bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny, Diversification, and Biogeography of Garra (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) Reveals Multiple Cross‐Drainage Dispersals in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Bang , Oo Thaung Naing , Zheng Lan‐Ping , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: November 2024

Garra, a kind of small‐ to medium‐sized fish, is widely distributed from southern Eurasia to central Africa. As one of the most diverse genera of Cyprinidae, investigating the phylogeny and biogeography of Garra remains challenging. In this study, we combined sequences of Garra samples collected from Myanmar with sequences downloaded from GenBank to investigate the phylogeny, diversification, and biogeography of Garra on a global scale, with an emphasis on Southeast Asia. Species delimitation results indicated that there are at least 22 potential species, including eight undescribed species in Myanmar, suggesting that the diversity of Garra in this region have been largely underestimated. Diversification analysis suggested a relatively high diversification rate in the early branches of Garra. Ancestral distribution reconstruction results revealed that Garra originated from the Irrawaddy River basin in the late Eocene, approximately 34 million years ago, with subsequent dispersals across different drainages influenced by the uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Our study provided a new insight into the evolutionary history of Garra and the basis for further research on this genus.
Advances in Membranes from Microporous Materials for Hydrogen Separation from Light Gases
Authors: Prasetya Nicholaus , Wenten I Gede , Ladewig Bradley Paul
Published: November 2024

With the pressing concern of the climate change, hydrogen will undoubtedly play an essential role in the future to accelerate the way out from fossil fuel‐based economy. In this case, the role of membrane‐based separation cannot be neglected since, compared with other conventional process, membrane‐based process is more effective and consumes less energy. Regarding this, metal‐based membranes, particularly palladium, are usually employed for hydrogen separation because of its high selectivity. However, with the advancement of various microporous materials, the status quo of the metal‐based membranes could be challenged since, compared with the metal‐based membranes, they could offer better hydrogen separation performance and could also be cheaper to be produced. In this article, the advancement of membranes fabricated from five main microporous materials, namely silica‐based membranes, zeolite membranes, carbon‐based membranes, metal organic frameworks/covalent organic frameworks (MOF/COF) membranes and microporous polymeric membranes, for hydrogen separation from light gases are extensively discussed. Their performances are then summarized to give further insights regarding the pathway that should be taken to direct the research direction in the future.
Understanding public preferences for energy efficiency policies in building and agricultural sectors in the western US: Values, knowledge, and identity
Authors: Siddiqi Muhammad Usman Amin , Wolters Erika Allen
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of energy efficiency as the ‘first fuel,’ seen as one of the most promising approaches for achieving climate change mitigation goals and enhancing energy security without compromising economic well‐being. However, meeting the standards of the IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario demands a more thorough exploitation of economically viable energy efficiency potentials. The United States has a huge energy efficiency potential to cost‐effectively reduce its electricity use, but utilizing this potential requires proactive policymaking. Recent studies suggest that state policymaking increasingly responds to mass policy preferences, gradually shaping policy changes despite existing barriers. This underscores the importance of investigating public energy preferences. Given that energy preferences of the US citizens are significantly polarized due to ideological and identity‐driven beliefs about the existence and severity of climate change, understanding these preferences becomes even more vital. While there is plenty of literature on the merits and challenges of energy efficiency as well as on public preferences for various energy policies, there remains a noticeable research gap in the understanding of the public's specific preferences for energy efficiency policies especially in the American West. This study addresses this gap through a survey of 1804 randomly selected respondents across California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. It broadens the scope beyond political ideology to explore how environmental values, social identities, and policy literacy are associated with public support for energy efficiency policies in building and agricultural sectors.
Heating Control Strategy of CO2 Heat Pump Air Conditioning System of Electric Vehicle Based on Waste Heat Recovery Technology
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhao Yu , Wu Limin , He Liange
Published: November 2024

The control strategy of the thermal management system is crucial for ensuring the thermal comfort of an electric vehicles (EVs) cabin. However, the performance of heat pump air conditioning (HPAC) significantly deteriorates in low‐temperature weather conditions. In recent years, the CO2 HPAC system has emerged as a potential solution to address the insufficient heating capacity in such environments. In order to ensure cabin comfort and optimize winter mileage, a three‐stage heating control method for CO2 air source heat pump (ASHP) system is proposed in this article. Firstly, a simulation model is established and its feasibility is verified by comparing it with experimental results. Subsequently, the cabin's heating capacity is examined under four different low‐temperature conditions (–5, −10, −15, and −20 °C). Optimal opening and closing strategies of each mode are discussed to maintaining the temperature requirements of the cabin. The three‐stage heating control strategy demonstrates improvements in battery state of charge performance over 7200 s of running time compared to conventional CO2 ASHP: optimization rates increase by 8.07% at −5 °C, a further increase by 10.03% at −10 °C, a substantial increase by 14.51% at −15 °C, and under extreme conditions of −20 °C, the optimization rate is as high as 16.21%.
Identification of Cause–Effect Relationships between Process Parameters and the Film Formation in the Semidry Electrode Production for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Leeb Matthias , Schwarz Nico , Daub Rüdiger
Published: November 2024

Conventional electrode production for lithium‐ion batteries has high energy and plant space demand, due to the high solvent content of the slurry to be processed by slot die or doctor blade coating. By using the semidry electrode production, the solvent content is reduced by more than 50% compared to the conventional electrode production, decreasing energy demand and drying length. Regarding technology readiness level, the semidry electrode production is on the pilot scale, as the basic principles have been shown. However, many unknown cause–effect correlations exist between the process parameters and the product properties. This study aims to analyze process parameter variations and their influence on the geometric, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of the electrode. An experimental design is utilized to obtain statistically relevant conclusions. It is found that the first calender gap and the roller speed influence the mass loading and the porosity of the electrode. The roller speed significantly influences the ionic resistance within the electrode, which may be attributed to the used release foil.
Examining the Effects of Health Work Shortages and Deployment in Integrated Programme in Bihar, India: An Institutional Ethnography
Authors: Kumar Vikash
Published: November 2024

The integration of health programms in low‐resource settings is a common approach aimed at providing quality and cost‐effective healthcare services. However, programme integration can unintentionally impact service provision and disrupt the overall organisation of service delivery. In this paper, I examine the integrated programme for non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) and explore the challenges related to the deployment of health workers. Specifically, I investigate the institutional processes that shape the work of health workers and the working conditions in district hospitals. To explore the social organisation of the implementation of the integrated NCD programme, I employed institutional ethnography as a research method. Data collection involved interviews, participant observation, and document reviews. Data analysis was conducted using social mapping, analytical writing, and textual analysis methods. The findings of the study suggest that due to staff shortages and a lack of doctors, health workers are continuously subjected to deployment and often required to undertake multiple tasks and responsibilities without any incentives or non‐monetary benefits. Administrators perceive health workers in integrated programs as additional human resources available for use in district hospitals. However, the removal of health workers from integrated programs can have negative implications for service delivery and patients' health outcomes. Finding of the study suggests that it is recommended that administrators improve the staff recruitment process and promptly address the grievances of health workers to enhance healthcare delivery.
Operative complications of open and minimally invasive adnexal surgery compared with cases with hysterectomy: A narrative review
Authors: Statham Edith , Suarez Brittany , Lahey Sue , Flink‐Bochacki Rachel , Margolis Benjamin
Published: November 2024

The decision to add hysterectomy to planned adnexectomy is often nuanced and likely increases the complexity of the planned procedure; however, these risks are not well characterized in practice. We conducted a comprehensive search in the PubMed database for English‐language articles from 1997 to 2022, identifying studies reporting complication rates for open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) hysterectomy and adnexal surgeries. We calculated medians and first and third quartiles for each complication and used a Mann–Whitney U test to calculate differences between complications for minimally invasive hysterectomy and adnexal case data. We identified 135 appropriate studies for inclusion. There were higher prevalences of blood loss requiring transfusion (1.70% versus 0.13%, P = 0.01) and urinary tract injury (0.80% versus 0.20%, P = 0.001) in MIS hysterectomy cases compared with MIS adnexal surgery, respectively. MIS hysterectomy cases were similar to MIS adnexal surgery cases in the risk of surgical site infection (1.20% versus 1.49%, P = 0.74), bowel injury (0.50% versus 0.35%, P = 0.45), vascular injury (0.20% versus 0.9%, P = 0.82), and conversion to laparotomy (1.95% versus 3.84%, P = 0.49). There were not enough data on open adnexal surgery complications to make a meaningful comparison between complications of open hysterectomy and adnexal‐only cases. Patients should be counseled that the addition of hysterectomy to planned MIS adnexal surgery likely increases the risk of blood loss requiring transfusion and urinary tract injury. The increased comorbidity associated with adding hysterectomy to planned open adnexal removal is less clear.
Transitioning from traditional to robotic mowing affects turfgrass quality and broadleaf weeds on golf course fairways
Authors: Hesselsøe Karin J. , Borchert Anne F. , Pettersen Trond , Aamlid Trygve S.
Published: November 2024

On European golf courses, small lightweight robotic mowers have recently been introduced for fairway and rough mowing. In this study, turfgrass quality and the coverage of broadleaf weeds in three cool‐season grasses were compared in response to robotic and traditional fairway mowing. Experiments with pure swards of red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were carried out at NIBIO Landvik, Norway, to evaluate differences between lightweight robotic mowing and reel mowing. In a mixture of the three species turfgrass quality and the coverage of broadleaf weeds were compared in response to robotic and reel mowing at yearly fertilizer levels from 0 to 120 kg N ha−1. The results showed that both robotic and reel mowing were found to provide high turfgrass quality, while lower coverage of broadleaf weeds (predominantly white clover [Trifolium repens L.]) was found with robotic mowing independent of grass species. In the mixed stand, higher turfgrass quality was found with robotic mowing regardless of N rate, but N rates above 60 kg ha−1 year−1 were necessary to keep the coverage of white clover in fall on an acceptable low level. Our results suggest that robotic mowing can decrease the spread of white clover at a fairway mowing height of 15 mm, but more research is needed to clarify at which mowing heights, mowing frequencies, and fertilizer levels we can get the best competitiveness against broadleaf weeds on fairways with robotic mowing.
Polytrauma impairs fracture healing accompanied by increased persistence of innate inflammatory stimuli and reduced adaptive response
Authors: Saiz Augustine Mark , Rahmati Maryam , Gresham Robert Charles Henry , Baldini Tony Daniel , Burgan Jane , Lee Mark A. , Osipov Benjamin , Christiansen Blaine A. , Khassawna Thaqif El , Wieland D. C. Florian , Marinho André Lopes , Blanchet Clement , Czachor Molly , Working Zachary M. , Bahney Chelsea S. , Leach J. Kent
Published: November 2024

The field of bone regeneration has primarily focused on investigating fracture healing and nonunion in isolated musculoskeletal injuries. Compared to isolated fractures, which frequently heal well, fractures in patients with multiple bodily injuries (polytrauma) may exhibit impaired healing. While some papers have reported the overall cytokine response to polytrauma conditions, significant gaps in our understanding remain in how fractures heal differently in polytrauma patients. We aimed to characterize fracture healing and the temporal local and systemic immune responses to polytrauma in a murine model of polytrauma composed of a femur fracture combined with isolated chest trauma. We collected serum, bone marrow from the uninjured limb, femur fracture tissue, and lung tissue over 3 weeks to study the local and systemic immune responses and cytokine expression after injury. Immune cell distribution was assessed by flow cytometry. Fracture healing was characterized using microcomputed tomography (microCT), histological staining, immunohistochemistry, mechanical testing, and small angle X‐ray scattering. We detected more innate immune cells in the polytrauma group, both locally at the fracture site and systemically, compared to other groups. The percentage of B and T cells was dramatically reduced in the polytrauma group 6 h after injury and remained low throughout the study duration. Fracture healing in the polytrauma group was impaired, evidenced by the formation of a poorly mineralized and dysregulated fracture callus. Our data confirm the early, dysregulated inflammatory state in polytrauma that correlates with disorganized and impaired fracture healing.
Efficient Simultaneous Second Harmonic Generation and Dispersive Wave Generation in Lithium Niobate Thin Film
Authors: Peng Lingzhi , Liu Liqiang , Li Xiaoni , Hong Lihong , Li Zhiyuan
Published: November 2024

Lithium niobate thin film (LNTF) is a promising platform for ultra‐low loss nonlinear integrated photonics. Here, the simultaneous generation of second harmonic wave (SHW) and dispersive wave (DW) are demonstrated in a single LNTF under the pump of a femtosecond pulse laser, with a conversion efficiency exceeding 25%. The second harmonic generation (SHG) uses the modal phase matching mechanism based on the second‐order nonlinear effect, while the DW generation is based on the perturbations of soliton dynamics caused by self‐phase modulation and higher‐order dispersion. Notably, significant and symmetrical SHW and DW patterns are observed, which exhibit strong spatial dispersion properties. A comprehensive analysis of the phase‐matching conditions are conducted for SHG and DW generation and provide a clear elucidation of the spectral properties of different regions of the emitted light patterns. Additionally, the evolution of the pump light in LNTF is thoroughly investigated, and the solutions of the generalized Schrödinger equation are in good agreement with these experimental results. This work sheds new light on the rich physics of nonlinear optical interactions on LNTF, and by utilizing the synergistic effect of second‐order and third‐order nonlinear effects, this study anticipates achieving efficient and high energy on‐chip broadband frequency conversion and supercontinuum generation across octaves.
Optothermal‐Enabled Reconfigurable Colloidal Photonic Crystals for Color and Spectrum Manipulation
Authors: Zhou Jianxing , Peng Yuhang , Chen Jiajie , Dai Xiaoqi , Zhong Yili , Du Peng , Jin Zhengtian , Ji Yinyue , Wang Yuye , Ho Ho Pui , Qu Junle , Shao Yonghong
Published: November 2024

Colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) are extensively utilized in nanoscale light manipulation due to their periodic dielectric structure. However, achieving spatial reconfigurability in CPCs remains a significant challenge, despite its importance for broader photonic applications in colloidal science. In this study, an optically induced thermoelectric field is generated by adding ionic surfactants to the solution, leading to the efficient formation of tightly assembled nanoparticles that exhibit the characteristics of CPC, which is termed optothermo‐CPC. Specifically, this CPC exhibits excellent spatial reconfigurability through the tuning of the optically induced thermoelectric field. This allows for the remote control of its position and shape, in a real‐time and high‐precision manner. Additionally, by changing the particle size, it is possible to tune the transmission spectrum and color. Additionally, optothermo‐CPC can navigate obstacles and possess a robust self‐healing ability. These highly adaptable and reconfigurable properties endow CPCs with significant potential for various photonic applications within complex fluidic environments.
A Polarization‐Insensitive and Adaptively‐Blazed Meta‐Grating Based on Dispersive Metasurfaces
Authors: Zang Guanxing , Liu Zhijun , Feng Shilun , Zhu Weiming
Published: November 2024

The diffraction efficiency of blaze gratings is optimized only at a specific frequency due to a fixed blaze angle, resulting in reduced and variable diffraction efficiencies over the working frequency band. Additionally, blazed gratings demonstrate polarization dependence due to their groove structures and the interaction of light with their surfaces. Consequently, designing gratings with constant diffraction efficiencies across a wide frequency bandwidth while maintaining polarization independence remains a challenge. Here, a design paradigm of dispersion engineerable meta‐grating inspired by orthogonal harmonic oscillations (OHO) is presented. Utilizing the OHO model, the phase dispersion of a metasurface can be precisely controlled, which applies to any unit cell featuring two orthogonal electromagnetic resonances. As a proof of concept, a polarization‐insensitive meta‐grating is showcased, where the blazed angle adapts with the incident frequency, ensuring broadband performance. In the experiment, the adaptively‐blazed grating measured an optimized and constant diffraction efficiency of ≈80% over the working wavelength range, i.e., 8.7–12.2 µm. The difference in diffraction efficiency between the two perpendicular linear polarization states remains within 4.6%. The proposed paradigm paves the way for meta‐device design based on precise dispersion engineering, which has potential applications in spectrometers, broadband beam forming and steering, hyperspectral imaging, etc.
Pyroelectrically Driven Charge Transfer and its Advantages on SERS and Self‐Cleaning Property
Authors: Wu Yang , Sun Tianyu , Shao Mingrui , Ji Chang , Li Chonghui , Zhang Chao , Li Zhen
Published: November 2024

The fabrication of reusable SERS substrates with sensitivity at the single‐molecule level remains challenging but promising. Herein, a composite surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate is proposed that includes Ag nanoparticle (Ag NPs) /Graphene/BaTiO3 (Ag/G/BTO) from a chemical enhancement perspective. The pyroelectric field generated by BaTiO3 drives the charge transfer between the SERS substrate and molecules, achieving a significant improvement in the SERS performance and self‐cleaning properties. The SERS signals of rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules are further amplified up to 70‐fold. Thus, the detection limit is reduced by three orders of magnitude in this study, reaching 10−14 m after applying a pyroelectric field. In addition, the substrate exhibits a higher degradation efficiency than previous self‐cleaning SERS substrates because of the outstanding catalytic properties of BaTiO3. Target molecules are degraded effectively after several temperature cycles. A detailed mechanism analysis of pyroelectric SERS is conducted based on theoretical simulations and experimental results. This study is considered to deepen the understanding of SERS mechanisms and boost the application of SERS technology.
Plasmon–Exciton–Polariton Condensation in Organic Semiconductor‐Covered Plasmonic Lattices
Authors: Wen Shuang , Ren Ang , Liu Haidi , Jiang Zhengjun , Dong Xinyu , Dong Haiyun , Yao Jiannian , Yan Yongli , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: November 2024

Exciton–polariton condensates featuring collective coherence and large nonlinearities are promising for advancing coherent light sources and functional devices. Nevertheless, their reliance on planar cavities with large lateral device footprints and mode volumes hinders device integration. Plasmon–exciton–polaritons (PEPs), arising from the strong coupling between excitons and plasmons, provide an intriguing platform to explore emergent polariton condensation at the nanoscale due to their ultrasmall mode volumes in metal nanoparticles. However, the substantial radiative and Ohmic losses in metals hamper PEPs condensation, particularly in the short wavelength range (<600 nm). Here, a method is proposed to address metal losses by integrating organic semiconductor neat films onto plasmonic lattices. The use of organic semiconductors with large transition dipole moment and low non‐radiation loss enables efficient coupling between massive excitons and lattice plasmons, leading to high‐density PEPs. This ensures a macroscopic number of polaritons populating the low‐lying band edge at relatively low fluences to obtain bosonic stimulation, resulting in PEP condensation. By tailoring the band structures of plasmonic lattices, the condensation of PEPs are further manipulated into different energy states. These findings offer valuable insights for the design of PEP systems and all‐optical polaritonic devices.
Dark Current Suppression in Two‐dimensional Histamine Lead Iodine Perovskite Single Crystal for X‐ray Detection and Imaging
Authors: Lai Jun'an , Cao Sijun , Zhou Shiji , He Peng , An Kang , Feng Peng , Wu Daofu , Zhou Yongqiang , Wu Mengyue , Huang Qiang , Tang Xiaosheng
Published: November 2024

Lead halide perovskites have emerged as attractive X‐ray detector materials, owing to properties such as strong X‐ray stopping power, excellent carrier transport, and high sensitivity. Additionally, they can be easily prepared by using solution‐based synthesis approaches. However, traditional 3D (three‐dimensional) perovskites X‐ray detectors have shown limited application due to high dark currents generated under bias voltage as a result of strong ion migration. In this work, an X‐ray detector with a vertical structure device is demonstrated using 2D (two‐dimensional) histamine lead halide perovskite single crystal HAPbI4 (HPI, HA = histamine). Due to the dielectric screening effect of diamine and the vertical structure of the HPI device, the fabricated detector shows a sensitivity of 7737 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 under a bias voltage of 30 V. Furthermore, the detector shows a sensitivity of 293 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 and detection limit of 51.38 nGyair s−1 without bias voltage, wherein the dark current is almost completely suppressed. All of these properties indicate the X‐ray detection device is a promising candidate for next‐generation optoelectronic applications.
THE POWER OF RITUALS IN BUILDING A HIGH‐PERFORMANCE, SCALABLE ORGANIZATION
Authors: Bier Rob
Published: November 2024

The author built two successful companies of his own, and has many years of experience as an organizational advisor. He says that organizations can “cultivate the most valuable habits” that “drive a sustainable and high‐performing culture.” This can be achieved through rituals, described as “specific, repeatable practices that help organizations develop the behaviors and skills needed to sustain high performance without succumbing to friction.” He describes rituals at five key levels, which in his words are: (1) informal interactions among peers, (2) interactions between line managers and their subordinates, (3) team interactions, (4) cross‐functional interactions, (5) interactions between company leadership and the staff at large. He particularly recommends “six high‐impact rituals that lay the foundation needed for trust, collaboration, and performance across your organization. Prioritizing these rituals can transform your organization into a high‐performing powerhouse.” These are, in his words (1) Share Your Personal User Guide (PUG), (2) Turning Tensions into Trust, (3) Deep‐Dive Meetings, (4) Set Up Cross‐Functional Work for Success, (5) Become a Two‐Eyed Leader, (6) Run an Information Marketplace. In addition, he notes that “leaders must regularly assess the effectiveness of their rituals and be willing to make changes as necessary.”
Dynamic coefficient of flexural motion of beam experiencing simple support under successive moving loads
Authors: Adeloye Tolulope Olamide
Published: November 2024

Analytic expressions of the dynamic coefficient (DC) factor and vibrational behavior of a uniformly elastic isotropic beam with a simple boundary condition caused by accelerating masses with varying velocities are analyzed. The motion of this problem is described by a fourth‐order partial differential equation, which governs its behavior. The weighted residual method converts the governing equation into a sequence of linked second‐order differential equations to facilitate the analysis. A rewritten version of Struble's asymptotic method further simplifies the transformed governing equation. This modification aids reduction in the complexity of the equation. The closed‐form response is contrasted across three force motions: acceleration, deceleration, and uniform motion. The study thoroughly examines how different velocities and frequencies of the moving force affect the dynamic behavior of the beam. The study also examines the influence of load velocity on the DC of the beam subjected to pinned–pinned boundary conditions.
Safety and Efficacy of Intra‐Prostatic Injection of Betamethasone for Refractory Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis: A Prospective Cohort Clinical Study
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed Yehia , Kishk Mohammed Ali , Meshref Alaa , Elfayomy Hany , Rammah Ahmed , Abozamel Ahmed Hossam
Published: November 2024

Background

We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of TRUS guided betamethasone injections in refractory cases of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

Patients and Methods

Forty‐five patients with refractory CNP were included in a prospective cohort clinical trial. Six injections of betamethasone sodium sulfate were guided by TRUS. After injection: assessment of NIH‐CPSI, IPSS, IIEF, GRA and VAS were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after injection. Prostatitis symptoms were measured by NIH‐CPSI. We considered the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as a 25% decrease or a six‐point reduction from baseline. We considered the MCID of the IIEF to be at least an increase of 4 points. We considered the MCID of the IPSS score to be three points and the MCID for the VAS score to be a 25%–35% change of the initial score. Regarding the global response assessment (GRA), scores 5–7 means significant success rate of perceived treatment.

Results

According to total NIH CPSI score, the success rate of injected cases was 71% after 1 week, dropping to 55.6% after 4 weeks and 44.4% after 12 weeks. According to IPSS questionnaire, the MD (mean difference) is −4.09 ± 3.5, −3.8 ± 3.83 and −3.47 ± 3.92. According to the IIEF questionnaire, the success rate was 22% and 26.7% after 4 and 12 weeks respectively. According to GRA, successful pain control was reported in 82%, 71% and 64.4% after 1, 4 and 12 weeks, respectively.

Conclusion

Intraprostatic betamethasone injection is a simple, safe, and feasible procedure in refractory cases with CNP with predominant pain and urinary symptoms.
Deciphering the role of epistemic injustice in school‐based citizen science: Sources, implications, and possible ways for mitigation
Authors: Atias Osnat , Shavit Ayelet , Kali Yael , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet
Published: November 2024

Participation in citizen science, a research approach in which nonscientists take part in performing research, is a growing practice in schools. A main premise in school‐based citizen science is that through their participation, students and teachers make meaningful contributions to the advancement of science. However, such initiatives may encounter difficulties in drawing on students' and teachers' knowledge and incorporating their voice in research processes and outcomes, partly due to established knowledge hierarchies in both science and schools. This research theoretically examines misuses of students' and teachers' knowledge in school‐based citizen science that can be defined as an epistemic injustice. This term describes wrongful evaluations and considerations of people's knowledge or perspectives. Based on existing theoretical work on epistemic injustice, we first map out epistemic justifications for public participation in science and discuss deficiencies in current forms of citizen science that lead to the perseverance of epistemic injustice. Then, we identify and characterize four forms through which epistemic injustice may be manifested in school‐based citizen science. Our theoretical analysis is complemented by illustrative examples from citizen science projects enacted in schools, demonstrating cases where epistemic injustice toward students and teachers was either instigated or mitigated. We discuss implications toward educational goals and the design of school‐based citizen science, suggesting that epistemic injustice can be reduced or avoided by delegating authorities to schools, maximizing teacher and student agency, and leveraging schools' community connections. Overall, this research establishes theoretical grounds for examinations of epistemic injustice in school‐based citizen science.
The Potential of Biocrust-Forming Cyanobacteria to Enhance Seedling Growth of Native Semi-arid Plants Through Seed Biopriming
Authors: Alameda-Martín Aitor , Chamizo Sonia , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Muñoz-Rojas Miriam , Cantón Yolanda
Published: November 2024

In drylands, extreme environmental conditions pose a challenge for restoration, especially on a large scale. Direct seeding is the most cost-effective approach to restore large areas, but it requires improvements to enhance seedling survival and establishment. For this purpose, biopriming seeds with cyanobacteria is promising due to their plant growth-promoting properties. We evaluated the effect of seed biopriming with native biocrust-forming cyanobacteria on seed germination and radicle length of four native plant species, two perennials (Macrochloa tenacissima and Thymus hyemalis) and two annuals (Plantago ovata and Stipa capensis), chosen for their ubiquity in Mediterranean drylands. Treatments included seed biopriming with cyanobacteria inoculants (biomass + exudate), seed priming only with the cyanobacterial exudate, and controls (BG11 culture medium and distilled water). Biopriming effect was assessed individually for four native biocrust-forming cyanobacteria species: Nostoc commune, Tolypothrix distorta, Trichocoleus desertorum, and Leptolyngbya frigida. Seed biopriming showed no effect on germination with similar rates among treatments (on average, 45 ± 12.6% for M. tenacissima, 38.8 ± 12.4% for T. hyemalis, 91.7 ± 9.8% for P. ovata and 77.6 ± 10.8% for S. capensis). However, biopriming significantly affected radicle length of annual plants. Radicles were significantly increased in P. ovata when treated with cyanobacterial exudates (15–30% increase over control), and in S. capensis when treated with cyanobacterial biomass + exudate (26–42% increase over control). These results indicate that the effect of seed biopriming is species specific, but selecting the appropriate plant species and biopriming treatment can enhance plant survival and establishment in drylands, making restoration efforts more successful.
The Compact Genetic Algorithm Struggles on Cliff Functions
Authors: Neumann Frank , Sudholt Dirk , Witt Carsten
Published: November 2024

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) are general-purpose optimizers that maintain a probability distribution over a given search space. This probability distribution is updated through sampling from the distribution and a reinforcement learning process which rewards solution components that have shown to be part of good quality samples. The compact genetic algorithm (cGA) is a non-elitist EDA able to deal with difficult multimodal fitness landscapes that are hard to solve by elitist algorithms. We investigate the cGA on the Cliff function for which it was shown recently that non-elitist evolutionary algorithms and artificial immune systems optimize it in expected polynomial time. We point out that the cGA faces major difficulties when solving the Cliff function and investigate its dynamics both experimentally and theoretically. Our experimental results indicate that the cGA requires exponential time for all values of the update strength 1/K. We show theoretically that, under sensible assumptions, there is a negative drift when sampling around the location of the cliff. Experiments further suggest that there is a phase transition for K where the expected optimization time drops from $$n^{\Theta (n)}$$

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(
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to $$2^{\Theta (n)}$$

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.
Rising protectionism and foreign direct investment
Authors: Kim Dongin , Steinbach Sandro
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the impact of the changing international investment regime on foreign direct investment (FDI). Since the late 2000s, hundreds of international investment agreements (IIAs) have been renegotiated or terminated. We study the impact of these shifts in the global investment regime using a novel FDI dataset based on transaction-level investment data and detailed information on IIA provisions. Relying on a stand-alone partial equilibrium modeling framework, we hypothesize that rising protectionism in IIAs increased investment frictions and harmed FDI. We then use a parsimonious three-way gravity framework to test the hypothesis. The empirical evidence shows that reformed and newly enforced IIAs have no impact on FDI flows. Decreasing investment openness in recently implemented IIAs is the driving mechanism behind these findings. We also show that the effects of IIA termination differ by FDI type, being more pronounced for brownfield than greenfield FDI and larger for horizontal than vertical FDI. Lastly, we show significant treatment heterogeneity across industries, with capital-intensive sectors benefiting more from IIAs than labor-intensive ones. Our findings highlight the need to reconsider the benefits and costs of IIAs under an increasingly protective international investment regime.
Three Problems of Business Addressed by Stakeholder Theory: Insights from the Institutional Economics of John R. Commons
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav
Published: November 2024

Stakeholder theory is traditionally motivated by the need to reconceptualize three core problems of business: value creation and trade, the ethics of capitalism, and managerial mindsets. We argue that the need for this reconceptualization arises, in part, from the limitations of mainstream economic theory in grasping the evolving business environment. The original institutional economics of John R. Commons offers an alternative body of economic thought that addresses these limitations by replacing the atomistic individualism of mainstream economics with an ontology grounded in collective action. Drawing on Commons’ insights, we demonstrate how the problem of value creation and trade takes on a new meaning of promoting security of expectations through conflict resolution and the maintenance of order. We further reconstruct the problem of the ethics of capitalism by drawing on Commons’ concept of reasonableness, rooted in evolving community standards of morality. Finally, we trace the problem of managerial mindsets to Commons’ category of industrial goodwill, which suggests that managers can deliberately pursue policies that maximize stakeholders’ collaborative attitudes. We conclude that reconstructing these three problems of business through Commons’ categories reveals the deeper institutional economics content embedded within contemporary stakeholder theory.
Computational fluid dynamics and shape analysis enhance aneurysm rupture risk stratification
Authors: Benemerito Ivan , Ewbank Frederick , Narracott Andrew , Villa-Uriol Maria-Cruz , Narata Ana Paula , Patel Umang , Bulters Diederik , Marzo Alberto
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Accurately quantifying the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and remains an unmet clinical challenge. Computational Flow Dynamics and morphological measurements have been shown to differ between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. It is not clear if these provide any additional information above routinely available clinical observations or not. Therefore, this study investigates whether incorporating image-derived features into the established PHASES score can improve the classification of aneurysm rupture status.

Methods

A cross-sectional dataset of 170 patients (78 with ruptured aneurysm) was used. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and shape analysis were performed on patients’ images to extract additional features. These derived features were combined with PHASES variables to develop five ridge constrained logistic regression models for classifying the aneurysm rupture status. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were employed for image-derived feature reduction. The dataset was split into training and validation subsets, and a ten-fold cross validation strategy with grid search optimisation and bootstrap resampling was adopted for determining the models’ coefficients. Models’ performances were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The logistic regression model based solely on PHASES achieved AUC of 0.63. All models incorporating derived features from CFD and shape analysis demonstrated improved performance, reaching an AUC of 0.71. Non-sphericity index (shape variable) and maximum oscillatory shear index (CFD variable) were the strongest predictors of a ruptured status.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the benefits of integrating image-based fluid dynamics and shape analysis with clinical data for improving the classification accuracy of aneurysm rupture status. Further evaluation using longitudinal data is needed to assess the potential for clinical integration.
Testing the Feasibility of a Digital Point of Care Solution for the Trusted Near Real-Time Bidirectional Exchange of Novel and Informative Adverse Event Information
Authors: Powell Greg , Kara Vijay , Naranjo Daniel , Kulkarni Mangesh , Best-Sule Kerri , Coster Trinka , Bonafede Machaon , Gangadhar Shruti , Kallenbach Lee , Bate Andrew
Published: November 2024

A digital point-of-care solution was implemented to test the feasibility of near-real-time bi-directional communication between pharmacovigilance experts (PVEs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for exchanging unique and informative adverse event (AE) information. The solution was implemented in a commercially available electronic health record (EHR) system/platform, no direct contact between PVEs and the HCPs was possible. The Clinical Affairs team of the EHR vendor was used as an intermediary to ensure appropriate information was exchanged while protecting HCP and patient privacy. The study yielded 9 drug-event pairs of interest (AEI), 2 of which were confirmed as AEs by the HCP. On average it took 20.6 h to receive initial AEI information and 58.8 h to receive follow-up information, which represents a 96% reduction in time compared to current methods. Both interactions provided unique data that would not have been collected otherwise leading to the PVE being able to appropriately determine a potential causal association. This study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using a compliant, bi-directional, digitally enabled clinical communication channel at the point of care to complement existing pharmacovigilance activities.
Mean field control of droplet dynamics with high-order finite-element computations
Authors: Fu Guosheng , Ji Hangjie , Pazner Will , Li Wuchen
Published: November 2024

Liquid droplet dynamics are widely used in biological and engineering applications, which contain complex interfacial instabilities and pattern formation such as droplet merging, splitting and transport. This paper studies a class of mean field control formulations for these droplet dynamics, which can be used to control and manipulate droplets in applications. We first formulate the droplet dynamics as gradient flows of free energies in modified optimal transport metrics with nonlinear mobilities. We then design an optimal control problem for these gradient flows. As an example, a lubrication equation for a thin volatile liquid film laden with an active suspension is developed, with control achieved through its activity field. Lastly, we apply the primal–dual hybrid gradient algorithm with high-order finite-element methods to simulate the proposed mean field control problems. Numerical examples, including droplet formation, bead-up/spreading, transport, and merging/splitting on a two-dimensional spatial domain, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mean field control mechanism.
Study on Acoustic Variability Affected by Upper Ocean Dynamics in South Eastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Srinivasu Kotta , Sanjana M. C. , Latha G. , Udaya Bhaskar T. V. S. , Rahaman Hasibur , Thirunavukkarasu A. , Venkatesan R
Published: November 2024

The influence of upper ocean dynamics on the acoustic field in the South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) is studied using in situ oceanographic/acoustic measurements from a moored buoy, along with satellite‐derived and climatological data sets. Upper‐ocean variability at the site is quantified using Mixed Layer Depth (MLD), Isothermal Layer Depth (ILD), Barrier Layer Thickness (BLT), Maximum Spice Depth (MSD), and Sonic Layer Depth (SLD), along with surface variability factors such as Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Salinity, Spice, and Sea Level Anomaly. The mixed layer acoustic duct (MLAD) varies from 2 to 100 m, with BLT varying from 5 to 99 m, and a mean SLD of 43 m. A thick transition layer connects the mixed layer with the thermocline during winter. The observations reveal that maximum SLD, MSD, and BLT occurred during January–March. Unlike other seasons when SLD follows MLD, winter SLD is influenced by BLT, suggesting strong salinity stratification due to low‐salinity water intrusion from the Bay of Bengal by East India Coastal Current. During these months, the SLD varies from 80 to 100 m, with the corresponding minimum cut‐off frequency varying from 300 to 200 Hz. Results are correlated with estimated Sound Pressure Level (SPL) from Ambient Noise Measurements during November 2018 to November 2019. SPL variation follows SLD for low and mid‐frequencies, with the highest SPL noted during January‐February. Acoustic propagation simulations at 250 and 1,000 Hz revealed features like acoustic duct leakage and channeling, indicating energy transfers between the surface acoustic duct and deeper layers.
Standardized Daily High‐Resolution Large‐Eddy Simulations of the Arctic Boundary Layer and Clouds During the Complete MOSAiC Drift
Authors: Schnierstein N. , Chylik J. , Shupe M. D. , Neggers R. A. J.
Published: November 2024

This study utilizes the wealth of observational data collected during the recent Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) drift experiment to constrain and evaluate close to two‐hundred daily Large‐Eddy Simulations (LES) of Arctic boundary layers and clouds at high resolutions. A standardized approach is adopted to tightly integrate field measurements into the experimental configuration. Covering the full drift represents a step forward from single‐case LES studies, and allows for a robust assessment of model performance against independent data under a range of atmospheric conditions. A homogeneously forced domain is simulated in a Lagrangian frame of reference, initialized with radiosonde and value‐added cloud profiles. Prescribed boundary conditions include various measured surface characteristics. Time‐constant composite forcing is applied, primarily consisting of subsidence rates sampled from reanalysis data. The simulations run for 3 hours, allowing turbulence and clouds to spin up while still facilitating direct comparison to MOSAiC data. Key aspects such as the vertical thermodynamic structure, cloud properties, and surface energy fluxes are well reproduced and maintained. The model captures the bimodal distribution of atmospheric states that is typical of Arctic climate. Selected days are investigated more closely to assess the model's skill in maintaining the observed boundary layer structure. The sensitivity to various aspects of the experimental configuration and model physics is tested. The model input and output are available to the scientific community, supplementing the MOSAiC data archive. The close agreement with observed meteorology justifies the use of LES for gaining further insight into Arctic boundary layer processes and their role in Arctic climate change.
What’s hot in neonatal respiratory monitoring?
Authors: Williams Emma , Dassios Theodore
Published: November 2024

Impact

Respiratory monitoring is an essential part of routine clinical care of the newborn.

Recent technological developments have improved respiratory monitoring and allowed for a two-way interaction between the monitored parameter and the level of the provided respiratory support.

We herein discuss applications of monitoring by neurally adjusted ventilatory assist, closed-loop oxygen control, tidal capnography, lung ultrasound, diaphragmatic electromyography and lung magnetic resonance imaging.