bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Halide Nanocrystals@Silica Aerogel Composite with Enhanced Dispersion Stability and Light Output for Efficient X‐Ray Imaging in Harsh Environment
Authors: Han Lili , Zhao Jihao , Wang Lijuan , Peng Guoqiang , Xu Youkui , Yuan Minglang , Miao Yifan , Ci Zhipeng , Jin Zhiwen
Published: December 2023

Metal halide nanocrystals (MHNCs) embedded in a polymer matrix as flexible X‐ray detector screens is an effective strategy with the advantages of low cost, facile preparation, and large area flexibility. However, MHNCs easily aggregate during preparation, recombination, under mechanical force, storage, or high operating temperature. Meanwhile, it shows an unmatched refractive index with polymer, resulting in low light yield. The related stability and properties of the device remain a huge unrevealed challenge. Herein, a composite screen (CZBM@AG‐PS) by integrating MHNCs (Cs2ZnBr4: Mn2+ as an example) into silica aerogel (AG) and embedded in polystyrene (PS) is successfully developed. Further characterization points to the high porosity AG template that can effectively improve the dispersion of MHNCs in polymer detector screens, essentially decreasing nonradiative transition, Rayleigh scattering, and performance aging induced by aggregation in harsh environments. Furthermore, the higher light output and lower optical crosstalk are also achieved by a novel light propagation path based on the MHNCs/AG and AG/PS interfaces. Finally, the optimized CZBM@AG‐PS screen shows much enhanced light yield, spatial resolution, and temperature stability. Significantly, the strategy is proven universal by the performance tests of other MHNCs embedded composite films for ultra‐stable and efficient X‐ray imaging.
An Asymmetric Layer Structure Enables Robust Multifunctional Wearable Bacterial Cellulose Composite Film with Excellent Electrothermal/Photothermal and EMI Shielding Performance
Authors: Yang Yanlong , Shao Liang , Wang Jie , Ji Zhanyou , Zhang Tao , Wu Mingjie , He Yingkun , Wang Caiyun , Ma Jianzhong
Published: December 2023

Highly robust flexible multifunctional film with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding and electrothermal/photothermal characteristics are highly desirable for aerospace, military, and wearable devices. Herein, an asymmetric gradient multilayer structured bacterial cellulose@Fe3O4/carbon nanotube/Ti3C2Tx (BC@Fe3O4/CNT/Ti3C2Tx) multifunctional composite film is fabricated with simultaneously demonstrating fast Joule response, excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and photothermal conversion properties. The asymmetric gradient 6‐layer composite film with 40% of Ti3C2Tx possesses excellent mechanical performance with exceptional tensile strength (76.1 MPa), large strain (14.7%), and good flexibility. This is attributed to the asymmetric gradient multilayer structure designed based on the hydrogen bonding self‐assembly strategy between Ti3C2Tx and BC. It achieved an EMI SE of up to 71.3 dB, which is attributed to the gradient “absorption–reflection–reabsorption” mechanism. Furthermore, this composite film also exhibits excellent low‐voltage‐driven Joule heating (up to 80.3 °C at 2.5 V within 15 s) and fast‐response photothermal performance (up to 101.5 °C at 1.0 W cm−2 within 10 s), which is attributed to the synergistic effect of heterostructure. This work demonstrates the fabrication of multifunctional bacterial cellulose@Fe3O4/carbon nanotube/Ti3C2Tx composite film has promising potentials for next‐generation wearable electronic devices in energy conversion, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.
Aminal‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework Membranes Achieve Superior Ion Selectivity
Authors: Guo Rui , Zha Zhiyuan , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi , Guiver Michael D. , Zhao Song
Published: December 2023

High‐salinity wastewater treatment is perceived as a global water resource recycling challenge that must be addressed to achieve zero discharge. Monovalent/divalent salt separation using membrane technology provides a promising strategy for sulfate removal from chlor‐alkali brine. However, existing desalination membranes often show low water permeance and insufficient ion selectivity. Herein, an aminal‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) membrane featuring a regular long‐range pore size of 7 Å and achieving superior ion selectivity is reported, in which a uniform COF layer with subnanosized channels is assembled by the chemical splicing of 1,4‐phthalaldehyde (TPA)‐piperazine (PZ) COF through an amidation reaction with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The chemically spliced TPA‐PZ (sTPA‐PZ) membrane maintains an inherent pore structure and exhibits a water permeance of 13.1 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, a Na2SO4 rejection of 99.1%, and a Cl−/SO42− separation factor of 66 for mixed‐salt separation, which outperforms all state‐of‐the‐art COF‐based membranes reported. Furthermore, the single‐stage treatment of NaCl/Na2SO4 mixed‐salt separation achieves a high NaCl purity of above 95% and a recovery rate of ≈60%, offering great potential for industrial application in monovalent/divalent salt separation and wastewater resource utilization. Therefore, the aminal‐linked COF membrane developed in this work provides a new research avenue for designing smart/advanced membrane materials for angstrom‐scale separations.
Hydrogen Spillover Induced PtCo/CoOx Interfaces with Enhanced Catalytic Activity for CO Oxidation at Low Temperatures in Humid Conditions
Authors: Lin Jiajin , Zhao Shuaiqi , Yang Jin , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Chen Chi‐Liang , Chen Tingyu , Zhao Yun , Chen Guangxu , Qiu Yongcai , Gu Lin
Published: December 2023

The development of catalysts with abundant active interfaces for superior low‐temperature catalytic CO oxidation is critical to meet increasingly rigorous emission requirements, yet still challenging. Herein, this work reports a PtCo/CoOx/Al2O3 catalyst with PtCo clusters and enriched Pt─O─Co interfaces induced by hydrogen spillover from the Pt sites and self‐oxidation process in air, exhibiting excellent performance for CO oxidation at low temperatures and humid conditions. The combination of structural characterizations and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that the PtCo cluster effectively prevents CO saturation/poisoning on the Pt surface. Additionally, the presence of Pt─O─Co interfaces in the PtCo/CoOx/Al2O3 catalyst provides a significant number of active sites for oxygen activation and ─OH formation. This facilitates efficient generation of CO2 at ambient temperature by coupling with nearby adsorbed CO molecules, resulting in superior low‐temperature activity and long‐term stability for CO oxidation under humid conditions. This work provides a facile route toward rationalizing the design of catalysts with more active interfaces for superior low‐temperature CO oxidation under humid conditions for practical applications.
RSS and ROS Sequentially Activated Carbon Monoxide Release for Boosting NIR Imaging‐Guided On‐Demand Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Dong Xuemei , Zhang Ziwen , Wang Rongchen , Sun Jie , Dong Chengjun , Sun Lixin , Jia Cai , Gu Xianfeng , Zhao Chunchang
Published: December 2023

Carbon monoxide shows great therapeutic potential in anti‐cancer. In particular, the construction of multifunctional CO delivery systems can promote the precise delivery of CO and achieve ideal therapeutic effects, but there are still great challenges in design. In this work, a RSS and ROS sequentially activated CO delivery system is developed for boosting NIR imaging‐guided on‐demand photodynamic therapy. This designed system is composed of a CO releaser (BOD‐CO) and a photosensitizer (BOD‐I). BOD‐CO can be specifically activated by hydrogen sulfide with simultaneous release of CO donor and NIR fluorescence that can identify H2S‐rich tumors and guide light therapy, also depleting H2S in the process. Moreover, BOD‐I generates 1O2 under long‐wavelength light irradiation, enabling both PDT and precise local release of CO via a photooxidation mechanism. Such sequential activation of CO release by RSS and ROS ensured the safety and controllability of CO delivery, and effectively avoided leakage during delivery. Importantly, cytotoxicity and in vivo studies reveal that the release of CO combined with the depletion of endogenous H2S amplified PDT, achieving ideal anticancer results. It is believed that such theranostic nanoplatform can provide a novel strategy for the precise CO delivery and combined therapy involved in gas therapy and PDT.
Critical Binder‐to‐Powders Coverage Ratio for Faster Graphite/SiOx Electrode Formulation Optimization
Authors: Meyssonnier Clément , Merabet Amina , Dupré Nicolas , Paireau Cyril , Lestriez Bernard
Published: December 2023

Mastering electrodes’ formulations is a complex and tedious task, because for each composition of electroactive material(s) it is necessary to adjust the inactive additives nature and content to optimize battery performance. In this direction, the amount of binder is proposed to be adjusted to the surface developed by all of the powders involved in the composition of the electrode, i.e., the electroactive materials and electronic conductive additives. This concept, introduces here as binder‐to‐powders coverage ratio, relies upon the micromechanical models developed in the field of polymer‐based composite materials. The validity of this new electrode formulation parameter is shown here for two different SiOx/Graphite blends, which differ in the type of graphite, and for blends of two different binders, polyacrylic acid and styrene−butadiene rubber. At the optimal coverage ratio, a satisfactory capacity retention is obtained in full cell with an ethylene carbonate free and fluoroethylene carbonate rich electrolyte.
SCARS: Suturing wounds due to conflicts between non‐functional requirements in autonomous and robotic systems
Authors: Roy Mandira , Bag Raunak , Deb Novarun , Cortesi Agostino , Chaki Rituparna , Chaki Nabendu
Published: December 2023

In autonomous and robotic systems, the functional requirements (FRs) and non‐functional requirements (NFRs) are gathered from multiple stakeholders. The different stakeholder requirements are associated with different components of the robotic system and with the contexts in which the system may operate. This aggregation of requirements from different sources (multiple stakeholders) often results in inconsistent or conflicting sets of requirements. Conflicts among NFRs for robotic systems heavily depend on features of actual execution contexts. It is essential to analyze the inconsistencies and conflicts among the requirements in the early planning phase to design the robotic systems in a systematic manner. In this work, we design and experimentally evaluate a framework, called SCARS, providing: (a) a domain‐specific language extending the ROS2 Domain Specific Language (DSL) concepts by considering the different environmental contexts in which the system has to operate, (b) support to analyze their impact on NFRs, and (c) the computation of the optimal degree of NFR satisfaction that can be achieved within different system configurations. The effectiveness of SCARS has been validated on the iRobot Create3 robot using Gazebo simulation.
3D meso‐scale numerical model and dynamic mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete
Authors: Deng Y. J. , Li L. , Lv T. H. , Chen X. W. , Ye Z. J.
Published: December 2023

Based on the modeling method of 3D meso‐scale finite element model of plain concrete, a 3D meso‐scale finite element model of reinforced concrete is established considering the interface transition zone between reinforcement frame and mortar, and the reliability of the established meso‐scale finite element model is verified by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test results. The failure process of reinforced concrete specimens under typical impact velocity and the influence of interface effect on specimen strength are analyzed by numerical simulation. The research results show that the 3D meso‐scale model of reinforced concrete considers the meso‐scale structure of reinforced concrete more realistically, and can better reflect the damage change process inside the material in the dynamic loading process. The weak interface effect caused by reinforcement can lead to the slight weakening of the dynamic strength of the material, but at the same time the weak interface effect of the reinforcement is also the main reason why the residual form of reinforced concrete remains well aligned with the shape of the reinforcement frame after the failure.
Evaluation of the effects of multiple capture methods and immobilization drugs on mountain lion welfare
Authors: Dellinger Justin A. , Basto Ana F. , Vickers T. Winston , Wilmers Christopher C. , Sikich Jeffrey A. , Riley Seth P. D. , Gammons Daniel , Martins Quinton E. , Wittmer Heiko U. , Garcelon David K. , Allen Maximilian L. , Cristescu Bogdan , Clifford Deana L.
Published: December 2023

Using a dataset of 591 capture events between 2001–2019 in California, USA, we examined the impact of capture methods and immobilization drugs on mountain lion (Puma concolor) welfare. The 3 methods used to capture mountain lions were cage traps, trained hounds, and cable restraints. The drugs used to immobilize mountain lions were either tiletamine/zolazepam (Telazol®), ketamine/medetomidine, or ketamine/xylazine. Mortality occurred in 1.4% of captures, with only one mortality out of 310 captures occurring since 2012. We used a logistic regression framework to compare morbidity and vital parameters of mountain lions among the different capture methods and immobilization drugs used. Vomiting (a risk factor for developing aspiration pneumonia) was the most common severe risk factor associated with cage trapping and was only seen with the use of ketamine/medetomidine or ketamine/xylazine. Morbidity scores were not well predicted by any of the variables we accounted for. Animals immobilized with Telazol® were more likely to experience abnormal heart and respiratory rates, as well as high body temperatures, than those immobilized with the other two combinations. Although there are risks associated with each of the capture methods and drug combinations commonly used in mountain lion captures in California, our analyses demonstrated they are all relatively safe when following appropriate animal welfare practices. Our analyses suggested that unaccounted for factors are equally or more important in explaining injury and physiological abnormality rates, and we urge that agencies train personnel in best practices and conservative decision‐making in order to assure that the welfare of the animal takes precedence over collaring. We suggest training on how to choose between several capture techniques, immobilization drugs and monitoring methods and how to reduce both detrimental effects to mountain lions and danger to humans.
Engineering heterothallic strains in fission yeast
Authors: García‐Ruano Daniel , Hsu Ian , Leray Baptiste , Billard Bénédicte , Liti Gianni , Coudreuse Damien
Published: December 2023

In poor nitrogen conditions, fission yeast cells mate, undergo meiosis and form spores that are resistant to deleterious environments. Natural isolates of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are homothallic. This allows them to naturally switch between the two h− and h+ mating types with a high frequency, thereby ensuring the presence of both mating partners in a population of cells. However, alteration of the mating type locus can abolish mating type switching or reduce it to a very low frequency. Such heterothallic strains have been isolated and are common in research laboratories due to the simplicity of their use for Mendelian genetics. In addition to the standard laboratory strains, a large collection of natural S. pombe isolates is now available, representing a powerful resource for investigating the genetic diversity and biology of fission yeast. However, most of these strains are homothallic, and only tedious or mutagenic strategies have been described to obtain heterothallic cells from a homothallic parent. Here, we describe a simple approach to generate heterothallic strains. It takes advantage of an alteration of the mating type locus that was previously identified in a mating type switching‐deficient strain and the CRISPR‐Cas9 editing tool, allowing for a one‐step engineering of heterothallic cells with high efficiency.
Polynomial stability of one‐dimensional wave equation with local degenerate Kelvin–Voigt damping and discontinuous coefficients
Authors: Zhang Hua‐Lei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study the stability of one‐dimensional wave equation with local degenerate Kelvin–Voigt damping and discontinuous coefficients. The domain of the wave equation is a bounded interval. The support of the damping coefficient function is a subinterval of the bounded interval, which does not include the endpoints of the bounded interval. The damping coefficient function behaves like power functions near the endpoints of the subinterval. When the coefficients of the wave equation satisfy suitable regularity assumption, by the frequency domain method, we show that the energy of the wave equation decays polynomially and the decay rate depends on the exponents of power functions.
The impact of lager brewing yeasts on flavor stability of pilot-scale beer during storage
Authors: Murmann Anne N. , Bevilacqua Marta , Danielsen Bente P. , Jansson Therese , Engholm-Keller Kasper , Poojary Mahesha M. , Arneborg Nils , Lund Marianne N.
Published: December 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of two lager brewing yeasts (KVL001 and KVL018), known to produce different levels of sulfite and thioredoxin, on the flavor stability of beer during storage for 24 weeks at 25 °C and 35 °C. Fermentations with the two yeast strains were carried out in two identical pilot scale brews and provided fresh beers with very similar sensory profiles, only differing significantly in content of sulfite, iron, thioredoxin, and free amino acids. No difference in protein thiols was observed indicating that thioredoxin was not active in the final beer. The yeast strain KVL018 consumed less free amino acids than KVL001 resulting in fresh beers with a higher content of free amino acids. During storage, the beers developed very similarly, but the beers fermented with KVL018 developed more 'fruity aged/vinous' flavor, especially at 35 °C. This suggested that a higher degree of the Maillard reaction took place in these beers due to the higher content of free amino acids. Beers fermented with KVL018 also contained more sulfite and less iron, but scored lower in the general evaluation of the sensory analysis. In conclusion, our results indicate that the yeast strain (KVL001) taking up more free amino acids resulted in more flavor-stable beer due to a lower degree of the Maillard reaction, while no clear effects were observed on oxidation.
Artificial intelligence-based detection of paediatric appendicular skeletal fractures: performance and limitations for common fracture types and locations
Authors: Altmann-Schneider Irmhild , Kellenberger Christian J. , Pistorius Sarah-Maria , Saladin Camilla , Schäfer Debora , Arslan Nidanur , Fischer Hanna L. , Seiler Michelle
Published: December 2023

Background

Research into artificial intelligence (AI)-based fracture detection in children is scarce and has disregarded the detection of indirect fracture signs and dislocations.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of an existing AI-tool for the detection of fractures, indirect fracture signs, and dislocations.

Materials and methods

An AI software, BoneView (Gleamer, Paris, France), was assessed for diagnostic accuracy of fracture detection using paediatric radiology consensus diagnoses as reference. Radiographs from a single emergency department were enrolled retrospectively going back from December 2021, limited to 1,000 radiographs per body part. Enrolment criteria were as follows: suspected fractures of the forearm, lower leg, or elbow; age 0–18 years; and radiographs in at least two projections.

Results

Lower leg radiographs showed 607 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were high (87.5%, 87.5%, 98.3%, 98.3%, respectively). Detection rate was low for toddler’s fractures, trampoline fractures, and proximal tibial Salter-Harris-II fractures. Forearm radiographs showed 1,137 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were high (92.9%, 98.1%, 98.4%, 91.7%, respectively). Radial and ulnar bowing fractures were not reliably detected (one out of 11 radial bowing fractures and zero out of seven ulnar bowing fractures were correctly detected). Detection rate was low for styloid process avulsions, proximal radial buckle, and complete olecranon fractures. Elbow radiographs showed 517 fractures. Sensitivity and NPV were moderate (80.5%, 84.7%, respectively). Specificity and PPV were high (94.9%, 93.3%, respectively). For joint effusion, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were moderate (85.1%, 85.7%, 89.5%, 80%, respectively). For elbow dislocations, sensitivity and PPV were low (65.8%, 50%, respectively). Specificity and NPV were high (97.7%, 98.8%, respectively).

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of BoneView is promising for forearm and lower leg fractures. However, improvement is mandatory before clinicians can rely solely on AI-based paediatric fracture detection using this software.

Graphical Abstract
Global stability and parameter analysis reinforce therapeutic targets of PD-L1-PD-1 and MDSCs for glioblastoma
Authors: Anderson Hannah G. , Takacs Gregory P. , Harris Duane C. , Kuang Yang , Harrison Jeffrey K. , Stepien Tracy L.
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain cancer that currently has minimally effective treatments. Like other cancers, immunosuppression by the PD-L1-PD-1 immune checkpoint complex is a prominent axis by which glioma cells evade the immune system. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are recruited to the glioma microenviroment, also contribute to the immunosuppressed GBM microenvironment by suppressing T cell functions. In this paper, we propose a GBM-specific tumor-immune ordinary differential equations model of glioma cells, T cells, and MDSCs to provide theoretical insights into the interactions between these cells. Equilibrium and stability analysis indicates that there are unique tumorous and tumor-free equilibria which are locally stable under certain conditions. Further, the tumor-free equilibrium is globally stable when T cell activation and the tumor kill rate by T cells overcome tumor growth, T cell inhibition by PD-L1-PD-1 and MDSCs, and the T cell death rate. Bifurcation analysis suggests that a treatment plan that includes surgical resection and therapeutics targeting immune suppression caused by the PD-L1-PD1 complex and MDSCs results in the system tending to the tumor-free equilibrium. Using a set of preclinical experimental data, we implement the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) rejection method to construct probability density distributions that estimate model parameters. These distributions inform an appropriate search curve for global sensitivity analysis using the extended fourier amplitude sensitivity test. Sensitivity results combined with the ABC method suggest that parameter interaction is occurring between the drivers of tumor burden, which are the tumor growth rate and carrying capacity as well as the tumor kill rate by T cells, and the two modeled forms of immunosuppression, PD-L1-PD-1 immune checkpoint and MDSC suppression of T cells. Thus, treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in combination with a therapeutic targeting the inhibitory mechanisms of MDSCs should be explored.
Triage Subsurface – Unter Tage Training für medizinische Ersthelfer in der virtuellen Welt
Authors: Harthum Birgit , Schrom-Feiertag Helmut , Wenighofer Robert
Published: December 2023

Großschadenslagen mit einem Massenanfall von Verletzten sind schon per se für Einsatzkräfte herausfordernd. Findet so eine Situation in einer Umgebung wie einem Tunnel statt, steigt die Komplexität dramatisch. Der Zugang ist schwieriger, die Bergung komplizierter, die Sicht oftmals beeinträchtigt und die Umgebung fordert die Gesundheit der Rettungskräfte zusätzlich durch Rauchentwicklung oder Kontamination durch chemische Stoffe. Koordination und (Zeit)-Management der Situation ist also unter Tage ein noch wichtigerer Faktor als sonst. Das Europäische Forschungsprojekt MED1stMR entwickelt eine Mixed Reality Trainingslösung, die medizinische Einsatzkräfte auf solche Situationen noch besser vorbereiten soll. Im Zuge des Projektes werden die Mixed Reality Trainingslösung und Realübungen verglichen, um Rückschlüsse auf die Gestaltung des Trainingssystems liefern zu können. Das Technologie-Forschungsprojekt besteht aus einem multidisziplinären Konsortium, geleitet vom AIT – Austrian Institute of Technology. Der Fokus ist, Technologie, Wissenschaft und End-Nutzer Rettungsorganisationen zusammenzubringen, um gemeinsam eine effiziente Trainingslösung entwickeln zu können. Zwei Jahre wurde gemeinsam an der Lösung gearbeitet, nun wird sie an sechs Standorten von Partner-Rettungsorganisationen getestet, um die Technologieakzeptanz zu erforschen und wissenschaftliche Daten der Einsatzkräfte zu erheben, die der Weiterentwicklung des Systems und diverser Algorithmen dienen. Auch zwei Realübungen sind Teil des Projektes. Eine der Realübungen fand an der Montanuniversität Leoben in den Tunnelanlagen des Zentrums am Berg statt und lieferten relevante Daten über die Gestaltung der virtuellen Szenarien sowie zu Stresssituation der Einsatzkräfte in realer Umgebung. Realübungen sind teuer und werden daher seltener durchgeführt – die Umsetzung der Übung in der Anlage des Zentrums am Berg erleichterte die Durchführung und tragen damit ihren Beitrag zur Sicherheit von Tunnelanlagen. Die Realübung lieferte einen wesentlichen Beitrag für die Übertragung und Gestaltung der virtuellen Trainingsszenarien unter Tage und ermöglicht es, ein immersives Trainingserlebnis zu schaffen, das die realen Bedingungen und Herausforderungen im Tunnel präzise wiedergibt und gleichzeitig die Trainingsziele effektiv erfüllt.
Existence and verification of Nash equilibria in non-cooperative contribution games with resource contention
Authors: Troquard Nicolas
Published: December 2023

In resource contribution games, a class of non-cooperative games, the players want to obtain a bundle of resources and are endowed with bags of bundles of resources that they can make available into a common for all to enjoy. Available resources can then be used towards their private goals. A player is potentially satisfied with a profile of contributed resources when his bundle could be extracted from the contributed resources. Resource contention occurs when the players who are potentially satisfied, cannot actually all obtain their bundle. The player’s preferences are always single-minded (they consider a profile good or they do not) and parsimonious (between two profiles that are equally good, they prefer the profile where they contribute less). What makes a profile of contributed resources good for a player depends on their attitude towards resource contention. We study the problem of deciding whether an outcome is a pure Nash equilibrium for three kinds of players’ attitudes towards resource contention: public contention-aversity, private contention-aversity, and contention-tolerance. In particular, we demonstrate that in the general case when the players are contention-averse, then the problem is harder than when they are contention-tolerant. We then identify a natural class of games where, in presence of contention-averse preferences, it becomes tractable, and where there is always a Nash equilibrium.
Why are Actions but not Emotions Done Intentionally, if both are Reason-Responsive Embodied Processes?
Authors: Nes Anders
Published: December 2023

Emotions, like actions, this paper argues, are typically embodied processes that are responsive to reasons, where these reasons connect closely with the agent’s desires, intentions, or projects. If so, why are emotions, nevertheless, typically passive in a sense in which actions are not; specifically, why are emotions not cases of doing something intentionally? This paper seeks to prepare the ground for answering to this question by showing that it cannot be answered within a widely influential framework in the philosophy of action that has been dubbed the Standard Conception of Action, shared by such diverse theorists as G.E.M. Anscombe, Donald Davidson, Jennifer Hornsby, Michael Smith. and Michael Thompson. The Standard Conception approaches agency via the notion of someone’s doing something intentionally, and links the latter notion closely to that of doing something for a reason, so as to imply ‘Anscombe’s Thesis’ that, if someone is doing something for a reason, they are doing it intentionally. The paper shows how emotions, as reason-responsive embodied processes, counterexemplify this claim. Qua processes, they can aptly be described in the progressive, as cases of trembling with fear, exploding with anger, etc. They are a kind of ‘doing’ something, for a reason, yet not intentionally.
Inheritance of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content in relation to seed oil and protein content in oilseed rape
Authors: Yusuf Abdusaheed Olabisi , Möllers Christian
Published: December 2023

Oilseed rape is worldwide an important oil and protein crop. Its oil is valued because of its excellent quality. The oil extracted meal is marketed as a lower value by-product for feeding livestock. Recently, interest in vegetable proteins has increased to use the oilseed rape protein as an alternative vegetable source for human consumption. However, the use of the protein rich meal for food production is greatly limited by the presence of residual glucosinolate, phenolic acid esters and crude fibre contents which affect its techno-functional properties, taste and colour. Further reducing contents of glucosinolates, cellulose, hemicellulose and indigestible lignin, is expected to enhance protein content and quality. To this end, two half-sib DH populations were tested in replicated field experiments. Inheritance of individual seed fibre components in relation to each other and to oil, protein and glucosinolate content were investigated. The DH populations were genotyped with Brassica 15K SNP Illumina chip, QTL were mapped and candidate genes were identified using the high quality long read reference genome of Express 617. Novel QTL for fibre components were identified that co-located to each other, with QTL for oil, protein and glucosinolate content, and with opposite direction of additive effects. The parallel investigation of two half-sib DH populations gave insight into the direction of the additive effects which depended on the indvidual parents. The results provide additional understanding of genetic loci underlying the seed quality traits which may help achieving the breeding goals in oilseed rape.
Teachers’ Considerations for a Digitalised Learning Context of Preschool Science
Authors: Papantonis Stajcic Maria , Nilsson Pernilla
Published: December 2023

This study investigates preschool teachers’ considerations for including digital tools in  science teaching to develop children’s learning of science content. Due to the ongoing digitalisation and demands in society, the utilisation of digital tools has increased significantly in educational settings. Recent research about digital tools in early childhood education focuses on various aspects of technology implementation. However, there is a research gap in which considerations underpin preschool teachers’ choices of what, why and how they integrate digital tools into science teaching. The data generation was conducted by different methods. The reflection tool Content Representations (CoRe) is used to make the preschool teachers’ considerations explicit when reflecting on planning science teaching regarding specific science content formulated as Big Ideas. Further, video stimulated recall interviews capture the preschool teachers’ considerations on their interactions with children in science activities and using digital tools. The Refined Consensus Model (RCM) of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) was employed as a theoretical framework for analysing and interpreting data around an entire teaching cycle. Some of the teachers’ considerations for including digital tools involve accessing children’s learning, making the abstract concrete and stimulating children’s engagement and learning. Further, the findings indicate that the considerations concerned knowledge about teachers’ personal PCK (pPCK) and enacted PCK (ePCK) aspects.
Perspectives of California Legislators on Institutional Barriers and Facilitators to Non-Partisan Research Evidence Use in State Health Policymaking
Authors: Ashtari Neda , Abbasi Justin , Barnert Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Background

Bridging the translational gap between research evidence and health policy in state legislatures requires understanding the institutional barriers and facilitators to non-partisan research evidence use. Previous studies have identified individual-level barriers and facilitators to research evidence use, but limited perspectives exist on institutional factors within legislatures that influence non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking.

Objective

We describe the perspectives of California state legislators and legislative staff on institutional barriers and facilitators of non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking and explore potential solutions for enhancing use.

Design

Case study design involving qualitative interviews.

Participants

We interviewed 24 California state legislators, legislative office staff, and legislative research staff.

Approach

Semi-structured recorded interviews were conducted in person or by phone to identify opportunities for enhancing non-partisan research evidence use within state legislatures. We conducted thematic analyses of interview transcripts to identify (1) when research evidence is used during the policymaking process, (2) barriers and facilitators operating at the institutional level, and (3) potential solutions for enhancing evidence use.

Results

Institutional barriers to non-partisan research evidence use in health policymaking were grouped into three themes: institutional policies, practices, and priorities. Interviews also revealed institutional-level facilitators of research evidence use, including (1) access and capacity to engage with research evidence, and (2) perceived credibility of research evidence. The most widely supported institutional-level solution for enhancing evidence-based health policymaking in state legislatures involved establishing independent, impartial research entities to provide legislators with trusted evidence to inform decision-making.

Conclusions

Potential institutional-level changes within state legislatures may enhance evidence use in health policymaking, leading to improved health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for states.
Coastal Cliffs of the Rio Grande do Norte State: Geoheritage Characterization and Valorization in Northeast Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Costa Silas Samuel , Junior João Correia Saraiva , Lima Zuleide Maria Carvalho , do Nascimento Marcos Antonio Leite , da Silva Matheus Lisboa Nobre
Published: December 2023

The Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeast Brazil, has 410 km of coastal extension, being 107 km approximately composed of cliffs excavated in Cenozoic sedimentary rocks. In the last three decades, these cliffs are passing for transformations due the human occupation, tourism activity and climatic changes. To inventory the geoheritage present in these cliffs is essential to support management plans that include investment to conserving part of this Earth’s natural history. This paper aims to inventory, classify, assess and value the Potiguar cliffs as geological sites. From 46 outcrops that Saraiva Junior (2021) studied to describe the cliffs’ geomorphology, 20 geological sites were selected, these are used in national and international publications and divided in three frameworks: Miocene-Pliocene sedimentation, Pleistocene sedimentation and Cenozoic tectonics. These 20 cliffs were inventoried using the Brilha (2016) methodology in order to qualify and quantify the scientific value, potential educational and touristic uses and degradation risk. The Ponta do Mel, Barra de Tabatinga, Ponta dos Três Irmãos, Barreira do Inferno, Ponta do Reduto and Morro do Chapéu were defined as the most valuable cliffs on the scientific aspect. We proposed monitoring planning based on the cliff’s baselines, protection measures based on the specific threats and three geotouristic routes based on the geographic distribution of the sites and the frameworks.
Multiple attribute group decision making approach for selection of robot under induced bipolar neutrosophic aggregation operators
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Afzal Farkhanda , Maqbool Ayesha , Abdullah Saleem , Akgül Ali , Bariq Abdul
Published: December 2023

In current piece of writing, we bring in the new notion of induced bipolar neutrosophic (BN) AOs by utilizing Einstein operations as the foundation for aggregation operators (AOs), as well as to endow having a real-world problem-related application. The neutrosophic set can rapidly and more efficiently bring out the partial, inconsistent, and ambiguous information. The fundamental definitions and procedures linked to the basic bipolar neutrosophic (BN) set as well as the neutrosophic set (NS), are presented first. Our primary concern is the induced Einstein AOs, like, induced bipolar neutrosophic Einstein weighted average (I-BNEWA), induced bipolar neutrosophic Einstein weighted geometric (I-BNEWG), as well as their different types and required properties. The main advantage of employing the offered methods is that they give decision-makers a more thorough analysis of the problem. These strategies whenever compare to on hand methods, present complete, progressively precise, and accurate result. Finally, utilizing a numerical representation of an example for selection of robot, for a problem involving multi-criteria community decision making, we propose a novel solution. The suitability ratings are then ranked to select the most suitable robot. This demonstrates the practicality as well as usefulness of these novel approaches.
Automatic algorithm design of distributed hybrid flowshop scheduling with consistent sublots
Authors: Zhang Biao , Lu Chao , Meng Lei-lei , Han Yu-yan , Hu Jiang , Jiang Xu-chu
Published: December 2023

The present-day globalized economy and diverse market demands have compelled an increasing number of manufacturing enterprises to move toward the distributed manufacturing pattern and the model of multi-variety and small-lot. Taking these two factors into account, this study investigates an extension of the distributed hybrid flowshop scheduling problem (DHFSP), called the distributed hybrid flowshop scheduling problem with consistent sublots (DHFSP_CS). To tackle this problem, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed as a preliminary step. The NP-hard nature of the problem necessitates the use of the iterated F-Race (I/F-Race) as the automated algorithm design (AAD) to compose a metaheuristic that requires minimal user intervention. The I/F-Race enables identifying the ideal values of numerical and categorical parameters within a promising algorithm framework. An extension of the collaborative variable neighborhood descent algorithm (ECVND) is utilized as the algorithm framework, which is modified by intensifying efforts on the critical factories. In consideration of the problem-specific characteristics and the solution encoding, the configurable solution initializations, configurable solution decoding strategies, and configurable collaborative operators are designed. Additionally, several neighborhood structures are specially designed. Extensive computational results on simulation instances and a real-world instance demonstrate that the automated algorithm conceived by the AAD outperforms the CPLEX and other state-of-the-art metaheuristics in addressing the DHFSP_CS.
Adaptive learning point cloud and image diversity feature fusion network for 3D object detection
Authors: Yan Weiqing , Liu Shile , Liu Hao , Yue Guanghui , Wang Xuan , Song Yongchao , Xu Jindong
Published: December 2023

3D object detection is a critical task in the fields of virtual reality and autonomous driving. Given that each sensor has its own strengths and limitations, multi-sensor-based 3D object detection has gained popularity. However, most existing methods extract high-level image semantic features and fuse them with point cloud features, focusing solely on consistent information from both sensors while ignoring their complementary information. In this paper, we present a novel two-stage multi-sensor deep neural network, called the adaptive learning point cloud and image diversity feature fusion network (APIDFF-Net), for 3D object detection. Our approach employs the fine-grained image information to complement the point cloud information by combining low-level image features with high-level point cloud features. Specifically, we design a shallow image feature extraction module to learn fine-grained information from images, instead of relying on deep layer features with coarse-grained information. Furthermore, we design a diversity feature fusion (DFF) module that transforms low-level image features into point-wise image features and explores their complementary features through an attention mechanism, ensuring an effective combination of fine-grained image features and point cloud features. Experiments on the KITTI benchmark show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
A model for preventing academic misconduct: evidence from a large-scale intervention
Authors: Benson Lyle , Enstroem Rickard
Published: December 2023

It is well known that students intentionally and unintentionally commit academic misconduct, but how can universities prevent academic misconduct and foster a culture of academic integrity? Based on a literature synthesis, an actionable Model for Preventing Academic Misconduct is presented. The model’s basic premise is that students’ voluntary participation in individual courses or academic integrity modules will have far less impact on preventing academic misconduct than required faculty or university-wide programming in core courses. In validating the model, the steps taken by the School of Business at a Canadian university to prevent academic misconduct are examined. Two online tutorials were created and implemented as required modules in the School of Business introductory core courses. Actual academic misconduct incidents recorded by the University from 2016 to 2021, a three-year pre-intervention period and a two-year post-intervention period partly covering the COVID-19 outbreak, are used to gauge the model’s effectiveness in preventing academic misconduct. The findings are discussed through a Social Learning Theory lens: the high-level implementation gives rise to a culture of academic integrity propelled by the establishment of common knowledge.
Development of a Guideline Under Didactical Aspects for the Use of Immersive Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Karcher Amelie , Arnold Dominik , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: December 2023

Quality methods are classically applied in productive and administrative business areas as well as in the context of qualification measures. This paper presents the development of a didactic guide for the use of immersive virtual learning environments, which focuses on the training of quality methods. The guide is an element of the design phase of the assisted reality implementation model (ARIM), which was developed as a unified approach for the creation, training and subsequent evaluation of quality methods using augmented and virtual reality (VR) glasses. Thereby, the didactic guideline is also methodically derived from the ARIM and transferred to a realized virtual learning environment. The guideline is intended to address the handling of necessary hardware, appropriate safety and hygiene precautions and finding one’s way around the virtual learning environment. It thus serves as learning material for trainers and trainees alike. The following section explains in detail how the concrete guideline for self-directed training with VR should look and which specific requirements have to be taken into account. The aspects explained up to this point describe the structure of this article. In addition, an initial evaluation was conducted, which will be first explained with a description of the procedure and concluded with the presentation of the results. A brief conclusion is provided at the end.
Evaluation of the wettability alteration on sandstone rock by graphene oxide adsorption
Authors: Gómez-Delgado Jimena Lizeth , Rodriguez-Molina John Jairo , Perez-Angulo Julio Cesar , Santos-Santos Nicolás , Mejía-Ospino Enrique
Published: December 2023

One of the most important parameters of a crude oil recovery process is the interaction of rock-crude oil. In order to alter the positive interaction rock-crude oil, several chemical systems have been proposed. In this study, we use graphene oxide (GO) to alter the positive interaction between sandstone rock and crude oil. In order to evaluate the alteration of the interaction rock oil, we measured the change in the contact angle water sandstone and oil sandstone. In addition, we have measured the interfacial tension (IFT) modification due to the presence of GO in the fluids. The combined effects of graphene oxide concentration, salinity, and pH on interfacial tension and contact angle have been evaluated. The results show that despite GO has not produced significant changes in interfacial tension, the adsorption of GO on the sandstone surface changes the wettability of the sandstone from being strongly crude oil-wet to intermediate crude oil-wettability. Measurements of the contact angle of the treated rock surface with GO solution under soft salinity conditions and pH of 8 show that adsorbed GO can alter the wettability of sandstone from 150 to 90°. In order to corroborate the change in wettability, Amott-Harvey tests were performed. The formation brine and crude oil were subjected to fluid–fluid compatibility tests. These evaluations confirmed a favorable compatibility with the formulation containing 900 ppm of total dissolved solids (TDS), pH 8, and 900 ppm of GO. As a result, it is considered a potential candidate for coreflooding tests.