bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadmap for Schottky barrier transistors
Authors: Bestelink Eva , Galderisi Giulio , Golec Patryk , Han Yi , Iniguez Benjamin , Kloes Alexander , Knoch Joachim , Matsui Hiroyuki , Mikolajick Thomas , Niang Kham M , Richstein Benjamin , Schwarz Mike , Sistani Masiar , Sporea Radu A , Trommer Jens , Weber Walter M , Zhao Qing-Tai , Calvet Laurie E
Published: November 2024

In this roadmap we consider the status and challenges of technologies that use the properties of a rectifying metal-semiconductor interface, known as a Schottky barrier (SB), as an asset for device functionality. We discuss source gated transistors, which allow for excellent electronic characteristics for low power, low frequency environmentally friendly circuits. We also consider reconfigurable field effect transistors. In such devices, two or more independent gate electrodes can be used to program different functionalities at the device level, enabling ultra-secure embedded devices. Both types of transistors can be used for neuromorphic systems, notably by combining them with ferroelectric SB transistors which enable a large number of analog states. At cryogenic temperatures SB transistors can advantageously serve for the control electronics in quantum computing devices. If the source/drain of the metallic contact becomes superconducting, Josephson junctions with a tunable phase can be realized for scalable quantum computing applications. Developing applications using SB devices requires physics-based and compact models that can be used for circuit simulations, which are also discussed. The roadmap reveals that the main challenges for these technologies are improving processing, access to industrial technologies and modeling tools for circuit simulations.
Habitat assessment, population characteristics, and conservation recommendations for Nepali paper plant, Daphne bholua: ensuring the future of handmade paper production in Nepal’s Central Himalayas
Authors: Jnawali Bikram , Ojascastro James , Neupane Ajay , Nepal Shristhi , Hart Robbie , Ghimire Suresh Kumar
Published: November 2024

Daphne bholua Buch. -Ham. ex D. Don (Thymelaeaceae) is a woody shrub native to the temperate forests of the Himalaya. Since the 12th century, the bark of D. bholua has been used as a raw material for handmade paper in Nepal, and employed for value-added products, including government documents, and religious texts. However, unsustainable commercial harvesting now threatens this centuries-old artisanal tradition. To inform and improve the conservation of this important species, we evaluated its habitat characteristics, size class distribution, and regeneration status along an elevation gradient (1900–2500 m) in Madane Mountain, central Nepal. We established 108 plots (5 m× 5 m) at three sites, each with three canopy types: closed, semi-closed, and open. We analyzed habitat characteristics, considering variations in physical and topographic variables and patterns of associated species in different elevation sites. D. bholua exhibited the highest mean density at higher elevations with minimal disturbance, whereas the lowest elevation site, experienced greater human disturbance, with the lowest density. Furthermore, the population structure displayed a ‘reverse J-shaped’ curve, suggesting favorable conditions for natural recruitment and regeneration. Our research findings also indicate that D. bholua populations thrive in semi-closed forest canopies, particularly when associated with Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus semecarpifolia, and Sarcococca coriacea. The outcomes may hold significant value for policymakers, conservationists, harvesters, paper manufacturers, and regulatory bodies aiding in development of environmentally sound conservation programs tailored to various elevations. Our key recommendation may appear surprising: we advise establishing a small, meticulously managed hand papermaking industry in the villages linked to Madane and nearby areas. This initiative would generate supplemental income and produce a culturally valuable and economically marketable product.
Modular strategy with autologous bioreactor: a potential way for organ engineering
Authors: Bai Qingfeng , Tang Hai , Chen Yi , Pan Ziyin , Lin Weikang , Wang Lei , Hu Yulong , Xu Boyu , Yang Minglei , Zhao Guofang , Sun Weiyan , He Yong , Chen Chang
Published: November 2024

Bioengineered organs have been seen as a promising strategy to address the shortage of transplantable organs. However, it is still difficult to achieve heterogeneous structures and complex functions similar to natural organs using current bioengineering techniques. This work introduces the methods and dilemmas in organ engineering and existing challenges. Furthermore, a new roadmap for organ engineering, which uses a modular strategy with autologous bioreactors to create organ-level bioengineered constructions, is summarized based on the latest research advances. In brief, different functional modules of natural organs are constructed in vitro, and autologous bioreactors in vivo are utilized to facilitate inter-module assembly to form a complete bioengineered organ capable of replacing natural organ functions. There are bioengineered organs, such as biomimetic tracheas, which have been successfully fabricated following this roadmap. This new roadmap for organ engineering shows prospects in addressing the shortage of transplantable organs and has broad prospects for clinical applications.
Strength characteristics of steel fiber reinforced concrete with sugarcane bagasse ash and wood ash
Authors: S Raghuram , Manoharan Madhanagopal , V Gayathri , C Rajendra Thilahar
Published: November 2024

Fibre-reinforced concrete is an ancient technique that involves adding natural or synthetic materials to control deformations and cracking during service. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste materials like sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), rice husk ash, wood ash (WA), and sawdust, as well as industrial by-products such as ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and copper slag, has been widely researched as substitutes for traditional binder materials. In line with these studies, an investigation was conducted to explore the surface profile and strength characteristics of steel-fibre reinforced concrete. Percentage Replacement of Steel Fiber (PRSF) by the concrete volume, along with the binder material, was partially replaced with WA and SBA. The concrete samples were cast for M20 grade, and the binder was replaced by 5% of SBA and partial replacement of WA by 5%, 10%, and 15% for cement. From the outcomes, the most desirable percentage recommended was 2% steel-fibre by volume of concrete, 5% replacement of SBA, and 10% replacement of WA by cement, which shows a reasonable amount of increase in the strength of concrete with a maximum of 28 curing days. Also, surface morphological studies of composites were studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), by which the bonding property and performance of concrete show a considerable increase in the strength of the composites.
Spatio-temporal evolution of cultural heritage and its response to the geographical environment: a case study of Fujian Province
Authors: Lin Qingshu , Hou Peixu
Published: November 2024

As a significant carrier of human civilization, the protection and revitalization of cultural heritage are crucial for promoting cultural transmission and economic development. This study focuses on 167 national key cultural relic protection units in Fujian Province. By comprehensively utilizing GIS technology, spatial analysis models, and geographic detectors, the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and geographic response mechanisms of cultural heritage in Fujian Province were thoroughly analyzed. The results indicate that: (1) there are significant regional differences in the spatial distribution of cultural heritage in Fujian Province, with a high concentration in coastal areas and around the provincial capital, featuring diverse types, especially ancient buildings; (2) the distribution of cultural heritage has shown a trend of expansion from the central region to the southeastern coast and then to the southwest over historical development; (3) natural environmental factors, particularly rivers, temperature, and elevation, have a significant impact on the distribution of cultural heritage, while the direct impact of economic environmental factors is relatively minor. However, social environmental factors, such as the urbanization rate, play a certain role. This study aims to provide decision support for the scientific protection and management of cultural heritage in Fujian Province and promote the sustainable development of the regional tourism industry.
Decreased northern hemisphere precipitation from consecutive CO2 doublings is associated with significant AMOC weakening
Authors: Zhang X , Waugh D W , Mitevski I , Orbe C , Polvani L M
Published: November 2024

Previous studies found many climate properties such as northern hemisphere (NH) surface temperature and precipitation respond non-monotonically when CO2 is increased from 1× to 8×CO2 relative to pre-industrial levels. Here, we explore the robustness of the non-monotonicity in the NH precipitation response in 11 coupled climate models. Eight models show a decrease in NH precipitation under repeated CO2 doubling, indicating that the non-monotonic response is a common but not universal result. Although common, the critical CO2 level where the NH precipitation decrease first occurs differs widely across models, ranging from 2×CO2 to 8×CO2. These models also show a prominent weakening in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) at the same critical CO2 level, with the AMOC weakening leading the precipitation decrease. The sensitivities of NH precipitation and the AMOC to CO2 doublings are positively correlated, especially when the AMOC weakens beyond 10 Sv. This suggests that the differences in models’ AMOC response can explain their contrasting NH precipitation responses, where models with a large AMOC weakening have decreased NH precipitation. Regionally, this decrease in NH precipitation is the most prominent over the North Atlantic, Europe and the tropical Pacific. Our results suggest that special care must be taken with the use of pattern scaling to inform regional climate decision-making.
Tundra fires and surface subsidence increase spectral diversity on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Authors: Anderson D P , Michaelides R J , Chen W , Frost G V , Macander M J , Lara M J
Published: November 2024

Tundra fires can dramatically influence plant species cover and abundance, organic layer depth, and the magnitude of seasonal permafrost thaw. However, knowledge of the impact of wildfire on short and long-term interactions between vegetation and permafrost thaw remains limited. Here, we evaluate the spatial and temporal interactions between wildfire disturbance and surface subsidence on a remotely derived proxy for species diversity (i.e. spectral diversity (SD)) of 16 fire scars within the Izaviknek and Kingaglia uplands of southwestern Alaska’s Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta with burn dates between 1971 and 2015. SD was calculated as the sum of squared spectral variance of pixel spectra from the mean spectra, within a plant community (analogous to alpha diversity), between plant communities (beta diversity), and across terrain composed of a mosaic of communities (gamma diversity). Surface subsidence was calculated from spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar data from Sentinel-1. Results indicate the burn scars had consistently lower total gamma diversity and greater rates of subsidence than paired unburned reference areas, where both gamma diversity (R
2 = 0.74, p < 0.001) and relative subsidence (R
2 = 0.86, p < 0.001) decreased with the time since burn. Compared to older burn scars, young scars had higher gamma spectral diversities (0.013 and 0.005) and greater subsidence rates (−0.097 cm day−1 and −0.053 cm day−1). Communities subsiding at higher rates had higher gamma diversities (R
2 = 0.81, p < 0.001). Results indicate that rates of post-fire vegetation succession are amplified by the thickening of active layers and surface subsidence that increases both spectral and species diversity over 15 years following fire. These results support the idea that SD may be used as a remotely sensed analog of species diversity, used to advance knowledge of the trajectories of plant community change in response to interacting arctic disturbance regimes.
Sharpness versus bluntness in affine Weyl groups
Authors: Lusztig G.
Published: November 2024

In this paper we give an explanation of the bijection between arithmetic and geometric diagrams attached to supercuspidal unipotent representations of a simple p-adic group which is based purely on algebra.
Deliberative Democracy’s Turn to Lottery-Based Institutions
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

This chapter focuses on the tradition of deliberative democracy. Given the prominent role of deliberative democrats in developing lottery-based institutions like deliberative minipublics, it is important to analyze their distinctive motivations and concerns since they are quite different from those of the precursors of the lottery revival and provide essential cues for understanding the rise of the lottocratic mentality. As discussed in detail earlier, the core normative commitments of deliberative democracy are ultimately incompatible with key elements of the lottocratic mentality. But, the deliberative paradigm is capacious and ambiguous enough to enable and even foster the development of that mentality. Highlighting the tensions between the core commitments of deliberative democracy and the lottocratic mentality is also important for our argument in the last chapter of the book where we defend the view that lottery-based institutions could serve genuine democratic aims but only if scholars and practitioners reject the lottocratic mentality
The Clash Between Electoral Democracy and Lottocracy
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

This chapter identifies and evaluates three different types of proposals for using lottery-based institutions depending on the position each of them takes vis-à-vis the institutions of representative democracy as follows: substitution, complementarity, and auxiliary. While the first two models are guided by the lottocratic mentality, the last model is perfectly consistent with the institutional imaginary that belongs to democracy since its proposals are designed to supplement and enhance the democratic functions of electoral institutions without questioning or undermining their legislative power and the voting power of citizens. In its ancient and recent history, democracy has demonstrated an extraordinary creative ability to respond to the problems of governing society with institutions and procedures that were always consistent with the self-government principle of equal political freedom. This should also be true of the new forms of citizen deliberation that lottery-based institutions can activate.
The Democratic Alternative
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, we focus on proposals for institutionalizing minipublics. We argue that these proposals can follow two different approaches: either the lottocratic approach that would give minipublics advisory or even decision-making authority while bypassing the citizenry or the participatory approach that would empower the citizenry to initiate public debate, set the political agenda, influence the decision-making process, and/or have the final say on certain political decisions. Whereas the first approach aims to empower the few to do the thinking, deliberating, and deciding for the rest of the citizenry, the second approach aims to empower the citizenry to have greater influence over the political process. We analyze two proposals that follow the latter approach: citizen-initiated citizens’ assemblies and deliberative agenda setting for ballot propositions. There are many more possibilities. The point of our analysis is simply to show that minipublics could genuinely contribute to democratization if the lottocratic mentality is abandoned.
Medical dominance and the law: European medical exiles in Tasmania, 1933–1951
Authors: Wolf Gabrielle
Published: November 2024

Doctors who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe and immigrated to Australia were greeted mostly with hostility by representatives of the local medical profession. Australian doctors agitated for amendment of legislation that governed registration of medical practitioners in each state, so that it removed any legal entitlement of the European medical exiles to practise medicine. Tasmania’s Parliament was the first Australian legislature to accede to these medical practitioners’ pressure, and did so before the Second World War began. This article explores reasons for both the particular eagerness of the Tasmanian medical profession to prevent the émigrés from practising medicine and its capacity to achieve its objective so quickly. This analysis provides a case study of how doctors attempted to use licensing laws to entrench the dominance of the medical profession.
Tissue Contraction With Helium-Based Plasma Radiofrequency Technology: A Preliminary Report of Initial Ultrasound Findings
Authors: Nichols Christopher , Albershardt Daniel
Published: November 2024

Background

Application of helium-based plasma radiofrequency (RF; Renuvion, Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL) in the subcutaneous plane results in tissue coagulation and contraction. Although, traditionally, the impact of thermal devices on skin laxity is assessed by measuring changes in skin surface area, this indirect measure does not permit intraoperative assessment or differentiation of effects from various treatments.

Objectives

To determine the amount of soft tissue contraction achieved by multiple passes of helium plasma RF energy to the subcutaneous connective tissues following power-assisted liposuction (PAL).

Methods

In this single-center study, 4 patients were assessed using real-time ultrasound measurements at baseline and following both PAL and each pass with helium plasma RF.

Results

Based on changes in the distance from the skin (dermal basement membrane) to Scarpa's fascia, PAL produced an average reduction of 36.7% (standard deviation [SD] 14.6; range, 24.7%-58.6%) because of the fat removal. Contraction observed with helium plasma RF was greatest for the first pass, with a mean decrease of 27.0% (SD 19.6; range, 4.5%-52.1%) in distance relative to distance measured following liposuction. Subsequent passes resulted in additional incremental contraction relative to previous treatment pass: 17.0% (5.1) for Pass 2, 7.7% (17.5) for Pass 3, and 7.1% (5.5) for Pass 4. Overall, helium plasma RF resulted in an average contraction of 44.0% (SD 17.2; range, 27.1%-59.4%) in the skin-to-Scarpa-fascia measurement.

Conclusions

Helium plasma RF improved tissue contraction following PAL by an average of 44%, and data suggest that the greatest increase in tissue contraction is obtained by the first treatment pass.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
FAPM: functional annotation of proteins using multimodal models beyond structural modeling
Authors: Xiang Wenkai , Xiong Zhaoping , Chen Huan , Xiong Jiacheng , Zhang Wei , Fu Zunyun , Zheng Mingyue , Liu Bing , Shi Qian
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Assigning accurate property labels to proteins, like functional terms and catalytic activity, is challenging, especially for proteins without homologs and “tail labels” with few known examples. Previous methods mainly focused on protein sequence features, overlooking the semantic meaning of protein labels.

Results

We introduce functional annotation of proteins using multimodal models (FAPM), a contrastive multimodal model that links natural language with protein sequence language. This model combines a pretrained protein sequence model with a pretrained large language model to generate labels, such as Gene Ontology (GO) functional terms and catalytic activity predictions, in natural language. Our results show that FAPM excels in understanding protein properties, outperforming models based solely on protein sequences or structures. It achieves state-of-the-art performance on public benchmarks and in-house experimentally annotated phage proteins, which often have few known homologs. Additionally, FAPM’s flexibility allows it to incorporate extra text prompts, like taxonomy information, enhancing both its predictive performance and explainability. This novel approach offers a promising alternative to current methods that rely on multiple sequence alignment for protein annotation.

Availability and implementation

The online demo is at: https://huggingface.co/spaces/wenkai/FAPM_demo.
Apremilast in chronic graft-versus-host disease: a paediatric case report
Authors: Sobral-Costas Tristán Gabriel , Escudero-Tornero Rafael , Maseda Rocío , Mozo del Castillo Yasmina , Feito-Rodríguez Marta
Published: November 2024

This case report describes the successful use of apremilast in a 10-year-old with chronic graft-versus-host disease and resistant psoriasiform skin lesions. Apremilast led to significant improvement, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option.
The unpredictability of phishing susceptibility: results from a repeated measures experiment
Authors: Sommestad Teodor , Karlzén Henrik
Published: November 2024

Phishing attacks via email remain a popular and cost-effective alternative for attackers looking to penetrate computer networks. A number of experiments suggest that a person’s susceptibility to this type of deception depends on the phishing email. In field experiments, three variables found to be important are: the scam represented in the email, to what extent the email has been adapted to recipient, and to what extent influence techniques are used. These variables have intricate interdependencies, and the overall scam of the message often constrains how the message can be adapted using influence techniques. In this study, a multilevel model is used. Scam is added cluster variable, and the other two are added as predictor variables. Thus, variations in the overall scam are controlled for before the effect impact of adaptations and use of influence techniques is estimated. In total, 2294 emails were sent to 102 participants and it is measured if they click links provided in emails (N = 1953) or run executables referenced in emails (N = 2199). The results show that the difference in scam in the message results in 6% variance in susceptibility to phishing links, and 3% variance in susceptibility to executing code. When controlling for the scam, no robust relationships were found between the remaining variables and phishing susceptibility. It is discussed if previous research has overestimated the impact of adaptation and influence techniques, e.g. because of the interdependency between the variables and the scam.
Origin tracking of Brucella strain B. melitensics bv.3 ARQ-070 using biochemical and genomic studies
Authors: Ta Na , Zuo Ke-Ming , Gao Jing , Guan Na , Song Li-Tao , Wen Yong-Jun , Yu Rui-Ping
Published: November 2024

To conduct an origin tracking and genomic study of the Brucella strain B. melitensis bv.3 ARQ-070, with the aim of addressing the challenges posed by the highly conserved genome of Brucella to conventional typing methods and to gain an understanding of the geographic distribution and interspecies transmission of this pathogen in China. Differentiation and genotyping were established via biochemical profiles and polymerase chain reaction. Illumina MiSeq® was applied to sequence the Brucella isolates. Using multilocus sequence typing and Fisher’s exact test was used for the KEGG enrichment analysis of differential genes. Differential gene protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted using the STRING database and visualization was performed using. According to the final identification results of an A/M serum agglutination test. ARQ-070 was identified as the No. 3 white spirulina biological variety, and mM was identified as the No. 1 white Spirulina biological variety. The genetic information of this strain is very close to that of the M5 vaccine strain, suggesting possible vaccine-escape infection. In the comparative genomics analysis with B. melitensis bv.1 16 M, the main differences between the B. melitensis strains were found to be concentrated in the genes related to amino acid metabolism and environmental perception. A base mutation was found in the Brucella gene virB9, which is associated with the key virulence factor of the type IV secretion system, but this mutation did not lead to changes in the protein’s tertiary structure, and the strain did not lose its infectivity. The study discovered a base mutation in the virB9 gene of Brucella, which is linked to T4SS but does not affect the protein’s structure or the strain’s infectivity. This mutation could influence public health approaches to detecting and preventing Brucella transmission. Future research aims to analyse a wider range of Brucella strains for a deeper understanding of their epidemiology.
Marginal interaction test for detecting interactions between genetic marker sets and environment in genome-wide studies
Authors: Shen Linchuan , Amei Amei , Liu Bowen , Xu Gang , Liu Yunqing , Oh Edwin C , Zhou Xin , Wang Zuoheng
Published: November 2024

As human complex diseases are influenced by the interaction between genetics and the environment, identifying gene–environment interactions (G×E) is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms and predicting risk. Developing robust quantitative tools for G×E analysis can enhance the study of complex diseases. However, many existing methods that explore G×E focus on the interplay between an environmental factor and genetic variants, exclusively for common or rare variants. In this study, we developed MAGEIT_RAN and MAGEIT_FIX to identify interactions between an environmental factor and a set of genetic markers, including both rare and common variants, based on the MinQue for Summary statistics. The genetic main effects in MAGEIT_RAN and MAGEIT_FIX are modeled as random and fixed effects, respectively. Simulation studies showed that both tests had type I error under control, with MAGEIT_RAN being the most powerful test. Applying MAGEIT to a genome-wide analysis of gene–alcohol interactions on hypertension and seated systolic blood pressure in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis revealed genes like EIF2AK2, CCNDBP1, and EPB42 influencing blood pressure through alcohol interaction. Pathway analysis identified 1 apoptosis and survival pathway involving PKR and 2 signal transduction pathways associated with hypertension and alcohol intake, demonstrating MAGEIT_RAN's ability to detect biologically relevant gene–environment interactions.
Charting new territory: the early lessons in integrating social determinant of health (SDOH) measures into practice
Authors: Nava Adrianna , Bishop Kristen , Lissin Polina , Harrington Rachel L
Published: November 2024

Quality measures for social determinants of health (SDOH) have been introduced or proposed in more than 20 federal programs, initiatives, or guidance documents to capture performance, but understanding the scope of work needed to effectively collect and align with these new measurement requirements is still in its early stages. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently developed the Social Need Screening and Intervention (SNS-E) measure and is currently building 2 new domains of interest: utility insecurity and social connection. Before these domains can be leveraged to drive population health, the feasibility of collecting and reporting on them must be assessed. This report describes qualitative data collection on the barriers and facilitators of collecting data elements for utility insecurity and social connection from 8 diverse health plans. Although plans reported that collecting SDOH data was feasible, they identified barriers associated with multiple data systems, coding, as well as data formatting, storage, extraction, and mapping. Further research is needed to explore additional codes, mechanisms for collecting SDOH data in a patient-centric manner, and ensuring that health plans, health care systems, and community partners can align with national measurement initiatives. Standardizing these data will be key to improving outcomes for all.
Robotic-enhanced hybrid ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia: a world-first approach
Authors: Khalpey Zain , Kumar Ujjawal , Abraham Alyssa , Krauthammer Yoaav
Published: November 2024

We describe a world-first robotic ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia. A 26-year-old woman with refractory inappropriate sinus tachycardia underwent robotic-enhanced hybrid ablation, combining electrophysiological mapping with superior visualization and access compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approaches. Ablations normalized the heart rate from 120 to 70 bpm. At one- and six-month follow-ups, she reported symptom resolution and improved quality of life. Holter monitoring confirmed no tachycardic episodes. This presents a promising alternative for patients who have exhausted conventional treatments, potentially revolutionizing inappropriate sinus tachycardia management.
Quantum Cyber Risk – Securing Tomorrow
Authors: Egan Michael
Published: November 2024

Michael Egan, Director of Quantum Technologies for KPMG Australia, explains why when it comes to assessing cyber risk, long-term quantum preparedness should be high on the agenda.
Quantum and Sustainable Renewable Energy
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: November 2024

Dr Corey O'Meara, Chief Quantum Scientist at E.ON recently spoke to Grant Powell MBCS to explain the role of quantum computing in the energy industry.
Launching New Tech Careers
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: November 2024

BCS is a key partner in a new programme designed to help people from marginalised communities launch tech careers while also helping employers fi ll their IT vacancies.
SFIAplus V9 is Here!
Authors: Belcher Sarah
Published: November 2024

If you're not already using the SFIAplus competency framework for your skills development and career planning, now's the time to get on board. With 26 brand new skills, three new sub-categories and 177 new skills levels — all packed with real-world detail — the V9 update is the most comprehensive yet, reflecting the continuing development and ubiquitous impact of today's tech industry.
Opinion: VBA as an Introductory Language
Authors: Berger Herbert
Published: November 2024

Herbert Berger offers a personal take on why VBA shouldn't be overlooked as a first step into the world of programming.
A BCs Member's Story: The Birth of USB
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: November 2024

Following his USB-IF Honor Rolls Award, Richard Petrie MBCS tells Martin Cooper MBCS about his place in USB's history and what it feels like to be connected with one of computing's most ubiquitous inventions.
Architecture in Action
Authors: Barker Natasha
Published: November 2024

Natasha Barker CITP explores how flexible architecture processes, when supported by a strong design authority, are essential to futureproofing both IT and the wider organisation.
BCS IRMA Specialist Group Celebrates 60 Years
Authors: Mitchell John
Published: November 2024

Dr John Mitchell FBCS, Chair of the BCS Information Risk Management and Assurance Specialist Group, explores the group's foundations, formation and early days.
What Constitutes Experiences of Autonomy in Digital Technology Use? A (Computational) Scoping Review Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Dietrich Felix , Arenz Anisha , Reinecke Leonard
Published: November 2024

The use of digital communication technologies such as social media, mobile phones, instant messaging, or games, has been found to differentially satisfy and frustrate users’ need for autonomy. Consequently, such technology use can have differential and divergent effects, for example on users’ well-being and mental health. Through our (computational) scoping review of a very broad literature base, we find that many different research perspectives are involved in the study of what constitutes need-based experiences of autonomy in digital technology use. To advance the application of self-determination theory in human–computer interaction, communication research, and beyond, we seek to explain the complex relationship of technology use and individuals’ autonomy need experiences by integrating insights from these diverse perspectives. Based on the heterogenous and often weak theoretical basis within the investigated literature, we suggest that future research should differentiate between control as the central technology-centered (i.e. material) component and authenticity as the core user-centered (i.e. experiential) component, which together constitute experiences of autonomy need satisfaction in digital technology use. Furthermore, it should consider relevant contextual and situational boundary conditions, which can be derived from the reviewed literature.
The distinctive pharmacokinetic profile of rezafungin, a long-acting echinocandin developed in the era of modern pharmacometrics
Authors: Andes David , Brüggemann Roger J , Flanagan Shawn , Lepak Alexander J , Lewis Russell E , Ong Voon , Rubino Christopher M , Sandison Taylor
Published: November 2024

Echinocandin drugs are the current first-line therapy for fungal infections caused by Candida spp. Most patients require once-daily intravenous (IV) administration in a hospital or outpatient setting for treatment, which may negatively impact their quality of life and stress healthcare resources. Similar to other echinocandins, the novel FDA-, EMA-, and Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency-approved echinocandin, rezafungin (CD101), exhibited strong antifungal activity against several fungal pathogens and a low drug–drug interaction liability, which are important for medically complex patients. A pharmacometric-based approach has been adopted throughout the development of rezafungin, which contrasts with older echinocandins where dosing regimens were largely derived empirically, and only recently based on pharmacometric guidance. This state-of-the-art approach used model-based simulations incorporating pre-clinical and clinical data as it became available to optimize the dosing regimen for rezafungin. The enhanced stability of the molecular structure and the safety profile of rezafungin allow for the administration of once-weekly IV doses, compared to the daily dosing requirement for other echinocandin drugs, with this distinctive pharmacokinetic profile of rezafungin resulting in a front-loaded dosing regimen with high exposures early in therapy for enhanced fungal killing. The long shelf-life of rezafungin makes this echinocandin more flexible in terms of storage and manufacturing. Demonstrated across clinical development, rezafungin may provide patients with next-generation first-line antifungal treatment for the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis.
State of the art of real-life concentration monitoring of rifampicin and its implementation contextualized in resource-limited settings: the Tanzanian case
Authors: Petermann Yuan J , Said Bibie , Cathignol Annie E , Sariko Margaretha L , Thoma Yann , Mpagama Stellah G , Csajka Chantal , Guidi Monia
Published: November 2024

The unique medical and socio-economic situation in each country affected by TB creates different epidemiological contexts, thus providing exploitable loopholes for the spread of the disease. Country-specific factors such as comorbidities, health insurance, social stigma or the rigidity of the health system complicate the management of TB and the overall outcome of each patient. First-line TB drugs are administered in a standardized manner, regardless of patient characteristics other than weight. This approach does not consider patient-specific conditions such as HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and malnutrition, which can affect the pharmacokinetics of TB drugs, their overall exposure and response to treatment. Therefore, the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is suboptimal for dealing with the underlying inter-subject variability in the pharmacokinetics of anti-TB drugs, further complicated by the recent increased dosing regimen of rifampicin strategies, calling for a patient-specific methodology. In this context, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which allows personalized drug dosing based on blood drug concentrations, may be a legitimate solution to address treatment failure. This review focuses on rifampicin, a critical anti-TB drug, and examines its suitability for TDM and the socio-economic factors that may influence the implementation of TDM in clinical practice in resource-limited settings, illustrated by Tanzania, thereby contributing to the advancement of personalized TB treatment.
Dog sniffing biomechanic responses in an odor detection test of odorants with differing physical properties
Authors: Burnett Lydia R , Hebdon Nick R , Stevens Pete A , Moljo Monica D , Waldrop Lindsay D , DeGreeff Lauryn E
Published: November 2024

Dogs are utilized in forensic science for their extensive scent-detection capabilities. They are often considered the “gold standard” in-field detection for targets such as illicit drugs and explosives. Despite their prevalence in the field, relatively little is known about how dogs interact with and transport volatile organic compounds through their olfactory system. In this study, 2 groups of dogs were utilized—Sport detection dogs (n = 19) that participate in the National Association of Canine Scent Work and have achieved advanced standing through training and successful search competitions and law enforcement explosive detection dogs (n = 8) which were included for comparison. Both groups were presented with 2 target odorants having differing molecular properties, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and ammonia, 2 non-target odorants, 1-bromooctane and methyl benzoate, and a negative control. Canines were tested prior to experience with the target odorants, when all odorants were novel, after some brief training with the target odorants, and after a longer training time with the target odorants. The non-target odorants were never used in training. Sniffing was measured using flow sensors embedded in a wall immediately in front of the odorants held in a closed cylinder. Sensor data were used to calculate sniff flow rate, frequency (sniffs per seconds), and volume. Results indicated no difference in sniffing dynamics between target odorants; however, sniffing frequency increased significantly with increased experience with the target odorants (Wilcoxon rank sum exact test, W = 148, P = 6 × 10−5). Sniff volume and flow rate showed a positive correlation to body mass for all sport detection dogs (slope = 2.71, F(1,17) = 9.48, P = 0.007, R2 = 0.32), though the R2 was low, indicating other factors at play. Law enforcement detection dogs were shown to take in significantly higher mean total sniff volumes (Wilcoxon rank sum exact test: W = 0. 7, P = 10−4) and volume flow rates (Wilcoxon rank sum exact test: W = 5, P = 6 × 10−5) compared to the sport detection dogs, but the sniff frequency remained similar for both groups.
Performance of Abbreviated Breast MRI in High-Risk Patients in a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center
Authors: Zaza Tamara , Chandora Kapil , Yalniz Ceren , Zamora Kathryn Watts , Zalasin Stefanie , Li Yufeng , Woodard Stefanie
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The development of abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) protocols reduce scan times. This paper reports the performance of AB-MRI at a tertiary care public academic medical center in comparison with established literature.

Methods

This HIPAA-compliant IRB-approved retrospective study reviewed 413 AB-MRI screenings in high-risk patients from June 2020 to March 2023. Data were collected from 3 databases (MagView, Cerner PowerChart, and Prism Primordial). Demographics and overall BI-RADS assessment were recorded. For all positive (BI-RADS 0, 3, 4, 5) examinations, manual review of each case was performed. Performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity, cancer detection rate [CDR], recall rate, positive predictive value [PPV] 3 and negative predictive value [NPV]) were calculated. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to review similar AB-MRI studies to compare performance metrics.

Results

There were 413 AB-MRI examinations from 413 unique patients. The majority of cases were audit-negative BI-RADS 1 or 2 (83.8%, 346/413). There were 67 (16.2%, 67/413) audit-positive cases with 3.6% (15/413) BI-RADS 3, 10.9% (45/413) BI-RADS 4, 0.7% (3/413) BI-RADS 5, and 1.0% (4/413) BI-RADS 0. Performance metrics showed a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI, 63.1%-100.0%) and a specificity of 85.7% (95% CI, 81.9%-88.9%). The PPV3 was 14.3% (95% CI, 5.1%-23.5%), and the NPV was 100.0% (95% CI, 99.0%-100.0%). The CDR was 19.4 per 1000 screenings. The results are comparable to prior literature and benchmark data.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates high sensitivity (100.0%) and NPV (100.0%) of AB-MRI with comparable specificity (85.7%) and CDR (19.4/1000) to the literature, adding support to the use of AB-MRI. Further research is needed to optimize AB-MRI protocols.
The macrostructure of narratives produced by children acquiring Finnish Sign Language
Authors: Pietarinen Heta , Kanto Laura
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the narrative skills of children acquiring Finnish Sign Language (FinSL). Producing a narrative requires vocabulary, the ability to form sentences, and cognitive skills to construct actions in a logical order for the recipient to understand the story. Research has shown that narrative skills are an excellent way of observing a child’s language skills, for they reflect both grammatical language skills and the ability to use the language in situationally appropriate ways. This study was conducted using the FinSL Narrative Skills Production Test assessment to observe how narrative skills develop in children between the ages of 4 and 11 who acquire FinSL in their natural language environments. The results show that the narrative skills of children acquiring FinSL develop following the same guidelines found in other signed and spoken languages. Narrative structure and content increase with age.
“Being alone for a whole year [is hard]” Families reflect on the emotional toll of stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease
Authors: Steinberg Dara M , Mulinda Carly , Castaño Katerina , DiCola Katie , Tanenbaum Molly L , Onderwyzer Gold Abigail , Beauchemin Melissa P , Bhatia Monica
Published: November 2024

Objective

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) but may be physically and emotionally challenging. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the experience of HCT from the perspective of youth and young adults (YYAs) post-HCT for SCD and their parents.

Methods

YYAs were recruited from an urban hospital. Sociodemographic and HCT-specific information was analyzed for all enrolled. YYAs and/or their primary caregivers during HCT, participated in semi-structured interviews (e.g., pre-HCT knowledge, challenges, advice for families/health care providers). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

There were 19 YYAs enrolled (63.2% male; 68.4% Black or African American; 47.4% Hispanic or Latino; M days post-HCT = 1946.53 ± 1329.13; M age at HCT = 10.95 ± 6.10 years old; M current age 15.74 ± 5.78 years old). Interviews were done with six YYAs alone, five YYA-caregiver dyads, and eight caregivers alone. The caregivers were all mothers. Participants reported underestimating the emotional impact HCT would have on themselves and their family members. They experienced challenges related to isolation, academics, finances, and post-HCT medical needs. In contrast, they felt well prepared for physiological aspects of HCT. They sought HCT to improve YYAs’ HRQOL and encouraged others to consider it, but to be cognizant of the potential psychosocial impact.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of preparing families for the psychosocial effects of HCT. Incorporating psychosocial assessment, education, and intervention throughout HCT has the potential to promote HRQOL for YYAs and their families.
Penile length after penile implant surgery is determined by stretched penile length before surgery
Authors: van Renterghem Koenraad , De Bruyn Helene , Jorissen Cedric , Van Huele Andries , D’Anna Maurizio , Torremadé Josep , Martinez-Salamanca Juan I , Prieto Matienzo Laura , Moncada Ignacio
Published: November 2024

Background

While various treatment modalities exist, penile prosthesis (PP) implantation offers a permanent solution for patients that do not respond to or are not suitable for other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to establish stretched penile length before surgery as a reliable determining factor of penile length after penile implant surgery.

Methods

For this study, data on penile length before and after PP surgery from three European centers was analyzed. Penile length measurements were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively in different conditions using standardized techniques. Only virgin cases were included and a complete case analysis was performed.

Outcome

The outcome of this study was the comparison of stretched penile length before and the inflated penile length after PP surgery.

Results

Data on penile length before and after PP of 361 patients was analyzed. Preoperative stretched penile length was equal to postoperative inflated penile length in 33% of patients. The absolute mean difference between pre-surgery stretched and postoperative inflated lengths was 1.1 cm. No correlation was found between implanted cylinder length and postoperative penile length. Additionally, the choice of implant type did not significantly affect postoperative penile length outcomes.

Clinical implications

Our findings confirm the reliability of preoperative stretched penile length as a tool for proper patient counseling before PP surgery.

Strengths & Limitations

Although our study is overpowered, our results show that preoperative stretched penile length serves as a reliable predictor of postoperative penile length outcomes after PP surgery. By providing clinicians with a tool for patient counseling, our findings contribute to enhancing satisfaction and quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing PP implantation.

Conclusion

Preoperative stretched penile length serves as a reliable predictor of postoperative penile length outcomes after PP surgery.
Streaming Large-Scale Microscopy Data to a Supercomputing Facility
Authors: Welborn Samuel S , Harris Chris , Ribet Stephanie M , Varnavides Georgios , Ophus Colin , Enders Bjoern , Ercius Peter
Published: November 2024

Data management is a critical component of modern experimental workflows. As data generation rates increase, transferring data from acquisition servers to processing servers via conventional file-based methods is becoming increasingly impractical. The 4D Camera at the National Center for Electron Microscopy generates data at a nominal rate of 480 Gbit s−1 (87,000 frames s−1), producing a 700 GB dataset in 15 s. To address the challenges associated with storing and processing such quantities of data, we developed a streaming workflow that utilizes a high-speed network to connect the 4D Camera’s data acquisition system to supercomputing nodes at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, bypassing intermediate file storage entirely. In this work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our streaming pipeline in a production setting through an hour-long experiment that generated over 10 TB of raw data, yielding high-quality datasets suitable for advanced analyses. Additionally, we compare the efficacy of this streaming workflow against the conventional file-transfer workflow by conducting a postmortem analysis on historical data from experiments performed by real users. Our findings show that the streaming workflow significantly improves data turnaround time, enables real-time decision-making, and minimizes the potential for human error by eliminating manual user interactions.