bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Chemical NMR Spectroscopic Structural Analysis in Solution: The Investigation of 3‐Indoleacetic Acid Dimer Formation in Chloroform and DMSO Solution
Authors: Da Silva Haroldo C. , Hernandes Isabel S. , De Almeida Wagner B.
Published: January 2025

We present a DFT‐PCM NMR study of 3‐indoleacetic acid (3‐IAA), used as a working example, including explicit solvent molecules, named PCM‐nCHCl3, PCM‐nDMSO (n = 0, 2, 4, 8, 14, 20, and 25), to investigate the dimer formation in solution. Apart from well‐known cyclic (I) and open (II) acetic acid (AA) dimers, two new structures were located on DFT‐PCM potential energy surface (PES) for 3‐IAA named quasicyclic A (III) and quasicyclic B (IV), the last one having N–H…O hydrogen bond (instead of O–H…O). In addition, four other structures having π–π type interactions named V, VI, VII, and VIII were also obtained completing the sample on the PES. Our theoretical results and experimental 1H NMR data (CDCl3) strongly indicate that 3‐IAA should exist in a quasicyclic form (III) in a chloroform solution different from AA. Solute–solvent interactions play a key role in O–H and N–H chemical shifts. The strong H‐bond formation between the S=O and O–H and N–H groups produces large chemical shift value THAT masquerades the identification of dimer formation in DMSO solution based on 1H NMR chemical shift changes. However, analysis of 13C NMR and relative energy DFT‐PCM‐nDMSO results strongly indicate the presence of parallel ring interacting dimer having OH…benzene ring bond (VI). There can be a competition between solute–solute and solute–solvent interactions, and polar DMSO solvent can break the quasicyclic dimers (III and IV) intermolecular O–H…O and N–H…O bonds yielding two solvated monomeric species hydrogen bonded to O=S(CH3)2 groups, what may take place for other organic molecules in solution. However, it did not happen for the π–π interacting dimers and structure VI survived in DMSO solution.
Inpatient Audiograms: A Mixed Methods Study Examining Clinical Decision Making, Financial Analyses, and Audiologist Perspectives
Authors: Ibrahim Nadine I. , Cherry Megan M. , Keilin Charles A. , Abdulrazzak Obada , Anidi Chioma , Epperson Madison V. , Jones Gerilyn , Banakis Hartl Renee M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Evaluate inpatient audiometry on clinical decision‐making. Assess stakeholder perspectives on the practice of inpatient audiometry and financial impact.

Study Design

This is a mixed methods study utilizing retrospective chart review, a focus group, and financial analyses.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Methods

Included subjects were adults (18+) admitted from 2015 to 2022 who received an inpatient audiogram (n = 302). A binary assessment of whether audiograms impacted inpatient clinical management was determined. Financial analyses estimated the cost of audiograms. An audiology focus group was conducted.

Results

The average age was 51 years. Thirty‐nine percent were female. Seventy percent of inpatient audiograms were associated with Otolaryngology consultation. Inpatient audiograms were performed an average of 3.6 days after request (0‐47 days, 90th percentile 8.2 days). Forty‐nine percent were performed within 1 day. Twenty‐three percent were performed for acute hearing loss. Ototoxic monitoring was the most frequent indication (15%). Sixty‐two percent of audiograms did not impact the initiation or withholding of treatment. Inpatient testing results in a 63% increase in cost over outpatient. Audiologists endorsed challenges with equipment, patient‐level factors, and system‐level challenges.

Conclusion

Inpatient audiometry is resource‐intensive without significant data examining the impact and clinical utility. In most cases, inpatient audiometry is not used in the decision to withhold or deliver treatment and may cost 63% more than outpatient audiograms. While inpatient audiometry has a critical role in appropriate settings, system optimization and guidelines are necessary. Outpatient audiograms may suffice for the majority of otologic consults in combination with a thorough history and physical exam. Additional study across institutions with variable practice would be beneficial to establish broader recommendations.
Understanding and Improving Pediatric Hearing Care Navigation: A Human‐Centered Design Approach
Authors: Rashidi Neema , Lindeborg Michael M. , Stephans Jihyun , Bellfort‐Salinas Silvia , Naugle Kendyl , Wong Michelle A. , Chan Dylan K.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Explore the experiences of stakeholders within hearing care pathways using a human‐centered design process to design a patient navigator (PN) to improve hearing health equity for deaf or hard‐of‐hearing children.

Study Design

A qualitative, prospective, observational study utilizing the Empathize, Define, and Ideate phases of Human‐Centered Design.

Setting

Academic tertiary children's hospital with interviews over Zoom.

Methods

We interviewed 12 hearing care providers, diverse in role and education across the United States, and 10 parents of deaf or hard‐of‐hearing children, diverse in preferred language and delays in care (mean age at diagnosis of 4.7 months, mean age at intervention of 10.5 months). The main outcomes were themes and subsequent insights that arose from the thematic analysis of interviews, which were used within a design synthesis session.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed 3 themes: Intrinsic Barriers, Extrinsic Barriers, and Areas of Opportunity. Within Intrinsic Barriers, a majority of providers and parents described a grieving process that led to delays. Within Extrinsic Barriers, interviewees expressed challenges navigating multiple deaf or hard‐of‐hearing care pathways. Within Areas of Opportunity, providers and parents agreed on connecting parents of new hearing loss diagnoses with mentor families to improve the care‐seeking experience. Intercoder reliability was achieved (Cohen's κ = 0.73). Findings from the qualitative analysis were incorporated in a synthesis session with diverse stakeholders to design a PN role.

Conclusion

Providers and parents agree that the deaf or hard‐of‐hearing care pathway is difficult to navigate at baseline with delays in accessing care further exacerbated by barriers intrinsic to the family unit.
The Association Between Hearing Loss and Depression in a Large Electronic Health Record System
Authors: Weinstein Hannah N.W. , Tucker Lauren H. , Grewal Maeher R. , Denham Michael W. , Brewster Katharine K. , Golub Justin S.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Hearing loss (HL) is associated with depression, but existing datasets are limited by the type of data available for both hearing and mental health conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association between HL and depressive disorders within a large bi‐institutional electronic health record (EHR) system containing more granular diagnostic information.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional epidemiologic study.

Setting

Two academic medical centers.

Methods

Audiometric data was collected from patients ≥18 years old between 2020 to mid‐2023 (n = 29,772). The exposure was HL defined as the 4‐frequency pure‐tone average (PTA), speech reception threshold (SRT), and word recognition score (WRS). The outcomes were depression, categorized as either: (1) major depressive disorder, defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10) code; (2) persistent mood disorder, defined by ICD‐10 code; or (3) antidepressant medication use, defined by medication lists. Odds ratios were computed from logistic regressions between HL and each of the outcome variables, controlling for age, sex, cardiovascular risks, and site.

Results

The mean age (standard deviation) was 60.5 (18.2) years, and 17,736 participants (59.6%) were female. Controlling for covariates, for every 10‐dB worsening in hearing by PTA, the odds of major depressive disorder increased by 1.04 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01‐1.07, P = .015). Similarly, for every 10 dB worsening in hearing by PTA or SRT, the odds of antidepressant medication use increased by 1.04 times (95% CI = 1.01‐1.06, P = .004). Odds ratios for persistent mood disorder were nonsignificant.

Conclusion

In a large academic EHR, HL is associated with major depressive disorder and antidepressant medication use.
Effect of Histamine‐2 Receptor Antagonists on Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Rossip Maxwell , Lorenz F Jeffrey , Sciscent Bao , Truong Nguyen , Nimmagadda Chaitanya , Goyal Neerav , Goldenberg David
Published: January 2025

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the risk of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy in patients taking histamine‐2 receptor antagonists.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Multicenter, single database.

Methods

Thirty‐four thousand two hundred eighteen patients treated with total thyroidectomy from 2011 to 2022 were identified via the TriNetX Research Network. We compared the incidence of transient (0‐1 month and 1‐6 months following thyroidectomy) and permanent (6‐12 months following thyroidectomy) postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia in patients with and without H2 receptor antagonists. Propensity score matching and sensitivity analysis were done to control for additional risk factors.

Results

Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those with an H2 receptor antagonist prescription before surgery (n = 5108) and those without (n = 29,110). 44.9% and 11.6% of thyroidectomy patients taking H2 receptor antagonists had hypocalcemia compared to 38.3% and 8.2% of patients without H2 receptor antagonists at 0 to 1 month and 6 to 12 months, respectively. Patients taking H2 receptor antagonists had a significantly increased risk of experiencing hypocalcemia at 0 to 1 month, 1 to 6 months, and 6 to 12 months. Patients taking H2 receptor antagonists were also at increased risk for visiting the emergency department and receiving intravenous calcium replenishment at 1 and 6 months following surgery. Sensitivity analysis continued to yield significant results at all time points.

Conclusion

Patients taking H2 receptor antagonists may be at increased risk of short and long‐term hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery. This is the first retrospective cohort study examining the risk of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy in patients taking H2 receptor antagonists.
A Perspective on Women in Otolaryngology Through the Legacy of Dr. Margaret F. Butler
Authors: Tong Jane Y.
Published: January 2025

This article explores the life of Dr. Margaret F. Butler and her many contributions to the field of otolaryngology. Dr. Butler not only served as the first female chair of an otolaryngology department at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania but her mentorship of other physicians also helped support early efforts to promote gender diversity in the specialty of otolaryngology. Using autobiographical material including Dr. Butler's writings and speeches, many housed in The Legacy Center Archives and Special Collections at Drexel University College of Medicine, we explore the legacy of Margaret F. Butler to provide a perspective on women in otolaryngology.
Lipopolysaccharide Causes Acquired CFTR Dysfunction in Murine Nasal Airways
Authors: Grayson Jessica W. , Norwood T. Graham , Zhang Shaoyan , Skinner Daniel , Cho Do‐Yeon , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a clinical entity defined by aberrant chloride (Cl−) ion transport causing downstream effects on mucociliary clearance (MCC) in sinonasal epithelia. Inducible deficiencies in transepithelial Cl− transport via CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been theorized to be a driving process in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients without CF. We have previously identified that brief exposures to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mammalian cells induces an acquired dysfunction of CFTR in vitro and in vivo. The objective of the current study is to evaluate whether LPS generates a model of acquired CFTR dysfunction murine nasal airways.

Study Design

Basic science.

Setting

Laboratory.

Methods

CFTR+/+ murine nasal airways were irrigated with 2 µg/mL LPS or control vehicle twice daily for 1 week and transepithelial Cl− transport assessed with the nasal potential difference (NPD) assay. Histopathologic evaluation included the number of lymphoid aggregates, as well as the epithelial and subepithelial heights.

Results

Transepithelial Cl− secretion by NPD was markedly reduced in mice exposed to LPS (in mV, −0.14 ± 7.7 vs control, −6.98 ± 7.15, P < .05), while amiloride‐sensitive voltage was preserved (6.38 ± 5.09 vs control, 7.36 ± 2.87, P = .99). Histopathology demonstrated significantly higher lymphoid aggregates per high‐power field (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 1.1 ± 0.7, control, P < .01) and increased epithelial height (in µm, 40.88 ± 13.9 vs control, 25.32 ± 6.26, P < .05).

Conclusion

Twice daily irrigation with LPS in murine nasal airways over 1 week led to acquired defects in transepithelial Cl− transport. This animal model provides an excellent means to test the contributions of acquired CFTR dysfunction to CRS and test CFTR correctors and potentiators that might improve MCC.
Financial Impact of Medicare Payment Reform for E/M Visits on Compensation for Otolaryngologic Procedures in 2023
Authors: Miller Lauren E. , Miller Ashley L. , Rocco James W. , Rathi Vinay K.
Published: January 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently increased payment for evaluation and management (E/M) visits, but did not apply these updates to post‐operative global period visits. We investigated the resulting Medicare fee‐for‐service revenue loss for otolaryngologists. Using publicly available Medicare spending/utilization data, we estimated how much additional payment otolaryngologists would have received in 2023 if CMS had reimbursed global period visits at the same rates as other E/M visits. Our analysis included 291 procedures with 10‐ or 90‐day global periods. The total estimated global period revenue loss was $7.0 M and concentrated among facial plastic/reconstructive ($3.3 M; 47.1%), head and neck ($1.5 M; 21.4%), and otologic ($1.2 M; 17.1%) procedures. Total estimated losses were greatest for nasal septoplasty (CPT 30520; $1.2 M), tympanostomy with ventilating tube placement (CPT 69433; $0.6 M), and cervical lymphadenectomy (CPT 38724; $0.5 M). Payment reforms based on robust and empirically‐derived measures of physician work are necessary to promote fair procedural compensation.
Clinical Efficacy and Outcomes of Electro‐Pneumatic Intracorporeal Lithotripsy in the Management of Sialolithiasis
Authors: Filipov Iulian , Chirila Lucian , Sandulescu Mihai , Cristache Gheorghe , Cristache Corina Marilena
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electro‐pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy for the treatment of salivary gland stones.

Study Design

A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with obstructive salivary gland syndrome, where basket‐assisted sialendoscopy alone failed to remove the calculi.

Setting

This study was conducted at the “Queen Maria” Military Hospital in Brașov, Romania, and a private practice, between February 2023 and May 2024.

Methods

A total of 29 patients with salivary calculi were treated using the SialoLither device (Hidromed), which operates on the electro‐pneumatic principle. The number of sessions required for complete stone removal, the duration of each session, and the number of ballistic impulses applied were recorded. Statistical analyses, including the Mann‐Whitney U test and multiple linear regression, were conducted to assess the relationship between stone size, location, and treatment outcomes.

Results

Complete removal was achieved in 72.4% of patients after a single session, with 100% success after 3 sessions. The average number of impulses was 13.9 (±4.25), with no significant difference in outcomes between the parotid and submandibular glands (P > .05). The total duration varied, with a mean time of 89.97 (±54.89) minutes. Complications were minimal, with only 2 cases of minor epithelial damage.

Conclusion

Electro‐pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy is a highly effective, minimally invasive technique for managing salivary calculi, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional surgical methods.
Spina bifida as a multifactorial birth defect: Risk factors and genetic underpinnings
Authors: Wong Ethan S. , Hu Daniel A. , Zhang Lily , Qi Rachel , Xu Cindy , Mei Ou , Shen Guowei , You Wulin , Luo Changqi , He Tong‐Chuan , Reid Russell R. , Shi Lewis S. , Lee Michael J. , Zhu Yi
Published: January 2025

Spina bifida is a birth defect resulting from abnormal embryonic development of the neural tube. Though spina bifida is divided into several subtypes, myelomeningocele—the most severe form of spina bifida often associated with a markedly diminished quality of life—accounts for a significant portion of cases. A broad range of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are still unknown, influence spina bifida, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive etiology for the disorder. Folic acid supplementation aided by the mandatory fortification of food is preventive; still, spina bifida persists due to numerous other confounding factors that affect risk. This article reviews the latest studies pertaining to the risk factors and genetics involved in spina bifida in an attempt to elucidate the complex background of the congenital malformation. Additionally, this review highlights the significant impact of environmental pollutants, adverse medication effects, and maternal health conditions such as diabetes and obesity on the prevalence of spina bifida. Emerging research on gene‐environment interactions provides insight into how specific genetic variants may influence susceptibility to these environmental factors. We also discuss new technologies in genetic sequencing that show promise for the large‐scale discovery of genes associated with spina bifida risk. Understanding these intricate interactions is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
What Do Students Feel, and What Do Teachers Say?: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Calik Basak , Capa‐Aydin Yesim
Published: January 2025

The current study aims to investigate the interplay between teacher and student emotions in mathematics and the triggers of student emotions from the perspectives of their mathematics teachers. Mixed‐methods research was employed. In the quantitative phase, 214 middle school mathematics teachers and their seventh and eighth graders (5475 students total) participated in the study to explore the relationship between teacher and student emotions in mathematics. Afterward, 14 mathematics teachers were selected to participate in the qualitative phase according to the variation in class mean values of the student achievement emotion scale. Data were collected through questionnaires (Achievement Emotions Questionnaire‐Mathematics, Teacher Emotions Scale) and semi‐structured interviews. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed no significant correlation between teacher enjoyment, anger, anxiety, and student emotions. Thematic analysis unraveled four themes in explaining the factors affecting students' emotions in mathematics: types of emotions in mathematics learning, sources of emotions, consequences of emotions, and strategies to regulate students' emotions in mathematics. This study stands as the pioneering one in emotional transmission between teachers and students in Turkiye.
Relationships Between Dimensions of Perfectionism and Perceived Test Threat
Authors: Ahmadi Tina , Finch W. Holmes , Helsper C. Addison , Cassady Jerrell
Published: January 2025

Perfectionism research has progressively supported an identification of two related dimensions, referred to as perfectionistic strivings (PS) and perfectionistic concerns (PC). Examinations of learner experiences based on these two dimensions have routinely demonstrated differential influence on academic emotions and performances, examining the constructs from either dimensional or typological approaches. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships among each dimension of perfectionism with cognitive test anxiety (CTA), self‐regulated learning strategies (SRL), and learners' threat appraisals related to forthcoming tests (Perceived Test Threat or PTT). Structural equation modeling revealed that (a) CTA partially mediated the relationship between PC and PTT and (b) SRL fully mediated the inverse relationship between PS and PTT. Furthermore, generalized additive model (GAM) confirmed a positive linear relationship between PC and PTT, but revealed the relationship between PS and PTT was curvilinear. The results indicate that moderate levels of PS support more positive appraisals of academic outcomes by activating self‐regulated learning tendencies. Conversely, as learners' levels of PC increased, so did their activation of test anxiety and a subsequent appraisal of tests as threatening events.
Middle School Students' Motivations and Learning Competencies in Science: Mediating Role of Digital Literacy
Authors: Nacaroğlu Oğuzhan , Kızkapan Oktay , Demir Hüseyin
Published: January 2025

Science learning motivation refers to the drive and enthusiasm that students exhibit towards learning science. Science learning competencies, on the other hand, are the skills and knowledge enabling students to understand and apply scientific concepts effectively. Digital literacy, defined as the ability to effectively use digital tools and resources, has emerged as a crucial skill in modern education. Digital literacy can bridge the gap between motivation and competencies by providing students with the tools they need to engage more deeply with scientific content. Given its significance, exploring the mediating role of digital literacy in the relationship between science learning motivation and competence is essential. Hence, we aimed to test the mediating role of digital literacy in the relationship between middle school students' science learning motivation and science learning competencies. To test these relations, we adopted the correlation design of the quantitative research method. The sample consisted of 471 middle school students. Science learning motivation scale, competence scale for learning science, and digital literacy scale were used to collect data. The hypothesis model was tested by using covariance‐based structural equation modeling (CB‐SEM). The results showed that science learning motivation is correlated with students' science learning competency (r = 0.891, p < 0.05) and digital literacy (r = 0.538, p < 0.05). Also, digital literacy partially mediates the relation between science learning motivation and science learning competency (r = 0.757, p < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of fostering digital literacy in educational settings to enhance students' motivation and competency in science learning. Educators and policymakers should integrate digital tools and resources into the curriculum to create a more engaging and effective learning environment, thereby bridging the gap between students' motivation and their ability to master scientific concepts.
Meaning in Life as an Outcome of Inpatient or Day‐Hospital Psychotherapy for Personality Disorder
Authors: Steen Angelien , Braam Arjan W. , Hoogendoorn Adriaan W. , Berghuis Han , Glas Gerrit
Published: January 2025

Psychotherapy may contribute to the experience of meaning in life. This study investigated meaning in life among patients with personality disorders during inpatient or day‐hospital psychotherapy. Meaning in life was approached from two conceptual perspectives: personality functioning with an emphasis on self‐direction and existential psychology. We investigated changes in the sense of meaning in life and accounted for changes in depressive symptoms and identity and interpersonal pathology. Using pre–post measures, Livesley's General Assessment of Personality Disorder, especially, the Lack‐of‐Meaning‐Purpose‐and‐Direction subscale and Steger's Meaning‐in‐Life Presence subscale were administered to 75 patients with personality disorders during inpatient or day‐hospital psychotherapy for 8–12 months. Regression models showed that levels of the lack and presence of meaning decreased and increased during treatment, respectively, controlled for changes in depressive symptoms. Decreased identity pathology was significantly associated with changes in the lack or presence of meaning. Meaning in life may act as an outcome variable in intensive psychotherapy for personality disorders. The development of identity and self‐direction may restore or create the ability to give life meaning.
Charged Gravastar Solutions in the Finch‐Skea Framework with f(Q)$f(\mathbb {Q})$ Gravity
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Ajmal Madiha
Published: January 2025

In this study, the features of a charged gravastar are investigated within the framework of gravity ( represents nonmetricity) using the Finch–Skea metric. This metric is applied to both the interior and shell regions of the charged gravastar and the field equations are derived accordingly. For the exterior regions, various black holes are considered, i.e., Reissner–Nordström, Bardeen, and Hayward regular black holes. The interior and exterior layers are matched using the Israel junction conditions, which help to determine the surface energy density and surface pressure for these black holes. Some physical properties such as proper length, entropy, energy, and the equation of state parameter are examined. The stability of the developed gravastar model is discussed through the effective potential, the causality condition and adiabatic index. It is concluded that the compact gravastar structure could be a viable alternative to black holes within this framework.
Thermal Annealing Effect on Properties of Nickel Oxide (NiO) Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Sathyan Angitha , Koppole Kamakshi
Published: January 2025

In this study, the impact of annealing temperature (TA) from room temperature (RT) to 400 °C on the structural, optical and electrical properties of NiO thin films deposited using sol‐ gel spin coating technique on glass substrate is presented. A theoretical approach is also employed to calculate the open circuit voltage (VOC) from the energy band gap (Eg) value, fill factor (FF), short circuit current (ISC), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the material for solar cell applications. Crystallinity improvement is observed upon annealing the NiO thin films and the average size of crystallites varies from 28 to 34 nm with a maximum value observed for 300 °C annealed film. The SEM micrographs confirm the nano form of NiO nanoparticles, with particles that are between 73 and 100 nm in size. All the films are semitransparent with transmittance >55% and the thin film annealed at 300 °C exhibited 88% transmittance in the visible region, making it a promising option as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) in photovoltaic applications. The I–V curves display a non‐linear behaviour for all annealing temperatures. The conductivity increases with an increase in TA and the film annealed at 300 °C shows the highest conductivity.
GaN‐Based Vertical‐Cavity‐Surface Emitting Lasers with Polarization‐Induced Interface Charges and Bulk Charges to Manage the Carrier Injection
Authors: Li Yichen , Yang Jianyu , Zhang Yonghui , Zhao Yongbing , Zhang Zi‐Hui
Published: January 2025

Herein, Al‐composition gradient p‐type electron blocking layer (p‐EBL) is proposed and physical models are developed to investigate the impact of the proposed p‐EBL on carrier injection and stimulated radiative recombination for GaN‐based vertical‐cavity‐surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). The results show that when compared to VCSELs with constant Al‐composition p‐EBL, the Al‐composition gradient p‐EBL can effectively weaken polarization‐induced electric field at the last quantum well/p‐EBL interface. This can suppress the electron accumulation therein and reduce the electron leakage. However, it is also found that the Al‐composition gradient layer generates additional energy barrier for holes. Hence, the polarization‐induced negative bulk charges in the Al‐composition gradient layer strongly affect the hole injection. The polarization self‐screening effect shall be used to suppress the electric field in the Al‐composition gradient layer, so that the hole can gain more energy. This tunes Fermi‐Dirac distribution for holes and enables the holes to travel across the valence band barrier in the Al‐composition gradient layer.
Ultrasensitive Flexible Strain Sensor Based on the Synergistic Integration of Wrinkle and Microcrack Architectures for Wearable Applications
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Wang Chao , He Yi , Zhao Qiyun , Huang Jingjing , Chen Ying , Zhou Xingyu , Liao Xiaoqing , Li Ying , Li Lu
Published: January 2025

Wearable strain sensors have significant applications in important domains such as electronic skin, personalized health monitoring, and human–computer interaction. A prevailing objective in numerous research initiatives is to achieve a balance between high sensitivity and stretchability. A strain sensor that integrates a stretchable wrinkled structure with a highly sensitive microcrack sensor to address this is developed. This sensor employs wrinkled microstructures, constructed by thermally depositing a gold film onto a flexible substrate. Due to its unique microstructural design, the sensor demonstrates a maximum strain of 75% and a gauge factor reaching 6657. Additionally, the sensor exhibits outstanding mechanical stability, maintaining consistent performance through 1000 stretching–releasing cycles. The application of this wrinkle structure strain sensor in human motion tracking, physiological signal monitoring, and speech recognition is validated. These findings underscore its practical value in wearable technology and offer novel insights for the advancement of next‐generation wearable electronic devices.
Epitaxial Growth of Bi2Se3 Thin Films by Thermal Evaporation for the Application of Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Zhang Chunpan , Gao Haizhen , Xu Shiqi , Bai Jiangyue , Jiang Yujiu , Li Xiuxia , Mao Pengcheng , Yang Yanbo , Han Junfeng
Published: January 2025

Bi2Se3 is a typical topological material with the gapless surface state, which has many potential applications. In this work, high‐quality Bi2Se3 thin films are prepared by co‐evaporating bismuth and selenium on (100) silicon substrate, followed by in‐situ annealing process. The key parameters are optimized, including growth temperature and the flux ratio of Bi and Se. The crystal orientation and quality of the thin films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, Bi2Se3 thin films are employed as the working electrode of the biosensor, and their sensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 characteristic gene fragments in the COVID‐19 epidemic is investigated. The cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrate that the DNA biosensor is successfully constructed based on Bi2Se3 thin films. This study develops a method of the large‐scale homogeneous Bi2Se3 thin films growth by thermal evaporation technology, which has great application potential in electrochemical biosensors.
Mechanical, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties of Metastable Silicon oP16‐Si: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zhang Pei , Tang Zhunyun , Liu Wenchao , Tang Chao , He Chaoyu , Li Jin , Ouyang Tao
Published: January 2025

Using the coordination‐constrained searching strategy implemented in RG2 software, a novel metastable silicon crystal named oP16‐Si, which hosts lower energy compared to the previously synthesized Si24 is reported. The first‐principles calculations further confirm its dynamic, mechanical, and thermodynamic stabilities, indicating the potential for experimental synthesis. The corresponding characterization of the Raman spectrum and eigenvibration vectors is calculated for experimental identification as well. The analysis of its mechanical properties indicates that the material has a hardness of 24.88 GPa and a Poisson's ratio of 0.24, classifying it as highly hard and brittle. More interestingly, calculations demonstrate that the oP16‐Si exhibits a bandgap of 1.41 eV, and it has a broader absorption spectrum than diamond silicon. By combining with Boltzmann transport theory, the thermal and thermoelectric performance of oP16‐Si are investigated. The results reveal that the four‐phonon interaction significantly influences the thermal transport performance of oP16‐Si, with an average lattice thermal conductivity of 16.88 W mK−1 at 300 K, contributing to its exceptional thermoelectric figure of merit, peaking at 1.42 with p‐type doping. These findings shed light on the physical properties of this novel metastable silicon and foreshadow its potential applications in photovoltaic and thermoelectric.
Determination of 115 Pesticide Residues in Textiles by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Ying , Ye Xiwen , Luo Xin , Zhu Wenxuan , Tang Zhixu , Niu Zengyuan
Published: January 2025

The presence of pesticide residues in textiles poses a risk to human health. We established a robust and high‐throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of 115 pesticide residues in textiles. In this study, we evaluated high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry conditions and sample extraction methods, including separation performance of different columns, mass conditions, extraction solvent, and extraction time. Finally, we established the method as follows: After ultrasonic extraction with methanol, we blew the sample with nitrogen to dry and then took it to a fixed volume by a specific solvent. We used a C18 reversed‐phase chromatographic column and detected the samples in the multiple reaction monitoring mass mode. And we verify the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, recovery, and precision. The LOD and LOQ of the method was 10 and 20 μg/kg separately; the recoveries ranged from 71.3% to 118.4%; and the relative standard deviation was 0.2%–19.9%. We verified the applicability of the developed protocol through the analysis of 21 real textile products.
A Review of Research on Engineering in K‐12 Science Education
Authors: Antink‐Meyer Allison , Brown Ryan A. , Parker Margaret E. , Smith Jennifer
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to explore trends in interrelated engineering education and science education research within six science education research journals across the first decade since the release of the Framework for K‐12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Journals were selected using a combination of impact factors and random sampling. The resulting qualitative systematic review exposes trends that arose and fell among science education journals and scholars as reflected in 141 articles published between 2011 and 2024 in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, the International Journal of Science Education, School Science and Mathematics, the Journal of Science Teacher Education and Cultural Studies of Science Education. Through the analysis of 289 published research questions and purposes, themes of research and stakeholder foci were developed to uncover trends in research across this timespan. The greatest proportion of research examined student learning of science content through engineering experiences and teacher practice concerning science and engineering adjacent learning. Gaps in the literature are also described including studies in greater need of focus, most notably those that examine the roles of communities, families, learner agency, and access to engineering and science. Findings illuminate a need for improved resonance between the calls of policy for advancing access to science, STEM, and engineering education and literacies and research that remains most focused on traditional settings and structures.
Artificial Intelligence in Pancreatic Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Podină Nicoleta , Gheorghe Elena Codruța , Constantin Alina , Cazacu Irina , Croitoru Vlad , Gheorghe Cristian , Balaban Daniel Vasile , Jinga Mariana , Țieranu Cristian George , Săftoiu Adrian
Published: January 2025

The rising incidence of pancreatic diseases, including acute and chronic pancreatitis and various pancreatic neoplasms, poses a significant global health challenge. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) for example, has a high mortality rate due to late‐stage diagnosis and its inaccessible location. Advances in imaging technologies, though improving diagnostic capabilities, still necessitate biopsy confirmation. Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and deep learning, has emerged as a revolutionary force in healthcare, enhancing diagnostic precision and personalizing treatment. This narrative review explores Artificial intelligence's role in pancreatic imaging, its technological advancements, clinical applications, and associated challenges. Following the PRISMA‐DTA guidelines, a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted, focusing on Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and radiomics in pancreatic imaging. Articles involving human subjects, written in English, and published up to March 31, 2024, were included. The review process involved title and abstract screening, followed by full‐text review and refinement based on relevance and novelty. Recent Artificial intelligence advancements have shown promise in detecting and diagnosing pancreatic diseases. Deep learning techniques, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have been effective in detecting and segmenting pancreatic tissues as well as differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Deep learning algorithms have also been used to predict survival time, recurrence risk, and therapy response in pancreatic cancer patients. Radiomics approaches, extracting quantitative features from imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound, have enhanced the accuracy of these deep learning models. Despite the potential of Artificial intelligence in pancreatic imaging, challenges such as legal and ethical considerations, algorithm transparency, and data security remain. This review underscores the transformative potential of Artificial intelligence in enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
Linear Dependencies Among Cubic Partition Numbers
Authors: Ballantine Cristina , Merca Mircea
Published: January 2025

A cubic partition is an integer partition in which the even parts can occur in two distinct colors. In this paper, we denote the number of cubic partitions of n by a(n) and define

$$a_m(n)$$

a
m

(
n
)

as the number of cubic partitions of n in which only even parts that are not congruent to 0 modulo

$$2^m$$

2
m

can appear in two colors. By leveraging classical results on truncated theta series, we introduce a collection of linear relations associated with the cubic partition functions a(n) and

$$a_m(n)$$

a
m

(
n
)

. This context reveals intriguing connections among ordinary partitions, overpartitions,

$$2^m$$

2
m

-regular partitions, pod-partitions and cubic partitions. A complete characterization of the congruences of

$$a_2(n)$$

a
2

(
n
)

modulo 2 and 4 is provided.
Assessing uncertainty in image-based monitoring: addressing false positives, false negatives, and base rate bias in structural health evaluation
Authors: Plevris Vagelis
Published: January 2025

This study explores the limitations of image-based structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques in detecting structural damage. Leveraging machine learning and computer vision, image-based SHM offers a scalable and efficient alternative to manual inspections. However, its reliability is impacted by challenges such as false positives, false negatives, and environmental variability, particularly in low base rate damage scenarios. The Base Rate Bias plays a significant role, as low probabilities of actual damage often lead to misinterpretation of positive results. This study uses both Bayesian analysis and a frequentist approach to evaluate the precision of damage detection systems, revealing that even highly accurate models can yield misleading results when the occurrence of damage is rare. Strategies for mitigating these limitations are discussed, including hybrid systems that combine multiple data sources, human-in-the-loop approaches for critical assessments, and improving the quality of training data. These findings provide essential insights into the practical applicability of image-based SHM techniques, highlighting both their potential and their limitations for real-world infrastructure monitoring.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review
Authors: McKenna Kaitlyn , Wanni Arachchige Dona Sithara , Gold Lisa , Silk Tim J. , Le Ha N. D.
Published: January 2025

Various interventions, including caregiver education, psychoeducation, teacher and clinician training and behavioral management embedded with education, are available to enhance awareness and knowledge among caregivers, teachers, and clinicians. This review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions to increase ADHD awareness and knowledge for caregivers, clinicians, and teachers. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through the systematic searches of six databases: MEDLINE Complete, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, Global Health and EconLit. Two independent reviewers completed a two-stage screening process and quality assessment. Results are presented as a narrative synthesis. Economic evaluation study cost data were converted for comparability. Of the 5963 results, 28 studies were included. Most interventions were found to be effective in increasing the awareness and knowledge of ADHD among caregivers, clinicians, and teachers. Clinician knowledge and capacity to assess, diagnose and treat ADHD were improved. Of the economic evaluation studies, interventions were promising in parent education, and behavioral management and psychosocial therapy interventions were found to be cost-effective. The review provides important insights about effective and cost-effective interventions to increase ADHD awareness and knowledge. These insights are critical to effectively plan services/interventions for families and children with ADHD. Further research in economic evaluation of interventions is needed to assist policy-decision making.
Reducing the effect of face orientation using FaceMesh landmarks in drowsiness estimation based on facial thermal images
Authors: Nomura Ayaka , Yoshida Atsushi , Nagumo Kent , Nozawa Akio
Published: January 2025

In this study, facial skin temperature distribution (FSTD) is focused on as a new driver monitoring index. FSTD is an autonomic index that can be measured remotely. Studies have been conducted to estimate drowsiness based on FSTD using modelng methods such as CNN, a type of deep learning, and sparse modeling, which can be trained with a small amount of data. These studies, however, only evaluated front-facing facial thermal images. FaceMesh is a model that extracts 478 3D facial feature landmarks from a 2D face image. In contrast to conventional models that extract only 68 facial feature landmarks, FaceMesh can extract facial feature landmarks for the entire face, including the cheeks, forehead, and other areas of the face that are in the blind spots. This study aims to improve the accuracy of drowsiness estimation by applying FaceMesh to automatically detect tilted faces and not including tilted images in the training data. As a result, the method proposed in this study improved drowsiness estimation accuracy by about 6% compared to the old method, which did not take face orientation into account.
Čapek’s Argument for the Reality of Temporal Passage
Authors: Kügler Peter
Published: January 2025

The antirealist position on temporal passage is that time exists but does not pass. Antirealists either claim that experiences of passage represent something that does not exist or that these experiences do not represent passage. This paper reconstructs and defends an argument for the reality of passage by Milič Čapek that is based on the idea of mental passage, the passage of experience itself. The belief that mental passage exists is introspectively justified. This justification is not undermined by perceptual illusions and is also compatible with antirealist explanations of why the belief arises. Both physicalism and psychophysical dualism justify the premise that mental passage implies physical passage. Arguments by Huw Price and Simon Prosser purport to show that experiences do not represent physical passage. However, these arguments rely on thought experiments that presuppose the non-existence of mental passage, and therefore miss the fact that mental passage enables the representation of physical passage.
Selling out the city? Airbnb’s amateur and professional listings across cities, time, and hotspots
Authors: Kirchner Stefan , Pohl Simon C.
Published: January 2025

In the early days of its existence, Airbnb was heralded as a champion of the “sharing economy”, enabling amateur hosts to offer short-term lodging to a global community of guests. Since then, public debates and research have highlighted the rise of professional hosts as an indication for the commercialization of Airbnb. However, it is neither well understood how Airbnb listings developed across cities and time nor how they are distributed across local hotspots. The paper conceptualizes the Airbnb marketplace in its spatial constitution, as a network space brokering accommodation at specific places within designated city territories. It asks who dominates the digital marketplace across cities and time, distinguishing between professional and amateur listings. Based on an extensive dataset of 45 cities all over the world over a period of eight years, the paper investigates the distribution of amateur and professional listings. The article then focuses on the spatial diffusion of Airbnb listings in four selected cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, London, San Francisco) which represent diverse regulatory approaches, to identify local hotspots and establish who dominates these hotspots. The results show a worldwide trend of professional listings rising to dominate Airbnb, alongside few pockets of amateur marketplaces. Within cities, amateurs prevail only in local hotspots in specific cities—which, moreover, tend to be found only in peripheral locations. The results provide rich empirical insights into the commercialization and diversity of Airbnb as a network space around the world.