bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porosity Regulation of Surfactant‐Assisted Glycerol Organosolv Lignin Modified Hyper‐Cross‐Linked Polymers and Their Efficient Adsorption for Dyes From Water
Authors: Wang Zhoujian , Zeng Xin , Shao Lishu , Liu Na , Wang Hao'nan , Tang Yulian , Zhan Peng , Zhang Lin , Wu Zhiping
Published: October 2024

Here, we tried to use the natural biomass resources (lignin) to modify porous organic polymers (POPs) and expected to reduce the preparation cost and enhance the adsorption performance. Specifically, the surfactant‐assisted glycerol organosolv lignin (saGO lignin) was used as the modified agents to prepare lignin modified hyper‐cross‐linked polymers (LHCPs) by the copolymerization and Friedel‐Crafts reaction. We investigated the effect of synthesis conditions (the types and dosages of crosslinkers, the feeding amount of lignin, and so on) on the structure and adsorption performance of LHCPs. The results showed that divinyl benzene (DVB) crosslinked LHCP‐D (1041.3 m2/g) showed higher specific areas (S

BET
) than N,N′‐methylene diacrylamide (MBA) crosslinked LHCP‐M (183.1 m2/g), and the S

BET
had a certain increase with increasing the amount of DVB. Intriguingly, the S

BET
and micropore volume (V

micro
) of LHCPs appeared a linear decrease with the increase of lignin dosage, meanwhile, their morphology had a change from irregular block to agglomerated spherical particles, indicated their porosity and morphology can be well controlled. The Rhodamine B (RhB) adsorption experiments indicated that these LHCPs possessed fast adsorption rate (equilibrium time < 240 min) and good recycling performance, especially, LHCP‐D (lignin of 0.5 g, DVB of 1.0 g, catalyst of 3.0 g, reaction time of 10 h) showed the ultrahigh adsorption capacity, up to 743.7 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism was preliminarily investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and adsorption models analysis, we found that the physical adsorption played the dominated roles by the π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction. This work not only offered an important reference for the high‐value utilization of lignin, but also provided an effective sustainable adsorbent for environmental remediation.
The potential of phenomic selection for the joint Ethiopian malt barley breeding program
Authors: Setotaw Tesfahun Alemu , Wilde Peer , Bernal Vasquez Angela Maria , Gebretsadik Rebeka , Lakew Berhane , Shiferaw Tigist , Difabachew Yohannes Fekadu , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2024

Phenomic selection is an alternative approach to genomic selection that uses near‐infrared spectra information to predict the performance of genotypes. This research assessed the effectiveness of phenomic selection in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using data from 21 trials carried out at Bekoji, Kofele, Holetta, Debre Markos, and Debre Berhane in Ethiopia from 2018 to 2021. Fivefold cross‐validation analysis showed robust predictability for traits, ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, 1000‐kernel weight, and grain yield. Days to heading and days to maturity showed similar correlation patterns across the ranges of the wavelengths. Days to heading and 1000‐kernel weight were positively and negatively correlated along the range of the wavelength above 1800 nm, respectively. Forward validation using an independent set of genotypes provided predictability above 0.3 for all traits. This result underscores the effectiveness of phenomic selection and its potential application in low‐budget, small‐scale breeding programs. The study affirmed the Ethiopian barley breeding program could implement phenomic selection as a routine selection tool without extra cost.
Uniaxial Molecular Alignment in Thin Films Composed of Discrete NDI‐T2 Oligomers Investigated by Variable‐Angle Spectroscopic and Imaging Ellipsometry
Authors: Ehm Alexander , Bortchagovsky Eugene , Matsidik Rukiya , Sommer Michael , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: October 2024

The understanding of the optical characteristics and the influence of thermally induced crystallization is vital to evaluate newly synthesized organic semiconductors for their potential applications. Variable‐angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) is employed to determine the complex dielectric function of two recently developed discrete oligomers based on naphthalene diimide (NDI) and bithiophene (T2), applying an anisotropic optical model. It is shown that the as‐cast films are optically near‐isotropic, while the annealed films exhibit pronounced anisotropies with respect to the orientation of the π−π* transition. Differences between the two distinct molecules are observed and discussed. The degree of optical anisotropy is quantified using the average molecular orientation angle φ, associated with the orientation of the π−π* transition dipole, and the related orientation order parameter S. The molecules are shown to form crystallites of several microns in size upon annealing. Imaging ellipsometry is thus additionally employed to study their optical anisotropy on a microscopic scale, and the agreement with results from macroscopic measurements is evaluated.
Evaluating multivariate charts: A first‐to‐signal criterion approach
Authors: Haq Abdul
Published: October 2024

This study advances the application of the first‐to‐signal (FTS) concept to evaluate the effectiveness of multivariate charts when detecting shifts in the mean vector of a multivariate normally distributed process. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate steady‐state average run‐length profiles and the probabilities of multivariate charts being the FTS an out‐of‐control state. Notably, our findings indicate that while the multivariate cumulative sum (MCUSUM) chart serves as a viable alternative to the multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) chart when detecting small shifts in the process mean vector, the latter surpasses the former in detecting moderate‐to‐large shifts. In addition, the Hotelling's chart outperforms the MEWMA and MCUSUM charts when detecting large shifts.
Design of the Single Heterogeneous Quantum Dot Lasers Emitting 4 Wavelengths Using Combination‐Grating Technology
Authors: Ge Qing , Wang Jun , Zhai Hao , Liu Shuaicheng , Chen Yanan , Mao Kaize , Liu Chuanjiang , Liu Hao , Bai Yiming , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: October 2024

Multi‐wavelength light sources are crucial for high‐bandwidth silicon photonic chips. In this paper, a single heterogeneous quantum dot distributed feedback (DFB) laser emitting 4 wavelengths using the combination‐grating technology is designed. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first heterogeneously integrated quantum dot DFB laser that lases stable multi‐wavelength in a single cavity. When the etching depth, etching width, and total length of gratings are 100 , 550 nm, and 1 000 µm, respectively, 4‐wavelength with 1297.01 , 1303.38 , 1309.74 , and 1316.11 nm are obtained by varying the grating period from 196  to 199 nm with the spacing of 1 nm. Compared to the conventional DFB laser arrays, the DFB laser units are significantly reduced by 3/4 while maintaining the same number of output wavelengths. Additionally, by optimizing the λ/4 phase‐shift position and the duty cycle of gratings, the output power at the front‐end of the 4‐wavelength laser is significantly improved. Specifically, the ratio of the output power from the front‐end and rear‐end of the laser increases from the conventional 1.00 to 2.51. This work provides a competitive candidate for multi‐wavelength, high‐performance, and large‐scale silicon‐based light sources used in data centers, lidar, and component detection.
Biogenic Synthesis of Cr‐Doped NiO/Clay Composite for Improved Dye Removal and CO2 Capture Studies
Authors: Elahi Muhammad Saqib , Taj Muhammad Babar , Almasoudi Afaf , Baamer Doaa F. , Aldahiri Reema H. , Aldosari Eman , Ali Omar Makram , Aroob Sadia , Alshater Heba
Published: October 2024

The current work was designed to eliminate reactive yellow 18 dye (RY‐18) via adsorption from water, and CO2 from the gas stream, using the tragacanth gum‐based Cr doped NiO N.P.s/Clay (GCNC) composite. The one‐pot synthesis approach was used to produce the adsorbent, and physical and chemical properties were assessed using techniques like XRD, FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, Zeta Potential, and adsorption–desorption isotherm. The GCNC composite demonstrated an impressive adsorption potential and percentage removal of 398 mg/g and 91.28%, respectively. Temkin and intraparticle diffusion models with R2 values of 0.98401 and 0.99918 were the most effective at fitting the experimental adsorption model. The thermodynamics parameters, including the change in enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and Gibbs free energy (G), demonstrated the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. A positive H value indicates an endothermic process, while a negative G value indicates a spontaneous process. According to the isotherms fitting model, the capacity for adsorbing CO2 at 25 °C and 1 atm was 4.8 mmol/g. The significant correlation between the slope in the log‐linear plot of the isosteric heat of adsorption and CO2 adsorption performance indicates that the isosteric heat of adsorption can be used as a predictive tool for CO2 adsorption performance. These significant results underscore the potential of the GCNC composite to revolutionize the water treatment field and CO2 capture, offering hope for a more sustainable and cleaner future.
Green‐Mediated Synthesis of Facile Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots from Dioscorea alata as an Effective Metal Sensing Platform
Authors: George Neenu , Joy Jithin , Koshy Ebey P , Mathew Beena
Published: October 2024

New nitrogen‐doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) made from Dioscorea alata (DA) extract as the carbon and nitrogen source using the hydrothermal method provide a straightforward approach for extremely sensitive and selective quantification of Cu (II) ions. In this method, aqueous extract of DA served as the carbon source and aqueous ammonia was used as the nitrogen dopant. To characterize NCQDs, a variety of analytical approaches have been utilized. The average size of NCQDs was analyzed using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and it was found to be 6.54 nm. Using X‐ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectroscopy, the graphitic nature of the green synthesized NCQDs was investigated. Strong green fluorescence was generated under 365 nm excitation of NCQDs, with an emission wavelength of around 460 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirms the presence of various functional groups in the synthesized NCQDs. The NCQDs have the potential to serve as an extremely sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Cu (II) ion detection, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of −0.9927 and a limit of detection of 4.2 nm. The NCQDs were then employed as probes to detect Cu (II) ions in river water and tap water.
Structure, Properties, and Applications of Silica Nanoparticles: Recent Theoretical Modeling Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: McLean Ben , Yarovsky Irene
Published: October 2024

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs), one of the most widely researched materials in modern science, are now commonly exploited in surface coatings, biomedicine, catalysis, and engineering of novel self‐assembling materials. Theoretical approaches are invaluable to enhancing fundamental understanding of SNP properties and behavior. Tremendous research attention is dedicated to modeling silica structure, the silica‐water interface, and functionalization of silica surfaces for tailored applications. In this review, the range of theoretical methodologies are discussed that have been employed to model bare silica and functionalized silica. The evolution of silica modeling approaches is detailed, including classical, quantum mechanical, and hybrid methods and highlight in particular the last decade of theoretical simulation advances. It is started with discussing investigations of bare silica systems, focusing on the fundamental interactions at the silica‐water interface, following with a comprehensively review of the modeling studies that examine the interaction of silica with functional ligands, peptides, ions, surfactants, polymers, and carbonaceous species. The review is concluded with the perspective on existing challenges in the field and promising future directions that will further enhance the utility and importance of the theoretical approaches in guiding the rational design of SNPs for applications in engineering and biomedicine.
Deciphering the Impact of Current, Composition, and Potential on the Lithiation Behavior of Si‐Rich Silicon‐Graphite Anodes
Authors: Schweigart Philipp , Hua Weicheng , Sánchez Pedro Alonso , Lian Camilla , Nylund Inger‐Emma , Wragg David , Lai Samson Yuxiu , Cova Federico , Svensson Ann Mari , Blanco Maria Valeria
Published: October 2024

Adding silicon (Si) to graphite (Gr) anodes is an effective approach for boosting the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries, but it also triggers mechanical instability due to Si volume changes upon (de)lithiation reactions. In this work, component‐specific (de)lithiation dynamics on Si‐rich (30 and 70 wt.% Si) SiGr anodes at various charge/discharge C‐rates are unveiled and compared to a graphite‐only electrode (100Gr) via operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction coupled with differential capacity plots analysis. Results show preferential lithiation of amorphous Si above ≈200 mV and competing lithiation of Gr, amorphous Si, and crystalline Si below ≈200 mV. Discharge proceeds via sequential delithiation of Gr and amorphous lithium silicide. Si shifts the interconversion potentials of graphite intercalation compounds, lowering the Gr state of charge compared to 100Gr. In the 30% Si electrode, crystalline Si amorphization at potentials <110 mV is found to be kinetically hindered at C‐rates higher than C/5, which can be key for enhancing the cycling stability of SiGr anodes. The 70% Si electrode exhibits restricted lithium diffusion in Gr, full Si amorphization, and Li15Si4 formation. These findings related to the potential‐ and current‐dependent dynamic changes on SiGr blends are crucial for designing stable high energy density SiGr anodes.
XPS Binding Energy Shifts in 2D Ti3C2Tz MXene go largely Beyond Intuitive Explanations: Rationalization from DFT Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Brette Florian , Célérier Stéphane , Canaff Christine , Loupias Lola , Paris Michael , Habrioux Aurélien , Boucher Florent , Mauchamp Vincent
Published: October 2024

MXenes are prototypes of surface tunable 2D materials with vast potential for properties tuning. Accurately characterizing their surface functionalization and its role in electronic structure is crucial, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) being among the go‐to methods to do so. Despite extensive use, XPS analysis remains however intricate. Focusing on the benchmark MXene Ti3C2Tz, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of core‐level binding energy shifts (BE.s.) are combined with experiments in order to provide a quantitative interpretation of XPS spectra. This approach demonstrates that BE.s. are driven by the complex interplay between chemical, structural, and subtle electronic structure effects preventing analysis from intuitive arguments or comparison with reference materials. In particular, it is shown that O terminations induce the largest BE.s. at Ti 2p levels despite lower electronegativity than F. Additionally, F 1s levels show weak sensitivity to the F local environment, explaining the single contribution in the spectrum, whereas O 1s states are significantly affected by the local surface chemistry. Finally, clear indicators of surface group vacancies are given at Ti 2p and O 1s levels. These results demonstrate the combination of calculations with experiments as a method of the highest value for MXenes XPS spectra analysis, providing guidelines for otherwise complex interpretations.
Effect of Electromagnetic Stirring on Solidification Structure and Central Porosity of Large‐Sized Round Bloom in Continuous Casting
Authors: Lan Peng , Li Liang , Wang Songwei , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: October 2024

The effect of strand (S‐) and final (F‐) electromagnetic stirring (EMS) on solidification structure characteristic of a φ690 mm continuously cast round bloom has been investigated industrially and theoretically. The newly designed S1‐EMS equipped just below the foot zone takes great effect on both equiaxed ratio and distribution alignment, as well as central porosity. Larger current S1‐EMS leads to higher equiaxed ratio, more symmetrical equiaxed zone, and smaller diameter of central porosity, and the effect is much more obvious than conventional S2‐EMS and F‐EMS. It is also noticed that there should be a saturation effect of S1‐EMS on the promotion of equiaxed dendrite nucleation. The S2‐EMS is beneficial for the expanding of equiaxed zone and improving of central porosity. When S1‐EMS is weak, strong S2‐EMS results in more asymmetrical equiaxed zone. However, when S‐EMS is strong, strong S2‐EMS results in more symmetrical distribution of equiaxed zone. The F‐EMS takes a little impact on the expanding of equiaxed zone in the large‐sized round bloom, and almost no effect on the alignment. The central porosity, however, is improved by F‐EMS with the help of decrease in temperature gradient and compensation of solidification contraction.
A Six‐Axis Asymmetric Parallel Manipulator Co‐Driven by Direct‐Drive and Geared Motors for Enhanced Force‐Sensing Capability
Authors: Wu Shang‐Teh , Wang Hui‐Jun
Published: October 2024

This article introduces a novel six‐axis parallel manipulator co‐driven by motors with and without geared reducers. The design leverages the high stiffness provided by the geared motors and the high force‐sensing capability of the direct drives. When the geared motors move synchronously with their direct‐drive counterparts, the manipulator mimics a Delta robot's spatial translation, while the direct drives double as high‐performance force sensors. An asymmetric design of the manipulator is proposed to allocate a larger portion of torque to the geared motors, raising the overall stiffness of the mechanism. Relations between the external force to the driving torque are derived and the torque redistribution effect of the asymmetric design is illustrated numerically. Experimental results on prototypes of both the symmetric design and the asymmetric design show that direct drives consistently exhibit much higher linearity in the force‐to‐torque relationship compared to the geared drives, and also confirm that asymmetric design alleviates the torque burden on the direct drives. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The evolutionary and ecological convergence of the raccoon and raccoon dog: A perfect storm of invasive species in Europe
Authors: Zeveloff Samuel I.
Published: October 2024

This paper initially describes the evolution of body shape in the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). I explain how their similarities are the result of convergent evolution, the process by which unrelated organisms come to resemble one another in form, function, or both. This is the first examination of this phenomenon in these two species. In addition, I consider how their convergent traits and habits as omnivores have contributed to their astounding success as invasive species in Europe. Problems have arisen from these introductions, including impacts on prey species. Considering their broad adaptability as “stout” shaped mesocarnivores should aid in understanding their behavior and ecology, and could assist in addressing their management in Europe. Last, I offer suggestions for the control of raccoons given their compensatory versus additive mortality patterns, a practice that may also have implications for the regulation of raccoon dog populations.
Paradigm on Levenberg–Marquardt neural algorithm analysis of heat conduction optimization for ternary hybrid nanofluid with entropy generation
Authors: Qureshi Hamid , Shah Zahoor , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Shoaib Muhammad , Khan Waqar Azeem , Muhammad Taseer
Published: October 2024

The significance of the present article is to enhance the thermal management and energy efficiency of complex engineering infrastructures such as energy storage systems, modern electric vehicles, thermal insulations, heavy‐duty machinery, and production units. This research aims to understand the intricate relationship between the thermal conductivity performance of ternary () hybrid nanomaterial and entropy generation to optimize material design and efficacy. A synergetic combination of three distinct nanomaterials silicon dioxide, ferric oxide, and titanium oxide with ethylene glycol and water in the ratio 3:2 as a base solvent is comprised of contributing unique thermophysical properties. To elucidate the impact of this hybrid composition on thermal conductivity, various factors are analyzed. The advanced computational technique of Artificial intelligent feed‐forward neural network (AIFFNN) is utilized. The problem governed the system of PDEs, which is transformed into ODEs by dimensionless similarity. Adams method provided the dataset which is filtered and embedded into Marquardt–Levenberg Algorithm (LMA). The study examines the role of nanomaterial constituents, morphology, and boundary conditions on thermal performance and entropy generation. Graphical analysis of velocity, temperature, and entropy is provided with respect to varying parameters, including surface absorption (λ), magnetic strength (Tesla M), radiation parameter (Rd), Brownian motion (Br), and Eckert number (Ec). The findings have practical significance for optimizing material design in engineering and industrial applications.
Scramblon loops
Authors: Stanford Douglas , Vardhan Shreya , Yao Shunyu
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In large N chaotic quantum systems, the butterfly effect is mediated by a collective field mode known as the “scramblon.” We study self-interactions of the scramblon in variants of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. In spatially extended versions of the model and for large spatial separation, fluctuations described by loop diagrams can invalidate the single-scramblon approximation well before its contribution to out-of-time-order correlators becomes of order one. We find a qualitative difference between an incoherent regime at high temperaure (or in a Brownian version of the model) and a coherent regime at low temperature.
Non-global logarithms up to four loops at finite-Nc for V/H+jet processes at hadron colliders
Authors: Khelifa-Kerfa Kamel
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We extend our previous work [1] on calculating non-global logarithms in e+e− annihilation to Higgs/vector boson production in association with a single hard jet at hadron colliders. We analytically compute non-global coefficients in the jet mass distribution up to four loops using the anti-kt jet algorithm. Our calculations are performed in the eikonal approximation, assuming strong energy ordering for the emitted gluons, thus capturing only the leading logarithms of the distribution. We compare our analytical results with the all-orders large-Nc numerical solution. In general, the gross features of the non-global logarithm distribution observed in the e+e− case remain valid for the V/H+jet processes.
Positionspapier der ÖGR und ÖGP zur Diagnose und Therapie der Sarkoidose 2024
Authors: Sterniste Georg , Hackner Klaus , Moazedi-Fürst Florentine , Grasl Marie , Idzko Marco , Shao Guangyu , Guttmann-Ducke Claudia , Talakić Emina , Prosch Helmut , Lohfink-Schumm Sylvia , Gabriel Michael , Lim Clarice , Hochreiter Johann , Bucher Brigitte , Böckle Barbara C , Kiener Hans Peter , Duftner Christina , Kastrati Kastriot , Rath Eva , Funk Marion , Löffler-Ragg Judith , Steinmaurer Monika , Kovacs Gabor , Verheyen Nicolas , Flick Holger , Antlanger Marlies , Traxler Gerhard , Tatscher Elisabeth , Zwick Ralf Harun , Lang David
Published: October 2024

Die Sarkoidose ist in vielen Fällen eine Multisystemerkrankung, die eine interdisziplinäre medizinische Zusammenarbeit in Diagnostik, Therapie und in der medizinischen Betreuung im Verlauf erfordert. Aufgrund des oft chronischen Verlaufes ist es besonders wichtig, Patientinnen und Patienten mit ihren Prioritäten und Wünschen frühzeitig und umfassend in die medizinische Betreuung einzubinden und, wenn möglich, ein „shared decision making“ zu etablieren. Beim Verfassen dieses gemeinsamen Positionspapieres war es der Expertengruppe für interstitielle Lungenerkrankungen und „orphan diseases“ der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie sowie der Arbeitsgruppe Rheuma und Lunge der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation ein besonderes Anliegen, sowohl PatientInnenvertreter als auch ExpertInnen für seltenere Organmanifestationen der Sarkoidose einzubeziehen. Dieses Positionspapier soll nicht nur ein Spiegel der aktuellen klinischen und wissenschaftlichen Praxis sein, sondern auch die nationale Expertise bündeln und durch Vernetzung und Austausch ein erster Schritt zu einer Stärkung der Betreuungsstruktur von PatientInnen mit Sarkoidose sein.
Bicycle helmets are associated with fewer and less severe head injuries and fewer neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Næss Ingar , Døving Mats , Galteland Pål , Skaga Nils Oddvar , Eken Torsten , Helseth Eirik , Ramm-Pettersen Jon
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study explores the protective capabilities of bicycle helmets on serious head injury among bicyclists hospitalized in a Norwegian level 1 trauma centre.

Method

Information on helmet use, demographic variables, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and surgical procedure codes was retrieved from the Oslo University Hospital Trauma Registry for patients with bicycle-related injuries from 2005 through 2016. Outcomes were serious head injury defined as maximum AIS severity score ≥ 3 in the AIS region Head, any cranial neurosurgical procedure, and 30-day mortality.

Results

A total of 1256 hospitalized bicyclists were included. The median age was 41 years (quartiles 26–53), 73% were male, 5.3% had severe pre-injury comorbidities, and 54% wore a helmet at the time of injury. Serious head injury occurred in 30%, 9% underwent a cranial neurosurgical procedure, and 30-day mortality was 2%. Compared to non-helmeted bicyclists, helmeted bicyclists were older (43 years, quartiles 27–54, vs. 38 years, quartiles 23–53, p = 0.05), less often crashed during night-time (21% vs. 38%, p < 0.001), less frequently had serious head injury (22% vs. 38%, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.22–0.39), and less often underwent cranial neurosurgery (6% vs. 14%, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24–0.54). No statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups was found (1.5% vs. 2.9%, OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22–1.11).

Conclusion

Helmet use was associated with fewer and less severe head injuries and fewer neurosurgical procedures. This adds evidence to the protective capabilities of bicycle helmets.
Die Hydraulik von Brunnenfilterrohren
Authors: Houben Georg
Published: October 2024

Weltweit werden Millionen von Brunnen genutzt um Grundwasser zu fördern. Ihr Design sollte möglichst so erfolgen, dass die bei der Nutzung anfallenden Eintrittsverluste und der damit verbundene Energieverbrauch möglichst gering sind. Eine zentrale Rolle im Brunnenbauwerk spielt das Brunnenfilterrohr, das einander widersprechende Anforderungen erfüllen muss, nämlich eine möglichst hohe Durchlässigkeit bei gleichzeitig gutem Rückhalt des Filterkieses. Berechnungsverfahren und experimentelle Untersuchungen zeigen übereinstimmend, dass die meisten Brunnenfilterrohre im Vergleich zu den anderen Komponenten des Systems Brunnen-Grundwasserleiter sehr gut durchlässig sind und wenig zu den Gesamtverlusten beitragen. Auch inkrustierende Brunnen behalten diese vorteilhaften Eigenschaften fast bis zur vollständigen Verstopfung.
Empowering Women in Imaging Informatics: Confronting Imposter Syndrome, Addressing Microaggressions, and Striving for Work-Life Harmony
Authors: Moassefi Mana , Fennell Nikki , Yang Mindy , Gunter Jennifer B. , Schmit Teri M. Sippel , Cook Tessa S.
Published: October 2024

For the past 6 years, the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) annual meeting has provided a forum for women in imaging informatics to discuss the unique challenges they face. These sessions have evolved into a platform for understanding, sharing experiences, and developing practical strategies. The 2023 session was organized into three focus groups devoted to discussing imposter syndrome, workplace microaggressions, and work-life balance. This paper summarizes these discussions and highlights the significant themes and narratives that emerged. We aim to contribute to the larger conversation on gender equity in the informatics field, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by women in informatics. By documenting these sessions, we seek to inspire actionable change towards a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone in imaging informatics.
3dct Conduit and Oesophageal Metrics, a Valuable Method to Diagnose Post Sleeve Gastrectomy Abnormalities
Authors: Alhayo S. T. , Guirgis M. , Siriwardene C. , Dong L. , Said S. A. , Talbot M. L.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may result from anatomical and functional anomalies in the gastric conduit. Three-dimensional CT scans (3DCT) offer a comprehensive view of gastric anatomy. This study aims to establish specific measurements associated with sleeve abnormalities to standardise the reporting of 3DCT which may help in management of LSG complications.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analysed 64 post-LSG patients who underwent gastric 3DCT. Data included clinical demographics, pre-LSG BMI, BMI at 3DCT, and the duration between surgery and examination. Symptomatology prompts the scan and other concurrent investigations. Various 3DCT measurements were taken, including angularis angle (AA), surface area (ASA), conduit length (CL), proximal maximal surface area (PMSA), and distal maximal surface area (DMSA) of the gastric conduit. Patients were categorised based on endoscopy findings and symptomatology. Outcomes post-revisional surgery were assessed and analysed.

Results

20.3% were male. Pre-LSG BMI and BMI at 3DCT were 45.57 (± 8.3) and 36.3 (± 8.7), respectively. Mean surgery-to-scan period was 6.2 years. 71.8% of patients presented with reflux, regurgitation, or dysphagia, whilst the remainder primarily exhibited weight regain. Patients with endoscopic evidence of stenosis/reflux demonstrated significantly lower gastric volume, ASA, and DMSA (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). Oesophageal diameter above the conduit and an ASA to DMSA ratio ≤ 0.5 were negatively associated with AA (p = 0.008 and p = 0.08, respectively). Patients with improved outcomes after revisional bypass and gastrogastrostomy displayed a negative correlation with ASA and positive correlation with the ASA to PMSA ratio (≤ 0.5).

Conclusion

3DCT measurements have a potential role in defining post-LSG stenosis and predicting outcomes of revisional surgery. Patients with anatomic abnormalities that are shown on CT appear to improve with anatomic correction.

Graphical Abstract
Infinitely many exotic Lagrangian tori in higher projective spaces
Authors: Chanda Soham , Hirschi Amanda , Wang Luya
Published: October 2024

In de Velloso Vianna (J Topol 9(2):535-551, 2016), Vianna constructed infinitely many exotic Lagrangian tori in $$\mathbb {P}^2$$

P

2

. We lift these tori to higher dimensional projective spaces and show that they remain non-symplectomorphic. Our proof is elementary except for an application of the wall-crossing formula of Pascaleff and Tonkonog (Adv Math 361:106850, 2020).
Integration of FAERS, DrugBank and SIDER Data for Machine Learning-based Detection of Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Schreier Tobias , Tropmann-Frick Marina , Böhm Ruwen
Published: October 2024

Traditionally, disproportionality analysis (DPA) methods are employed for signal detection in pharmacovigilance, but these methods utilize only a limited portion of the data available from spontaneous event reports (SERs). This research aims to enhance signal detection by applying machine learning (ML) methods that can leverage additional data. We create a dataset by integrating SER data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) with biological and chemical data from DrugBank, and information on known adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from Side Effect Resource (SIDER). The known ADRs from SIDER are used to label the dataset for ML training. Using the AutoML library TPOT, ML models are trained on this dataset. Our findings indicate that ML models, even when trained with the same features as DPA methods, achieve higher recall and precision. Moreover, incorporating additional features related to drugs and events significantly boosts the performance of ML models. Analysis using the explainable AI (XAI) technique SHAP reveals that the drug name, event name, and fifth-level ATC code are the most influential features for model predictions. These ML models offer a promising alternative or supplement to conventional DPA methods for signal detection in pharmacovigilance.
Normalization of Singular Contact Forms and Primitive 1-forms
Authors: Jiang Kai , Truong Hong Minh , Zung Nguyen Tien
Published: October 2024

A differential 1-form $$\alpha $$
α
on a manifold of odd dimension $$2n+1$$

2
n
+
1

, which satisfies the contact condition $$\alpha \wedge (d\alpha )^n \ne 0$$

α
∧

(
d
α
)

n

≠
0

almost everywhere, but which vanishes at a point O, i.e., $$\alpha (O) = 0$$

α
(
O
)
=
0

, is called a singular contact form at O. The aim of this paper is to study local normal forms (formal, analytic and smooth) of such singular contact forms. Our study leads naturally to the study of normal forms of singular primitive 1-forms of a symplectic form $$\omega $$
ω
in dimension 2n, i.e., differential 1-forms $$\gamma $$
γ
which vanish at a point and such that $$d\gamma = \omega $$

d
γ
=
ω

, and their corresponding conformal vector fields. Our results are an extension and improvement of previous results obtained by other authors, in particular Lychagin (1975), Webster (Amer. J. Math. 109, 807–832 (1987)) and Zhitomirskii (1986, 1992). Besides the classical normalization techniques, such as the step-by step normalization methods based on the cohomological equations and the Moser path method, we also use the toric approach to the normalization problem for dynamical systems (Jiang et al. 2019; Zung, Ann. Math. 161, 141–156 2005; Zung 2016; Zung, Arch. Rational Mech. Anal. 229, 789–833 (2018)).
One health: the impact of environment, detergents and hygiene on barrier, microbiome and allergy
Authors: Mayerhofer Hanna , Pali-Schöll Isabella
Published: October 2024

A variety of body surfaces, such as skin and mucosal membranes—from the nasopharyngeal area to the lungs, uterus, vaginal area, and digestive tract—contain complex microbial ecosystems that are tailored to the specifics of the respective niche [1].

The so-called dysbiosis—a disadvantageous change in the composition of the microbiome—is associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases [2]. Gastrointestinal as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, psychological, oncological, and also allergic diseases have been linked to microbial dysbiosis. Susceptibility to allergies can be due to genetic predisposition; in addition, extrinsic factors from today’s lifestyle increasingly contribute to microbiome changes, but also to the disruption of the skin and mucosal barrier and thus to the development of allergies [3].

Gisela, a fictional farmer, guides us through this review. She is representative of adults and children of all genders in industrialized countries. During her daily routine, the skin and mucosal microbiome is influenced by a variety of exogenous factors. These include everyday personal hygiene products, detergents for laundry and dishes, food, medication, animal contact, and exposure to various outdoor environments. Gisela’s daily routine will illustrate how the human microbiome and the skin barrier are modified in positive or negative ways, and how this could influence the development of allergies. Furthermore, potential measures for the prevention and management of dysbiosis will be discussed in terms of examples of alternative products and behaviors.
Preparing for Patient Care: A Pre-clerkship Curricular Thread to Improve Learners’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Confidence Treating Patients at Risk for Suicide
Authors: Porter-Stransky Kirsten A. , Davio Angela C. , Westerman Perry
Published: October 2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death. Unfortunately, stigma still surrounds depression and mental health treatment. Many health care providers are uncomfortable broaching the topic with patients. There is an urgent need to better equip future physicians to compassionately identify and treat patients at risk for suicide. To address this problem, we created a novel suicide prevention spiral curricular thread for advanced pre-clerkship medical students. Mixed methods surveys were administered before and after the curriculum. Following completion of the curriculum, learners’ confidence identifying and treating patients at risk of suicide significantly increased. Attitudes including professional confidence, therapeutic optimism, and generalist perspective measured by the Revised Depression Attitudes Questionnaire also increased, indicating reduced stigmatizing attitudes and increased knowledge and confidence. Participants reported that engaging in the standardized patient encounter was the most impactful event, although the prior events provided necessary foundational training. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a curricular thread approach during the pre-clerkship phase for training medical students in suicide prevention to prepare them for patient care. Other medical schools can use this framework to design and integrate suicide prevention training into their own curricula.
Ego-network characteristics moderates the interaction of structural hole and centrality on market performance: based on coopetition network
Authors: Guan Feiyang
Published: October 2024

This paper establishes a symmetric matrix based on the coopetition relationships among global automobile enterprises, and uses Ucinet software to obtain the visualization chart of the coopetition network of global automobile enterprises. Then, the multiple moderating effect method and two-stage least squares method are adopt to reveal the interaction between structural hole and centrality on enterprise market performance, and how the ego-network characteristics affect this interaction. The results show that structural hole and centrality have a positive interaction on market performance. Compared with high ego-network stability, the positive interaction between structural hole and centrality on enterprise market performance is stronger under the condition of low ego-network stability. And compared with low ego-network density, the positive interaction between structural hole and centrality on market performance is stronger under the condition of high ego-network density. These new findings further strengthen the connection between the overall network and ego-network.
A systematic review of therapist perspectives on cognitive behavioral therapy with gender and sexual minorities
Authors: Shali Sedigheh
Published: October 2024

Background

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals such as those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender or nonbinary, uniquely experience heightened stress as compared to their heterosexual and cisgender cohorts. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can address the cognitive, affective and interpersonal pathways via which minority stress adversely impacts mental health among SGM individuals.

Objective

This systematic review aims to explore the qualitative evidence about the experiences of CBT therapists working with SGM individuals, focusing on the challenges they encounter and the strategies they employ to deliver effective care.

Method

Electronic searches were conducted across APA Psychnet, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar using specific keywords related to SGM populations and CBT. Included studies were qualitative, published between 2000 and 2023, and focused on therapists’ experiences with SGM clients. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed.

Results

The review identified several challenges faced by CBT therapists, including issues related to cultural competency, stigma, discrimination, and the need for culturally adapted interventions. Therapists reported difficulties in acknowledging and integrating the unique aspects of their clients' sexual and gender identities into therapy, which sometimes resulted in microaggressions and therapeutic neglect. Therapists who sought additional training and incorporated frameworks such as minority stress and intersectional stigma reported more effective therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions

This review underscores the importance of enhancing training programs and delineating comprehensive guidelines to equip therapists with the requisite skills for providing culturally competent and individualised care to SGM clients. Despite the challenges, CBT holds promise for effectively addressing minority stress and promoting resilience among SGM populations when therapists are adequately prepared. Future studies must bridge the gap between theoretical recommendations and practical applications to improve outcomes for SGM clients.
Separating McDowell’s two Myths of the Given - or on how to best explain the conceptuality of the space of reasons
Authors: Gersel Johan
Published: October 2024

In his book, John McDowell on Worldly Subjectivity, Tony Cheng argues that recent changes to McDowell’s theory of perceptual justification should lead him to accept that experiences possess non-conceptual content. In this paper, I take issue with Cheng’s conclusion. Instead, I argue that McDowell should adopt Travis’s position, where experiences aren’t taken to possess content at all. I argue that we can distinguish two separate Myths of the Given in McDowell’s writings. While McDowell often seamlessly moves from one to the other, I argue that it is difficult to see how he can justify this due to his recent alterations to his position. I argue that if we reject one Myth and retain the other, then McDowell can both hold on to a version of his view that the space of reasons is the space of the conceptual, all the while he accepts Travis’s arguments to the effect that experiences are devoid of content. Finally, I consider some arguments McDowell might present against accepting Travis’s position. While these objections do not convince me, what is notable about them is that, if they are sound, then they will equally count against Cheng’s intermediary position where non-conceptual contents are ascribed to experiences. Hence, I conclude that there are no grounds on which McDowell can reasonably endorse that experiences possess non-conceptual contents. Either he should stick to his conceptualism, or he should follow Travis and reject that experiences possess contents at all.
Americans believe in the benevolence of nature, and this belief is not lower in people who have experienced natural disasters
Authors: Rozin Paul , Chen Richard , Scott Sydney E. , Cusimano Corey
Published: October 2024

American and European adults prefer natural products and often pay premiums to purchase natural products. They may do this because they believe natural products are better, either functionally or inherently. We present a measure that assesses belief in the ‘benevolence of nature’ across a range of products and a range of situations, including safety, sensory appeal, and effectiveness. American adults show a substantial belief in the benevolence of nature. This belief is sometimes erroneous, with participants attributing higher quality to some natural products that are in fact inferior to their artificial counterparts. In support of the belief that natural products are inherently better, many participants express a preference for a natural as opposed to an artificial product when both are stipulated to be chemically identical or to have identical effects. An original set of 24 items to measure belief in the benevolence of nature is refined into a more useful 10-item scale, and correlations with related scales are assessed. Belief in the benevolence of nature is not lower in participants who have experienced at least one natural disaster.
Sources of nanoplastic and microplastic pollution which are hidden in plain sight
Authors: Pantos Olga , Masterton Hayden , Ruffell Helena
Published: October 2024

Plastic pollution is pervasive in our environment, with impacts seen across ecosystems and taxa. While plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives, not all of it is readily apparent, making it challenging to effectively reduce plastic pollution. A hidden source of plastic pollution is plastic-based printing, which is used on a wide range of items including single-use products like plastic food containers and multi-use plastic items like credit cards. This also includes items that we would not consider to be sources of plastic pollution such as glass bottles with surface printing. The widespread use of this printing, therefore, results in even non-plastic items contributing to plastic pollution, potentially contaminating recycling streams and exacerbating nano- and microplastic (NMP) dispersion. Given the challenges of remediating NMP plastic pollution once it has entered the environment, prevention becomes paramount. With significant efforts underway to reduce plastic production, it is important to take a holistic approach to redesigning objects and materials to avoid false solutions, which will continue to contribute to ecosystem degradation and planetary boundary transgressions. To make meaningful progress and avoid ineffective solutions, it is imperative to consider all sources of plastic pollution, including those concealed within apparently non-plastic objects.
Democratic Equality and the Elected Avatars of the People
Authors: Shoemaker Eric
Published: October 2024

I argue that the use of elected political representatives undermines the political equality of citizens. Having elected representatives politically stand-in for individual constituents makes ordinary citizens the political inferiors of their representatives. This in turn creates democratically problematic social inequality between elected politicians and their constituents. I then offer an alternative to representative politicians that does not face the avatar of the people problem: representative mini-publics. Through these bodies, we can achieve a representative system without a class of political elites, where citizens share the responsibilities and powers of government as equals.
Outcomes of adolescent children with severe cardiogenic shock referred for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: insight from collaboration of adult shock team and paediatric cardiac critical care
Authors: Yap Siew Yee , Desai Ajay , Chan-Dominy Amy C.F.
Published: October 2024

Adolescents with severe cardiogenic shock can present to both paediatric and adult centres. We present six adolescent children who had extracorporeal membrane oxygenation consultation fast-tracked with clinical care input from the adult multidisciplinary team, including interhospital transfers on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After recovery on conventional cardiogenic shock care or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or bridge to transplant, all had favourable neurologic outcome.