bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a weight‐based process for real‐time accurate confirmation of oral liquid controlled drug balances
Authors: Wembridge Paul , Ta Linda , Callinan Meegan , Chan Kayin , Fejgl Aliesha‐jane , Colaci Joshua , Zamani Mazdak
Published: October 2024

To meet legislative requirements in Australia, the balance of controlled drugs (CDs) must be confirmed after completion of each transaction. This is particularly challenging for liquid CD formulations, and over the years, health organisations have implemented various methods of performing this task, including the use of visual aids or conversion of bulk formulations to individual unit doses. These methods have a number of limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of a weight‐based method for confirming oral liquid CD balances packed in multidose containers. This study was conducted in a palliative care ward of a metropolitan hospital over a 41‐day period. Morphine mixture 5 mg/1 mL transactions and balance checks were confirmed using weight calculations of the product bottle. The weights were then converted to volume using a locally developed electronic application, which was recorded in the relevant CD registers. The acceptable tolerance per transaction (±0.1 mL) was determined prior to commencement based on 80 test transactions. Throughout the trial period, 407 transactions were undertaken, among which there were no CD discrepancies. Nine nurses provided feedback via an anonymous online survey after the trial, mostly reporting that the new method was more accurate. However, participants also reported that it took on average 3 min longer to complete each transaction. In conclusion, utilising a weight‐based method of confirming liquid CD balances may present a feasible method of meeting legislative requirements related to the recording and accountability of CDs. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Eastern Health Office of Research and Ethics (Reference no: QA24‐100‐111698). The justification for this ethics exemption was as follows: the study conformed with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ethical considerations in quality assurance and evaluation activities and did not directly affect patient care; written consent was not required from participants per local requirements, however staff were provided verbal and written project information and were informed their participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous.
Nanomedicine for cancer patient‐centered care
Authors: Sorrentino Carlo , Ciummo Stefania Livia , Fieni Cristiano , Di Carlo Emma
Published: October 2024

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and an increase in incidence is estimated in the next future, due to population aging, which requires the development of highly tolerable and low‐toxicity cancer treatment strategies. The use of nanotechnology to tailor treatments according to the genetic and immunophenotypic characteristics of a patient's tumor, and to allow its targeted release, can meet this need, improving the efficacy of treatment and minimizing side effects. Nanomedicine‐based approach for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a rapidly evolving field. Several nanoformulations are currently in clinical trials, and some have been approved and marketed. However, their large‐scale production and use are still hindered by an in‐depth debate involving ethics, intellectual property, safety and health concerns, technical issues, and costs. Here, we survey the key approaches, with specific reference to organ‐on chip technology, and cutting‐edge tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, through which nanosystems can meet the needs for personalized diagnostics and therapy in cancer patients. An update is provided on the nanopharmaceuticals approved and marketed for cancer therapy and those currently undergoing clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the emerging avenues in the field and the challenges to be overcome for the transfer of nano‐based precision oncology into clinical daily life.
Optimization of steel plate quality inspection driven by PscSE and SPPFELAN
Authors: Shan Sun , Wenguang Song
Published: October 2024

Based on the improved YOLOv8n, a steel plate defect detection and recognition method is proposed to address the high labor costs and workload of traditional tasks. SPPFELAN processes inputs in parallel to enhance computational efficiency by executing multiple pooling operations simultaneously. The parallel feature fusion module PscSE, using a mixed‐dimension SE attention mechanism (scSE), captures global and channel‐related information better, improving characterization capability. The EIOU loss function addresses the ambiguous aspect ratio definition of CIOU loss, enhancing detection accuracy and accelerating convergence. Results show the YOLOv8n‐PscSE‐SPPFELAN model achieves 76.9% mAP@0.5 on the Northeastern University steel plate dataset, a 4.6% improvement over the original YOLOv8n, with a computation amount of 7.7 GFLOPs, reducing resource usage and greatly improving detection speed.
Phase Field Coupled Finite Deformation Plasticity Formulation of Ductile Fracture With Nonlinear Kinematic Hardening and Modified Energy Release Function
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Patel B. P.
Published: October 2024

A ductile damage theory is presented by coupling the covariant formulation of finite deformation plasticity with the phase field modeling of fracture, including kinematic hardening for the ductile response of the materials. A phase field coupled nonlinear kinematic hardening equation is proposed in the reference configuration having equivalent representation through the Lie derivative of the kinematic hardening tensor by push‐forward operation in the spatial configuration, thus ensuring the satisfaction of frame invariance. To capture the correct physical response of the material by the phase field evolution equation, the fracture driving function, that is, the difference between the sum of elastic and plastic energies and threshold energy, after the damage initiation is modified by an energy release controlling function, which is an empirical relation of equivalent plastic strain. In defining the energy release controlling function, well‐defined points with physical significance in the experimental load versus displacement curve are used. To simulate the response of the material in relatively large time steps, a modified staggered scheme is presented, evaluating the fracture driving and energy release controlling functions from the previous converged step and using the updated phase field variable in the weak form of the momentum balance equation. To quantify different material parameters from available experimental results in the literature, the developed phase field coupled elasto‐plastic model uses a neural network optimization procedure consisting of neural network training together with optimization in MATLAB and finite element model evaluation in Abaqus user element subroutine UEL. Model capabilities are demonstrated by simulating the crack propagation in complex 3D geometries such as the second and third Sandia Fracture Challenges.
Avatrombopag Elevates Platelet Counts and Reduces Platelet Transfusions in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases During the Perioperative Period of Liver Transplantation
Authors: Jia Yu , Zhang Yuyi , Chen Shirui , Jia Zehua , Fang Tongdi , Zhang Jiayi , Guo Zhiyong
Published: October 2024

Background

Avatrombopag has been approved for elevating platelet counts in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) accompanied by thrombocytopenia (TCP). However, limited research focuses on its safety and efficacy in CLD patients during the perioperative period of liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled CLD patients with severe TCP who received avatrombopag during the perioperative period of LT and analyzed therapeutic efficacy, changes in platelet counts, and related adverse events. Comparisons were conducted between liver transplant recipients who received avatrombopag and those who did not use platelet‐raising drugs, focusing on intraoperative and postoperative bleeding as well as platelet transfusions.

Results

Of 93 patients who received avatrombopag, 67 cases (72%) achieved remission, with their platelet counts increasing to over 50 × 109/L without transfusion. Additionally, 38 cases (40.9%) reached platelet counts above 100 × 109/L, achieving complete remission. The overall remission rate was significantly correlated with the baseline platelet counts, suggesting that individuals with higher baselines (25−50 × 109/L vs. < 25 × 109/L) were more likely to achieve remission (82.1% vs. 57.7%, χ2 = 5.989, p = 0.014). Using propensity score‐overlap weighting to balance the baseline bias, we compared 33 liver transplant recipients who received avatrombopag to those who did not receive any platelet‐raising drugs. Recipients who used avatrombopag achieved significantly higher platelet counts both before and after propensity score‐overlap weighting ([63.76 ± 31.33] × 109/L vs. [45.73 ± 16.44] × 109/L, p = 0.004; [65.37 ± 38.41] × 109/L vs. [42.73 ± 17.27] × 109/L, p = 0.044) and required fewer intraoperative and postoperative platelet transfusions (p < 0.05). No adverse events related to avatrombopag were observed.

Conclusions

Avatrombopag is safe and effective for CLD patients with TCP during the perioperative period of LT, resulting in elevated platelet counts and reduced need for platelet transfusions.
Benefits and challenges of reviewing across knowledge systems: ‘Gourmet omnivore’ pigs foraging in the wild
Authors: Molnár Zsolt , Demeter László , Szabados Klára , Kiš Alen , Ajvazović Milutin , Runjanin Borislav , Mandušić Vlada , Biró Marianna , Öllerer Kinga , Marinkov Jelena , Ulicsni Viktor , Babai Dániel , Katona Krisztián
Published: October 2024

Evidence‐based conservation can benefit substantially from multiple knowledge sources and different knowledge systems. While traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and collaborative research are increasingly acknowledged, detailed cross‐knowledge system reviews are scarce and their methodology underdeveloped. We have two objectives: to prepare such a review and to discuss the benefits and challenges of such reviews.

We review pig keeping in forests and marshes, a historically widespread but nowadays almost extinct practice in Europe, but one with high potential for organic farming, conservation and restoration. We focus on what, when and how free‐ranging pigs forage in the wild. We review five knowledge sources: living and archived TEK, pig and wild boar scientific literature, and the authors' observations of foraging.

Unexpectedly, given the amount of available information, archived TEK differed considerably from living TEK of svinjars (Serbian: traditional pig keepers), and scientific knowledge on pig and boar foraging from TEK. Svinjars deeply understood the consumption and avoidance behaviour of pigs towards 98 and 56 plant taxa, and 42 and 17 animal taxa, respectively. Our review showed that pigs are gourmet omnivores, optimizing and switching between foraging on earthworms, acorns, grasses and corn. Discrepancies between knowledge sources were rare, for example on the consumption of woody roots, earthworms, mushrooms and snakes/lizards. Sources were also complementary, filling each other's knowledge gaps.

Topics where the cross‐knowledge system review was most fruitful were acorn foraging, browsing, earthworm and mushroom consumption. Differences in the contributions of the knowledge sources to the enriched picture resulted from the diverging interests and methodologies of the knowledge generators.

We identified and discussed both the benefits (different approaches of knowledge generation; expanded time scales; complementarity; novel cause–effect explanations; identification of knowledge gaps; and biases) and the challenges (how to identify relevant publications and knowledgeable TEK holders; how to collate knowledge and verify its reliability; and how to conduct a culturally respectful synthesis) of cross‐knowledge system reviewing.

Synthesis and applications. Cross‐knowledge system reviews help overcome limitations in ecological understanding and may provide a shared understanding among collaborating partners, build trust and foster acceptance of each other's knowledge as legitimate.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Visible Light–Induced Photocatalytic Degradation of 2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol Using Polyfuran/Polypyrrole Organic Photocatalysts
Authors: Farooq Aaliyah , Jain Sapan Kumar , Aazam Elham S. , Riaz Ufana
Published: October 2024

With a view to utilize an organic photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutant under visible light irradiation, the study reports degradation of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP) utilizing a visible light active organic photocatalyst—polyfuran (PFu), polypyrrole (PPy), and their co‐oligomers formulated in the weight ratios of PFu/PPy 20/80, 50/50, and 80/20. Comprehensive characterization of PFu, PPy, and their co‐oligomers was conducted using UV–visible spectrometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Under visible light irradiation, 100% of 40 ppm TCP was successfully degraded within a short duration of 30 min using 20 mg of the PFu/PPy‐50/50 catalyst. Furthermore, LCMS analysis of the degraded organic pollutant fragments provided insights into the tentative degradation process.
Cost–utility of nelarabine for the first‐line treatment of newly diagnosed pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Canada
Authors: Shoukry Roaa , Moskalewicz Alexandra , Bradley Nicole , Bond Elizabeth , Sala Mandy , Gupta Sumit , Gibson Paul , Pechlivanoglou Petros
Published: October 2024

Background

The Children's Oncology Group (COG)‐AALL0434 trial investigated the addition of nelarabine to the augmented Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (aBFM) protocol in patients (1.0–30.99 years) with newly diagnosed T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). Despite demonstrating superior outcomes, nelarabine is not currently funded by many health systems, in part due to a lack of cost‐effectiveness data. We estimated the cost–utility of nelarabine for this indication from a Canadian public healthcare payer perspective.

Methods

We developed a microsimulation model that followed hypothetical patients with newly diagnosed T‐ALL from post‐induction therapy to death. Three health states were modeled: relapse‐free, post‐relapse, and death. Efficacy was estimated using AALL0434 and retrospective data from Ontario, Canada. Costs were obtained from Canadian sources. Utility estimates and long‐term mortality risks were sourced from literature. Total healthcare costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) were reported. Probabilistic and scenario analyses were conducted.

Results

Incorporating nelarabine in the aBFM protocol increased costs by $51,670 Canadian dollars per patient, but resulted in 1.97 more QALYs and an ICER of $26,184/QALY. Most of the identified cost and benefit were accrued within the AALL0434 trial period (first 11 years post diagnosis) and while patients were in the relapse‐free health state. Across multiple scenarios, the ICER was stable under an assumed $50,000/QALY threshold.

Conclusion

Incorporating nelarabine into aBFM was cost‐effective across different scenarios and assumptions. These results support its funding by public and private payers.
A thermodynamically‐based fractional model combined viscoelastic‐viscoplastic‐ductile damage with application to fiber‐reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Han Baozhi , Yin Deshun , Qin Shaopeng , Ma Liangzhu , Gao Yunfei , Ye Qiongyao
Published: October 2024

A thermodynamically‐based fractional viscoelastic‐viscoplastic‐damage constitutive model combined with continuous damage mechanics (CDM) theory was established, in order to describe the rate‐dependent nonlinear behavior of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). The fractional Helmholtz free energy consists of four contributions: viscoelastic (VE), viscoplastic (VP), hardening and damage, in which the VE and VP parts are constructed by fractional Zener and Scott‐Blair (SB) element forms respectively. The constitutive equation is obtained through Helmholtz free energy for the fractional Zener model, and plastic flow and hardening evolution law are all derived in the process. The ductile damage, coupled to both VE and VP free energy parts, is introduced through fractional damage energy release rates to model the degradation of material properties. The corresponding strain energy release rate and dissipation contributions are also derived. The fractional implicit time integration algorithms of proposed model are presented. The model is applied to validate tests of FRPCs under various loading conditions. The model validation and comparison are presented by simulating experimental data and existing models in the literature. And the corresponding evolution of dissipated energy is discussed to further valid the characterization ability of the model.

Highlights

A thermodynamical fractional constitutive model was developed for FRPCs.

The Helmholtz free‐energy potential for fractional Zener model is adopted.

The physical significance of fractional order parameters is explored.

Fractional implicit integration algorithm of proposed model is implemented.

The validation and comparison of the model are presented under various loads.
A case report of benzodiazepine withdrawal delirium due to accidental discontinuation of benzodiazepines in cancer perioperative period
Authors: Yamaguchi Junji , Sadahiro Ryoichi , Wada Saho , Nishikawa Eri , Terada Tatsuto , Nakahara Rika , Matsuoka Hiromichi
Published: October 2024

Background

Benzodiazepines are known for their possible risk of delirium, especially when administered to older adults or during the perioperative period. However, the risk of sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines and subsequent withdrawal delirium seems to be underappreciated and not properly recognized in cancer treatment, even among healthcare workers.

Case Presentation

A man in his late 70s was diagnosed with rectal cancer and had a history of taking etizolam and alprazolam for over 15 years. After hospitalization for cancer, these benzodiazepines were discontinued abruptly 2 days before the surgery, due to concerns about benzodiazepine‐related delirium. After half a day, severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, such as disorientation, agitation, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and muscle twitching, appeared. The patient was diagnosed with delirium associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, and his symptoms subsided soon after re‐administration of benzodiazepines. Despite development of mild postoperative delirium, the operation was performed safely.

Conclusion

The rapid and abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines before cancer surgery could impose a high risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal delirium in patients, which makes the management of psychiatric symptoms in the perioperative period more complex and difficult. We believe that it is necessary to highlight the risks of withdrawal delirium and abrupt benzodiazepine discontinuation in cancer treatment. Moreover, re‐education on this topic is essential for healthcare workers.
Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nurse‐Led Sexual Rehabilitation Intervention to Rebuild Sexuality and Intimacy After Treatment for Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Chow Ka Ming , Porter‐steele Janine , Siu Ka Yi , Shum Wai Man , Lee Woon Lai , Choi Kai Chow , Chan Carmen W. H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual rehabilitation program, SEXHAB, in improving sexual functioning, reducing sexual distress, and enhancing marital satisfaction for women after gynecological cancer treatment.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial that included 150 women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer from three public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 78) to receive the SEXHAB or to an attention control group (n = 72) to receive attention. The SEXHAB comprises four individual‐ or couple‐based sessions with three major components: information provision, cognitive‐behavioral therapy and counseling using motivational interviewing skills. The outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), upon completion of the program (T1) and 12‐month post‐treatment (T2). Semi‐structured interviews were also conducted with the SEXHAB group participants to explore their experiences with and opinions toward the program.

Results

At both follow‐ups, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in improving sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants in the SEXHAB group reported their partners having significantly greater sexual interest at T1 (76% vs. 52%, rate ratio: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.99, p = 0.024) and T2 (74% vs. 48%, rate ratio: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.10, p = 0.014). From the qualitative interviews, the interviewees who resumed sexual activity reported positive experiences in rebuilding sexuality and intimacy.

Conclusions

Despite the quantitative results are negative, the qualitative findings suggest potential benefits of the SEXHAB for women resuming sexual activities after treatment for gynecological cancer. Further studies with longer intervention period and follow‐ups are needed to confirm the intervention effects.
Higher dose antiviral therapy for herpes infections is associated with a risk of serious adverse events in older adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Olar Patricia , Garg Amit X. , Weir Matthew A. , Ahmadi Fatemeh , McArthur Eric , Lam Ngan N. , Sontrop Jessica M. , Muanda Flory T.
Published: October 2024

Antiviral use has been linked to encephalopathy and elevated serum creatinine concentrations in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in case reports. Using linked healthcare data in Ontario, we conducted a population‐based cohort study on adults aged ≥66 years not receiving dialysis and newly prescribed oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir in the outpatient setting (2008–2022) at higher versus lower doses. The primary composite outcome, a hospital visit with encephalopathy or acute kidney injury (AKI) within 14 days of initiating antiviral treatment, was examined in a primary cohort. AKI was assessed in a secondary cohort of older adults with CKD with available linked hospital‐based laboratory (lab) data. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting on the propensity score to balance comparison groups on baseline health. Weighted risk ratios (RR) and risk differences (RD) were obtained using modified Poisson and binomial regression. In the primary cohort, higher‐ versus lower‐dose antiviral was not associated with an increased 14‐day risk of hospital visit with encephalopathy or AKI. However, Higher‐ versus lower‐dose antiviral was associated with a higher risk of a hospital visit with AKI when assessed using lab values (weighted number of events, 70 of 8407 [0.83%] versus 18 of 8230 [0.22%], respectively; weighted RR, 3.83 [95% CI, 1.87–7.87]; weighted RD, 0.62% [95% CI, 0.37%–0.86%]). In older adults with CKD, starting an antiviral at a higher versus lower dose was associated with a higher risk of AKI, although the absolute risk of this event was <1%.
Investigating the Optoelectronic Properties of 2‐D and 3‐D CaTi1−xCuxO3 as a Phosphor Materials: A Density Functional Theory Approach
Authors: Malik Naqash H. , Rafiq Qaiser , Nasir Muhammad Farooq , Azam Sikander , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Mersal Gaber A. M. , Hessien Mahmoud M.
Published: October 2024

The CaTiO3 has been extensively investigated as a highly promising optical material mostly for its optoelectronic properties and its function as a host for transition metals doped in the CaTiO3. Electronic and optical properties of CaTi1−xCuxO3 (2‐D and 3‐D) have been thoroughly analyzed using first‐principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). The calculations of these properties in both 2‐D and 3‐D configurations have performed by the use of generalized gradient approximation plus Hubbard (GGA + U). The electronic characteristics including the electronic band structure, partial density of states, and total density of states have been meticulously computed for CaTi1−xCuxO3 in both 2‐D and 3‐D. Upon analyzing the obtained results, we investigated that conduction and valence bands overlapped for both 2‐D and 3‐D structures revealing the metallic nature. We observed transitions mainly attributed to Cu‐d, Ti‐d, Ti‐p, and O‐p orbitals in both 2‐D and 3‐D configurations. Discussion delves into the significance of electronic band structure calculations in understanding optical properties. Peaks in the energy loss function are observed at 13 eV in both cases referred to the plasmon energy. Static values of the dielectric functions, extinction coefficient, reflectivity, and refraction are also computed. Our obtained results showed that the CaTi1−xCuxO3 compound in 3‐D form is more apt for optoelectronic devices and UV‐LED applications.
Association of abruptio placentae with hypertension in pregnancy: Analysis of risk factors in Nigerian women
Authors: Isikhuemen Maradona , Ntoimo Lorretta , Onoh Vivian , Idiagbonya Nosakhare , Orhue Michael , Okonofua Friday
Published: October 2024

Objective

The incidence of abruptio placentae complicating hypertensive diseases of pregnancy is high in Nigerian referral hospitals. We conducted a retrospective case‐control study to identify the socio‐demographic, behavioural, and clinical risk factors associated with abruptio placentae in women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy.

Methods

The 41 cases of hypertensive diseases complicated by abruptio placentae identified in the records of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over 2 years (January 2021–December 2022) were compared with 208 women (controls) who had hypertensive diseases without developing abruptio placentae. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop maximum likelihood estimates of the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to predict the likelihood of the association between the exposure factors and the risk of abruptio placentae.

Results

High blood pressure levels at presentation, when managed, can decrease the odds for abruptio placentae by 9% OR 0.91, CI:0.83–0.9, but smoking and alcohol intake were not significantly associated with abruptio placentae. A higher haemoglobin concentration decreased the likelihood of abruptio placentae by 60% OR 0.40, (CI 0.24– 0.68), while higher birth weight babies minimally decreased the odds for abruptio placentae, OR 1.01 (CI 0.08–12.49).

Conclusion

We conclude that abruptio placentae is most likely to complicate hypertensive diseases of pregnancy in Nigerian women when there are concurrent pregnancy anaemia and low birth weight babies, while higher blood pressure levels at presentation, when promptly managed, can reduce the risk of abruptio placentae. Efforts to address the concurrent management of anaemia associated with hypertensive diseases in pregnancy will most likely reduce the incidence of abruptio placentae in this population.
Interface Structure and Properties of Polypropylene/Wood Flour Composites Reinforced with Grafted Polypropylene Compatibilizer
Authors: Huang Yungang , Hong Haoqun , Zhang Haiyan
Published: October 2024

In this work, a new compatibilizer, ternary monomer grafted polypropylene (hereafter shorted as: G‐PP), was successfully synthesized by solid phase grafting of maleic anhydride, methyl methacrylate, and butyl‐acrylate onto polypropylene. For all developed polypropylene matrix composites, the prepared G‐PP evidently showed enhancing mechanical properties on PP/wood flour (WF) composites, which is obviously superior to those from maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (W‐PP) and virgin polypropylene (C‐PP). In particular, the wettability of G‐PP was greatly improved, while the melting temperature and β crystal phase amounts of the WF composites with G‐PP are much higher when compared to that of W‐PP and C‐PP. This can be reasonably explained by the formation of continuous micropores and filaments in WF composites containing G‐PP, as verified by hot stage polarizing optical microscope (POM). Meanwhile, the G‐PP effectively reduced movement of molecular chains of WPC and formed a better interface layer with WF, which contributed to penetrate more deeply and form micro‐crosslinking in the WF layer. We believe that the results reported in this work will increase the added value of polypropylene based wood plastics composites (WPC) and allow WPC to participate in lightweight and environmentally friendly products.
Boosting Erosion‐Corrosion Resistance: Collaborative Ni–P Electroless Deposition on Poly‐Amino‐Alcohol@Functionalized GO Matrices
Authors: Suheal A. , Jagatheeshwaran M. S. , Sudha N. , Ramesh Pugalenthi
Published: October 2024

In recent years, protective coatings have become crucial in graphene‐based chemical studies. This research investigates the anticorrosive properties of coatings created by co‐depositing carbon compounds. Electroless Ni−P‐PAA@F‐GO coatings were applied to stainless steel by adding various amounts of PAA@F‐GO particles to the Ni−P bath. The coated samples were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and micro‐hardness tests, revealing a peak hardness of 764 HV at 30 mg/L PAA@F‐GO, compared to 521 HV for standard Ni−P coatings. Corrosion performance was evaluated in a 3 % sodium chloride solution, showing that despite a higher corrosion‐erosion rate. Although the coated samples exhibited a corrosion‐erosion rate 4.7 times higher than untreated samples, the mass loss was notably more pronounced in the untreated samples. The study found that adding PAA@F‐GO particles improved corrosion resistance and durability, with optimal results at a specific particle concentration. The enhanced performance is attributed to the increased roughness, impermeability, and hydrophobicity of the functionalized graphene oxide.
ω‐Aminomethyl Longifolene Amide Derivatives: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface, DFT, Antimicrobial, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Lu Pingping , Huang Yanqun , Huang Lanjie , Gan Yuehong , Lan Hongyun , Huang Daozhan
Published: October 2024

Twelve novel ω‐aminomethyl longifolene amide derivatives (6 a–6 l) were synthesized and characterized. The intermolecular contacts and the relationship of structure‐property for the synthesized compounds were performed with the use of two‐dimensional fingerprint plots and Hirshfeld surface method. Moreover, the chemical reactivity and geometrical characteristics of target compounds were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) method. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the interactions between compounds 6 a–6 l and sortase A (SrtA) from S. aureus, the carboxy terminal domain of colicin E5 (E5‐CRD) and Serine/Threonine phosphatase Z1 (PPZ1) from C. albicans, respectively, and together with their biological activities. The docking results of the synthesized compounds 6 a–6 l showed different binding efficiencies and inhibitory effects on S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. Furthermore, preliminary antimicrobial activity assay showed that compounds 6 f, 6 i and 6 k exhibited comparable or superior antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae compared to rifampicin with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 0.488 to 0.977 μg/mL. In addition, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and drug‐likeness properties of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated as well.
Spots on 1H‐Indazole Incorporation into Thiazole Moiety‐Hybrid Heterocycles, Strong Efficacy as Small Molecules with Antimicrobial, Antineoplastic Activity, and In‐Silico Studies
Authors: Dawoud Nadia T. A. , El‐Gendi Hamada , Lotfy Doaa R. , El‐Fakharany Esmail M. , Abdellattif Magda H.
Published: October 2024

Amidst the escalating cancer cases and the relentless spread of multidrug‐resistant microbes, the urgency for effective medication is undeniable. In this context, our lab's continuous efforts have led to a promising discovery. We have conducted an extensive study on a series of new heterocycles with an indazolylthiazole component, which holds great promise as antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. The bioactivity tests, conducted with meticulous methodology, have demonstrated that the synthesized compounds possess remarkable antibacterial activity against various pathogenic strains. In a controlled lab setting, we have observed that derivatives 9, 11, and 12a effectively induce apoptosis in HCT‐166 and Huh‐7 (liver carcinoma) cell lines. Among these, derivative 11 has shown the highest selectivity (SI=14.54±1.2 and 16.51±1.4) and the lowest IC50 value. These compounds also exhibit broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. The anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds has been computationally confirmed through molecular modeling using MOE software and pharmacokinetic studies. Most of the tested compounds have shown significant cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines, with high safety against normal human cells, thereby paving the way for a hopeful and promising future of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs, with potential applications in [specific_application_1] and [specific_application_2].
Ascorbic Acid: An Efficient Organocatalyst for the Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles and Thiadiazoles via C−X Bond Formation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saptadwipa , Basak Puja , Ghosh Pranab
Published: October 2024

A new protocol for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐substituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles and 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles, were developed using semicarbazide or thiosemicarbazide along with the various aldehydes, followed by C−X (X=O, S) bond formation using ascorbic acid as a catalyst. This rapid, efficient, accessible, and robust/scalable sequential synthesis works with aromatic, aliphatic, and cinnamic aldehydes to provide a wide range of diazole derivatives with a 2‐amino substituent without the use of any transition metals. The synthesised molecules were characterised by 1H and 13C NMR analysis.
A Green's Function Wind Turbine Induction Model That Incorporates Complex Inflow Conditions
Authors: Cheung Lawrence , Brown Kenneth , Sakievich Philip , deVelder Nathaniel , Herges Thomas , Houck Daniel , Hsieh Alan
Published: October 2024

In this work, we develop a new analytical turbine induction model that can incorporate complex inflow conditions including cases where the wind velocity and temperature profiles can vary as functions of height. This induction model is derived from the linearized Navier–Stokes and leads to a second‐order ODE that can be solved using a Green's function formulation. The corresponding Green's function for several configurations are found including the infinite domain, semi‐infinite domain with ground plane, and a power law velocity inflow profile. The results of this approach are then compared with simulations of the turbine induction field using the AMR‐Wind CFD solver with a uniformly loaded actuator disk model. These comparisons show that the Green's function approach captures the centerline blockage, three‐dimensional blockage flow field, and streamwise velocity slow down, with very good agreement for lower thrust conditions and at larger distances away from rotor disk. The effects of shear on the turbine blockage were also compared using a power law inflow profile, and we show that this approach matches the CFD predictions for the cases considered.
Mr Fusion or Johnny 5? Visual Rhetoric of AI Design
Authors: Medley Stuart , Jung Jo
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores what artificial intelligence (AI) intellectual property (IP) owners do in their promotional material to negotiate public distrust of AI. A separation can be observed between the aesthetics and ethics of digital product design where simplified visual design appears to mask the complexity of AI-enabled devices, and systems. These observations can apply to the graphic design and corporate verbal rhetoric surrounding AI-enabled products. In this chapter, AI visual rhetoric is compared to science fiction aesthetics. Examples of masking complexity are described as visual echoes of the ‘Mr Fusion’ design from Back to the Future, while the few AI designs which declare their complexity more openly are described as reflecting ‘Johnny 5’s’ design from Short Circuit. The authors delve into the nexus between the user experience (UX) of autonomous technology, its communication design, and the visual aesthetics used in its promotion as an emerging force.
Co-worker, Butler, or Coach? Designing Automation for Work Enrichment
Authors: Roto Virpi
Published: October 2024

In the ongoing industrial revolution, AI-powered automation systems arrive at workplaces, taking over many tasks and even entire jobs. To avoid the dystopias of this development, the 5th Industrial Revolution must focus on a human-centered future of work. This is not possible by only focusing on technology, but we also need to develop human-centered design approaches for the AI era. This chapter introduces three levels of work enrichment design to enrich potentially monotonous work with highly automated systems. The first level aims to ensure decent work and a feeling of achievement for employees working with AI co-workers. The second level makes work more motivating with automation that fulfills employees’ basic psychological needs like a butler. The third level of automation design coaches employees to flourish and live a good life. The chapter contributes both to science and practice by introducing the concept of work enrichment and a related framework.
Moving Spaces—The Affective Embodied Self in Tram Design and the Autonomous Imaginary
Authors: Alanen Hanna-Kaisa , Rousi Rebekah
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents the results of a case study on a new transportation system built in the city of Tampere, Finland, ushering in a contemporary tramway era into the city geared towards an autonomous future. The study aimed to understand the embodied experience of tram users in the context of transformation and to utilise universal fashion as a frame to enhance the understanding of the multifaceted dimensions (emotional, social) of this experience within the socio-technological context via embracing symbolic interactionism. Thematic interviews, consisting of two consecutive parts, were conducted with 30 participants. The results shed light on three aspects: 1) socio-cultural dynamics (cultural processes); 2) tangible and intangible systems of signification (expressions); and 3) multisensory experiences. The study shows that people’s interactive experiences of technology are embedded in a particular socio-material, cultural, or historical moment, a collective spirit of the times in relation to fashion-based temporality.
Human-Technology Symbiosis in Service: Insights from Dual-Process Theory
Authors: Findsrud Rolf , Tronvoll Bård
Published: October 2024

Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, are anticipated to profoundly affect economies and the labor market. This calls for a new understanding of human–technology symbiosis in which the division of work between technology and humans utilize the strengths of one while compensating for the limitations of the other. This chapter investigates the outcomes of two different modes of processing: (1) controlled, i.e. associated with logical reasoning and a reflective way of thinking; and (2) automated, i.e. characterized by high capacity and low effort requirements. By relating dual-process theories to robotization and AI in service, this chapter contributes a framework that categorizes the strengths of humans and technology. The chapter contributes by aiding firms to address challenges associated with implementing advanced technology.
Smart Home Technologies: Convenience and Control
Authors: Ehrenberg Nils
Published: October 2024

The technologies of the smart home are often marketed as offering control, comfort and convenience in our living spaces by extending our control of our environment so that it no longer requires our physical presence beyond our body and physical presence. This control is not without ethical challenges: who gains control, who gets to participate in the design of the smart home and what are the consequences? Using a Foucauldian lens, this chapter looks at privately owned homes and modern co-living solutions in order to consider how smart technologies affect the autonomy of smart home residents. Smart homes can be considered panopticons of convenience through the acceptance of added surveillance for the benefit of perceived or actual convenience in the form of less or lighter domestic labour, which actively disempowers passive smart home residents.
Environmental and inflammatory factors influencing concurrent gut and lung inflammation
Authors: Raftery April L. , Pattaroni Céline , Harris Nicola L. , Tsantikos Evelyn , Hibbs Margaret L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Crohn’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the gut and lung respectively and can occur comorbidly.

Methods

Using the SHIP-1−/− model of Crohn’s-like ileitis and chronic lung inflammation, the two diseases were co-investigated.

Results

Contrary to prior literature, Crohn’s-like ileitis was not fully penetrant in SHIP-1−/− mice, and housing in a specific pathogen-free facility was completely protective. Indeed, ileal tissue from SHIP-1−/− mice without overt ileitis was similar to control ilea. However, SHIP-1−/− mice with ileitis exhibited increased granulocytes in ileal tissue together with T cell lymphopenia and they lacked low abundance Bifidobacteria, suggesting this bacterium protects against ileitis. Lung disease, as defined by inflammation in lung washes, emphysema, and lung consolidation, was present in SHIP-1−/− mice regardless of ileitis phenotype; however, there was a shift in the nature of lung inflammation in animals with ileitis, with increased G-CSF and neutrophils, in addition to type 2 cytokines and eosinophils. Deficiency of G-CSF, which protects against lung disease, protected against the development of ileitis in SHIP-1−/− mice.

Conclusions

These studies have defined environmental, immune, and inflammatory factors that predispose to ileitis, and have identified that comorbid lung disease correlates with a granulocyte signature.
Evaluation der Krankenhausalarm- und -einsatzplanung anhand einer Übung eines Massenanfalls von Verletzten
Authors: Speicher Chris , Wurmb Thomas , Schwarzmann Gerhard , Zech Christian , Jansen Hendrik , Weismann Dirk , Anger Friedrich , Paul Mila , Münch Andreas , Ohr Martina , Meybohm Patrick , Kippnich Maximilian
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Die Krankenhausalarm- und -einsatzplanung (KAEP) stellt für Krankenhäuser ein wichtiges Werkzeug zur Bewältigung eines Massenanfalls von Verletzten (MANV) dar. Krankenhäuser sind vom Gesetzgeber dazu verpflichtet, eine KAEP zu etablieren und zu schulen. MANV-Übungen eigenen sich als Trainingsinstrument für Mitarbeiter und zur Evaluierung der bestehenden Strukturen. Die KAEP des Universitätsklinikums Würzburg (UKW) wurde im Rahmen einer MANV-Übung anhand zuvor definierter Übungsziele evaluiert.

Methoden

Im Rahmen einer groß angelegten MANV-Übung wurden die Abläufe gemäß MANV-Plan des UKW geübt. Dabei wurden als Übungsziele die Überprüfung von Führungsstruktur, Personaleinsatz, Raumordnung, Sichtung, Patientenfluss und Kommunikation festgelegt. Es wurden vorab mehrere Übungsziele definiert. Das Erreichen der Übungsziele wurde anhand eines anonymisierten Fragebogens ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die KAEP des UKW ist grundsätzlich gut geeignet, einen MANV zu bewältigen, wenn adäquat geschult und trainiert wurde. Optimierungsbedarf zeigte sich v. a. bei der Kommunikationsstruktur, den Zuständigkeiten in den Behandlungsbereichen sowie der Kenntnis der Mitarbeiter über die vorhandenen Alarm- und Einsatzpläne und der vorgehaltenen Materialien.

Diskussion

MANV-Übungen sind gut geeignet, die KAEP zu evaluieren. Das Vorhandensein einer klaren Führungs- und Kommunikationsstruktur stellt ein kritisches und erfolgsentscheidendes Element dar. Gute Kenntnisse über die vorgehaltenen Materialien, die Inhalte der KAEP und eine konsequente Anwendung der im MANV-Plan festgelegten Prozesse sind essenziell für einen koordinierten Ablauf des Einsatzgeschehens. Dies kann durch regelmäßige und verpflichtende Schulungen und Trainings erreicht werden.
Upper Bound for the Ground State Energy of a Dilute Bose Gas of Hard Spheres
Authors: Basti Giulia , Cenatiempo Serena , Giuliani Alessandro , Olgiati Alessandro , Pasqualetti Giulio , Schlein Benjamin
Published: October 2024

We consider a gas of bosons interacting through a hard-sphere potential with radius $$\mathfrak {a}$$
a
in the thermodynamic limit. We derive an upper bound for the ground state energy per particle at low density. Our bound captures the leading term $$4\pi \rho \mathfrak {a}$$

4
π
ρ
a

and shows that corrections are smaller than $$C \rho \mathfrak {a} (\rho {{\mathfrak {a}}}^3)^{1/2}$$

C
ρ
a

(
ρ

a

3

)

1
/
2

, for a sufficiently large constant $$C > 0$$

C
>
0

. In combination with a known lower bound, our result implies that the first sub-leading term to the ground state energy of a dilute gas of hard spheres is, in fact, of the order $$\rho \mathfrak {a}(\rho {{\mathfrak {a}}}^3)^{1/2}$$

ρ
a

(
ρ

a

3

)

1
/
2

, in agreement with the Lee–Huang–Yang prediction.
A Kummer construction for Chern–Ricci flat balanced manifolds
Authors: Giusti Federico , Spotti Cristiano
Published: October 2024

Given a non-Kähler Calabi–Yau compact orbifold with isolated singularities endowed with a Chern–Ricci flat balanced metric, we study, via a gluing construction, the existence of Chern–Ricci flat balanced metrics on its crepant resolutions, and discuss applications to the search of solutions for the Hull–Strominger system. We also describe the scenario of singular threefolds with ordinary double points, and see that similarly is possible to obtain balanced approximately Chern–Ricci flat metrics.
Ridge-type covariance and precision matrix estimators of the multivariate normal distribution
Authors: van Wieringen Wessel N. , Leday Gwenaël G. R.
Published: October 2024

We consider ridge-type estimation of the multivariate normal distribution’s covariance matrix and its inverse, the precision matrix. While several ridge-type covariance and precision matrix estimators have been presented in the literature, their respective inverses are often not considered as precision and covariance matrix estimators even though their estimands are one-to-one related through the matrix inverse. We study which estimator is to be preferred in what case. Hereto we compare the ridge-type covariance matrix estimators and their properties to that of the inverse of the ridge-type precision matrix estimators, and vice versa. The comparison, in which we take all ridge-type estimators along, is limited to a specific case that is illustrative of the difference between the covariance and precision matrix estimators. The comparison addresses the estimators’ estimating equation, analytic expression, analytic properties like positive definiteness and penalization limit, mean squared error, consistency, Bayesian formulation, and their loss and potential for marginal and partial correlation screening.
On the Uniform Dimension and the Associated Primes of Skew PBW Extensions
Authors: Higuera Sebastián , Ramírez María Camila , Reyes Armando
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study the uniform dimension and the associated prime ideals of induced modules over skew PBW extensions.