target groups for both parents and children. Most of the interventions were derived from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Several interventions demonstrated some evidence of effectiveness in reducing parenting stress. The majority of the interventions were delivered in a face-to-face format, and the length varied between four and nine sessions. Activities most commonly used were psychoeducation, group discussion, imagination exercises, and mindful parenting exercises.

Conclusions

The interventions included a variety of types of dissemination, format, and content, and various curricula applied to the same target groups. Mapping the target groups and the intervention features can help to develop more homogeneous and effective interventions that can be applied to other target groups for which MBIs have not yet been developed or adapted.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
Prevalence of Distant Metastases in High-Risk Operable Breast Cancer (HROBC) pT1-2 N2a or Higher at Diagnosis
Authors: Parmar Vani , AN Naveena Kumar , Nair Nita S. , Joshi Shalaka , Thakkar Purvi , Chitkara Garvit , Ali Basila , Gaikwad Varsha , Siddique Shabina , Vanmali Vaibhav , Popat Palak , Shah Sneha , Desai Sangeeta , Shet Tanuja , Thakur Meenakshi , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Badwe Rajendra Achyut
Published: October 2024

Current standard guidelines do not recommend a routine staging workup in early operable breast cancer (OBC) as the incidence of de novo metastasis is only 1–2%. Some of these patients are at high risk for relapse based on the higher axillary nodal burden. This prospective study evaluated the presence of de novo asymptomatic distant metastases in HROBC with pT1/2 N2a/N3 on upfront surgery. A single-centre study was carried out in upfront operated OBC patients with four or more axillary nodes positive after definitive surgery. Comprehensive metastatic workup was carried out, including an ultrasound abdomen, bone scan, and CT scan (thorax-abdomen-pelvis) or PET scan before initiating adjuvant treatment. If a distant disease was detected, the adjuvant treatment intent was tailored accordingly. The study accrued a prospective consecutive cohort of 97 women with pT1-2 N2a-3 during 2015–2018 operated upfront for OBC with cT1-2 N0-1. Forty percent of women were premenopausal, 54 (55.6%) had pN2a, and 43 (44.3%) had pN3 disease. Distant disease was seen in 8 of 97 women (8.24%) of these high-risk early cancers, 5 had oligometastatic denovo disease (5.15%), and 3 had polymetastatic (3.09%). Between the 2 groups, the pickup rate of distant disease was higher in pN3 (11.4%) as against pN2a (5.6%), p = NS. Only 3.09% of patients with extensive metastases were treated with palliative intent. The study shows potential to optimize the management of HROBC with heavy nodal disease identified post-primary surgery by selective staging investigations, adequate resource stratification, and thereby improved management, including modifying treatment plans early.
Multi-Modal Contextualization of Trajectory Data for Advanced Analysis
Authors: Walther Paul , Deuser Fabian , Werner Martin
Published: October 2024

Rising amounts of generated geospatial data, either trajectory-like tracking data, raster-like imagery, or vector-like mappings as in OpenStreetMap (OSM), grow the need for multi-modal algorithmic analysis. Existing machine-learning-based algorithms contradictly mainly focus on image and textual input representations and cannot deal with other modes of geospatial data. Therefore, we propose a novel method to contextualize vector-like trajectory data with surrounding data to create easy-to-be-analyzed image-like representations. Our approach includes the proposition of a chase-cam-like scanline over space according to the trajectory’s speed and possibly smoothed orientation. Thereby, surrounding pixels in the vicinity of the trajectory points are accumulated along the scanline and are combined into a visual representation of the trajectory. To show the potential effects of our work, we predict traffic regulations for trajectory sections in the vehicle speed dataset based on our proposed trajectory-based sampling of orthophotos in the same region. This proposes a new way of using multi-modal data sources (trajectories and airborne imagery) to extract road metadata.
Motif discovery in hospital ward vital signs observation networks
Authors: Ironside-Smith Rupert , Noë Beryl , Allen Stuart M. , Costello Shannon , Turner Liam D.
Published: October 2024

Vital signs observations are regular measurements used by healthcare staff to track a patient’s overall health status on hospital wards. We look at the potential in re-purposing aggregated and anonymised hospital data sources surrounding vital signs recording to provide new insights into how care is managed and delivered on wards. In this paper, we conduct a retrospective longitudinal observational study of 770,720 individual vital signs recordings across 20 hospital wards in South Wales (UK) and present a network modelling framework to explore and extract behavioural patterns via analysis of the resulting network structures at a global and local level. Self-loop edges, dyad, triad, and tetrad subgraphs were extracted and evaluated against a null model to determine individual statistical significance, and then combined into ward-level feature vectors to provide the means for determining notable behaviours across wards. Modelling data as a static network, by aggregating all vital sign observation data points, resulted in high uniformity but with the loss of important information which was better captured when modelling the static-temporal network, highlighting time’s crucial role as a network element. Wards mostly followed expected patterns, with chains or stand-alone supplementary observations by clinical staff. However, observation sequences that deviate from this are revealed in five identified motif subgraphs and 6 anti-motif subgraphs. External ward characteristics also showed minimal impact on the relative abundance of subgraphs, indicating a ‘superfamily’ phenomena that has been similarly seen in complex networks in other domains. Overall, the results show that network modelling effectively captured and exposed behaviours within vital signs observation data, and demonstrated uniformity across hospital wards in managing this practice.
Purification effect of pyrolyzed filler on the flammability of polylactide matrix
Authors: Majka Tomasz M.
Published: October 2024

Research efforts are underway around the world to develop efficient recycling of the continuous phase of polymer composites toward reuse. It has already been demonstrated that pyrolyzed filler (PF) can be successfully used as a flame retardant for synthetic polyesters, including recycled ones. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to test the effect of PF on the flammability and thermal properties of the biopolyester phase. For this purpose, the pyrolysis technique was used, which yields a valuable solid phase in addition to the gas and liquid phases. To effectively give it a second life, a proprietary method of modifying the filler recovered by pyrolysis was developed to effectively separate and remove an organic part in the form of a layer of amorphous carbon (a-C), which acts as a universal sorbent. For this purpose, the a-C phase was extracted using binary solvent and replaced it using three types of salts: ammonium salt of benzyl phosphite, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC), and methyldodecylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (BMAC). Using a high-temperature processing technique, polylactide composites containing 5% (by weight) additive were obtained. The results of thermal (TGA, DSC) and flammability (PCFC, UL94, LOI) analysis studies show that the use of BMIC and BMAC salts for the intended purpose is particularly promising. The thermal stability of PLA composites containing SF-BMIC and SF-BMAC increased by 30 K and the flammability decreased by 23%. These promising results have opened up new avenues of research toward the synthesis of bio-flame retardants dedicated specifically to polylactide.

Graphical abstract
Successful therapy of a newborn with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia nosocomial pneumonia with cefiderocol
Authors: Trauth Janina , Schuler Rahel , Waitz Markus , Ehrhardt Harald , Fritzenwanker Moritz , Herold Susanne
Published: October 2024

Cefiderocol is a new siderophore-beta-lactam antibiotic used for the treatment of severe multidrug-resistant infections like sepsis, hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia in adults, but there are only single reports on its use in the neonatal population. We describe the successful cefiderocol treatment of a newborn with pneumogenic sepsis due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
The Proper Calculation of Risk Ratios: How and Why
Authors: Newland M. Christopher
Published: October 2024

A recent article (Joslyn, P. R., & Morris, S. L. in Perspectives on Behavior Science, 47(1), 167–196, 2024) advocates the use of risk ratios, or relative risk, in behavior analysis. The authors present a strong case for the use of risk ratios and how they might improve the science and application of behavior analysis. Unfortunately, their computation of the risk ratio is incorrect and their examples gloss over important nuances in how risk ratios should be used. The present article corrects the calculations, describes how to determine whether a particular risk ratio differs from a reference group, comments on the importance of stability of the data entering the calculation, and demonstrates approaches to presenting them visually, such as Forest plots.
Privately evaluating sensitive population record linkage without ground truth data
Authors: Song Jie , Nanayakkara Charini , Christen Peter
Published: October 2024

Data containing personal information allow detailed studies in the health and social sciences, such as population-related analysis. However, such studies often require the linking of two or more databases because information about a person can be scattered across multiple data sources. To address this issue of data being scattered, researchers have been working on linking records across multiple data sources to identify records that refer to the same person, or the same group of individuals (known as group linkage) using quasi-identifiers such as names and addresses which can be missing, out of date or contain errors or variations, making record linkage a very challenging task. Record linkage applications often also lack ground truth data in the form of matching and non-matching record pairs, which challenges the assessment of the quality of linkage algorithms. Furthermore, when linkage is conducted on sensitive data, for example personal health records, due to privacy concerns ground truth can generally not be obtained using methods such as crowd sourcing. This study therefore aims to develop methods to assess the linkage quality of sensitive data by using publicly available data sets, such as census or voter data, in a privacy-preserving manner, with a focus on the group linkage problem. Assuming that distinct groups, such as siblings in a family, are identifiable in both the sensitive and public data sets, we develop a novel method to estimate linkage quality using public data by encoding information that is commonly available in both sensitive and public data sets into a common representation using Bloom filters. Comparing these Bloom filters then allows the estimation of linkage quality. An evaluation using a real sensitive birth data set and a public census data set from Scotland shows the effectiveness of our proposed method for quality estimation, which achieves a median correlation of 98% with linkage quality calculated based on ground truth data.
Identifying Re-identification Challenges: Past, Current and Future Trends
Authors: Qian Yan , Barthelemy J. , Karuppiah E. , Perez P.
Published: October 2024

Person and vehicle re-identification has been a popular subject in the field of the computer vision technologies. Existing closed-set re-identification surpasses human-level accuracies on commonly used benchmarks, and the research focus for re-identification is shifting to the open world-setting. The latter setting is more suitable for practical applications, however, is less developed due to its challenges. On the other hand, existing research is more focused on person re-identification, even though both, person and vehicle, are important components for smart city applications. This review attempts to combine for the first time the problem of person and vehicle re-identification under closed and open settings, its challenges, and the existing research. Specifically, we start from the origin of the re-identification task and then summarize state-of-the-art research based on deep learning in different scenarios: person or vehicle or unified re-identification in closed- and open-world settings. Additionally, we analyse a new method for solving the re-identification task using the Transformer, a model architecture that relies entirely on an attention mechanism, which shows promising results. This survey facilitates future research by providing a summary on past and present trends, and aids to improve the usability of re-ID techniques.
An interdisciplinary marketing call into food design thinking to create innovative, healthy, and pleasurable food experiences
Authors: Mendini Monica , Peter Paula C. , Bitetti Leandro , Castro Iana A.
Published: October 2024

The evolving landscape of food innovation demands that food manufacturers and stakeholders develop solutions that are novel, health-conscious, enjoyable, and sustainable, thereby enhancing food well-being (Block et al., 2011). This research proposes an interdisciplinary framework within the Food Design Thinking (FDT) process that integrates insights, methodologies, and perspectives from marketing and related business disciplines. It merges concepts from various business fields through a marketing and Food Well-Being (FWB) lens to expand the FDT framework and provide food manufacturers and stakeholders with tools and techniques to drive food innovations. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to the existing stages of FDT by emphasizing empathic emotions, emotional intelligence, and customer centricity in the Empathy stage; applying thematic thinking, experiential marketing, and experiential learning in the Visualization and Prototyping stage; and nurturing value co-creation, sharing, and open innovation in the Collaboration stage. Food manufacturers and stakeholders can leverage on these elements when developing, innovating, and creating new foods and food experiences that are meant to be healthy, pleasurable, and sustainable.
CACA guidelines for holistic integrative management of prostate cancer
Authors: Dai Bo , Wang Hongkai , Shi Benkang , Xing Jinchun , Zhu Shaoxing , He Zhisong , Zou Qing , Wei Qiang , Bi Jianbin , Bian Jiasheng , Gou Xin , Guo Jianming , He Chaohong , Hu Zhiquan , Jin Baiye , Liao Hong , Liu Nan , Qi Lin , Sun Zhongquan , Tu Xinhua , Wang Dongwen , Wu Denglong , Yang Yong , Zhang Aili , Wan Fangning , Hong Zhe , Liu Zheng , Ye Dingwei
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer (PC) is an epithelial malignancy occurring in the prostate. PC ranks second in incidence among all male malignancies globally by the latest statistics from the World Health Organization. Notably, China has seen a more rapid increase in PC incidence compared to developed European and American nations. By 2022, the newly reported cases and deaths due to PC in China increased to 134,200 and 47,500, respectively. Thus, early diagnosis and standardized treatment for prostate cancer in China remain far-reaching objectives. Burgeoning research on advanced PC and castration-resistant prostate cancer in recent years have paved the way for a new era of integrated treatment methods including novel endocrine drugs, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Future therapies involve precision treatment guided by genetic testing and individualized integrated treatment as part of a multidisciplinary integrated diagnosis and treatment model for PC. The Genitourinary Oncology Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA-GU) has invited multidisciplinary experts across fields including surgery, oncology, pathology, radiology, herbal medicine, physiatry, and psychology to collaboratively write, discuss, and revise guidelines on managing PC. The CACA Guidelines for Holistic Integrative Management of Prostate Cancer includes epidemiology, screening and diagnosis, treatment for localized PC, diagnosis and treatment of PC recurrence after radical prostatectomy, management of metastatic PC, traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of PC, and rehabilitation from PC. This guideline aims to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment management of PC in China. It is more aligned with China’s clinical practice, highlights Chinese characteristics, and bears significant clinical importance.
Creating a City for All of Us: The Possible Role of the Fediverse in Archiving Civic Urban Memory
Authors: Lister Pen
Published: October 2024

This paper attempts to build a case for adopting the model of the Fediverse to archive digital citizen-generated urban memory. Examining literature from several relevant fields of debate acts as a pragmatic foundation for reasoning to then outline potential core technical functionality for provision of such an archive, using the Mastodon app as an example. This ‘civic urban memory’ archive is considered as open, curated by citizens themselves and owned by them through civic public ownership in a context of technological sovereignty. Reflecting on issues of citizen self curated and moderated memory collection archives, and the potential for opt-in or anonymous archive posting may offer some mechanisms for fair and open curation, moderation and privacy protection in such archives. Conceptual backdrop for a civic urban memory archive is placed in current debates concerning civic technological platforms acting as a digital public good in a context of a techno-social contract for learning, with a co-constructed shared civic urban memory forming part of open incidental lifelong learning in a future learning city.
The how and the when of semantic illusions in native and non-native languages
Authors: Fernandes Ana I. , Gomes Juliana Novo , Haro Juan , Flores Cristina , Comesaña Montserrat
Published: October 2024

The nature and processing of semantic illusions (SI; when speakers fail to notice an anomalous word in a sentence that is contextually perfectly aligned with world knowledge) have been largely studied during first language comprehension. Although this issue is not free of controversy, findings sustain The Node Structure Theory, according to which SI is a phonological and/or semantic priming effect which occurs due to phonological and/or semantic links existing between the correct and the anomalous word. However, the question as to whether the same underlying mechanisms can be found in bilinguals and whether the effect is modulated by age of language acquisition (AoA) and language dominance remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine this issue on sequential European Portuguese-German bilinguals (and their respective control groups) using a self-paced reading paradigm. The sentences’ language, AoA (early vs. late), and type of target word used (correct vs. anomalous) were manipulated. Results showed the occurrence of SI, independently of language and AoA. Therefore, findings suggest that SI occur due to a semantic overlap between critical words and are similarly processed in L1 and L2.
Kappa-opioid receptor blockade in the inferior colliculus of prey threatened by pit vipers decreases anxiety and panic-like behaviour
Authors: Calvo Fabrício , dos Anjos-Garcia Tayllon , Paschoalin-Maurin Tatiana , Bazaglia-de-Sousa Guilherme , de Paula Rodrigues Bruno Mangili , Lobão-Soares Bruno , Almada Rafael Carvalho , Wotjak Carsten T. , Coimbra Norberto Cysne
Published: October 2024

The dorsal midbrain comprises dorsal columns of the periaqueductal grey matter and corpora quadrigemina. These structures are rich in beta-endorphinergic and leu-enkephalinergic neurons and receive GABAergic inputs from substantia nigra pars reticulata. Although the inferior colliculus (IC) is mainly involved in the acoustic pathways, the electrical and chemical stimulation of central and pericentral nuclei of the IC elicits a vigorous defensive behaviour. The defensive immobility and escape elicited by IC activation is commonly related to panic-like emotional states. To investigate the role of κ-opioid receptor of the IC in the antiaversive effects of endogenous opioid receptor blockade in a dangerous situation, male Wistar rats were pretreated in the IC with the κ-opioid receptor-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine at different concentrations and submitted to the non-enriched polygonal arena for a snake panic test in the presence of a rattlesnake and, after 24 h, prey were resubmitted to the experimental context. The snakes elicited in prey a set of antipredatory behaviours, such as the anxiety-like responses of defensive attention and risk assessment, and the panic-like reactions of defensive immobility and either escape or active avoidance during the elaboration of unconditioned and conditioned fear-related responses. Pretreatment of the IC with microinjections of nor-binaltorphimine at higher concentrations significantly decreased the frequency and duration of both anxiety- and panic-attack-like behaviours. These findings suggest that κ-opioid receptor blockade in the IC causes anxiolytic- and panicolytic-like responses in threatening conditions, and that kappa-opioid receptor-selective antagonists can be a putative coadjutant treatment for panic syndrome treatment.
Identification and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in Sclerodermus guani (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)
Authors: Zhao Rina , Guo Xiaomeng , Meng Ling , Li Baoping
Published: October 2024

Gene expression studies in organisms are often conducted using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the accuracy of RT-qPCR results relies on the stability of reference genes. We examined ten candidate reference genes in Sclerodermus guani, a parasitoid wasp that is a natural enemy of long-horned beetle pests in forestry, including ACT, EF1α, Hsc70, Hsp70, SRSF7, α-tubulin, RPL7A, 18S, 28S, and SOD1, regarding variable biotic and abiotic factors such as body part, life stage, hormone, diet, and temperature. Data were analysed using four dedicated algorithms (ΔCt, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm) and one comparative tool (RefFinder). Our results showed that the most stable reference genes were RPL7A and EF1α regarding the body part, SRSF7 and Hsc70 regarding the diet, RPL7A and α-tubulin regarding the hormone, SRSF7 and RPL7A regarding the life stage, and SRSF7 and α-tubulin regarding temperature. To ascertain the applicability of specific reference genes, the expression level of the target gene (ACPase) was estimated regarding the body part using the most stable reference genes, RPL7A and EF1α, and the least stable one, SOD1. The highest expression level of ACPase was observed in the abdomen, and the validity of RPL7A and EF1α was confirmed. This study provides, for the first time, an extensive list of reliable reference genes for molecular biology studies in S. guani.