bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of Ag/ZnO catalysts using cassava starch applied to the degradation of emerging contaminants
Authors: do Nascimento Joel Miranda , de Souza Fernado Manzotti , Lenzi Giane Gonçalves , Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Gonçalves Giovanna , Colpini Leda Saragiotto , Brackmann Rodrigo , dos Santos Onelia Aparecida Andreo
Published: December 2024

This work describes a new synthetic route for the production of a low‐cost and environmentally friendly catalyst: a zinc oxide‐based system doped with silver, prepared using a novel sol–gel method with cassava starch to form the gel. The photocatalysts were characterized by different techniques: X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and point of zero charge (PZC). The XRF and EDS results indicated that photocatalysts doped with 2%, 5%, 8%, and 10%, silver could be obtained successfully. The synthesis method employed produced nanoparticles of ~30 nm, as confirmed by XRD and TEM results. The band gap energy values of the materials (ranging from 1.98 to 3.05 eV) fall within the range suitable for catalyst activation under UV radiation. Photocatalytic reactions were carried out with two emerging pollutants, 2,4‐d‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) and caffeine, to verify the catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst. The results indicated that the catalyst was efficient for the degradation of both pollutants. Tests using solar radiation led to 100% degradation of 2,4D. Cl− ions did not influence the process negatively. The amount of caffeine removed by the photocatalytic process used in solar radiation was ~97% due to the low band gap energy values of the synthesized material.
Practical laboratory class to assess genesilencing using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technology in the archaeonHaloferax volcanii
Authors: Paggi R. A. , Ferrari M. C. , Cerletti M. , Giménez M. I. , Schwarz T. S. , Marchfelder A. , De Castro R. E.
Published: December 2024

Perturbation of gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) or CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) is a useful strategy to explore the function of essential genes. In the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, the CRISPR‐Cas system has been adapted as a CRISPRi tool to silence the expression of specific genes. We developed a laboratory class (LC) to conceptualize gene silencing through inactivation of the H. volcanii LonB protease gene, a negative regulator of carotenoid pigments biosynthesis, using CRISPRi. This LC has been successfully applied in the Biology and Biochemistry of Microorganisms course for undergraduate students of Biology in 2022 and 2023. The following objectives were proposed: (a) generate H. volcanii mutant strains with reduced expression of the lonB gene using CRISPRi; (b) examine the effect of lonB gene silencing on cell pigmentation and growth rate; (c) assess lonB gene repression by Western blotting (WB). This LC allows students to obtain and screen CRISPRi silenced‐mutants by means of simple procedures using a non‐pathogenic organism as well as handle basic microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology protocols. Additionally, the LC fosters social actions through collaborative work (experimental work), the interpretation and discussion of data and the ability to communicate outcomes orally and in a written format (scientific report).
N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide and cardiorenal outcome in patients with anaemia in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nishi Hiroshi , Nangaku Masaomi , Sofue Tadashi , Kagimura Tatsuo , Narita Ichiei
Published: December 2024

Aims

Blood levels of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) may be modified by low renal clearance and anaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the blood NT‐proBNP level on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with these two manifestations.

Methods

This post hoc analysis stemmed from the oBservational clinical Research In chronic kidney disease patients with renal anemia: renal proGnosis in patients with Hyporesponsive anemia To Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents, darbepoetiN alfa (BRIGHTEN) trial, a large prospective study involving patients with non‐dialysis kidney disease experiencing anaemia. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to examine the association of baseline NT‐proBNP level with renal function or anaemia. Longitudinal assessment of the association of baseline blood NT‐proBNP levels with cardiovascular outcomes (cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization due to heart failure or fatal arrhythmia) and renal outcomes [the initiation of maintenance dialysis, kidney transplantation, a 50% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or an eGFR of ≤6 mL/min/1.73 m2] was conducted by using restricted cubic spline analysis and Cox proportional hazard model analysis.

Results

In total, this study included 1484 patients [mean age, 70.2 ± 11.8 years; women, 40.6%; eGFR, 20.3 ± 9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2; haemoglobin (Hb) level, 9.8 ± 0.9 g/dL]. Baseline NT‐proBNP levels were a median of 496.0 pg/mL [inter‐quartile range: 235.0–1090.0 pg/mL]. A weak association existed between NT‐proBNP levels, on a logarithmic scale, and eGFR (r = −0.131, P < 0.001) or Hb levels (r = −0.182, P < 0.001) at baseline. During 2.29 ± 0.89 years, 92 cardiovascular and 573 renal events were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders such as eGFR and blood Hb level, a nonlinear relationship existed between blood NT‐proBNP levels and cardiorenal outcomes. Patients with a baseline NT‐proBNP level ≥1000 and 500–1000 pg/mL exhibited a greater risk for cardiovascular outcomes than did patients with an NT‐proBNP level <250 pg/mL {hazard ratio [HR] = 8.10 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.80–23.40] and 3.35 [95% CI, 1.10–10.18], respectively}. These patients also exhibited a moderate risk for renal outcomes [HR = 1.77 (95% CI, 1.36–2.31) and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.19–2.00), respectively].

Conclusions

NT‐proBNP provides prognostic insights into cardiovascular and renal outcomes among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease experiencing anaemia.
Prediction of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using machine learning
Authors: Lu Ree , Lumish Heidi S. , Hasegawa Kohei , Maurer Mathew S. , Reilly Muredach P. , Weiner Shepard D. , Tower‐Rader Albree , Fifer Michael A. , Shimada Yuichi J.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), leading to increased symptom burden and risk of thromboembolism. The HCM‐AF score was developed to predict new‐onset AF in patients with HCM, though sensitivity and specificity of this conventional tool are limited. Thus, there is a need for more accurate tools to predict new‐onset AF in HCM. The objective of the present study was to develop a better model to predict new‐onset AF in patients with HCM using machine learning (ML).

Methods and results

In this prospective, multicentre cohort study, we enrolled 1069 patients with HCM without a prior history of AF. We built a ML model (logistic regression with Lasso regularization) using clinical variables. We developed the ML model using the cohort from one institution (training set) and applied it to an independent cohort from a separate institution (test set). We used the HCM‐AF score as a reference model. We compared the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) between the ML model and the reference model using the DeLong's test. Median follow‐up time was 2.1 years, with 128 (12%) patients developing new‐onset AF. Using the ML model developed in the training set to predict new‐onset AF, the AUC in the test set was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.91). The ML model outperformed the reference model (AUC 0.64; 95% CI 0.54–0.73; DeLong's p < 0.001). The ML model had higher sensitivity (0.82; 95% CI 0.65–0.93) than that of the reference model (0.67; 95% CI 0.52–0.88). The ML model also had higher specificity (0.76; 95% CI 0.71–0.81) than that of the reference model (0.57; 95% CI 0.41–0.70). Among the most important clinical variables included in the ML‐based model were left atrial volume and diameter, left ventricular outflow tract gradient with exercise stress and at rest, late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, peak heart rate during exercise stress, age at diagnosis, positive genotype, diabetes mellitus, and end‐stage renal disease.

Conclusion

Our ML model showed superior performance compared to the conventional HCM‐AF score for the prediction of new‐onset AF in patients with HCM.
Guideline‐directed medical therapy for heart failure in arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy with improved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Domínguez‐Rodríguez Luis Manuel , Dobarro David , Iglesias‐Otero Carla , Crespo‐Leiro María G. , Raposeiras‐Roubín Sergio , Álvarez‐García Jesús , Barreiro‐Pérez Manuel , Muñoz‐Pousa Isabel , Sánchez‐Recalde Angel , Íñiguez‐Romo Ándrés , Zamorano José Luis
Published: December 2024

Aims

No study has analyzed the impact of guideline‐directed medical therapy in preventing heart failure (HF) relapse in patients with arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) following left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement.

Methods and results

We analyzed data from a single‐center cohort of 200 patients admitted for HF, LVEF <50% and cardiac arrhythmia considered by cardiologists to be the precipitating cause of the episode. The primary endpoint was time‐to‐HF relapse, defined as the composite of readmission for HF, Emergency Department (ED) visit for HF, or significant decline in LVEF. Changes in medication were recorded and a time‐varying multivariate Cox regression was performed. After a median follow‐up period of 6.14 years, diagnostic confirmation was achieved in 188 out of the initial 200 patients with suspected AiCM. A total of 89 patients (47.3%) met the primary endpoint. RAS inhibitors (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.50 [0.31–0.81]; p = 0.005) and beta‐blockers (adjusted HR 0.48 [0.28–0.81]; p = 0.006) were associated with a lower incidence of relapse. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were associated with a significantly lower incidence of ED visits for HF (adjusted HR 0.38 [0.15–0.95]; p = 0.038), but did not achieve statistical significance for the combined primary endpoint. Antiarrhythmic drugs did not show a significant impact on the primary endpoint.

Conclusion

Maintaining RAS inhibitors and beta‐blockers was associated with a significantly lower incidence of relapse in the setting of AiCM with improved LVEF.
Novel Atmospherically Plasma Sprayed Micro Porous Layer for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Operating With Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Wilke Vincent , Rivera Marco , Morawietz Tobias , Sata Noriko , Mues Lukas , Hegelheimer Manuel , Maljusch Artjom , Borowski Patrick , Schmid Günter , Thum Chen Yie , Klingenhof Malte , Strasser Peter , Karl André , Basak Shibabrata , Poc Jean‐Pierre , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Gago Aldo Saul , Friedrich Kaspar Andreas
Published: December 2024

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is one of the most promising candidates for green hydrogen production needed for the de‐fossilization of the global economy. As AEMWE can operate at high efficiency without expensive Platinum Group Metal (PGM) catalysts or titanium cell components, required in state‐of‐the‐art proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMWE), AEMWE has the potential to become a cheaper alternative in large‐scale production of green hydrogen. In AEMWE, the porous transport layer and/or micro porous layer (PTL/MPL) has to balance several important tasks. It is responsible for managing transport of electrolyte and/or liquid water to the catalyst layers (CLs), transport of evolving gas bubbles away from the CLs and establishing thermal and electrical connection between the CLs and bipolar plates (BPPs). Furthermore, especially in case the CL is directly deposited onto the MPL, forming a catalyst‐coated substrate (CCS), the MPL surface properties significantly impact CL stability. Thus, the MPL is one of the key performance‐defining components in AEMWE. In this study, we employed the flexible and easily upscaled technique of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) to deposit spherical nickel coated graphite directly on a low‐cost mesh PTL. Followed by oxidative carbon removal, a nickel‐based MPL with superior structural parameters compared to a state‐of‐art nickel felt MPL was produced. Due to a higher activity of the nickel APS‐MPL itself, as well as improved catalyst utilization, a reduction in cell voltage of 63 mV at 2 A cm−2 was achieved in an AEMWE operating with 1 M KOH electrolyte. This improvement was enabled by the high internal surface area and the unique pore structure of the APS‐MPL with a broad pore size distribution as well as the finely structured surface providing a large contacting area to the CLs.
Formulation of Health Boosting Foods by Exploring the Microbial Wealth Harbouring in Ethnic Food System of Indian Himalayas
Authors: Gautam Neha , Sharma Nivedita , Ahlawat Yogesh K. , Sharma Nisha
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, traditional food/ethnic foods have vanished from the diet of majority of young people. There is a need to preserve endangered and rarely used fermented food items to maintain the good health of future generations. Therefore, there is a scope for food industry to make an effort to explore nutrient rich sources out of these rarely used foods. The blending of ethnic and traditional foods in a scientific way could trigger many cumulative foods adding fresh dimensions simultaneously preserving functional properties of these foods and providing health benefits. The Himalayan states harbours more thousands types of fermented foods/ethnic foods being consumed. The majority of food consumed by the population in remote areas of the country includes a variety of ethnic dishes from the Indian Himalayas, such as Sepu Bari, Seera, Salori, Bhaturu, Aenkali, Childa‐bhala, Gundruck, Dhulliachar, Jaanr, Angoori, Chuli, Auria, Jhol, Chhang and Churpi. These foods have seldom been explored for their potential to yield new and health‐promoting microorganisms. For the first time, the aforementioned items have been investigated for the isolation and identification of safe, food‐grade bacteria, paving the way for the development of innovative health foods with functional properties.
Differences in physiological indicators between twin and singleton pregnancy
Authors: Liu Siyu , Shi Huifeng , He Shiyu , Hu Lanxin , Zhao Yangyu
Published: December 2024

Objective

It has been widely reported that there are physiological differences between twin and singleton pregnancies, as evidenced by physiological indicators examined during prenatal period. However, not all physiological indicators have been evaluated. Physiological indicators of twin pregnancies still refer to the standards of single pregnancies and lack precise variation intervals. Therefore, our study compared and analyzed the differences in physiological indicators between twin and singleton pregnancies.

Methods

Retrospective cohort data of deliveries at Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2012, to February 8, 2021, were utilized. Information of pregnant women, including maternal characteristics, 49 physiological indicators examined during four periods (postpartum, first, second, and third trimester), and pregnancy complications, was extracted from medical records. Mann–Whitney test and multiple linear regressions were conducted to evaluate the differences in physiological indicators between twin and singleton pregnancies and to demonstrate their variation trend throughout gestation.

Results

A total of 40 746 cases were included (38 320 singleton pregnancy cases and 2426 twin pregnancy cases). In twin pregnancies, 16 indicators related to red blood cells, platelets, coagulation function, protein, creatinine, and blood lipids exhibited distinctions compared to singleton pregnancies throughout gestation. The results remained stable regardless of maternal complications.

Conclusion

Twin and singleton pregnancies are in distinct physiological conditions. It is of great necessity to establish specific reference intervals for twin pregnancies. Further study is needed to investigate the impact of physiological indicators on predicting adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Fiber Tip Empowered by Axial‐Asymmetric Four‐Sector Nanostructure for Broad‐Angle Light Coupling
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Yermakov Oleh , Gu Yitong , Zeisberger Matthias , Fischer Bennet , Yu Fei , Yu Chunlei , Hu Lili , Schmidt Markus A. , Wang Ning
Published: December 2024

Efficient light coupling into the fiber waveguides is important in numerous applications, while the low in‐coupling coefficients of commercially available step‐index fibers significantly narrow their application domains. It is recently introduced that well‐defined periodic nanostructures, such as annulus gratings, allow to substantially boost in‐coupling coefficients. In this study, the genetic algorithm is applied for the optimization of trapezoidal polymer gratings. The experimental data showcase multiply enhanced light coupling at preselected incident angles with respect to a bare fiber. As a breakthrough result, the development of an axial‐asymmetric four‐sector grating, reaching the percentage level of light coupling efficiency in a broad angular range from 0 to 70 that outperforms axial‐symmetric gratings by about order of magnitude. Further, the high average light coupling efficiency is verified in the finite angular intervals at multiple wavelengths of 650, 1000, and 1550 nm. This solution highlights the enhancement of algorithm‐designed structures axially‐asymmetric systems for fiber‐based highly efficient light collections, that will further benefit extensive applications such as wide‐field endoscopies.
Homogenization for a Class Stochastic Partial Differential Equations With Nonperiodic Coefficients
Authors: Su Dong , Yang Xuan
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with homogenization for a class stochastic partial differential equations with nonperiodic coefficients. By means of the stochastic two‐scale convergence approach, the solution of a class stochastic partial differential equations with nonperiodic coefficients (microscopic model) is shown to converge in distribution to the solution of effective equation (macroscopic model).
Long‐term impacts on education of a cash transfer during early life
Authors: Bloomfield Juanita , Cabrera José María
Published: December 2024

We evaluate the long‐term effects of receiving the Uruguayan Plan de Atención Nacional a la Emergencia Social (PANES), a large unconditional cash transfer program, on outcomes for young and unborn children. We use a rich dataset that matches program administrative data to vital natality data and educational records 8 to 12 years after the beginning of the program. Overall, we find small and barely significant effects on educational attainment and delay. Among children exposed to the program during early childhood (between ages 0 and 5), the results show significant beneficial effects for those with low birth weight.
Isomer Differentiation by UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive‐Orbitrap MS led to Enhanced Identification of Daphnane Diterpenoids in Daphne tangutica
Authors: Otsuki Kouharu , Zhang Mi , Tan Lingjian , Komaki Masayoshi , Shimada Akane , Kikuchi Takashi , Zhou Di , Li Ning , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) has enhanced the rapid, accurate analysis of complex plant extracts, eliminating the need for extensive isolation. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) further enhances this process by providing detailed structural information. However, differentiating structural isomers remains a challenge due to their minor spectral and structural differences.

Objective

This study aimed to extend the applicability of LC–MS/MS for the structural identification of daphnane diterpenoids, with a particular focus on distinguishing functional isomers.

Methods

LC–MS analyses were performed using an UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive‐Orbitrap MS. The MS conditions for distinguishing isomers were optimized using in‐source CID and HCD modes with reference compounds. A qualitative analysis was then conducted on the extract of Daphne tangutica. The chemical structures of the detected daphnane diterpenoids were estimated by analyzing the fragmentation patterns in both the mass spectra and product ion spectra. These identifications were further validated by isolation and comparison with an in‐house daphnane diterpenoid library.

Results

By optimizing MS conditions, especially in the negative ion mode, it was possible to accurately distinguish structural isomers such as yuanhuajine and gniditrin. Qualitative analysis of D. tangutica identified a total of 28 daphnanes, including seven previously unreported compounds. Furthermore, a novel geometric isomer of gniditrin was isolated by conducting isolation on the crude diterpenoid fraction.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that LC–MS/MS analysis can effectively distinguish functional isomers of daphnane diterpenoids, thereby enhancing the identification of daphnanes in plant extracts and highlighting its potential as a powerful tool for phytochemical analysis.
First aid treatment and airway management for chemical burns combined with inhalation injury: A case report
Authors: Shen Yaxin , Fu Liming , Yue Zhicheng , Shi Weiliang , Li Chunyan , Zhang Chunjuan
Published: December 2024

Chemical burns account for a small percentage of burn patients, and there are even fewer burn patients suffering from chemical burns combined with inhalation injury. As chemical substances corrode the airway, which leads to persistent necrotic shedding of the respiratory mucosa and scarring contracture as the airway heals, a proportion of patients develop airway stenosis, requiring more aggressive treatment or even surgery. A 38‐year‐old female chemical factory worker sustained an inhalation injury due to exposure to reactive substances (liquid and smoke) during production. She developed third‐ to fourth‐grade airway stenosis and dyspnoea 2 months postinjury. Interhospital consultation led to referral to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University for tracheotomy and endotracheal stent implantation. Postoperative dyspnoea improved, and regular follow‐up was performed. The treatment process of this patient has provided us with valuable experience in the initial management and respiratory tract care of chemical burn patients.
Destructive Self‐Leadership? Self‐Leadership, Maladaptive Coping, and Stress in College Students
Authors: Neck Christopher B. , Maykrantz Sherry A. , Houghton Jeffery D. , Neck Christopher P.
Published: December 2024

Prior research has examined self‐leadership as a proactive self‐regulatory approach for the management of stress and anxiety in college students. However, little is known about the possible negative effects of self‐regulatory approaches such as self‐leadership. Using the transactional model of stress and coping and the interaction model of stress, anxiety, and coping as theoretical frameworks, this study investigates a parallel multiple mediation model of the relationship between self‐leadership and state anxiety as mediated by adaptive coping behaviours and maladaptive coping behaviours in a sample of 143 undergraduate students. Results suggest that self‐leadership, paradoxically, is positively related to both adaptive coping behaviours and maladaptive coping behaviours in students. Moreover, the magnitude and significance of the indirect effects of self‐leadership on state anxiety through maladaptive coping behaviours are greater than the indirect effects of self‐leadership through adaptive coping behaviours. This study is therefore the first to identify possible detrimental effects of self‐leadership on individual outcomes, that is, destructive self‐leadership. Implications, both theoretical and practical, are discussed along with limitations and directions for future research.
Isolation, Characterization, and Modification of Starch Isolated From Waste‐Cooked Non‐Waxy Rice Water
Authors: Garg Priyana , Kumar Raj , Singh Harbaaz , Goyal Meenakshi , Mogha Anupama , Gautam Naina
Published: December 2024

Raw starch's poor swelling, solubility, low shear rates, and low heat resistance limit their industrial applications. This work aimed to isolate and characterize the starch from the wasted rice water that remained after cooking. It was then modified using dry heat treatment (DHT) at 90, 120, and 150 °C for 48 h to explore its potential industrial applications. After investigation, it was found that swelling power and solubility decreased, whereas amylose content increased dramatically from 8.07% ± 0.01% to 22.57% ± 0.07% as the treatment temperature increased. SEM results showed an aggregated structure with the appearance of ruptured granules. Dry heating rice starch at 90 °C significantly reduced XRD diffraction peaks and FTIR intensity ratios (1047/1022 and 995/1022). Apparent viscosity and shear rate values were higher than raw starch. This suggested higher stability of starches after DHT, which was also confirmed by TGA analysis as decomposition temperature increased from 260 to 277 °C. In addition, modified starch with a greater peak viscosity can be added to meals as a thickening agent. The modification of starch leads to the conclusion that its diverse properties may be aimed at different areas of the food business.
What Are the Leadership Competencies for the 21st Century? A Qualitative Study of French Millennials at an Elite Business School in France
Authors: Fotso Guy Major Ngayo
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of national culture on the perceived required leadership competencies for the 21st century among French millennials. To capture French millennial perception, the study relies on the qualitative research methodology and on semi‐structured interviews with a sample of 22 French graduate students born between 1996 and 1999 attending an elite business school in France. The findings of the research indicate that participants do share similar perspectives on leadership with other millennials around the world including the expectation for a collaborative leadership style, more human orientation, and global leadership competencies. However, they also distinguish themselves by expecting certain leadership competencies influenced by their national culture such as the need for an autocratic and coercive style, a hierarchical and legitimate approach to leadership, and the need for the leader to be charismatic. The findings of this study bring a new perspective to the generational cohort theory and show that the implicit leadership theory adds value to the study on generations and more specifically on millennials. The managerial implications are that organizations operating in France should adjust their human policies to the French millennials' perception and not have a global approach when hiring and managing elite business schools' graduates. Furthermore, it shows that an organization that implements a transformational leadership style will be more successful in attracting and retaining millennials. The main limitation of this research is that it is based on the view of millennials graduating from an elite business school in France and does not consider graduates from other fields or from other “grandes écoles”.
Where are international students enrolling, and why?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: December 2024

In 2023 I authored an article for this publication that discussed the changes in international student mobility. Now, a year later, I would like to revisit this topic and share with you some of the new destinations attracting international students.
Wandering campus footloose: Honoring and developing connections to campus buildings
Authors: Fatzinger Jim , Darville Dub
Published: December 2024

Campus buildings have been part of our community conversations of late, usually as leaders determine whether or not particular founders or donors should be honored. But, as writer Goldie Blumenstyk recently shared, sometimes a building's name offers a sense of inclusion. Other authors have also recently discussed how physical infrastructure can help maximize campus pride, publicity, and even investment.
Evolution of Eligibility Criteria in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials: A Clinical Trial Databank Analysis
Authors: Outtier An , Janssens Rosanne , Barbier Liese , Sabino João , Verstockt Bram , Vermeire Séverine , Huys Isabelle , Ferrante Marc
Published: December 2024

Background

Eligibility criteria in clinical trials have been criticised for being overly restrictive without clinical justification.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the types, evolution, and current status of eligibility criteria in clinical trials for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Methods

We performed a clinical trial databank search on clinicaltrials.gov, and included all Phase 3 placebo‐controlled randomised‐controlled trials (RCTs) investigating biologics or small molecules as induction therapy for moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Eligibility criteria were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Fifty‐nine RCTs were identified between the year 2000 and 2022 (30 for CD and 29 for UC). The median (interquartile range) number of eligibility criteria was 44 (38–49), and did not significantly change over the studied time period (p = 0.26). Qualitative analysis showed that common patient populations, such as older patients, therapy refractory patients, patients with comorbidities, prior malignancies, unclassified IBD type, ulcerative proctitis, stricturing and fistulizing CD, as well as patients with an ostomy, were often excluded. Heterogeneity in eligibility criteria across the different IBD clinical trials was found, such as for disease activity measurement, dosage of concomitant medication, wash‐out period of advanced therapies, and laboratory tests.

Conclusion

The median number of eligibility criteria for IBD RCTs did not significantly change over time. The eligibility criteria are however restrictive and complex, limiting the generalisability of efficacy and safety outcomes in daily practice when drugs are approved. Future research is needed to investigate the impact of broadening eligibility criteria to better encompass real‐world practice.
Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Gas Sensor for Acetone Detection Using Correlated Laser Speckles
Authors: Bai Xiaoquan , Bu Ning , Yan Yuxiang , Ma Yifei , Wang Mei , Jia Suotang , Chen Xuyuan , Tong Zhaomin
Published: December 2024

Acetone is a widely used volatile organic compound in various industries, and several gas sensors have been developed for its detection and real-time monitoring. This study reported a novel method for determining the acetone vapor concentration based on correlated laser speckles using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). Here, PDLC films comprising a mixture of the thermotropic nematic liquid crystal (LC) and ultraviolet-curable polymers were fabricated using different LC mass ratios and ultraviolet curing conditions. The laser beam was transmitted through the PDLC film to generate scattered light and speckles. When the PDLC film was exposed to the acetone vapor, the acetone molecules diffused into the PDLC film and interacted with the LC molecules, modifying the orientation of the LC molecules and the equivalent refractive index of the LC droplets. This in turn decreased the correlation coefficient of the speckle images. The experimental results indicated that the PDLC gas sensor was selectively sensitive to different concentrations of the acetone vapor, ranging from 1 800 ppm to 3 200 ppm. In comparison with traditional LC gas sensors that use a polarizing microscope to detect the change in brightness of the modulated light field, the proposed method is simpler, less expensive, and more robust under external disturbances such as vibrations.
Addiction to smartphones in Arabs is associated with severe depressive symptoms and insomnia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gammoh Omar , Shannag Salam , Al-Jabari Sereene , Al-Shawaheen Rama , Bazi Saleh , Al-Smadi Ahmed Mohammad , Alomari Albara Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2024

Addiction to smartphones is a global issue. Mental health disturbance is an emerging factor implicated in smartphone addiction. Whether depressive symptoms and anxiety are implicated in smartphone addiction in developing countries such as Jordan is a nexus that warrants investigation. The present study investigated whether depressive symptoms and insomnia are correlated with smartphone addiction in a cohort of Jordanian participants. We adopted a cross-sectional design for a convenient sample, smartphone addiction, depressive symptoms, and insomnia were assessed using validated scales. Data analysis from 484 participants revealed that smartphone addiction was reported in 180 (37.1%) of the participants. Symptoms of severe depression and severe insomnia were reported in 174 (35.9%) and 198 (40.9%) of the participants respectively. The multivariable regression analysis showed that severe depressive symptoms and severe insomnia were significantly associated with addiction to smartphones (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.11–2.55, p = 0.01) and (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.46–3.29, p < 0.001) respectively. In conclusion, poor mental health outcomes are correlated with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as addiction to smartphones, the addressing these alarming mental health symptoms is required to optimize the well-being of the community.
Making Mao's Steelworks
Authors: Hirata Koji
Published: December 2024

Located in Manchuria (Northeast China), the geopolitical borderland between China, Russia, and Japan, among others, Anshan Iron and Steel Works (Angang) was Mao-era China's most important industrial enterprise. The history of Angang from 1915 to 2000 reveals the hybrid nature of China's accelerated industrialization, shaped by transnational interactions, domestic factors, and local dynamics. Utilizing archives in Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and English, Koji Hirata provides the first comprehensive history of this enterprise before, during, and after the Mao era (1949–1976). Through this unique lens, he explores the complex interplay of transnational influences in Mao-era China. By illustrating the symbiotic relationship between socialism and capitalism during the twentieth century, this major new study situates China within the complex global history of late industrialization.
The War People
Authors: Staiano-Daniels Lucian
Published: December 2024

This book uses the transnational story of a single regiment to examine how ordinary soldiers, military women, and officers negotiated their lives within the chaos and uncertainty of the seventeenth century. Raised in Saxony by Wolf von Mansfeld in spring 1625 in the service of the King of Spain, the Mansfeld Regiment fought for one and a half years in northern Italy before collapsing, leaving behind a trail of dead civilians, murder, internal lawsuits…and copious amounts of paperwork. Their story reveals the intricate social world of seventeenth-century mercenaries and how this influenced how they lived and fought. Through this rich microhistorical case study, Lucian Staiano-Daniels sheds new light on key seventeenth-century developments like the military revolution and the fiscal-military state, which is supported by statistical analysis drawn from hundreds of records from the Thirty Years War. This pathbreaking book unifies the study of war and conflict with social history.
Macroeconomic Policy Since the Financial Crisis
Authors: Iannizzotto Matteo
Published: December 2024

Economic policymakers use various macroeconomic models, but how reliable are they in real-world conditions? Starting from the premise that all models are wrong, but some are useful, Matteo Iannizzotto introduces and explains the workings of the key economic models available for policymaking. He shows that the inconsistencies and contradictions evident in the real world require the economist to make choices about which models to adopt in certain circumstances and when not to rigidly adhere to a single approach.

The book uses a clear and critical step by step analysis to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each model, in a way that enables students to develop their own critical engagement with macroeconomic policymaking. In so doing, the book provides an understanding of the world economy's fluctuations since the global financial crisis that embraces the uncomfortable fact that inconsistency and the need for a multiplicity of models is central to macroeconomic policy choices. For the many students bewildered by the disconnect between the models in their textbooks and the policy choices so hotly debated in the press, the book will be essential reading.
The Value of Openness in Open Science
Authors: Santana Carlos
Published: December 2024

Open science is good for both epistemic and social reasons, but in nonobvious ways, it can have detrimental epistemic side effects. Drawing on case studies and the social epistemology of science, I show how practices intended to increase transparency, communication, and information sharing in science can backfire. We should not reject Open Science, just implement it carefully. I argue that we can do so by treating openness as a governing value in science, and thus, that our pursuit of openness needs to be balanced against our pursuit of the whole scheme of values that govern science.
Migration scenarios for gender apartheid and asylum: when International Criminal Law and International Refugee Law Meet
Authors: Golesorkhi Lara-Zuzan
Published: December 2024

A multi-year process of debate around draft articles for a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty is underway and calls to categorize gender-based persecution as a stand-alone crime and to codify gender apartheid form fundamental aspects of discussion. These developments in international criminal law are significant to anticipate forced migration as recent changes in asylum regulations across the EU suggest. Between December 2022 and February 2023, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark moved to grant asylum to women and girls from Afghanistan on general risks of gender-based persecution. This falls in line with the EU Agency for Asylum establishing that the accumulation of repressive measures against women and girls in the country, which have been described as gender apartheid, amounts to persecution. In efforts to offer new perspectives on foresight in forced migration, I use case study method and legal-institutional analysis to delineate migration scenarios for gender apartheid and asylum. On the example of Afghanistan, I compare Sweden, Finland, and Denmark as case studies in which asylum is granted to women and girls on general risks of gender-based persecution in contrast to Germany and France as case studies for main destination countries of Afghan asylum-seekers absent of such policies. I explore factors towards policy in/action and provide outlooks for further lines of inquiry regarding anticipatory methods in forced migration.
Lessons learned and real-world insights from implementing neutralizing monoclonal antibody programs for treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Ambrose Nalini , Amin Alpesh N. , Anderson Brian , Aten Adam , Canter Brian , Chow Daniel , D’Ambrosio Matthew , Danan Risa , Drews Ashley L. , Gaspar Fraser W. , Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele , O’Horo John , Razonable Raymund R. , Roberts Seth , Shepard Colin , Vahidy Farhaan , Webb Brandon , Yttri Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Coronavirus disease-2019 precipitated the rapid deployment of novel therapeutics, which led to operational and logistical challenges for healthcare organizations. Four health systems participated in a qualitative study to abstract lessons learned, challenges, and promising practices from implementing neutralizing monoclonal antibody (nMAb) treatment programs. Lessons are summarized under three themes that serve as critical building blocks for health systems to rapidly deploy novel therapeutics during a pandemic: (1) clinical workflows, (2) data infrastructure and platforms, and (3) governance and policy. Health systems must be sufficiently agile to quickly scale programs and resources in times of uncertainty. Real-time monitoring of programs, policies, and processes can help support better planning and improve program effectiveness. The lessons and promising practices shared in this study can be applied by health systems for distribution of novel therapeutics beyond nMAbs and toward future pandemics and public health emergencies.
The network ties behind commercial pension insurance purchase: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Huang Yao , Ma Yueru
Published: December 2024

China is entering a deeply aging society gradually, and individual pension allocation behavior has a profound impact on the practice and effect of national strategies to actively cope with population aging. This paper constructs a dyad model based on the influence path of social network ties in individual commercial pension insurance purchasing decisions, and then validates the path by building a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) based on Bayesian approach with the national longitudinal sample data of China. The empirical results show that, firstly, strong ties social interaction (e.g., visiting friend's house) positively influences individuals' commercial pension insurance purchase behavior; secondly, the less the frequency of individual social interaction is, the less significant the positive influence of social interaction on individual commercial pension insurance product purchase is; finally, between 2013 and 2018, the intensity and frequency of social interactions among middle-aged and elderly people in China has been changed dramatically by the shock of the popularity and development of digital social tools. The influence of strong ties social interaction on insurance purchase behavior becomes weaker and weaker, while that of weak ties becomes stronger.
Cassirer v. Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation (9th Cir.)
Authors: Baylis Elena
Published: December 2024

On January 9, 2024, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in Cassirer v. Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation. The case concerned ownership of a U.S. $30 million painting that had been stolen by the Nazis from its Jewish owner. More than six decades later, the pre-War owner's grandson discovered that the painting was on display in a Spanish museum and sought to reclaim it. The matter was in litigation in U.S. courts for almost twenty years. The outcome eventually turned on the issue of choice of law. The court's holding that Spanish law should apply resulted in a judgment that the defendant was the legal owner of the artwork. The court's decision is also notable for a concurring opinion asserting that the defendant should have voluntarily returned the painting to the plaintiffs in accordance with Spain's commitment to the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art (Washington Principles).
Mapping wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) and anise (Myrrhis odorata) in urban green spaces: a subarctic case study
Authors: Luoma Mervi Orvokki , Tamayo Mariana , Sigurðsson Snorri
Published: December 2024

Urban areas are increasingly recognized as important centers of biodiversity. Nonetheless, invasive species can reduce this biodiversity, and cities can be hubs for alien plant invasions, highlighting the need to monitor urban biodiversity and problematic alien species. The goal of our study was to assess the distribution of wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.) and anise (Myrrhis odorata (L.) Scop.) in green spaces of Reykjavík, Iceland. This information is necessary to implement the city´s biodiversity strategy regarding invasive species. Both of these alien plants are spreading throughout Iceland, and Reykjavík´s high latitude (≥63° N) location and remoteness makes it an ideal case study to assess alien plant introductions and invasions in subarctic urban areas. We surveyed from May to October 2017 four green spaces (Laugarnes, Vatnsmýri, Elliðaárdalur, and Ægisiða), using AllTrailsPro and ArcGIS mobile applications. ANOVA and Bonferroni correction (post-hoc test) were used to compare the distribution and patch sizes of A. sylvestris and M. odorata among the study sites. We found that A. sylvestris covered at least 10% (15.5 ha) of the total area surveyed (158 ha), while M. odorata only covered ≤1 ha. Both plants were abundant near buildings, pathways, riversides, and streams, and they are expanding their distribution in Reykjavík´s green spaces. While A. sylvestris is clearly more established and widespread with larger patches (>100 m2), the distribution of M. odorata is more localized, occurring mainly in smaller patches (<100 m2). We recommend long-term monitoring to further assess M. odorata´s invasive potential, as well as testing and adopting integrated weed management strategies via adaptive management to control the distribution of A. sylvestris and that of other problematic alien plants. These actions, which are applicable to other subarctic cities, will help foster more proactive management encouraging urban biodiversity.
A simplified method to detect and monitor alien plant species with invasive potential through citizen science: an application from the European Union-funded LIFE medCLIFFS project volunteers data
Authors: Santana Carlos , Bosch-Guiu Arnau , Gómez-Bellver Carlos , López-Pujol Jordi , Nualart Neus
Published: December 2024

Citizen science is becoming very useful in surveying and monitoring biodiversity. Within the European Union LIFE medCLIFFS project, a network of volunteers has been established for the detection and long-term monitoring of invasive plant species that threaten the endemic flora of Mediterranean cliffs in north-eastern Spain. Through iNaturalist, volunteers record various data along a series of 1 km transects. Based on the ca. 700 observations collected by volunteers in 2023 (the first year of the project), a simple and visually-attractive methodology for assessing the recorded populations has been developed. This method classifies populations into one of three population dynamics categories: (1) propagative behavior (i.e., populations with seedlings or young plants but lacking senescent or dead individuals); (2) senescent behavior (i.e., showing senescent/dead plants but lacking seedlings/juveniles); and (3) a mixed behavior (i.e., containing both). This methodology, whose outputs are easily interpretable as heatmaps, allows the collection of large datasets on invasive plants by citizen scientists, with two main purposes: (1) knowing which species are most concerning based on simple, straightforward observations of their population dynamics; and (2) identifying which regions of the study area are more problematic and, thus, where management efforts should be directed.
Westerners underestimate global inequality
Authors: Ziano Ignazio , Onyeador Ivuoma Ngozi , Dhanda Nandita
Published: December 2024

Most global inequality is between countries, but inequality perceptions have mostly been investigated within the country. Six studies (total N = 2656, 5 preregistered, 1 incentivized for accuracy, 1 with a sample representative of the USA) show that Westerners (U.S. American, British, and French participants) believe that developing and middle-income countries’ GDP per capita is much closer to developed countries’ than it actually is, and that people in developing and middle-income countries have higher rates of car ownership, larger houses, and eat out more frequently than they actually do, meaning that Westerners underestimate global inequality. This misperception is underpinned by a convergence illusion: the belief that over time, poorer countries have closed the economic gap with richer countries to a larger extent than they have. Further, overestimating GDP per capita is negatively correlated with support for aid to the target country and positively correlated with a country’s perceived military threat. We discuss implications for inequality perceptions and for global economic justice.