bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orchards and paddy differentially impact rock outcrop amphibians: Insights from community‐ and species‐level responses
Authors: Jithin Vijayan , Rane Manali , Watve Aparna , Naniwadekar Rohit
Published: November 2024

With agricultural demands increasing globally, determining the nature of impacts of different forms of agriculture on biodiversity, especially for threatened vertebrates and habitats, is critical to inform land management. This is especially true for open ecosystems such as the natural rock outcrops and amphibians, both of which are threatened by land‐use change. Lateritic plateaus of the northern Western Ghats are rock outcrop ecosystems harboring endemic biodiversity. Since most of these plateaus are located outside protected areas and officially classified as wastelands, they are rapidly lost due to multiple human pressures, including agriculture. We compared amphibian composition, diversity, and species responses across these rocky plateaus (hereafter plateaus), orchards, and rice paddy in the Western Ghats‐Sri Lanka biodiversity Hotspot, India. We sampled 50 belt transects across four geographically separated plateaus, covering three land‐use classes in three of the plateaus, and recorded information on amphibians and their microhabitats. Each transect was sampled four times across the rainy season. We compared responses of amphibians across three land‐use categories at the community level using Hill numbers, beta‐diversity measures, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and at the species level using joint species distribution modeling. Converting plateaus to paddy and orchards significantly altered microhabitat availability by reducing the rock pool habitat availability in paddy and orchards, and increased deep, water‐submerged areas and grass cover in paddy. Conversion to paddy mostly had species‐ and community‐level impacts, that is, lowered species occurrence of certain species, lowered species richness, and more nested communities, whereas conversion to orchards mostly had species‐level impacts, that is, lowered species occurrence, highlighting that different forms of agriculture have varying impacts on amphibians that can be determined by examining community‐ and species‐level effects simultaneously. Using only community‐ or species‐level metrics would not have unraveled these impacts completely. We show that large rock pools are critical microhabitats for frogs, most likely serving as refugia and protecting frogs from desiccation during dry spells in monsoons. Since Indian lateritic plateau habitats in low elevations are rapidly being converted to orchards, efforts are needed to conserve them in partnership with local communities, the custodians of these habitats.
Machine learning‐based prediction of elevated N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide among US general population
Authors: Mori Yuichiro , Fukuma Shingo , Yamaji Kyohei , Mizuno Atsushi , Kondo Naoki , Inoue Kosuke
Published: November 2024

Aims

Natriuretic peptide‐based pre‐heart failure screening has been proposed in recent guidelines. However, an effective strategy to identify screening targets from the general population, more than half of which are at risk for heart failure or pre‐heart failure, has not been well established. This study evaluated the performance of machine learning prediction models for predicting elevated N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels in the US general population.

Methods and results

Individuals aged 20–79 years without cardiovascular disease from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 were included. Six prediction models (two conventional regression models and four machine learning models) were trained with the 1999–2002 cohort to predict elevated NT‐proBNP levels (>125 pg/mL) using demographic, lifestyle, and commonly measured biochemical data. The model performance was tested using the 2003–2004 cohort. Of the 10 237 individuals, 1510 (14.8%) had NT‐proBNP levels >125 pg/mL. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was observed in SuperLearner (AUC [95% CI] = 0.862 [0.847–0.878], P < 0.001 compared with the logistic regression model). The logistic regression model with splines showed a comparable performance (AUC [95% CI] = 0.857 [0.841–0.874], P = 0.08). Age, albumin level, haemoglobin level, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and systolic blood pressure were the most important predictors. We found a similar prediction performance even after excluding socio‐economic information (marital status, family income, and education status) from the prediction models. When we used different thresholds for elevated NT‐proBNP, the AUC (95% CI) in the SuperLearner models 0.846 (0.830–0.861) for NT‐proBNP > 100 pg/mL and 0.866 (0.849–0.884) for NT‐proBNP > 150 pg/mL.

Conclusions

Using nationally representative data from the United States, both logistic regression and machine learning models well predicted elevated NT‐proBNP. The predictive performance remained consistent even when the models incorporated only commonly available variables in daily clinical practice. Prediction models using regularly measured information would serve as a potentially useful tools for clinicians to effectively identify targets of natriuretic‐peptide screening.
Analysis of Excited Species Formation across the Flame of Various Ammonia‐Hydrogen Fired Combustor Geometries
Authors: Vigueras‐Zuniga Marco Osvaldo , Tejeda del Cueto Maria Elena , Davies Jordan , Mashruk Syed , Valera‐Medina Agustin
Published: November 2024

Although ammonia can be used as a fuel, it also presents drawbacks that require further investigation before the chemical can overtake fossil fuels in combustion systems. The main barriers are the low flammability in combination with high NOx emissions. Although the first barrier can be surpassed by doping ammonia with hydrogen, the second becomes more challenging under these conditions, as hydrogen increases NO emissions due to the increase in H radicals in the chemical pool of species. How the change in radicals impacts the stability of the flame, its reactivity, and emissions profile is of the greatest concern for the use of these net zero fuels. Thus, the work herein presented shows the trends of excited species such as NH*, NH2*, and OH* when using ammonia–hydrogen at 70%–30% (vol) blending. Various equivalence ratios are employed from lean to rich conditions. Results denote that there is a continuous displacement of radicals across the field, with NH2* relocating closer to the centerline of the burner as equivalence ratio increases, while NH* tends to raise its location while dislocating from the production/consumption of OH* radicals. The results can be used to target desirable radicals for the mitigation of emissions and flame control.
Anorexia Nervosa in Comorbidity With Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescence: A Specific Clinical Endophenotype?
Authors: Riva Anna , Brasola Eleonora , Sforza Sofia Elena , Marfone Mirella , Biso Francesco , Nacinovich Renata
Published: November 2024

Objective

Anorexia nervosa and borderline personality disorder are often associated and share some core elements, including emotional dysregulation and affective instability. Nevertheless, the association of these two conditions in adolescence is still little studied.

Method

The present study aims at investigating, through a multidimensional assessment, the psychopathological characteristics of adolescents affected by anorexia nervosa in comorbidity with borderline personality disorder on a sample of 127 female adolescents, through the comparison with adolescents with borderline personality disorders and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. All participants completed a validated psychometric battery assessing alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20), depression (Children's Depression Inventory), psychological symptoms (Symptom Checklist‐90–Revised) and psychological symptoms relevant in eating disorders (Eating Disorders Inventory‐3).

Results

Adolescents with anorexia nervosa in comorbidity with borderline personality disorder show intermediate features between the two disorders individually in the general psychopathological profile, but a peculiar psychological profile regarding the eating symptomatology, with worse features compared to adolescents with the sole anorexia nervosa.

Conclusions

Results suggest a peculiar clinical and psychopatological endophenotype in adolescents with anorexia nervosa in comorbidity with borderline personality disorders, indicating the need to define specific and tailored treatment for this population.
Gender Differences in Job Requirements: Change Within Careers and Across Cohorts
Authors: Schwartz Shoshana , Cappelli Peter , Yang Yang
Published: November 2024

We examine differences in jobs held by men and women based on a measure not used before, the standard human resources measures of “knowledge, skills, and abilities” generated by job analyses. While there is an abundance of evidence on gender disparities in pay, we know much less in detail about differences in the work men and women perform and especially how these differences have changed over time. We use nationally representative data for two cohorts of college graduates, one entering the post‐college workforce in 1994 and another in 2009, and we follow them for the first 10 years of their careers. We find that women generally held jobs with lower requirements relative to men. The gender gap in job requirements grew over the course of individuals' careers for the first cohort (1994–2003) but declined sharply for the second (2009–2018). We also find that among the second cohort, women received a wage premium for social skills that was greater than what men received.
Schistosomiasis Chemotherapy, Chemoprevention, and Vaccines: History, Progress, and Priorities
Authors: Alibrahim Alaa Oqalaa E. , Elkholy Walaa A. , El‐Derbawy Mona M. , Zahran Noha F. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: November 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is a major human disease of public health importance. Freshwater snails serving as intermediary hosts and human interaction with surface water tainted by feces or urine are both necessary components of the transmission cycle. Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma japonicum are the primary pathogen species. Over 250 million individuals are infected globally, according to the World Health Organization, causing significant morbidity and an estimated loss of 1.9 million disability‐adjusted life years, a number that is probably underestimated. Immunological protection is slowly built up through complex immunological systems, although innate factors also play a role. Chronic schistosomiasis affects mainly individuals residing in poor rural area. Vaccination is considered as one of the most sustainable options for the control of any pathogen, but schistosomiasis vaccine for humans or animals is not available till now despite the discovery of numerous potentially promising schistosome vaccine antigens.

Objective

To provide an overview of the schistosomiasis chemotherapy, chemoprevention, and vaccines history and progress.

Design

Review article.

Data Sources

PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and the World Health Organization database.

Conclusion

Favorably praziquantel (PZQ) is a medication with excellent chemopreventive treatment compliance. Due to the extensive usage of PZQ, there is a great deal of debate surrounding the emergence of drug resistance. PZQ is effective against all species of schistosomes, schistosomiasis prevalence has remained largely unaffected, due to reinfection in high transmission areas and growing juvenile worms that were not affected by the drug, even though the need for a schistosomiasis vaccine is even more pressing.
Dimensionality in confirmatory factor analysis is not in the eye of the beholder: Ancillary bifactor statistical indices illuminate dimensionality and reliability
Authors: Pretorius Tyrone B. , Padmanabhanunni Anita
Published: November 2024

This tutorial delves into dimensionality assessment within the context of psychological measurement instruments, particularly focusing on bifactor models. It underscores the imperative to move beyond traditional fit indices when evaluating factor structures while highlighting the significance of ancillary bifactor indices such as explained common variance, OmegaH and percentage of uncontaminated correlations in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between general and specific group factors. The tutorial offers a step‐by‐step guide to leveraging the power of R software for confirmatory factor analysis and the acquisition of ancillary bifactor indices. Through practical case studies, it elucidates the potential pitfalls of exclusively relying on fit indices and advocates for a balanced, multifaceted approach to dimensionality assessment. By integrating fit measures and ancillary indices, researchers can draw more informed and nuanced conclusions about measurement instrument dimensionality, ultimately enhancing the precision of psychological assessment.
The Melliferous Potential of the Mountainous Region of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan: Pollen Profiling of Honey Using Microscopy
Authors: Mushtaq Ayesha , Khalid Sofia , Noor Mehwish Jamil
Published: November 2024

Pollen content analysis of honey provides insight into the diversity of pollen grains and the development of a seasonal calendar to identify the diversity and availability of melliferous flora around the year. Melissopalynology is the most primitive and widely used technique for the qualitative and quantitative pollen profiling of honey. The honey of Azad Kashmir Pakistan has never been analyzed for pollen content despite the production at an industrial scale. A total of 60 samples were analyzed for the types and frequency of melliferous flora by the use of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A wide diversity in morphological features differentiated 92 plant species belonging to 48 families. The most frequent plant families observed were Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, Betulaceae, and Buxaceae. Asteraceae showed the maximum species contribution. The obtained percentages of representative pollens were classified in frequency classes as follows: D: Predominant pollen (45%), S: Secondary Pollen (15%–45%), I: Important minor pollen (3%–15%), and M: Minor pollen (1%–3%). Most of the samples were multifloral containing not one dominant pollen, while one was bifloral containing two dominant pollen types and one was unifloral containing only one dominant pollen. The results reflect the melliferous potential of the native flora in the region. Indigenous floral resources from tropical vegetation to alpine meadows sustain bee colonies even during dearth periods. This work will benefit consumers, beekeepers, and regulatory bodies to maintain the authenticity of honey by the provenance of geographical and botanical origin.
Honey as a rare cause of severe anaphylaxis: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Steininger Julian , Heyne Stefanie , Abraham Susanne , Beissert Stefan , Bauer Andrea
Published: November 2024

Food allergies are a significant health concern worldwide, with anaphylaxis being one of the most severe manifestations. This report describes a case of a 65‐year‐old male patient with recurrent grade III anaphylaxis of unknown origin. Through detailed diagnostic testing, a prick‐to‐prick test revealed an allergy to honey, identifying it as the trigger for his severe allergic reactions. Honey allergies are rare but often associated with sensitization to pollen from the Compositae family, to which our patient was also sensitized. Based on these findings, the patient was advised to strictly avoid honey and was provided with an emergency kit. To date, the patient experienced no further anaphylactic episodes.
Patterns of exposure of coyotes to anticoagulant rodenticides in California, USA
Authors: Stapp Paul , Mc Kenzie Ariana , Bucklin Danielle M. , Baldwin Roger A. , Quinn Niamh
Published: November 2024

Secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) causes the death of mammalian predators and scavengers directly and indirectly through sublethal effects that reduce fitness. Poisoning by ARs has been proposed to be a significant source of mortality for coyotes (Canis latrans), a medium‐sized canid that thrives at the urban–wildland interface and may prey upon species targeted by pest control efforts. However, only 1 study, with a relatively small sample size, documented the prevalence of AR exposure in a free‐roaming coyote population. We quantified AR exposure in carcasses of 365 urban and suburban coyotes in southern California, USA, and compared AR prevalence and hepatic residue concentrations to those of 120 rural coyotes collected elsewhere in the state. For urban coyotes, we also examined demographic (sex, age, body mass, cause of death) and environmental factors (season, degree of urbanization, diet) that could influence the number of AR compounds and residue concentrations. Nearly all urban coyotes (98.1%) were exposed to at least 1 AR, compared to 41.7% of rural coyotes, and most individuals had residues of both first‐generation (FGAR) and the more potent second‐generation (SGAR) compounds, often at concentrations exceeding thresholds considered lethal in other mammals. Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of urban coyotes did not vary by sex or season, but the number of compounds detected increased with mass, and adults tended to have residues of more compounds and at higher concentrations than juveniles, suggesting repeated and chronic exposure. Livers of road‐killed coyotes had higher SGAR concentrations than those euthanized as nuisance animals, which had lower SGAR concentrations in intensively urbanized areas. Concentrations of SGAR and FGAR residues were highest in suburban areas with natural open space and lower intensity development, and stable isotope values suggested that these coyotes were exposed to ARs by consuming commensal rodents and possibly mesocarnivores. In contrast, coyotes from urbanized areas had lower AR concentrations possibly because less AR is applied in these settings or because coyotes consumed foods with less AR, such as domestic cats and anthropogenic resources. Although some coyotes showed evidence of internal bleeding consistent with AR toxicosis and were in poorer body condition, there was no clear relationship between the extent of hemorrhaging and AR exposure. Despite statewide legislation to restrict their use and mitigate non‐target impacts, AR exposure remains ubiquitous in southern California and represents another stressor of urban life to which coyotes have successfully adjusted, making them a potential sentinel of environmental contamination.
Intertwining Between Online Retailer's Trustworthiness Attributes and Consumer's Purchase Intentions: A Knowledge Management Perspective in Response to COVID‐19
Authors: Atlas Fouzia , Khan Kashif Ullah , Khan Farhan
Published: November 2024

COVID‐19, a black swan event which caused a long‐lasting effect on every sphere of human lives including consumers' perceptions and behaviors in e‐retailing to the extent that they might leave a mark even when the pandemic is over. The purpose of this study is to understand the critical dimensions of online retailer trustworthiness, which have an impact on consumer trust and consumer purchase intentions, as the success of organizations depends on the effective use of their knowledge management capabilities in the deadly situation of COVID‐19. The aim is to provide an insight into how retailers can handle this unprecedented situation, gain consumer trust, and use this customer knowledge to grow their businesses. The three dimensions of e‐service quality, website quality, customer service, security, and privacy demonstrate the online retailer's trustworthiness and better predict customer's trust behavior. Grounded in the Hofstede cultural dimensions' theory, this study is expected to extend our knowledge about the moderating effect of the cultural environment of trust on consumers' online purchase intentions during the COVID‐19 situation. Data were collected from 350 online consumers through a well‐structured questionnaire and used to test the proposed research model employing structural equation modeling. Results show that three attributes of e‐service quality convey the perception of the trustworthiness of retailers and affect consumers' overall trust in OP and subsequent purchase intentions.
The Effect of Disappointment Aversion on Risk Prevention
Authors: Yin Yongjin , Meng Shengwang
Published: November 2024

We adopt three of well‐established models of disappointment aversion to study the effect of disappointment aversion on risk prevention which involves self‐insurance and self‐protection. In self‐insurance actions, we show that, in general, the disappointment‐averse decision maker will exert more effort than the standard risk‐averse decision maker, and the optimal efforts across these disappointment models are not identical. Moreover, under the Gul model, the disappointment‐averse decision maker may exert less effort than the standard risk‐averse decision maker in multiple loss states. In self‐protection actions, we provide a set of sufficient conditions under which the disappointment‐averse decision maker will exert more effort or less effort compared with the standard risk‐averse decision maker for each of these disappointment aversion models.
Stimulation‐Evoked Resonant Neural Activity in the Subthalamic Nucleus Is Modulated by Sleep
Authors: Wiest Christoph , Simpson Thomas G. , Pogosyan Alek , Hasegawa Harutomo , He Shenghong , Plazas Fernando Rodriguez , Wehmeyer Laura , Yassine Sahar , Guo Xuanjun , Shah Rahul , Merla Anca , Perera Andrea , Raslan Ahmed , O'Keeffe Andrew , Hart Michael G. , Morgante Francesca , Pereira Erlick A. , Ashkan Keyoumars , Tan Huiling
Published: November 2024

Background

Deep brain stimulation is a treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease and currently tuned to target motor symptoms during daytime. Parkinson's disease is associated with multiple nocturnal symptoms such as akinesia, insomnia, and sleep fragmentation, which may require adjustments of stimulation during sleep for best treatment outcome.

Objectives

There is a need for a robust biomarker to guide stimulation titration across sleep stages. This study aimed to investigate whether evoked resonant neural activity (ERNA) is modulated by sleep.

Methods

We recorded local field potentials from the subthalamic nucleus of four Parkinson's patients with externalized electrodes while applying single stimulation pulses to investigate the effect of sleep on ERNA.

Results

We found that ERNA features change with wakefulness and sleep stages and are correlated with canonical frequency bands and heart rate.

Conclusions

Given that ERNA modulates with sleep, it could be used as a robust marker for automatic stimulation titration during sleep. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
An algorithm with feasible inexact projections for solving constrained generalized equations
Authors: Regmi Samundra , Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: November 2024

The goal of this article is to design a more flexible algorithm than the ones used previously for solving constrained generalized equations. It turns out that the new algorithm even if specialized provides a finer error analysis with advantages: larger radius of convergence; tighter upper error bounds on the distances; and a more precise information on the isolation of the solution. Moreover, the same advantages exist even if the generalized equation reduces to a nonlinear equation. These advantages are obtained under the same computational cost, since the new parameters and majorant functions are special cases of the ones used in earlier studies. Applications complement the theoretical results.
Which Messages Motivate Tax Compliance in Low Administrative Capacity Settings? Experimental Evidence From Two Mozambican Municipalities
Authors: von Schiller Armin
Published: November 2024

Over the past two decades, tax nudging has gained popularity as a method to boost tax compliance and help revenue authorities increase tax collection. However, most evidence on the effect of behaviourally informed tax letters comes from environments with high administrative capacity, which raises doubts about its generalizability. Against this background, this article tests the compliance effect of including messages that trigger deterrence or reciprocity beliefs in tax letters through a randomized controlled trial implemented in two mid‐sized Mozambican municipalities, Vilankulo and Dondo. Conducted in 2018, the experiment focuses on property taxation, a tax overwhelmingly perceived to perform well below its potential in many low‐ and middle‐income countries. The analysis relies on administrative data and exploits the complete universe of registered property tax taxpayers, including individuals and enterprises. The results indicate that (i) receiving a notification letter – not necessarily common practice in many contexts – has a significant positive impact on compliance; (ii) among enterprises, the message alluding to reciprocity backfires, while the most effective message to include generally is the one alluding to deterrence; and (iii) previously compliant taxpayers react negatively to the letter, regardless of the message included. These results carry relevant policy implications, indicating the large scope for behaviourally informed letters to help increase tax compliance, even in low administrative capacity settings.
Study on the tensile failure mechanisms of CFRP‐Al flat‐joggle‐flat bonded joints
Authors: QingXin Gao , ZhiMing Liu , TianYu Zheng , Qinshu Tu , Chen Zhang
Published: November 2024

This paper focuses on CFRP‐Al bonded joints, experimentally investigating the effects of joint geometries, different types of adhesives, and overlap lengths on the mechanical properties of bonded joints. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology was used to monitor the entire tensile processes, and the deformations and fracture processes of the bonded joints were captured. The strain evolution processes of the joints were obtained through analysis, and quantitative analyses of the joint fracture surfaces were conducted. The results indicate that the special geometric shape of the Flat‐Joggle‐Flat (FJF) bonded joint reduce secondary bending effects. Additionally, the joggle section participates in load transfer, significantly enhancing the joint's mechanical performance and altering its failure mode. Joints using ductile adhesives exhibit higher tensile mechanical properties compared to those using brittle adhesives. Compared to the bearing capacity of single‐lap bonded joints with the same overlap length and adhesive, the mechanical performance improvement of FJF bonded joints using ductile adhesives is less pronounced than that of FJF bonded joints using brittle adhesives. Increasing the overlap length enhances the mechanical properties of bonded joints. This study is expected to provide a reference for the engineering application of FJF bonded joints.

Highlights

FJF joints have higher bearing capacities compared to single lap joints.

Ductile adhesives can effectively increase the bearing capacities of joints.

Increasing the overlap length can improve the bearing capacities of joints.

The end and middle of the FJF joints jointly bear the load effect.

The failure modes of FJF joints are different from that of single lap joints.
Investigating plant awareness: Methodologies, challenges and possibilities
Authors: Brkovic Irma , Sanders Dawn , Nyberg Eva
Published: November 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Plants are crucial for sustaining life on Earth, and understanding human relationships to plants is key to ensuring that the role of plants is recognized in biology research. This goal cannot be achieved without valid and reliable methods that describe, explain and predict how humans experience plants. Plant awareness is a useful concept that helps researchers understand the individual differences in how people perceive, evaluate and act towards plants. This paper aims to outline the many methodological approaches to researching plant awareness and to critically assess the role plant awareness plays in biology research. Through our suggested guidelines for further methodology development, we hope to strengthen the validity and reliability, and hence the applicability, of scientific work into everyday sustainability and teaching practices.

Understanding the relationships between plants and people is crucial because plants sustain life on earth. Plant awareness is one of the key concepts available that help us describe and understand this relationship. Having a strong and clear methodological framework for studying this phenomenon is a necessary condition for building the bridge between the theoretical concept and its application in educational and conservation contexts.

Here, we explore and systematize methodologies applied in empirical research concerning the concepts of ‘plant blindness’, ‘plant awareness’ and ‘plant awareness disparity’. We examine 46 unique theoretical and empirical contributions.

We discuss the availability and usefulness of existing methodological approaches, applied research designs and measurement tools used as indicators. We present suggestions for their development, and how new research designs could contribute to extant research on plant awareness and related concepts.

We found that both qualitative and quantitative research approaches have been successfully applied in the field, and various indicators were used to measure plant awareness. We offer directions for further methodological development, in choice of research design and measurement tools choices.
Low Resistivity n‐type GaN Ohmic Contacts on GaN Substrates
Authors: Logotheti Adamantia , Garigapati Navya Sri , So Byeongchan , Colvin Jovana , Darakchieva Vanya , Lind Erik
Published: November 2024

In this study, a report is prepared on significantly low specific contact resistivity of alloyed and non‐alloyed ohmic contacts fabricated on an as‐grown n+‐GaN layer and measured with the transfer length method. A low ρc = 8 × 10−8 Ω cm2 is extracted for the alloyed Ti/Al/Ni/Au, and ρc = 4 × 10−7 Ω cm2 for the unannealed Ti/Pd/Au. To achieve these, a highly doped n+‐GaN layer with ND = 1.5 × 1019 cm−3 is used. The results are derived from a study of three different metal contact stacks, namely Ti/Al/Ni/Au (20 nm/300 nm/20 nm/400 nm), Ti/Pd/Au (2 nm/5 nm/200 nm), and Mo/Au (30 nm/200 nm). The Ti/Al/Ni/Au metal contact is studied in both annealed and non‐annealed conditions, whereas for the Ti/Pd/Au and Mo/Au ohmic contacts, a study is conducted without annealing. Their performance and thermal stability are evaluated with a four‐probe TLM, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 150 °C. Finally, a theoretical model based on thermionic emission theory is employed to gain a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms governing the behavior of the ohmic contacts.
Utilizing medical thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of B‐cell lymphoma presenting with pleural effusion: A case series
Authors: Huan Nai‐Chien , Ng Khai Lip , Nyanti Larry Ellee , Khaw Jing Yi , Lee Jiun Hang , Mohd Aminudin Nur Husna , Yunus Dahziela , Azman Nusaibah , Ahmad Sharifuddin Maryam , Ramarmuty Hema Yamini , Sivaraman Kannan Kunji Kannan
Published: November 2024

A third of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) develop pleural effusion during the disease course for various reasons. In most cases, lymphoma‐related pleural effusion is a manifestation of widespread systemic disease, signifying a high tumour burden and therefore, a poorer prognosis. On the other hand, primary pleural lymphomas (PPLs) exhibit exclusive or dominant involvement of serous cavities, without detectable solid tumour masses. PPL is an uncommon disease and is of two types: primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation (DLBCL‐CI). PPLs not related to PELs and DLBCL‐CIs are exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe four patients with biopsy proven B‐cell NHL. One had no extra‐pleural involvement at the time of diagnosis, indicating PPL. In all cases, histopathological examination of pleural biopsies obtained via medical thoracoscopy (MT) were crucial in clinching the final diagnosis. Clinicians are alerted to the potential relationship between exudative effusion and NHL as well as the role of MT in the diagnosis of B‐cell NHL.
Strategies for Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Dual‐Atom Catalysts in Focus
Authors: Liu Yuting , Qing Yurui , Jiang Wenhai , Zhou Lili , Chen Cheng , Shen Liguo , Li Bisheng , Zhou Mingzhu , Lin Hongjun
Published: November 2024

Carbon neutrality is a fundamental strategy for achieving the sustainable development of human society. Catalyzing CO2 reduction into various high‐value‐added fuels serves as an effective pathway to achieve this strategic objective. Atom‐dispersed catalysts have received extensive attention due to their maximum atomic utilization, high catalytic selectivity, and exceptional catalytic performance. Dual‐atom catalysts (DACs), as an extension of single‐atom catalysts (SACs), not only retain the advantages of SACs, but also produce many new properties. This review initiates its exploration by elucidating the mechanism of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) from CO2 adsorption and CO2 activation. Then, a comprehensive summary of recently developed preparation methods of DACs is presented. Importantly, the mechanisms underlying the promoted catalytic performance of DACs in comparison to SACs are subjected to a comprehensive analysis from adjustable adsorption capacity, tunable electronic structure, strong synergistic effect, and enhanced spacing effect, elucidating their respective superiorities in CO2RR. Subsequently, the application of DACs in CO2RR is discussed in detail. Conclusively, the prospective trajectories and inherent challenges of CO2RR are expounded upon concerning the continued advancement of DACs. This thorough review not only enhances the comprehension of DACs within CO2RR but also accentuates the prospective developments in the design of sophisticated catalytic materials.
Achieving Phase‐Matching in Nonlinear Optical Materials CsM2In2S6 (M = Cd/In, Hg/In) by the Incorporation of Unprecedented Trigonal Planar MS3 Motifs
Authors: Jiang Lin‐Tao , Huang Yi‐Bing , Pei Shao‐Min , Jiang Xiao‐Ming , Liu Bin‐Wen , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: November 2024

The trigonal planar unit possesses significant hyperpolarizability and polarizability anisotropy, which makes it useful for optimizing nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, however, chalcogenide with this unit has seldom been reported. In this work, a novel approach is introduced by integrating the unprecedented trigonal planar MS3 (M = Cd/In, Hg/In) motifs into the nearly optically isotropic tetrahedral units, resulting in two novel chalcogenides CsM2In2S6 (M = Cd/In, 1; Hg/In, 2). Notably, structures 1 and 2 feature nearly planar triangular units at the center, encircled by three trimers, further interconnecting each other to create 3D frameworks. Importantly, phases 1 and 2 display phase‐matching (PM) capabilities, primarily attributed to incorporating trigonal planar MS3 units that additionally enhance polarizability anisotropy. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrate moderate second‐harmonic generation (SHG) signals (0.70 and 0.84 × AgGaS2@1.7 µm). This study pioneers an efficient strategy for the design of infrared NLO crystals with PM capabilities.
Confined Water Dynamics in Topological Networks Hydrogel for Aqueous Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Zhang Huanrong , Xia Tianlai , Chen Ruoqi , Zhang Lijiaqi , Wang Xusheng , Ma Hui , Chai Yuqiao , Ren Zijing , Ji Junhui , Ma Xinlei , Wu Min , Xue Mianqi
Published: November 2024

The unique properties of confined water molecules within polymer networks have garnered extensive research interest in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing. Confined water molecules exhibit higher thermodynamic stability compared to free water, which reduces decomposition and evaporation of water in hydrogel electrolyte system. Herein, a facile strategy is developed to limit active water molecules in a hydrogel network via hydrogen bonding within a topological network. The design of this gel enhances hydrogen bonding between the gel network and water molecules, thereby improving stability by constructing interpenetrating networks. Using this design, the topological network gel is selected as the electrolyte for batteries, demonstrating an extended electrochemical window from 2.37 V with polyvinyl alcohol gel to 2.96 V, indicating superior confinement of water molecules by hydrogen bonds in the topological network. Additionally, batteries and capacitors assembled with the topological gel exhibit high‐capacity retention rates of 94.25% after 20 000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and 87.63% after 10 000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, respectively. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a topological gel design to enhance gel electrolyte stability, offering a promising avenue for future research in regulating topological networks within gels for various applications.
Controlling the Phase Composition of Pre‐Catalysts to Obtain Abundant Cu(111)/Cu(200) Grain Boundaries for Enhancing Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Selectivity to Ethylene
Authors: Zhang Zekun , Li Shiji , Zhang Qian , Li Mingtao , Yang Liu , Yan Wei , Xu Hao
Published: November 2024

The preparation of ethylene (C2H4) by electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECO2R) has dramatically progressed in recent years. However, the slow kinetics of carbon‐carbon (C‐C) coupling remains a significant challenge. A generalized facet reconstruction strategy is reported to prepare a 3‐phase mixed pre‐catalyst (Cu3N‐300) of Cu3N, Cu2O, and CuO by controlling the calcination temperature and to obtain the derived Cu catalyst (A‐Cu3N‐300‐0.5) enriched with Cu(111)/Cu(200) grain boundaries (GBs) by subsequent constant potential reduction. Its Faraday efficiency (FE) toward C2H4 at a low reaction potential of −1.07 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) is 46.03%, which is much higher than the other 3 derived Cu catalysts containing single Cu(111) facets (24.89% and 24.52%) and Cu(111)/Cu(111) GBs (28.66%). Combining in situ experimental and theoretical computational studies, abundant Cu(111)/Cu(200) GBs is found to enhance CO2 activation and significantly promote the formation and adsorption of *CO intermediates, thereby lowering the activation energy barrier of C‐C coupling and increasing the FE of C2H4.
AI‐Augmented Software Engineering: Revolutionizing or Challenging Software Quality and Testing?
Authors: Ramos Tafline , Dean Amanda , McGregor David
Published: November 2024

With organizations seeking faster, cheaper, and smarter ways of delivering higher quality software, many are looking towards generative artificial intelligence (AI) to drive efficiencies and innovation throughout the software development lifecycle. However, generative AI can suffer from several fundamental issues, including a lack of traceability in concept generation and decision‐making, the potential for making incorrect inferences (hallucinations), shortcomings in response quality, and bias. Quality engineering (QE) has long been utilized to enable more efficient and effective delivery of higher quality software. A core aspect of QE is adopting quality models to support various lifecycle practices, including requirements definition, quality risk assessments, and testing. In this position paper, we introduce the application of QE to AI systems, consider shortcomings in existing AI quality models from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and propose extensions to ISO models based on the results of a survey. We also reflect on skills that IT graduates may need in the future, to support delivery of better‐quality AI.
Mechanical characterization of SFRC with annealed and galvanized steel fibers by different test typologies
Authors: Meza‐de Luna Alejandro , Salinas Gutierrez Rogelio , Cunha Vítor M. C. F. , Qi Jianan
Published: November 2024

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is a composite material with randomly distributed fibers, which improve the concrete's post‐cracking residual strength and toughness. Usually, the micromechanical performance of single fibers is studied under pullout tests, analyzing its load–slip relationships, which translate the bond behavior between the fiber–concrete interface. In this research, three different test typologies, summing up 110 trials, were performed to analyze the influence of distinct parameters on the fiber pullout behavior, such as tensile strength, friction, shape, embedded length, and position. The fibers were manufactured using local steel (annealed and galvanized wires). The results showed that the materials used have a significantly lower tensile strength than the ones used in industrial fibers, that is, 7 times lower. However, the interaction fiber–concrete tested under pullout strength was similar between annealed, galvanized, and industrial steels. Also, the data were analyzed using statistical tests as a criterion to find the parameters with a significant difference in the responses. The statistical analysis pointed out that the main parameters that control the mechanical behavior of the fiber–concrete interaction are the fiber shape and embedded length. The pullout efficiency showed that the highest performance was on specimens with low embedded length.
Ethnographers and Subjectivity; Doctors and Comradely Critique
Authors: Pushkar Piyush
Published: November 2024

Maintaining independent theoretical analyses can present difficulties when doing research with experts, since such experts develop their own arguments, often framed in sociological language. I interrogate techniques for overcoming these difficulties. In the relational, embedded work of participant-observation, how can the ethnographer maintain her own authorial voice while remaining faithful to her interlocutors? Reflexive consideration of my positionality helped to make sense of my interlocutors’ temporalities and moral arguments.
Asymmetries of Knowledge and Asymmetries of Power: The Lights and Shades of Anthropology in Biomedical Context
Authors: Greco Cinzia
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores the power imbalances created by the differing prestige of social and medical sciences, particularly how social scientists can engage with STEM and biomedicine. This issue arises from my fieldwork in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, focused on the complexities of living with breast cancer through interviews with patients, medical professionals, and family members. What does it mean for anthropologists to navigate different knowledge systems, including anthropological theories, medical expertise, and patients’ insights? This chapter addresses this question by examining key aspects contributing to biomedicine’s perception as an objective science and influencing the ethnographic experience in medical settings. I discuss how scientific language and data presentation reinforce the notion of objectivity in biomedical findings. I also address how the ethnographer’s positionality—such as gender, nationality, or career status—can affect access. This chapter explores how knowledge imbalances can translate into power imbalances and how different hierarchical positions can reinforce these disparities.
A Strongly Convergent Algorithm for Approximating a Common Solution to Fixed Point and Mixed Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Kajola S. A. , Narain O. K.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose an inertial iterative method for solving a common solution to the fixed point and mixed equilibrium problem in Hilbert spaces. We prove the sequence generated by the proposed algorithm strongly converges to an element in the solution set of mixed equilibrium problems of a pair of bi-function, which is also the solution to a fixed point of demicontractive mapping. Finally, we give some numerical experiments to support our main result. Our result extends and generalizes some earlier announced results in the literature.
Understanding Mechanisms that Maintain Social Anxiety Disorder in Autistic Individuals Through the Clark and Wells (1995) Model and Beyond: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lei Jiedi , Mason Charlotte , Russell Ailsa , Hollocks Matthew J. , Leigh Eleanor
Published: November 2024

Given the high co-occurrence of social anxiety in autism, no reviews to date have explored how cognitive and behavioural mechanisms identified to maintain social anxiety in non-autistic individuals may operate in autistic individuals. This systematic review evaluated: (1) empirical evidence underlying the Clark and Wells (1995) Cognitive Model of Social Anxiety in autistic individuals; (2) how vulnerability factors identified from autism literature (beyond core autistic traits) may be associated with social anxiety beyond the cognitive model. Published peer-reviewed English articles until 27th November 2023 were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Quality appraisal and risk of bias were assessed using The Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research papers from a Variety of Fields tool. 47 articles met full inclusion criteria and included autistic individuals (with clinical diagnosis), a measure of social anxiety, and a mechanism outlined by either (or both) research questions. The majority of the 3340 participants across studies were male without intellectual disability, White/Caucasian, with 7 studies reporting an average age above 30 years old. Most studies used only self-report measures that may have inflated associations observed between social anxiety and mechanisms. All studies employed cross-sectional design, and no causality inferences could be drawn. Methodological issues around potential construct overlaps between social anxiety and autistic traits are highlighted. Overall, there is evidence in support of the as reported by Clark and Well (in: Heimberg (eds), A cognitive model of social phobia, The Guilford Press, 1995) model, as greater fear of negative evaluation from others, use of safety behaviours and somatic symptoms, and peer victimisation were associated with greater social anxiety. The review contributes evidence in support of autism specific contextual, predisposing/antecedent and maintenance factors of social anxiety beyond the original Clark and Well (in: Heimberg (eds), A cognitive model of social phobia, The Guilford Press, 1995) model. Given the potential for considerable heterogeneity for each highlighted process at an individual level across autistic individuals, clinicians can broaden formulation conversations with autistic clients to understand how autism related factors may influence the development and maintenance of social anxiety symptoms when applying and adapting the Clark and Well (in: Heimberg (eds), A cognitive model of social phobia, The Guilford Press, 1995) model.
The Determinacy Problem in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Mariani Cristian
Published: November 2024

Of the many ways of getting at the core of the weirdnesses in quantum mechanics, there’s one which traces back to Schrödinger’s seminal 1935 paper, and has to do with the apparent fuzzy nature of the reality described by the formalism through the wavefunction $$\psi$$
ψ
. This issue, which I will be calling the Determinacy Problem, is distinct from the standard measurement problem of quantum mechanics, despite Schrödinger himself ends up conflating the two. I will argue that the Determinacy Problem is an exquisitely philosophical problem, for as it is standard when facing any phenomenon which appears to have indeterminate or fuzzy characteristics, the solutions available are to either blame the deficiencies of our language, or our lack of knowledge, or to blame the world itself. These three attitudes can already be found in the literature on quantum mechanics, either explicitly or implicitly, and they appear to motivate three very distinct research programs: high-dimensional realism, primitive ontology, and quantum indeterminacy.