bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Consequences of Age Discrimination via Perceived Work Ability: Downstream Effects on Well‐Being, Performance, and Motivation
Authors: Brady Grant M. , Cadiz David M. , Truxillo Donald M. , Zaniboni Sara
Published: October 2024

The workforce is aging and becoming more age‐diverse. To better support people working across the lifespan, it is important to understand the barriers they face and the consequences of such barriers. Drawing on the job demands‐resources model, we evaluate the negative effects of age discrimination on employees' perceived work ability and the subsequent consequences for employee well‐being, performance, and motivation. Using two field samples, with two and three data collection time‐points respectively, we hypothesize and find support for age discrimination's direct negative effect on perceived work ability. Moreover, we find support for our hypotheses that age discrimination will have negative indirect effects on employee well‐being, performance, and motivation through perceived work ability. Together, these studies contribute to the aging workforce literature and extend both the age discrimination and work ability literatures by identifying a mechanism through which age discrimination leads to negative consequences for employee well‐being and work outcomes.
Next Generation of Solid Target Radionuclide Antibody Conjugates for Tumor Immuno‐Therapy
Authors: Hou Xingguo , Kong Xiangxing , Yao Yuan , Liu Song , Ren Ya'nan , Hu Muye , Wang Zilei , Zhu Hua , Yang Zhi
Published: October 2024

Immune checkpoint therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option for various types of cancers. Key immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG‐3), have become pivotal targets in cancer immunotherapy. Antibodies designed to inhibit these molecules have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy. Nevertheless, the ability to monitor changes in the immune status of tumors and predict treatment response remains limited. Conventional methods, such as assessing lymphocytes in peripheral blood or conducting tumor biopsies, are inadequate for providing real‐time, spatial information about T‐cell distributions within heterogeneous tumors. Positron emission tomography (PET) using T‐cell specific probes represents a promising and noninvasive approach to monitor both systemic and intratumoral immune changes during treatment. This technique holds substantial clinical significance and potential utility. In this paper, we review the applications of PET probes that target immune cells in molecular imaging.
Development of a Deep Learning‐Assisted Mobile Application for the Identification of Nematodes Through Microscopic Images
Authors: Singh Naseeb , Singh Ashish Kumar , Dhruw L. K. , Kaur Simardeep , Hazarika S. , Mishra K. K. , Mishra V. K. , Kant Laxmi
Published: October 2024

Nematodes are microscopic metazoans, some species of which can be used as biological insecticides, while some other species annually damage 10.0%–20.0% of crops globally. Accurate identification of nematodes is crucial for their effective utilisation or control. Current methods of nematode identification are labour‐intensive, time‐consuming, and prone to false positives, thus necessitating the development of an intelligent system for their identification from microscopic images without technical assistance. In this study, a novel approach was investigated for the identification of nematodes from microscopic images. A novel lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) was developed to identify the nematodes belonging to different trophic groups (Heterorhabditis indica, Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchus, Anguina tritici, and Xiphinema). The CNN model was trained for 75 epochs using 70.0% of the nematode dataset, with validation on 20.0% of the dataset. To ensure unbiased evaluation, 30 images from each class were randomly selected from the remaining 10.0% of the dataset for testing the classification performance of the trained model. The trained models achieved an average classification accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score values of 98.52%, 95.66%, 95.56%, and 95.56%, respectively. The proposed CNN was found to be four times faster and five times lighter against a marginal (< 1.0%) decrease in accuracy when compared with the existing state‐of‐the‐art CNNs. The classification accuracy of the developed mobile application was validated by nematode specialists on freshly captured data and found to be greater than 98.0%. Hence, the developed mobile application can be effectively applied for the identification of targeted nematodes and eliminate the necessity of specialists.
Prescriber Adherence to Antihypertensive Prescription Guidelines and the Impact of Patient Socioeconomic Factors: A Cross‐Sectional Study Using Data From the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Akhtar Alizeh , Burton Edel , Bermingham Margaret , Kearney Patricia M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Uncontrolled hypertension causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several prescribing guidelines have been created to address this, however, prescriber adherence to guidelines is influenced by various sociodemographic patient factors. This study aims to determine the effects of these patient factors on prescriber adherence to antihypertensive prescription guidelines.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), was conducted. Participants were included if they reported previous hypertension diagnoses. Antihypertensive medication regimes were compared with the prescribing guidance in the 2011 NICE hypertension guidelines. The effects of patient sociodemographic factors on prescriber adherence to guidelines, and the effect of prescriber adherence on blood pressure control (≥ 140/90 mmHg), were determined using binomial logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 2992 participants were included in this analysis; 54.9% female with mean age 65.7 years (±9.23). Male sex and older age, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with increased prescriber guideline adherence. Prescribers were less likely to adhere to guidelines in female patients ≥ 55 years (Relative Risk [RR] 0.75 [0.62, 0.91]), and female patients across all age groups (RR 0.80 [0.67, 0.95]). Better blood pressure control was seen with medication regimes adherent to prescription guidelines (140.38 (±18.98)/83.09 (±11.02) mmHg adherent vs. 141.66 (±19.86)/84.77 (±11.71) mmHg non‐adherent).

Conclusions

This study highlights the effect of patient sex on prescriber adherence to antihypertensive prescription guidelines, emphasizing a larger issue of systemic undertreatment of females observed within healthcare. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for such differences in hypertensive care.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Isoflavones on Female Hormone‐Dependent Cancers for Benefit–Risk Evaluation
Authors: Chakravarti Bandana , Rajput Swati , Srivastava Anubhav , Sharma Lokendra Kumar , Sinha Rohit Anthony , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Siddiqui Jawed Akhtar
Published: October 2024

Female hormone‐dependent cancers depend on estrogen for their growth. Numerous studies have explored the antitumor effect of dietary isoflavones on female hormone‐dependent cancers. Still, few clinical evidence supports the use of isoflavones in female hormone‐dependent cancer patients. This study was performed to examine the impact of dietary isoflavones on tumor growth of female hormone‐dependent cancers and accelerate the transformation of research from bench to bedside. We searched PubMed Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant articles related to the effect of dietary isoflavone on tumor growth of experimental animal models of female hormone‐dependent cancers from 1998 to 2024. The effects of dietary isoflavones on tumor growth were analyzed between the control and treatment groups using comprehensive meta‐analysis software (CMA). We included 30 studies describing tumor growth focused on female hormone‐dependent cancer types, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers. Overall, a pooled analysis revealed that dietary isoflavones reduced tumor volume (Hedge's g = −1.151, 95% CI = −1.717 to −0.585, p = 0.000) and tumor weight (Hedge's g = −2.584, 95% CI = −3.618 to −1.549, p = 0.000). On the other hand, dietary isoflavones increased tumor area (Hedge's g = 1.136, 95% CI = 0.752 to 1.520, p = 0.000). Dietary isoflavones have potential benefits and risks in female hormone‐dependent cancers. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the intake of dietary isoflavones in female hormone‐dependent cancer patients, particularly in the form of supplements.
Efficient Growth of 1D Van der Waals Heterostructures on Zeolite‐Supported SWCNTs
Authors: Zhang Ruixi , Levshov Dmitry , Otsuka Keigo , Feng Ya , Zheng Yongjia , Kauppinen Esko I. , Chiashi Shohei , Wenseleers Wim , Cambré Sofie , Xiang Rong , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: October 2024

The controlled synthesis of 1D van der Waals (1D vdW) heterostructures, specifically single‐walled carbon nanotubes encapsulated within boron nitride nanotubes (SWCNT@BNNT), presents a challenge due to an incomplete understanding of the factors influencing BNNT growth. This study investigates the growth yield of SWCNT@BNNT heterostructures produced using zeolite‐supported SWCNT templates on SiO2‐coated Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) grids, which enable in situ synthesis and thorough evaluation of each step without compromising the nanotube structure. The high‐resolution TEM analysis reveals a significant improvement in BNNT coverage on individual nanotubes, increasing from 9% to 42%, through optimization of the ammonia borane precursor amount. A thorough comparison of BNNT growth efficiency is performed using zeolite‐supported SWCNT templates against the current benchmark of free‐standing SWCNT films, highlighting comparable synthesis yields despite different morphologies and SWCNT diameter distributions. By integrating all Raman and TEM data from the studied SWCNT@BNNT samples, a correlation between BNNT coverage and the intensity of the buckling R‐mode of BNNTs is established, providing a reliable criterion for evaluating BNNT growth efficiency in 1D vdW heterostructures. This work advances the understanding and characterization of 1D vdW heterostructures, offering insights into synthesizing hetero‐nanotubes using other types of SWCNT templates and paving the way for their diverse applications.
Photodual‐Responsive Anthracene‐Based 2D Covalent Organic Framework for Optoelectronic Synaptic Devices
Authors: Zhao Lei , Gao Yang , Fu Xin , Chen Yu , Zhang Bin , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: October 2024

To facilitate the development of efficient neuromorphic perception and computation, it is crucial to explore optoelectronic synaptic devices that integrate perceptual and computational capabilities. Various materials such as oxide semiconductors, conjugated organic polymers, transition metal sulfides, perovskite materials, and metal nanoparticles, along with their composites, are utilized in constructing these devices. However, optoelectronic synaptic devices based on 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is rarely reported. In this study, an anthracene‐based 2D COF (COF‐DaTp) film is prepared using a room‐temperature interface‐confined strategy and utilized it as the active layer in an optoelectronic synaptic device with an Al/COF‐DaTp/ITO configuration. The device demonstrated dual optoelectronic modulation, exhibiting significant optoelectronic resistive switching in response to light pulses, achieving 32 photoconductive states. Moreover, it exhibited history‐dependent memristive behavior in voltage scans and electrical pulses, with a comparable diversity of 32 conductive states. The photodual‐responsive properties of the COF‐DaTp‐based synaptic device enable it to simultaneously perform optical sensing and basic image denoising and recognition tasks, significantly enhancing recognition accuracy and reducing the number of training epochs compared to datasets without noise mitigation. This work opens the door for the application of 2D COF‐based optoelectronic synaptic devices in visual computational processing.
Surface Defect Identification of Strip Steel Using ViT‐RepVGG
Authors: Wang Zhihuan , Long Mujun , Sun Pan , Zhang Yanming , Chen Wuguo , Jia Danbin
Published: October 2024

In the production of strip steel, surface defect identification is crucial for improving product quality and ensuring smooth subsequent processes. Existing technologies face challenges such as low detection efficiency and susceptibility to environmental noise. This article employs an automated deep learning method without requiring consideration of complex environmental changes and proposes an improved RepVGG (ViT‐RepVGG) model for surface defect identification. The model is based on the RepVGG architecture, and the study explores the impact of incorporating the self‐attention mechanism of ViT under various addition strategies on model performance. A comparison is made between the optimized model and classic network models, as well as recently published models, in terms of identification performance. The research also examines the performance variations of the model under different hyperparameter settings and its identification performance for six types of defects. The results indicate that adding the ViT module to stage 3 of the A1‐type RepVGG, with a learning rate, optimizer, and activation function set to 0.0001, Adam, and Gelu, respectively, yields the optimal ViT‐RepVGG model performance. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing classification performance by incorporating the self‐attention mechanism into neural networks, providing an effective foundation for the online identification of strip steel surface defects.
Retrogradation Behavior of Cassava Starch Modified by Different Surface Properties Nano‐Silica under Combined Actions of Tensile and Ultrasound
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Li Jingqiao , Liang Zesheng , Wu Rulong , Pan Qinghua
Published: October 2024

The combined actions of tensile and ultrasound on the melting enthalpy, retrogradation kinetics, spherical morphology, crystal structure, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and molecular chain of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS) containing different surface properties nano‐silica (SiO2) are investigated. The result indicates that the melting enthalpy of TPS/SiO2 composite and the retrogradation rate increases under combined actions of tensile and ultrasound, and the sample containing hydrophobic nano‐SiO2 is greater than that of hydrophilic nano‐SiO2. The spherulites of TPS/SiO2 composite become obvious, and the contact angle increases; however, the thermal degradation temperature decreases. Under combined actions of tensile and ultrasound, the aggregation of nano‐SiO2 particles in the matrix reduces and the dispersion become uniform. TPS/SiO2 composite presents A+V type crystal structure, and V‐type crystal increases after the combined actions of tensile and ultrasound. The storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature of TPS/SiO2 composite increase, and the sample containing hydrophobic nano‐SiO2 is higher than that of sample containing hydrophilic nano‐SiO2.
Mitigating autogenic shrinkage in high‐performance concrete using wollastonite: A structural enhancement approach
Authors: Aziza Kuldasheva , Li Beixing , Huang Bin , Kholjigit Kuldashev , Yu Yang
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the influence of wollastonite fiber as a reinforcement in high‐performance concrete (HPC), focusing on its potential to mitigate autogenic shrinkage and enhance overall structural properties. HPC known for its superior strength and low permeability, often suffers from intensified autogenic shrinkage, leading to micro‐cracking and compromising durability. To address this challenge, wollastonite was incorporated at different substitutions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) for both cement and aggregate. The experimental program involved a systematic evaluation of compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, water absorption, and corrosion resistance with tests conducted at different curing periods. We found that the addition of 10% wollastonite significantly enhances compressive strength (up to 20% after 90 days) and flexural strength (maximum improvement of 21%). The water permeability was decreased by 29% and improved resistance to steel reinforcement corrosion, demonstrating enhanced durability compared to conventional HPC. However, diminishing returns were observed at higher wollastonite replacement levels (15%), indicating a threshold beyond which mechanical and durability benefits were reduced due to potential issues with fiber dispersion and workability. Our findings suggest that wollastonite is a promising, cost‐effective additive for improving HPC. The study contributes new understandings into optimizing HPC mixtures for greater durability and sustainability, while also reducing the environmental footprint through partial cement replacement. Future research is needed to explore the long‐term performance of wollastonite‐reinforced HPC under different environmental conditions and its combination with other supplementary cementitious materials for further enhancement.
Introduction: A New Era? Permacrisis and the Challenges to Financial Stability, Economic Growth, and Democracy
Authors: Katsikas Dimitris , Lins Maria Antonieta Del Tedesco , Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea
Published: October 2024

We live in a world shuddered by multiple and profound crises. From the global financial crisis and the Eurocrisis that followed to the pandemic, Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, the consequent energy and inflation crises, the continuously evolving climate crisis, and the brewing tension among the world’s major powers, the last few years have been marked by political and economic instability, leading many to talk about a new era in the world’s history. New concepts have emerged to describe this era. ‘Permacrisis’ is one of these concepts. Permacrisis differs from the traditional notion of crisis, which is characterized by temporality, as it implies that crisis should be seen as ‘context’, which in turns means that we are now living in a ‘new normal’, which is more volatile and unpredictable than the past. In this book, we focus on how permacrisis has been experienced and dealt with in Europe and in Latin America, employing the analytical lens of comparative regionalism. Our focus is on finance and its connections to growth and democracy. This choice is deliberate and lies at the heart of the Jean Monnet Network ‘Crisis-Equity-Democracy for Europe and Latin America’, which funded the research conducted for the book. With this book, we aim (a) to critically analyse and evaluate the response of regional organizations and governments in the EU and Latin America to the crises that have shook these regions in recent years, (b) to contribute to a better understanding of the promised benefits and risks of digital currencies and fintech, more generally, for economic growth, financial stability, and inclusion and (c) to promote mutual understanding about the challenges of permacrisis in Europe and Latin America and advocate for their cooperation at the multilateral and bi-regional levels.
Economic Policies Amid Political Instability in Latin America
Authors: Del Tedesco Lins Maria Antonieta
Published: October 2024

Latin America has grappled with a history marked by economic crises, posing ongoing challenges for the region’s inclusive development. Focusing on the three largest economies in the region, the analysis sheds light on the intricacies of their responses to crises, particularly in the context of external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic or the effects of Russia’s invasion to Ukraine. Despite governmental interventions, these economies faced pronounced impacts on inequality and poverty, highlighting the pressing need for nuanced economic strategies in the face of political turbulence. This chapter delves into the dynamic relationship between economic policies and political transformations during the last 15 years, emphasizing the deleterious effects of political instability on economic performance.
Digital Currencies, Monetary Power, and Inequalities: Discussing the Potential Impacts of the Brazilian Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Authors: Del Tedesco Lins Maria Antonieta , Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea
Published: October 2024

In the different forms they can take, private or issued by central banks, digital currencies are becoming a reality around the world. In addition to the alleged advantages in terms of transaction cost reduction and agility, the creation of central banks digital currencies can alter the distribution of monetary power in a global context marked by instability and crisis. Economic, social, and political impacts at the domestic level have been underexplored. The huge success of the instant payment system launched by the central bank in 2020 (Pix) and the launching of the Brazilian Central Bank digital currency (Drex) foreseen to take place in 2024 make this an interesting case for understanding in more depth the potential impacts of the digitalization of finance and the creation of central banks digital currencies at the domestic, regional, and global levels.
Financial Technology in Global Context: Risks and Opportunities
Authors: Kotovskaia Anastasia
Published: October 2024

The 2008 financial crisis became a milestone in the development of financial technology (FinTech). Leveraging innovative technologies and data science, FinTech companies have introduced entirely new products and services for lending, wealth management, and payments. At the same time, new market players entering financial markets necessitate a regulation dealing with the risks stemming from innovative technologies. This chapter unveils the security challenges arising in FinTech sector focusing on vulnerabilities in data management, cybersecurity, and operational resilience. These risks require an enhanced regulatory framework to uphold the safety of financial markets considering technological innovation. Nonetheless, FinTech opens significant opportunities for growth and transformation. FinTech is promising in addressing the problem of financial inclusion for those who lack access to basic financial services such as savings and credit. Assessing the specific landscape of the Latin American market, FinTech’s development in this region appears particularly promising in terms of tackling the issue of financial inclusion. Furthermore, there is evidence that FinTechs may reduce the gender gap in access to finance for women in some developing economies. In this chapter, those technological innovations and their implications for the financial market in the era of permacrisis are discussed.
European Union–Latin American Interregional Relations: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
Authors: Bianculli Andrea C. , Brossa Laia , Jordana Jacint
Published: October 2024

The European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have a long and deep-rooted history of economic and political relations, which has shown fluctuations, due to a diverse combination of structural and agential variables. On the EU side, different mechanisms and strategies have been put in place, at different levels, ranging from bilateral dialogues to formal agreements and interregional summits. Moreover, relations revolve around three main agendas, including political dialogue, cooperation, and trade, and involve a wide array of state and nonstate, private and public actors. The literature on EU–LAC relations is vast and widely scattered across fields, but it often remains limited to examining specific dimensions, either a particular policy area, analytical level, or period. This chapter attempts to move forward by proposing a wider perspective on the interregional relations, based on an analytical policy approach. It introduces a novel database, which provides a mapping of the policy instruments that have been employed by the EU to activate such relations, including the agreements governing the relations between the EU and LAC, and the cooperation programs funded by the EU in LAC. Based on this, the chapter will provide an encompassing insight into how interregional relations have evolved, considering their variations across instruments, policy areas, territorial levels, and over time.
Democratic Crises in Latin America and the Responses of Regional Institutions: An Evaluation of the Case of the OAS
Authors: Briceño-Ruiz José
Published: October 2024

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the role the Organization of American States (OAS) in addressing the democratic crises the Latin American countries have experienced since the 1990s. It is argued that despite initial successes such as the OAS’ response in the cases of Perú and Haiti in the 1990s or in the mediation in Venezuela in 2003, after 2009, the efficiency of the OAS was much lower. The first two sections of this chapter are devoted to the analysis of the concept of democratic crisis and the role of international institutions in the protection and promotion of democracy. The two last sections of the chapter examine the democratic crises in Latin America and the role of the OAS in the solution of these crises.
The European Failure to Tackle ‘Too-Big-to-Fail’ Banks
Authors: Mäkipää Mikael , Howarth David , James Scott
Published: October 2024

This chapter evaluates the reach of post-crisis banking regulation adopted in the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, the Netherlands, and at the European Union (EU) level, with specific focus upon its effectiveness in addressing issues connected to too-big-to-fail (TBTF) universal banks: notably, incentives for excessive risk-taking and the potential financial burden imposed upon the public sector. Examining capital requirements, liquidity rules, resolution and structural reform, and contrasting European experiences with those of the United States (US), we highlight the inability of all adopted regulations except for UK and US structural reforms to effectively tackle TBTF. At national and supranational levels, domestic and European sectoral ‘specificities’ and worries over competitiveness led to significant derogations from Basel III capital and liquidity requirements, shaped a politically unreliable resolution regime and contributed to a failed structural reform package. The inadequacy and uncertainty of European banking regulation, together with the unstable nature of finance, demonstrate the usefulness of the concept of ‘permacrisis.’
From Bailouts to Bail-Ins: Political Economy Constraints to Effective Crisis Resolution in the EU
Authors: Katsikas Dimitris
Published: October 2024

The global financial crisis and the ensuing Eurozone crisis proved catalytic for the reform of the EU’s financial regulatory and supervisory framework. One of the most important innovations of the Banking Union, EU’s flagship reform, was the adoption of the bail-in principle in the resolution of failing banks. The bail-in principle was introduced to eliminate publicly funded bailouts, break the link between banks and sovereigns and instil discipline in financial market participants. Although the adoption of bail-in as a resolution tool undoubtedly constitutes a step forward, it has its own limitations. In this chapter, we focus on the constraints imposed on bail-in implementation, by the political economy dynamics of banking crises, by examining in detail two such crises, in Cyprus and Italy. The analysis shows that both before and after the introduction of the new European resolution regime, bail-in requirements were not fully and equally implemented across all creditors, while public bailouts were not averted. Our tentative explanation for this result is that structural transformations such as globalization, securitization and financialization have complicated the resolution of banks by creating new interest constellations, which resist incurring the losses of bail-in. Accordingly, unless more radical reforms are introduced, banking crises will continue to disrupt financial stability and impose significant fiscal burdens on states.
Hydrogen Gains Momentum
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

If hydrogen is to fulfil its potential in the energy system then infrastructure will be important. This chapter introduces infrastructure considerations and points to the importance of pipeline systems and the regional context for innovation. The chapter also stresses the role of public policy in supporting bold hydrogen futures, whether based on fossil fuel conversion with carbon capture utilization and storage or renewable energy.
Hydrogen in the Near Term
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

This chapter focuses on the major near-term opportunities whereby hydrogen can contribute to modern energy policy goals. Key applications of hydrogen are described in areas such as industrial applications (both established and emerging), domestic heating, transport and mobility. Concerning the latter: ground, air and maritime opportunities are discussed. One aspect of transportation usage is highlighted – the use of hydrogen in fuel cell electric vehicles or in hydrogen combusting internal combustion engines. The industrial use of hydrogen is still dominated by the needs of the traditional petroleum industry together with demands from ammonia producers for agricultural fertilizer manufacture. Emerging industrial opportunities include low-carbon primary steel making.
The Way Ahead
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

This chapter concludes the book and points to some key ideas going forward. Rather than a future premised on the notion of colours of hydrogen the future of hydrogen is likely to be shaped by the need to manage two supply chains dedicated to separate products. One will be pipeline purity hydrogen and the other will be high purity hydrogen for mobile fuel cell applications. Ammonia is likely to be an important commodity, as may also be the case for other hydrogen carrier molecules. The world faces a pressing challenge to decarbonize and this book, and this chapter point to the fact that molecular energy carriers will have a major role to play. Electricity will grow greatly in importance in the low carbon future, but it is most unlikely to be the entire solution to the challenges that we face.
Recovery and Reuse of Salvaged Products and Building Materials from Existing Structures
Authors: Ungureanu Viorel , Fohl François , Yang Jie , Hechler Oliver , Rajčić Vlatka , Buzatu Raluca
Published: October 2024

The recovery and reuse of salvaged products and building materials from existing structures is an essential practice in sustainable construction and environmental conservation. This process, often referred to as building deconstruction or architectural salvage, involves carefully dismantling buildings to preserve reusable materials. It offers numerous benefits, including significant environmental impact reduction, economic advantages, and historical preservation. Environmentally, it reduces the amount of construction and demolition debris in landfills, conserves natural resources by reusing existing materials, and reduces the carbon footprint by decreasing the need for new materials, thus reducing emissions from manufacturing and transportation. Recovery and reuse involve several steps. It begins with assessment and planning, where a detailed site assessment is performed to identify salvageable materials. A deconstruction plan is then developed that details the steps and methods to safely dismantle the structure. During the deconstruction phase, the building is carefully dismantled, starting from the top down, using manual labour and specialised tools to preserve the materials in good condition. These materials are then separated into categories such as steel, timber, concrete, bricks, etc. Next, the salvaged materials undergo cleaning and processing, making them ready for reuse. Proper storage and distribution are crucial to preserve the integrity of materials. However, practice faces challenges such as labour intensity, risks of contamination from hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint, fluctuating market demand, and ensuring the quality and safety of reused materials, which may require certification and compliance with building codes. The present chapter starts with aspects of pre-demolition/deconstruction audit that involves the collection of information about the materials and elements that will be recovered and continues with the evaluation of reusability of materials, mainly with steel, timber and concrete, structural components, entire primary and secondary structure.
Superconducting multi-vortices and a novel BPS bound in chiral perturbation theory
Authors: Canfora Fabrizio , Lagos Marcela , Vera Aldo
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We derive a novel BPS bound from chiral perturbation theory minimally coupled to electrodynamics at finite isospin chemical potential. At a critical value of the isospin chemical potential, a system of three first-order differential field equations (which implies the second-order field equations) for the gauge field and the hadronic profile can be derived from the requirement to saturate the bound. These BPS configurations represent magnetic multi-vortices with quantized flux supported by a superconducting current. The corresponding topological charge density is related to the magnetic flux density, but is screened by the hadronic profile. Such a screening effect allows to derive the maximal value of the magnetic field generated by these BPS magnetic vortices, being Bmax = 2, 04 × 1014 G. The solution for a single BPS vortex is discussed in detail, and some physical consequences, together with the comparison with the magnetic vortices in the Ginzburg-Landau theory at critical coupling, are described.
Analytic amplitudes for a pair of Higgs bosons in association with three partons
Authors: Campbell John M. , De Laurentis Giuseppe , Ellis R. Keith
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The pair production of Higgs bosons at the LHC can give information about the triple Higgs boson coupling. We perform an analytic one-loop calculation of the amplitudes for a pair of Higgs bosons in association with three partons, retaining the exact dependence on the quark mass circulating in the loop. These amplitudes constitute the real radiation corrections in the calculation of Higgs boson pair production at next-to-leading order in the strong coupling. The results of an analytic generalised-unitarity computation are simplified via analytic reconstruction in spinor variables. Compact ansätze for kinematic pole residues are iteratively fitted via p-adic evaluations near said poles and subtracted until no pole remains. A new ansatz construction is introduced to minimally parametrise coefficients of amplitudes with multiple massive external legs. The simplified expressions are faster to evaluate than automatic codes and can lead to more stable results near singular regions.
Hidden zeros for particle/string amplitudes and the unity of colored scalars, pions and gluons
Authors: Arkani-Hamed Nima , Cao Qu , Dong Jin , Figueiredo Carolina , He Song
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Recent years have seen the emergence of a new understanding of scattering amplitudes in the simplest theory of colored scalar particles — the Tr(ϕ3) theory — based on combinatorial and geometric ideas in the kinematic space of scattering data. In this paper we report a surprise: far from the toy model it appears to be, the “stringy” Tr(ϕ3) amplitudes secretly contains the scattering amplitudes for pions, as well as non-supersymmetric gluons, in any number of dimensions. The amplitudes for the different theories are given by one and the same function, related by a simple shift of the kinematics. This discovery was spurred by another fundamental observation: the tree-level Tr(ϕ3) field theory amplitudes have a hidden pattern of zeros when a special set of non-planar Mandelstam invariants is set to zero. These zeros are not manifest in Feynman diagrams but are made obvious by the connection of these amplitudes to the new understanding of associahedra arising from “causal diamonds” in kinematic space. Furthermore, near these zeros, the amplitudes simplify, by factoring into a non-trivial product of smaller amplitudes. Remarkably the amplitudes for pions and gluons are observed to also vanish in the same kinematical locus. These properties for Tr(ϕ3) amplitudes hold and further generalize to the “stringy” Tr(ϕ3) amplitudes. The “kinematic causal diamond” picture suggests a unique shift of the kinematic data that preserves the zeros, and this shift is precisely the one that unifies colored scalars, pions, and gluons into a single object. We will focus in this paper on explaining the hidden zeros and factorization properties and the connection between all the colored theories, working for simplicity at tree level. Subsequent works will describe this new formulation for the Non-linear Sigma Model and non-supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, at all loop orders.
AdS4 holography and the Hilbert scheme
Authors: Crew Samuel , Zhang Daniel , Zhang Ziruo
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We elucidate a holographic relationship between the enumerative geometry of the Hilbert scheme of N points in the plane ℂ2, with N large, and the entropy of certain magnetically charged black holes with AdS4 asymptotics. Specifically, we demonstrate how the entropy functional arises from the asymptotics of ’t Hooft and Wilson line operators in a 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 gauge theory. The gauge-Bethe correspondence allows us to interpret this calculation in terms of the enumerative geometry of the Hilbert scheme and thereby conjecture that the entropy is saturated by expectation values of certain natural operators in the quantum K-theory ring acting on the localised K-theory of the Hilbert scheme. We give numerical evidence that the large N limit is saturated by contributions from a certain vacuum/fixed point on the Hilbert scheme, associated to a particular triangular-shaped Young diagram, by evolving solutions to the Bethe equations numerically at finite (but large) N towards the classical limit. We thus conjecture a concrete geometric holographic dual of the so-called gravitational/Cardy block.
The role of nesfatin-1 in kidney diseases
Authors: Badeńska Marta , Badeński Andrzej , Janek Artur , Szczepańska Maria
Published: October 2024

Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered protein with a pleiotropic function on various organs, including kidneys. This molecule presents antiapoptotic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and anorectic features. Available data regarding the role of nesfatin-1 in kidney function and diseases focuses on chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, blood pressure, and renal cell carcinoma. Various studies have shown that the levels of nesfatin-1 were increased in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD); therefore, it was suggested that nesfatin-1 might act as an early DKD marker. Furthermore, the potential protective function of nesfatin-1 against inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis in kidney tissues was described in several studies. Alternatively, as reported in the literature, a positive correlation between blood pressure elevation and nesfatin-1 levels was noted. Moreover, nesfatin-1 might exert influence on renal cell carcinoma progression and invasion of cancerous cells. Nesfatin-1 shows considerable potential for acting as a prognostic marker or a defensive factor for kidney diseases; however, further investigation, especially in the pediatric population, is still required.

Graphical abstract
A prospective randomized-controlled non-blinded comparative study of the JAK inhibitor (baricitinib) with TNF-α inhibitors and conventional DMARDs in a sample of Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Mahmoud Esraa M. , Radwan Abdullah , Elsayed Sahar A.
Published: October 2024

To evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib compared to TNF-α Inhibitors and conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) in patients with RA. Our study included 334 RA patients classified into 3 groups: the first receiving baricitinib, the second receiving TNF-α Inhibitors, and the third receiving cDMARDs. Patients were evaluated at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using TJC, SJC, VAS, DAS28, CDAI, and HAQ-DI. Larsen score was measured at baseline and 24 weeks. The response to therapy was assessed at weeks 12 and 24 using ACR 20, ACR 50, and ACR 70 response criteria. Emerging treatment side effects were monitored. Patients receiving baricitinib showed significant improvement regarding all outcome measures at weeks 12 and 24. In addition, baricitinib was comparable to TNF Inhibitors in all outcome measures except the ACR 70 at week 12, which was higher in the baricitinib group. Furthermore, baricitinib group showed significantly better outcome measures and response to therapy in comparison to cDMARDs group. The most common side effects in the baricitinib group were infection, GIT, and CVS complications. The most common side effects in the TNF inhibitors group were infection and skin complications. The cDMARDs had the least side effects, mostly GIT complications. Baricitinib is an effective drug for treating RA refractory to cDMARDs, improving disease activity measures and functional status and reducing the progression of structural joint damage. It has a comparable efficacy and safety profile to TNF Inhibitors. Multicenter studies are recommended to support our results.

Key Points• Baricitinib is an effective therapeutic choice for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to cDMARDs.• Patients treated with baricitinib showed improvement in all outcome measures and functional status.• Bricitinib delayed the progression of radiographic joint damage more effectively than cDMARDs.• The efficacy and safety of baricitinib for treating rheumatoid arthritis is comparable to that of TNF inhibitors.
Improving Behavioral Healthcare Access Disparities by Training Providers in Disadvantaged Communities — Evidence of Strategy Effectiveness
Authors: Neikrug Ariel B. , Cho Shreya S. , Nguyen Ethan S. , Stehli Annamarie , Huo Shutong , Garcia Careesa , Au Stephanie , Masoumirad Mandana , Cant Wendy , Le-Bucklin Khanh-Van , Gagliardi Jane P. , Xiong Glen L. , McCarron Robert M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Inadequate access to behavioral health services disproportionately impacts marginalized populations who live in disadvantaged areas. To reduce this gap, programs dedicated to optimizing behavioral health education and training must focus their efforts to enroll providers who practice in these disadvantaged areas.

Objective

The Train New Trainers (TNT) fellowship program aims to enhance behavioral health knowledge, skills, and attitudes of primary care providers (PCPs) who deliver care in disadvantaged communities. We evaluate the effectiveness of the TNT recruitment strategy and the use of scholarships for targeting and recruiting PCPs who practice in disadvantaged communities.

Design

Observational study.

Participants

TNT fellows from 2016 to 2023.

Main Measures

State/federal classifications of medically underserved counties were used to establish scholarship criteria. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was utilized to provide criterion validity for the use of state/federal criteria in the recruitment strategy, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in successfully recruiting PCPs practicing in disadvantaged communities.

Key Results

Practice location data were available for 347 fellows, 88.8% of whom received scholarships. Of the 347 practices, 300 (86.5%) primarily served communities meeting at least one state or federal criterion for medical shortage areas and/or underserved areas. According to ADI scores, 32.3% of practices served areas classified in the highest ADI (ADI decile 9 or 10), with a progressive increase in the proportion of fellows practicing in underserved areas each year; in 2023, 89.9% of practices met federal shortage criteria and 40.5% served areas with the highest deciles of ADI.

Conclusions

The TNT program strategy for recruiting PCPs from high medical need geographical areas is associated with bringing primary care psychiatry education to areas considered underserved and disadvantaged. Equipping PCPs practicing in underserved areas with enhanced knowledge and skills in behavioral medicine has the potential to significantly improve the existing access gap in disadvantaged communities.
Adult Mental Health Associated with Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences Among 1st and 2nd Generation Asian Americans
Authors: Jang Jihoon , Gonzales Gilbert
Published: October 2024

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) impact adult health. However, differences in ACEs, PCEs, and mental health have not been extensively studied among Asian Americans.

Objective

To examine the association between childhood experiences and adult mental health in first and second generation Asian Americans.

Design

This study used data from the 2021-2022 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), an address-based sampling of noninstitutionalized Californians conducted online or by phone.

Participants

Asian American respondents aged 18-65 years.

Exposure

Fifteen different ACEs and seven different PCEs.

Main Measures

Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of severe psychological distress for each generation. Survey weights were applied to all analyses for population-based representation.

Key Results

5,744 Asian Americans (48.0% male, 16.4% aged 18-25) were included in the current study. We found that second generation Asian Americans experienced a greater prevalence of ACEs (65.4% reported ≥1 ACE vs 47.5% in first generation Asian Americans) and lower prevalence of PCEs (32.1% reported ≤2 PCEs vs 22.6% in first generation Asian Americans). Second generation Asian Americans were more likely to report ≥4 ACEs (aPR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.88) and ≤2 PCEs (aPR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.78) relative to first generation Asian Americans. Second generation Asian Americans with ≥4 ACEs or ≤2 PCEs were more likely to report severe psychological distress (aPR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.55 to 4.17 and aPR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.13, respectively) relative to first generation Asian Americans. When examining ACEs and PCEs individually, domestic, physical, and verbal abuse; divorce; racism; and lacking support systems were significantly associated with severe psychological distress in second generation Asian Americans.

Conclusions

Second generation Asian Americans are more likely to experience more ACEs, fewer PCEs, and poorer mental health as a result. Our study indicates that physicians should screen for childhood experiences and leverage trauma-informed care among Asian American subpopulations.
The Magidor iteration and restrictions of ultrapowers to the ground model
Authors: Kaplan Eyal
Published: October 2024

We study the Magidor iteration of Prikry forcings below a measurable limit of measurables κ. We first characterize all the normal measures κ carries in the generic extension, building on and extending the main result of [1]. Then, for every such normal measure, we prove that the restriction of its ultrapower, from the generic extension to the ground model, is an iterated ultrapower of V by normal measures. This is done without core model theoretic assumptions; GCH≤κ
in the ground model suffices.