bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Wire Cutting with Non‐Maximally Entangled States
Authors: Bechtold Marvin , Barzen Johanna , Leymann Frank , Mandl Alexander , Truger Felix
Published: January 2025

Distributed quantum computing leverages multiple quantum devices collectively to perform computations exceeding each device's capabilities. A currently studied technique to enable this distributed approach is wire cutting, which decomposes a quantum circuit into smaller subcircuits by cutting connecting wires. These subcircuits can be executed on distributed devices, and their results are then classically combined to reconstruct the original computation's result. However, wire cutting requires additional circuit executions to preserve result accuracy, with their number growing exponentially with each cut. Thus, minimizing this sampling overhead is crucial for reducing execution time. Employing shared non‐maximally entangled (NME) states between distributed devices reduces this overhead for single wire cuts, approaching ideal teleportation with maximally entangled states. Extending this approach to jointly cutting multiple wires using NME states remained unexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the use of NME states for joint wire cuts, aiming to reduce the sampling overhead further. The three main contributions include (i) determining the minimal sampling overhead for this scenario, (ii) analyzing the overhead when using composite NME states constructed from smaller NME states, and (iii) introducing a wire cutting technique that achieves the optimal sampling overhead with pure NME states, advancing toward wire cutting with arbitrary NME states.
Infinite Organic Solid‐Solution Semiconductors with Continuous Evolution in Film Morphology, Crystalline Lattice and Electrical Properties
Authors: Yuan Beibei , Yang Junliang , Li Liqiang , Zhang Jidong , Wang Haibo
Published: January 2025

Constructing a solid solution is an effective strategy for regulating the properties of composite organic semiconductors. However, there presents significant challenges in fabrication and understanding of organic solid‐solution semiconductors. In this study, infinite solid‐solution semiconductors are successfully achieved by integrating rod‐like organic molecules, thereby overcoming the limitations of current organic composite semiconductors. Within these solid solutions, one type of molecule are incorporated into the crystalline lattice of another through random substitution. The continuous evolution in film morphology, crystalline lattice parameters and physical properties are observed as component ratios vary, accompanying with changes in the growth behavior of films. Molecular‐level intercalation is evidenced by Davydov splitting, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and optical absorption analyses. Moreover, the continuous variation in ionization potential is demonstrated through organic Schottky diodes. This advancement in organic solid solutions can not only satisfy diverse requirements for device fabrication but also facilitate novel designs in device architecture.
Understanding Remote Work Experience: Insights Into Well‐Being
Authors: Vizcaíno Aurora , Suárez Julio , Šmite Darja , García Félix O.
Published: January 2025

Background

After the pandemic, software engineers were forced to work remotely, in many cases without prior experience of doing so.

Objective

The objective of this work is to analyze the factors that influence engineers' motivation, stress and performance when working remotely after the pandemic, and to what level.

Methods

A significant number (around 1000) of Latin‐American software development professionals from different countries who work remotely were surveyed in order to study the factors that affect them and how when they work in this manner. The data collected from the survey were then statistically analyzed using the partial least square‐structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) method.

Conclusions

The analysis of the data made it possible to conclude that there are direct negative effects of stress on performance and direct positive effects of motivation on performance. In addition, we found that skills, experience, and teamwork behavior, such as trust, communication, and knowledge sharing, play an important role when working remotely.
Computational Fluid Dynamics‐Discrete Element Method Study of Microstructure and Mechanical Characteristics of the Blast Furnace Raceway with Polyhedral Particles
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Liangyu , Yuan Fei , Wang Lei , Ma Jiaocheng
Published: January 2025

The raceway is the energy source and core reaction region in the blast furnace (BF). This study creates a polyhedral particle based on the BF charge. The effects of particle shape, tuyere velocity, and deadman resistance on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the raceway are analyzed based on the discrete element method‐computational fluid dynamics method. The results show that with a velocity of 200 m s−1, the pressure gradient and drag forces of polyhedral particles are 60.94% and 70.06% higher than those of spherical particles, and the height and depth of the raceway are 26.76% and 57.14% of those of spherical particles, respectively. The raceway size is positively proportional to the velocity and inversely proportional to the convective heat transfer rate. The deadman particle diameter and porosity determine the distribution of central and edge gas flow and raceway size, with porosity having a more significant impact on the raceway size. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics and thermodynamic behavior of irregular particle systems in the raceway.
Cytology is a great complement to charity work for this GP vet
Authors: Baughan Charlotte
Published: January 2025

A chance conversation over a drink with a colleague resulted in Charlotte Baughan grasping the microscope with both hands and pursuing the study of cytology with vigour, along with starting her own company.
Modeling aerobic granules in continuously flowing wastewater‐treatment processes
Authors: Boltz Joshua P. , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: January 2025

Continuously flowing wastewater‐treatment processes can be configured for biological and physical selection to form and retain large biological aggregates (LBAs), along with suspended biomass that contains ordinary biological flocs and biomass that has detached from the LBAs. Suspended biomass and LBAs have different solids residence times (SRTs) and mass‐transport resistances. Here, mathematical sub‐models that describe metabolic processes, a 1‐D biofilm, and spherical carriers that can migrate throughout a wastewater‐treatment process were combined to simulate a full‐scale demonstration train having anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic zones, as well as side‐stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Hydrocyclones were utilized for physical selection. Simulation results and experimental observations agreed for soluble chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus removals, as well as mixed liquor concentration and characteristics. The model outputs demonstrated that suspended biomass was responsible for most of the transformations in the bioreactor, but LBAs contributed importantly to P accumulation as polyphosphate. The simulated LBAs accumulated a higher density of phosphorus‐storing bacteria, polyphosphate, and total‐ and protein‐extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), particularly near their core. Protein‐EPS accumulated near the substratum because protein‐EPS hydrolyzed more slowly than carbohydrate‐EPS, while the SRT in each layer increased from the surface layer to the layer adjacent to the LBA core.

Practitioner Points

Combined models well represented observed solids components in a full‐scale demonstration train as A2O with S2EBPR.

Simulations described aerobic‐granule structure and function consistent with what is known about aerobic granules in BNR processes.

Suspended biomass dominated most of the simulated transformation rates, but the LBAs accumulated ~2000 mg P/L as polyphosphosphate.

The simulated aerobic granules did not intensify WWT overall but should have improved the net solids‐settling characteristics.

Aerobic granules had more EPS than the suspended biomass and protein‐EPS accumulated inside the LBA by slower hydrolysis kinetics.
Development of a Perioperative Risk Mortality Calculator for Humanitarian Surgical Care
Authors: Reynolds Christopher W. , Wild Hannah , Low Yen Sia , Gombar Saurabh , Wren Sherry M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Risk models to predict perioperative mortality rates (POMR) are critical to surgical quality improvement yet are not widely adapted for use in humanitarian and low‐resource settings (LRS). We developed a POMR and corresponding nomogram and calculator for use in humanitarian surgical care.

Methods

Electronic health record data from a high‐income academic medical center from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively extracted, selecting variables and operations specific to LRS. This development dataset was used to create a logistic regression POMR model, which was then prospectively validated using data from 2022 to 2023 from the same institution.

Results

EHR from a total of 49,277 patients were used. The model fitted eight variables feasibly obtainable in LRS: age > 65 years (OR = 4.05 and 95% CI: 3.71–4.43), male sex (OR = 1.32 and 95% CI: 1.25–1.40), GCS < 13 (OR = 5.20 and 95% CI: 4.73–5.73), glucose > 200 mg/dL (OR = 2.19 and 95% CI: 2.01–2.38), Hgb ≤ 11 g/dL (OR = 2.65 and 95% CI: 2.43–2.89), HR > 120 bpm (OR = 2.49 and 95% CI: 2.35–2.64), T > 38 degrees Celsius (OR = 1.32 and 95% CI: 1.19–1.45), and SBP > 180 mmHg (OR = 1.18 and 95% CI: 1.02–1.37). The model demonstrated a high area under the curve (0.847, 0.867, and 0.925), sensitivity (0.739, 0.886, and 0.844), specificity (0.807, 0.780, and 0.864), and negative predictive value (0.750, 0.997, and 0.999) on training, holdout, and prospective validation sets.

Conclusion

We validated a POMR model for use in LRS using eight variables that are readily available in the target environment. This model's predictors and accompanying clinical tools of an Excel calculator and nomogram make it simultaneously comprehensive and accessible in LRS.
Refurbishing used GPS transmitters improves performance for subsequent deployments on greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Chelak Melissa S. , Kohl Michel T. , Small Justin R. , Smith Kurt T. , Pratt Aaron C. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Backen Codi R. , Brandon Flack M. , Wayment Hailey P. , Wood Jason A. , Howell Ryan , Strange Trevon D. , McDonald Lucian R. , Manlove Kezia R. , Frey Shandra N. , Larsen Randy T. , Maxfield Brian A. , Dahlgren David K. , Messmer Terry A. , Stoner David C.
Published: January 2025

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) radio transmitters are increasingly used across taxa to monitor animal populations. However, GPS transmitters can be susceptible to malfunctions that may result in location errors or data loss causing potential inferential bias that can have important implications for monitored species. Research using GPS transmitters on greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) has increased, but few sage‐grouse studies have evaluated GPS performance. Because sage‐grouse management has been subject to intense legal and political scrutiny with consequential economic implications, reliable data acquisition is central to informed decision‐making for the species. We evaluated differences in the performance of 2 commonly used solar‐powered GPS transmitters (Microwave Telemetry, Inc. [MTI], Columbia, MD, USA and GeoTrak, Inc., Apex, NC, USA) deployed on sage‐grouse throughout Wyoming from 2011 to 2017 and Utah from 2013 to 2019. Our investigation of GPS performance included daily fix inefficiency, the number of 1‐day fix gaps, and transmitter loss rate. We also evaluated transmitter functionality during the nesting period including daily nesting fix inefficiency, fix error distance mean and standard deviation (i.e., accuracy and precision), and mean fix error direction. New and refurbished MTI transmitters outperformed GeoTrak transmitters in daily fix inefficiency and day gaps during most seasons. Cumulatively redeployed MTI transmitters did not perform differently than GeoTrak transmitters. Transmitter loss, daily nesting fix inefficiency, and nest fix precision did not vary significantly between the 2 transmitters. GeoTrak performed better than MTI for nest fix accuracy across all latitudes (40–45° N). The mean error direction to the nest location ranged between 105° and 135° for GeoTrak and between 135° and 155° for MTI. We recommend refurbishing transmitters following deployment to retain higher fix efficiency than cumulatively redeploying transmitters.
Another Industrial Revolution? It’s All Evolution!
Authors: Kask Johan , Armstrong Ryan
Published: January 2025

This chapter questions the increasingly popular narrative of technological advancement as a series of abrupt “Industrial Revolutions,” favoring instead an understanding of technological change as an ongoing process of “Industrial Evolution.” We argue that the recent explosion in the use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and related terms are indicative of its use as a buzzword. By examining the music recording industry’s transformation, the authors illustrate that perceived “revolutionary” shifts are better understood as cumulative, evolutionary processes, shaped by societal shifts and cumulative advancements in technology. The study advocates hence for a nuanced understanding of technological progress, emphasizing the interconnected and path-dependent nature of developments. It argues that the concept of distinct industrial revolutions generally oversimplifies the complex and continuous trajectory of technological and industrial evolution. The implications for research include a call for a shift in conceptual frameworks and research methodologies, emphasizing longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches that acknowledge historical dependencies rather than suggesting questionable scenarios before and after. For practitioners, the notion of “Industrial Evolution” necessitates a deeper historical understanding of strategic decision-making. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt a visionary, long-term perspective to foster sustained and inclusive innovation. The chapter concludes with a call for further exploration through longitudinal case studies across various sectors and investigation into the pace of socio-technological evolution.
Creating Value by Combining AI and Other Open Technologies: Cloud Infrastructure as a Pivotal Asset
Authors: Legenvre Hervé , Autio Erkko , Hameri Ari-Pekka
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces the notion of “pivotal assets” to describe the role of cloud infrastructures as a central, shared resource that enables value creation across the digital landscape. Through our analysis, we explore how cloud infrastructures, with their broad array of complementary digital technologies, support, enhance, and help build new digital services. We describe how digital incumbents have facilitated the emergence of cloud infrastructures of supermodular complementarities—synergies that yield value greater than the sum of their parts—through the strategic release of open technologies. These technologies range from open-source software to pre-trained machine learning algorithms and open hardware designs, all available under permissive licensing terms. This strategy has created momentum within the cloud and AI/machine learning ecosystem resulting in generative outcomes through the exploitation of supermodular complementarities.
Digital redesign of the radiotherapy course for medical students with a blended learning approach
Authors: Knöchelmann Anne Caroline , Becker Jan-Niklas , Stiller Gerald , Steinmann Diana , Behrends Marianne
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Due to the need for high-quality teaching, we present a new blended learning concept combining digital modules, interactive seminars, and clinical experience. Furthermore, we evaluated its acceptance among students.

Methods

A new concept for teaching was applied to the radiotherapy module and made available via the Hannover Medical School (MHH) learning management system as part of a blended learning concept with educational films, multimedia learning modules, online seminars, and onsite practical training. The evaluation recorded assessments of the requirement profile, design, and opportunities for skills acquisition; evaluation of the seminar and internship; and questions on the overall assessment.

Results

The new concept was applied to four passes in the fourth academic year. A total of 152 students completed the radio-oncology learning module, which was evaluated by 46 students. Forty students considered the course duration to be appropriate for the material covered, and most students stated that their prior knowledge had been sufficient. The level of difficulty of the content was rated by the students as somewhat too high. The design of the digital course, the opportunity to acquire skills, the seminar course, and the practical course were mostly rated positively.

Conclusion

Through digital redesign, a teaching concept can be implemented that combines self-determined learning, professional exchange with doctors, and clinical practice experience. The concept can be transferred to other areas because it combines theoretical knowledge transfer with synchronous teaching and clinical experience. The results of the evaluation show that the students rated the new concept well.
Nobiletin reduces 5-FU-induced lung injury with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities
Authors: Atila Uslu Gözde , Uslu Hamit , Çoban Taha Abdulkadir , Özkaraca Mustafa , Mendil Ali Sefa , Aygörmez Serpil
Published: January 2025

Like other chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) targets cancerous cells, but it also causes many unwanted side effects on healthy tissues and cells. Based on the undesirable effects of 5-FU, the aim of this study was to determine how 5-FU affects lung tissue and whether nobiletin has any protective effect. The study consisted of negative control, Nobiletin, 5-FU and Nobiletin + 5-FU groups. Nobiletin and Nobiletin + 5-FU groups received 10 mg/kg Nobiletin i.g. for 7 days. On day 8, 100 mg/kg 5-FU was administered i.p. to 5-FU and Nobiletin + 5-FU groups. Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the lung tissues dissected at the end of the study. 5-FU caused growth retardation, disturbed the oxidant-antioxidant balance by increasing MDA levels and decreasing GSH levels, triggered cellular apoptosis by increasing Bax and caspase-3 levels and decreasing Bcl-2, also increased lung tissue inflammation and damage by increasing NFκB and IL-1β levels. However, it was determined that Nobiletin prevented the disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance, showed significant anti-apoptotic effects, especially by reducing Bax levels and partially modulating caspase-3 and Bcl-2 levels, and also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by reducing NFκB and IL-1β levels and supported the normal development of animals. Our results showed that nobiletin pretreatment showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the NFκB pathway in 5-FU-induced lung injury, suppressed oxidative stress with its antioxidant activity and was effective in modulating cellular apoptosis with its anti-apoptotic activity. In conclusion, Nobiletin has been shown to have an important potential in reducing fluorouracil-induced tissue damage by acting through multiple pathways.

Graphical Abstract
A phase I study of MLN4924 and belinostat in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Maher Keri R. , Shafer Danielle , Schaar Dale , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Deng Xiaoyan , Wright John , Piekarz Richard , Rudek Michelle A. , Harvey R. Donald , Grant Steven
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome continue to have a poor prognosis with limited treatment options despite advancements in rational combination and targeted therapies. Belinostat (an HDAC inhibitor) and Pevonedistat (a NEDD8 inhibitor) have each been independently studied in hematologic malignancies and have tolerable safety profiles with limited single-agent activity. Preclinical studies in AML cell lines and primary AML cells show the combination to be highly synergistic, particularly in high-risk phenotypes such as p53 mutant and FLT-3-ITD positive cells. Here, we present the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of belinostat and pevonedistat in a dose escalation Phase I study in AML and High-Risk MDS.

Methods

Eighteen patients (16 with AML, 2 with MDS) were treated at 5 dose levels (belinostat 800–1000 mg/m2, pevonedistat 20–50 mg/m2). Safety and tolerability were assessed according to protocol defined dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). Correlative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses were performed.

Results

No dose limiting toxicities were noted. Most Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were hematologic in nature. The best response was stable disease in four patients, and complete remission in one patient who qualified as an exceptional responder. Pharmakokinetic studies revealed no association between drug exposure and best response. Pharmacodynamic RT-PCR studies demonstrated post-treatment increases in several proteins, including quantitative increases in the oxidative stress protein NQO1, ferroptosis protein SLC7A11, and GSR, linked to glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress, as did the anti-oxidants SRXN1 and TXNRD1.

Conclusions

Patterns of post-treatment changes in correlative pharmacodynamic parameters may suggest possible mechanistic changes in the DNA damage response, oxidative damage, and ferroptosis pathways. The combination of pevonedistat plus belinosat is safe in an adult relapsed and/or refractory AML/High-Risk MDS population with modest but notable activity in this heavily treated, high risk population. Our findings also raise the possibility that certain extremely poor prognosis AML patients may respond to a regimen combining two targeted agents that have little or no activity when administered individually.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03772925, first posted 12/12/2018; CTEP Identifier 10246.
Tick salivary cystatin Iristatin limits the virus replication in skin of tick-borne encephalitis virus–infected mice
Authors: Langhansová Helena , Beránková Zuzana , Khanna Ritesh , Kotál Jan , Kotsyfakis Michail , Palus Martin , Lieskovská Jaroslava
Published: January 2025

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is flavivirus transmitted to the host via tick saliva which contains various molecules with biological impacts. One of such molecules is Iristatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor from Ixodes ricinus that has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties. To characterize Iristatin in the relation to TBEV, we investigate whether this tick inhibitor has any capacity to influence TBEV infection. Mice were intradermally infected by TBEV with or without Iristatin and the viral multiplication was determined in skin and brain tissues by RT-PCR two and 5 days after infection. The viral RNA was detected in both intervals in skin and increased by time. The application of Iristatin caused a reduction in viral RNA in skin but not in the brain of infected mice 5 days post-infection. Moreover, anti-viral effect of Iristatin on skin was accompanied by a significant decline of interferon-stimulated gene 15 gene expression. The effect of Iristatin on TBEV replication was tested also in vitro in primary macrophages and dendritic cells; however, no changes were observed suggesting no direct interference of Iristatin with virus replication. Still, the Iristatin caused a suppression of Erk1/2 phosphorylation in TBEV-infected dendritic cells and had the anti-apoptotic effect. This is the first report showing that a tick cystatin decreases the viral RNA in the host skin, likely indirectly through creating skin environment that is less supportive for TBEV replication. Assuming, that viral RNA reflects the amount of infectious virus, decline of TBEV in host skin could influence the tick biology or virus transmission during cofeeding.
Assessing the subarachnoid space anatomy on clinical imaging: utilizing normal and pathology to understand compartmentalization of the subarachnoid space
Authors: Almohaimede Khaled , Alibrahim Yusuf , Butt Abu Bakar , Maralani Pejman , Heyn Chris , Kapadia Anish
Published: January 2025

Background

The goal of the study is to use CT imaging in patients with aSAH to evaluate the anatomic distribution of hemorrhage and compartmentalization of subarachnoid space to investigate potential in vivo visualization of recently discovered layer named subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cases with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) at our institution between January 2015 and June 2022. Subarachnoid hemorrhage distribution into superficial and deep subarachnoid spaces was classified based on proximity to the dural or pial surfaces, respectively, as seen on multiplanar CT head.

Results

A total of 97 patients with aSAH were included. Patients with lower modified Fisher score (MFS) of 1-2 were more likely to have SAH compartmentalizing in the “deep” pial-adjacent subarachnoid space. Patients with higher MFS of 3-4 were more likely to have SAH in both “superficial” and “deep” compartments along the brainstem. There is a significant association between the severity of aSAH - quantified by the MFS - and the distribution of the blood. Patients with higher MFS scores were roughly 7.6 times (p-value = 0.049) more likely to have hemorrhage at the “Superficial” juxta-dural subarachnoid compartment when compared to those with lower MFS scores.

Conclusion

This study suggests an imaging correlate to the recently discovered “SLYM”, potentially influencing aSAH compartmentalization, particularly in low-grade bleeds. While compartmentalization is limited in high grade cases, these findings warrant further investigation with advanced imaging techniques to validate this membrane’s role and potential impact on CSF flow and aSAH pathophysiology.
Preparing for Digital Learning Monitoring in the Fraction Context: Assessment of Students’ Prior Knowledge According to Evidence-Based Cognitive Models
Authors: Schadl Constanze , Lindmeier Anke
Published: January 2025

Regularly assessing students’ learning using evidence-based cognitive models can enhance learning by supporting teachers’ monitoring and scaffolding decisions. In the case of mathematics, this is considered especially essential for topics renowned as being complex for students, like fractions. Although previous findings from paper-based studies yielded sophisticated cognitive models, they were not consistently related so far to evidence-based assessment approaches. Also, as paper-based testing appears resource-consuming, its practical use is hindered. Addressing this gap, we developed instruments for digital evidence-based assessment. This paper focuses on the psychometric quality of two tests assessing prior knowledge of fractions: symbolic multiplication and division skills (SMDS) and proportional reasoning skills (PRS). Using item-response-theory-methods to analyze data from N = 147 fifth graders, the digital SMDS-test showed good reliability and validity. The findings suggest a specific item subset suited as an efficient short test. Regarding PRS, further adaptation of the digital format is advised.
The Root of All Evil: Money as the Common Driver of Climate Change and Loss of Diversity
Authors: Hornborg Alf
Published: January 2025

The paper traces the common roots of climate change and diversity loss to the phenomenon of general-purpose money, viewed as a recent addition to the biosemiotics of the planet. Money is the driver of increasing greenhouse gas emissions as well as the homogenizing processes of globalization. From an evolutionary perspective, the money sign can be understood as emerging from the human capacity for symbolism, yet it is not itself a symbol, as it can be given any meaning that its owner wishes. The appearance of money has fundamentally transformed social and human-environmental relations, coinciding with a loss of concern about morally compelling forces in nature. As Marx observed, in exemplifying how human artifacts that are contingent on social relations are perceived as powerful in themselves, money is an instance of fetishism. In serving as a veil that obscures the asymmetric global trade in embodied labor and other biophysical resources, money prices are also the condition for technological fetishism. Money is central to the social condition of modernity and the decontextualizing logic of the market, which tends to reduce both biological and cultural diversity. In contrast, Indigenous societies suggest alternatives to monetization and homogenization, prompting us to revise aspects of our modern worldview.
Investigation of the effect of catalyst support on oleic acid catalytic deoxygenation for green diesel production
Authors: Siraj Mohammed , Ceylan Selim
Published: January 2025

The presence of certain oxygenated species has led to the development of green diesel produced using deoxygenation (DO) technology to replace conventional biodiesel. The study focused on the effects of the supports on the deoxygenation of oleic acid using the CoMo catalyst. The results of this study revealed that the Molybdenum and Cobalt species have a significant influence on the reactivity and distribution of the product. The CoMo-based catalyst supported on Cerium oxide (CeO2), Titanium dioxide (TiO2), activated carbon (AC), and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were prepared by wet impregnation method and then calcinated under 20 mL min−1 N2 flow for 4 h at a temperature of 550 °C. The prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The influence of support type (activated carbon, Al2O2, CeO2, and TiO2) on the removal of various oxygenated functional groups was examined during the deoxygenation of oleic acid using supported CoMo catalysts at 350 °C and atmospheric pressure. The deoxygenated liquid products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), Higher heating value (HHV), and CHNOS analysis. The yield of hydrocarbons increased in the order Blank < CoMo/TiO2 < CoMo/CeO2 < CoMo/Al2O3 < CoMo/AC. Based on the study results, CoMo/AC is the most active catalyst with 93.20% hydrocarbon yield for 2 h. at 350 °C and 300 rpm in the absence of hydrogen. However, a significant deoxygenation reaction was still observed for the catalysts having CoMo supported on Al2O3, CeO2, and TiO2. In summary, CoMo/AC demonstrates better catalytic performance, attributed to its favorable physicochemical properties.
Psychometric Properties and Network Analysis of the Arabic Version of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Scale-Short Version in Patients with Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Abdelrahman Rasha Mohamed , Fakhrou Abdulnaser , Moussa Mahmoud Ali , Roshan Mohaddeseh
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of a short version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ-S) among a sample of 700 patients with anxiety disorders (53.1% were female). Participants completed the RST-PQ-S, NEO-FFI, Positive Mental Health (PMH), and Kessler Psychological Distress scale. Both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to test the construct validity of the scale. This study also utilized a network perspective, incorporating Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and centrality measures. As a result of the EFA and CFA, it was determined that the scale consists of 22 items and six subdimensions. These subdimensions were named as follows: “Flight Fight-Freeze System”, “Behavioral Inhibition System”, “Reward Interest”, “Reward Reactivity”, “Goal-Drive Persistence”, and “Impulsivity”. Additionally, the network analysis’s findings confirmed the six-factor structure derived from the construct validity assessment. The results of this study demonstrated that the Arabic version of the personality scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing personality in Arabic-speaking individuals with anxiety disorders. It has the potential to serve as an important diagnostic instrument in clinical and research settings. These findings may assist psychologists and clinicians in Arabic-speaking countries to better understand how the personality traits and anxiety disorders are related.
Case Study Pedagogy in Disaster Education
Authors: Srigyan Prerna , Fortun Kim
Published: January 2025

Research in cultural anthropology and the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies (STS) has demonstrated that environmental disasters are not only techno-scientifically and socio-politically complex but also epistemically complex -- involving perspectival diversity; multiple, often conflicting forms of evidence; data gaps and disinformation; and role transitions and confusions. Disasters, this research has demonstrated, are highly fraught knowledge problems that nevertheless call for pragmatic response. In this article, we describe an approach to disaster education that stems from this premise, mobilizing an Environmental Injustice Case Study Framework that draws out multiple dimensions of disaster, foregrounding the need for interdisciplinarity while immersing students in the challenges and paradoxes of disaster knowledge production. We offer both an instructional approach and a theoretical perspective on what case study pedagogy in disaster education accomplishes, and can contribute to science education writ large. Our argument is that critical approaches to case study pedagogy can scaffold many kinds of learning in both disaster and science education, helping students integrate diverse kinds of data, analysis, interpretation, and judgment, while building metacognition and epistemic reflexivity.
Spatial patterns of steam technology diffusion in nineteenth-century France
Authors: Le Chapelain Charlotte , Wilke Ralf A.
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a unique regional panel data set reflecting steam power use in the French départements from 1841 to 1911 and investigates, on this basis, the time and spatial patterns of steam technology diffusion in nineteenth-century France. While in the existing literature most quantitative assessments of steam power use in French industries rely on statistical information coming from the industrial censuses conducted in 1839–1847, 1860–1865 and 1896 [see Chanut et al. (2000)], our data provide an exhaustive overview of the spread of steam power in France based on the French mining engineers’s reports that followed the early introduction in France of regulations on the use of steam engines. By controlling for a number of geographical, demographical and structural factors and initial conditions, we provide statistical evidence that intensity in the use of steam engine within close proximity was a strong and robust predictor of steam engine adoption among French industries. Our results therefore confirm that economic development in the prime time of industrialization benefited from spill-overs in neighboring regions, while this is not found over longer distances.
Anaerobic Digestion of Seaweed (Ecklonia Maxima) and Seaweed Residues for Quality Biogas Production
Authors: Border Allistair , Tolessa Amsalu , Görgens Johann , Goosen Neill
Published: January 2025

Seaweed has been identified as a potential feedstock for biorefineries. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology to transform seaweed biomass into biogas, and could make an important contribution to recovering energy to drive a potential biorefinery. In this study, AD of Ecklonia maxima seaweed and its residues after enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized for biogas production at both bench- and pilot-scale. A standard Box-Behnken statistical design with 3 factors at 3 levels was employed to determine the effects of operating conditions (temperature, solids loading, and inoculum-to-substrate ratio) on biogas production yield and composition, for both raw seaweed and enzymatic hydrolysis residues. Bench-scale optimization resulted in biogas production of 256 and 259 ml CH4/gVS for raw seaweed and solid hydrolysis residues at mesophilic temperature (38.8 and 37.4 °C), solid loading (3.6 and 4.3 wt%), and inoculum to substrate ratio (4.1 and 3.9), with methane contents of 62% and 70%, respectively. Even if the methane yields and contents seem very similar between the two substrates, the finding suggests that the optimal processing conditions for maximizing the biomethane yield from seaweed processing residues might not necessarily coincide with the optimal conditions for seaweed in its raw form. Pilot-scale runs in 30 L digesters at centre point conditions resulted in similar quantities of biogas production for both feedstocks, although methane contents and yields were 88% of the highest values recorded at bench scale. Results demonstrated the suitability of both raw seaweed and the residues remaining after enzymatic hydrolysis as feedstocks for AD, and that solid residues post-enzymatic hydrolysis have a slightly higher biomethane potential than the raw seaweed. Elemental analyses of both feedstocks were compared to fertilizer guidelines, with the results indicating that all heavy metal concentrations were below the limiting values. In conclusion, the study is significant in that it provides data on how to treat residues that originate from a ‘typical’ seaweed biorefinery and derive bioenergy from the residues through AD.
Analysis of survival and prognostic factors in appendix adenocarcinoma and mucinous carcinoma
Authors: Turan Bilal , Sanli Ahmet Necati , Acar Serdar
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to compare mucinous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the appendix in terms of survival and investigate the risk factors influencing survival. The data for this study were retrieved from the SEER database (SEER Research Plus 17 registries). Patients diagnosed with appendix cancer between 2004 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, such as age, gender, marital status, and year of diagnosis, along with oncological variables like stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and survival time, were extracted from the SEER database. Pathological subtypes were classified as adenocarcinoma (AC) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) based on the College of American Pathologists guidelines. Patients with other pathological subtypes or missing data were excluded from the study. This study included 4524 patients, with 2118 (46.8%) classified as AC and 2406 (53.2%) as MAC. There was no significant difference in mean age between AC and MAC groups (63.22 ± 14.30 vs. 59.46 ± 14.07, p = 0.483). AC was more common in males, while MAC was more prevalent in females (46.8% vs. 53.2%; 55.6% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001, respectively). Married status was high in both groups (p = 0.001). While no difference was found in white race distribution, the black race was more prevalent in the AC group (57.1% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001). Grade 1 tumors were more frequent in the AC group, whereas Grades 2 and 3 were more common in the MAC group (p < 0.001). Stages 1, 2, and 3 were more prevalent in the AC group, while the majority of MAC cases were at Stage 4. Surgery rates were higher in the AC group (98.6% vs. 96.4%, p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was used more frequently in the MAC group (50.9% vs. 40.6%, p < 0.001), while radiotherapy rates were similar in both groups (p = 0.498). The mean follow-up period was 55.70 ± 47.2 months. Five- and ten-year survival rates for the MAC group were 64.4% and 50.2%, respectively, higher than the AC group’s rates of 54.2% and 39.7% (p < 0.001). The overall risk of mortality was 1.4 times higher in the AC group compared to the MAC group (p < 0.001, HR: 1.377 [CI 95% 1.259–1.507]). While adenocarcinomas and mucinous adenocarcinomas have similar incidences, non-metastatic adenocarcinomas were more frequently observed. In contrast, mucinous adenocarcinomas often exhibited distant metastases. Nevertheless, the survival rate was higher in mucinous adenocarcinomas.
Influencer-Driven Gambling Content and Its Impact on Children and Young People: A Scoping Study
Authors: Bolat Elvira , Panourgia Constantina , Yankouskaya Ala , Kelly Megan
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

This scoping review explores the influence of social media influencers in promoting gambling to children and young people, addressing concerns about their vulnerability to gambling advertisements on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.

Recent Findings

A scoping review of 41 studies highlights that influencers use subtle, relatable strategies to normalise gambling behaviours. Despite regulatory changes, children and young people are still significantly exposed to gambling content. Influencers’ promotional tactics increase engagement and lower perceived risks of gambling, yet there is limited research on the long-term impact of this exposure.

Stricter regulations are urgently needed to reduce children and young people’s exposure to influencer-driven gambling content. Mandatory sponsorship disclosures and age verification measures are essential. Targeted interventions, including educational campaigns, should be prioritised to raise awareness of the risks associated with influencer marketing and gambling. These steps are critical to protecting vulnerable children and young people from potential gambling-related harms.
Robust underwater object tracking with image enhancement and two-step feature compression
Authors: Li Jiaqing , Xue Chaocan , Luo Xuan , Fu Yubin , Lin Bin
Published: January 2025

Developing a robust algorithm for underwater object tracking (UOT) is crucial to support the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources. In addition to open-air tracking challenges, the visual object tracking (VOT) task presents further difficulties in underwater environments due to visual distortions, color cast issues, and low-visibility conditions. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel underwater target tracking framework based on correlation filter (CF) with image enhancement and a two-step feature compression mechanism. Underwater image enhancement mitigates the impact of visual distortions and color cast issues on target appearance modeling, while the two-step feature compression strategy addresses low-visibility conditions by compressing redundant features and combining multiple compressed features based on the peak-to-sidelobe ratio (PSR) indicator for accurate target localization. The excellent performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through evaluation on two public UOT datasets.
Identification of global main cable line shape parameters of suspension bridges based on local 3D point cloud
Authors: Li Yurui , Dan Danhui , Pan Ruiyang
Published: January 2025

Main cable line shape measurement and parameter identification are a critical task in the construction monitoring and service maintenance of suspension bridges. 3D LiDAR scanning can simultaneously obtain the coordinates of multiple points on the target, offering high accuracy and efficiency. As a result, it is expected to be used in applications requiring rapid, large-scale measurements, such as main cable line shape measurement for suspension bridges. However, due to the large span and tall main towers of suspension bridges, the LiDAR field of view often encounters obstructions, making it difficult to obtain high-quality point clouds for the entire bridge. The collected point clouds are typically unevenly distributed and of poor quality. Therefore, LiDAR is used to monitor the local cable line shape. This paper proposes an innovative non-uniform sampling method that adjusts the sampling density based on the main cable’s rate of change. Additionally, the Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, the ordinary least squares, and center-of-mass calibration are applied to identify and optimize the geometric parameters of the cross-section point cloud of the main cable. Given the strong design prior information available during suspension bridge construction, Bayesian theory is applied to predict and adjust the global line shape of the main cable. The study shows that using LiDAR for cable point cloud measurement enables rapid acquisition of high-precision point cloud data, significantly enhancing data collection efficiency. The method proposed in this paper offers advantages such as highly automated, low risk, low cost, and sustainability, making it suitable for green monitoring throughout the entire main cable construction process.
Predictors of new persistent opioid use after surgery in adults
Authors: Gessner Kathryn H. , Preisser John S. , Pfaff Emily , Wang Rujin , Walters Kellie , Bradford Robert , Clark Marshall , Ehlers Mark , Nielsen Matthew
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Persistent opioid use is one of the most common post-operative complications. Identification of at-risk patients pre-operatively is key to reducing post-operative opioid use. We sought to develop a predictive model for persistent post-operative opioid used and to determine if geographic factors from community databases improve model prediction based solely on electronic health records (EHRs) and claims data.

Methods

EHR and claims data for 4,116 opioid-naïve surgical patients older than 18 in North Carolina were linked with census tract-level unemployment data from the American Community Survey and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data on opioid prescriptions and deaths attributed to drug poisoning. Primary outcome was new persistent opioid use and covariates included patient factors from EHR, claims data, and geographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression models of potential risk factors were evaluated.

Results

6.0% of patients developed new persistent opioid use. Associated risk factors based on multivariable logistic regressions include age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 1.16), back and neck pain (1.82; 1.39, 2.39), joint disorders (1.58; 1.18, 2.11), mood disorders (1.71; 1.28, 2.28), opioid retail prescription (1.04; 1.00, 1.07) and drug poisoning rates (1.33; 1.09, 1.62). On Monte-Carlo cross-validation, the addition of geographic factors to EHRs and claims may modestly improve prediction performance (area under the curve, AUC) of logistic regression models compared to those based on EHRs and claims data (AUC 0.667 (95% CI 0.619, 0.717) vs AUC 0.653 (0.600, 0.706)).

Conclusions

Co-morbidities and area-based factors are predictive of new persistent post-operative opioid use. As the addition of geographic-based factors did not significantly improve performance of multivariable logistic regression, larger samples are needed to fully differentiate models.
Comparison of sampling and culture methods for the recovery of yeast from hospital surfaces
Authors: Eberly Allison R. , Valencia Alyssa M. , Peacock Kate , McDonald David , Hink Tiffany , Samuels Carleigh , Vogt Lucy , Xue Yao-Peng , Newberry Maggie , O’Neil Caroline A. , Dantas Gautam , Kwon Jennie H.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To compare the recovery of yeast from hospital surfaces from two different collection methods: Eswab moistened with molecular water, and premoistened stick-mounted sponge.

Design:

Comparison of collection methods for the recovery of yeast in the hospital environment.

Setting:

This study took place at intensive care units of a large academic medical center.