bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-PBF of the Metastable β Titanium Alloy Ti-5553: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Meier Benjamin , Petrusa Jelena , Waldhauser Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr or Ti-5553 is a metastable β Titanium alloy with excellent mechanical properties. Compared to the most common titanium alloy, the α and β Ti6Al4V, even at high cooling rates as present in the laser powder bed fusion process, it establishes an β dominant microstructure which is further highly tunable by heat treatment at lower temperatures than Ti6Al4V.

In the scope of this contribution, the processability of T‑5553 is investigated, and the effects of stress relief heat treatment are evaluated. Its influence of achieved microstructures on hardness and impact strength is shown.
New homogenization results for convex integral functionals and their Euler–Lagrange equations
Authors: Ruf Matthias , Schäffner Mathias
Published: January 2024

We study stochastic homogenization for convex integral functionals $$\begin{aligned} u\mapsto \int _D W(\omega ,\tfrac{x}{\varepsilon },\nabla u)\,\textrm{d}x,\quad \text{ where }\quad u:D\subset {\mathbb {R}}^d\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^m, \end{aligned}$$

u
↦

∫
D

W

(
ω
,

x
ε

,
∇
u
)

d
x
,

where

u
:
D
⊂

R

d

→

R

m

,

defined on Sobolev spaces. Assuming only stochastic integrability of the map
$$\omega \mapsto W(\omega ,0,\xi )$$

ω
↦
W
(
ω
,
0
,
ξ
)

, we prove homogenization results under two different sets of assumptions, namely

$$\bullet _1$$

∙
1

W satisfies superlinear growth quantified by the stochastic integrability of the Fenchel conjugate $$W^*(\cdot ,0,\xi )$$

W
∗

(
·
,
0
,
ξ
)

and a certain monotonicity condition that ensures that the functional does not increase too much by componentwise truncation of u,

$$\bullet _2$$

∙
2

W is p-coercive in the sense $$|\xi |^p\le W(\omega ,x,\xi )$$

|
ξ
|

p

≤
W

(
ω
,
x
,
ξ
)

for some $$p>d-1$$

p
>
d
-
1

.

Condition $$\bullet _2$$

∙
2

directly improves upon earlier results, where p-coercivity with $$p>d$$

p
>
d

is assumed and $$\bullet _1$$

∙
1

provides an alternative condition under very weak coercivity assumptions and additional structure conditions on the integrand. We also study the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equations in the setting of Sobolev-Orlicz spaces. In particular, if $$W(\omega ,x,\xi )$$

W
(
ω
,
x
,
ξ
)

is comparable to $$W(\omega ,x,-\xi )$$

W
(
ω
,
x
,
-
ξ
)

in a suitable sense, we show that the homogenized integrand is differentiable.
Quantum dots-based “chemical tongue” for the discrimination of short-length Aβ peptides
Authors: Głowacz Klaudia , Drozd Marcin , Tokarska Weronika , Wezynfeld Nina E. , Ciosek-Skibińska Patrycja
Published: January 2024

A “chemical tongue” is proposed based on thiomalic acid-capped quantum dots (QDs) with signal enrichment provided by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy for the determination of close structural analogs—short-length amyloid β (Aβ) peptides related to Alzheimer’s disease. Excellent discrimination is obtained by principal component analysis (PCA) for seven derivatives: Aβ1-16, Aβ4-16, Aβ4-9, Aβ5-16, Aβ5-12, Aβ5-9, Aβ12-16. Detection of Aβ4-16, Aβ4-16, and Aβ5-9 in binary and ternary mixtures performed by QDs-based chemical tongue using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) provided perfect 100% accuracy for the two studied peptides (Aβ4-16 and Aβ4-16), while for the third one (Aβ5-9) it was slightly lower (97.9%). Successful detection of Aβ4-16 at 1 pmol/mL (1.6 ng/mL) suggests that the detection limit of the proposed method for short-length Aβ peptides can span nanomolar concentrations. This result is highly promising for the development of simple and efficient methods for sequence recognition in short-length peptides and better understanding of mechanisms at the QD-analyte interface.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/carbon black/rPLA for high-performance conductive additive manufacturing filament and the simultaneous detection of acetaminophen and phenylephrine
Authors: Crapnell Robert D. , Arantes Iana V. S. , Camargo Jéssica R. , Bernalte Elena , Whittingham Matthew J. , Janegitz Bruno C. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: January 2024

The combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carbon black (CB) is presented to produce a high-performance electrically conductive recycled additive manufacturing filament. The filament and subsequent additively manufactured electrodes were characterised by TGA, XPS, Raman, and SEM and showed excellent low-temperature flexibility. The MWCNT/CB filament exhibited an improved electrochemical performance compared to an identical in-house produced bespoke filament using only CB. A heterogeneous electrochemical rate constant, $${k}_{obs}^0$$

k

obs

0

of 1.71 (± 0.19) × 10−3 cm s−1 was obtained, showing an almost six times improvement over the commonly used commercial conductive CB/PLA. The filament was successfully tested for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen and phenylephrine, producing linear ranges of 5–60 and 5–200 μM, sensitivities of 0.05 μA μM−1 and 0.14 μA μM−1, and limits of detection of 0.04 μM and 0.38 μM, respectively. A print-at-home device is presented where a removable lid comprised of rPLA can be placed onto a drinking vessel and the working, counter, and reference components made from our bespoke MWCNT/CB filament. The print-at-home device was successfully used to determine both compounds within real pharmaceutical products, with recoveries between 87 and 120% over a range of three real samples. This work paves the way for fabricating new highly conductive filaments using a combination of carbon materials with different morphologies and physicochemical properties and their application to produce additively manufactured electrodes with greatly improved electrochemical performance.

Graphical abstract
Academics’ experience of online reading lists and the use of reading list notes
Authors: Kumara P. P. N. V. , Hinze Annika , Vanderschantz Nicholas , Timpany Claire
Published: January 2024

Reading Lists Systems are widely used in tertiary education as a pedagogical tool and for tracking copyrighted material. This paper explores academics' experiences with reading lists and in particular the use of reading lists notes feature. A mixed-methods approach was employed in which we first conducted interviews with academics about their experience with reading lists. We identified the need for streamlining the workflow of the reading lists set-up, improved usability of the interfaces, and better synchronization with other teaching support systems. Next, we performed a log analysis of the use of the notes feature throughout one academic year. The results of our log analysis were that the note feature is under-utilized by academics. We recommend improving the systems’ usability by re-engineering the user workflows and to better integrate notes feature into academic teaching.
An automated approach for binary classification on imbalanced data
Authors: Vieira Pedro Marques , Rodrigues Fátima
Published: January 2024

Imbalanced data are present in various business sectors and must be handled with the proper resampling methods and classification algorithms. To handle imbalanced data, there are numerous resampling and learning method combinations; nonetheless, their effective use necessitates specialised knowledge. In this paper, several approaches, ranging from more accessible to more advanced in the domain of data resampling techniques, will be considered to handle imbalanced data. The application developed delivers recommendations of the most suitable combinations of techniques for a specific dataset by extracting and comparing dataset meta-feature values recorded in a knowledge base. It facilitates effortless classification and automates part of the machine learning pipeline with comparable or better results than state-of-the-art solutions and with a much smaller execution time.
Historical architecture pedagogy meets virtual technologies: A comparative case study
Authors: Guo Xiang-Min , Wang Dan-Cen , Lo Tian-Tian , Huang Xiao-Hong
Published: January 2024

The immersive experience and diverse interaction modes provided by virtual digital technology match the spatial sensitivity and practical ability required in the field of architectural teaching, and its technological advantages can significantly enhance teaching outcomes. However, in the field of architecture teaching, there has been a lack of discussion on the suitability of different virtual technologies and teaching scenarios for historical buildings. Therefore, this study constructed a comprehensive adaptive evaluation system for virtual technology and selected 360-degree panoramic technology (360-degree PT), Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) technology, and Desktop Virtual Reality (DVR) technology as representatives for empirical study. The research method used in this experiment is a questionnaire survey, involving a total of 60 students majoring in architecture and planning, with a certain foundation in historical architecture knowledge. Multiple statistical methods are employed to analyze the data. The experimental data indicates that IVR technology performs the best in terms of learning outcomes, learning autonomy, and sense of presence, making it suitable for immersive and interactive learning needs. 360-degree PT demonstrates the best perception of architectural features, catering to the demand for visual effects. DVR technology exhibits the highest learning efficiency, meeting the need for simplicity, efficiency, and widespread application. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) technology and mixed reality (MR) technology have lower adaptability and do not meet the learning requirements for immersive spatial experiences. This study is expected to provide a new technical pathway for teaching historical buildings and serve as a systematic reference for selecting specific technologies.
How to Know That You’re Not a Zombie
Authors: Ramm Brentyn J.
Published: January 2024

I am aware of the tree and its leaves, but am I aware of my awareness of these things? When I try to introspect my awareness, I just find myself attending to objects and their properties. This observation is known as the ‘transparency of experience’. On the other hand, I seem to directly know that I am aware. Given the first observation, it is not clear how I know that I am aware. Fred Dretske thought that the problem was so acute that he issued the challenge of answering ‘How do you know that you are not a zombie?’ I propose that a view found in the Advaita Vedanta, that awareness is self-luminous, reconciles these two observations. I understand self-luminosity as the thesis that: (1) I am implicitly aware of my awareness and (2) I am phenomenally aware of a distinct phenomenal character of my awareness. In support of the first claim, that I apparently only attend to objects in the world when introspecting perceptual experience, suggests that I do not know my awareness explicitly, but rather that I must know it implicitly. In support of the second claim, I argue that the mere fact that I am perceptually conscious is not sufficient to allow me to know that I am perceptually conscious. In particular, the qualities I am perceptually aware of do not tell me that I aware of them, rather they just seem to be properties of objects. I also assess whether strategies for responding to Cartesian sceptical scenarios can be employed against Dretske’s consciousness scepticism. I argue that these strategies either fail to distinguish me from a zombie or they do not adequately describe my epistemic situation. By contrast to other accounts, if awareness has its own distinct phenomenal character, then it cannot be considered to be a prima facie property of the world, hence the self-luminosity of awareness provides a plausible account of how I know that I’m not a zombie.
Will the central land inspection affect the intensity of local environmental protection? Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Shichang , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2024

Observing the impact and alienation of local government implementation of central policies is helpful for a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of central policy execution and the systematic formulation of central-local management policies. This paper takes the influence of land inspections on local government environmental behavior as the research object, based on the land inspection system initiated by the central government in 2006. It uses panel data from 30 provinces in China and a difference-in-differences method to assess the environmental protection crowding-out effect of land inspections for the first time and conducts an in-depth exploration of its mechanisms and heterogeneity. The study findings are as follows: (1) In a long-term sample spanning from 1997 to 2020, the establishment of land inspection bureaus did not significantly increase the level of environmental pollution in the host regions. (2) In a short-term sample spanning from 2000 to 2015, the establishment of land inspection bureaus significantly increased the level of environmental pollution in the host regions. (3) The environmental protection crowding-out effect of land inspections is mainly due to the restraint on local government fiscal revenue. (4) The larger the economic scale, the more significant the positive effect of land inspections on the level of environmental pollution in the host regions.
Impacts of pristine, aged and leachate of conventional and biodegradable plastics on plant growth and soil organic carbon
Authors: Wright Amy C. M. , Boots Bas , Ings Thomas C. , Green Dannielle S.
Published: January 2024

Plastic is an essential component of agriculture globally, becoming a concerning form of pollution. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining attention as a potential replacement for commonly used, non-degradable plastics, but there is little known about the impacts of biodegradable plastics as they age and potential leachates are released. In this study, different types (conventional: polyethylene and polypropylene and biodegradable: polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid) of micro- and meso-films were added to soil at 0.1% (w/w) prior to being planted withLolium perenne(perennial ryegrass) to evaluate the plant and soil biophysical responses in a pot experiment. Root and shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were reduced when soil was exposed to plastics, whether conventional or biodegradable, pristine, aged or when just their leachate was present. The pH and organic matter content of soil exposed to these plastics and their leachates was significantly reduced compared to control samples; furthermore, there was an increase in CO2respiration rate from soil. In general, meso (> 5 mm) and micro (< 5 mm) plastic films did not differ in the impact on plants or soil. This study provides evidence that conventional and biodegradable plastics have both physical and chemical impacts on essential soil characteristics and the growth ofL. perenne, potentially leading to wider effects on soil carbon cycling.

Graphical abstract
Periphere Neuropathie bei Diabetes (Teil 2)
Authors: Ziegler Dan
Published: January 2024

Die Behandlung der diabetischen distal-symmetrischen sensomotorischen Polyneuropathie (DSPN) umfasst 3 Eckpfeiler im Sinne eines holistischen multimodalen Konzepts unter Berücksichtigung des individuellen Risikoprofils mit dem Ziel einer dauerhaften Verbesserung der Lebensqualität: 1. kausale Therapie: optimale Diabeteseinstellung einschließlich Lebensstiländerung als Basismaßnahme sowie multifaktorielle kardiovaskuläre Risikointervention, 2. pathogenetisch begründete und 3. symptomatische Therapie neuropathischer Schmerzen. Zur Behandlung der DSPN wurde ein stufenweises Vorgehen anhand eines evidenzbasierten Algorithmus empfohlen. Die multimodale Schmerztherapie sollte nicht allein auf eine Schmerzlinderung abzielen, sondern auch eine nachhaltige Verbesserung der Schlafqualität, der Mobilität und der allgemeinen Lebensqualität ermöglichen.
The influence of crack and interface oxidation on dwell fatigue crack propagation behavior of the nickel-base superalloy ATI A718Plus
Authors: Kirchmayer A. , Hausmann D. , Gabel S. , Pröbstle M. , Giese S. , Göken M. , Hünert D. , Neumeier S.
Published: January 2024

The crack propagation properties are an important and often limiting factor for the commercial application of superalloys in aerospace applications where the oxidation ahead of the crack tip plays an important role. Previous research on the Ni-base superalloy A718Plus revealed that the orientation and the volume fraction of the high temperature grain boundary phases δ and η have a major influence on the dwell fatigue crack propagation rate at 650 °C in ambient air but not in vacuum. In this work, the effect of internal oxidation at the η/δ–matrix interface and its effect on dwell fatigue crack propagation and mechanical properties are examined by advanced microscopic methods and micro-cantilever testing. During crack propagation, the crack tip is exposed to air where a Nb-rich oxide layer forms and embrittles the η/δ–matrix interface causing the cracks to deflect and propagate along the oxidized interfaces. Micro-cantilever tests on the oxidized interface show that these oxide layers also significantly reduce the local strength and fracture toughness of the material. This proves that interfacial oxide layers are the underlying reason for the reduction of the dwell fatigue crack growth resistance at 650 °C, particularly in microstructures whose η/δ–matrix interfaces are oriented parallel to the crack growth direction.

Graphical Abstract
Inline Determination of the Gel Elastic Modulus During Milk Coagulation Using a Multifiber Optical Probe
Authors: Villaquiran Zulma , Zamora Anna , Arango Oscar , Castillo Manuel
Published: January 2024

From a state-of-the-art point of view, it is currently possible to optically monitor the enzymatic coagulation of milk for real time estimation of the elastic modulus to cut the gel at optimum gel firmness. However, European cheese industry produces a wide variety of cheeses, many of them artisanal, and has a very fragmented productive structure with many small-, medium-sized companies. Therefore, if the technology is to be successfully uptake, it must be not only accurate but very low-cost. The objective of this work was to evaluate a low-cost commercial multifiber probe, for inline optical determination of curd firmness during cheese making. Preliminary tests were carried out to select the most appropriate fiber core size and wavelength and after that coagulation trials were performed following a fully randomized factorial design with two factors, i.e., concentration of protein (3.2, 3.6 and 4.0%) and added calcium (150, 200 and 250 mg L−1), with three replicates. The observed linear increase of the least square means of the initial voltage with the protein content (V0 = 0.15[P, %] + 0.88; R2 = 0.999), will be likely synergistic with the elastic modulus prediction if the model needs to be corrected for protein. Finally, the multifiber probe allowed predicting curd firmness using the proposed model with SEP values < 7 Pa. The present work has proven that a low-cost multifiber probe is suitable for accurate, real-time prediction of curd firmness during cheese manufacture.
Screening of Aroma-Producing Performance of Anticlostridial Lacticaseibacillus casei Strains
Authors: Renoldi Niccolò , Innocente Nadia , Rossi Anna , Brasca Milena , Morandi Stefano , Marino Marilena
Published: January 2024

The cheesemaking industry is increasingly interested in using adjunct cultures with potential aromatic and anticlostridial activities. In this study, 34 Lb. paracasei and 2 Lb. rhamnosus strains were isolated from a semi-hard cheese and characterized for their proteolytic, esterase, and anticlostridial activity. Moreover, the strains were inoculated in a curd-based medium and the volatile compounds in the headspace of samples were evaluated by solid-phase microextraction–GC–MS analysis. Proteolytic activity was present in 30 strains, whereas only one Lb. paracasei strain showed esterase activity. All strains inhibited Cl. sporogenes, Cl. beijerinckii, and Cl. butyricum, and 18 isolates inhibited at least one Cl. tyrobutyricum strain. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis based on the volatilome grouped strains into three groups. One of these groups was characterized by high amounts of acids and esters and clustered with control samples inoculated with commercial starter cultures, suggesting similarity in the aroma profile. Strains belonging to this group with inhibitory effects against Cl. tyrobutyricum might be exploited as autochthonous adjunct cultures for the reduction of late-blowing defects in semi-hard cheeses.
Association Between Diverse Cell Death Patterns Related Gene Signature and Prognosis, Drug Sensitivity, and Immune Microenvironment in Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Jian , Song Zhaoming , Chen Zhouqing , Gu Jingyu , Cai Yifan , Zhang Li , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most invasive type of glioma and is difficult to treat. Diverse programmed cell death (PCD) patterns have a significant association with tumor initiation and progression. A novel prognostic model based on PCD genes may serve as an effective tool to predict the prognosis of GBM. The study incorporated 11 PCD patterns, namely apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, entotic cell death, netotic cell death, parthanatos, lysosome-dependent cell death, autophagy-dependent cell death, alkaliptosis, and oxeiptosis, to develop the model. To construct and validate the model, both bulk and single-cell transcriptome data, along with corresponding clinical data from GBM cases, were obtained from the TCGA-GBM, REMBRANDT, CGGA, and GSE162631 datasets. A cell death-related signature containing 14 genes was constructed with the TCGA-GBM cohort and validated in the REMBRANDT and CGGA datasets. GBM patients with a higher cell death index (CDI) were significantly associated with poorer survival outcomes. Two separate clusters associated with clinical outcomes emerged from unsupervised analysis. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of CDI with clinical characteristics, and a prognostic nomogram was developed. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed high-CDI GBM patients might be resistant to carmustine while sensitive to 5-fluorouracil. Less abundance of natural killer cells was found in GBM cases with high CDI and bulk transcriptome data. A cell death-related prognostic model that could predict the prognosis of GBM patients with good performance was established, which could discriminate between the prognosis and drug sensitivity of GBM.
Kinderschutz in der Schweiz
Authors: Gautschi Joel , Schnurr Stefan
Published: January 2024

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Einblick in das Kinderschutzsystem der Schweiz. Er beschreibt die bundesrechtlichen Grundlagen, Aufgaben und Rolle der Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörden, sowie relevante Prozesse von der Meldung einer Gefährdung bis zur Entscheidung über Kinderschutzmaßnahmen. Der Artikel schließt mit der Erörterung aktueller Herausforderungen und Debatten.
Multiscale numerical modeling of large-format additive manufacturing processes using carbon fiber reinforced polymer for digital twin applications
Authors: Castelló-Pedrero Pablo , García-Gascón César , García-Manrique Juan A.
Published: January 2024

Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) has gained prominence in the aerospace and automotive industries, where topology optimization has become crucial. LFAM facilitates the layer-by-layer production of sizeable industrial components in carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polymers, however 3D printing at large scales results in warpage generation. Printed components are deformed as residual stresses generated due to thermal gradients between adjacent layers. This paper tackles the problem at two different scales: the micro and macroscale. Initially, the microstructure characterization of the thermoplastic ABS matrix composite material enriched with 20% short CF is used in the development of numerical models to understand the mechanical behavior of the studied material. Numerical modeling is performed simultaneously by means of Mean-Field (MF) homogenization methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Outcomes validated with corrected experimental mechanical testing results show a discrepancy in the elastic modulus of 7.8% with respect to FE multi-layer analysis. Micro-level results are coupled with the a macroscopic approach to reproduce the LFAM process, demonstrating the feasibility of the tool in the development of a Digital Twin (DT).
The Spread of Jihadism in the Sahel. Part 2
Authors: Haidara Boubacar
Published: January 2024

Following the occupation of northern Mali by jihadist groups in 2012, the national and international military response failed to counter their influence. Having spread to neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso and Niger, jihadism is now on the doorstep of some countries in the Gulf of Guinea, such as Togo and Benin. This article analyses in three parts the main factors that have been exploited (instrumentalised) by these jihadist groups in the Sahel, a strategy that they could replicate in the countries mentioned above.
Sandpack flooding of microwave absorbent nanofluids under electromagnetic radiation: an experimental study
Authors: Gharibshahi Reza , Omidkhah Mohammadreza , Jafari Arezou
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation has long been recognized as an effective method for enhancing the quality and recovery of heavy and extra-heavy crude oil. The incorporation of EM absorbers, particularly nanoparticles, has demonstrated significant potential to boost efficiency and expand the stimulated reservoir volume. However, the application of simultaneous EM radiation and nanofluid injection in a natural porous medium, which is critical for the successful implementation of this approach in field-scale operations, remains an underexplored frontier. In this context, this research represents a pioneering endeavor, aiming to bridge this knowledge gap through a comprehensive statistical and optimization study. The primary objective was to unravel the intricate interplay between five distinct types of magnetic nanoparticles and their concentrations within the base fluid to improve oil production. Notably, it focused on iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles and their innovative hybridization with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanomaterial. A newly designed glass sandpack was employed as the porous medium, thus mirroring real reservoir conditions more accurately. Then, a rigorous full factorial design scrutinized the multifaceted effects of nanoparticle type and concentration when introduced into deionized water during this process. The results showed that microwave radiation, applied at 400 W, dramatically improved oil recovery, catapulting it from a baseline of 19% to an impressive 39.5% during water injection. The addition of magnetic nanoparticles to the base fluid enhances efficiency. However, the specific type of nanoparticle exerts varying effects on oil recovery rates. Notably, the synthesis of Fe3O4–MWCNT nanoparticles had a substantial impact on the ultimate oil recovery factor, achieving approximately 69%. Furthermore, the hybridization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with MWCNT and NiO nanoparticles leads to reduced consumption (using low weight percentages) while achieving the highest oil recovery rates during the injection process. Finally, the optimization analysis demonstrated that employing 0.34 wt.% of Fe3O4–MWCNT nanoparticles under 400 W of microwave radiation represents the optimal condition for achieving the highest oil production in a sandpack porous medium. Under these conditions, the oil recovery factor can increase to 78%.
Experiencing the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as an acute threat: a grounded theory study on the diagnostic process of people with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ristau Patrick , Oetting-Roß Claudia , Büscher Andreas
Published: January 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed late and at an advanced stage. Thus, cure is not possible in most cases and the prognosis is often poor.

Objective

This article explores how people with pancreatic cancer experience their diagnostic process.

Methods

Twenty problem-centered interviews with people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were conducted and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

Results

We identified a multicausal central phenomenon: people experience the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as an acute (life) threat. Communication of the diagnosis initiates a process of consideration, self-reflection, and negotiation. It leads to either being unable to handle the diagnosis or to its acceptance, questioning, or rejection. Prognostically unfavorable findings are not accepted as such at first. This process results in rapid treatment initiation or in seeking a second medical opinion.

Conclusion

This paper provides a model of the diagnostic experience of people with pancreatic cancer. In the early phase after diagnosis, neither shared decision-making nor best supportive care strategies appear to be effective. In the future, this knowledge may be used to develop targeted interventions which could be applied during the diagnostic process and support patients.
Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review
Authors: Walter Tony G. , Bricknell Lisa K. , Preston Robyn G. , Crawford Elise G. C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune to the public health impacts and continues to be underprepared, putting the population health at risk. However, there is a dearth in knowledge about how the Australian public health system will address the impacts of climate change.

Recent Findings

This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, and guidance material suitable for climate change adaptation from a preventive public health perspective. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods in public health and excluded the clinical context and reactive disaster response approaches.

This review revealed that Australia is ill-prepared to manage climate change adverse health impacts due to ineffective adaptation strategies. The review highlights that Australia urgently requires effective adaptation strategies such as undertaking a National Adaptation Plan process and an improved understanding in managing complex health risks. Taking this action will strengthen the public health system and build health resilience especially for vulnerable populations. These findings will help understand and develop of the necessary adaptive strategies in Australia.
Integrating Levels of Hierarchical Organization in Porous Organic Molecular Materials
Authors: Ferrando-Soria Jesus , Fernandez Antonio
Published: January 2024

Porous organic molecular materials (POMMs) are an emergent class of molecular-based materials characterized by the formation of extended porous frameworks, mainly held by non-covalent interactions. POMMs represent a variety of chemical families, such as hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, porous organic salts, porous organic cages, C − H⋅⋅⋅π microporous crystals, supramolecular organic frameworks, π-organic frameworks, halogen-bonded organic framework, and intrinsically porous molecular materials. In some porous materials such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks, the integration of multiscale has been adopted to build materials with multifunctionality and optimized properties. Therefore, considering the significant role of hierarchy in porous materials and the growing importance of POMMs in the realm of synthetic porous materials, we consider it appropriate to dedicate for the first time a critical review covering both topics. Herein, we will provide a summary of literature examples showcasing hierarchical POMMs, with a focus on their main synthetic approaches, applications, and the advantages brought forth by introducing hierarchy.
Construction of a High-Performance Composite Solid Electrolyte Through In-Situ Polymerization within a Self-Supported Porous Garnet Framework
Authors: Nguyen An-Giang , Lee Min-Ho , Kim Jaekook , Park Chan-Jin
Published: January 2024

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) have emerged as promising candidates for safe and high-energy–density solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, concurrently achieving exceptional ionic conductivity and interface compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode presents a significant challenge in the development of high-performance CSEs for SSLMBs. To overcome these challenges, we present a method involving the in-situ polymerization of a monomer within a self-supported porous Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZT) to produce the CSE. The synergy of the continuous conductive LLZT network, well-organized polymer, and their interface can enhance the ionic conductivity of the CSE at room temperature. Furthermore, the in-situ polymerization process can also construct the integration and compatibility of the solid electrolyte–solid electrode interface. The synthesized CSE exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 1.117 mS cm−1, a significant lithium transference number of 0.627, and exhibited electrochemical stability up to 5.06 V vs. Li/Li+ at 30 °C. Moreover, the Li|CSE|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell delivered a discharge capacity of 105.1 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 C and 30 °C, corresponding to a capacity retention of 61%. This methodology could be extended to a variety of ceramic, polymer electrolytes, or battery systems, thereby offering a viable strategy to improve the electrochemical properties of CSEs for high-energy–density SSLMBs.
3D-Printed Carbon-Based Conformal Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Module for Integrated Electronics
Authors: Shi Shaohong , Jiang Yuheng , Ren Hao , Deng Siwen , Sun Jianping , Cheng Fangchao , Jing Jingjing , Chen Yinghong
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI SE) modules are the core component of modern electronics. However, the traditional metal-based SE modules always take up indispensable three-dimensional space inside electronics, posing a major obstacle to the integration of electronics. The innovation of integrating 3D-printed conformal shielding (c-SE) modules with packaging materials onto core electronics offers infinite possibilities to satisfy ideal SE function without occupying additional space. Herein, the 3D printable carbon-based inks with various proportions of graphene and carbon nanotube nanoparticles are well-formulated by manipulating their rheological peculiarity. Accordingly, the free-constructed architectures with arbitrarily-customized structure and multifunctionality are created via 3D printing. In particular, the SE performance of 3D-printed frame is up to 61.4 dB, simultaneously accompanied with an ultralight architecture of 0.076 g cm−3 and a superhigh specific shielding of 802.4 dB cm3 g−1. Moreover, as a proof-of-concept, the 3D-printed c-SE module is in situ integrated into core electronics, successfully replacing the traditional metal-based module to afford multiple functions for electromagnetic compatibility and thermal dissipation. Thus, this scientific innovation completely makes up the blank for assembling carbon-based c-SE modules and sheds a brilliant light on developing the next generation of high-performance shielding materials with arbitrarily-customized structure for integrated electronics.
Image Classification and Restoration of Ancient Textiles Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sha Sha , Li Yi , Wei Wantong , Liu Yating , Chi Cheng , Jiang Xuewei , Deng Zhongmin , Luo Lei
Published: January 2024

Ancient textile images have a variety of styles and themes, and the classification of different types of textiles provides a reliable reference for the protection and restoration of cultural relics. Due to the low efficiency of traditional classification methods and the low accuracy of classification, the image restoration of textiles takes longer and the repair effect is poor. Therefore, this paper takes ancient textile images as the research object and selects YOLOv4–ViT collaborative identification network (YOLOv4–ViT network) and generative adversarial networks (GAN) restoration model from a variety of network models to classify and restore ancient textile images. In this work, YOLOv4–ViT network is used to recognize and classify pattern elements in ancient textile images. Then, according to the classification results, restoration training of ancient textiles was carried out using an improved GAN restoration model, for which the final classification accuracy reached 92.78% and the repair result even took only 1.5 s. On this basis, a reliable retrieval and restoration system is designed to realize the repair of damaged textile images, reduce the difficulty of repair, and help users retrieve and browse different categories of ancient textile images, thus solve the problems of slow retrieval speed in traditional retrieval methods and poor restoration effect of ancient textile images.
Predicting Day-Ahead Electricity Market Prices through the Integration of Macroeconomic Factors and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Bâra Adela , Oprea Simona-Vasilica
Published: January 2024

Several events in the last years changed to some extent the common understanding of the electricity day-ahead market (DAM). The shape of the electricity price curve has been altered as some factors that underpinned the electricity price forecast (EPF) lost their importance and new influential factors emerged. In this paper, we aim to showcase the changes in EPF, understand the effects of uncertainties and propose a forecasting method using machine learning (ML) algorithms to cope with random events such as COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Black Sea region. By adjusting the training period according to the standard deviation that reflects the price volatility, feature engineering and by using two regressors for weighing the results, significant improvements in the performance of the EPF are achieved. One of the contributions of the proposed method consists in adjusting the training period considering the price variation. Thus, we introduce a rule-based approach given an empirical observation that for days with a higher growth in prices the training interval should be shortened, capturing the sharp variations of prices. The results of several cutting-edge ML algorithms represent the input for a predictive meta-model to obtain the best forecasting solution. The input dataset spans from Jan. 2019 to Aug. 2022, testing the proposed EPF method for both stable and more tumultuous intervals and proving its robustness. This analysis provides decision makers with an understanding of the price trends and suggests measures to combat spikes. Numerical findings indicate that on average mean absolute error (MAE) improved by 48% and root mean squared error (RMSE) improved by 44% compared to the baseline model (without feature engineering/adjusting training). When the output of the ML algorithms is weighted using the proposed meta-model, MAE further improved by 2.3% in 2020 and 5.14% in 2022. Less errors are recorded in stable years like 2019 and 2020 (MAE = 6.71, RMSE = 14.67) compared to 2021 and 2022 (MAE = 9.45, RMSE = 20.64).
A Scoping Review on Malaria Prevention and Control Intervention in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS): A Need for Renewed Focus to Enhance International Cooperation
Authors: Pattanshetty Sanjay , Dsouza Viola Savy , Shekharappa Anupama , Yagantigari Maheswara , Raj Rohit , Inamdar Aniruddha , Alsamara Issam , Rajvanshi Harsh , Brand Helmut
Published: January 2024

Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries. The burden of malaria in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) is increasing year by year. Moreover, the population living in FCAS is often the most vulnerable and at high risk of malaria due to factors, such as deteriorating healthcare system, mass relocations, and reduced resilience to shocks. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map the interventions that are conducted at the FCAS on malaria prevention among the general population. In addition, this review can help policy-makers and international health bodies, providing a comprehensive overview that can lead to more targeted, effective, and context-specific interventions. Databases, such as PubMed, EBSCO-CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched using specified search terms. A total of 3601 studies were retrieved from the search. After screening, 62 studies were included in the synthesis that met the eligibility criteria. Narrative analysis of the findings was done. The results revealed that in fragile countries, interventions for children below 5 years of age included IPTi, TDA, and ACT. In conflicted countries, interventions for children below 5 years of age included TDA, LLINs, SMC, drug trials, and vaccination. Similar interventions were reported for other age groups and populations. Despite ongoing conflicts, malaria interventions have been maintained in these countries, but a persistent high burden of malaria remains. To achieve the goals of malaria elimination, the results of the review highlight the need for continued research and evaluation of malaria control interventions to assess their effectiveness and impact. Strengthening health systems, building partnerships, utilizing digital health technologies, and conducting context-specific research are recommended to improve healthcare access and reduce the burden of malaria in FCAS.
The Methods of Neuroethics
Authors: Malatesti Luca , McMillan John
Published: January 2024

This Element offers a framework for exploring the methodological challenges of neuroethics. The aim is to provide a roadmap for the methodological assumptions, and related pitfalls, involved in the interdisciplinary investigation of the ethical and legal implications of neuroscientific research and technology. It illustrates these points via the debate about the ethical and legal responsibility of psychopaths. Argument and the conceptual analysis of normative concepts such as 'personhood' or 'human agency' is central to neuroethics. This Element discusses different approaches to establishing norms and principles that regulate the practices addressed by neuroethics and that involve the use of such concepts. How to characterize the psychological features central to neuroethics, such as autonomy, consent, moral understanding, moral motivation, and control is a methodological challenge. In addition, there are epistemic challenges when determining the validity of neuroscientific evidence.
Attachment and Parent-Offspring Conflict
Authors: Hart Sybil L.
Published: January 2024

This Element builds on the mainstream theory of attachment and contemporary understanding of the environment of evolutionary adaptedness to address the origin and nature of infant-maternal bond formation. Sections 2 and 3 propose that attachment behaviors for protesting against separation and usurpation were compelled by infants' needs for close and undivided access to a source of breast milk, usually mothers, for three years to counter threats of undernutrition and disease that were the leading causes of infant mortality. Since these attachment behaviors would not have been presented unless they were compelled by maternal resistance, their arising is also attributed to parent-offspring conflict. Section 4 theorizes that the affectional nature of infant-maternal attachment originated within contexts of breastfeeding. Uniform and universal features of exclusive versus complementary breastfeeding, that could entail diverse experiences among multiple caregivers, may have shaped adaptations so that love relationships with mothers differ from those with nonmaternal caregivers.
A Survey of How Archaeological Repositories Are Managing Digital Associated Records and Data
Authors: Rivers Cofield Sara , Childs S. Terry , Majewski Teresita
Published: January 2024

Archaeologists are taught about the importance of professional recordation and our ethical obligations to those associated records and data. These teachings imply that practitioners are meeting a professional standard of recordation that will stand the test of time, but the ongoing digital revolution is changing the way records and data are created and preserved. Best practices for the management and use of digital archaeological records have been published, and devoted digital archives offer these services. However, the ability of traditional archaeological repositories to adopt best practices or pay for digital curation is poorly understood. This article presents the results of a survey asking how the flood of digital records and data has impacted the ability of archaeological repositories to collect, manage, preserve, use, and make accessible digital archaeological records and data. Are repositories adopting the best practices that have been outlined? What kinds of challenges do repositories face regarding digital records and data? Are they being overcome successfully? The survey results offer a snapshot of current practice and point to future directions that should be pursued to ensure that the discipline is meeting its professional obligations.
Working Ethically with Ancient DNA from Composites in the United States
Authors: Johnson Taryn , Thakar Heather B. , Watkins Joe , Linderholm Anna
Published: January 2024

This article discusses ethical frameworks for planning and implementing composite research in the United States. Composites, defined here as archaeological materials with multiple genetic sources, include materials such as sediment, coprolites, birch pitch, and dental calculus. Although composites are increasingly used in genetic research, the ethical considerations of their use in ancient DNA studies have not been widely discussed. Here, we consider how composites’ compositions, contexts, and potential to act as proxies can affect research plans and offer an overview of the primary ethical concerns of ancient DNA research. It is our view that ethical principles established for analyses of Ancestral remains and related materials can be used to inform research plans when working with composite evidence. This work also provides a guide to archaeologists unfamiliar with genetics analyses in planning research when using composite evidence from the United States with a focus on collaboration, having a clear research plan, and using lab methods that provide the desired data with minimal destruction. Following the principles discussed in this article and others allows for engaging in composite research while creating and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.