bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of Cryptocurrency in Global Transactions
Authors: - Amitaansh Grover
Published: February 2025

In the past years cryptocurrency has seen a rapid global boost in both popularity and value.
Around 562 million people in the world possess some type of cryptocurrency. There have been discussions and research on the viability of cryptocurrency as a global currency in terms of transactions. The cryptocurrency with the highest likelihood to achieve this feat is Bitcoin, owing to its highest popularity, value and ownership. Notwithstanding, many more factors affect the possibility of Bitcoin emerging as a global currency. Financially, economists have analyzed
possibilities like these, but the purpose of this research was to judge whether Bitcoin was a considerable option from the sustainability point of view. The primary outcome of this research has been that the amount of energy required for Bitcoin to impact the global economy as a global currency in transactions is more than what can be invested in it for the next few decades. Moreover, if we do achieve enough energy production to power Bitcoin at this level, due to simple economic rules of supply and demand, proof-of-work (PoW) technology-based cryptocurrencies will lose any actual value due to the negligible cost of the resources required to acquiring it. Hence, it is impossible to sustain cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as a global currency in the upcoming years unless they switch to the modern proof-of-stake (PoS) infrastructure of blockchain. With major drop in energy prices, the only resource contributing to the value of
cryptocurrencies would be time and the mining power (hashrates) of the ASICs (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) involved in mining. This will further lead us down the path to total exhaustion of limited resources of silicon and induce an inflationary effect in the chipset market like what was experienced in 2020, due to hoarding and stocking of graphic cards by mining rigs around the world. However, the analysis of shortage of silicon is beyond the scope of this study.
Development of QR Based Attendance System Using Web App
Authors: - Amir , - Vaibhav Sharma , - Shubham Kumar
Published: February 2025

Attendance being a critical part in any educational institution can be time consuming if systems to track attendance rely on manual procedures. The use of traditional forms of attendance practices suffers from dependability and reliability difficulties. This indicates the necessity for a more integrated and unified approach towards information process in attendance issues. This research emphasizes on using a QR code based attendance marking system on web application in respect of manual noting systems. It aims at improving the level of accuracy, increasing the speed of processes as well as eliminating mistakes associated with manual methods. The proposed system features a simple web application which will easily integrate with QR codes. The HTML, CSS and JavaScript based front-end is designed to provide smooth and pleasant experience for users, while the back-end is powered by Python and MySQL that involve the processing and storage of data. The system implements a number of effective measures that enhance the scalability, security and management of attendance data. The system allows users to generate unique QR codes and use them to mark attendance and class rolls. Data captured such as marked attendance is stored in a central database which allows timely and up to date reports. The experiments in a controlled setting provided a notable enhancement in the time and reliability of processes over the conventional approaches. Benefits included real-time monitoring of the system, accurate recording of data, and an easier process of reporting. The system’s scalability and flexibility also make it suitable for educational institutions and corporate environments where effective management of attendance is a necessity. This research adds up with the increasing field of automated attendance solutions by offering a cheap, safe and a practical solution. The results suggest that there are notable advantages of the QR enabled attendance system in tracking attendance compared to other methods and provide practical and reliable solutions. As part of an MCA academic project, this initiative exposes how current technology can be employed to tackle complex problems thereby stimulating further development in the field of attendance management systems.
COMPATIBILITY EFFECT OF TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF OIL USING HIGHER ALCOHOL BLENDS IN SINGLE CYLINDER DIESEL ENGINE
Authors: Faheem Ahmed Solangi  , Ansari Ali Murtaza , Solangi Sajjad Hussain , Jakhrani Muhammad Moosa , Abbasi Muhammad Kashif
Published: February 2025

Through a single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) engine, this study examines a 200-hour endurance test using DF100 (diesel fuel) as the base fuel and blended fuels, DF95WCO5 (5% waste cooking oil and 95% DF) and DF65WCO20Pe15 (20% waste cooking oil, 65% DF, and 15% n-pentanol). Additionally, DF100, DF95WCO5%, and DF65WCO20Pe15's impacts on exhaust valve surface deposits were examined. In comparison to DF100 and DF65WCO20Pe15, the SEM and EDS research revealed that DF95WCO5 had a greater concentration of carbon deposits surrounding the exhaust valve surface. In addition, ternary blend fuel exhibited less carbon buildup on the exhaust valve than the other two types. This demonstrated that the carbon deposition on the exhaust valve surface was considerably decreased by the addition of pentanol. In comparison to DF100 and DF95WCO5, the ternary blend fuel also showed lower concentrations of iron, copper, nickel, and wear debris. Ultimately, the viscosity and density readings decreased when the engine was run on both blend fuels.
EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES AMONG OSTOMATES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FAISALABAD
Authors: Natasha Hussain  , Lt Col Bilal Saeed  , Assoc Prof Abida Razzaq  , Lt Col RehanaYasmin
Published: February 2025

Background: Ostomates, individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery, often face challenges in self-care, particularly in the early stages post-surgery. Educational interventions have been suggested as a key factor in improving the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates (Jones and Smith, 2023). However, there is a lack of sufficient research on the effectiveness of such interventions in the Pakistani context (Rahman and Tufail, 2021). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad.Objective: To assess the effect of structured educational interventions on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates post-surgery.Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 30 ostomates were recruited based on inclusion criteria, including individuals aged 18-70 years who had undergone ostomy surgery within the past six months. The intervention consisted of a series of educational sessions focusing on ostomy care, diet management, psychological support, and coping strategies. The sessions were delivered over four weeks using a combination of visual aids, pamphlets, and practical demonstrations (Miller and Grant, 2022). Data on participants' knowledge and self-care practices were collected using pre- and post-intervention surveys. The knowledge survey assessed aspects such as understanding of ostomy care and complications, while the self-care practices survey evaluated participants' adherence to proper care protocols (Jamil et al., 2020).Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in both knowledge (mean score increase of 25%) and self-care practices (mean score increase of 30%) post-intervention. The educational program led to increased confidence among ostomates in managing their ostomy, with many reporting better control over their daily routines and fewer complications. Participants also demonstrated enhanced understanding of dietary guidelines and preventive care strategies (Zahid and Ali, 2020).Conclusion: The educational intervention had a significant positive impact on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates. These findings suggest that structured educational programs can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for ostomates, and similar programs could be implemented in other healthcare settings to support this population. Further research with a larger sample size and randomized controlled trials is recommended to confirm these results (Patel and Shah, 2023).
RISK FACTORS OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS FOLLOWING LOWER LIMB SURGERY
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Hafeez Muhammad Adnan , Abbas Shafqat , Hameed Muhammad Umair , Awais Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are serious complications in orthopedic surgeries, particularly those involving implants. These infections can significantly increase patient morbidity, prolong hospital stays, and add substantial costs to healthcare systems. Identifying and addressing the multifactorial risk factors for SSIs is essential for improving surgical outcomes and enhancing infection prevention strategies.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with SSIs in orthopedic implants following lower limb surgeries and to propose actionable strategies for prevention and management.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals. Data was collected from 152 patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic implant surgeries. Patient demographics, medical history, surgical practices, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed to determine significant associations with SSI incidence. Statistical tools were used to identify independent predictors of infection.
Results: The study identified extended operative times, patient comorbidities such as diabetes and obesity, smoking, preoperative anemia, and prolonged hospital stays as significant risk factors for SSIs. These findings reinforce the importance of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in SSI prevention. Strategies such as preoperative optimization, efficient surgical techniques, and enhanced postoperative care were highlighted as effective measures to reduce infection rates.
Conclusions: SSIs in orthopedic implant surgeries result from a combination of patient-related, surgical, and postoperative factors. Addressing these through comprehensive care protocols and advanced technologies can significantly reduce the incidence of SSIs, improving patient recovery and overall outcomes.
Expropiación indirecta y ‘encubierta’ ¿La no protección estatal de la propiedad en Colombia?
Authors: Figueredo-Medina Gerardo
Published: February 2025

El derecho de propiedad es de central importancia en el liberalismo económico, en la medida que permite la generación de utilidades y de más capital, el cual beneficia al Estado vía impuestos. Las actividades económicas por la globalización se desarrollan en múltiples Estados, por lo cual los sistemas jurídicos han creado garantías a inversionistas extranjeros para protegerlos de posibles expropiaciones. Llevar los Estados a instancias internacionales para responsabilizarlos por actos expropiatorios, ha generado una casuística internacional para limitar la procedencia de estos eventos, a la vez que ha generado pautas muy definidas sobre cómo debe ser el comportamiento de los Estados en el ejercicio de sus competencias. No obstante, estos criterios tan estrictos de protección a extranjeros y altas exigencias de calidad y actuar estatales para garantizar la propiedad, para los ciudadanos del correspondiente Estado las circunstancias pueden ser muy distintas, porque hay mayor amplitud estatal para el cambio de reglas de juego. El presente documento ilustra con el repaso de casos internacionales de ‘eventos expropiatorios’, cómo bajo estos parámetros Colombia parece en efecto ser menos garantista con sus ciudadanos, en torno a propiedad y activos de los habitantes del territorio. Entre la revisión de los casos internacionales de la práctica arbitral y el contexto colombiano, un balance estatal, surgen cuestionamientos a si hay protección de la propiedad o una expropiación progresiva de los habitantes bajo criterios que la práctica internacional ha aceptado como legítimos para cambios regulatorios y gravámenes a la propiedad, como lo es la causa medio ambiental.
M. K. Čiurlionio palikimo konfliktai – M. K. Čiurlionies galerijos raida ir santykiai
Authors: Katkevičienė Greta
Published: February 2025

Nors M. K. Čiurlionio palikimas vienareikšmiškai svarbus Lietuvai, klausimas, kur ir kaip jis turėtų būti saugomas, lėmė ne vieną konfliktą ar net skandalą. Menininko palikti kūriniai negyveno ramiai: jie buvo pirkti, parduoti, dingę, paslėpti, užsemti ar net grasinama sudeginti. Norint geriau įsisąmoninti Kauno istoriją, aktualu apžvelgti, kaip kūrėsi M. K. Čiurlionio galerija tarpukariu ir kaip ji plėtojosi toliau, atkreipiant dėmesį į lietuvių menininko palikimo klausimus bei iš to kylančius atsakingų asmenų ir institucijų santykius. Tvarkant meninį palikimą buvo įtraukti ne tik artimiausi M. K. Čiurlionio giminaičiai ir draugai, bet ir tokios institucijos kaip Kauno meno mokykla, teatras „Vilkolakis“, Vytauto Didžiojo karo muziejus, Švietimo ministerija. Nagrinėjant kilusius konfliktus, kyla klausimas ne tik ar buvo galima jų išvengti, bet ir kokią reikšmę jie turėjo M. K. Čiurlionio vardo galerijos raidai bei jos santykiui su Kauno bendruomene ir kitomis organizacijomis.
"There is no shakier reflection of the word...": Shakespeare in the translations of Tatiana Shchepkina-Kupernik
Authors: Liubivaia Irina Yur'evna
Published: February 2025

The author considers the translation of drama as a kind of literary translation. The author proceeds from the premise that dramatic translation is a type of literary translation that is dialogical in nature: it contains both literary and theatrical elements, in other words, in addition to the requirements imposed on the literary text, it must comply with the laws of the stage and the direction of the word. In the article, the author distinguishes the text as literary and theatrical material. Special attention is paid to the description of Tatiana Shchepkina-Kupernik's translation work in the field of drama. Using the example of individual scenes from Romeo and Juliet, the author examines the purposeful use of dialectal forms and jargon as an integral part of the author's idiosyncrasy, attention to rhyme and preservation of rhythm, and adaptation of the text for its subsequent pronunciation in a theatrical setting. The article uses the method of analytical study of sources. Based on archival materials, which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the relationship between Shchepkina-Kupernik and theater directors in the process of working on dramatic translations and their further stage implementation is considered; the translator's initial attitude to the person's perception of the translated of the literary text is revealed. The author concludes that in her work on dramatic translations of Shakespeare, T. L. Shchepkina-Kupernik considered the main thing not only to maximize the preservation of the author's style, balance, clarity in the transmission of meanings and images, but also to preserve the possibility of the scenic embodiment of the author's idea and its nature. Also, the translator paid special attention to the interpretation of words. Of particular research interest are the comments of Maria Knebel, an outstanding Soviet director, on the translation of Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It". Based on individual memoir sources, the Shchepkina-Kupernik translation principles are revealed, thanks to which the director and actors get the opportunity to work with ready-made dramatic material that does not require literary refinement for convincing presentation in stage conditions.
The New Diplomacy: Devising a Relational Model of Public Diplomacy
Authors: Buckle Anne
Published: February 2025

Public diplomacy, an open form of international politics, is essential for building state relations and improving the American image in current times, particularly in light of the recent leakage of some 250,000 classified State Department cables. The ways embassy officials conduct diplomacy must be more candid if they are to gain trust from local populations. Contemporary technology and new media have drastically modified the ways states conduct foreign policy, and embassies must cater to this environment by reaching out to mass publics using novel approaches. Additionally, a new kind of public diplomacy is emerging, one involving private sector networks. In a series of two case studies, the first investigating the role of the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France, and the second looking at an international visitor event at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I observed two different kinds of public diplomacy in action and quickly discovered the power of cultural education initiatives and interpersonal relationship-building efforts in developing and sustaining international political relations.
An Evaluation of Niche Separation in the Terrestrial Primate Fauna of Plio-Pleistocene South Africa Using Biogeochemical Data
Authors: Fulwood Ethan
Published: February 2025

Human evolution in the Plio-Pleistocene occurred in the context of a community of large-bodied terrestrial primates which may have shaped aspects of australopithecine ecology. Ecological theory would predict a degree of niche separation between these closely related sympatric species. Here, data from published biogeochemical paleodiet studies are used to test this hypothesis. The use of biogeochemistry in approximating niche width has been suggested on the basis of its reflection of an average of the total diet of an organism and its linear comparability between observations (Bearhop et al. 2004). Data on two measures, δ13C, which indicates the photosynthetic pathway of the dominant plants in the trophic chain of an organism, and Sr:Ba ratios, which can indicate trophic level, were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test for significant difference in 8 Plio-Pleistocene primate species and groups of C3 browsers and C4 grazers. In δ13C, three groups were distinguished: grazers and Theropithecus; Australopithecus, Parapapio, Papio, and Cercopithecoides; and Papio, Cercopithecoides, and the browsers. In Ba:Sr, two groups were distinguished: A. africanus, A. robustus, and Papio; and A. robustus, Papio, and Parapapio. Due to the significant degree of overlap between genera in both metrics, with the exception of Theropithecus, there is a lack of support for a strong degree of niche separation in this sample. It is possible that these taxa were able to coexist by adopting seasonally or spatially variable feeding behaviors, or their diets were less similar than appears from these biogeochemical indicators alone.
Beat Consumption: The Challenge to Consumerism in Beat Literature
Authors: Essif Amien
Published: February 2025

Critics of the Beat generation, from their contemporaries to the present day, often contend that the Beats’ opposition to consumer culture was superficial. Writers like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs failed, according to these critics, to present a coherent and principled response to consumerism. This paper, however, argues that while in many ways the Beats continued to participate in consumer culture, they developed a distinct form of consumption—Beat consumption—which attempted to regain sovereignty for the Beat consumer. Through an analysis of Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums and On the Road as well as several of Ginsberg’s seminal works, Beat consumption emerges as a significant concept in the Beat generation’s opposition to the status quo. Though the subsequent cultural revolution of the 1960s produced more radical and clearly articulated critiques of consumerism, the struggle of Beats and Beat writers to reclaim commodities and the act of consuming for their own counterculture was not a failed attempt but a first step.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Frameworks in Mitigating Cyberattacks in the Banking Sector and its Applicability to Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Authors: Olutimehin Abayomi Titilola
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the effectiveness of cybersecurity frameworks in mitigating cyber threats in traditional banking while assessing their applicability to Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Using financial sector reports, cybersecurity incident databases, and DeFi security audits, we analyze compliance with NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, and PCI-DSS alongside factors such as bank size, IT security investments, and regulatory fines to determine their impact on cyber resilience. Logistic regression results indicate that compliance with cybersecurity frameworks reduces cyberattack likelihood (p = 0.0689, marginally significant), while larger institutions face fewer threats (p = 0.0256, statistically significant). However, increased IT security budgets paradoxically correlate with higher attack frequencies (p = 0.0385, statistically significant), suggesting larger attack surfaces may offset security investments. In contrast, DeFi faces disproportionately higher smart contract exploits, flash loan attacks, and oracle manipulation, leading to significantly greater financial losses (F = 216.92, p < 0.001, highly significant) than traditional banking cyber incidents. Regulatory compliance and industry collaboration show promise in reducing attack occurrences, with cyber incidents projected to decline by over 40% by 2029 under stricter enforcement. However, traditional frameworks are insufficient for DeFi’s decentralized structure, necessitating AI-driven threat detection, mandatory smart contract audits, secure oracle mechanisms, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. This study highlights the urgent need for tailored DeFi cybersecurity strategies while reinforcing the effectiveness of compliance-driven models in banking. It provides actionable insights for financial institutions, regulators, and cybersecurity professionals seeking to enhance resilience across centralized and decentralized financial systems.
Salt Literacy and Educational Disparities in Rural Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Zibima Soupriye Bidokumo , Oniso Juliet Imawaigha
Published: February 2025

Aims: To assess salt literacy levels among adults in remote communities of Bayelsa State and examine its association with educational attainment.
Study Design:  The study was a community-based cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in selected communities in the creeks of Bayelsa between September 2023 and April 2024.
Methodology: The study included 2,016 respondents selected purposively from nine communities in the creeks of the three senatorial districts of Bayelsa State. A validated salt literacy questionnaire was used to obtain salt literacy data. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain summaries of demographic and salt literacy data, while independent samples t-test and chi-square tests were used to determine district-based differences in salt literacy scores and the association between educational status and salt literacy level, respectively.
Results: Female respondents accounted for 57.2%, while males made up the remaining 42.8%. The average sample age was 39 (SD±7.2). A total of 1,655 (82.1%) respondents had low salt literacy, while 62 (3.1%) and 299 (14.8%) had moderate and high salt literacy, respectively. Salt literacy scores were not significantly different among communities in the three senatorial districts (M1 = 24 [SD 5.26], M2 = 24[SD = 5.04]; M3 = 24; [SD = 5.37]); t (2,016) = 2.19, P = 0.104, 2-tailed). There was also no significant association between respondents’ educational status and salt literacy level (χ² = 0.237, df = 3, P = 0.124).
Conclusion: Salt literacy level is low among adults in remote communities of Bayelsa State, and no significant association exists between educational status and salt literacy. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education interventions to improve salt literacy in these communities, focusing on addressing knowledge gaps regardless of educational attainment.
The Role of Smart Farming Technologies in Mitigating Climate Change and Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Khan Shifadjzic , Sachan Hirdesh Kumar , Krishna Deeksha
Published: February 2025

This research examines the function of smart farming technology in alleviating climate change and promoting agricultural sustainability. It analyzes the role of technical advancements in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and developing climate-resilient agricultural systems. The study consolidates current literature about the use of smart agricultural technologies, including precision agriculture, IoT, AI, and renewable energy systems. It assesses their efficacy in tackling critical climate and sustainability issues via data-informed decision-making, resource optimization, and adaptive methods. Smart agricultural methods substantially alleviate the effects of climate change by enhancing water efficiency, minimizing chemical consumption, and decreasing carbon emissions. These technologies augment soil vitality, bolster agricultural resistance against severe weather phenomena, and provide real-time surveillance of environmental variables. The incorporation of renewable energy sources into agricultural practices reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Notwithstanding their promise, obstacles such as elevated implementation costs, technology disparities, and restricted access for smallholder farmers persist as significant impediments. Smart farming technologies are essential for changing agriculture into a climate-resilient and sustainable industry. Their implementation may aid in achieving global climate objectives and securing food stability. Overcoming obstacles to access and execution is crucial for the successful scaling of these technologies. The results underscore the need for governmental interventions, financial incentives, and capacity-building measures to facilitate the widespread use of smart agricultural technology. To improve agricultural output while decreasing environmental effect, governments should subsidize smart farming technology, finance research, and implement capacity-building programs. A fair distribution of precision agriculture tools, including those for smallholder farmers, requires policy that encourages data-sharing frameworks and the development of digital infrastructure.
A Comparative Study between Clear Aligners and Conventional Braces in Orthosurgical Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Protásio Ana Cláudia Rocha , Neves Edwin Cardoso , Almeida Rafael Santiago de , Claudino Valéria Medeiros , Alves Vitória Pereira , Almeida Letícia Morena Carvalho de , Baracho Maria Nazaré Lopes , Silva Brender Leonan da , Flecha Olga Dumont
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Orthodontic clear aligners have gained significant popularity due to their aesthetic appeal and efficiency. Although their use as an alternative to traditional braces is well established, their application in orthosurgical patients remains underexplored. This review systematically evaluated clinical studies comparing clear aligners and conventional orthodontic braces in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.
Materials and Methods: Searches were conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and VHL databases, with no date or language restrictions. In addition, gray literature (Google Scholar) and manual searches of the references of the selected articles were included.
Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The review evaluated the efficacy of both methods, as well as quality of life, stability, periodontal status, and treatment time. The results indicated no significant differences in overall efficacy between clear aligners and conventional braces. However, patients reported a higher quality of life with the aligners. There were no significant differences in other outcomes, suggesting that clear aligners are a viable option for orthognathic surgery patients.
Conclusion: This review supports the use of clear aligners in orthognathic surgery patients, although further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and explore longer-term outcomes.
Radiation Recall Dermatitis With Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Rajeh Ahmad , Ferree Sarah , Anadkat Milan J.
Published: March 2024

This case report describes a woman in her 70s with a history of breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia who presented with a painful rash of the bilateral chest extending onto the flanks.
Genetic and Phenotypic Features of Schizophrenia in the UK Biobank
Authors: Legge Sophie E. , Pardiñas Antonio F. , Woolway Grace , Rees Elliott , Cardno Alastair G. , Escott-Price Valentina , Holmans Peter , Kirov George , Owen Michael J. , O’Donovan Michael C. , Walters James T. R.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Large-scale biobanks provide important opportunities for mental health research, but selection biases raise questions regarding the comparability of individuals with those in clinical research settings.

Objective

To compare the genetic liability to psychiatric disorders in individuals with schizophrenia in the UK Biobank with individuals in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and to compare genetic liability and phenotypic features with participants recruited from clinical settings.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included participants from the population-based UK Biobank and schizophrenia samples recruited from clinical settings (CLOZUK, CardiffCOGS, Cardiff F-Series, and Cardiff Affected Sib-Pairs). Data were collected between January 1993 and July 2021. Data analysis was conducted between July 2021 and June 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A genome-wide association study of UK Biobank schizophrenia case-control status was conducted, and the results were compared with those from the PGC via genetic correlations. To test for differences with the clinical samples, polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and intelligence using PRS-CS. PRS and phenotypic comparisons were conducted using pairwise logistic regressions. The proportions of individuals with copy number variants associated with schizophrenia were compared using Firth logistic regression.

Results

The sample of 517 375 participants included 1438 UK Biobank participants with schizophrenia (550 [38.2%] female; mean [SD] age, 54.7 [8.3] years), 499 475 UK Biobank controls (271 884 [54.4%] female; mean [SD] age, 56.5 [8.1] years), and 4 schizophrenia research samples (4758 [28.9%] female; mean [SD] age, 38.2 [21.0] years). Liability to schizophrenia in UK Biobank was highly correlated with the latest genome-wide association study from the PGC (genetic correlation, 0.98; SE, 0.18) and showed the expected patterns of correlations with other psychiatric disorders. The schizophrenia PRS explained 6.8% of the variance in liability for schizophrenia case status in UK Biobank. UK Biobank participants with schizophrenia had significantly lower schizophrenia PRS than 3 of the clinically ascertained samples and significantly lower rates of schizophrenia-associated copy number variants than the CLOZUK sample. UK Biobank participants with schizophrenia had higher educational attainment and employment rates than the clinically ascertained schizophrenia samples, lower rates of smoking, and a later age of onset of psychosis.

Conclusions and Relevance

Individuals with schizophrenia in the UK Biobank, and likely other volunteer-based biobanks, represent those less severely affected. Their inclusion in wider studies should enhance the representation of the full spectrum of illness severity.
Technical note: A comparison of physician doses in C‐Arm and CT fluoroscopy procedures
Authors: Troville Jonathan , Knott Emily , Reynoso‐Mejia Carlos Alberto , Wagner Martin , Lee Fred T. , Szczykutowicz Timothy P.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We address the misconception that the typical physician dose is higher for CT fluoroscopy (CTF) procedures compared to C‐Arm procedures.

Methods

We compare physician scatter doses using two methods: a literature review of reported doses and a model based on a modified form of the dose area product (DAP). We define this modified form of DAP, “cumulative absorbed DAP,” as the product of the area of the x‐ray beam striking the patient, the dose rate per unit area, and the exposure time.

Results

The patient entrance dose rate for C‐Arm fluoroscopy (0.2 mGy/s) was found to be 15 times lower than for CT fluoroscopy (3 mGy/s). A typical beam entrance area for C‐Arm fluoroscopy reported in the literature was found to be 10.6 × 10.6 cm (112 cm2), whereas for CTF was 0.75 × 32 cm (24 cm2). The absorbed DAP rate for C‐Arm fluoroscopy (22 mGy*cm2/s) was found to be 3.3 times lower than for CTF (72 mGy*cm2/s). The mean fluoroscopy time for C‐Arm procedures (710 s) was found to be 21 times higher than for CT fluoroscopy procedures (23 s). The cumulative absorbed DAP for C‐Arm procedures was found to be 9.4 times higher when compared to CT procedures (1.59 mGy*m2 vs. 0.17 mGy*m2).

Conclusions

The higher fluoroscopy time in C‐Arm procedures leads to a much lower cumulative DAP (i.e., physician scatter dose) in CTF procedures. This result can inform interventional physicians deciding on whether to perform inter‐procedural imaging inside the room as opposed to retreating from the room.
Deformation Behavior and Fracture Strength of Single‐Crystal 4H‐SiC Determined by Microcantilever Bending Tests
Authors: Yahagi Tsukaho , Ohji Tatsuki , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Takahashi Takuma , Nakano Hiromi , Iijima Motoyuki , Tatami Junichi
Published: March 2024

In this study, the deformation behaviors and mechanical properties of 4H‐SiC single crystals are investigated using microcantilever beam specimens with two different sizes, A and B (A < B). Tensile stress is applied along <20> direction. Plastic deformation, or nonlinearity, is observed in the stress–strain curves, and yield stress, or proportional limit, coincides between the two specimens at ≈25 ± 2 GPa. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies show that the plastic deformation is due to dislocation activities; multiple‐dislocation pileup areas are observed in both the specimens. Assuming {100}/<110> prismatic slip which most plausibly occurs in the <20> stress application, the critical resolved shar stress is estimated to be 10.9 GPa, which agrees well with the previous studies. Measured fracture strength is 41.9 ± 2.8 and 33.5 ± 2.4 GPa for the A and B, respectively. Dislocation–fracture relationship is discussed on the basis of dislocation‐based fracture mechanics, etc. It is suggested that cracks form within the multiple‐dislocation pileup area, by interaction with dislocation pileups, and act as fracture origins. A's strength is close to an ideal tensile strength of 4H‐SiC in the <110> direction, 47–55 GPa.
The Multiphasic Teeth of Chiton Articulatus, an Abrasion‐Resistant and Self‐Sharpening Tool for Hard Algae Collection
Authors: Montroni Devis , Sarmiento Ezra , Zhao Ruoheng , Dasika Phani Saketh , Connolly John Michael , Wuhrer Richard , Zhang Yugang , Zhernenkov Mikhail , Wang Taifeng , Ramirez‐Santana Brenda Paola , Sheppard Leigh , Avila‐Poveda Omar Hernando , Arakaki Atsushi , Nemoto Michiko , Zavattieri Pablo , Kisailus David
Published: March 2024

Chiton articulatus is a species of mollusk living in the tropical Pacific intertidal rocky shores of Mexico. This species feeds on solid waste organic sources, including hard crustose algae that grow on rocky substrates, by grazing on them with its radula, a flexible chitinous membrane lined with mineralized major lateral teeth. In this study, the composition, morphology, and resulting mechanics of the mature teeth of this species, which have yet to be examined, are revealed. The results show the presence of multiphasic mature teeth, each consisting of aligned hard magnetite nanoparticles on the leading edge of the tooth underneath which are magnetite lamellae, followed by goethite, lepidocrocite, and eventually hydroxyapatite near the trailing edge. This multiregional structure demonstrates a gradation in hardness as well as different microstructural features integrated with tough interfaces. The combination of these microstructural and phase arrangements results in an abrasion‐resistant tough structure with a self‐sharpening ability. The results of this work will help contribute to developing new bioinspired designs while also helping to understand the evolution and feeding habits of these intriguing invertebrates.
Artificial Vascular with Pressure‐Responsive Property based on Deformable Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Chen Zhenlin , Fan Lei , Chen Shuxun , Zhao Han , Zhang Qiang , Qu Yun , Huang Ya , Yu Xinge , Sun Dong
Published: March 2024

In vitro blood vessel models are significant for disease modeling, drug assays, and therapeutic development. Microfluidic technologies allow to create physiologically relevant culture models reproducing the features of the in vivo vascular microenvironment. However, current microfluidic technologies are limited by impractical rectangular cross‐sections and single or nonsynchronous compound mechanical stimuli. This study proposes a new strategy for creating round‐shaped deformable soft microfluidic channels to serve as artificial in vitro vasculature for developing in vitro models with vascular physio‐mechanical microenvironments. Endothelial cells seeded into vascular models are used to assess the effects of a remodeled in vivo mechanical environment. Furthermore, a 3D stenosis model is constructed to recapitulate the flow disturbances in atherosclerosis. Soft microchannels can also be integrated into traditional microfluidics to realize multifunctional composite systems. This technology provides new insights into applying microfluidic chips and a prospective approach for constructing in vitro blood vessel models.
Lymph Node Targeting Mediated by Albumin Hitchhiking of Synthetic Tn Glycolipid Leads to Robust In Vivo Antibody Production
Authors: Thekke Veettil Keerthana , Jayaraman Narayanaswamy
Published: March 2024

Tn antigen is a tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigen, which is present prominently on the tumor cell surfaces and attracts an interest in vaccine development. This work demonstrates that a synthetic Tn antigen carrying glycoconjugate forms a complex with circulating albumin, delivers the antigen to lymph nodes (LNs), and leads to the efficient production of antibodies against the antigen. Synthetic Tn antigen glycoconjugate, possessing DSPE‐PEG2000 linker and lipophilic moieties, undergoes micellization in PBS buffer. In the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), demicellization of the glycolipid occurs, with a rate constant of 0.18 min−1. In vitro studies show that the glycoconjugate binds preferentially to BSA in the presence of cells. Immunological assessments in mice models reveal the albumin‐enabled delivery of the Tn glycoconjugate to antigen‐presenting cells in the LNs, specifically leading to a robust humoral immune response. ELISA titers show superior binding, with a saturation dilution of 1:51 200 for Tn glycoconjugate, in comparison to that mediated by the Tn‐BSA covalent conjugate with a saturation dilution of 1:6400. Immunohistochemical staining shows delivery of Tn glycoconjugate at the LNs, specifically at the subcapsular sinus and interfollicular areas. The work highlights the potential of albumin‐mediated target delivery strategy for cancer immunotherapies.
Assembled/Disassembled Modular Scaffolds for Multicellular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yu Xiaopeng , Ma Hongshi , Wang Yufeng , Hao Jianxin , Chen Lei , Gelinsky Michael , Wu Chengtie
Published: March 2024

The behavior of tissue resident cells can be influenced by the spatial arrangement of cellular interactions. Therefore, it is of significance to precisely control the spatial organization of various cells within multicellular constructs. It remains challenging to construct a versatile multicellular scaffold with ordered spatial organization of multiple cell types. Herein, a modular multicellular tissue engineering scaffold with ordered spatial distribution of different cell types is constructed by assembling varying cell‐laden modules. Interestingly, the modular scaffolds can be disassembled into individual modules to evaluate the specific contribution of each cell type in the system. Through assembling cell‐laden modules, the macrophage‐mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), endothelial cell‐MSC, and chondrocyte‐MSC co‐culture models are successfully established. The in vitro results indicate that the intercellular cross‐talk can promote the proliferation and differentiation of each cell type in the system. Moreover, MSCs in the modular scaffolds may regulate the behavior of chondrocytes through the nuclear factor of activated T‐Cells (NFAT) signaling pathway. Furthermore, the modular scaffolds loaded with co‐cultured chondrocyte‐MSC exhibit enhanced regeneration ability of osteochondral tissue, compared with other groups. Overall, this work offers a promising strategy to construct a multicellular tissue engineering scaffold for the systematic investigation of intercellular cross‐talk and complex tissue engineering.
Kinetically Controlled Polyelectrolyte Complex Assembly of microRNA‐Peptide Nanoparticles toward Treating Mesothelioma
Authors: Anderson Caleb F. , Singh Anand , Stephens Tyler , Hoang Chuong D. , Schneider Joel P.
Published: March 2024

Broad size distributions and poor long‐term colloidal stability of microRNA‐carrying nanoparticles, especially those formed by polyelectrolyte complexation, represent major hurdles in realizing their clinical translation. Herein, peptide design is used alongside optimized flash nanocomplexation (FNC) to produce uniform peptide‐based miRNA particles of exceptional stability that display anticancer activity against mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo. Modulating the content and display of lysine‐based charge from small intrinsically disordered peptides used to complex miRNA proves essential in achieving stable colloids. FNC facilitates kinetic isolation of the mechanistic steps involved in particle formation to allow the preparation of particles of discrete size in a highly reproducible, scalable, and continuous manner, facilitating pre‐clinical studies. To the best of the authors knowledge, this work represents the first example of employing FNC to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes of miRNA and peptide. Encapsulation of these particles into an injectable hydrogel matrix allows for their localized in vivo delivery by syringe. A one‐time injection of a gel containing particles composed of miRNA‐215‐5p and the peptide PKM1 limits tumor progression in a xenograft model of mesothelioma.
Highly Sensitive and Breathability Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Based on Xylon
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Gao Bo , Zhou Chuan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the prevalence of cervical spondylosis has been increasing, which is associated with unhealthy posture in daily life, flexible pressure sensors are beneficial in preventing cervical spine disorders. This work is dedicated to developing a flexible, high‐performance, and breathable device to monitor the health of the neck. Here, a flexible pressure sensor with a “sandwich” structure is presented, which incorporates patterned xylon fabric as the substrate and MXene as the sensitive layer. Furthermore, the application of silver nanowires (AgNWs) as the electrode material improves the piezoresistive performance. Combined with an internal elastic encapsulation method (IEEM), the sensor exhibits high sensitivity (1417.9 kPa−1 under pressure below 100 kPa) and a fast response time (30.77 ms). Compared with traditional flexible pressure sensors, the breathability of devices with an all‐fiber structure is nearly seven times higher, which better satisfies the monitoring requirements of long‐term wear. Finally, a wireless system is established by integrating a Bluetooth module and a terminal app. It enables monitoring and sensing of various physiological signals of the neck, as well as identification and alerting of long‐term poor posture such as prolonged neck flexion, showing a potential candidate for the applications of the next‐generation wearable device.
Strong‐Coupling‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SCERS) in a Cascade Microsphere‐Cavity
Authors: Mi Yanlin , Xu Zhiyang , Zhao Chen , Zhai Tianrui , Zhao Yan , Jiang Yijian , Yan Yinzhou
Published: March 2024

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful optical technique with high sensitivity to identify analytes down to a single molecule by fingerprinting vibrational information. The strong coupling in microcavities for supermodes with promoted quality factors demonstrates the capability to boost the interaction between photons and molecules for nonlinear effects. Here a strong‐coupling cascade microsphere‐cavity (MC) achieving spontaneous Raman enhancement is reported, for the first time. The cascade MC is composed of two size‐mismatched microspheres, both of which support optical whispering‐gallery modes (WGMs) with significantly different free‐space ranges. The strong coupling between the supported WGMs in the microspheres can be achieved when the quasi‐vernier effect of resonant modes occurs, by which the energy splitting is up to 4 meV. The fast energy transfer between the size‐mismatched MCs therefore increases the quality factor up to 2.1 × 103 for the upper supermode branch. The strong‐coupling cascade MC structure provides an extra enhancement channel for the Au‐based SERS substrate, demonstrating an enhancement factor of Raman intensity (EFRI) up to 2.6 × 1010 for the limit of detection (LoD) down to 10−12 M of 4‐aminothiophenol (4‐ATP). The strong‐coupling cascade MC substrates also exhibit the versatility for identification of multiple analytes for high‐performance Raman trace‐detection applications.
High‐Performance Narrowband Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Enabled by Intrinsically Ionic Multi‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Zhang Ke , Pang Xianchun , Song Yongjun , Xiu Yue , Yu Renyou , He Lei
Published: March 2024

The development of efficient, bright, and stable narrowband light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) has remained a challenge. Here, intrinsically ionic multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters are reported as guest emitters for narrowband LECs, which are developed by attaching an imidazolium cation onto a typical MR‐TADF emitter. In solution, the emitters show green–blue emission peaked at 486−497 nm with small full widths at half‐maximum (FWHMs) at 24−26 nm. In doped films, they show narrowband green–blue emission with high luminescent efficiencies at ≈90%. LECs using an ionic exciplex host and the ionic MR‐TADF guest emitters show green–blue emission peaked at 494−503 nm with small FWHMs at 31−34 nm, and afford high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 10% under constant‐voltage driving. With ionic TADF small‐molecule hosts, the narrowband LECs show high EQEs up to 13.0% under constant‐voltage driving, which is the highest among all reported narrowband LECs, and afford peak brightness/EQE/half lifetime at 780 cd m−2/5.6%/62.2 h under constant‐current driving. A long half‐lifetime of ≈630 h has further been achieved at 136 cd m−2. The work demonstrates the great potential for the use of intrinsically ionic MR‐TADF guest emitters and ionic TADF hosts to develop efficient, bright, and stable narrowband LECs.