bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Faecal Microbiota Transplant Stability in Deep‐Freeze Conditions: A 12‐Month Ex Vivo Viability Analysis
Authors: Soukupova Hana , Rehorova Veronika , Cibulkova Ivana , Duska Frantisek
Published: March 2024

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an established treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection and is under investigation for other conditions. The availability of suitable donors and the logistics of fresh stool preparation present challenges, making frozen, biobanked stools an attractive alternative.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term viability of bacterial populations in faecal samples stored at −80°C for up to 12 months, supporting the feasibility of using frozen grafts for FMT.

Methods

Fifteen faecal samples from nine healthy donors were processed, mixed with cryoprotectants and stored at −80°C. Samples were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months using quantitative culturing methods to determine the concentration of live bacteria.

Results

Quantitative analysis showed no significant decrease in bacterial viability over the 12‐month period for both aerobic and anaerobic cultures (p = 0.09). At all timepoints, the coefficients of variability in colony‐forming unit (CFU) counts were greater between samples (102 ± 21% and 100 ± 13% for aerobic and anaerobic cultures, respectively) than the variability between measurements of the same sample (30 ± 22% and 30 ± 19%).

Conclusions

The study confirmed that faecal microbiota can be preserved with high viability in deep‐freeze storage for up to a year, making allogenic FMT from biobanked samples a viable and safer option for patients. However, a multidonor approach may be beneficial to mitigate the risk of viability loss in any single donor sample.
Bio‐Based Copolyester PEIFT: Enhanced Hydrophilicity, Rigidity, and Applications in Nanofibers
Authors: Wang Dongqi , Pu Xinming , He Zejian , Mu Yuesong , Chen Yulong , Zhou Mi , Yang Liping
Published: March 2024

The raw materials of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are derived from petroleum‐based resources, which are no sustainable. Therefore, previous researchers introduced biomass‐derived 2,5‐tetrahydrofurfuryl dimethanol (THFDM) into PET. However, its heat resistance has decreased compared to PET. In this paper, a novel bio‐based copolyester, poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐2,5‐tetrahydrofuran dimethanol‐co‐isosorbide terephthalate) (PEIFT), is prepared by introducing biomass‐derived isosorbide (ISB) and THFDM into the PET chains through melting copolymerization process. With the introduction of ISB content, copolyesters' hydrophilicity and rigidity improve. Compared to PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) increases by over 5 °C. In addition, the toughness and spinning performance of PEIFT have also been improved as a result of the addition of THFDM components. The hydrophobicity of PEIFTs electrospinning is greatly improved, with a contact angle exceeding 135°. Finally, due to the good hydrophobicity of PEIFTs nanofibers, they have potential application value in the manufacture of hydrophobic nanofiber and filter films. Given its biomass source and excellent performance, they make it easier to replace materials derived from petroleum.
The effects on sports performance of technologic advances in sports prostheses and wheelchairs
Authors: De Luigi Arthur Jason
Published: March 2024

The field of medicine continues to advance as new technologies emerge. These technological advancements include the science of sports prostheses and wheelchairs, in which there have been significant advancements over the past decades. The world of adaptive sports continues to expand, largely due to a combination of the increase in awareness, inclusion, and technology. As participation in sports for people with impairments increases, there has been an associated demand for new, innovative adaptive sporting equipment designs that help accommodate the physical deficits of the individual. Controversy has risen as persons with disabilities advance their skills with adaptive sports equipment to compete with individuals without disabilities. The controversy leads to the question: is the adaptive equipment allowing athletes with disability to regain the lost function from their baseline or does it allow them to exceed prior ability level? This narrative review provides information regarding the performance effects of advances in technology and biomechanics of adaptive sports equipment to help answer these questions.
Exploring the role of cancer fatalism and engagement with skin cancer genetic information in diverse primary care patients
Authors: Hay Jennifer L. , Wu Yelena , Schofield Elizabeth , Kaphingst Kim , Sussman Andrew L. , Guest Delores D. , Hunley Keith , Li Yuelin , Buller David , Berwick Marianne
Published: March 2024

Objective

To broaden the currently limited reach of genomic innovations, research is needed to understand how psychosocial and cultural factors influence reactions to genetic testing in diverse subgroups. Cancer fatalism is important in cancer prevention and deserves theoretical and empirical attention in the context of genomics and behavior change.

Methods

The current study employed data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 593) offering skin cancer genetic testing (using the melanocortin‐1 receptor [MC1R] gene) in primary care in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. We examined interrelations of cancer fatalism with demographics, general health beliefs, perceived risk, perceived control, sun protection and skin screening behaviors and cancer worry in the skin cancer context stratified across Hispanic versus non‐Hispanic ethnicity, and examined cancer fatalism as a moderator of intervention effects on study primary outcomes, including 3‐month sun protection, cancer worry and perceived risk.

Results

Cancer fatalism was significantly related to the perception of control over skin cancer risk behaviors (ps ≤ 0.01) and demographics (ethnicity, education, health literacy; ps < 0.05), but not consistently related to general health beliefs or risk perception. Cancer fatalism did not moderate intervention effects on primary outcomes, except those with higher cancer fatalism randomized to intervention had higher levels of 3‐month cancer worry (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

These findings will guide future work considering the role of cancer fatalism in use of genomic technologies in the general population. This work anticipates strategies required to address cancer fatalism as translational genomics becomes more commonly available to diverse general population subgroups.
Healthcare Professionals’ Views on Psychological Support for Children and Families Affected by Skin Conditions in the UK: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hughes Olivia , Shelton Katherine H. , Thompson Andrew R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Skin conditions can have a psychological impact on a child and their caregivers, however, support is not equally distributed between geographical regions in the United Kingdom (UK).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the experience of National Health Service (NHS) healthcare professionals (HCPs) of addressing the psychological needs of children with skin conditions and their families, and gain expert opinion as to how services need to further develop.

Design

HCPs were recruited to a qualitative study with an advert posted on social media.

Methods

Fifteen HCPs took part in interviews, including dermatologists (n = 4), dermatology nurse consultants/specialists (n = 4), clinical psychologists (n = 4), liaison psychiatrists (n = 2), and a children’s psychological well-being practitioner (n = 1).

Results

Thematic analysis revealed children often presented with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. The impact on caregivers was equally profound. There were differences in service provision across the UK and all HCPs recognised the urgent need for psychological support to be integrated into standard care. Participants described how a range of interventions are typically required including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and systemic approaches, as well as mindfulness/third-wave approaches. Barriers to the delivery of psychological services were associated with a lack of funding and training opportunities for core and specialist staff alike. However, in some instances, participants had overcome these challenges to be able to deliver unique services.

Conclusions

There exist several barriers to providing paediatric psychological interventions, and many locations across the UK remain vulnerable as a result of continuing lack of national guidelines for the provision of psychological services.
The Formability and Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Fabricated by Pulsed Arc Swing Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Meng Wei , Pan Qinyue , Ye Kai , Chen Kai , Hu Jiahao , Yin Xiaohui
Published: March 2024

An austenitic stainless steel 316L deposition specimen is fabricated by cold metal transfer‐based swing arc additive manufacturing (CMT‐SAAM), and its formation, microstructure, and tensile properties are investigated. The results showed that the 316L deposited samples exhibited a multi‐layer structure with a small aspect ratio, and the surface forming accuracy is improved with the increase in the swing amplitude. The remelted zone near the interface is dominated by long grains perpendicular to the fusion line, whereas the deposited zone is dominated by columnar dendrites and shows an <100> orientation. Along the building and transverse direction of the swing deposits, the microhardness distribution is uniform. Compared with rollings and forgings, 316L deposited by using the CMT‐SAAM method has both a higher strength and toughness. The average ultimate tensile strength is 573 MPa, and the elongation at break is 52.6%. The high strength and toughness of 316L specimens are attributed to the fine microstructure, high‐density dislocations, and low‐angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) generated during the CMT‐SAAM process.
Hierarchical foraging strategies of migratory short-tailed shearwaters during the non-breeding stage
Authors: Bool Natalie , Sumner Michael D. , Lea Mary-Anne , McMahon Clive R. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: March 2024

Foraging specialisations are common in animal populations, because they increase the rate at which individuals acquire food from a known and reliable source. Foraging plasticity, however, may also be important in variable or changing environments. To better understand how seabirds might respond to changing environmental conditions, we assessed how plastic the foraging behaviours of short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) were during their non-breeding season. To do this, we tracked 60 birds using global location sensing loggers (GLS) over a single year between 2012 and 2016 with the exception of 8 individuals that were tracked over 2 consecutive years. Birds predominantly foraged in either the Sea of Okhotsk/North Pacific Ocean (Western strategy) or the southeast Bering Sea/North Pacific (Eastern strategy). The eight birds tracked for 2 consecutive years all returned to the same core areas, indicating that these birds were faithful to foraging areas between years, although the time spent there varied, probably in response to local changes in food availability. Overall, 50% of the birds we tracked left their core area towards the end of the non-breeding period, moving into the Chukchi Sea, suggesting that the birds have flexible intra-seasonal foraging strategies whereby they follow prey aggregations. We hypothesise that seasonal declines in chlorophyll a concentrations in their primary core foraging areas coincide with changes in the availability of large-bodied krill, an important food source for short-tailed shearwaters. Decreasing prey abundance likely prompts the movement of birds out of their core foraging areas in search of food elsewhere. This strategy, through which individuals initially return to familiar areas but disperse if food is limited, provides a mechanism that allows the birds to respond to the effects of climate variability.
Diaphragmatic dysfunction is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications and phrenic nerve paresis in patients undergoing thoracic surgery
Authors: Nørskov Jesper , Skaarup Søren Helbo , Bendixen Morten , Tankisi Hatice , Mørkved Amalie Lambert , Juhl-Olsen Peter
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to quantify perioperative changes in diaphragmatic function and phrenic nerve conduction in patients undergoing routine thoracic surgery.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed in patients undergoing esophageal resection or pulmonary lobectomy. Examinations were carried out the day prior to surgery, 3 days and 10–14 days after surgery. Endpoints for diaphragmatic function included ultrasonographic measurements of diaphragmatic excursion and thickening fraction. Endpoints for phrenic nerve conduction included baseline-to-peak amplitude, peak-to-peak amplitude, and transmission delay. Measurements were assessed on both the surgical side and the non-surgical side of the thorax.

Results

Forty patients were included in the study. Significant reductions in diaphragmatic excursion were seen on the surgical side of the thorax for all excursion measures (posterior part of the right hemidiaphragm, p < 0.001; hemidiaphragmatic top point, p < 0.001; change in intrathoracic area, p < 0.001). Significant changes were seen for all phrenic nerve measures (baseline-to-peak amplitude, p < 0.001; peak-to-peak amplitude, p < 0.001; transmission delay, p = 0.041) on the surgical side. However, significant changes were also seen on the non-surgical side for all phrenic nerve measures (baseline-to-peak amplitude, p < 0.001; peak-to-peak amplitude, p < 0.001; transmission delay, p = 0.022). A postoperative reduction in posterior diaphragmatic excursion of more than 50% was significantly associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (coefficient: 2.69 (95% CI [1.38, 4.01], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Thoracic surgery caused a significant unilateral reduction in diaphragmatic excursion on the surgical side of the thorax, which was accompanied by significant changes in phrenic nerve conduction. However, phrenic nerve conduction was also significantly affected on the non-surgical side to a lesser extent, which was not mirrored in diaphragmatic excursion. Our findings suggest that phrenic nerve paresis plays a role in postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction, which may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Clinical trials registration number

NCT04507594.
SARS-CoV2 Nsp1 is a metal-dependent DNA and RNA endonuclease
Authors: Salgueiro Bruno A. , Saramago Margarida , Tully Mark D. , Issoglio Federico , Silva Sara T. N. , Paiva Ana C. F. , Arraiano Cecília M. , Matias Pedro M. , Matos Rute G. , Moe Elin , Romão Célia V.
Published: March 2024

Over recent years, we have been living under a pandemic, caused by the rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). One of the major virulence factors of Coronaviruses is the Non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1), known to suppress the host cells protein translation machinery, allowing the virus to produce its own proteins, propagate and invade new cells. To unveil the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV2 Nsp1, we have addressed its biochemical and biophysical properties in the presence of calcium, magnesium and manganese. Our findings indicate that the protein in solution is a monomer and binds to both manganese and calcium, with high affinity. Surprisingly, our results show that SARS-CoV2 Nsp1 alone displays metal-dependent endonucleolytic activity towards both RNA and DNA, regardless of the presence of host ribosome. These results show Nsp1 as new nuclease within the coronavirus family. Furthermore, the Nsp1 double variant R124A/K125A presents no nuclease activity for RNA, although it retains activity for DNA, suggesting distinct binding sites for DNA and RNA. Thus, we present for the first time, evidence that the activities of Nsp1 are modulated by the presence of different metals, which are proposed to play an important role during viral infection. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of Coronaviruses.
Haunting the Margins: Excavating EU Migrants as the ‘Social Ghosts’ of Our Time
Authors: Nyhlén Sara , Skott Sara , Giritli Nygren Katarina
Published: March 2024

Using the spectral as a conceptual metaphor, we explore narratives within Sweden’s welfare institutions and policy discourses surrounding vulnerable EU citizens. We aim to provide a new understanding of vulnerable EU citizens as the social ghosts of our time by exploring how the concept of the social ghost and hauntology can be used to perform ethical critique of social injustice. By excavating examples from already gathered material, we explore the unseen within the already seen to critically examine how vulnerable EU citizens are constructed in social welfare narratives. We argue that the terminology of vulnerable EU citizens not only is constructed as uncanny and abject but also as social ghosts, denied a social and political identity and forced to haunt the margins of societal life. Moreover, we argue that the Swedish state becomes a site for necropolitical power, enabling but also perpetuating lingering violent effects on Roma people.
Characteristics of planar buoyant jets and plumes in a turbulent channel crossflow from direct numerical simulations
Authors: Cao Yicheng , Ooi Andrew , Philip Jimmy
Published: March 2024

This paper is motivated by an interest in understanding the characteristics of buoyant fluids discharged from the bottom wall of channels, such as encountered during tunnel fires or in river effluent discharge. Direct numerical simulation is used to model the upward release of a planar buoyant jet or plume from the bottom wall of a channel into an incoming turbulent crossflow. The well-studied jet-in-crossflow with only a momentum source is simulated first, and subsequently, fixing the incoming Reynolds number, buoyancy source as heat flux is added alongside varying momentum source, with two cases where only a buoyancy source is present. Appropriate five non-dimensional parameters relevant for this flow are defined, of which three are fixed and two—source to channel momentum ratio and Richardson number—are varied. The changes in turbulence characteristics as the buoyant jet or plume evolves downstream are presented. In all cases with buoyancy, except for the pure jet case, the plume is initially confined to the lower half of the channel before it suddenly lifts to the top half, an effect that occurs at an increasingly smaller downstream distance with increasing buoyancy, and dividing the flow into a near and far field. The distributions of mean and Reynolds stresses in the near and far field of the source are reported, and it is found that the channel flow becomes more turbulent downstream of the source, and further, the turbulent vertical temperature flux switches sign from near to far field owing the a change in the mean temperature gradient sign. From the input parameters and using the integrated temperature equation a reasonable estimate of the far field mean channel temperature can be obtained by a reference temperature based on the heat conservation that includes the convective and diffusive source heat flux. A monotonic behaviour of the back-layering distance is also observed a function of this reference temperature, which was difficult to obtain with the two specified non-dimensional parameters.
Spare the Rod?: College Students’ Experiences with and Perceptions of Corporal Punishment
Authors: Policastro Christina , Rush Zachary , Garland Tammy S. , Crittenden Courtney A.
Published: March 2024

Corporal punishment (e.g., spanking) remains a highly debated yet common form of discipline in the United States. A body of research exists investigating the prevalence and effects of corporal punishment; however, less attention has been devoted to factors influencing individual perceptions of corporal punishment. The current study explores college students’ perceptions of corporal punishment with a specific focus on students’ experiences with physical discipline and factors that may influence students’ intentions to use physical discipline with their own children. Relying on a convenience sampling methodology, the current research is based on a sample of 318 students, who participated in a pen-and-paper survey. Findings reveal that most students experienced corporal punishment (86.8%) and roughly three-quarters intend to use physical discipline with their children. Moreover, positive attitudes towards physical forms of punishment were positively associated with intentions to use corporal punishment (OR = 1.494; ***p < 0.001). Despite most participants reporting experiences with corporal punishment and intending to use physical discipline with their children, many felt better disciplinary methods were available. Given that attitudes were correlated with intention to use, educational programs and curricular endeavors to inform individuals of the negative impact of corporal punishment, as well as alternative non-physical discipline strategies are recommended as ways to reduce reliance on physical forms of discipline.
Analysis and prediction of performance variability in large-scale computing systems
Authors: Salimi Beni Majid , Hunold Sascha , Cosenza Biagio
Published: March 2024

The development of new exascale supercomputers has dramatically increased the need for fast, high-performance networking technology. Efficient network topologies, such as Dragonfly+, have been introduced to meet the demands of data-intensive applications and to match the massive computing power of GPUs and accelerators. However, these supercomputers still face performance variability mainly caused by the network that affects system and application performance. This study comprehensively analyzes performance variability on a large-scale HPC system with Dragonfly+ network topology, focusing on factors such as communication patterns, message size, job placement locality, MPI collective algorithms, and overall system workload. The study also proposes an easy-to-measure metric for estimating network background traffic generated by other users, which can be used to estimate the performance of our job accurately. The insights gained from this study contribute to improving performance predictability, enhancing job placement policies and MPI algorithm selection, and optimizing resource management strategies in supercomputers.
Loading and structural stiffness of tandem bicycle frames
Authors: Symons Digby
Published: March 2024

Tandem bicycles are used for all para-cycling events for visually impaired athletes. Tandems are structurally more challenging to design than solo bicycles: they must resist higher loading over a longer wheelbase, yet must still fit between the legs of the riders. Despite this, there is limited published work on tandem design. This paper presents a method for determining maximal loading of a tandem bicycle frame in racing scenarios. The only inputs required are the dimensions of the frame and the torques exerted by the riders. Outputs are the forces acting on the frame. The method is used to provide loads for structural analyses of tandem frames of different topologies. Twisting of the frame under a starting effort is shown to be the worst load case. The “double diamond” is shown to be the most efficient tubular frame design, on a stiffness per weight basis, but is only 2% superior to an “open” topology.
A Three-Step Test for Determining Patent Infringement Related to Repair
Authors: Heath Christopher
Published: March 2024

Repair, refill and recycle (in the following: repair) of physical goods is a necessity and a convenience – mending is better than ending, at least for the consumer. Where the goods to be repaired are patented, the question arises whether such act of repair infringes the patent, and under what conditions. There are different approaches by national courts on this matter, and it will eventually be the task – and the chance – of the Unified Patent Court to find its own solution to this issue. The author in this regard proposes a three-step test.
Morphogenesis Answers Its Critics
Authors: Archer Margaret S.
Published: March 2024

Margaret S. Archer was a leading social theorist who was highly influential in the development of critical realism. Her work covered many strands of realist social theory including what has become known as the M/M (morphostatic/morphogenetic) approach. Morphogenesis refers to social processes that amplify deviations from a given social form or state (positive feedback) and morphostasis to ones that restore or reproduce these characteristics through negative feedback. The M/M approach is intended to be of practical and interdisciplinary use in the analysis of stability and change at all levels of the social order. It differs from approaches by popular theorists such as Anthony Giddens, Ulrich Beck and Pierre Bourdieu, who conflated 'structure and agency' by conceptualizing them as 'mutually constitutive'. In this book Professor Archer defends her explanatory framework through a series of responses to critics of her work and presents her reflections on debates surrounding it.
Beneath the surface, below the line: Exploring household differentiation at Las Cuevas using Gini coefficients
Authors: Montgomery Shane , Moyes Holley
Published: March 2024

During the Late Classic period (a.d. 550–900), ancient Maya settlement spread throughout western Belize, including the Vaca Plateau, a rugged karstic region with high densities of ritually utilized cave systems. Within the past decade, archaeologists have increasingly drawn on LiDAR technology to document the extent of such settlement at local and regional scales. Combined with traditional pedestrian survey, we have begun to amass substantial data on variation within household groups, disparities which may indicate inequality within these communities. Here, we use settlement data generated from the Las Cuevas region to quantify residential variation through Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves. Special attention is given to areal and volumetric deviation of identified households within three samples: (1) the complete 95.25 km2 study area; (2) a 12.25 km2 zone of higher population between the primary centers of Las Cuevas and Monkey Tail; and (3) households situated within 500 m of ritually utilized caves within the study area. Results indicate some degree of variation within household area and volume for all samples, suggestive of unequal access to labor within the region. This research adds to the growing database of Gini-based analyses to improve our understanding of wealth differentials within pre-modern populations throughout the Lowlands.
Digital Future Skills in Nursing
Authors: Behler Annika , Palmdorf Sarah , Ilskens Karina , Latteck Änne-Dörte , Büker Christa
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: An der Hochschule Bielefeld wurde ein neues Modul „Digital Future Skills in Nursing (DiFuSiN)“ für den Bachelorstudiengang Pflege entwickelt. Studierende bauen im Rahmen dieses Moduls zentrale digitale Kompetenzen für ihren späteren Berufsalltag auf. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Entwicklung und den Aufbau des Moduls sowie über das im Projekt entstandene digitale Lehr-/ Lernmaterial (Open Educational Resources).
Rheuma hautnah – auch in der Ausbildung
Authors: Bachmann Sandra , Riede Jens
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: Im Projekt „Rheuma hautnah – Auch in der Ausbildung“ der Deutschen Rheuma-Liga NRW e.V. und des Departments für Pflegewissenschaft an der Hochschule für Gesundheit werden an Rheuma erkrankte Ehrenamtliche für Einsätze in Ausbildungsstätten für Gesundheitsfachberufe geschult. Ziel des Projektes ist es, ein einheitliches Curriculum zu entwickeln und die Ehrenamtlichen für Einsätze in Fach(hoch)schulen anhand des Curriculums zu qualifizieren.
A Comparison of Inversion Methods for Surrogate‐Based Groundwater Contamination Source Identification With Varying Degrees of Model Complexity
Authors: Chang Zhenbo , Guo Zhilin , Chen Kewei , Wang Zibo , Zhan Yang , Lu Wenxi , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: March 2024

Accurate identification of groundwater contamination sources is important for designing efficacious site remediation strategies. Currently, the methods for identifying contamination sources mainly fall into three distinct categories: simulation optimization, Bayesian inference, and data assimilation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages under specific site conditions. To evaluate the applicability of these methods, we chose one representative inversion algorithm from each category, namely the Improved Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (IBOA) for simulation optimization, the Ensemble Smoother with Multiple Data Assimilation (ES‐MDA) for data assimilation, and the DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis with a Snooker Update and Sampling from a Past Archive (DREAM(ZS)) for Bayesian inference. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of these methods' performance under different model complexities, employing a surrogate model as a substitute for the complex forward model. By addressing two distinct problems involving conservative pollutant transport and Light Non‐Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) transport with biodegradation, we employed four criteria (elapsed time, result accuracy, posterior probability distribution, and noise resistance) for evaluation. The findings unequivocally indicate that DREAM(ZS) outperforms others in terms of result accuracy and posterior probability distribution. It also adeptly navigates the interrelations among disparate unknown variables. The strength of ES‐MDA lies in its efficiency. It achieves relatively satisfactory results with a reduced computational burden. In contrast, IBOA underperforms in both test problems. In terms of resistance to noise, both DREAM(ZS) and ES‐MDA perform better than IBOA does.
An optimized design for motivated broadband LPDA antenna
Authors: Ibrahim Islam M. , Ahmed Mohamed I. , Abdelkader Hala M. , Elsherbini M. M.
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a super wideband and high-gain log periodic dipole array (LPDA) antenna. The overall structure of the antenna was constructed using microwave studio computer simulation technology. The optimal sizes of the planned antenna are 39 × 10× 0.254 mm3. The engineered antenna arrangement is implemented on an RT5880 substrate as a dielectric medium. The LPDA is arranged in four arms that are equally spaced on both lines. The main 50Ω feeder line is partially grounded at the back of the substrate. A combination of circular director units is being studied and tuned in a regular pattern at a predefined distance from the antenna. An improvement in gain of 3 dBi is the response of the director units. The Conformist LPDA is adjusted to achieve a wide range of millimeter wave bands ranging from 40 to over 70 GHz. The antenna resonates at 60 GHz, where the maximum realized gain of 14.97 dBi is attained. The antenna was tested for utilization in the V-band involving wireless personal area network (WPAN) applications recommended by IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.15.3c. The outcomes of the constructed antenna elements' tests and simulations agree fairly well. The proposed layout works better than previous efforts in this field.
Multiple serous cavity effusion screening based on smear images using vision transformer
Authors: Wang Chunbao , Wang Xiangyu , Gao Zeyu , Ran Caihong , Li Chen , Ding Caixia
Published: March 2024

Serous cavity effusion is a prevalent pathological condition encountered in clinical settings. Fluid samples obtained from these effusions are vital for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Traditionally, cytological examination of smears is a common method for diagnosing serous cavity effusion, renowned for its convenience. However, this technique presents limitations that can compromise its efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to overcome these challenges and introduce an improved method for the precise detection of malignant cells in serous cavity effusions. We have developed a transformer-based classification framework, specifically employing the vision transformer (ViT) model, to fulfill this objective. Our research involved collecting smear images and corresponding cytological reports from 161 patients who underwent serous cavity drainage. We meticulously annotated 4836 patches from these images, identifying regions with and without malignant cells, thus creating a unique dataset for smear image classification. The findings of our study reveal that deep learning models, particularly the ViT model, exhibit remarkable accuracy in classifying patches as malignant or non-malignant. The ViT model achieved an impressive area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.99, surpassing the performance of the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, which recorded an AUROC of 0.86. Additionally, we validated our models using an external cohort of 127 patients. The ViT model sustained its high-level screening performance, achieving an AUROC of 0.98 at the patient level, compared to the CNN model’s AUROC of 0.84. The visualization of our ViT models confirmed their capability to precisely identify regions containing malignant cells in multiple serous cavity effusion smear images. In summary, our study demonstrates the potential of deep learning models, particularly the ViT model, in automating the screening process for serous cavity effusions. These models offer significant assistance to cytologists in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. The ViT model stands out for its advanced self-attention mechanism, making it exceptionally suitable for tasks that necessitate detailed analysis of small, sparsely distributed targets like cellular clusters in serous cavity effusions.
Modulating the ion-transfer electrochemistry of perfluorooctanoate with serum albumin and β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Lamichhane Hum Bahadur , Arrigan Damien W. M.
Published: March 2024

The ion transfer current of perfluorooctanoate is modulated by its binding with BSA or β-cyclodextrin, enabling characterisation of those complexes.
Modification of carbon nanofibers for boosting oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Ding Changming , Zhao Yitao , Qiao Zhiyong
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive review of the recent progress in the modification of carbon fibers for boosting oxygen electrocatalysis is summarized.
Enhancing the thermopower of single-molecule junctions by edge substitution effects
Authors: Qi Qiang , Tian Guangjun , Ma Liang
Published: March 2024

Edge substitution with nitrogen atom in single-molecule junction brings a higher thermopower.
Phenylglycine amphiphile-metal ion chiral supramolecular nanozymes for enantioselective catalysis
Authors: Li Dongying , Gao Cong , Zhao Cici , Sun Qingqing , Xi Zheng , Han Jie , Guo Rong
Published: March 2024

l/d-Phenylglycine chiral amphiphiles self-assembled with metal ions resulting in the construction of chiral supramolecular nanozymes (M/P), which exhibited high enantioselectivity and catalytic efficiency in the l/d-DOPA oxidation reactions.
Microcapsule fabrication by ATRP at the interface of non-aqueous emulsions
Authors: Starvaggi Nicholas C. , Somodi Chase B. , Barrios Eliandreina Cruz , Shamberger Patrick J. , Pentzer Emily B.
Published: March 2024

We report an approach for soft-template encapsulation of PCMs via organocatalyzed photoredox ATRP using silica surfactants with surface-immobilized initiators.
Pillar[6]MaxQ functions as an in vivo sequestrant for rocuronium and vecuronium
Authors: Zhang Wanping , Bazan-Bergamino Emmanuel A. , Doan Anton P. , Zhang Xiangjun , Isaacs Lyle
Published: March 2024

P6MQ binds tightly (Ka > 1011 M−1) to rocuronium and vecuronium in vitro (PBS) and functions as an in vivo reversal agent for these neuromuscular blocking agents.
Highly substituted benzo[b]furan synthesis through substituent migration
Authors: Kobayashi Akihiro , Tabata Shinya , Yoshida Suguru
Published: March 2024

An unusual benzofuran synthesis from 2,6-disubstituted phenols and alkynyl sulfoxides is disclosed. Various highly-substituted benzofurans were synthesized via a charge-accelerated [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement and subsequent substituent migration.
Mechanistic insights into diversified photoluminescence behaviours of BF2 complexes of N-benzoyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles
Authors: Zheng He , Li Yan-Xue , Xiong Wen-Chao , Wang Xing-Cong , Gong Shan-Shan , Pu Shouzhi , Shi Rongwei , Sun Qi
Published: March 2024

Theoretical calculations and crystallographic analysis have provided rationales for highly diversified photoluminescence behaviours of structurally similar BF2 complexes of N-benzoyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles.
An integrated approach towards extracting structural characteristics of chlorosomes from a bchQ mutant of Chlorobaculum tepidum
Authors: Dsouza Lolita , Li Xinmeng , Erić Vesna , Huijser Annemarie , Jansen Thomas L. C. , Holzwarth Alfred R. , Buda Francesco , Bryant Donald A. , Bahri Salima , Gupta Karthick Babu Sai Sankar , Sevink G. J. Agur , de Groot Huub J. M.
Published: March 2024

The structure of the bchQ mutant of Cba. tepidum, with predominantly [8-Et, 12-Et]BChl c, is resolved using solid-state NMR, cryo-EM, and optical spectroscopy. Syn–anti parallel stacks run vertically with a subunit axial displacement of 1.49 nm.
Multivalent cation-modified NixSy for highly efficient and stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Yuan Wei , Wu Jicheng , Jiang Guojian , Wu Dandan , Xu Xiaowei , Chang Shufang
Published: March 2024

By vulcanizing the NiFeV-LDH, a Ni3+ rich (Ni,Fe,V)3S4–NiS nanostructure was synthesized for the OER.
Correction: Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production via linked BiVO4 nanoparticles on anodic WO3 nanocoral structures
Authors: Park Eunoak , Yoo JeongEun , Lee Kiyoung
Published: March 2024

Correction for ‘Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production via linked BiVO4 nanoparticles on anodic WO3 nanocoral structures’ by Eunoak Park et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE01545A.
Optimal power bidding of overseas PV plants in Singapore wholesale electricity market
Authors: Xu Yan
Published: March 2024

Singapore's power sector has set targets of net‐zero emissions by 2050. Given the limited land space of the country, a key strategy to decarbonize the power grid is to import clean power from renewable energy resources such as photovoltaic (PV) plants installed at overseas locations. The present electricity market rules require such overseas PV plants to maintain constant power generation during each bidding period. To meet such requirements, energy storage systems (ESSs) are to be deployed in the PV plants to compensate for the PV power fluctuation. This paper proposes an optimal power bidding approach for maximizing the profit of the PV plant participating in the Singapore wholesale electricity market. The problem is formulated as a stochastic programming model, which takes the short‐term PV power forecasting as the input, maximizes the expected profit considering the PV power selling revenue and the penalty cost for power shortfall during each bidding cycle (30 min), and satisfies constraints of the ESS. The proposed method can also be used for determining the optimal size of the ESS. Simulation results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Resistance of Lactobacillus Sp. SKG 34 in The Digestive Tract of Rats Detected Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique
Authors: Nocianitri Komang Ayu , Pratiwi I Desak Putu Kartika , Sujaya I Nengah
Published: March 2024

In recent years, interest in probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains like Lactobacillus sp. SKG34, isolated from Sumbawa mare milk, has surged due to their potential health benefits. This strain holds promise as a probiotic agent, but understanding its behavior in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for effective application. This study aimed to investigate the resistance and persistence of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in the GI tract of rats. Rats were orally administered the strain at a concentration of 10^8 cells for 30 days. The probiotic’s ability to modulate gut microbiota and improve host health is a key area of interest. By utilizing techniques like PCR-RAPD, this research sought to elucidate the fate of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in the complex environment of the rat GI tract. Results revealed a significant increase in LAB population in cecal contents, from 3.06 x 10^9 cfu/g in the control group to 1.25 x 10^10 cfu/g in the probiotic group. RAPD analysis also detected Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in approximately 23% of the total population of lactic acid bacteria in cecal contents, indicating its resistance and proliferation within the GI tract. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the potential of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 as a beneficial probiotic strain for human application.
Acceptance of Sweet Bread with Black Rice Flour as a Substitute Ingredient
Authors: Widodo Slamet , Hudiah Andi , Qur’ani Besse , Nurramadhan Taufik
Published: March 2024

This research aims to assess the organoleptic quality of sweet bread substituted with black rice. Methodology: Black rice replaces wheat flour as the main ingredient in this study. It employs a qualitative research design with an experimental approach involving 20 panelists. Indicators studied include the quality of the bread’s crust, focusing on color, aroma, texture, and taste, with seven indicators for each. Results indicate that sweet bread substituted with black rice exhibits a darker color, a more fragrant aroma, less softness, a superior taste, and increased preference levels. The most favored formula consists of a 50% black rice and 50% wheat blend, achieving an overall acceptance rate of 94.45%. Conclusion: The acceptance of black rice as a substitute for bread suggests that as the proportion of black rice flour increases, panelists are more likely to accept the bread produced.
Effect of Ripe Level on Palm Fruit Threshing Efficiency
Authors: Ruswanto Adi , Gunawan Sri , Hermantoro  , Panca Putra Arif , Wirutomo Purwanto
Published: March 2024

The processing of palm fruit bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (Crude Palm Oil) has been around for decades, requiring innovations in technology and methods that are based on time efficiency, costs, and environmental friendliness. One of them is the development of processing FFB into Crude Palm Oil (CPO) without boiling. The process stages include threshing the FFB using a thresher, separating the mesocarp, pressing, filtering, and evaporating the water in the CPO. The research aimed to determine the effect of FFB ripening level on the efficiency of palm fruit harvesting. The research method included testing the efficiency of the thresher machine separating palm fruit at various levels of FFB ripening (F1=fraction 1, F2=fraction 2, F3=fraction 3) and rest level. FFB (R1=1 day, R2=2 days, R3=3 days). Based on the research results, the success of the process of separating the fruit from the fruit (threshing) in ripe FFB fractions F2 - F3 and restan R2 gave good results, namely being able to separate around 80% of the palm fruit and the level of damage was minimal.
Generating galaxy clusters mass density maps from mock multiview images via deep learning
Authors: de Andres Daniel , Cui Weiguang , Yepes Gustavo , De Petris Marco , Aversano Gianmarco , Ferragamo Antonio , De Luca Federico , Muñoz A. Jiménez
Published: March 2024

Galaxy clusters are composed of dark matter, gas and stars. Their dark matter component, which amounts to around 80% of the total mass, cannot be directly observed but traced by the distribution of diffused gas and galaxy members. In this work, we aim to infer the cluster’s projected total mass distribution from mock observational data, i.e. stars, Sunyaev-Zeldovich, and X-ray, by training deep learning models. To this end, we have created a multiview images dataset from The Three Hundred simulation that is optimal for training Machine Learning models. We further study deep learning architectures based on the U-Net to account for single-input and multi-input models. We show that the predicted mass distribution agrees well with the true one.
Constraining millimeter dust emission in nearby galaxies with NIKA2: The case of NGC2146 and NGC2976
Authors: Ejlali G. , Adam R. , Ade P. , Ajeddig H. , André P. , Artis E. , Aussel H. , Baes M. , Beelen A. , Benoît A. , Berta S. , Bing L. , Bourrion O. , Calvo M. , Catalano A. , De Petris M. , Désert F.-X. , Doyle S. , Driessen E.F.C. , Galliano F. , Gomez A. , Goupy J. , Jones A.P. , Hanser C. , Hughes A. , Katsioli S. , Kéruzoré F. , Kramer C. , Ladjelate B. , Lagache G. , Leclercq S. , Lestrade J.-F. , Macías-Pérez J.F. , Madden S. C. , Maury A. , Mauskopf P. , Mayet F. , Monfardini A. , Moyer-Anin A. , Muñoz-Echeverría M. , Nersesian A. , Pantoni L. , Paradis D. , Perotto L. , Pisano G. , Ponthieu N. , Revéret V. , Rigby A.J. , Ritacco A. , Romero C. , Roussel H. , Ruppin F. , Schuster K. , Sievers A. , Smith M.W.S.L. , Tabatabaei F.S. , Tedros J. , Tucker C. , Xilouris E.M. , Zylka R.
Published: March 2024

This study presents the first millimeter continuum mapping observations of two nearby galaxies, the starburst spiral galaxy NGC2146 and the dwarf galaxy NGC2976, at 1.15 mm and 2 mm using the NIKA2 camera on the IRAM 30m telescope, as part of the Guaranteed Time Large Project IMEGIN. These observations provide robust resolved information about the physical properties of dust in nearby galaxies by constraining their FIR-radio SED in the millimeter domain. After subtracting the contribution from the CO line emission, the SEDs are modeled spatially using a Bayesian approach. Maps of dust mass surface density, temperature, emissivity index, and thermal radio component of the galaxies are presented, allowing for a study of the relations between the dust properties and star formation activity (using observations at 24μm as a tracer). We report that dust temperature is correlated with star formation rate in both galaxies. The effect of star formation activity on dust temperature is stronger in NGC2976, an indication of the thinner interstellar medium of dwarf galaxies. Moreover, an anti-correlation trend is reported between the dust emissivity index and temperature in both galaxies.
Understanding shape and centroid deviations in 39 strong lensing galaxy clusters in various dynamical states
Authors: Gassis Raven , Bayliss Matthew B. , Sharon Keren , Mahler Guillaume , Gladders Michael D. , Dahle Håkon , Florian Michael K. , Rigby Jane R. , McDonald Michael , Elicker Lauren , Owens M. Riley
Published: March 2024

Through observational tests of strong lensing galaxy clusters, we can test simulation derived structure predictions that follow from Λ Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) cosmology. The shape and centroid deviations between the total matter distribution, stellar matter distributions, and hot intracluster gas distribution serve as an observational test of these theoretical structure predictions. We measure the position angles, ellipticities, and locations/centroids of the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG), intracluster light (ICL). the hot intracluster medium (ICM), and the core lensing mass for a sample of strong lensing galaxy clusters from the SDSS Giant Arcs Survey (SGAS). We utilize HST WFC3/1R imaging data to measure the shapes/centroids of the ICL and BCG distributions and use Chandra ACIS-I X-ray data to measure the shapes/centroids of the ICM. Additionally, we measure the concentration parameter (c) and asymmetry parameter (A) to incorporate cluster dynamical state into our analysis. Using this multicomponent approach, we evaluate the different components in terms of their ability to trace out the DM halo of clusters in various dynamical states.