bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Role of High‐Dimensional Proxy Data in Confounding Adjustment in Multiple Sclerosis Research: A Case Study
Authors: Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Hossain Md. Belal , Ng Huah Shin , Zhu Feng , Frank Hanna A. , Tremlett Helen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Given the historical use of limited confounders in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies utilizing administrative health data, this brief report evaluates the impact of incorporating high‐dimensional proxy information on confounder adjustment in MS research. We have implemented high‐dimensional propensity score (hdPS) and high‐dimensional disease risk score (hdDRS) methods to assess changes in effect estimates for the association between disease‐modifying drugs (DMDs) and all‐cause mortality in an MS cohort from British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective study using linked administrative databases from BC, including health insurance registries, demographics, physician visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, and vital statistics. The cohort comprised 19 360 individuals with MS, followed from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2017. DMD exposure was defined as at least 180 days of use for beta‐interferon or glatiramer acetate, or at least 90 days for other DMDs. The outcome was time to all‐cause mortality. We compared Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for investigator‐specified covariates with those incorporating additional empirical covariates using hdPS and hdDRS methods.

Results

In the unadjusted analysis, DMD exposure was associated with a 69% lower risk of mortality (HR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.27–0.36). Adjusting for investigator‐specified covariates, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.65–0.89). HdPS analyses showed a 20%–23% lower mortality risk (aHRs: 0.77 to 0.80), while hdDRS analyses indicated a 19%–21% reduction (aHRs: 0.79 to 0.81).

Conclusions

Incorporating high‐dimensional proxy information resulted in minor variations in effect estimates compared to traditional covariate adjustment. These findings suggest that the impact of residual confounding in the question under consideration may be modest. Further research should explore additional data dimensions and replicate these findings across different datasets.
Effect of Flexible Plasma Pad on HaCaT Cells and Bacteria
Authors: Ding Chenglong , Sun Zhidan , Wang Yuhan , Zhou Han , Huang Qing , Song Wencheng
Published: February 2025

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a method that promotes wound healing. This study designed a flexible plasma pad with a polyimide film as the dielectric layer and patterned copper foil as the ground electrode. The flexible plasma pad was used to treat normal skin cells and bacteria at the wound site. Cell viability, intracellular and extracellular active substances, and Western blot analysis indicated that LTP can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, decrease E‐Cadherin expression, and promote HaCaT cell proliferation. It exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results of this study suggest that this plasma pad is an efficient device for treating wounds and bacterial infections.
Compost amendments up to one inch restore dry rangeland soil health
Authors: Stricker Eva , Cornell Emily , Withers Zach
Published: February 2025

Societal Impact Statement

Rangelands harbor immense diversity and provide ecosystem services across vast swaths of land while supporting rural economies and the food system, but degraded rangelands may require active management to restore diversity and function. We added varying amounts of compost to understand if there are linear or saturating effects on vegetation and soil characteristics. We found linear effects on water movement and soil carbon, but little effect on vegetation community or abundance. Our results provide guidance for grassland managers to make cost–benefit analyses for using compost in their own situations.

Dry rangelands systems coproduce food and other ecosystem services, but degradation of productivity, diversity, and water holding capacity may require active intervention to restore function. Compost amendments on grasslands have improved vegetation, soil carbon, and water characteristics, but practitioners lack guidance of optimal use to meet their management goals.

We compared surface‐dressed compost additions up to 2.5 cm at two ranches in New Mexico, USA, and measured plant composition and biomass, soil bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and total carbon content (0–10 cm depth) up to two years after addition. We used model selection to determine if response relationships with compost amount were supported, linear, or non‐linear.

We found that 2.5 cm compost additions nearly doubled litter cover after two years. Soil carbon increased linearly with compost depth, with the 2.5 cm depth nearly doubling carbon content compared to control after two years. Hydraulic conductivity increased linearly with compost depth in the first year at one site. Other variables showed little response to compost.

Overall, we did not identify strong saturating responses over this range of compost additions. Our results provide guidance for land stewards to assess their resources and management goals to optimize compost addition to build rangeland soil health.
Performance of Hybrid Strategies Combining MDockPP and AlphaFold2 in CAPRI Rounds 47–55
Authors: Duan Rui , Xu Xianjin , Qiu Liming , Zhang Shuang , Zou Xiaoqin
Published: February 2025

CAPRI challenges offer a range of blind tests for biomolecule interaction prediction. This study evaluates the performance of our prediction protocols for the human group Zou and the server group MDockPP in CAPRI rounds 47–55, highlighting the impact of AlphaFold2 (AF2) and the effectiveness of massive sampling approaches. Prior to AlphaFold2's release, our methods relied on homology modeling and docking‐based protocols, achieving limited accuracy due to constraints in structural templates and inherent docking limitations. After AlphaFold2's public release, which demonstrated breakthrough accuracy in protein structure prediction, we integrated its multimer models and massive sampling techniques into our protocols. This integration significantly improved prediction accuracy, with human predictions increasing from 1 correct interface of 19 pre‐AlphaFold2 to 4 of 8 post‐AlphaFold2. The massive sampling approach further enhanced performance, particularly for targets T231 and T233, yielding medium‐quality models that default parameters could not achieve.
Temporariness in the Life Course of Multi‐local Residents: Processuality of Home
Authors: Willecke Maya
Published: February 2025

In late modern societies characterized by increasing mobility and individualization, temporary living and working arrangements are no longer a rare phenomenon. In many life biographies, temporary and multi‐local periods, with more than one place of residence, have become common. This paper adopts a life course perspective to explore how temporary experiences influence individuals’ perceptions of their current multi‐local arrangements and future aspirations. Moreover it investigates how multi‐local residents perceive and realize home in their life course. Based on biographical interviews with multi‐local residents in two German cities, Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig, this study aims to deepen our understanding of multi‐local living arrangement from a life course perspective and to examine its implications on the processuality of home.
Treatment pathways in Finnish patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)
Authors: Pentikäinen Markku , Simonen Piia , Leskelä Pauliina , Harju Terttu , Jääskeläinen Pertti , Asseburg Christian , Oksanen Minna , Soini Erkki , Wennerström Christina , Puhakka Airi ,   the FINPAH study group
Published: February 2025

Treatment patterns of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in Finland are unknown. Guidelines now recommend early escalation of treatment for PAH. We evaluated how well Finnish practice follows guidelines, and how treatment initiations and outcomes are related. The pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients in Finland cohort includes all PAH and CTEPH patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2020 in all Finnish university hospitals. Drug therapy was analysed in patients with medical/procedural history available, and changes in the 4‐tier comparative, prospective registry of newly initiated therapies for pulmonary hypertension (COMPERA) 2.0 risk score were evaluated. PAH patients (n = 268) were initially treated with monotherapy (52%) or double therapy (24%). After year 2015, double therapy use increased to 39%. PAH treatment at 1 year after diagnosis included phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (71%), endothelin‐receptor antagonist (48%), prostacyclin analogue (7%), calcium channel blocker (12%) and selexipag (1%). 35% achieved low risk at 1 year, increasing to 44% for patients diagnosed after 2015. Those remaining at intermediate‐high (IH) or high risk (H) (28%) were not treated less aggressively than others but were older, had more comorbidities, and often history of smoking. CTEPH patients (n = 189) were treated with pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) (27%), balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) (11%) and medical therapy only (41%) within 1 year from diagnosis. 45% achieved low risk at 1 year. We present additional results on treatment of IH and H patients, patient characteristics preceding death, and treatment persistence. We found less treatment of PAH patients with double or triple therapies and of CTEPH patients with PEA and BPA than expected but with good results. Patients not reaching low or intermediate COMPERA 2.0 were old and had comorbidities.
The synergy of assimilating visible and infrared radiances and radar observations
Authors: Kugler Lukas , Weissmann Martin
Published: February 2025

Cloud‐affected satellite observations in the visible and infrared spectrum contain vast and largely complementary information on clouds and atmospheric convection and thereby constitute a promising data source for convective‐scale data assimilation. Preceding studies have demonstrated that the assimilation of either one of these observation types can lead to improved convective‐scale weather forecasts, but research on the combined assimilation of cloud‐affected visible and infrared satellite data as well as radar observations is still very scarce. In this article, we investigate the combined assimilation of multiple infrared and visible satellite channels as well as radar observations, and evaluate their analysis and forecast impact with a primary focus on clouds and precipitation. We assimilate visible (0.6‐) and thermal infrared (6.2‐ and 7.3‐ ) satellite channels in observing‐system simulation experiments (OSSEs) with a perfect‐model forecast for an idealized weather scenario. Observations are simulated synthetically and assimilated by the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF). The forecasts used the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at 2‐km grid resolution. Results show that assimilating satellite channels in addition to radar reflectivity can improve forecasts of cloudiness and precipitation, while improvements in temperature, humidity, and wind fields are about the same as in the radar experiment. The evaluation of the analysis error for different cloud conditions revealed that the combined assimilation can mitigate the ambiguity of individual visible and infrared channels. Assimilating visible reflectance before infrared brightness temperature can remove pre‐existing erroneous water clouds and avoid the introduction of erroneous clouds by the following assimilation of infrared channels. It follows that the combined assimilation of visible and infrared radiances could be crucial to avoid shortcomings of assimilating only visible or infrared radiances in convective‐scale numerical weather prediction.
Professor Jean‐Francois Muller (1940–2024) Mass Spectrometry and Laser Desorption/Ionisation
Authors: Vernex‐Loset Lionel , Krier Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Born in 1940, Jean‐Francois Muller was one of the leading figures in mass spectrometry in France. In the 1980s, he understood the value of laser microprobes coupled to mass spectrometry for the study of organic and inorganic compounds. He became one of the pioneers of laser desorption/ionisation, highlighting the value of resonant ionisation coupled to mass spectrometry. Professor at the University of Metz, he created the Mass Spectrometry and Laser Chemistry Laboratory in 1983. Attentive to technological developments, he joined forces with Nicolet company in the mid‐1980s to develop the first multi‐wavelength Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS laser microprobe in 1988. He had a pioneer contribution in the development of high magnetic field mass spectrometry, which led him to work with major industrial groups. As a keen teacher and researcher, he supervised around fifty doctoral theses and is the author and co‐author of almost two hundred publications. Professor emeritus in 2006, a man of great scientific culture and a member of the Lorraine Academy of Sciences, Jean‐François Muller gave his last lecture on elementary particles on 14 December 2023 at Metz city hall, his adopted city. This article is a tribute to his career and traces his significant contribution and his great impact on the scientific community at the local, national and international levels.
The Dark Sides of Artificial Intelligence Implementation: Examining How Corporate Social Responsibility Buffers the Impact of Artificial Intelligence‐Induced Job Insecurity on Pro‐Environmental Behavior Through Meaningfulness of Work
Authors: Kim Byung‐Jik , Lee Julak
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the complex relationships between artificial intelligence (AI)‐induced job insecurity, meaningfulness of work (MOW), pro‐environmental behavior at work (PEBW), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in South Korean organizations. As AI technologies increasingly permeate the workplace, understanding their impact on employee attitudes and behaviors becomes crucial for organizational sustainability efforts. Drawing on several theories, we propose and test a moderated mediation model using a three‐wave time‐lagged design with 392 employees from various South Korean corporations. Our findings reveal that AI‐induced job insecurity negatively influences PEBW through the mediating role of MOW. Contrary to initial expectations, no direct relationship was found between AI‐induced job insecurity and PEBW. Instead, AI‐induced job insecurity decreases employees' MOW, which in turn reduces their engagement in PEBW. Furthermore, we found that CSR moderates the AI‐induced job insecurity‐MOW link, such that strong CSR buffers the negative influence of AI‐induced job insecurity. These results may contribute to the literature on organizational behavior, environmental sustainability, and technological change by elucidating the psychological mechanisms linking AI‐induced job insecurity to PEBW. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of MOW in this relationship. Also, it demonstrates how CSR can function as a strategic tool to weaken the potential negative impacts of AI implementation on employee attitudes and behaviors. The findings offer meaningful implications for managers and policymakers navigating the challenges of AI integration while promoting environmental sustainability at work. By maintaining employee MOW and leveraging CSR initiatives, organizations may be better equipped to foster PEBW in the face of technological changes.
Maleic Anhydride‐Based Polymeric Pour Point Depressants for Crude Oils: Select the Right Additive to Save Energy
Authors: Wagh Shrish G. , Dahiya Kiranbala , Katariya Sudhirkumar S. , Soni Hemant P.
Published: February 2025

Modifying the wax crystal habit is useful for transporting and processing crude oil at low temperatures. Various polymeric pour point depressant (PPD) additives can aid in this maneuver differently. Various morphologies of polymeric additives (like comb, brush, centipede, etc.,) have been shown to lower the pour point of crude oil by providing several nucleation sites for wax precipitation. Out of the large array of materials available, it is challenging to forecast which one will act as a wax‐crystal modifier on the crude oil under consideration. We propose, in this study, a detailed classification of wax‐crystal modifier additives based on criteria such as linear or branched copolymers, the presence of crystalline or amorphous segments, aromatic units and their positions (such as in the backbone or branch), the ability to self‐assemble or aggregate, etc. Accordingly, we synthesized additives from the maleic anhydride class having three different morphologies namely brush, combs, and centipedes, through free radical polymerization (FRP). The detailed characterization of these additives was carried out using structure‐sensitive techniques, such as 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. To evaluate the real‐time performance of the as‐synthesized additives, we selected crude oils from the South Kadi (SK), Limbodara (LM), and Nada (ND) oil fields of the Cambay basin, Gujarat, India having different levels of wax and asphaltenes. The rheological parameters of crude (with and without additive) were investigated using an Advance Rheometer AR‐500. Depending on the additive capability to self‐aggregate and the composition of the crude oil, the additive AMI‐3 is the most effective for ND, EST‐2 for LM, and A‐18S for SK crude oils. Their 1000 ppm dose can reduce the pour point of these crudes up to 18 °C and improve their rheological parameters accordingly. Finally, we propose the mechanisms of pour point depression by these as‐synthesized additives and carry out the microscopic imaging of the precipitated wax crystals from the blank and additive‐treated crude oil.
I2‐Promoted Alkylsulfenylation/Cyclization of Enaminones with S‐Alkyl Bunte Salts: Synthesis of 3‐Alkylsulfenylated Chromones
Authors: Wang Ya‐Yu , Liao Ling‐Xia , Li Wen‐Tuan , Liu Feng‐Lin , Li Xia , Huang Guo‐Li
Published: February 2025

A novel protocol for effective and efficient synthesis of 3‐alkylsulfenylated chromones in moderate to good yields via I2‐promoted alkylsulfenylation/cyclization of enaminones with S‐alkyl Bunte salts has been described. This reaction features a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and metal‐ and oxidant‐free conditions.
Alginate versus Chitosan for Templating Growth and Shaping HKUST‐1 as Porous CO2‐Adsorbent Beads
Authors: Khadiri Yassine , Anouar Aicha , Volkringer Christophe , Royer Sébastien , Dhainaut Jérémy , Loiseau Thierry , Kadib Abdelkrim El
Published: February 2025

This study aims at elucidating the role of the polysaccharide skeleton (alginate versus chitosan) during the growth and shaping of HKUST‐1 as porous beads. Although the two biopolymers afford an open porous hydrogel network, the freeze‐drying step was crucial with water medium being inappropriate to preserve the crystalline framework of HKUST‐1. Alternatively, drying in ethanol circumvented this drawback by keeping intact the structure of HKUST‐1. However, a contrasting behavior was observed in the resulting polysaccharide@HKUST‐1 beads, as HKUST‐1 grown in alginate underwent a dramatic collapse, whereas self‐standing, open porous microspheres could be obtained using the chitosan templating route. The resulting chitosan@HKUST‐1 cryogel displays an enhanced CO2 capture (2.67 mmol.g−1) compared to its analogs shaped by alginate, making consequently chitosan a better option for structuring MOF‐based adsorbents.
A database of chief financial officer turnover and dismissal in S&P 1500 firms, 2000–2022
Authors: Zhang Ziheng , Mount Matthew P. , Zhang Stephen X.
Published: February 2025

Research Summary

Understanding the antecedents and consequences of executive turnover is an important topic in strategy research. Yet, due to limitations in data availability, we know little about the turnover and dismissal of executives beyond the CEO. To address this, we develop an open access database on CFO turnover and dismissal—given the unique interface CFOs form with CEOs as strategic partners—in S&P 1500 firms between 2000 and 2022. We search for media documentation of CFO turnover events and code for various types of departure with supporting evidence. We compare our CFO database with an open access CEO database and show distinct patterns of exit and interdependence between CFO and CEO departure. The results reveal important directions for strategy scholarship. The database is available on the OSF platform (osf.io/fh248/?view_only=2c62d6eb59bd433496ce101689df3adc).

Managerial Summary

CFOs are key executives who shape the firm's strategy with CEOs. Consequently, understanding why CFOs leave their jobs and how this impacts the firm is important. Yet, the reasons why CFOs leave their jobs are rarely captured in existing databases. To address this, we develop an open access database documenting various types of CFO turnover and dismissal in S&P 1500 firms from 2000 to 2022. We establish a robust coding protocol and describe how we develop our database. We further explore how our CFO database contributes to the literature by comparing it with an open access CEO database; highlighting new lines of research and questions that it can stimulate. The database is available on the OSF platform (osf.io/fh248/?view_only=2c62d6eb59bd433496ce101689df3adc).
Enhanced Polysulfide Conversion and Shuttle Suppression in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries via Fe‐Phytate Modified Sulfur Cathode
Authors: Pang Yashuai , Wang Jiaqi , Muhammad Waqas , Huang Xiang‐Long , Zhang Zhe , tang Mengjun , Fang Xiaodong , Tian Zongqing , Nitou Modeste Venin Mendieev , Niu Yinghua , Zhang Zhen , Lv Weiqiang
Published: February 2025

The practical application of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries is severely impeded by poor cycling performance arising from sluggish redox kinetics and the shuttle effect of polysulfides. In this work, novel transition metal phytates are pioneered to functionalize conductive carbon to address these key limitations. Among a series of phytates evaluated, the Fe‐Phytate‐modified carbon (Fe‐PA@CB) demonstrates superior specific capacity and rate performance. The unique molecular‐level Fe‐PA coating ensures uniform dispersion and increased active site, leveraging optimized adsorption and enhanced catalytic properties. Consequently, the activation energy for polysulfide conversion is significantly reduced, and polarization potential is minimized. The Fe‐PA@CB electrode demonstrates significantly improved cycling stability, retaining 61% of the initial capacity after 500 cycles, compared to 40% retention by a conventional carbon‐based cathode. This work not only provides a practical solution for enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li‐S batteries but also offers valuable insights into material design and mechanistic understanding, paving the way for the development of next‐generation energy storage systems.
Large‐Scalable CO‐Tolerant Ultrathin PtTe2 Nanosheets for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Bao Jingliang , Sun Haoran , Yan Wei , Liu Siyu , Xu Wei , Fan Jiantao , Zhan Changhong , Liu Wei , Huang Xiaoqing , Chen Nanjun
Published: February 2025

Developing large‐scale platinum (Pt) alloys that simultaneously exhibit high formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) activity and robust CO tolerance remains a significant challenge for practical fuel cell applications. Here, a facile and universal in situ synthesis approach is presented to create ultrathin platinum‐tellurium nanosheets on carbon support (PtTe2 NSs/C), which enables high CO tolerance and FAOR activity while achieving the massive production of PtTe2 NSs/C. Specifically, the 10‐gram‐scale PtTe2 NSs/C achieves exceptional specific activity and mass activity of 14.3 mA cm−2 and 3.6 A mgPt−1, respectively, which are 52.9 and 22.5 times greater than those of commercial Pt/C. Moreover, the 10‐gram‐scale PtTe2 NS/C exhibits significantly higher FAOR stability than pristine Pt NSs/C and commercial Pt/C. Detailed mechanism and computational investigations collectively reveal that the integration of Te into Pt lattices enhances the utilization of Pt while constructing high‐density unsaturated “Pt‐Te sites” on the surface of PtTe2 NSs/C, conferring high CO tolerance to PtTe2 NSs/C and thus substantially enhancing the FAOR activity. This work contributes to providing a universal method for scaling up next‐generation high‐performing FAOR catalysts.
ASRMG: Business Topic Clustering‐Based Architecture Smell Refactoring for Microservices Granularity
Authors: Wang Sixuan , Yu Dongjin , Jin Baoqing , Yan Wangliang , Han Qi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Microservices architecture is one of the most popular design approaches in software development. The granularity smell of microservices is a topic of great interest, which often leads to a degradation in the quality of the microservices architecture, so it needs to be eliminated through architecture refactoring. Existing research on architecture refactoring to address granularity smells in microservices is limited, with a lack of consideration for the semantic information of business logic, and suggestions for microservice refactoring rely too much on manual experience and lack standardized descriptions.

Objectives

This paper aims to provide a novel approach for refactoring granularity smells in microservice architectures, addressing the existing shortcomings in considering semantic information of microservice business logic, the reliance on empirical experience for refactoring suggestions, and the lack of standardized suggestions for refactoring.

Methods

This paper introduces a novel method for refactoring granularity smells in microservices architecture based on business topic clusters, named ASRMG. This method extracts business topic clusters from the business logic code of interfaces, thereby defining the cohesion and coupling semantics of the system. It then employs an enhanced genetic algorithm for refactoring the microservices system, using a refactoring pattern database to automate the generation of fine‐grained refactoring suggestions.

Results

Experiments conducted on five open‐source microservices systems of varying scales and domains achieved a 99.24% elimination rate of granularity smells, with cohesion metrics improving by an average of 60.19% and coupling metrics reducing by an average of 15.32%, indicating a significant enhancement in the quality of microservice architecture.

Conclusion

This paper introduces a novel method for refactoring and evaluating microservice systems, named ASRMG. ASRMG extracts business topic clusters from the code of microservice systems and refines the evaluation method for refactored microservice, and proposes an automated method for generating refactoring suggestions for granularity smells, enhancing the efficiency and quality of architecture smell refactoring.
Determining Spatial Correlation Structure Using a Flexible Method
Authors: Saber Mohammad Mehdi , Mahmoudi Mohammadreza
Published: February 2025

Modelling spatial data using geostatistical methods relies on parametric variograms and covariances. Ordinary, weighted and generalized least square, maximum and restricted maximum likelihood are some methods to estimate spatial processes' variogram (covariogram) parameters. Nevertheless, these methods necessarily do not result in the best prediction values for each desired loss function. This paper introduced a new method to estimate and optimize parameters of the spatial variogram and covariance functions based on a desired loss function to achieve cross‐validated prediction results. The proposed method can be used for different kriging techniques to perform the best prediction values and some desired loss functions such as mean, mean square and mean absolute error and complicated loss function like Linex conveniently. The variogram parameters were estimated under optional desired criteria to control how much they overestimate or underestimate observations. This feature can apply a wide range of controlled conditions to the model. The results indicated the interesting advantages of the suggested workflow versus previous variogram estimation methods. This method provides the best directional variogram, which enhances cross‐validation results when used with generalized least squares as an optimal estimation method for statistical efficiency.
Replace Platinum for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in the Cathode of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Arshad Ushtar , Tang Jiayi , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2025

The growing global energy demand and environmental concerns like greenhouse gas emissions call for clean energy solutions. Hydrogen energy, with high caloric value and low environmental impact, is a promising alternative, especially when produced via proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). This process relies on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), both requiring efficient electrocatalysts. Platinum (Pt), the most effective HER catalyst, is limited by high cost and scarcity, prompting research into Pt alternatives like ruthenium‐based, transition metal derivatives, and metal‐free catalysts that balance cost, efficiency, and stability. This review explores HER mechanisms, Pt‐free catalyst innovations, and the impact of structural and interfacial electrode optimization on performance of HER in acidic media. It also examines electrochemical evaluation techniques, material characterization, and the role of machine learning in catalyst design. By providing a framework for Pt‐free HER catalyst development, this review supports advancements in efficient and sustainable hydrogen energy technologies.
Autonomous Changes in Polymer Materials Driven by Chemical Fuels
Authors: Rajawasam Chamoni W. H. , Konkolewicz Dominik , Hartley Christopher Scott
Published: February 2025

Time‐dependent properties in polymer materials can be achieved through coupling to out‐of‐equilibrium chemical fuel reactions that mimic biological processes. Through transient changes in bonding in polymers, transient gelation, changes in mechanical stiffness, swelling, self‐healing, or self‐assembly can be achieved. Recent advances in these categories are discussed. These out‐of‐equilibrium behaviors enable applications ranging from smart adhesives to actuators for soft robotics. However, challenges remain, including waste accumulation, bio‐compatibility, and achieving functionally useful performance. Addressing these issues is essential for advancing the practical use of chemically driven polymer materials and unlocking their full potential for future technologies.
Repositioning English Language Teacher Education for Global Competence and Local Realities: Adopting the Cline of Glocality
Authors: Low Ee‐Ling
Published: February 2025

Singapore is an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse nation‐state that has always practiced deliberate language policy and planning. The bilingual education policy, introduced shortly after the young nation's independence has led to the emergence of English‐knowing bilinguals who are proficient in both English and their ethnically ascribed mother tongues, namely, Mandarin for the Chinese, Malay for the Malays, and Tamil for the Indians. The linguistic landscape of Singapore, documented in the most recent population census of 2020, shows the rise in the use of English as the home language across all three major ethnic groups, leading scholars to adopt the term “English‐dominant bilinguals.” It is of prime importance to document the English used by these English‐dominant bilinguals who have to balance between being globally competent but also having to be accommodating to the local realities of English use in Singapore. This paper extends the findings in Low's presentation of an empirical study of 31 expert users of English who hold Director‐level positions in the Singapore civil service and 6 literary writers to examine the linguistic spaces where Standard Singapore English and Colloquial Singapore English (also known as Singlish) function and the choices and factors influencing the choices are made. Through an online qualitative survey, a new model for looking at variations in the use of English in Singapore is introduced. This three‐dimensional model proposes the cline of glocality which adds to Pakir's original 1991 two‐dimensional model of the expanding triangles of English expression in Singapore which only has the clines of proficiency and formality explaining the variety of English used at the time. Proposing the cline of glocality more accurately reflects the current situation of English in Singapore where users need to balance between achieving global competence while yet adapting to the local realities of its use. Adopting the cline of glocality also necessitates rethinking how language teacher education needs to be repositioned to help young Singaporeans navigate between the global and local uses of English. This paper articulates the key concepts surrounding the theory of change proposed and practical implications for language teacher education policy and practice to effect this change.
Rehumanizing Pedagogy: Is Slowing Down the Answer?
Authors: Blumenfield Tami
Published: February 2025

Many universities began prioritizing efficiency over efficacy in the 1990s, contributing to educator and student exhaustion. Meanwhile, vocational awe paradigms have led faculty to sacrifice personal time and health to satisfy students. The Slow Academia movement offers a different approach. Bypassing quantifiable outcomes and metrics, it advocates slowing down teaching and learning activities to sustainable paces. Contemplative practices, self‐care, and trauma‐informed pedagogies are crucial components. This chapter imagines opportunities for a slowed‐down, rehumanized version of learning, teaching and sharing and provides recommendations for experimenting with format and content.
Ultrasound diagnosis and surgical treatment of rare lumbar renal hernia in a domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Konrad Nava Calva Catherine , Salini Butelli Victor Luiz , Hörbe Anna Vitória , Reinstein Rainer da Silva , de Mendonça Müller Daniel Curvello
Published: February 2025

Lumbar hernias are infrequent occurrences in human surgical practices, with sparse reports in veterinary literature. This paper presents a rare case of lumbar renal hernia. A 4‐month‐old mixed‐breed domestic cat was evaluated, showing increased volume just behind the 13th rib, which was reducible, rounded and painless. A targeted ultrasound examination revealed the protrusion of the left kidney into the subcutaneous tissue and an abdominal wall defect measuring approximately 2.7 cm. The patient underwent surgical intervention to correct the abdominal musculature defect by suturing the defect's edges. After 130 days of operation, the patient was discharged with no signs of recurrence. This report contributes to the limited number of cases of lumbar renal hernia described in the literature and seeks to assist the scientific community in managing similar cases of lumbar renal hernias.
Adsorptive removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions using iron–lanthanum‐doped foam glass adsorbent
Authors: Katsuura Yuzu , Asaoka Satoshi , Takeda Kazuhiko , Nakashita Shinya , Hayashi Kodai , Tanaka Kazuya , Inada Yasuhiro , Okuda Tetsuji
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to develop an adsorbent for phosphate using iron–lanthanum‐loaded foamed glass recycled from colored glass bottles. The optimal preparation conditions for the adsorbent were 0.1% iron and 1% lanthanum loaded onto the foam glass and calcined at 350°C for 2 h. Adsorption kinetics for phosphate onto the adsorbent were fitted to pseudo‐second‐order model. The phosphate adsorption was identified as chemisorption, which occurred due to ligand exchange. The adsorption isotherm for phosphate on the adsorbent was expressed as a Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated to be 1.3 mg‐P g−1. The equilibrium constant (3.1 L mg−1) of the adsorbent was significantly higher than that of previous studies. Hence, the adsorbent developed in this study demonstrated favorable adsorption at low phosphate concentrations, indicating that it can remove phosphate from domestic wastewater and natural water. The adsorbent is a promising and cost‐effective phosphate adsorbent that promotes waste glass recycling.

Practitioner Points

Adsorbent for phosphate using iron–lanthanum‐loaded foamed glass recycled from colored glass bottles was developed.

The adsorbent demonstrated favorable adsorption at low concentrations of phosphate.

The adsorbent is effective in removing phosphate from domestic and natural waters.
The Mollified (Discrete) Uniform Distribution and Its Applications
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: February 2025

The mollified uniform distribution is rediscovered, which constitutes a “soft” version of the continuous uniform distribution. Important stochastic properties are presented and used to demonstrate potential fields of applications. For example, it constitutes a model covering platykurtic, mesokurtic, and leptokurtic shapes. Its cumulative distribution function may also serve as the soft‐clipping response function for defining generalized linear models with approximately linear dependence. Furthermore, it might be considered for teaching, as an appealing example for the convolution of random variables. Finally, a discrete type of mollified uniform distribution is briefly discussed as well.
Evaluation of Outcomes for Karydakis Operation for Pilonidal Sinus Disease—Comparison of Original Reports With Later Results
Authors: Doll Dietrich , Hackmann Theo , Haas Susanne , Laurberg Søren ,   the Pilonidal Network for Expertise, Research and Development (PiloNERDs International)
Published: February 2025

Background

Karydakis published his advancement flap technique to treat pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in 1973 (GEK73) and reported a very low recurrence rate in 1992 (GEK92) in a large series of cases. Since then, the procedure has been widely adapted without replicating his results.

Aim

To compare the outcomes of the Karydakis 1992 report to the global literature and evaluate reasons for the major discrepancy in recurrence rates.

Methods

From an international database including all PSD studies, we identified 113 other studies encompassing 9878 patients undergoing the Karydakis advancement flap surgery. Recurrence rates at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐ups were compared to the data presented in the Karydakis 1992 paper.

Results

The Karydakis 1992 study reports a recurrence rate < 1% with a follow‐up ranging between 2 and 20 years. In the global literature, the 10‐year recurrence rate is 8.8% in RCTs and 14.6% in nonRCTs which is 11.6‐ and 19.2‐fold higher.

Conclusion

The standard for recurrence rates after the Karydakis advancement flap set by Karydakis has not since been replicated in the global literature. For surgeons and patients alike it is important to have realistic expectations of short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Legendre wavelet collocation method for singularly‐perturbed problems using operational matrix and Laplace transformation
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Kumar Vivek , Mehra Mani
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a collocation method based on the Legendre wavelets has been developed for the numerical solution of singularly perturbed problems (SPPs). The integral operators of Legendre scaling functions have been derived using two methods: the operational matrix method and the Laplace transformation method. The operational matrix method gives the approximated value of the integral operator of the Legendre scaling functions, whereas the Laplace transformation gives the exact solution for the integral operators. The Legendre wavelet collocation method together with its properties has been utilized to convert the SPP into the system of algebraic equations with the unknown coefficients. Moreover, the ‐error estimate in the function approximation with Legendre scaling functions has been derived, and it has been verified by taking a test function. The stability analysis of the proposed method has been discussed in detail. In the last, illustrative linear and non‐linear examples have been considered to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and the results have been compared with the other existing numerical methods in the recent literature.
Introduction
Authors: Albrecht-Birkner Veronika , Siedek-Strunk Stefanie
Published: February 2025

The nineteenth-century differentiation and pluralisation of Protestantism in response to the Enlightenment, rationalism and religious criticism, which in church historiography goes under the label ‘revival movements’, continues to pose a considerable historiographical challenge. This volume suggests understanding the revival movements as part of the transformations of the popular since around 1800 in a global perspective. Specifically, this volume deals with discursive negotiation processes for interpretative sovereignty between experts and laypeople and the resultant practices since the nineteenth century. This ties in with an interest in ‘lay theology’ (theologia popularis), which on the Protestant side has its classical place in the church and cultural history of the Reformation as an impulse for an ecclesiastical and theological empowerment of ‘laypeople’.
Artificial light at night reduces emergence and attracts flying adults of aquatic Diptera
Authors: Manfrin A. , Hölker F. , Teurlincx S. , Baranov V. , van Grunsven R. H. A. , Bundschuh M. , Monaghan M. T.
Published: February 2025

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a widespread, human-induced alteration of the landscape that affects insect dispersal and potentially contributes to insect decline. We used an experimental area with streetlights installed adjacent to an agricultural drainage ditch to experimentally assess the abundance and diversity of emerging and flying aquatic Diptera over a period of six months in summer and autumn. Emergence was two-fold lower in the lit site, while flying adults were eight-fold more abundant at traps under lights. Results were taxon- and sex-specific. Males of nine taxa were less abundant in lit emergence traps, and females of most taxa were more abundant in lit air-eclector traps than in controls. We developed an empirical model based on emergence and capture rates and used this model to estimate that the majority of the 54 flying Diptera taxa we identified were attracted to light from the adjacent water body, and that a few taxa were attracted from a distance of up to 1800 m. This work provides evidence that artificial light in riparian areas can reduce emergence in aquatic Diptera and hinder dispersal, with effects that vary depending on the taxon. Because many riparian predators rely on adult aquatic insects as prey, these changes can cascade across aquatic-terrestrial ecosystem boundaries. Given the large number of streetlights that are installed along freshwater shorelines, the observed effects are likely to be of relevance to freshwater bodies around the globe.
Majoramputationen der unteren Extremität
Authors: Schröter Patrick , Hückstädt Marc , Langwald Steffen , Schröter Bianca , Kobbe Philipp
Published: February 2025

In Deutschland gibt es jährlich etwa 18.500 Majoramputationen an der unteren Extremität, meist transtibial oder transfemoral. Für eine erfolgreiche Rehabilitation sind Kenntnisse über die angestrebte optimale Stumpfbeschaffenheit und spezielle Amputationstechniken wichtig. Biomechanische Überlegungen bezüglich des Amputationsstumpfes spielen bei der auszuwählenden Operationstechnik ebenso eine entscheidende Rolle wie die Amputationsursache. Techniken wie die Myodese, Myoplastie oder die Gottschalk-Plastik helfen dabei, die Muskelspannung zu erhalten und die Prothesenkontrolle zu optimieren.
Social capital and regional innovation in the aftermath of crisis: evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Marino Marianna , Montresor Sandro , Faggian Alessandra
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates how regions’ innovation responses to economic crises vary with their level of social capital. Combining the literature on innovation along the business cycle with that about the role of social capital in spurring regional innovation, we argue that higher social capital levels should enhance the regions’ innovative resilience to crises, particularly for their bridging social capital. Using a diff-in-diff approach on Italian provinces (NUTS3) with respect to the 2007 recession, we find that provinces with higher bridging social capital exhibit lesser drops in innovation post-crisis, confirming expectations. However, bonding social capital does not show a similar effect.
Nonlinear Monte Carlo Methods with Polynomial Runtime for Bellman Equations of Discrete Time High-Dimensional Stochastic Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Beck Christian , Jentzen Arnulf , Kleinberg Konrad , Kruse Thomas
Published: February 2025

Discrete time stochastic optimal control problems and Markov decision processes (MDPs), respectively, serve as fundamental models for problems that involve sequential decision making under uncertainty and as such constitute the theoretical foundation of reinforcement learning. In this article we study the numerical approximation of MDPs with infinite time horizon, finite control set, and general state spaces. Our set-up in particular covers infinite-horizon optimal stopping problems of discrete time Markov processes. A key tool to solve MDPs are Bellman equations which characterize the value functions of the MDPs and determine the optimal control strategies. By combining ideas from the full-history recursive multilevel Picard approximation method, which was recently introduced to solve certain nonlinear partial differential equations, and ideas from Q
-learning we introduce a class of suitable nonlinear Monte Carlo methods and prove that the proposed methods do not suffer from the curse of dimensionality in the numerical approximation of the solutions of Bellman equations and the associated discrete time stochastic optimal control problems.
Harnessing polysaccharides for sustainable food packaging
Authors: Tukenmez Emre Ummugulsum , Sirin Seda , Nigdelioglu Dolanbay Serap , Aslim Belma
Published: February 2025

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of food packaging techniques, focusing on the limitations of conventional methods and the promising potential of polysaccharide-based materials as sustainable alternatives. Traditional packaging materials, such as plastics, glass, metal, and paper, pose significant environmental risks due to their non-biodegradable nature. In contrast, polysaccharide-based materials, derived from renewable sources, are biodegradable and offer enhanced food preservation properties. These materials boast several advantages, including biodegradability, renewability, and superior physical attributes such as excellent barrier properties and mechanical strength. The review also delves into transformation techniques aimed at improving the effectiveness of polysaccharide-based materials. These include physical and chemical modifications to optimize their performance. Furthermore, a detailed categorization of polysaccharides is provided based on their origin, encompassing animal-derived polysaccharides (chitin, chitosan), plant-derived polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, pectin, gum arabic, guar gum, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum), marine-derived polysaccharides (alginate, agar, carrageenan), and microbial-derived polysaccharides (pullulan, xanthan gum, dextran, bacterial cellulose). Additionally, we explore case studies highlighting the practical applications and performances of these materials in the food packaging industry.