bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SQUID Controller Unit for the LiteBIRD Space Mission: Description, Functional Tests and Early Performance Assessment
Authors: Conenna Giulia , Tartari Andrea , Signorelli Giovanni , Passerini Andrea , Limonta Andrea , Zannoni Mario , Dal Bo Paolo , Di Giorgi Eugenia , Cliche Jean-François , Della Torre Stefano , Dobbs Matt , Galli Luca , Gervasi Massimo , Massa Maurizio , Moggi Andrea , Montgomery Joshua , Nicolò Donato , Pinchera Michele , Smecher Graeme , Spinella Franco
Published: May 2024

LiteBIRD is a satellite mission to be launched by JAXA in the early 2030s. It will measure the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) primordial B-modes with an unprecedented sensitivity. Microwave radiation will be detected by Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) arrays multiplexed in frequency domain and read by Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). The LiteBIRD SQUID Controller Unit (SCU), based on the heritage of the successful design used for the ground-based SPT3G experiment, presents some novel elements that make it suitable for a space-borne application. We compare our first breadboard model with the ground-based, Off-The-Shelf Components (COTS) version, by driving the same SQUID Array Amplifier (SAA) at 4 K, measuring relevant quantities such as noise, gain and bandwidth. We demonstrate that the noise added by our first prototype (including a switching part for redundancy purposes) never exceeds the noise added by the COTS-based electronics board, representing our benchmark. We also present the first noise estimates with the SAA cooled below 1 K, going closer to the conditions expected for LiteBIRD operation.
Thermochemistry of amino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives
Authors: Amaral Luísa M. P. F. , Carvalho Tânia M. T. , da Silva Maria D. M. C. Ribeiro
Published: May 2024

The present work is focused on determining the enthalpy of formation of several derivatives of amino-1,2,4-triazoles. Experimentally, the enthalpies of formation of the crystalline phase and the enthalpies of sublimation of 3-amino- and 3,5-diamino-1H-1,2,4-triazole were derived, respectively, from static-bomb combustion calorimetry and Calvet microcalorimetry or Knudsen effusion measurements. For 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole, only the enthalpy of sublimation was measured. Gas-phase standard molar enthalpies of formation were also estimated using theoretical calculations performed with the G3(MP2) composite approach. The very good agreement of these estimates with the experimental results, support the extension of this study to the estimate of this property for the remaining compounds not studied experimentally. The results obtained are interpreted in terms of structural contributions.
Short-term evolution pattern in salt marsh landscapes: the importance of physical constraints
Authors: Xue Liming , Li Tianyou , Li Xiuzhen , Bi Yuxin , Su Lin , Song Yuanhao , Zhao Wenzhen , Ge Jianzhong , He Qing , Shi Benwei
Published: May 2024

Context

Salt marsh landscapes at the land-sea interfaces exhibit contrasting spatiotemporal dynamics, resulting from varying physical constraints that limit new marsh establishment. The expansion of salt marsh landscapes towards the sea or their retreat towards the land is determined by patch-level changes, relying on the balance of power between the intrinsic biota traits and external physical disturbances.

Objectives

Examine how marsh dynamics respond to physical constraints, and clarify the pathway from coupled physical processes involving hydrodynamic forces, sediment transport, and morphological changes to rapid patch evolution and landscape changes.

Methods

We defined and distinguished four types of marsh changes based on patch proximities from five-month drone images in two typical marsh pioneer zones of the Yangtze Estuary, China: outlying expansion, edge expansion, infilling expansion, and retreat. Hydrodynamics and sediment transport were synchronously measured and compared near the two marsh edges, and morphological changes were generated by drone-derived digital elevation models (DEMs).

Results

We identified distinct seasonal patterns of net marsh expansion at the accretion-prone site, that is: Net marsh expansion started from the outlying expansion in spring, followed by edge expansion in summer and infilling expansion in autumn. However, at the erosion-prone site that experienced high bed shear stress, low sediment availability and high seaward sediment transport, we only observed limited infilling and edge expansion in spring. This suggests that the potential for long-distance patch formation beyond the initial marsh edges is diminished in areas subjected to intensive physical disturbances.

Conclusions

Patch evolution dynamics in response to site-specific physical constraints drive state differentiation of salt marsh landscape changes. Consequently, the heterogeneous evolution in salt marsh landscapes should be taken into account in restoration practice.
From past habitats to present threats: tracing North American weasel distributions through a century of climate and land use change
Authors: Cheeseman Amanda E. , Jachowski David S. , Kays Roland
Published: May 2024

Context

Shifts in climate and land use have dramatically reshaped ecosystems, impacting the distribution and status of wildlife populations. For many species, data gaps limit inference regarding population trends and links to environmental change. This deficiency hinders our ability to enact meaningful conservation measures to protect at risk species.

Objectives

We investigated historical drivers of environmental niche change for three North American weasel species (American ermine, least weasel, and long-tailed weasel) to understand their response to environmental change.

Methods

Using species occurrence records and corresponding environmental data, we developed species-specific environmental niche models for the contiguous United States (1938–2021). We generated annual hindcasted predictions of the species’ environmental niche, assessing changes in distribution, area, and fragmentation in response to environmental change.

Results

We identified a 54% decline in suitable habitat alongside high levels of fragmentation for least weasels and region-specific trends for American ermine and long-tailed weasels; declines in the West and increased suitability in the East. Climate and land use were important predictors of the environmental niche for all species. Changes in habitat amount and distribution reflected widespread land use changes over the past century while declines in southern and low-elevation areas are consistent with impacts from climatic change.

Conclusions

Our models uncovered land use and climatic change as potential historic drivers of population change for North American weasels and provide a basis for management recommendations and targeted survey efforts. We identified potentially at-risk populations and a need for landscape-level planning to support weasel populations amid ongoing environmental changes.
Exact solutions of the Landau–Ginzburg–Higgs equation utilizing the Jacobi elliptic functions
Authors: Çulha Ünal Sevil
Published: May 2024

The Landau–Ginzburg–Higgs equation is one of the significant evolution equation in physical phenomena. In this work, the exact solutions of this equation are gained by applying an analytical method depends on twelve Jacobi elliptic functions. This equation is turned into an ordinary differential equation by the proposed method. When solving the Landau–Ginzburg–Higgs equation, an auxiliary ordinary differential equation is considered. Some theorems and corollaries utilized in the solutions of this auxiliary equation are given. Using these solutions, the elliptic and elementary solutions of the Landau–Ginzburg–Higgs equation are obtained and illustrated by tables. Many solutions are given in the form of the complex, rational, hyperbolic, and trigonometric functions. The soliton solutions and the complex valued solutions are also found by proposed method. These solutions include the largest set of solutions in the literature. Some of them are shown graphically by 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional with the help of Mathematica software. The obtained solutions are beneficial for the farther development of a concerned model. The presented method does not need initial and boundary conditions, perturbation, or linearization. Besides, this method is easy, efficient, and reliable for solutions of many partial differential equations.
Distributed HAPS-assisted communications in FSO/RF space-air-ground integrated networks
Authors: Bithas Petros S.
Published: May 2024

Space-air-ground integrated (SAGI) communication networks have been envisioned as one of the pillars of the next generation communications (6 G). This type of networks are expected to offer fairness and high quality of services in various scenarios where traditional terrestrial communication systems cannot efficiently support due to inherent limitations, e.g., limited coverage areas. In this paper, a distributed transmission scheme is proposed in a SAGI communication network that utilizes free-space-optical (FSO)/radio frequency (RF) links. More specifically, a set of N high altitude platform systems are cooperatively transmit the received signal to the ground station, using the decode-and-forward relaying protocol. For this system, generic analytical expressions for the outage probability (OP) have been derived that take into consideration the impact of turbulence, pointing errors, and atmospheric attenuation (for the FSO links) as well as the impact of composite fading (for the RF links). Moreover, asymptotic closed-form expressions for the OP are also presented, which are used to extract useful insights for the system under consideration. The numerical evaluated results that are illustrated reveal the impact of various system and channel models parameters on the system’s performance. From these results, it is shown that the proposed scheme outperforms a pure FSO-based relaying scheme, which has been used as a benchmark, under different environmental conditions.
Modulation instability and comparative observation of the effect of fractional parameters on new optical soliton solutions of the paraxial wave model
Authors: Roshid Md. Mamunur , Alam Md. Nur , İlhan Onur Alp , Rahim Md. Abdur , Tuhin Md. Mehedi Hassen , Rahman M. M.
Published: May 2024

This work focuses on the study of the paraxial wave model with a space–time fractional form. This model has more importance for describing light propagation in nonlinear optical fibers and telecommunication lines. The main aim of this work is to observe the effect of the fractional parameters and compare the truncated $$M$$
M
-fraction with the beta-fraction, conformable fraction form, and classical form of the PW model. For this observation, we applied the Simplest equation technique to acquire analytical solutions to the space–time (spatiotemporal) $$M$$
M
-fractional paraxial wave model. We are able to acquire several new optical soliton solutions, including periodic waves, kink-type waves, rogue-type waves, and several novel periodic waves, by providing the appropriate fractional parametric values. These solutions have significance for shedding light on a number of physical phenomena in the realms of optical fiber and communication sciences. The diverse values of fractional parameters and the three-dimensional and contour plot graphs of certain chosen solutions are depicted, which are the most accurate physical characterizations of the outcomes. We also sketch the comparative graph of diverse fractional forms and the classical form of the paraxial wave equation in two-dimensional plots. Consequently, our findings represent an important breakthrough in this complex area and help further develop our comprehension of the behavior of solitons.
Gender and Beyond: Employment Patterns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy
Authors: Brini Elisa , Scherer Stefani , Vitali Agnese
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates employment changes during the COVID-19 pandemic for women and men in a country characterized by notoriously low female employment: Italy. The paper explores to what extent previously existing inequalities in employment were further exacerbated during the pandemic. Using data from the Italian Labor Force Surveys from 2018 to 2020, we find evidence of a limited decline in employment, but a steep increase in the number of individuals working zero hours during the lockdown periods. This result holds for both men and women. The pandemic highlighted how gender inequalities in employment intersect with other socioeconomic disadvantages: single mothers and lower-educated women were more affected than their male counterparts, while single men without children and foreign men were hit stronger than women with the same characteristics in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. The pandemic thus came with differentiated consequences, generally affecting those already in less advantaged situations harder. At the same time, the results support the idea that women’s employment was crucial to counteract job loss in the family, and some became the only breadwinner for their families. This also exposed them to risks by working during the pandemic. Overall, the pandemic greatly accentuated preexisting social inequalities in the Italian labor market, yet with an apparently transitory effect at least regarding employment participation.
Development of algorithms for estimating the Child Health Utility 9D from Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities
Authors: Tonmukayakul Utsana , Willoughby Kate , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Reddihough Dinah , Mulhern Brendan , Carter Rob , Robinson Suzanne , Chen Gang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The primary aim was to determine Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D) utilities from the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) for non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

One hundred and eight surveys completed by Australian parents/caregivers of children with CP were analysed. Spearman’s coefficients were used to investigate the correlations between the two instruments. Ordinary least square, robust MM-estimator, and generalised linear models (GLM) with four combinations of families and links were developed to estimate CHU9D utilities from either the CPCHILD total score or CPCHILD domains scores. Internal validation was performed using 5-fold cross-validation and random sampling validation. The best performing algorithms were identified based on mean absolute error (MAE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and the difference between predicted and observed means of CHU9D.

Results

Moderate correlations (ρ 0.4–0.6) were observed between domains of the CHU9D and CPCHILD instruments. The best performing algorithm when considering the CPCHILD total score was a generalised linear regression (GLM) Gamma family and logit link (MAE = 0.156, CCC = 0.508). Additionally, the GLM Gamma family logit link using CPCHILD comfort and emotion, quality of life, and health domain scores also performed well (MAE = 0.152, CCC = 0.552).

Conclusion

This study established algorithms for estimating CHU9D utilities from CPCHILD scores for non-ambulatory children with CP. The determined algorithms can be valuable for estimating quality-adjusted life years for cost-utility analysis when only the CPCHILD instrument is available. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and external validation are recommended to validate these findings.
The 2023 Merger Guidelines and The Role of Economics
Authors: Salinger Michael A.
Published: May 2024

Relying heavily on legal analysis, the 2023 Merger Guidelines argue for a fundamental shift in antitrust enforcement that places more emphasis on protecting competitors and less on protecting the beneficiaries of competition. It is up to courts, not economists, to ascertain whether this interpretation of antitrust law is correct. But economists can and should analyze the likely economic effects. Evidence that antitrust enforcement has permitted some markets to be overly concentrated justifies the tightening of horizontal merger enforcement that is signaled by these guidelines. Evaluating the elimination of double marginalization from vertical mergers as a part of an efficiency defense rather than as a primary economic effect reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the economics of vertical mergers. At a minimum, these guidelines will further damage the reputation of the DOJ and FTC among competition policy enforcers in other countries. A potentially more serious cost will be if foreign competition authorities use these guidelines to justify enforcing their own laws to protect inefficient domestic firms against foreign competition.
Rodolfo Sacco and the Multiple Relations Between Law and Language
Authors: Pozzo Barbara
Published: May 2024

Rodolfo Sacco has devoted much of his research to the relations between law and language. His analysis were focused on the problem of legal translation for comparative law research, on mute law, and on the importance of understanding the dynamics of the different languages in Europe today.
Categorical Proof-theoretic Semantics
Authors: Pym David , Ritter Eike , Robinson Edmund
Published: May 2024

In proof-theoretic semantics, model-theoretic validity is replaced by proof-theoretic validity. Validity of formulae is defined inductively from a base giving the validity of atoms using inductive clauses derived from proof-theoretic rules. A key aim is to show completeness of the proof rules without any requirement for formal models. Establishing this for propositional intuitionistic logic raises some technical and conceptual issues. We relate Sandqvist’s (complete) base-extension semantics of intuitionistic propositional logic to categorical proof theory in presheaves, reconstructing categorically the soundness and completeness arguments, thereby demonstrating the naturality of Sandqvist’s constructions. This naturality includes Sandqvist’s treatment of disjunction that is based on its second-order or elimination-rule presentation. These constructions embody not just validity, but certain forms of objects of justifications. This analysis is taken a step further by showing that from the perspective of validity, Sandqvist’s semantics can also be viewed as the natural disjunction in a category of sheaves.
Algebraic Structures Formalizing the Logic of Quantum Mechanics Incorporating Time Dimension
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: May 2024

As Classical Propositional Logic finds its algebraic counterpart in Boolean algebras, the logic of Quantum Mechanics, as outlined within G. Birkhoff and J. von Neumann’s approach to Quantum Theory (Birkhoff and von Neumann in Ann Math 37:823–843, 1936) [see also (Husimi in I Proc Phys-Math Soc Japan 19:766–789, 1937)] finds its algebraic alter ego in orthomodular lattices. However, this logic does not incorporate time dimension although it is apparent that the propositions occurring in the logic of Quantum Mechanics are depending on time. The aim of the present paper is to show that tense operators can be introduced in every logic based on a complete lattice, in particular in the logic of quantum mechanics based on a complete orthomodular lattice. If the time set is given together with a preference relation, we introduce tense operators in a purely algebraic way. We derive several important properties of such operators, in particular we show that they form dynamic pairs and, altogether, a dynamic algebra. We investigate connections of these operators with logical connectives conjunction and implication derived from Sasaki projections in an orthomodular lattice. Then we solve the converse problem, namely to find for given time set and given tense operators a time preference relation in order that the resulting time frame induces the given operators. We show that the given operators can be obtained as restrictions of operators induced by a suitable extended time frame.
Durable graphene-based alkyd nanocomposites for surface coating applications
Authors: Selim Mohamed S. , El-hoshoudy Abdelaziz N. , Zaki ElSayed G. , EL-Saeed Ashraf M. , Farag Ahmed A.
Published: May 2024

Recently, the scientific community’s main goal is the long-term sustainability. Vegetable oils are easily accessible, non-depletable, and cost-effective materials. Vegetable oils are used to prepare polymeric alkyd surfaces. Novel and exciting designs of alkyd/graphene nanocomposites have provided eco-friendly thermal stability and protective coating surfaces. This review has briefly described important graphene-based alkyd nanocomposites along with their applications as protective coatings. These alkyd composites have high hydrophobicity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Graphene-based alkyd nanocoatings have many industrial and research interests because of their exceptional thermal and chemical properties. This work introduces an advanced horizon for developing protective nanocomposite coatings. The anti-corrosion properties and coatings’ longevity may be improved by combining the synergistic effects of hybrid nanofillers introduced in this work.
Self-Regulatory Strategies Reduce Gambling Spend and Harm in a Randomised Controlled Trial of Electronic Gaming Machine Players
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Browne Matthew , Tulloch Catherine , Russell Alex M. T. , Rockloff Matthew
Published: May 2024

Research provides insights into the self-regulatory strategies (SRSs) gamblers use, but evidence supporting their efficacy is weak. Study 1 aimed to identify a set of SRSs that best predict less harmful gambling amongst electronic gaming machine (EGM) players who are most vulnerable to EGM-related harm. Study 2 aimed to test their efficacy as a brief intervention in a randomised controlled trial. Study 1 surveyed 2032 EGM players and compared SRS-use amongst harmed and less-harmed players after propensity matching and weighting. Study 2 delivered 13 efficacious SRSs identified in study 1 as a brief intervention in a three-wave RCT and assessed their effect on time and money spent on EGMs and EGM-related harm. In study 1, the individual use of 17 SRSs and the total count of these SRSs used were associated with lower EGM-related harm. In study 2, assignment to three SRSs resulted in reduced EGM spend, with no detectable effects for 10 other SRSs. More frequent reported use of one of the same SRSs and an additional two SRSs also resulted in reduced EGM spend and/or reduced EGM-related harm. The results provide new evidence about the efficacy of certain SRSs to result in beneficial gambling outcomes: setting aside a fixed amount to spend, taking regular breaks, keeping leisure time busy with other activities, not gambling due to boredom, and keeping a household budget. These SRSs could be communicated as actionable strategies people can use to help reduce gambling harm.
Long/Post-COVID-Syndrom
Authors: Thurner Carolin , Stengel Andreas
Published: May 2024

In diesem Artikel der Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie wird die Behandlung von Patient*innen mit Long/Post-COVID-Syndrom diskutiert. Dabei ist das Krankheitsbild geprägt von multiplen, diffusen und mit aktuellen Diagnosemethoden meist somatisch nicht erklärbaren Symptomen. In diesem Artikel schlagen wir die Einordnung als Somatic Symptom Disorder und eine interdisziplinäre Behandlung auf Basis des biopsychosozialen Modells vor.
The Effects of FABP4 on Cardiovascular Disease in the Aging Population
Authors: van der Ark-Vonk Ellen M. , Puijk Mike V. , Pasterkamp Gerard , van der Laan Sander W.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) plays a role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. In this paper, we cover FABP4 biology, its implications in atherosclerosis from observational studies, genetic factors affecting FABP4 serum levels, and ongoing drug development to target FABP4 and offer insights into future FABP4 research.

Recent Findings

FABP4 impacts cells through JAK2/STAT2 and c-kit pathways, increasing inflammatory and adhesion-related proteins. In addition, FABP4 induces angiogenesis and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. FABP4 is established as a reliable predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease in specific at-risk groups. Genetic studies robustly link PPARG and FABP4 variants to FABP4 serum levels. Considering the potential effects on atherosclerotic lesion development, drug discovery programs have been initiated in search for potent inhibitors of FABP4.

Elevated FABP4 levels indicate an increased cardiovascular risk and is causally related to acceleration of atherosclerotic disease, However, clinical trials for FABP4 inhibition are lacking, possibly due to concerns about available compounds’ side effects. Further research on FABP4 genetics and its putative causal role in cardiovascular disease is needed, particularly in aging subgroups.
Exploring the Full Potential of Radiofrequency Technology: A Practical Guide to Advanced Radiofrequency Ablation for Complex Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Tonko J. B. , Lambiase P.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an established strategy to prevent ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence and ICD shocks. Yet delivery of durable lesion sets by means of traditional unipolar radiofrequency ablation remains challenging, and left ventricular transmurality is rarely achieved. Failure to ablate and eliminate functionally relevant areas is particularly common in deep intramyocardial substrates, e.g. septal VT and cardiomyopathies. Here, we aim to give a practical-orientated overview of advanced and emerging RF ablation technologies to target these complex VT substrates. We summarize recent evidence in support of these technologies and share experiences from a tertiary VT centre to highlight important “hands-on” considerations for operators new to advanced RF ablation strategies.

Recent Findings

A number of innovative and modified radiofrequency ablation approaches have been proposed to increase energy delivery to the myocardium and maximize RF lesion dimensions and depth. These include measures of impedance modulation, combinations of simultaneous unipolar ablations or true bipolar ablation, intramyocardial RF delivery via wires or extendable RF needles and investigational linear or spherical catheter designs. Recent new clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of these investigational technologies and strategies merits a re-evaluation of their role and clinic application for percutaneous VT ablations.

Complexity of substrates targeted with percutaneous VT ablation is increasing and requires detailed preprocedural imaging to characterize the substrate to inform the procedural approach and selection of ablation technology. Depending on local experience, options for additional and/or complementary interventional treatments should be considered upfront in challenging substrates to improve the success rates of index procedures. Advanced RF technologies available for clinical VT ablations include impedance modulation via hypotonic irrigation or additional dispersive patches and simultaneous unipolar as well as true bipolar ablation. Promising investigational RF technologies involve an extendable needle RF catheter, intramyocardial RF delivery over intentionally perforated wires as well as a variety of innovative ablation catheter designs including multipolar linear, spherical and partially insulated ablation catheters.
Three Sociologists as National Leaders: Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jože Pučnik and Bernardo Arévalo
Authors: Goertzel Ted
Published: May 2024

Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil and Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala are PhD sociologists who served as presidents of their countries. Jože Pučnik of Slovenia, also a PhD sociologist, was a leading but defeated candidate in his country’s first post-communist presidential election. This paper explores the relationship between their sociological work and their political careers. Cardoso’s work was interdisciplinary and focused on historical conjunctures. He was very widely cited in scholarly publications. Pučnik was concerned with overcoming fundamentalist megaliths and uniting theory and practice. He had difficulty communicating the relationship between his sociology and his political leadership. Arévalo wrote a dissertation in the historical sociology of Guatemalan militarism, and also pursued an applied sociological career in conflict resolution. Sociological leadership may be enhanced by using middle-range theories tuned to current situations, especially at times of crisis, and by advocating timely and feasible solutions.
Beyond borders: exploring the impact of Italian migration control policies on Mediterranean smuggling dynamics and migrant journeys
Authors: Punzo Valentina , Scaglione Attilio
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the Mediterranean crossings have reconfirmed their status as the most perilous routes for migrants attempting to reach European shores, with a significantly high number of deaths. In response, the Italian government has implemented various strategies aimed at reducing the number of landings and controlling irregular migration. This research evaluates the impact of these measures on the dynamics of migrant smuggling, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It examines the effectiveness of these measures and their influence on the adaptation of routes, methods, and organization of criminal groups involved in smuggling. The study emphasizes that while the measures to curb irregular immigration have had a limited direct impact on overall migratory flows and primary routes, they have indirectly influenced smugglers’ strategies. The study is grounded in empirical data sourced from interviews with expert witnesses and judicial investigations conducted by Italian prosecutors, with a comprehensive analysis of quantitative data. The findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of irregular migration in the Mediterranean and the impacts of policy interventions.
Broken Ray Transform for Twisted Geodesics on Surfaces with a Reflecting Obstacle
Authors: Jathar Shubham R. , Kar Manas , Railo Jesse
Published: May 2024

We prove a uniqueness result for the broken ray transform acting on the sums of functions and 1-forms on surfaces in the presence of an external force and a reflecting obstacle. We assume that the considered twisted geodesic flows have nonpositive curvature. The broken rays are generated from the twisted geodesic flows by the law of reflection on the boundary of a suitably convex obstacle. Our work generalizes recent results for the broken geodesic ray transform on surfaces to more general families of curves including the magnetic flows and Gaussian thermostats.
Enhanced photoluminescence of a microporous quantum dot color conversion layer by inkjet printing
Authors: Chen Junchi , Jin Qihao , Donie Yidenekachew. J. , Perales Orlando. T. , Busko Dmitry , Richards Bryce S. , Lemmer Uli
Published: May 2024

Owing to their high color purity, tunable bandgap, and high efficiency, quantum dots (QDs) have gained significant attention as color conversion materials for high-end display applications. Moreover, inkjet-printed QD pixels show great potential for realizing full-color mini/micro-light emitting diode (micro-LED)-based displays. As a color conversion layer, the photoluminescence intensity of QDs is limited by the insufficient absorptance of the excitation light due to the lack of scattering. Conventional scatterers, such as titanium dioxide microparticles, have been applied after additional surface engineering for sufficient dispersity to prevent nozzle clogging in inkjet printing process. In our work, as an alternative approach, we use inkjet printing for depositing a phase separating polymer ink based on polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). QD/polymer composite pixels with scattering micropores are realized. The morphology of the micropores can be tailored by the weight ratio between PS and PEG which enables the manipulation of scattering capability. With the presence of the microporous structure, the photoluminescence intensity of the QD film is enhanced by 110% in drop-cast films and by 35.3% in inkjet-printed QD pixel arrays compared to the reference samples.
Transcriptome analysis revealed SMURF2 as a prognostic biomarker for oral cancer
Authors: Deng Lu , Wu Zhihong , Sun Chuanxi , Liu Zhe
Published: May 2024

Background

The activation of TGF-β pathway can facilitate tumorigenesis. Understanding the TGF-related genes (TRGs) in oral cancer and determining their prognostic value is of utmost importance.

Methods

The TRGs were selected to develop a prognostic model based on lasso regression. Oral cancer patients were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the risk model. Subsequently, multivariate COX regression was employed to identify the prognostic marker. Additionally, the expression of SMURF2 was validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. To investigate the relationship between SMURF2 expression and immune cell infiltrations, we conducted single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) analyses.

Results

We identified 16 differentially expressed TRGs in oral cancer, all of which showed upregulation. From these, we selected eight TRGs as prognostic signatures. Furthermore, the high-risk group demonstrated lower infiltration levels of immune cells, immune score, and higher tumor purity. Interestingly, we also found that SMURF2 serves as an independent prognostic biomarker. SMURF2 was upregulated in oral cancer, as confirmed by public databases and qRT-PCR analysis. Importantly, our results indicate a close association between SMURF2 expression and the immune microenvironment.

Conclusion

The 8-TRG signature prognosis model that we constructed has the ability to predict the survival rate and immune activity of oral cancer patients. SMURF2 could be effective in recognizing prognosis and evaluating immune efficacy for oral cancer.
W-Leg Jumping Robot: Mechanical Design, Dynamical Analysis and Simulation of Jumping Dual Wheel-Leg Hybrid Robot
Authors: Tatar Ahmet Burak
Published: May 2024

This study primarily focuses on design, mathematically model and simulate a novel two wheel-legged hybrid robot called W-Leg Jumping robot, which has a unique ability to overcome step-like obstacles efficiently. In general, in transformable wheel-leg robot studies, the leg and wheel structure perform their movements in an interdependent manner. However, in this study, it is aimed to design a robot in which the leg and wheel structure can move independently of each other and to develop a robot that can easily overcome obstacles on flat surfaces with the wheel mode and with the leg mode. The robot can fold its legs hidden within the wheels and deploy its two degree of freedom (DoF) legs when it detects step-like obstacles. This mechanism allows the robot to overcome an obstacle with a height of twice the radius of the robot's open/close mechanism of the legs, along with the two-dimensional kinematic and dynamic analyzes of the legs, are presented in detail within the scope of this study proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed to control the joint angles of the legs. The reference angle values to be followed according to the height of the obstacle are determined using artificial neural network (ANN). Additionally, motion simulations of the robot are conducted for four different obstacle heights (20, 30, 40, and 50 cm). As a result of the PID controller, when exceeding the highest obstacle of 50 cm, the average absolute joint angular tracking error is max. 1.8829°, average tracking error max. 0.265 s and max.
A systematic review of TPACK research in primary mathematics education
Authors: Li Mao , Vale Colleen , Tan Hazel , Blannin Jo
Published: May 2024

This study is a systematic review of Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) studies concerning primary mathematics education published between 2005 and 2022. The aim of the systematic review was to identify the common features of previous TPACK research on primary mathematics education and identify the research gaps based on their contexts. The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedure to investigate TPACK-related studies published during the last 17 years in the primary mathematics education domain and to evaluate the characteristics of TPACK instruments used in primary mathematics education. We identified five foci of these studies of TPACK in primary mathematics education research: designing lessons, evaluating mathematics teachers’ knowledge of integrating digital technologies, designing the assessment, evaluating training programs, and informing professional development program designs. Findings from this systematic review of the literature can assist educators in better designing professional development programs to help primary mathematics teachers improve their ability to integrate digital technology into classroom teaching. Also, the findings can assist researchers in locating TPACK instruments that are appropriate and relevant for their research. Finally, we argue that there is a research gap concerning how to measure primary mathematics teachers’ TPACK, how to design a TPACK instrument that includes contextual factors, and how to develop TPACK-oriented teacher training programs for primary mathematics teachers.
VBP1 promotes tumor proliferation as a part of the hypoxia-related signature in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Miao Huikai , Gao Wuyou , Zhong Leqi , Li Hongmu , Chen Dongni , Xu Chunmei , Wen Zhesheng , Chen Youfang
Published: May 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumor in East Asia. Hypoxia, a hallmark of solid tumors, significantly alters redox homeostasis inside tumor microenvironment. This alteration drives tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, leading to poor prognostic outcomes. However, the role of hypoxia-related genes in ESCC remains poorly understood. We employed RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes in ESCC. Clinical data, transcriptome profiles, and a hypoxia-related gene set were extracted from open-source databases. A prognostic model was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, which was then validated through Cox regression analysis. Within this prognostic model, we pinpointed and investigated a key hypoxia-related gene affecting prognosis. The gene's expression was validated using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in both esophageal carcinoma and normal tissues. Tumor proliferation was examined through in vitro and in vivo assays, including the Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU, colony formation, and subcutaneous tumor models. A robust four-gene prognostic model (VBP1, BGN, CDKN1A, and PPFIA1) was successfully constructed and validated. Among these, VBP1 emerged as a key gene, exhibiting high expression levels that correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC. Functional experiments confirmed that VBP1 significantly accelerated tumor proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. VBP1 is identified as a pivotal gene within the hypoxia-related prognostic signature, and it significantly promotes tumor proliferation in ESCC.
TiO2 Electron Transport Layer with p–n Homojunctions for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Guo Pengfei , Wu Jiahao , Lin Deyou , Jia Ning , Fang Zhiyu , Liu Chong , Ye Qian , Zou Jijun , Zhou Yuanyuan , Wang Hongqiang
Published: May 2024

Low-temperature processed electron transport layer (ETL) of TiO2 that is widely used in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has inherent low carrier mobility, resulting in insufficient photogenerated electron transport and thus recombination loss at buried interface. Herein, we demonstrate an effective strategy of laser embedding of p-n homojunctions in the TiO2 ETL to accelerate electron transport in PSCs, through localized build-in electric fields that enables boosted electron mobility by two orders of magnitude. Such embedding is found significantly helpful for not only the enhanced crystallization quality of TiO2 ETL, but the fabrication of perovskite films with larger-grain and the less-trap-states. The embedded p–n homojunction enables also the modulation of interfacial energy level between perovskite layers and ETLs, favoring for the reduced voltage deficit of PSCs. Benefiting from these merits, the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) PSCs employing such ETLs deliver a champion efficiency of 25.50%, along with much-improved device stability under harsh conditions, i.e., maintain over 95% of their initial efficiency after operation at maximum power point under continuous heat and illumination for 500 h, as well as mixed-cation PSCs with a champion efficiency of 22.02% and over 3000 h of ambient storage under humidity stability of 40%. Present study offers new possibilities of regulating charge transport layers via p-n homojunction embedding for high performance optoelectronics.
Conceptualizing the History of the Present Time
Authors: Mudrovcic María Inés
Published: May 2024

In this work, I explore four meanings of 'contemporary,' emphasizing its designation as a historical field. I argue that disagreements about when the presento or the contemporary era begins stem from historians assuming a linear, chronological, and absolute conception of time. Following scholars like L. Descombes, L. Hölscher, B. Latour, D. J. Wilcox and S. Tanaka, I propose conceiving relational historical time without chronology, emphasizing the original sense of “sharing the same time” that 'contemporary' acquired for the first time. This perspective mitigates issues concerning the 'beginnings' or 'meaning' of the present. Emphasizing relationships within a relational time framework aids in overcoming ontological challenges like 'so many presents' or 'distance in time,' along with the corresponding epistemological issue of 'objectivity.' This exploration aims to reevaluate and enrich our understanding of the multifaceted concept of the 'present' in the context of history.
A Paperless and 3D Workflow for Documenting Excavations at Insula I.14, Pompeii, Italy
Authors: Badillo Alex Elvis , Brennan Matthew R. , Estes Aaron M. , Aldrich Stephen P. , Emmerson Allison L. C.
Published: May 2024

In the summer of 2022, Tulane University, in collaboration with archaeologists from other institutions, began excavations at the site of Pompeii. The archaeological work was focused on Insula 14 of Region 1, located in the southeastern sector of the site. To overcome the challenges of recording a complex urban excavation, and of working with a collaborative team, we designed and implemented a unique workflow that combines paperless and 3D data-capture methods through the use of GIS technologies. The final product of our documentation workflow was a robust and easy-to-use online geodatabase where archaeologists can revisit, explore, visualize, and analyze each excavated context using virtual tools. We present our workflow for digitally documenting observational and spatial data in the field, and how we made these data available to project archaeologists during and after the field season. First, we describe the development of digital forms in ESRI's Survey123. Then, we explain our procedures for 3D documentation through SfM photogrammetric methods and discuss how we integrated the data and transformed it into an accessible format by using interactive dashboards and online 3D web scenes. Finally, we discuss the components of our workflow that are broadly applicable and that can easily be adapted to other projects.
Facility- and patient-level factors associated with implementation of contact precautions in hospitalized VA patients with positive CRE cultures
Authors: Wilson Geneva M. , Fitzpatrick Margaret , Suda Katie J. , Poggensee Linda , Jones Makoto , Evans Martin E. , Evans Charlesnika T.
Published: May 2024

Decreasing the time to contact precautions (CP) is critical to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) prevention. Identifying factors associated with delayed CP can decrease the spread from patients with CRE. In this study, a shorter length of stay was associated with being placed in CP within 3 days.
Assessing the quality of antimicrobial prescribing in solid organ transplant recipients: a new frontier in antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Kothari Sagar , Ahmad Syed Z. , Zhao Michelle T. , Teixeira-Barreira Abbigayle , So Miranda , Husain Shahid
Published: May 2024

Background:

Post-transplant infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and local standardized antimicrobial treatment guidelines may contribute to improved clinical outcomes. Our study assessed the rate of therapeutic compliance with local standard guidelines in the treatment of common infections in SOTR, and their associated outcomes.

Methods:

Consecutive adult SOTRs admitted to the transplant floor from January–September 2020 and were treated for an infectious syndrome were followed until discharge or for 30 days following the date of diagnosis, whichever was shorter. Data was extracted from electronic medical records. Guideline compliance was characterized as either appropriate, effective but unnecessary, undertreatment, or inappropriate.

Results:

Nine hundred and thirty-six SOTR were admitted to the transplant ward, of which 328 patients (35%) received treatment for infectious syndromes. Guidelines were applicable to 252 patients, constituting 275 syndromes: 86 pneumonias; 82 urinary tract infections; 40 intra-abdominal infections; 38 bloodstream infections; and 29 C. difficile infections. 200/246 (81%) of infectious syndromes received appropriate or effective but unnecessary empiric treatment. In addition, appropriate tailoring of antimicrobials resulted in a significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted OR of 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.38; P = .002). Lastly, we found that guideline-compliant empiric therapy was found to prevent the development of multi-drug resistance in a time-dependent analysis (adjusted HR of 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.52; P = .001).

Conclusion:

Our data show that adherence to locally developed guidelines was associated with reduced mortality and resistant-organism development in our cohort of SOTR.
Fear within the Frames: Horror Comics and Moral Danger
Authors: Woodcock Scott
Published: May 2024

Looking back, the moral panic that precipitated the decimation of horror comics in the 1950s seems quaint, yet concerns about the psychological impact of violent media on consumers have never disappeared. In this article, I outline a particular type of psychological impact we ought to take seriously when evaluating the moral status of entertainment. I then consider (a) ways in which comics seem immune from claims that they create this kind of impact for their readers, as well as (b) ways in which we might think that comics generate special instances of moral danger for readers.
Can we develop holistic approaches to delivering cyber-physical systems security?
Authors: Fitzgerald John , Morisset Charles
Published: May 2024

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) combine cyber, physical and human activities through computing and network technologies, creating opportunities for benign and malign actions that affect organisations in both the physical and computational spheres. The US National Cyber Security Strategy (US White House, 2023) warns that this exposes crucial systems to disruption over a wide CPS attack surface. The UK National Cyber Security Centre Annual Review (UK National Cyber Security Centre, 2023) acknowledges that, although some organisations are evolving ‘a more holistic view of critical systems rather than purely physical assets’, this is not reflected in governance structures that still tend to treat cyber and physical security separately.