bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cofiring of renewable biodiesel fuels inside natural gas flame for enhancement of thermal properties of flame and NOx reduction
Authors: Pourhoseini S.H. , Shams Z.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the co‐combustion of palm oil biodiesel fuel, as a renewable alternative for diesel fuel, inside natural gas flame to enhance the flame thermal specifications and NOx reduction. A power natural gas burner with a maximum heat capacity of 418,400 kJ/h was installed at the inlet of a laboratory furnace and biodiesel fuel was injected inside natural gas burner with a 100 μm in diameter solid cone nozzle. Flame temperature, thermal radiation, Infrared radiation, and CO, CO2 and NOx emission were measured. The results revealed that biodiesel injection increases the flame size and turns the non‐luminous blue flame into yellow‐colored flame. Furthermore, higher flash point and Sauter Mean Diameter of biodiesel promote the thermal decomposition of fuel droplets and increase the concentrations of Intermediate Soot Particles in the flame which in turn increases the flame emissivity coefficient and consequently flame thermal radiation. Also, the oxygen content of biodiesel fuel has an important role in the complete combustion of Intermediate Soot Particles to CO2 which increases the heat release of biodiesel combustion and raises the flame temperature. The average enhancement in thermal radiation and flame temperature were 5.6% and 43.38%, respectively. Finally, although biodiesel injection increases the flame temperature, it also increases the flame surface reaction and eliminates the hot spot region in the flame. Therefore, the rate of heat generation per unit volume of flame decreases and this decreases the rate of NOx emission as much as 10.84%.
A multi‐level approach to predict the seismic response of rigid rocking structures using artificial neural networks
Authors: Banimahd Seyed Amir , Giouvanidis Anastasios I. , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the rocking problem. The paper adopts rigid rocking blocks of different sizes and slenderness, which undergo rocking motion without sliding and bouncing when subjected to recorded earthquakes. This research focuses on the cases where the blocks overturn or safely return to their initial (rest) position at the end of the ground shaking. An ANN model is trained to efficiently categorise the response into overturning or safe rocking using the structural parameters, ground motion characteristics, and the coefficient of restitution as input. The results show the substantial contribution of velocity and frequency characteristics of the ground motion to overturning. In addition, ANN is used to predict the response amplitude and identify the most critical input variables that govern safe rocking. The analysis reveals that rocking amplitude is governed by a combination of duration, frequency, and intensity characteristics of the ground excitation. Interestingly, the maximum incremental velocity (MIV), a novel intensity measure for the rocking literature, shows a substantial correlation with the rocking amplitude. In this context, this paper proposes closed‐form expressions using the most influential input variables to provide a quick, yet adequately accurate, response prediction. Finally, this study pays special attention to the contribution of the coefficient of restitution, which, in general, is less critical to the peak safe rocking response, while it becomes more important to the overturning response.
Investigating the impact factors of dust emission efficiency over gobi with portable wind tunnel field experiments
Authors: Liang Linhao , Ma Shaoxiu , Zhang Weimin , Tan Lihai , Chen Shuyi , Tsunekawa Atsushi
Published: March 2024

The contribution of the gobi to dust emission in arid northwestern China is largely uncertain due to the lack of studies on the surface properties of gobi. The dust emission efficiency (
) as a comprehensive characterization of surface properties is an essential parameter for quantifying dust emission. However, the main influencing factors of dust emission efficiency are still unclear, as it is a big challenge to do a comprehensive field experiment and get the long‐term continuous field data in gobi due to its harsh environment. Here, we are aiming at quantitively identifying the main factors of dust emission efficiency by using a portable wind tunnel for field experiments over the gobi surface in Dunhuang Mogao grottoes. Results showed that (1) the abundance of bombardment sand regulates the relationship between
and friction wind velocity (
). The
decreases as a power function with increasing
, and the correlation is weak (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.05) in the shortage of bombardment sand. In contrast,
increases with
following a power function, and the correlation is strong (R2 = 0.91, P < 0.05) when bombardment sand is enriched. (2) The surface dust content of the gobi dominates the
, which increases exponentially with the increased dust content. Relative to
, the surface dust content has a bigger contribution to
. (3) The gobi in Northwest China could be an underestimated dust source, as it has an enriched dust content and a higher
than sandy desert. Therefore, the quantitative monitoring and further research of dust emissions in the gobi should be strengthened.
A methodical approach for the design of thermal energy storage systems in buildings: An eight‐step methodology
Authors: Rahnama Samira , Khatibi Mahmood , Maccarini Alessandro , Farouq Mahmoud Murtala , Ahranjani Parham Mirzaei , Fabrizio Enrico , Ferrara Maria , Bogatu Dragos‐Ioan , Shinoda Jun , Olesen Bjarne W. , Kazanci Ongun B. , Bazdar Elaheh , Nasiri Fuzhan , Zeng Chao , Wei Xu , Haghighat Fariborz , Afshari Alireza
Published: March 2024

Recent research focuses on optimal design of thermal energy storage (TES) systems for various plants and processes, using advanced optimization techniques. There is a wide range of TES technologies for diverse thermal applications, each with unique technical and economic characteristics. Matching an application with the most suitable TES system remains challenging. This study proposes an eight‐step design methodology guiding the process from describing the thermal process to defining the most appropriate TES based on constraints and requirements. The steps include specifying the thermal process, system design parameters, storage characteristics, integration parameters, key performance indicators, optimization method, tools, and design robustness. Seven already‐designed TES systems are evaluated to assess the methodology's effectiveness, where the design procedures have been adapted to the proposed steps. Case studies involve various applications with both sensible and latent TES systems, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed design procedure. A significant diversity exists among the design cases regarding the design objective, input, design, and output parameters. Nevertheless, the design procedure in each case can be deconstructed into the outlined design steps. The last design step has been excluded from all case studies due to insufficient information regarding the robustness of the design process. The paper demonstrates how a methodical approach can be applied to examine the TES design and the integration. The design steps proposed in this study can serve as a foundation for developing a more systematic approach for designing TES systems in future works, resulting in simplifying the design process.
Forecasting the realized volatility of agricultural commodity prices: Does sentiment matter?
Authors: Bonato Matteo , Cepni Oguzhan , Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: March 2024

We analyze the out‐of‐sample predictive power of sentiment for the realized volatility of agricultural commodity price returns. We use high‐frequency intra‐day data covering the period from 2009 to 2020 to estimate realized volatility. Our baseline forecasting model is a heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) model, which we extend to include sentiment. We further enhance this model by incorporating various key realized moments such as leverage, realized skewness, realized kurtosis, realized upside (“good”) volatility, realized downside (“bad”) volatility, realized jumps, realized upside tail risk, and realized downside tail risk. In order to setup a forecasting model, we use (i) forward and backward stepwise predictor selection and (ii) a model‐based averaging algorithm. The forecasting models constructed through these algorithms outperform both the baseline HAR‐RV model and the HAR‐RV‐sentiment model. We conclude that, for the agricultural commodities studied in our research, realized moments play a more significant role in forecasting realized volatility compared to sentiment.
Sophisticated and small versus simple and sizeable: When does it pay off to introduce drifting coefficients in Bayesian vector autoregressions?
Authors: Feldkircher Martin , Gruber Luis , Huber Florian , Kastner Gregor
Published: March 2024

We assess the relationship between model size and complexity in the time‐varying parameter vector autoregression (VAR) framework via thorough predictive exercises for the euro area, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It turns out that sophisticated dynamics through drifting coefficients are important in small data sets, while simpler models tend to perform better in sizeable data sets. To combine the best of both worlds, novel shrinkage priors help to mitigate the curse of dimensionality, resulting in competitive forecasts for all scenarios considered. Furthermore, we discuss dynamic model selection to improve upon the best performing individual model for each point in time.
Valorization of spent coffee ground and coffee silverskin as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds
Authors: Santanatoglia Agnese , Alessandroni Laura , Mannozzi Cinzia , Marconi Riccardo , Piatti Diletta , Sagratini Gianni , Vittori Sauro , Caprioli Giovanni
Published: March 2024

In a world where a greener approach is increasingly necessary, it is mandatory to reduce waste production and reuse residues from the company's supply chain. Spent Coffee grounds (SCG) and Coffee Silverskin (CS) are two important by‐products of coffee production, being sources of important dietary fibers and bioactive compounds, which is why some authors have proposed their reuse in the nutraceutical, food and cosmetic industries. However, their nutrients chemical content has been insufficiently studied. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to investigate the main components, such as carbohydrates, dietary fibers, lipids, and bioactive compounds of SCG and CS. In addition, the most common extraction methods to obtain these aforementioned nutrients were evaluated.
Free vascularized fibula leads to hallux toe flexion deformity due to ischemic muscle contracture of flexor hallucis longus
Authors: Wu Hao , Hu Yuehao , Wang Zilin , Liu Yige , Han Jing , Zhang Chenping , Zhai Zanjing , Liu Jiannan
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of toe flexion deformity after fibular free flap transplantation and to analyze the etiology of the deformity.

Methods

Fifty patients underwent vascularized fibular free flap transplantation were retrospectively included. Statistical analysis examined correlations between deformity occurrence and resected fibula length and residual distal fibula length using the χ2 test. Doppler ultrasound and anatomical evaluations were conducted.

Results

Flexion deformity of the first toe was observed in all patients (100%), exacerbated by ankle dorsiflexion. χ2 test revealed no significant correlation between fibula length, distal residual fibula length, and flexion deformity. Doppler ultrasound revealed elevated echoes and blurred textures in the flexor hallucis longus post‐fibular transplantation, while anatomical evaluation confirmed the peroneal artery as its primary nutrient supplier.

Conclusion

This study reports a 100% incidence of toe flexion deformity post‐transplantation. The deformity correlated strongly with ischemic contracture of the flexor hallucis longus.
Subcutaneous implantation of nodular goiter after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: A case study and review of literature
Authors: Weng Yu‐Jing , Kwan Kristine J. S. , Chen De‐Biao , Hu Ben‐ling , Jiang Jiang , Min Lei , Ai Qing , Chen Wei‐chun , Huang Zhi‐Heng
Published: March 2024

Background

Extrathyroid implantation or dissemination of thyroid tissue secondary to a thyroid procedure is rare. Most of these belonged to thyroid carcinoma with metastatic potential and uncommon for benign pathologies.

Methods

We report the case of a 31‐year‐old female who was identified to have multiple subcutaneous implantation of thyroid tissue 5 years after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach. A comprehensive literature search on implantation of thyroid tissue secondary to thyroid procedures was performed.

Results

Accidental tearing of the capsule during previous surgery may lead to the subcutaneous implantation. Through literature review, a total 29 articles with 47 patients were identified. 33.3% were benign lesions, and implantation was mostly secondary to fine needle aspiration biopsy (46.5%).

Conclusions

Subcutaneous or port site implantation after endoscopic thyroid surgery may occur in benign thyroid pathologies and therefore, oncologic principles must be strictly followed during surgery regardless of its histopathological nature.
Adapted physical activity interventions and motivational levers: What benefits for type 2 diabetics? A systematic review
Authors: Maudet‐Coulomb Élise , Martin‐Krumm Charles , Tarquinio Cyril , Mino Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Scientific research continues to advance and improve the medical management of type 2 diabetes. However, the importance of lifestyle management remains invaluable in treatment and tertiary prevention of this disease. Day‐to‐day sedentariness is the fourth most important risk factor for mortality in France. Numerous studies have demonstrated that physical activity is beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes and various recommendations have been made to encourage it. However, it is universally agreed that interventions that promote physical activity, while they may enhance its practice in the short term, do not impact on it over longer periods. It therefore seems essential to focus interventions on an individual's capacity to persist with physical activity in the long term. By looking at the literature, the aim of this review is to synthesize group and supervised physical activity interventions for people with type 2 diabetes using variables based on the following levers: motivation and self‐efficacy.

Methods

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) methodology examined studies in English or French that are registered in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus databases and were published between 2005 and 2023, according to the following keywords: Motivation OR self‐efficacy AND physical activity AND type 2 diabetes AND intervention.

Results and Conclusion

Seven studies out of 1207 were included. Despite the pertinence of the concepts of motivation and self‐efficacy and their complementarity in physical activity management programs, few studies have yet proposed a combined intervention for people with type 2 diabetes.
Outcomes of critically ill patients with liver failure who require mechanical ventilation: A retrospective, single‐center study
Authors: Mita Atsuyoshi , Shimizu Sari , Ichiyama Takashi , Yamamoto Takateru , Yamaguchi Akinori , Sonoda Kosuke , Mori Kotaro , Yamada Tomokatsu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Imamura Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Critically ill patients with liver failure have high mortality. Besides the management of organ‐specific complications, liver transplantation constitutes a definitive treatment. However, clinicians may hesitate to introduce mechanical ventilation for patients on liver transplantation waitlists because of poor prognosis. This study investigated the outcomes of intensive care and ventilation support therapy effects in patients with liver failure.

Methods

This single‐center study retrospectively enrolled 32 consecutive patients with liver failure who were admitted to the intensive care unit from January 2014 to December 2020. The medical records were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively for Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)‐II. The model for end‐stage liver disease scores, 90‐day mortality, and survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The average patient age was 45.5 ± 20.1 years, and 53% of patients were women. On intensive care unit admission, APACHE‐II and model for end‐stage liver disease scores were 20 and 28, respectively. Among 13 patients considered for liver transplantation, 4 received transplants. Thirteen patients (40.6%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit. The 90‐day mortality rate of patients with and without mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (13, 61.5% vs. 19, 47.4%, p = 0.4905) was similar. APACHE‐II score >21 was an independent predictor of mechanical ventilation requirement in patients with liver failure during intensive care unit stay.

Conclusion

Although critically ill patients with liver failure are at risk of multiorgan failure with poor outcomes, mechanical ventilation did not negatively affect the 90‐day mortality or performance rates of liver transplantation. Clinicians should consider mechanical ventilation‐based life support in critically ill patients with liver failure who are awaiting liver transplantation.
Do women in the boardroom influence foreign acquisitions' premium and outcomes? Evidence from China
Authors: Chu Pei , Elsayed Mohamed , Ahmed Yousry
Published: March 2024

This paper examines whether gender diversity influences foreign merger and acquisition (M&A) premiums and outcomes in China. Consistent with agency and resource dependence theories, we find that female directors significantly reduce the acquisition premium paid for foreign targets. We show that the market responds positively in the short‐term (measured by cumulative abnormal returns) to the announcement of foreign acquisitions by firms with greater female representation in the boardroom. We further find significant evidence that acquirers' boards comprising more female directors experience value creation and better operating synergies (measured by buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns and changes in return on assets) in the long‐term following engagement in foreign M&A deals. Interestingly, after distinguishing between female independent and executive directors, we find that our previous finding on board gender diversity can be attributable to both the monitoring (independent directors) and supervisory (executive directors) roles played by female directors. We also find evidence accords with the argument of the critical mass of female directors' representation in the boardroom. Our results are robust after controlling for endogeneity issues using instrumental variables (IV), propensity score matching (PSM), Heckman, and firm fixed‐effects methods. Overall, our findings offer additional empirical support for the global concern by regulators for improving corporate governance practices by increasing female quotas in the boardroom.
Across four nations: Comparing the discourses of adolescents' digital literacy
Authors: Rao Dingxin , Lee Changhee , Fdilat Youssef , Bouziane Abdelmajid , Dressman Mark
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigated media reports and literacy research in four nations—China, Morocco, the Republic of (South) Korea, and the United States—about the relationship between adolescents' literacy and use of digital media, or digital literacy. We present short “snapshots” of adolescents' digital literacy in each country and then compare these to findings in a report about adolescent literacy and uses of digital media published by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Our analysis indicates significant variation across countries in both literate traditions and adolescents' access to digital media, and notes that these interact to create unique conditions for adolescents' digital literacy in each country, even as, across the four nations, adolescents' capacity to innovate and solve problems with digital access seems constant. In conclusion, we are cautious about making global claims about the state of adolescents' literacy worldwide but point to important findings about how the use of the internet in schools seems to have a positive impact on reading performance and offer some implications for classroom practice.
The role of parental maladaptive emotion socialization in the risk process for negative urgency and drinking behavior in adolescence
Authors: Atkinson Emily A. , Miller Leo A. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Negative urgency (the tendency to act rashly when experiencing negative emotions) is a robust risk factor for a number of problem behaviors, including early adolescent drinking. Little is known about the factors that precede the development of negative urgency, and hence the full etiology of this component of risk. The current study aimed to investigate the possibility that facets of childhood maladaptive emotion socialization (the tendency for children's expressions of emotions to be met with punishment, minimized, or invoke a reaction of distress from their parents/caretakers) increases risk for the development of negative urgency and drinking behavior.

Method

Self‐report measures of negative urgency, subfacets of maladaptive emotion socialization, and drinking behavior were collected during the 2021−2022 academic year from a sample of 428 high school students (mean age = 14.7, SD = 0.09, 44% female), assessed twice over the course of a semester, reflecting a 4‐month longitudinal window.

Results

Distress emotion socialization predicted increases in negative urgency, minimizing predicted decreases in negative urgency, and punitive did not provide significant prediction. Additionally, results found that higher levels of both negative urgency and distress emotion socialization increased adolescents' likelihood of having tried alcohol. These processes were invariant across race and gender.

Conclusions

The present study may inform the future creation of prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing maladaptive emotion socialization and increasing adaptive emotion socialization. Successful reductions in negative urgency as a consequence of increased adaptive emotion socialization may then lead to decreases in adolescent drinking and other impulsigenic behaviors.
Identification of near‐infrared characteristic bands of small bowel necrosis based on cellwise detection algorithm
Authors: Peng Chenxi , Huang Guangzao , Chen Xiaojing , Xie Zhonghao , Ali Shujat , Chen Xi , Nie Huagui , Yang Zhi , Zhu Libin , Chen Xiaoqing , Yan Shubin
Published: March 2024

The near‐infrared spectroscopy is often used to distinguish small bowel necrosis due to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The characteristic bands of small bowel necrosis, as an important basis for evaluating the confidence of the differentiation results, are challenging to identify quickly. In this study, we proposed to identify characteristic bands of lesion samples based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and cellwise outlier detection. Rabbits were used as an animal model to simulate the clinical symptoms of NEC. The rabbits were detected at intervals of 10, 30, 60, and 90 min. The characteristic bands were identified within the same rabbit, between different rabbits and at different times. The result showed the bands near 763 nm, corresponding to the absorption peak of deoxyhemoglobin, were the characteristic bands separating samples with NEC. The identification result was plausible because hypoxia was the main cause of NEC. The method was easy to perform.
The neuroprotective effect of exogen melatonin upon fetal hippocampus damage caused by high‐dose caffeine administration in pregnant rats
Authors: Köse Yağmur , Şirin Cansın , Turgut Ali Çağlar , Tomruk Canberk , Uyanıkgil Yiğit , Turgut Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether exogenous melatonin (MEL) mitigates the deleterious effects of high‐dose caffeine (CAF) administration in pregnant rats upon the fetal hippocampus.

Materials and methods

A total of 32 adult Wistar albino female rats were divided into four groups after conception (n = 8). At 9–20 days of pregnancy, intraperitoneal (i.p.) MEL was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day in the MEL group, while i.p. CAF was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day in the CAF group. In the CAF plus MEL group, i.p. CAF and MEL were administered at a dose of 60 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively, at the same period. Following extraction of the brains of the fetuses sacrificed on the 21st day of pregnancy, their hippocampal regions were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and Cresyl Echt Violet, anti‐GFAP, and antisynaptophysin staining methods.

Results

While there was a decrease in fetal and brain weights in the CAF group, it was found that the CAF plus MEL group had a closer weight average to that of the control group. Histologically, it was observed that the pyramidal cell layer consisted of 8–10 layers of cells due to the delay in migration in hippocampal neurons in the CAF group, while the MEL group showed similar characteristics with the control group. It was found that these findings decreased in the CAF plus MEL group.

Conclusion

It is concluded that high‐dose CAF administration causes a delay in neurogenesis of the fetal hippocampus, and exogenous MEL is able to mitigate its deleterious effects.
Influence of irrigation water and soil on annual mercury dynamics in Sacramento Valley rice fields
Authors: Salvato Luke A. , Marvin‐DiPasquale Mark , Fleck Jacob A. , McCord Stephen A. , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: March 2024

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a human and environmental toxin produced in flooded soils. Little is known about MeHg in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) fields in Sacramento Valley, California. The objectives of this study were to quantify mercury fractions in irrigation water and within rice fields and to determine their mercury pools in surface water, soil, and grain. Soil, grain, and surface water (dissolved and particulate) MeHg and total mercury (THg) were monitored in six commercial rice fields throughout a winter fallow season and subsequent growing season. Both dissolved and particulate mercury fractions were higher in fallow season rice field water. Total suspended solids and particulate mercury concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.99 and 0.98 for THg and MeHg, respectively), suggesting that soil MeHg was suspended in the water column and potentially exported. Dissolved THg and MeHg concentrations were positively correlated with absorbance at 254 nm (r = 0.47 and 0.58, respectively) in fallow season field water. In the growing season, fields with higher irrigation water MeHg concentrations (due to recycled water use) had elevated field‐water MeHg (r = 0.86) and grain MeHg concentrations (r = 0.96). Based on a mass balance analysis, soil mercury pools were orders of magnitude larger than surface water or grain mercury pools; however, fallow season drainage and grain harvest were the primary pathways for MeHg export. Based on these findings, reducing (1) discharge when water is turbid, (2) straw inputs, and (3) use of recycled irrigation water could help reduce mercury exports in rice field drainage water.
Think star, think men? Implicit star performer theories
Authors: Villamor Isabel , Aguinis Herman
Published: March 2024

The star performer gender gap highlights women's challenges in being recognized as star performers. We investigated whether people hold shared beliefs about characteristics star performers possess (i.e., implicit star performer theories, ISPTs) and whether perceptions of stars are (a) gendered and (b) context‐specific. Guided by categorization theory, we argue that individuals have shared perceptions of what constitutes a star performer. Employing an inductive approach, we uncovered the existence of ISPTs that are distinct and differ from previously identified implicit theories, such as those about leadership. Specifically, stars were believed to have six characteristics: Driven, Relational, Extraordinary, Fascinating, Tenacious, and Brilliant. We then applied role congruity theory to argue that perceptions of star performers would be gendered and context‐dependent. Using an experimental approach, we ascertained that people associated star performers with more masculine than feminine attributes, what we labeled the think star, think men phenomenon. Moreover, this association was context‐dependent, such that the association of star performers with masculine attributes was stronger in men‐dominated occupations. Our third study used a non‐reactive approach (i.e., “Princeton trilogy”), and results showed that star performers are seen as possessing more masculine attributes than very good employees. Overall, our three studies using inductive, experimental, and indirect methods based on eight samples of 2322 participants consistently supported the existence of ISPTs and the think star, think men phenomenon, improving our understanding of the star performer gender gap.
Creativity and Innovation in the K‐pop System and a Possible Link with Pansori
Authors: Auh Myung‐Sook
Published: March 2024

This study aims to distinguish between creativity and innovation in K‐pop using a conceptual framework of the K‐pop system and to examine if any traces of Korean traditional Pansori are found in K‐pop. Innovation refers to successful implementation of creative ideas, and creative ideas without successful implementation are of no use in the business sector. A conceptual framework of the K‐pop system, developed by the author, consists of enabling people, contents, system processes, and environments. This study identified eight innovative aspects of K‐pop, which include manufacturing K‐pop stars using a specific formula; providing government leadership for K‐pop export; using well‐balanced copyrights to encourage K‐pop fans' social media sharing of their copycat versions; and embracing culturally hybrid K‐pop music styles for global markets. K‐pop's possible links with Pansori are found in K‐pop singers' Grit, similar to Pansori singers' Gongryeok; and female K‐pop idols willing to take personal sacrifices of “no dating” and “curfews,” resembling Pansori singers' “punishing effort.” Confucian influence on K‐pop is traced in South Korea's top‐down approaches by the government and music industries, and gender inequality imposed on female idols as the male gaze.
Opportunities and achievements — experiences of pharmacists as Foundation Residency Program residents — a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Chih Yuan , Clavarino Alexandra , Luetsch Karen
Published: March 2024

Background

The Australian Foundation Residency Program prepares new‐to‐hospital and early career pharmacists for extended roles and advanced pharmacy practice. An understanding of the outcomes residents perceive they achieve through completion of a residency and what supports them in their achievements is limited.

Aim

To explore pharmacists' experiences during their residency and what they perceive as its outcomes and their achievements.

Method

Focus groups and interviews were conducted and recorded with 12 early career or new‐to‐hospital pharmacists who recently completed a residency program in an Australian hospital. Recordings were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 2021/HE001225) and the study conforms to the Australian Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Informed consent was obtained from all participants via the distribution of project information sheets and completion of written consent forms.

Results

Five distinct themes were generated from participants' discussions of their experiences and achievements throughout their residency. The outcomes and achievements they described included gaining the confidence to take on new and challenging roles as well as advancing their career by developing a deeper understanding of their role and potential in the healthcare system. Skill development was accelerated by the structure and assessment requirements of the residency program and by support from mentors, which positively influenced their attitudes towards feedback and competency assessments. Participants reflected on the differences between postgraduate university‐based learning and workplace‐based learning and saw benefits in both.

Conclusion

The residency was reported to offer a structured and supportive training pathway for pharmacists in the early stages of their hospital pharmacy career. Completion of residency facilitates pharmacists' skill development and a deeper understanding of their roles. Dedicated and qualified mentorship and routine networking events between peers and past residents enhance these experiences and outcomes for residents.
The timing and magnitude of the British–Irish Ice Sheet between Marine Isotope Stages 5d and 2: implications for glacio‐isostatic adjustment, high relative sea levels and ‘giant erratic’ emplacement
Authors: Scourse J. D.
Published: March 2024

The extent, chronology and dynamics of the pre‐Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) are not well known. Although the BRITICE‐CHRONO Project has detailed the maximum extent and retreat phases of the last BIIS for the period after 30 ka and into the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the Project identified several pre‐existing datasets and generated new data that implied glaciation pre‐dating the LGM but which post‐dated the Last Interglacial (Eemian; MIS5e); these data are reviewed here. There are no dated till units but are other indicators clearly indicative of glaciation: deep‐sea ice‐rafted detritus flux into the adjacent NE Atlantic, cosmogenic rock‐exposure age dating from glaciated surfaces in Wales and the island of Lundy (Bristol Channel), and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of proximal glacifluvial sequences on the Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides) and in the Cheshire Basin. Taken together these indicate BIIS inception during MIS5d, growth into MIS4 and evidence for dynamic retreat–advance phases during MIS3. OSL evidence for high relative sea level indicated by raised beaches in southern Ireland during MIS4 and 3 at a time of lowered glacio‐eustatic sea level indicates substantial glacial isostatic loading, explained by the early growth of the BIIS during the last cold stage. High relative sea level during MIS4 and 3 coincident with adjacent calving ice sheet margins provides an explanation for the rafted giant erratics found around the shores of southern Britain and Ireland.
Postglacial flooding and Holocene climate shifts in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Beni Abdolmajid Naderi , Leduc Guillaume , Djamali Morteza , Sharifi Arash , Marriner Nick , Tachikawa Kazuyo , Rostek Frauke , Tjallingii Rik , Lahijani Hamid , Arabshahi Mahboubeh Molavi , Garcia Marta , Licari Laetitia , Tetard Martin , Bellinghery Marie‐Charlotte , Bard Edouard
Published: March 2024

Postglacial flooding of the Persian Gulf (PG) was important in shaping human history and driving landscape changes in the region. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the postglacial transgression. The position of the PG at the edge of major synoptic systems of the Indian Ocean Summer Monsoon (IOSM) and Mid‐latitude Westerlies (MLW) makes the environment particularly sensitive to Holocene climate shifts. To investigate the timing of the flooding and to detect the impacts of significant climate shifts on the regional environment during the Holocene, a multiproxy study was conducted on three short sediment cores from two deep sites in the PG. Sedimentological, palynological and geochemical analyses were performed on the cores. The results show that inundation of the western part of the PG that started from ca. 11.5 ka bp continued with successive prominent phases of transgression centered on 10.4 and 9.2 ka cal 
bp, and definitive marine conditions were established around 8.8 ka cal 
bp. The IOSM was the dominant system in the region until about 9 to ~6.3 ka cal 
bp. After that time, the intensity of the IOSM declined, as MLW dominated the region after ~6.3 ka cal 
bp. These climatic shifts induced significant changes in regional vegetation and hydrology, and possibly triggered socio‐cultural transformations.
Electrically Active Terahertz Liquid‐Crystal Metasurface for Polarization Vortex Beam Switching
Authors: Wang Sheng , Guo Hangbing , Chen Benwen , Hu Xinyu , Zhu Wei , Wu Jingbo , Zhang Caihong , Fan Kebin , Wang Huabing , Jin Biaobing , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: March 2024

Polarized vortex waves have attracted widespread attention in investigations of light–matter interactions and the augmentation of information capacity owing to their distinctive characteristics. Nevertheless, the reconfigurable generation of vector beams, especially at terahertz (THz) frequencies, remains challenging. In this study, a tunable THz polarization vortex beam generator based on a liquid‐crystal metasurface is proposed. A unit cell featuring reconfigurable linear polarization selectivity is developed. A general methodology for designing metasurfaces to generate customized and reconfigurable polarization patterns is introduced. Furthermore, the electrically tunable generation of polarized patterns and cylinder vector beams is experimentally demonstrated. The findings of this study can open up opportunities for wireless communication and super‐resolution imaging applications.
High temperature corrosion performance of Inconel 625 hard overlays deposited on stainless steel substrate
Authors: Nachimuthu Pravin Kumar , Gosipathala Sreedhar , Arasappan Rajesh Kannan , Nallathambi Siva Shanmugam
Published: March 2024

In elevated conditions, austenitic stainless steels suffer intense damage by corrosion because of the severe oxide scale development. Giving stainless steel a corrosion‐resistant surface coating can prevent excessive damage. In this case, welding‐based overlaying is a potential method to restore the damaged parts as it has a higher productivity rate. This investigation articulates the corrosion resistance behavior of the multiple overlapped Inconel 625 (IN625) weld overlays on the AISI 316L substrate plate. The corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures was investigated with kinetic curves, further revealing the corrosion products from the sample surface. Characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze the corrosion products. Hot corrosion kinetics in the molten salt environment (Na2SO4 + V2O5) revealed that the IN625 overlay samples gained a weight of 40.15 mg/cm2, and the substrate had a weight gain of 65.42 mg/cm2. From the hot oxidation kinetics, it is evident that the mass gained by the substrate is more than twice that of the Inconel overlay sample. Furthermore, the formation of oxides and spinel phases rich in nickel (NiO, NiCr2O4) highly influenced the corrosion kinetics of the multiple overlapped IN625 overlay sample. The AISI 316L substrate sample revealed the existence of critical oxide phases such as Fe2O3 and Cr2O3, which were lesser and did not influence the corrosion resistance at 900°C. In the present investigation, the multiple overlapped IN625 weld overlay offered excellent corrosion resistance at high temperature compared to the AISI 316L.
Fabrication of Silk Fibroin‐Derived Fibrous Scaffold for Biomedical Frontiers
Authors: Rahman Mustafijur , Dip Tanvir Mahady , Nur Md Golam , Padhye Rajiv , Houshyar Shadi
Published: March 2024

Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein derived from silkworms, has emerged as a promising biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, degradation rate, and tunable mechanical properties. This review delves into the intrinsic attributes of SF that make it an attractive candidate for scaffold development in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The distinctiveness of this comprehensive review resides in its detailed exploration of recent advancements in the fabrication techniques of SF‐based fibrous scaffolds, namely electrospinning, freeze‐drying, and 3D printing. An in‐depth analysis of these fabrication techniques is conducted to illustrate their versatility in customizing essential scaffold characteristics, such as porosity, fiber diameter, and mechanical strength. The article meticulously discusses process parameters, advantages, and challenges of each fabrication technique, highlighting the innovative advancements made in the respective field. Furthermore, the review goes beyond fabrication techniques to provide an overview of the latest biomedical applications and research endeavors utilizing SF‐derived scaffolds. From nerve regeneration and wound healing to drug delivery, bone regeneration, and vascular tissue engineering, the diverse applications underscore the versatility of SF in adopting various biomedical challenges. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for standardized characterization techniques, scalable manufacturing processes, and long‐term in vivo studies.
Investigating Dynamic Changes in 3D‐Printed Covalent Adaptable Polymer Networks
Authors: Jia Yixuan , Spiegel Christoph A. , Diehm Juliane , Zimmermann Daniel , Huber Birgit , Mutlu Hatice , Franzreb Matthias , Wilhelm Manfred , Théato Patrick , Blasco Eva , Tsotsalas Manuel
Published: March 2024

3D printing technologies have matured to produce complex structures, still they are often limited to static materials. Introducing alkoxyamine bonds into 3D printed structures offers unprecedented possibilities for post‐synthetic modification through nitroxide exchange reaction and nitroxide‐mediated polymerization. This study provides a comprehensive molecular and macroscopic characterization of 3D‐printed alkoxyamine‐containing dynamic covalent adaptable networks. The study provides new insights into their dynamic structural and mechanical alterations, making them promising candidates for advanced applications ranging from biomedical engineering to flexible electronics.
Complete real Kähler submanifolds
Authors: de Carvalho A.
Published: March 2024

Let denote an isometric immersion of a Kähler manifold with complex dimension into Euclidean space with codimension . We show that generic rank conditions on the second fundamental form of a non‐minimal complete real Kähler submanifold imply that is a cylinder over a real Kähler submanifold .
The Motor Dysfunction Seen in Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Simonet Cristina , Pérez‐Carbonell Laura , Galmés‐Ordinas Miquel A. , Huxford Brook F.R. , Chohan Harneek , Gill Aneet , Leschziner Guy , Lees Andrew J. , Schrag Anette , Noyce Alastair J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Isolated Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) requires quantitative tools to detect incipient Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

A motor battery was designed and compared with the Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS‐UPDRS‐III) in people with iRBD and controls. This included two keyboard‐based tests (BRadykinesia Akinesia INcoordination tap test and Distal Finger Tapping) and two dual tasking tests (walking and finger tapping).

Results

We included 33 iRBD patients and 29 controls. The iRBD group performed both keyboard‐based tapping tests more slowly (P < 0.001, P = 0.020) and less rhythmically (P < 0.001, P = 0.006) than controls. Unlike controls, the iRBD group increased their walking duration (P < 0.001) and had a smaller amplitude (P = 0.001) and slower (P = 0.007) finger tapping with dual task. The combination of the most salient motor markers showed 90.3% sensitivity for 89.3% specificity (area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.94), which was higher than the MDS‐UPDRS‐III (minus action tremor) (69.7% sensitivity, 72.4% specificity; AUC, 0.81) for detecting motor dysfunction.

Conclusion

Speed, rhythm, and dual task motor deterioration might be accurate indicators of incipient PD in iRBD. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Urolithin A Ameliorates Athletic Ability and Intestinal Microbiota in Sleep Deprivation from the Perspective of the Gut‐Muscle Axis
Authors: Zhu Hongkang , Zhao Haotian , Qian He , Liu Chang
Published: March 2024

Scope

Urolithin A (UA), a gut‐microbiota‐derived metabolite of ellagic acid, presents various benefits to intestinal microecology. The presence of “gut‐muscle axis” regulating the onset and progression of exercise‐related physical frailty and sarcopenia has been recently hypothesized. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of gut‐muscle axis by which UA enhances muscle strength and fatigue resistance of sleep‐deprived (SD) mice.

Methods and results

UA is gavaged to C57BL/6 mice (50 mg kg−1 bw) before 48‐h SD. The results indicate that pretreatment of UA significantly enhances motor ability and energy metabolism. The inflammation is suppressed, and intestinal permeability is improved after prophylactic treatment with UA. The decreased level of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is concomitant with augmentation of the intestinal tight junction proteins. 16s rRNA analysis of colonic contents reveals that UA significantly reduces the abundance of Clostridia_UCG‐014 and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and upregulates Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae. UA probably influences on gut microbial functions via several energy metabolism pathways, such as carbon metabolism, phosphotransferase system (PTS), and ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters.

Conclusions

The dietary intervention of UA helps to create a systemic protection, a bidirectional communication connecting the gut microbiota with muscle system, able to alleviate SD‐induced mobility impairment and gut dysbiosis.
Integrating data distribution prior via Langevin dynamics for end‐to‐end MR reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Jing , Cui Zhuo‐Xu , Zhu Qingyong , Wang Haifeng , Zhu Yanjie , Liang Dong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To develop a novel deep learning‐based method inheriting the advantages of data distribution prior and end‐to‐end training for accelerating MRI.

Methods

Langevin dynamics is used to formulate image reconstruction with data distribution before facilitate image reconstruction. The data distribution prior is learned implicitly through the end‐to‐end adversarial training to mitigate the hyper‐parameter selection and shorten the testing time compared to traditional probabilistic reconstruction. By seamlessly integrating the deep equilibrium model, the iteration of Langevin dynamics culminates in convergence to a fix‐point, ensuring the stability of the learned distribution.

Results

The feasibility of the proposed method is evaluated on the brain and knee datasets. Retrospective results with uniform and random masks show that the proposed method demonstrates superior performance both quantitatively and qualitatively than the state‐of‐the‐art.

Conclusion

The proposed method incorporating Langevin dynamics with end‐to‐end adversarial training facilitates efficient and robust reconstruction for MRI. Empirical evaluations conducted on brain and knee datasets compellingly demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method in terms of artifact removing and detail preserving.