bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Utilizing a Double‐Layer Anti‐Reflection Coating on the Front Side
Authors: Nur Aida Maha , Khokhar Muhammad Quddamah , Yousuf Hasnain , Chu Mengmeng , Bae Junhan , Ur Rahman Rafi , Jony Jaljalalul Abedin , Park Sangheon , Yi Junsin
Published: December 2024

This study aims to improve the efficiency of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells by applying a double‐layer anti‐reflection coating (DLARC) to their front side, addressing the limitations of single‐layer coatings in reducing reflectance across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Investigation is done on how this coating, aimed at increasing light absorption, contributes to optimizing the optical and electrical properties of SHJ cells. Additionally, the impact of different deposition quality layers is explored using atomic layer deposition, specifically HfO2/Al2O3/SnO2, on SHJ solar cells with varying thicknesses. Using the OPAL 2 simulation tool, the material thicknesses are optimized and the findings are validated through experimental results. Experimental results demonstrate that optimizing the thickness of DLARC markedly enhances efficiency, achieving ≈22.16% with a 50 nm thickness of Al2O3 and an improvement of 0.79 mA cm−2. This study offers a comparative analysis of materials used in anti‐reflection coatings to boost the efficiency of SHJ solar cells, thereby contributing to the advancement of high‐efficiency photovoltaic technology.
Stabilization of Networked Control Systems With Time Delays: An Observer‐Based Dynamic Quantized Control Approach
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Li Lulu , Lu Jianquan
Published: December 2024

In this article, we propose an observer‐based dynamic quantized control approach to stabilize networked control systems plagued by time delays. Our first step involves designing an observer‐based dynamic quantizer that effectively circumvents saturation, even in the presence of time delays. Notably, the zoom variable of this quantizer can be discretely adjusted. Specifically, the interval between two consecutive adjustments of the zoom variable has a positive lower bound, which contributes to reduced energy consumption. Next, we consider unbounded time delays that may lead to packet loss in networked control systems with limited bit rate. We prove that the system stabilization relies on a mild assumption on packet loss frequency. We then design a controller based on the quantized state of the observer to counteract time delays and maintain system performance. Finally, we provide three numerical examples to validate our theoretical results.
Preserving Integrative and Humanizing Literacies: A Commentary on the Current Literacy Debates and the Narrowing of Literacy Instruction
Authors: Jackson Davena , Johnson Wintre Foxworth , Frankel Katherine K. , Houston‐King Ashley
Published: December 2024

The present iteration of the “reading wars” has created intense debate about what constitutes rigorous and effective literacy instruction. Increasingly, politicized discourses have narrowed the field's definition of reading across education spaces (P‐20) and overemphasized foundational early literacy skills while minimizing the consequentiality of sociocultural influences on literacy learning. In this commentary, we engage and critique recent narratives about the nature of literacy learning among scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and in the popular media. We discuss what has been and will be silenced, erased, and sacrificed as a result of these debates. Further, we argue that literacy educators should not abandon the complexities of literacy learning and the social, political, and historical contexts in which students live and learn. To do this, we emphasize the importance of Black children and youth having opportunities to develop critical consciousness and learn through their lived experiences. Moreover, we take a developmental perspective and outline the implications of a more expansive approach to literacy instruction across elementary, secondary, and postsecondary contexts. Ultimately, we argue for a nuanced, integrative, and humanizing path forward that addresses Black children and other historically marginalized students' literacy needs; rejects deficit ideologies concerning what counts as reading; and cultivates children, adolescents, and adults' critical literacies.
Sandwich‐Like MXene@Mn3O4@PPy Hollow Microspheres Synergistically Enabled Ultra‐long Cycling Life in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Qun , Jiao Qingze , Li Zuze , Lu Chengxing , Yang Huan , Liu Yong , Yang Zhongnian , Feng Caihong
Published: December 2024

Manganese‐based oxides are be regarded as one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). A major restriction of manganese‐based oxides in practical applications is their unsatisfied structural stability due to the irreversible manganese dissolution. Additionally, the poor electrical conductivity also limits the rate capability. Herein, the sandwich‐like MXene@Mn3O4@PPy hollow microspheres are constructed via self‐sacrificial template and surface coating method to improve the cycling life of AZIBs. Benefiting from the unique sandwich‐like hollow structure and the surface coating of PPy, the MXene@Mn3O4@PPy cathode possesses high electronic/ionic conductivity and satisfied structural stability. The sandwich‐like MXene@Mn3O4@PPy hollow microspheres deliver excellent electrochemical performance, including an impressive rate capability and ultra‐long cycling life with a capacity of 120 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 9000 cycles. In addition, the systematic ex situ XRD and HRTEM characterizations verify the highly reversible Zn2+ and H+ insertion/desertion in the sandwich‐like MXene@Mn3O4@PPy hollow microspheres. This work combines hollow structure design and surface coating method to provide an effective strategy for improving the structural stability of manganese‐based oxides in AZIBs.
Site‐Specific Disulfide‐Mediated Crosslinking of DNA Nanocubes for Enhanced Biological Applications
Authors: Faiad Sinan , Laurent Quentin , Asohan Jathavan , Brown Tyler , Prinzen Alexander , Sleiman Hanadi Farouk
Published: December 2024

The development of DNA nanotechnology has enabled the creation of diverse nanomaterials with significant potential in biological applications, such as sensing or drug delivery. From DNA origami to wireframe nanostructures, several strategies have been developed to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics into cells. However, these self‐assembled structures suffer from poor stability in biological media due to low concentrations of divalent cations, degradation by nucleases, and thermal denaturation. Herein, a site‐specific crosslinking method based on thiol‐disulfide exchange to stabilize a wireframe DNA nanocube is developed. With nearly quantitative crosslinking yields, the structure retains its structural integrity in conditions that mimic physiological environments. This results in improved cellular uptake, likely due to more favorable interaction with cell‐surface scavenger receptors, followed by endocytosis. This study paves the way for in vivo applications of DNA wireframe nanostructures by removing one of the major bottlenecks for their translation from in vitro to preclinical work.
Improved Catalytic Performance of Lipase Within Hydrogel Microspheres Incorporating L/D‐Co3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Xing Xinhe , Yang Weimin , Li Junru , Ding Qi , Wang Fang , Lin Hengwei , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Li Si
Published: December 2024

Lipases have drawn significant attention due to their crucial roles across various industries, including oil processing, food, medicine, and daily chemicals. Nevertheless, their catalytic efficiency is susceptible to fluctuations in external environmental conditions, which remains a major barrier to their broader application. In this research, chiral hydrogel microspheres (HMSs) are developed by incorporating L/D‐Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) into the synthetic process of HMSs, which are discovered to enhance the catalytic performance of lipases. The improved catalytic activity of lipases is observed to be influenced by the chiral environment of L/D‐Co3O4‐HMSs. Specifically, when 2 wt.% lipases are encapsulated in L‐Co3O4‐HMSs containing 10 wt.% L‐Co3O4 NPs, their catalytic activity is 2.11 times higher than when encapsulated in D‐Co3O4‐HMSs, resulting in a 2.62‐fold increase in catalytic activity compared to free lipase. Moreover, the L‐Lip‐HMS3, which contained 2 wt.% lipases and 10 wt.% L‐Co3O4 NPs, exhibited superior inhibitory capability over D‐Lip‐HMS3 in differentiating fibroblast mouse cells into adipocytes, owing to its enhanced catalytic capabilities. This study not only highlights the importance of chirality in improving the catalytic performance of natural enzymes but also provides a new perspective on developing catalytic systems that can endow natural enzymes with higher catalytic performances.
Revision of Sagenopteris (Caytoniales): a major lineage of the Mesozoic seed plants
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Barbacka Maria , Kapusta Paweł , Jarzynka Agata , Wang Yongdong , McLoughlin Stephen
Published: December 2024

Sagenopteris is the most common fossil organ attributed to Caytoniales and is represented by compound leaves having several (usually four) lanceolate leaflets in pseudo‐palmate arrangement. Since Presl's description of Sagenopteris in 1838, at least 82 species have been identified worldwide. However, most were established on a few isolated leaflets without sufficient details for confident segregation from other forms. After a global evaluation of the character states, nomenclature and taxonomic validity of all described Sagenopteris species, only five can be retained as nomenclaturally valid and morphologically distinct: Sagenopteris acuminata (lectotype species), S. colpodes, S. hallei, S. phillipsii and S. pualensis. Comprehensive assessment of Sagenopteris foliage based on historical studies and institutional collections shows a high degree of morphological plasticity within individual leaf populations. Multivariate plots of key leaf characters show broad morphotypes within populations that, if selectively sampled, might readily result in the recognition of multiple fossil‐species. Cuticular features are more stable for species‐level differentiation. Temporo‐spatial analysis of Sagenopteris suggests it originated in the European (palaeo‐subtropical) region by the Anisian (Middle Triassic) and underwent significant range expansion during the Late Triassic. Surviving the end‐Triassic mass extinction, Sagenopteris quickly became one of the dominant gymnosperms in the aftermath of the biotic crisis, reaching its peak abundance during the Early and Middle Jurassic. This taxon began to decline in floristic importance from the Late Jurassic to Late Cretaceous. The youngest occurrences of Sagenopteris, globally, are from Cenomanian–Campanian assemblages of middle to high northern latitudes. No examples are known from the Cenozoic.
Role of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (Hong Kong liver cancer stage IIB)
Authors: Nandy Kunal , Varty Gurudutt P. , Patkar Shraddha , Shah Tanvi , Gundavda Kaival , Gala Kunal , Shetty Nitin , Kulkarni Suyash , Goel Mahesh
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has an established role in advanced HCC. The present study evaluates the role of TACE as a neoadjuvant modality in the management of intermediate HCC [Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) stage IIB].

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of HCC patients treated between January 2010 and August 2022 was performed. Patients belonging to intermediate‐stage HCC (HKLC IIB) were divided into two groups, upfront surgery (UPS) and post‐TACE (pTACE). Propensity score matching was done, and the primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 247 patients of HKLC IIB were identified during this period. Of these, 77 patients in each group were considered for analysis after propensity matching. The median follow‐up was 36.4 months (0.46–144.26). In the propensity matched population (n = 154), on an intention‐to‐treat analysis, the median OS of the UPS group and the pTACE group was 30.06 and 39.26 months, respectively (p value = 0.77). In patients who underwent curative resection, the median OS of the UPS group was 30.68 versus 90.97 months in the pTACE group (p value = 0.006) and median DFS was 13.56 months for the UPS group versus 44.02 months in the pTACE group, respectively (p value = 0.013).

Conclusion

In intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HKLC IIB), pTACE can be used to better select patients with borderline resectability. Survival was significantly improved in patients who received pTACE and were able to undergo surgical resection.
Analysis of financial risk protection indicators in Sri Lanka for pediatric surgery
Authors: Comella Assia , Wijekoon Naveen , Samarasinghe Mailk , Karim Md Nazmul , Pacilli Maurizio , Nataraja Ramesh Mark
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of the Sri Lankan pediatric population who seek emergency surgical services and who are subsequently at risk of impoverishment and catastrophic expenditure.

Methods

Prospective data collection at a tertiary pediatric Sri Lankan hospital of direct out‐of‐pocket (OOP) medical and nonmedical expenses related to pediatric surgical interventions. Catastrophic expenditure and risk of impoverishment were respectively described as expenses superior to 10% of household income and falling below the impoverishment line due to income drop. PPP = purchasing power parity: I$ 3.65, I$ 2.15, and national poverty line (NPL). Distribution of income were estimated using a gamma distribution.

Results

Two hundred and twenty pediatric patient surveys completed by carers were collected. Two hundred had complete data for analysis. Ninety‐six patients required emergency procedures; the others underwent elective surgeries. The overall direct medical and nonmedical expenses (total direct = TD) mean per patient was I$116.6 and the overall indirect expenses mean per patient was I$94.9. 53.2% were affected by catastrophic expense. 85% (n = 170) of the study population was below the NPL. Receiving surgical care would impact up to 74.1% at the NPL threshold and up to 87.1% at the I$3.65 PPP/day limit.

Conclusions

If pediatric surgery care is required, 25.9% of the Sri Lankan population is at risk of impoverishment or catastrophic expenditure. There is need for financial aid.
A New Characterization of C-Complete Riesz Spaces
Authors: Krasikova Iryna , Mykhaylyuk Volodymyr , Popov Mikhail
Published: December 2024

In the present paper, we expose a deep analogy of some recently discovered objects of the Riesz space theory with classical notions of Analysis such as order ideals, bands, order projections and properties like Dedekind completeness, principal projection property. A Riesz space E is said to be C-complete if every nonempty subset of fragments of an element

$$e \in E^+$$

e
∈

E
+

has a supremum. One of our results asserts that, a Riesz space E is C-complete if and only if every lateral band of E is a projection lateral band. Another result characterizes projective lateral bands in an arbitrary Riesz space and provides an explicit formula for the corresponding lateral band projection, which was previously known for C-complete Riesz spaces. Our characterization of a projective lateral band consists of two conditions, one of which is actually a property of the space, which we call relative C-completeness, and the other one is a property of bands, which we call relative lateral bands. A similar characterization is obtained for the relative C-completeness. We describe the lateral disjoint complement

$$A^\dag $$

A
†

to any subset A of E, show that

$$A^{\dag \dag }$$

A

†
†

equals the relative lateral closure of the lateral ideal generated by A and prove that

$$A^\dag = A^{\dag \dag \dag }$$

A
†

=

A

†
†
†

. Then we obtain some corollaries on the extension of orthogonally additive operators. We also provide many examples confirming the sharpness of our results.
Schwangerschaftsabbrüche in Deutschland – Ergebnisse der Bundesstatistik
Authors: Pfaff Heiko
Published: December 2024

Nach einem Rückgang der Zahl der Schwangerschaftsabbrüche von ungefähr 130.000 jährlichen Abbrüchen in den Jahren von 1996 bis 2004 auf ca. 100.000 Fälle ab 2013/2014 gab es zuletzt wieder einen gewissen Anstieg auf 106.000 Abbrüche in 2023. Der Rückgang von 2004 bis 2013 war getragen von einer Abnahme der Zahl der Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter und auch von einer niedrigeren Wahrscheinlichkeit in den zentralen Altersgruppen, einen Abbruch durchzuführen. Bei einem Zeitvergleich der Ergebnisstrukturen ist bei der Art des Eingriffs insbesondere die stetige Entwicklung hin zum Einsatz von Mifegyne® auffällig. Bei der Dauer der abgebrochenen Schwangerschaft ist der Anteil der eher früh durchgeführten Abbrüche in den letzten Jahren gestiegen.

Zwischen den Bundesländern zeigen sich Unterschiede in den Strukturen. Die altersabhängige Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Abbruchs ist im Süden der Republik relativ niedrig, in den Stadtstaaten und in den neuen Ländern hingegen eher überdurchschnittlich. Weitere Unterschiede zwischen den Bundesländern hinsichtlich der genutzten Eingriffsart oder des Anbieters sind feststellbar. Auch der Anteil der in einem vom Wohnsitz der Frau abweichenden Bundesland durchgeführten Abbrüche variiert. Über die Angebotsseite kann die Anzahl der Meldestellen zusätzlich eine Basisinformation aus der Statistik bieten. Rechtliche Weiterentwicklungen insbesondere für eine verbesserte Regionalisierung der Daten – unter Achtung der statistischen Geheimhaltung – sind eingeleitet.
On the individuation of complex computational models: Gilbert Simondon and the technicity of AI
Authors: Aires Susana
Published: December 2024

The proliferation of AI systems across all domains of life as well as the complexification and opacity of algorithmic techniques, epitomised by the bourgeoning field of Deep Learning (DL), call for new methods in the Humanities for reflecting on the techno-human relation in a way that places the technical operation at its core. Grounded on the work of the philosopher of technology Gilbert Simondon, this paper puts forward individuation theory as a valuable approach to reflect on contemporary information technologies, offering an analysis of the functioning of deep neural networks (DNNs), a type of data-driven computational models at the core of major breakthroughs in AI. The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to demonstrate how a joint reading of Simondon’s mechanology and individuation theory, foregrounded in the Simondonian concept of information, can cast new light on contemporary algorithmic techniques by considering their situated emergence as opposed to technical lineage; (2) to suspend a predictive framing of AI systems, particularly DL techniques, so as to probe into their technical operation, accounting for the data-driven individuation of these models and the integration of potentials as functionality; and finally, (3) to argue that individuation theory might in fact de-individuate AI, in the sense of disassembling the already-there, the constituted, paving the way for questioning the potentialities for data and their algorithmic relationality to articulate the unfolding of everyday life.
Tailor-made strategies through different weight simulation of factor-based investing
Authors: Ramos Catarina A. , Marques Nuno C. , Faias Marta , Santos Hugo
Published: December 2024

This study explores the implementation and factor integration of diverse factor-based investment strategies in the European market. Specifically, we investigate a contrarian strategy, two value strategies, and a momentum strategy from 2015 to June 2024. Utilising the Python framework Qrumble for efficient experimentation, we integrate evaluation metrics and we consider beyond the commonly used portfolios, equally weighted and value-weighted, two theoretically efficient portfolios - minimum variance and market portfolio. While certain strategies yielded outcomes not entirely in line with state-of-the-art standards, both value strategies showed promising returns with manageable risk. Notably, the combination of factors in a multi-type strategy, named Magical Bambu, demonstrated interesting results, suggesting the potential for effective collaboration between different investment methodologies. This study underscores the nuanced outcomes within theoretically efficient portfolios under specific conditions, prompting further exploration.
Neuropilin-1 controls vascular permeability through juxtacrine regulation of endothelial adherens junctions
Authors: Pal Sagnik , Su Yangyang , Nwadozi Emmanuel , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Richards Mark
Published: December 2024

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) regulates endothelial cell (EC) biology through modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signalling by presenting VEGFA to VEGFR2. How NRP1 impacts VEGFA-mediated vascular hyperpermeability has however remained unresolved, described as exerting either a positive or a passive function. Using EC-specific Nrp1 knock-out mice, we discover that EC-expressed NRP1 exerts an organotypic role. In the ear skin, VEGFA/VEGFR2-mediated vascular leakage was increased following loss of EC NRP1, implicating NRP1 in negative regulation of VEGFR2 signalling. In contrast, in the back skin and trachea, loss of EC NRP1 decreased vascular leakage. In accordance, phosphorylation of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin was increased in the ear skin but suppressed in the back skin of Nrp1 iECKO mice. NRP1 expressed on perivascular cells has been shown to impact VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 signalling. Importantly, expression of NRP1 on perivascular cells was more abundant in the ear skin than in the back skin. Global loss of NRP1 resulted in suppressed VEGFA-induced vascular leakage in the ear skin, implicating perivascular NRP1 as a juxtacrine co-receptor of VEGFA in this compartment. Altogether, we demonstrate that perivascular NRP1 is an active participant in EC VEGFA/VEGFR2 signalling and acts as an organotypic modifier of EC biology.
On the formation of super-Jupiters: core accretion or gravitational instability?
Authors: Nguyen Max , Adibekyan Vardan
Published: December 2024

The Core Accretion model is widely accepted as the primary mechanism for forming planets up to a few Jupiter masses. However, the formation of super-massive planets remains a subject of debate, as their formation via the Core Accretion model requires super-solar metallicities. Assuming stellar atmospheric abundances reflect the composition of protoplanetary disks, and that disk mass scales linearly with stellar mass, we calculated the total amount of metals in planet-building materials that could contribute to the formation of massive planets. In this work, we studied a sample of 172 Jupiter-mass planets and 93 planets with masses exceeding 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

. Our results consistently demonstrate that planets with masses above 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

form in disks with at least as much metal content as those hosting planets with masses between 1 and 4 $M_{\jupiter}$

M
♃

, often with slightly higher metallicity, typically exceeding that of the proto-solar disk. We interpret this as strong evidence that the formation of very massive Jupiters is feasible through Core Accretion and encourage planet formation modelers to test our observational conclusions.
Dealing with Divisiveness: Ignatian Principles for Better Relationships
Authors: Plante Thomas G.
Published: December 2024

Interpersonal and intergroup relationships seem to have steadily deteriorated in recent years, with an increase in the lack of civility and decency along with a greater willingness to attack and cancel anyone who does not agree with one’s cherished perspective on numerous matters. New popular phrases such as cancel culture, public shaming, air rage, and gaslighting have entered the common vernacular. Ignatian spirituality offers several helpful strategies for dealing with these contemporary divisive conflicts in a productive manner. These include (1) seeing God (or the sacred) in all things, (2) striving towards kinship with others through the pathway of civility, hospitality, and solidarity, and (3) managing conflict with accommodation, humility, and the expectation of goodness in mind. This article introduces and provides examples of these three Ignatian principles that can be employed in all challenging relationships, including both personal and professional as well as psychotherapeutic ones. They can be utilized in a secular or spiritually minded manner as well. Having more tools to improve relationships is especially needed now.
Structured Generative Models for Scene Understanding
Authors: Williams Christopher K. I.
Published: December 2024

This position paper argues for the use of structured generative models (SGMs) for the understanding of static scenes. This requires the reconstruction of a 3D scene from an input image (or a set of multi-view images), whereby the contents of the image(s) are causally explained in terms of models of instantiated objects, each with their own type, shape, appearance and pose, along with global variables like scene lighting and camera parameters. This approach also requires scene models which account for the co-occurrences and inter-relationships of objects in a scene. The SGM approach has the merits that it is compositional and generative, which lead to interpretability and editability. To pursue the SGM agenda, we need models for objects and scenes, and approaches to carry out inference. We first review models for objects, which include “things” (object categories that have a well defined shape), and “stuff” (categories which have amorphous spatial extent). We then move on to review scene models which describe the inter-relationships of objects. Perhaps the most challenging problem for SGMs is inference of the objects, lighting and camera parameters, and scene inter-relationships from input consisting of a single or multiple images. We conclude with a discussion of issues that need addressing to advance the SGM agenda.
Contribution of nocturnal moth pollination to buckwheat seed set
Authors: Nagano Yuta , Miyashita Tadashi
Published: December 2024

Although diverse wild pollinators contribute to crop pollination, nocturnal pollinators have been largely overlooked. In this study, we focused on buckwheat, which relies on various insect species for pollination. Since buckwheat flowers are believed to close in the evening, earlier studies have exclusively examined the role of diurnal pollinators. However, some buckwheat flowers have been observed opening at night; thus, we can assume that nocturnal insects play a role in buckwheat pollination. Our field observations showed that 80% of buckwheat flowers that opened in the morning remained open at night. The insects visiting buckwheat flowers at night belonged to the moth families of Noctuidae, Crambidae, and Pyralidae. These moths were all found to have buckwheat pollen on their bodies. To quantify the contribution of nocturnal pollinators to seed set, we conducted a pollinator exclusion experiment using the following bagging treatments: no pollinators (bagging for 24 h), only diurnal pollinators (bagging from 18:00 to 06:00), only nocturnal pollinators (bagging from 06:00 to 18:00), and natural pollination (no bagging). The results showed that the seed set decreased in the following order: natural pollination, diurnal pollinators only, nocturnal pollinators only, and no pollinators, with one-fourth of the buckwheat seed sets resulting from nocturnal pollinators. However, the proportion of flowers open at night decreased as the flowering period progress, and the role of nocturnal pollinators appeared to decline over time. Our findings suggests that nocturnal pollinators may complementarily increase buckwheat seed sets, emphasizing the need to investigate overlooked nocturnal pollinators in crop pollination services.
Many-body Stark resonances by the complex absorbing potential method
Authors: Kameoka Kentaro
Published: December 2024

The resonances of many-body Stark Hamiltonians are characterized by the complex absorbing potential method. Namely, the resonances are shown to be the limit points of complex discrete eigenvalues of many-body Stark Hamiltonians with quadratic complex potential when the coefficient of the complex potential tends to zero. The proof is based on the complex distortion outside a cone. Pseudodifferential operators are used in the proof of the main estimate.
The mutual impacts of individual building design and local microclimate in high-density cities and the major influential parameters
Authors: Zhao Zeming , Li Hangxin , Wang Shengwei
Published: December 2024

Development of individual building in existing district is common in high-density cities due to the limited space. Such development affects the local microclimate naturally, but the interaction is ignored in current building design practices. In this study, a comprehensive and systematic analysis is conducted to investigate the mutual impacts between new individual building design and local microclimate considering the interaction, and to identify the major influential building parameters on both local microclimate and building energy performance in subtropical urban area. A large number of high-resolution microclimate and building simulations are performed based on advanced GIS spatial analysis techniques under different building designs for the assessment of mutual impacts. A global sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the major influential building parameters. The results show that different building designs lead to significant variation of local wind velocity (i.e., −0.95 to +4.51 m/s) and air temperature (i.e., −0.60 to +1.17 K), while the local microclimate results in a change in the building energy consumption from −41.75 to 291.54 kJ/m2. The major influential parameters on both pedestrian thermal discomfort and building energy performance are building height and overall heat transfer coefficient of the building envelope. This study provides valuable references for new building or rebuilding design in order to facilitate carbon neutrality and enhance thermal comfort in urban area.
Conodont stratigraphy and biodiversity of the Middle Devonian Kačák Episode at the Pic de Bissous (Montagne Noire, S-France)
Authors: Narkiewicz Katarzyna , Narkiewicz Marek
Published: December 2024

Pic de Bissous belongs to classic sections of the latest Eifelian Kačák Episode (KE) interval, uniquely developed in hemipelagic carbonate facies. The present conodont study is based on dense sampling of the section, yielding rich and diverse assemblages dominated by Polygnathus. The position of the lower and upper KE boundaries is here documented within the upper Eifelian kockelianus Zone and at the base of the lowermost Givetian hemiansatus Zone, respectively. Both boundaries are marked by an increase of P1 elements diversity, the phenomenon reported also from other palaeogeographic setting, and accompanied by an appearance of several new taxa. This suggests a global two-step conodont biodiversity rise around the KE interval, presumably caused by the eustatic If and earliest Givetian sealevel rises, respectively. These events were accompanied by increased juvenile conodont mortality probably due to some local/regional adverse conditions of either abiotic or biotic nature.
COVID-19 and Business Digitalization: Unveiling the Effects of Concurrent Strategies
Authors: Holl Adelheid , Rama Ruth , Hammond Hannah
Published: December 2024

In today’s fast-paced and globally interconnected business environment, digitalization has emerged as a cornerstone of competitiveness. In this paper, we study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adoption of digital technologies among German industrial and service sector firms. Our findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for the integration of digital technologies and that the adoption triggered by the pandemic has had a sustained, rather than transitory, impact. Furthermore, a firm’s size and available resources, coupled with its market characteristics, play pivotal roles in shaping its response. Most notably, however, digital technology adoption is closely linked to the concurrent strategies deployed by the firm to mitigate a crisis’s impact.
Fatal visceral disseminated varicella zoster virus infection during initial remission induction therapy in a patient with lupus nephritis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Takehara Runa , Ebihara Itaru , Honda Yoshifumi , Ooba Norimasa , Kurosawa Hiromi , Sato Chihiro , Ohtani Haruo , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Nose Masato , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: December 2024

Visceral disseminated varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is a severe complication, characterized by a notably high mortality rate. Herein, we present a case of a 36-year-old-man involving visceral disseminated VZV infection that emerged during remission induction therapy involving high-dose prednisolone (PSL), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and hydroxychloroquine for lupus nephritis. Two months after starting the immunosuppressive therapy, he experienced a rapid onset of severe upper abdominal pain. The following day, clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities rapidly deteriorated. Hyperferritinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, indicative of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), emerged, along with escalating liver and renal impairment and newly appeared disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiple organ failure is suggested. The patient developed widespread blistering predominantly on the trunk and face, patient’s condition failed to ameliorate, ultimately culminating in his demise a few hours later. At autopsy, the cutaneous lesions with blisters revealed positive immunostaining with anti-VZV antibody, and similar findings were detected in multiple organs. HLH was confirmed in lymph nodes. It is crucial to emphasize the awareness of visceral disseminated VZV, particularly in cases patients are undergoing concurrent PSL therapy alongside MMF for SLE. The progression of this fatal condition usually begins with abdominal pain, followed by a skin rash a few days later. The present case is the first to show evidence of HLH occurring as a result of visceral disseminated VZV infection. This disease is extremely rare but extremely serious, therefore, VZV-DNA should be measured in cases where you suspect this disease for early diagnosis and treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Thoracic Herpes Zoster-Related Pain: A Study Protocol
Authors: Wang Liu , Lei Xinyu , Lan Zhixuan , He Ruilin , Jiang Zongbin
Published: December 2024

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ), triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, manifests as a painful rash known as zoster-associated pain (ZAP), which can progress to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in managing acute ZAP and preventing PHN.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, endpoint-blinded, single-center trial involving 128 participants suffering from zoster-associated pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to the PRP treatment in combination with antiviral therapy group or the antiviral therapy group at a 1:1 ratio. Pain intensity (NRS-11), quality of life (SF-12), sleep quality (PSQI), pain characteristics, skin lesion recovery, average weekly consumption of rescue analgesics, and adverse events will be assessed. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention to evaluate the incidence rate of PHN, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, and safety.

Ethics and Dissemination

Adhering to the 2013 SPIRIT statement and the Declaration of Helsinki, this study has received ethical approval from the relevant committee. Results will be disseminated through scientific journals and conferences, contributing to global data on managing ZAP.

Conclusions

By comparing PRP with antiviral therapy, this trial seeks to establish a more effective treatment paradigm for reducing acute zoster-associated pain and the incidence of PHN, potentially setting a new standard in therapeutic strategies for HZ.

Trial Registration

This clinical trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) at https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html (Registration Number: ChiCTR2400087248, Registration Date: 2024–07-23).
A Review of Studies Using Machine Learning to Detect Voice Biomarkers for Depression
Authors: Donaghy Philip , Ennis Edel , Mulvenna Maurice , Bond Raymond , Kennedy Niamh , McTear Mike , O’Connell Henry , Blaylock Nate , Brueckner Raymond
Published: December 2024

Voice biomarkers developed using machine learning are a promising potential biomarker for mental disorders, including depression. This paper presents a narrative review with a systematic search of the evidence surrounding the efficacy of voice biomarkers as indicators of depression. The review considers two research questions: (i) What is the efficacy of voice biomarkers as potential biomarkers for depression? (ii) What are the variations in the samples and design methodologies employed? Nineteen papers were identified as examining voice biomarkers for depression using machine learning methods between January 2019 and February 2022. A subset of guidelines recommended in a previous systematic review was selected and adapted to investigate aspects of the field since that review. Seventeen studies used classification methods, and two used regression methods. Within the papers that examined classification, sensitivity (recall) was used by 76% of papers, accuracy by 65%, AUC by 59%, and F1 score by 59%. From these papers, the average performance achieved for the following metrics was 0.78 for sensitivity (recall), 0.76 for F1 score, and 0.78 for AUC. This review found that the efficacy of vocal biomarkers as indicators for depression is below that of the PHQ-9 form, a tool commonly used in psychology. The PHQ-9 can serve as a benchmark against which to compare these models. Difficulties were observed in comparing these models due to the variety of performance metrics used. Recommendations are presented as to how the generalisability of these models may be strengthened, e.g., testing on unseen data after models are developed.
The contribution of biophysical and biochemical CO2 concentration mechanisms to the carbon fixation of the green macroalga Ulva prolifera
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Gao Guang , Gao Zhengquan , Gao Kunshan , Liu Dongyan
Published: December 2024

CO2 concentration mechanisms (CCMs) are important in maintaining the high efficiency of photosynthesis of marine algae. Aquatic photoautotrophs have two types of CCMs: biophysical CCMs, based on the conversion of inorganic carbon, and biochemical CCMs, based on the formation of C4 acid intermediates. However, the contribution of biophysical and biochemical CCMs to algal carbon fixation remains unclear. Here, we used ethoxyzolamide (EZ) inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase and 3-mercaptopicolinic acid (MPA) inhibitors for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase to examine the importance of biophysical and biochemical CCMs in photosynthesis of the green macroalga Ulva prolifera. The culture experiments showed that the carbon fixation of the species declined when EZ inhibited the biophysical CCM, while the increase in cyclic electron flow around the photosystem I indicated a more active biochemical CCM, contributing to ~ 50% of total carbon fixation. The biophysical CCM was also reinforced when MPA inhibited the biochemical CCM. In a comparison, the biophysical CCM can compensate for almost 100% of total carbon fixation. The results indicate that biophysical CCMs dominate the process of carbon fixation of U. prolifera while biochemical CCM plays a supporting role. Our results provide evidence of a complementary coordination mechanism between the biophysical and biochemical CCMs that promotes the efficiency of photosynthesis of U. prolifera, an efficient mechanism to boost the alga’s bloom.
Dictamnine Reduces Gestational Diabetic Complications in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats via Regulating Inflammation and NOX-2, MCP-1/AGE–RAGE Pathway
Authors: Wang Lan , Gao Ji , Zhang Juan , Liu Songchun , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes that arises during pregnancy. Around 15–25% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes mellitus, which involves hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and abnormal fetal development. The present work was conducted to reveal the therapeutic potentials of dictamnine against streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetes mellitus in rats. To induce gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnant rats were administered the streptozotocin, and subsequently, the gestational diabetes mellitus rats were given dictamnine for 14 days. Following the end of treatments, the body weight, blood glucose, and fetus and placental weights were measured. The concentrations of biochemical markers, including fasting insulin, HbA1c, and hepatic glycogen, were analyzed. The lipid profiles, antioxidant levels, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured using the test kits. A histopathological investigation was conducted on the pancreatic tissues obtained from the experimental rats. Dictamnine treatment at concentrations of 15 and 30 mg/kg successfully reduced glucose levels, increased body weight, and regulated insulin and other biochemical marker levels in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus. The treatment of dictamnine resulted in an increase in the antioxidant levels, successfully lowered the lipid markers in the rats with gestational diabetes mellitus. The treatment with dictamnine also reduced the inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic proteins, and other molecular markers in the gestational diabetes mellitus rats. The histological study of pancreatic tissues likewise confirmed the therapeutic capabilities of dictamnine. The results of the current study emphasize that dictamnine has a positive effect on reducing gestational diabetes mellitus in rats.

Graphical Abstract
Enhancing Personalized Service Development with Virtual Agents and Upcycling Techniques
Authors: Nakata Takuya , Chen Sinan , Saiki Sachio , Nakamura Masahide
Published: December 2024

In this study, aimed at achieving Society 5.0, we explore efficient development methods for services tailored to individual user needs. The diversification of user demographics has led to swiftly changing service demands, increasing the necessity for personalized adaptation. However, developing services tailored to individual users requires specialized knowledge and incurs high costs. This research focuses on developing technologies that enable service development through a concrete understanding of user needs. Utilizing an interactive needs extraction system with a virtual agent (VA) developed in prior studies, along with the Sharing Upcycling Cases with Context and Evaluation for Efficient Software Development (SUCCEED) system, we aim to automate the extraction of user needs and provide developers with relevant insights. Prior research has found it challenging to grasp the outline of services to be developed from user statements. However, a new method using large language models (LLM) has enabled the automatic extraction of novel service needs. Experiments have shown the potential to automatically provide development insights for 67% of ideal needs.
Four Open Questions for the N-Body Problem
Authors: Montgomery Richard
Published: December 2024

The N-body problem has been investigated since Isaac Newton, however vast tracts of the problem remain open. Showcasing the vibrancy of the problem, this book describes four open questions and explores progress made over the last 20 years. After a comprehensive introduction, each chapter focuses on a different open question, highlighting how the stance taken and tools used vary greatly depending on the question. Progress on question one, 'Are the central configurations finite?', uses tools from algebraic geometry. Two, 'Are there any stable periodic orbits?', is dynamical and requires some understanding of the KAM theorem. The third, 'Is every braid realised?', requires topology and variational methods. The final question, 'Does a scattered beam have a dense image?', is quite new and formulating it precisely takes some effort. An excellent resource for students and researchers of mathematics, astronomy, and physics interested in exploring state-of-the-art techniques and perspectives on this classical problem.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, and Queer Psychology
Authors: Ellis Sonja J. , Riggs Damien W. , Peel Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

The third edition of this award-winning textbook provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the field of LGBTIQ+ psychology. Comprehensive in scope and international in outlook, it offers an integrated overview of key topical areas, from history and context, identities and fluidity, families and relationships, to health and wellbeing. This third edition includes updates across all chapters that provide a greater focus on diversity and utilize new terminology throughout to reflect changes in the field. It addresses recent developments in the field of trans studies, and explicitly references emerging work around pansexuality and asexuality. An entirely new chapter focuses on a diversity of topics receiving increased attention including LGBTIQ+ people in foster care, LGBTIQ+ refugees, disabled people accessing services, and trans and intersex people in sport. The fallout of increasing far-right extremism in Europe and America is also discussed. This groundbreaking textbook is an essential resource for undergraduate courses on sex, gender and sexuality in psychology and related disciplines, such as sociology, health studies, social work, education and counselling.
Shakespeare's Political Spirit
Authors: Luke Nicholas
Published: December 2024

This exciting and challenging study reorients how we think about politics in Shakespeare and on the early modern stage. By reading Shakespeare's political drama as a negative mode of political experience and thought, Nicholas Luke allows us to appreciate the imaginative and disruptive elements of plays that might seem politically pessimistic. Drawing on a long religious and philosophical tradition of negativity and considering the writings of Hegel, Kierkegaard, Benjamin, Adorno, Derrida and Badiou, Luke pursues a phenomenology of political spirit that looks to the creative potential of experiences of failure, haunting, estrangement, impasse and dream. Through his notion of a negative political theology, he challenges traditional understandings of political theology and shows that Shakespeare's drama of negativity is more than a form of pessimistic critique, but rather a force of freedom and invention that animates the political imaginations of its audience.