bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal and performance evaluation of a new parallel plate continuous cell separation device using dielectrophoresis
Authors: Seki Yoshinori , Nagasaka Aoi , Gondo Tsukushi , Tada Shigeru
Published: June 2024

Along with the rapid development of cellular biological research in recent years, there has been an urgent need for a high‐speed, high‐precision method of separating target cells from a highly heterogeneous cell population. Among the various cell separation technologies proposed so far, dielectrophoresis (DEP)‐based approaches have shown particular promise because they are noninvasive to cells. We have developed a new DEP‐based device to separate large numbers of live and dead cells of the human mammary cell line MCF10A. In this study, we validated the separation performance of this device. The results showed the successful separation of a higher percentage of cells than in previous studies, with a separation efficiency higher than 90%. In the past, there have been no confirmed cases in which a separation rate of over 90% and high‐speed processing of a large number of cells were simultaneously achieved. It was shown that the proposed device can process large numbers of cells at high speed and with high accuracy.
Statistics to prioritize rare variants in family‐based sequencing studies with disease subtypes
Authors: Nieuwoudt Christina , Farooq Fabiha Binte , Brooks‐Wilson Angela , Bureau Alexandre , Graham Jinko
Published: June 2024

Family‐based sequencing studies are increasingly used to find rare genetic variants of high risk for disease traits with familial clustering. In some studies, families with multiple disease subtypes are collected and the exomes of affected relatives are sequenced for shared rare variants (RVs). Since different families can harbor different causal variants and each family harbors many RVs, tests to detect causal variants can have low power in this study design. Our goal is rather to prioritize shared variants for further investigation by, for example, pathway analyses or functional studies. The transmission‐disequilibrium test prioritizes variants based on departures from Mendelian transmission in parent–child trios. Extending this idea to families, we propose methods to prioritize RVs shared in affected relatives with two disease subtypes, with one subtype more heritable than the other. Global approaches condition on a variant being observed in the study and assume a known probability of carrying a causal variant. In contrast, local approaches condition on a variant being observed in specific families to eliminate the carrier probability. Our simulation results indicate that global approaches are robust to misspecification of the carrier probability and prioritize more effectively than local approaches even when the carrier probability is misspecified.
Telerehabilitation improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and body composition in older people with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome
Authors: Pleguezuelos Eulogio , Del Carmen Amin , Moreno Eva , Serra‐Prat Mateu , Serra‐Payá Noemí , Garnacho‐Castaño Manuel Vicente
Published: June 2024

Background

The effects of post‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) syndrome on the cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in older people are of utmost relevance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12‐week telerehabilitation programme on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and body composition in older patients with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome.

Methods

One hundred twenty older patients with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patients who carried out the telerehabilitation programme (n = 60; age: 65.0 ± 5.2; female: 14.2%) and a control group (n = 60; age: 64.3 ± 5.0; female: 24.5%). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic strength test, and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed to compare cardiorespiratory and muscle strength responses and body composition between telerehabilitation and control groups.

Results

A significant increase in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing duration was found in the telerehabilitation group compared to the control group (mean difference = 88.9 s, P = 0.001). Peak oxygen uptake increased in the telerehabilitation group (mean difference = 3.0 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.001) and control group (mean difference = 1.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.001). Power output in cycle ergometer (mean difference = 25.9 watts, P < 0.001), fat free mass (mean difference = 2.1 kg, P = 0.004), soft lean mass (mean difference = 2.1 kg, P = 0.003), and skeletal muscle mass (mean difference = 1.4 kg, P = 0.003) only increased in the telerehabilitation group. A significant increase in the power output was observed in the telerehabilitation group compared with the control group in both lower limbs after isokinetic strength test of the leg extension at a speed of 60° (right: mean difference = 18.7 watts, P = 0.012; left: mean difference = 15.3 watts, P = 0.010). The peak torque of right leg extension increased only in the telerehabilitation group after isokinetic strength test at a speed of 60° (mean difference = 13.1 N·m, P < 0.001). A significant increase in the power output was observed in the telerehabilitation group compared with the control group in the left leg extension after isokinetic strength test at a speed of 180° (mean difference = 30.2 watts, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The telerehabilitation programme improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and body composition in older patients with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome to a greater extent than a control group. The telerehabilitation programmes may be an alternative to improve the sequelae of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome in older patients.
The distribution of parent‐reported autistic and subclinical ADHD traits in children with and without an autism diagnosis
Authors: Chau Tracey , Tiego Jeggan , Brown Louise E. , Mellahn Olivia J. , Johnson Beth P. , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits often co‐occur in autistic children. The presence of subclinical ADHD traits can significantly impact upon different aspects of daily living. As such, understanding the distribution of these traits in autistic children may have important implications for the validity of diagnostic tools and subsequent intervention choices. This study builds on previous latent models of parent‐reported autistic and ADHD traits to propose a preliminary model of their distribution in two independent samples of autistic and neurotypical children.

Methods

Factor mixture modelling was applied to caregiver responses to the Social Responsiveness Scale ‐ 2nd edition and the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour Scale (SWAN) of participants aged 4–18 years who participated in one of two studies in Australia or in the United States.

Results

A 2‐factor, 3‐class factor mixture model demonstrated the best fit to the data across both independent samples. The factors represented the latent constructs of ‘autism’ and ‘ADHD’. The latent classes represented subtypes of children with different levels of autistic traits, with higher levels of ADHD traits as autistic trait endorsement increased. Some sample‐specific differences were observed for each model's item thresholds and factor covariance matrices.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the endorsement of subclinical ADHD traits tends to increase alongside autistic trait endorsement across neurotypical and autistic presentations. There may be clinical utility in routinely screening for ADHD traits in children with clinically elevated levels of autistic traits.
Ethyl pyruvate alleviates NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD‐mediated neuronal pyroptosis in neonatal rats with hypoxic–ischemic brain damage
Authors: Sha Sha , Jin Ni , Xie Xinyi , Zhou Ruiyu , Ruan Yanghao , Ouyang Ying
Published: June 2024

Pyroptosis is an inflammation‐associated programmed cell death, and neuroinflammation is strongly associated with severe neurological deficits in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a known anti‐inflammatory agent, has shown promise in the treatment of hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) rats; nevertheless, the therapeutic mechanism of EP and its capacity to suppress neuronal pyroptosis in HIBD rats remain unclear. In both the neonatal Rice‐Vannucci rat model and the OGD/R model, this study examined alterations in the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD classical pyroptosis pathway in hippocampal neurons during HIE and the potential inhibitory impact of ethyl pyruvate on this pathway. We used HE staining, immunofluorescence double staining, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot to demonstrate that EP effectively inhibited hippocampal neuronal pyroptosis and attenuated the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD signaling pathway in HIBD rats, which resulted in a reduction of neuroinflammation and facilitated neural recovery. The results suggest that EP may be a promising neuroprotective agent for treating HIE.
An exploration of psychological safety and conflict in first‐year engineering student teams
Authors: Huerta Mark Vincent , Sajadi Susan , Schibelius Lisa , Ryan Olivia Jane , Fisher Marin
Published: June 2024

Background

Developing teamwork skills is a central objective of engineering education. Psychological safety and conflict management are pivotal components of teamwork, yet despite their significance, research in engineering project‐based learning (PBL) contexts is scant. Understanding students' experiences with psychological safety and its interaction with conflict is crucial to inform PBL pedagogy.

Purpose

This study delves into first‐year engineering students' experiences of psychological safety and conflict, including their evolution in a PBL course.

Methods

Throughout the semester, we collected data from 82 students via written reflections and focus groups. Employing a thematic analysis underpinned by the team conflict dynamics model, we characterized students' experiences with psychological safety and conflict.

Findings

At the semester's outset, psychological safety was notably lacking. Students often hesitated to share ideas due to apprehensions about peer reactions and fears of negative judgments. As the semester advanced, consistent positive affirmations nurtured psychological safety, increasing students' confidence and readiness to discuss ideas openly and engage in healthy task conflict. Notably, process conflicts arising from absenteeism, poor communication, and procrastination were prevalent across teams. When unresolved, these conflicts eroded psychological safety, intensifying stress, exacerbating frustrations, and provoking relationship conflict.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the intertwined nature of psychological safety and conflict in shaping the first‐year design experience in student teams. We urge faculty to recognize their pivotal role in fostering an inclusive culture and highlight pedagogical strategies that can bolster psychological safety at the onset, encourage healthy task conflict, and monitor unhealthy process and relationship conflicts.
Riboflavin transporter deficiency in young adults unmasked by dietary changes
Authors: Jaeger Bregje , Langeveld Mirjam , Brunkhorst Robert , Distelmaier Felix , Pop Ana , Wolf Nicole I. , Bosch Annet M.
Published: June 2024

Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) is a genetic disorder of reduced riboflavin (vitamin B2) uptake that causes progressive, multifocal neurological dysfunction. Most patients present in early childhood; if patients present later in life, symptoms usually develop more gradually. We report three previously healthy young adults, who developed rapidly progressive neurological symptoms after decreasing dietary intake of meat and dairy. After a diagnostic odyssey, the diagnosis of a riboflavin transporter deficiency was made. Treatment with high dose oral riboflavin (20–40 mg/kg/day) partially reversed symptoms. This case series highlights that reduced riboflavin intake as a result of dietary changes can unmask RTD at a later age. We emphasize the importance of early recognition of this progressive and potentially lethal disease and show that timely treatment with high dose riboflavin is highly effective.
It's my business! The influence of psychological ownership on entrepreneurial intentions and work performance
Authors: Hamrick Alexander B. , Burrows Sarah , Waddingham Jacob A. , Crossley Craig D.
Published: June 2024

Extant scholarship on psychological ownership has primarily focused on the organizational benefits that come from fostering employees' feelings of ownership without having to relinquish ties to actual ownership. It is unclear, however, if feeling like an owner is sufficient to satisfy employees' aspirational ownership intentions. By applying self‐verification theory to psychological ownership theory, we investigate how employees' psychological ownership influences their views about being a competent business owner, and the potential double‐edged implications for organizations as a result of these self‐views. Utilizing two separate studies, we find that psychological ownership is positively associated with entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, which, in turn, is positively associated with both entrepreneurial intentions and work performance. Furthermore, results show that employees' past work performance strengthens the positive relationship between psychological ownership and entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and the positive indirect relationship between psychological ownership and entrepreneurial intentions through entrepreneurial self‐efficacy. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of fostering psychological ownership with current employees to glean the benefits and negate any potential drawbacks, such as high performers leaving the organization to start their own business.
Laser and scanning electron microscopy evaluation of residual microislands of calculus
Authors: Harrel Stephen K. , Cobb Charles M. , Nunn Martha E. , Zhao Donggao
Published: June 2024

Background

Recent studies suggest a role for microscopic crystalline particles of residual dental calculus in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The purpose of this ex vivo study was to compare the effectiveness of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone versus SRP combined with 24% ethylenediamine‐tetra acetic acid (EDTA) gel in removing calculus from extracted teeth and to determine the optimal length of time for application of the EDTA.

Methods

Specimens consisted of 32 extracted teeth with heavy root calculus. A 4‐mm diameter site was prepared on the root surface of each tooth which then underwent SRP. EDTA was applied to four timed groups: 30 s; 60 s; 120 s; and 180 s. Photomicrographs were taken at 40× magnification using white light (WL) and laser fluorescence (LF). Photomicrographs were analyzed using ImageJ. Specimens were also evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

The mean area of residual calculus after SRP was 45%–53% (45.6% ± 19.6% WL, 53.8% ± 19.7% LF). Burnishing with EDTA for one minute following SRP reduced calculus to only 14%–18% (13.9% ± 12.5% LF, 18.2% ± 11.1% WL). Use of EDTA for greater than 1 min showed no further calculus removal. SEM revealed the surface of remaining calculus was altered by burnishing with EDTA.

Conclusion

SRP alone or SRP + 24% EDTA gel failed to remove all calculus. SRP alone removed >60% of calculus from root surfaces. Adjunctive use of 24% EDTA gel burnished on the root surface removed most of the calculus residual after SRP. Calculus remaining after EDTA burnishing exhibited a significantly altered morphologic appearance.
Significance of retrograde flow with antegrade continence enemas in children with fecal incontinence and constipation
Authors: Pearlstein Haley , Wang Lyon , Thompson Benjamin P. , Wood Richard J. , Levitt Marc A. , Bali Neetu , Vaz Karla , Yacob Desale , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Lu Peter L.
Published: June 2024

Background

For children with constipation and fecal incontinence treated with antegrade continence enemas (ACE), a fluoroscopic study with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy can define the anatomy of the colon and simulate the flush to investigate associated symptoms or inadequate response. These studies can at times show retrograde flow into the small intestine. Our objective was to investigate the significance of this finding.

Methods

We reviewed studies at our institution with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy in children treated with ACE, identifying those demonstrating retrograde flow of contrast. We recorded demographics, medical history, interventions, and outcomes.

Results

We identified 162 studies (52% male, median age 10.7 years) with contrast via appendicostomy (76%) or cecostomy (24%). Diagnoses included anorectal malformation (38%), spinal cord anomaly (26%), functional constipation (24%), colonic dysmotility (18%), and Hirschsprung disease (12%). Fifty‐nine (36%) studies showed retrograde flow: 28/59 children (48%) were not responding adequately and 21/59 (36%) had symptoms with ACE. Children with retrograde flow were more likely to have symptoms with ACE than those without (36% vs. 15%, p < 0.01). Fourteen children underwent interventions for this finding, including administering flushes more distally (4/8 responded), changing positioning of the child during flush administration, (1/2 responded), and slowing administration (1/1 responded). Retrograde flow was associated with younger age (p < 0.01), not sex or underlying diagnosis.

Conclusion

Identifying retrograde flow during studies with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy can be useful for children with a poor response or symptoms associated with ACE, as adjustments to the mechanics of the flush can alleviate those symptoms.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic study, Level III.
Diversified cropping modules designed for soil restoration, CO2 sequestration, and generating carbon credits
Authors: Meena Ram Swaroop , Pradhan Gourisankar , Nalani  , Kumar Sandeep , Singh Ambuj Kumar , Verma Sunil Kumar , Mina Krishan Kant , Kumar Sunil , Chaturvedi R. K.
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to know the potential of different cropping modules (CMs) that started on the degraded land representing 4450 km2 of the Vindhyan region of India. The objective of the study was to know (i) the higher carbon dioxide (CO2) biosequestration, (ii) enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions, and (iii) generate carbon (C) credit to the additional income as a climate currency to the farmers. The experiment was carried out on 4–13 years (2010–2022) old practiced CMs viz; (1) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) + bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), 13‐year; (2) Guava (Psidium guajava) + phalsa (Grewia asiatica), 4‐year; (3) Teak (Tectona grandis) + wheat (Triticum aestivum), 10‐year; (4) Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), 13‐year; (5) Pasture land, 13‐year, and (6) Rice (Oryza sativa),13‐year. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0–0.15 and 0.15–0.30 m) under 82.7 and 83.33 East longitude and 23.52 and 25.32 North latitudes. Results showed that the mean data of depths pH and electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 4.4–8.1 and 0.10–0.77 dS m−1, respectively. Furthermore, the mean data of both depths' bulk density (ρb) varied between 1.3 and 1.5 Megagram (Mg) m−3. The mean data of both depths available soil organic C (ASOC) (7.25 g kg−1) and SOC stock (14.43 Mg ha−1) in the pasture land‐based CMs found 137.7% and 111.0% more over rice‐based CMs (3.05 g kg−1 and 6.84 Mg ha−1), respectively. The maximum permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX‐C), microbial biomass C in soil (MBCS), and total organic C (TOC) stock based on mean data of both depths were 798.2 mg kg−1, 92.6 μg g−1, and 46.3 Mg ha−1 found in pasture land‐based CMs. Regarding mean data of both depths, the recalcitrant index (RI) and lability index (LI) ranged about 0.4–0.9 and 1.7–2.0, respectively. Moreover, the highest total CO2 biosequestration (124.7 Mg ha−1), C credit (US$ 6233 ha−1), and the social cost (US$ 10,720 ha−1) were observed in eucalyptus + bajra‐based CMs. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA) study, the principal component 1 (PC1) and PC2 explained 74.6 and 16.6% variability on various parameters, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient between ASOC and MBCS was 0.74. The hypothesis of this study was to create agricultural CMs that would restore degraded land levels of SOC fraction, enhance the CO2 biosequestration, and generate C‐credit for farmers as a climate currency for additional income. Furthermore, it will fulfil the net zero emission goal and bring down neutral land degradation.
Impact of diversity of top management team on firm's green innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Yan Caiyu , Xiao Yigui , Li Juan , Xia Chuanwen
Published: June 2024

The diversity of top management team can bring more resources and opportunities to the enterprise and contribute to its green strategy. This research focuses on the relationship between diversity of top management team and green innovation and further identifies internal influencing mechanism. We employ the number of green patents, ratio of green patents, and the ratio of green inventions to describe and measure firm's green innovation. It finds that the diversity of top management team could trigger strategic green innovation rather than substantive green innovation of enterprise. There are positive impacts of diversity of top management team on number of green patents and ratio of green patents. There is no evidence that diversity of top management team promotes the ratio of green inventions. Based on heterogeneity analysis, we further confirm that the results mentioned above only exist in those firms with high energy consumption and high pollution. Meanwhile, this research examines the influencing mechanism and finds that the diversity of top management team stimulates number of green patents and ratio of green patent through reducing tunneling effect and enhancing internal control.
The variable coefficient Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli and similar systems: The Lie symmetry approach
Authors: Kontogiorgis Stavros , Sophocleous Christodoulos
Published: June 2024

We consider the variable coefficient Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli and two similar systems. We present the enhanced Lie group classification. This task is achieved with the aid of the equivalence transformations. We construct a number of similarity reductions which are used to derive exact solutions for the three
‐dimensional systems. The reductions are obtained using both one‐ and two‐dimensional subalgebras. In a specific case, each system admits a hidden symmetry.
Asymptotic behavior of neutral partial differential equation under the light of semi‐Fredholm perturbation
Authors: Kriche Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Through this work, we establish the periodicity of solutions for the following neutral differential equation defined as
. Applying the theory of perturbation of semi‐Fredholm operators, we purpose an a priori estimate on the bounded operator
to derive the periodicity of bounded solutions on
without taking of consideration the compactness of the semigroup generated by the part of
. Moreover, we introduce an application includes numerical simulations to depict the applicability of theoretical findings.
Short‐Term Postnatal Overfeeding Induces Long‐Lasting Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Mature and Old Mice Associated with Increased Sensitivity to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rigal Eve , Josse Marie , Greco Camille , Rosenblatt Nathalie , Rochette Luc , Guenancia Charles , Vergely Catherine
Published: June 2024

Scope

Perinatal nutritional disturbances may “program” an increased cardio‐metabolic risk in adulthood; however, few experimental studies have explored their effects on mature and/or old animal. This study aims to investigate the influence of postnatal overfeeding (PNOF) on cardiac function, sensitivity to ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury in vivo, glucose metabolism, and metabolic profile of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) in young (4 months), adult (6 months), old (12 months), and very old (18 months) male mice.

Methods and results

Two days after birth, PNOF is induced by adjusting the litter size of C57BL/6 male mice to three pups/mother, while the normally fed (NF) control group is normalized to nine pups/mother. After weaning, all mice have free access to standard diet. Glucose/insulin tests and in vivo myocardial I‐R injury are conducted on mice aged from 2 to 12 months, while echocardiography is performed at all ages up to 18 months. PNOF mice exhibit an early and persistent 10–20% increase in body weight and a 10% decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction throughout their lifespan. In PNOF mice aged 4, 6, and 12 months, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance are observed, as well as a 27–34% increase in infarct size. This is accompanied by a higher PAT mass with increased inflammatory status.

Conclusion

Short‐term PNOF results in nutritional programming, inducing long‐lasting alterations in glucose metabolism and cardiac vulnerability in male mice, lasting up to 12 months.
Implementation of convolutional perfectly matched layer for the low‐dispersion one‐step leapfrog HIE‐FDTD method
Authors: Zhou Fuqi , Zhang Kanglong , Zhao Peng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: June 2024

The convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) is implemented for the low‐dispersion one‐step leapfrog hybrid implicit‐explicit (HIE) finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. The implementation process of CPML in the low‐dispersion leapfrog HIE‐FDTD method is demonstrated in this work. In addition, a dual‐band multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna was simulated and designed using the proposed scheme, and the dual‐band MIMO antenna was also fabricated and measured. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme was verified by comparing the simulation and experimental results of scattering parameters, relative errors, and radiation patterns.
Factors contributing to nurses' intent to leave during COVID‐19
Authors: Maashi Tahani , Pogorzelska‐Maziarz Monika , Johansen Mary L. , Grafova Irina , de Cordova Pamela B.
Published: June 2024

To examine the association between demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, age, and years of experience), burnout, and nurses' intent to leave their jobs during the first wave of COVID‐19 in New Jersey. COVID‐19 has exacerbated burnout and intent to leave among acute care nurses. Nonetheless, little is known about demographic factors contributing to nurses' desire to leave their jobs. A cross‐sectional survey of actively licensed registered nurses who provided direct patient care in an acute care hospital in New Jersey during COVID‐19. Among 2760 nurses, those who reported burnout were 4.78 times more likely to report intent to leave their job within 1 year as compared to nurses who did not report burnout. Black RNs were 2.06 times more likely to report intent to leave as compared to White RNs. Older nurses (aged 40–49) were 36% less likely to report intent to leave as compared to younger nurses (aged 21–29). RNs with 30 years of experience or more were 58% less likely to report intent to leave as compared to RNs with less than 5 years of experience. In addition, Black RNs with 6–12 years of experience were 2.07 times more likely to report intent to leave as compared to White RNs with less than 5 years of experience. Nurses' intent to leave during the first wave of the pandemic was influenced by burnout, race, age, and years of experience. Based on the results of the current study, Black nurses were more likely to report intent to leave their job within 1 year as compared to White RNs. Nurses' intention to leave is one of the most important global issues facing the healthcare system. Findings of the current study demonstrate that burnout, race, age, and years of experience are significant predictors of nurses' intent to leave their jobs. Therefore, organizations should prioritize strategies to reduce burnout and create diverse and inclusive work environments.
Identification of geographical origins of Gastrodia elata Blume based on multisource data fusion
Authors: Liu Hong , Liu Honggao , Li Jieqing , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Identifying the geographical origin of Gastrodia elata Blume contributes to the scientific and rational utilization of medicinal materials. In this study, infrared spectroscopy was combined with machine learning algorithms to distinguish the origin of G. elata BI.

Objective

Realization of rapid and accurate identification of the origin of G. elata BI.

Materials and methods

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectra and Fourier transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectra were collected for 306 samples of G. elata BI. samples. Firstly, a support vector machine (SVM) model was established based on the single‐spectrum and the full‐spectrum fusion data. To investigate whether feature‐level fusion strategy can enhance the model's performance, the sequential and orthogonalized partial least squares discriminant analysis (SO‐PLS‐DA) model was established to extract and combine two types of spectral features. Next, six algorithms were employed to extract feature variables, SVM model was established based on the feature‐level fusion data. To avoid complicated preprocessing and feature extraction processes, a residual convolutional neural network (ResNet) model was established after converting the raw spectral data into spectral images.

Results

The accuracy of the feature‐level fusion model is better as compared to the single‐spectrum model and the fusion model with full‐spectrum, and SO‐PLS‐DA is simpler than feature‐level fusion based on the SVM model. The ResNet model performs well in classification but requires more data to enhance its generalization capability and training effectiveness.

Conclusion

Sequential and orthogonalized data fusion approaches and ResNet models are powerful solutions for identifying the geographic origin of G. elata BI.
Quantifying water effluent violations and enforcement impacts using causal AI
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Sobien Dan , Kulkarni Ajay , Batarseh Feras A.
Published: June 2024

In the landscape of environmental governance, controlling water pollution through the regulation of point sources is vital as it preserves ecosystems, protects human health, ensures legal compliance, and fulfills global environmental responsibilities. Under the Clean Water Act, the integrated compliance information system monitors the compliance and enforcement status of facilities regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. This study assesses temporal and geographic trends for effluent violations within the United States and introduces a novel metric for quantifying violation trends at the facility level. Furthermore, we utilize a linear parametric approach for Conditional Average Treatment Effect (CATE) causal analysis to quantify the heterogeneous effects of EPA and state enforcement actions on effluent violation trends at facilities with NPDES permits. Our research reveals insights into national pollutant discharge trends, regional clustering of all pollutant violation types in Ohio ( Z‐score of 2.15), and priority pollutants in West Virginia ( Z‐score of 3.07). The trend metric identifies regulated facilities that struggle with severe and recurring violations. The causal model highlights variations in state compliance and enforcement effectiveness, underscoring the successful moderation of violation trends by states such as Montana and Maryland, among others.
Nanoparticle‐Based Drug Delivery Platform for Simultaneous Administration of Phytochemicals and Chemotherapeutics: Emerging Trends in Cancer Management
Authors: Kawish Syed M. , Sharma Shwetakshi , Gupta Priya , Ahmad Farhan J. , Iqbal Muzaffar , Alshabrmi Fahad M , Anwer Md. Khalid , Fathi‐karkan Sonia , Rahdar Abbas , Aboudzadeh M. Ali
Published: June 2024

Despite progress in cancer treatments, it remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Current chemotherapy is often hampered by side effects, tissue damage, and drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, research is exploring new approaches to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce its side effects. A promising strategy involves combining chemotherapeutic drugs with phytochemicals, which are active compounds derived from plants. Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in delivering these often‐hydrophobic drugs, enhancing their bioavailability and solubility. This research area represents a significant convergence of nanotechnology with both conventional pharmaceuticals and botanical compounds. Global studies are increasingly demonstrating the potential of these combination therapies to inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory and preclinical models. These studies suggest synergistic or additive effects that lead to improved treatment outcomes. This article focuses on recent advancements in nano‐drug delivery systems, specifically those designed for the simultaneous delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and phytochemicals. It explores the selection of phytochemicals based on their anticancer properties, outlines the design considerations for nanocarriers, and discusses how physicochemical characteristics influence drug release kinetics. Additionally, the review examines nanoformulations that integrate synthetic drugs with natural components, highlighting the potential of herbal oils and medicines in cancer treatment.
Analyzing the patient isocenter positional accuracy with portal imaging acquired at different gantry angles and its dosimetrical impact on the dose delivery for head and neck cancers
Authors: Pandu Bharath , Khanna D , Palanisamy Mohandass , Jacob Saro , Maddipati Tatarao
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the effect of different gantry angles on portal imaging in terms of isocenter shifts and their dosimetric impact on dose delivery.

Methods

Thirty patients with head and neck cancers were prospectively selected for this study. The reference anterior to posterior (AP) digitally reconstructed reference radiograph image was obtained at a gantry angle of 0°. The AP portal images were acquired at angles of 0°, 0.5°, 1°, 1.5°, and 2.0°. The average deviation of the isocenter shift with respect to the zero‐gantry angle was calculated. To check the dosimetric effects, the reference fluence was compared with different fluences measured at different isocenter shifts.

Results

The average isocenter shift differences in the lateral direction were 0.7 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.9 mm, and 2.5 mm. The average difference was <±0.1 mm for isocenter shift in the longitudinal direction. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the average isocenter shift and gamma pass rate with respect to the different isocenter position errors were significant in the lateral direction.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that as the gantry angle increased, the isocenter shifted and the percentage of deviation in the lateral direction increased.
Coexistence of Room Temperature Optical Response and Spin Valve Characteristics in ITO/V[TCNE]2/Rubrene/Co/Au Magnetic Organic Photodetector Heterostructure
Authors: Pal Apurba , Roy Jitendra Nath , Dey Puja , Yusuf Seikh Mohammad
Published: June 2024

This article reports an integration of organic photodetector (OPD) and organic spin valve (SV) in a single physical device — ITO/V[TCNE]2/rubrene/Co/Au magnetic OPD heterostructure. Generation of photocurrent with more than 43.3% photocurrent‐to‐dark current ratio is revealed in this device under illumination of 660 nm red laser light at 0.4 V electrical bias. Moreover, room temperature SV response with up to 7.7% SV magnetoresistance peak is found at 138 Oe in the same heterostructure. Such intriguing coexistence of photocurrent generation and SV effect at room temperature in a single magnetic OPD heterostructure paves the way for the development of eco‐friendly all‐organic next‐generation multifunctional opto‐spintronics devices.
Supplier–buyer (in)congruence in environmental management accounting for sustainable development in the context of Japan
Authors: Zeng Yanqin , Katsumata Sotaro , Li Xi , Zhang Qingyu
Published: June 2024

This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the integration of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) in translating environmental management strategies into corporate outcomes, both at the firm and supply chain levels. Grounded in legitimacy theory and agency theory, we introduce a conceptual framework to comprehensively investigate the impact of EMA implementation on corporate environmental performance (CEP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). Additionally, by considering the dynamics of supplier–buyer relationships, this research delves into the influence of supplier–buyer alignment in EMA on corporate performance, encompassing CEP and CFP within a supply network. To collect empirical data, we partnered with two prominent information firms in Japan, Toyo Keizai Inc. and., Nikkei Inc and gathered EMA data from chief financial officers of publicly listed companies spanning multiple industries in Japan. We manually paired these public firms with their business partners, including industry buyers and suppliers, to establish focal firm‐business partner pairs. Our findings indicate a positive correlation between the extent of EMA implementation and both CEP and CFP. Furthermore, we observe that board gender diversity enhances the relationship between EMA implementation and CFP, while it exerts no influence on the connection between EMA implementation and CEP. Lastly, our study reveals that supplier–buyer congruence in EMA implementation yields positive effects on the performance of focal firms operating within a supply chain network.
Sustainability transition theories: Perpetuating or breaking with the status quo
Authors: Biely Katharina , Chakori Sabrina
Published: June 2024

How scientists frame problems impact the solutions offered. Since the late 1940s development has been equated with modernization, technology adoption, and economic growth. Contrasting to this technocentric view, an ecocentric view has developed since the 1960s. Despite the criticism of technocentric views and increasing evidence that modern human societies are not reaching their environmental and social goals, technocentric views have remained predominant in the sustainable development discourse. Using a Kuhnian lens, the divide between technocentric and ecocentric perspectives can be framed as distinct paradigms within the sustainable development discourse. This paper outlines the continuation of the divide between technocentric and ecocentric worldviews within sustainability transition studies. It shows that the technocentric view remained predominant and that socio‐technical transition theory fails to break with technocentric and growth‐focused approaches to progress and development. The paper concludes by outlining what could be gained if an ecocentric view became more weight.
The path to China's zero‐carbon target: Implications for the relationship between de‐coal, economic output, and carbon dioxide emissions
Authors: Kocak Emrah , Alnour Mohammed
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the asymmetric impact of de‐coal in China on economic output and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through a nonlinear time series simulation over the period 1965–2021. The research also estimates the effects of using renewable energy as an alternative fuel to replace coal. The results show that the reducing effect of de‐coal on CO2 emissions is stronger than the increasing effect of coal consumption. The negative impact of de‐coal on economic growth is weak or insignificant. While renewable energy contributes to economic output, it has a reducing effect on CO2 emissions. At the end of the paper, China's targets to achieve carbon neutrality and de‐coal are discussed based on the findings.
Ultrasmall 2D Sn‐Doped MAPbBr3 Nanoplatelets Enable Bright Pure‐Blue Emission
Authors: Chun Fengjun , Jang Kyung Yeon , Zhou Huanyu , Kim Sungjin , Yoon Eojin , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: June 2024

Synthesis of perovskites that exhibit pure‐blue emission with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in both nanocrystal solutions and nanocrystal‐only films presents a significant challenge. In this work, a room‐temperature method is developed to synthesize ultrasmall, monodispersed, Sn‐doped methylammonium lead bromide (MAPb1‐xSnxBr3) perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) in which the strong quantum confinement effect endows pure blue emission (460 nm) and a high quantum yield (87%). Post‐treatment using n‐hexylammonium bromide (HABr) repaired surface defects and thus substantially increased the stability and PLQY (80%) of the NPL films. Concurrently, high‐precision patterned films (200‐µm linewidth) are successfully fabricated by using cost‐effective spray‐coating technology. This research provides a novel perspective for the preparation of high PLQY, highly stable, and easily processable perovskite nanomaterials.
Crowdsourced bug report severity prediction based on text and image understanding via heterogeneous graph convolutional networks
Authors: Wu Yifan , Lin Chendong , Liu An , Zhao Lei , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: June 2024

In the process of crowdsourced testing, massive bug reports are submitted. Among them, the severity level of the bug report is an important indicator for traigers of crowdsourced platforms to arrange the order of reports efficiently so that developers can prioritize high‐severity defects. A lot of work has been devoted to the study of automatically assigning severity levels to a large number of bug reports in crowdsourcing test systems. The research objects of these works are standard bug reports, focusing on the text part of the report, using various feature engineering methods and classification techniques. However, while achieving good performance, these methods still need to overcome two challenges: no consideration of image information in mobile testing and discontinuous semantic information of words in bug reports. In this paper, we propose a new method of severity prediction by using heterogeneous graph convolutional networks with screenshots (SPHGCN‐S), which combines text features and screenshots information to understand the report more comprehensively. In addition, our approach applies the heterogeneous graph convolutional network (HGCN) architecture, which can capture the global word information to alleviate the semantic problem of word discontinuity and underlying relations between reports. We conduct a comprehensive study to compare seven commonly adopted bug report severity prediction methods with our approach. The experimental results show that our approach SPHGCN‐S can improve severity prediction performance and effectively predict reports with high severity.
Large language model ChatGPT versus small deep learning models for self‐admitted technical debt detection: Why not together?
Authors: Li Jun , Li Lixian , Liu Jin , Yu Xiao , Liu Xiao , Keung Jacky Wai
Published: June 2024

Given the increasing complexity and volume of Self‐Admitted Technical Debts (SATDs), how to efficiently detect them becomes critical in software engineering practice for improving code quality and project efficiency. Although current deep learning methods have achieved good performance in detecting SATDs in code comments, they lack explanation. Large language models such as ChatGPT are increasingly being applied to text classification tasks due to their ability to provide explanations for classification results, but it is unclear how effective ChatGPT is for SATD classification. As the first in‐depth study of ChatGPT for SATD detection, we evaluate ChatGPT's effectiveness, compare it with small deep learning models, and find that ChatGPT performs better on Recall, while small models perform better on Precision. Furthermore, to enhance the performance of these approaches, we propose a novel fusion approach named FSATD which combines ChatGPT with small models for SATD detection so as to provide reliable explanations. Through extensive experiments on 62,276 comments from 10 open‐source projects, we show that FSATD outperforms existing methods in performance of F1‐score in cross‐project scenarios. Additionally, FSATD allows for flexible adjustment of fusion strategies, adapting to different requirements of various application scenarios, and can achieve the best Precision, Recall, or F1‐score.
Federsteifigkeit von Kopfbolzendübeln und Ermittlung der Längsschubkräfte in langen Schwertkonstruktionen
Authors: Hanswille Gerhard , Illmann Marc , Dobelmann Berthold
Published: June 2024

Bei integralen Brückenbauwerken werden oft lange Schwertanschlüsse mit vielen hintereinander angeordneten Dübeln ausgeführt. Bei derartigen Anschlusskonstruktionen sind insbesondere im Grenzzustand der Gebrauchstauglichkeit und im Grenzzustand der Ermüdung die Einflüsse aus der Nachgiebigkeit der Dübel und der damit verbundenen nichtlinearen Längsschubkraftverteilung für die Bemessung von Bedeutung. Grundlage für die Berechnung derartiger Anschlüsse ist die Kenntnis der Steifigkeit der Dübel im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit und im Grenzzustand der Gebrauchstauglichkeit. Hierzu werden in der Literatur veröffentliche Versuchsergebnisse und Last‐Schlupfbeziehungen neu ausgewertet. Die Untersuchungen zeigen, dass bei langen Schwertanschlüssen die ersten Dübel sehr hoch beansprucht werden und diese hohen Beanspruchungen dazu führen, dass die Grenzzustände der Gebrauchstauglichkeit und der Ermüdung bei langen Schwertanschlüssen bemessungsmaßgebend werden können. Es wird ein Näherungsverfahren vorgestellt, mit dem eine realistische Erfassung der Dübelbeanspruchungen in Abhängigkeit von der Federsteifigkeit der Dübel, der Anzahl der hintereinanderliegenden Dübel sowie in Abhängigkeit von der Steifigkeit der Schwerter und des umgebenden Betons möglich ist.
Intentions and Side Effects
Authors: Feltz Adam , Cokely Edward T.
Published: June 2024

Judging that somebody does something intentionally is a key element in interpersonal relationships. If somebody does something good intentionally, they are more apt targets for praise and rewards. If somebody does something bad intentionally, they are more apt targets for blame and punishment. But what is involved in acting intentionally? Again, there is substantial philosophical disagreement about the right answer to that question. Important cases that have been used to test theories about intentional action involve side effects of actions. Research shows there is a tendency for good side effects to be judged as not intentionally brought about, yet bad side effects are judged to be intentionally brought about. This chapter documents that this judgment asymmetry is predicted by the global personality trait extraversion. Those who are extraverted tend to judge that bad side effects are intentionally brought about whereas introverts do not agree that bad side effects are intentional, even after controlling for a host of other factors including concepts of intuitional action, other personality traits, and cognitive skills. We also present evidence that we can predictably manipulate intentionality judgments of side effects based on what we know about judgment tendencies of extraverts.
Rényi mutual information in quantum field theory, tensor networks, and gravity
Authors: Kudler-Flam Jonah , Nie Laimei , Vijay Akash
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We explore a large class of correlation measures called the α − z Rényi mutual informations (RMIs). Unlike the commonly used notion of RMI involving linear combinations of Rényi entropies, the α − z RMIs are positive semi-definite and monotonically decreasing under local quantum operations, making them sensible measures of total (quantum and classical) correlations. This follows from their descendance from Rényi relative entropies. In addition to upper bounding connected correlation functions between subsystems, we prove the much stronger statement that for certain values of α and z, the α − z RMIs also lower bound certain connected correlation functions. We develop an easily implementable replica trick which enables us to compute the α − z RMIs in a variety of many-body systems including conformal field theories, free fermions, random tensor networks, and holography.