bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Kinetics and Prediction Modeling of X70 Steel Under Dynamic DC Interference
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Jun , Qian Wenbin , Xu Haohao , Du Yanxia , Duan Rujiao , Liu Jianguo , Cui Gan
Published: January 2025

Through comprehensive electrochemical and corrosion rate testing, this study elucidates the dynamic changes in the impedance spectrum and corrosion rate of X70 steel subjected to dynamic direct current (DC) interference. An equivalent circuit model was developed to represent the system under dynamic DC conditions, and the current components within the electrode system were calculated using circuit theory. This analysis allowed for the determination of the non‐Faraday process contribution, thus clarifying its impact mechanism and the overall corrosion mechanism under dynamic DC interference. The findings indicate that non‐Faraday processes play a crucial role in dynamic DC interference scenarios, with non‐Faraday current increasing proportionally to the amplitude of the interference potential while Faraday efficiency remains unchanged. Furthermore, as the frequency of the interference potential increases, non‐Faraday current increases and Faraday efficiency decreases. Positive biasing of the interference potential maintains constant non‐Faraday current but enhances Faraday efficiency.
Rural Environment as a Risk Factor for the Age at Onset of Machado‐Joseph Disease
Authors: Martins Ana Carolina , Furtado Gabriel Vasata , Pinheiro Jordânia Dos Santos , Saraiva‐Pereira Maria Luiza , Jardim Laura Bannach
Published: January 2025

Background

Machado‐Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is a neurodegenerative condition caused by a dominant expansion of a CAG repeat (CAGexp). Most of the variability in the age at onset of symptoms (AO) remains unexplained, and environmental influences were scarcely studied.

Objective

The objective was to test if AO of SCA3/MJD carriers can be associated with markers of the rural environment, such as demographic density (DeD), proportion of rural population (PRP), and the consumption of untreated well water (CWW).

Methods

Symptomatic subjects from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, diagnosed between 1999 and 2017, and living in the same municipalities where they were born, were included, provided their CAGexp and AO were available, and the residual AO (RAO) could be estimated. DeD, PRP, and CWW were obtained from the Brazilian Census of 2010. Participants were stratified in high versus low DeD, PRP, and CWW groups, and their RAOs were compared for a P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 188 subjects were studied. The mean (SD) RAOs of subjects from low and high DeD groups were −1.90 (6.98) and −0.11 (6.20) (P = 0.046); from low and high PRP groups were −0.12 (6.20) and −1.90 (6.99) (P = 0.046); and from low and high CWW groups were −0.11 (6.04) and −1.89 (7.11) (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

AO of SCA3/MJD carriers was earlier in groups related to rural life. Our evidence suggests the presence of a risk factor in the rural environment, for earlier onset of symptoms in SCA3/MJD.
A new type of ArsR transcriptional repressor controls transcription of the arsenic resistance operon of Arsenicibacter rosenii SM‐1
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Wu Wenjun , Huang Ke , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: January 2025

Impact statement

Arsenic is the most common toxic metalloid in the environment. Nearly all organisms have genes for arsenic detoxification. Arsenic detoxification genes are frequently organized in chromosomal or plasmid‐encoded arsenic resistance (ars) operons, which are commonly regulated by members of the ArsR transcriptional repressors. To date, three As(III)‐responsive ArsRs with different As(III) binding sites have been identified. Here, we identify a new type of As(III)‐responsive ArsR repressor that has an atypical As(III) binding site and controls transcription of the ars operon of Arsenicibacter rosenii SM‐1. Our results provide new insights into the classification and evolution relationship of the ArsR transcriptional repressors.
Unified Predefined‐Time Stability Theorem and Sliding Mode Control for Fractional‐Order Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Liu Jingang , Li Ruiqi
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a class of predefined‐time stability (PDTS) theorem and a fractional‐order (FO) sliding mode control algorithm for the synchronization of FO nonlinear systems. Based on the simple tetration function, a new PDTS theorem and an FO sliding mode controller are established. Then, a new unified PDTS theorem is defined, which extends the existing Lyapunov function and provides a detailed mathematical proof. The Lyapunov function is used to construct a unified FO sliding mode control algorithm, and the mathematical proof that it satisfies the PDTS is given. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to the synchronization of two different chaotic systems, and numerical simulations prove that the unified approach can extend the existing PDTS theorems and is universal and effective.
The proton resonance enhancement for CEST imaging and shift exchange (PRECISE) family of RF pulse shapes for CEST MRI
Authors: Mohanta Zinia , Stabinska Julia , Gilad Assaf A. , Barker Peter B. , McMahon Michael T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To optimize a 100 ms pulse for producing CEST MRI contrast and evaluate in mice.

Methods

A gradient ascent algorithm was employed to generate a family of 100 point, 100 ms pulses for use in CEST pulse trains (proton resonance enhancement for CEST imaging and shift exchange). Gradient ascent optimizations were performed for exchange rates = 500, 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 s−1; and labile proton offsets (Δω) = 9.6, 7.8, 4.2, and 2.0 ppm. Seven proton resonance enhancement for CEST imaging and shift exchange pulse shapes were tested on an 11.7 T scanner using a phantom containing three representative CEST agents with peak saturation B1,peak = 4 μT. The pulse producing the most contrast in phantoms was then evaluated for CEST MRI pH mapping of the kidneys in healthy mice after iopamidol administration.

Results

The most promising pulse in terms of contrast performance across all three phantoms was the 9.6 ppm, 2500 s−1 optimized pulse with ˜2.7 × increase in asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym) over Gaussian, and ˜ 1.3 times over Fermi pulses for the same B1,peak = 4 μT. This pulse also displayed a large improvement in contrast over the Gaussian pulse after administration of iopamidol in live mice.

Conclusion

A new 100‐ms pulse was developed based on gradient ascent optimizations, which produced better contrast compared to standard Gaussian and Fermi pulses in phantoms. This shape also showed a substantial improvement for CEST MRI pH mapping in live mice over the Gaussian shape and appears promising for a wide range of CEST applications.
Interplay between genetic risk and built neighborhood conditions as predictor of BMI across the transition into adulthood
Authors: de Roo Marthe , Hartman Catharina A. , Wagtendonk Alfred , Hoek Hans W. , Lakerveld Jeroen , Kretschmer Tina
Published: January 2025

Objective

We examined BMI development across changes in the built environment during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood and explored the moderating role of genetic risk.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from individuals aged 16 to 25 years in the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) that we linked to built environment data for 2006, 2010, and 2016 from the Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium (GECCO). We fitted a latent growth model of BMI and examined associations of changes in fast‐food restaurant density and walkability with changes in BMI (n = 2735), as well as interactions of changes in fast‐food restaurant density and walkability with genetic risk (n = 1676).

Results

Changes in fast‐food restaurant density (e.g., Δ2010–2006: β = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.11 to 0.03) and walkability (e.g., Δ2010–2006: β = −0.05, 95% CI: −0.14 to 0.05) were not associated with BMI changes. Additionally, genetic risk did not moderate these associations.

Conclusions

We found limited evidence that moving to neighborhoods with higher fast‐food restaurant density or less walkability was associated with BMI changes or that genetic risk moderated these associations. Our findings suggest that associations between the built environment and BMI changes during the transition into young adulthood are likely small.
Thermally stable, low‐combustion and high‐strength natural oil‐blended epoxy resin
Authors: Dubey Umang , Panneerselvam Kavan
Published: January 2025

When contemplating the manufacturing of subsequent iterations of polymer composites, companies may choose to maximize the exploitation of naturally existing resources for synthesis. The rationale for this decision becomes apparent when considering both environmental and economic factors. Inside the cashew nutshell's honeycomb structure is a viscous, dark‐brown liquid called cashew nutshell oil (CNSL). This CNSL is among the few economically viable sources of naturally occurring phenols. Considering that CNSL is easily obtainable, cost‐efficient and derived from agricultural waste, this contribution showcases its financially and environmentally viable characteristics. This study made a natural oil‐blended epoxy resin using CNSL at 15, 20, 25 and 30 vol.% in synthetic epoxy. Thermal and mechanical properties, morphology analysis, water absorption, flammability and limiting oxygen index (LOI) were used for characterization. In addition, the examination of the link between the structure and properties was conducted using X‐ray diffraction analysis. With 20 vol.% CNSL, the epoxy had 12.66%, 18.34%, 10.18%, 13.72% and 3.78% higher flexural strength, compression strength, tensile strength, impact energy and Shore‐D hardness, respectively. The water absorption test indicated a mass decrease similar to that of pure epoxy. With 24.71% residual mass at 550 °C compared to 2.66% for pure epoxy, the bio‐blended epoxy showed thermal stability. The cured bio‐blended epoxy lowered the combustion rate by 9.62% compared to the cured epoxy resin, while no UL94 rating was detected. The LOI range indicates that the cured bio‐blended epoxy belongs to the category of materials that burn slowly. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
AlphaFold and Docking Approaches for Antibody–Antigen and Other Targets: Insights From CAPRI Rounds 47–55
Authors: Gowthaman Ragul , Park Minjae , Yin Rui , Guest Johnathan D. , Pierce Brian G.
Published: January 2025

Accurate modeling of the structures of protein–protein complexes and other biomolecular interactions represents a longstanding and important challenge for computational biology. The Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions (CAPRI) experiment has served for over two decades as a key means to assess and compare current approaches and methods through blind predictive scenarios, highlighting useful strategies, and new developments. Here we describe the performance of our laboratory's team in recent CAPRI rounds, which included submissions for 10 modeling targets. Our team utilized a range of docking and modeling approaches, including ZDOCK, Rosetta, and ZRANK, to model, refine, and score protein–protein and protein–DNA complexes. For recent targets we utilized adaptations of AlphaFold to generate models, leading to near‐native models for an antibody–peptide target, and a highly accurate (but low ranked) model for an antibody–MHC complex. These results underscore the utility of AlphaFold‐based protocols for predictive protein complex modeling, including for immune recognition, and highlight considerations regarding the use of AlphaFold confidence metrics in model selection.
Inferring herbicide non‐target‐site cross‐resistance from dose response and mixture treatments
Authors: Liu Chun , Moss Stephen R. , Perraki Anastasia , Plumb Will , Kaundun Shiv S.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Herbicide cross‐resistance is of increasing concern because it compromises the effectiveness of both existing and new chemical options. However, a common misconception is that if a weed population shows dose–response shifts to two herbicides, it is cross‐resistant to both. The possibility that individual plants may possess different resistance mechanisms is often overlooked.

RESULTS

To better characterise non‐target‐site cross‐resistance, we propose that the accession be treated with mixtures of the two herbicides of interest. A population model could be used to simulate the expected dose responses to the mixtures, assuming different cross‐resistance levels in the population, as well as synergistic or antagonistic effects between the two herbicides. The simulated responses can then be compared with the actual responses, and the cross‐resistance level approximated. We demonstrated this approach from a mathematical standpoint and validated it with experimental data from glasshouse tests on four well‐characterised biotypes of Lolium multiflorum and two commercial herbicides, clodinafop and iodosulfuron. Results also showed that understanding chemical interactions such as synergy and antagonism is crucial to a better estimate of cross‐resistance levels.

CONCLUSION

Because this method utilises standard dose–response tests, it is potentially easier and less time‐consuming than those involving plant cloning or divergent recurrent selection. Quick characterisation of the degree of cross‐resistance provides important insights as to whether chemical rotations or mixtures can still effectively control the weed population displaying resistances to multiple herbicides. This approach could be applied more broadly in cross‐resistance studies with other xenobiotics. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Resistance to the herbicides haloxyfop and iodosulfuron is common in commercial ryegrass (Lolium) seed lines
Authors: Buddenhagen Christopher E , Ngow Zachary , Wynne‐Jones Ben , Rolston M. Philip
Published: January 2025

Background

Ryegrass (Lolium spp.) is a key forage providing a $14 billion contribution to New Zealand's gross domestic product (GDP). However, ryegrass can also act as a weed and evolve resistance to herbicides used for its control. Farmers suspected that imported seed might contribute to resistance issues. Herbicide resistance frequencies were investigated in commercial ryegrass seed lines intended for multiplication in New Zealand. Samples from 56 basic seed lots and 52 unique cultivars sourced from regions including New Zealand, United States, Europe and Japan were planted in field trials. Seedlings were then sprayed with three common herbicides: glyphosate, iodosulfuron, and haloxyfop. Surviving plants were retested to confirm resistance.

Results

Resistance to haloxyfop and or iodosulfuron was detected in 79% of seed lines. However, frequencies were not significantly higher in imported lines (from United States and Europe) compared with New Zealand lines. Resistance was detected at frequencies between 0.00112% and 10% for haloxyfop and between 0.00212% and 14.28% for iodosulfuron Resistance to glyphosate was not found. There was no significant difference between the resistance detected in seed samples sourced from different seed companies.

Conclusions

It was found that 63% of resistant lines had resistance frequencies rarer than 0.1%, but this is potentially problematic considering typical sowing rates. Imported versus domestic seed sources were not significantly different; they pose similar levels of resistance risk to farmers. Lolium multiflorum had a higher resistance frequency compared to Lolium perenne (although only six L. multiflorum lots were evaluated). Breeders should screen progeny of early crosses for herbicide resistance. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Covariate Model Selection Approaches for Population Pharmacokinetics: A Systematic Review of Existing Methods, From SCM to AI
Authors: Karlsen Mélanie , Khier Sonia , Fabre David , Marchionni David , Azé Jérôme , Bringay Sandra , Poncelet Pascal , Calvier Elisa
Published: January 2025

A growing number of covariate modeling methods have been proposed in the field of popPK modeling, but limited information exists on how they all compare. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of all popPK covariate modeling methods, focusing on assessing the existing knowledge on their performances. For each method of each article included in this review, evaluation setting, performance metrics along with their associated values, and relative computational times were reported when available. Evaluation settings report was done for uncertainty assessment of communicated results. Results showed that EBEs‐based ML methods stood out as the best covariate selection methods. AALASSO, a hybrid genetic algorithm, FREM with a clinical significance criterion and SCM+ with stagewise filtering were the best covariate model selection techniques—AALASSO being the very best one. Results also showed a lack of consensus on how to benchmark simulated datasets of different scenarios when evaluating method performances, but also on which metrics to use for method evaluation. We propose to systematically report TPR (sensitivity), FPR (Type I error), FNR (Type II error), TNR (specificity), covariate parameter error bias (MPE) and precision (RMSE), clinical relevance, and model fitness by means of BIC, concentration prediction error bias (MPE), and precision (RMSE) of new proposed methods and compare them with SCM. We propose to systematically combine covariate selection techniques to SCM or FFEM to allow for comparison with SCM. We also highlight the need for an open‐source benchmark of simulated datasets on a representative set of scenarios.
Cover Image
Authors: Shen Chen , Ren Zhi‐Ying , Lan Hui‐Di , Kong Ling‐Yao , Yang Ming , Su You‐Zhu , Yue Xiao‐Lei , Wan Zu‐Lin , Xiao Li‐Xue , Chen Pi‐Pi , Li Xun , Zhou Xian , Robinson Nicola , Liu Jian‐Ping
Published: January 2025

The cover image is based on the article Perspectives, Experiences, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals and Patients Towards Herb‐Drug Interaction: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies by Jian Ping Liu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8384.

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A Multimodal Perception System for Precise Landing of UAVs in Offshore Environments
Authors: Claro Rafael Marques , Neves Francisco Soares Pinto , Pinto Andry Maykol Gomes
Published: January 2025

The integration of precise landing capabilities into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is crucial for enabling autonomous operations, particularly in challenging environments such as the offshore scenarios. This work proposes a heterogeneous perception system that incorporates a multimodal fiducial marker, designed to improve the accuracy and robustness of autonomous landing of UAVs in both daytime and nighttime operations. This work presents ViTAL‐TAPE, a visual transformer‐based model, that enhance the detection reliability of the landing target and overcomes the changes in the illumination conditions and viewpoint positions, where traditional methods fail. VITAL‐TAPE is an end‐to‐end model that combines multimodal perceptual information, including photometric and radiometric data, to detect landing targets defined by a fiducial marker with 6 degrees‐of‐freedom. Extensive experiments have proved the ability of VITAL‐TAPE to detect fiducial markers with an error of 0.01 m. Moreover, experiments using the RAVEN UAV, designed to endure the challenging weather conditions of offshore scenarios, demonstrated that the autonomous landing technology proposed in this work achieved an accuracy up to 0.1 m. This research also presents the first successful autonomous operation of a UAV in a commercial offshore wind farm with floating foundations installed in the Atlantic Ocean. These experiments showcased the system's accuracy, resilience and robustness, resulting in a precise landing technology that extends mission capabilities of UAVs, enabling autonomous and Beyond Visual Line of Sight offshore operations.
Are non‐economic goals and financial performance friends or foes in hybrid ventures? A duality perspective on academic spin‐offs
Authors: Minola Tommaso , Hahn Davide , Criaco Giuseppe , Pittino Daniel , Visintin Francesca
Published: January 2025

Research Summary

This study draws on the behavioral theory of the firm and a duality perspective to investigate the impact of founders' focus on academic goals on the financial performance of academic spin‐offs (ASOs)—a specific type of hybrid venture. We theorize that such relationship follows an inverse U‐shaped curve and is moderated by the degree of academic ownership. These hypotheses are tested using a sample of 179 Italian ASOs. Our findings indicate that when academic ownership is low, the relationship displays an inverted U‐shape. Moreover, as academic ownership increases, the relationship flattens and eventually shifts to a U‐shape. These results challenge the prevailing notion of inherent conflicts between economic and non‐economic logics in hybrid ventures, demonstrating when focusing on non‐economic (e.g., academic) goals enhances financial outcomes.

Managerial Summary

Academic spin‐offs (ASOs) play a pivotal role in science commercialization and often pursue academic goals due to their academic origins. However, the extent to which founders' focus on academic goals benefits or hinders ASOs' financial performance has remained largely underexamined. In this study of 179 Italian ASOs, we investigate the relationship between a focus on academic goals and firm performance. Our findings reveal that at lower levels of academic ownership, a moderate focus on academic goals is optimal for ASOs' financial performance. Conversely, at higher levels of academic ownership, either a low or high focus on academic goals proves optimal for financial performance. These insights can help practitioners improve ASO performance by aligning goal and ownership structures.
Highly Efficient and Stable CsPbI3 Perovskite Quantum Dots Light‐Emitting Diodes Through Synergistic Effect of Halide‐Rich Modulation and Lattice Repair
Authors: Guo Chiyu , Bi Chenghao , Wei Shibo , Ren Ke , Huang Xuexuan , Tao Liang , Wang Xingyu , de Leeuw Nora H. , Wang Wenxin
Published: January 2025

Currently, CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are not well suited for achieving high efficiency and operational stability due to the binary‐precursor method and purification process, which often results in the nonstoichiometric ratio of Cs/Pb/I. This imbalance leads to amounts of iodine vacancies, inducing severe non‐radiative recombination processes and phase transitions of QDs. Herein, red‐emitting CsPbI3 QDs are reported with excellent optoelectronic properties and stability based on the synergistic effects of halide‐rich modulation passivation and lattice repair. First, a ternary‐precursor method is employed to better control the feed ratio of Cs/Pb/I and create a halide‐rich environment. Second a solvent‐free solid–liquid reaction employing a multifunctional guanidinium iodide (GAI) additive is used after purification to repair iodine vacancies and partially replace surface Cs atoms, thereby effectively modifying its tolerance factor. Additionally, this short‐chain GA+ can be used as the surface ligand to improve the conductivity of the QDs and suppress trap‐assisted non‐radiative Auger recombination. Consequently, PeLEDs based on GAI‐QDs exhibit a great maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 27.1% and an operational half‐lifetime (T50) of 1001.1 min at an initial luminance of 100 cd m−2.
Design of Flavonoid‐Based Lipid Domains as Fusion Inhibitors to Efficiently Block Coronavirus and Other Enveloped Virus Infection
Authors: Dewangan Nikesh , Jana Indrani Das , Yadav Sandeep , Sardar Avijit , Mallick Amirul I. , Mondal Arindam , Tarafdar Pradip K.
Published: January 2025

Developing a broad‐spectrum antiviral is imperative in light of the recent emergence of recurring viral infections. The critical role of host‐virus attachment and membrane fusion during enveloped virus entry is a suitable target for developing broad‐spectrum antivirals. A new class of flavonoid‐based fusion inhibitors are designed to alter the membrane's physical properties. These flavonoid‐based molecules (MFDA; myristoyl flavonoid di‐aspartic acid) are self‐assembled in the membrane, creating distinct nanodomains and effectively inhibiting membrane fusion by modulating the membrane's interfacial properties. The broad‐spectrum antiviral efficacy of these compounds are established in effectively blocking the entry of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), Type A Influenza, Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV‐OC43), and Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). A slightly more effectivity of MFDA in coronavirus infection than other enveloped viruses may be attributed to its secondary interaction with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein. A membrane nanodomain formation strategy is highlighted with natural‐product‐based fusion inhibitors, effectively thwarting the infection of several enveloped viruses, entailing their broad‐spectrum antiviral functionality.
Recent Advances in Fast‐Charging Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Yan Shimin , Chen Long , Zhao Dong , Ding Yan , Zeng Yubin , Chen Zhongxue
Published: January 2025

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIB), stemming from the abundance of sodium resources and their cost‐effectiveness, have positioning them favorably a potential candidate for stationary energy storage and public electric vehicles. As an intermediary of the grid system and output terminals of the charging station, fast‐charging performance has actually become a crucial metric, which greatly relates to the charging station utilization and cost‐ and time‐efficient. Besides, the fast‐charging capacity is also relevant to the long‐term stable operation public transportation. Given the remarkable advancements in fast‐charging SIBs reported recently, a review about this topic and scope is timely and important at present. In this study, the bottlenecks of fast‐charging SIBs are first assessed, after that, a comprehensive overview of the employed strategies for improving the fast‐charging capacities of SIBs from three aspects: structures design, reaction mechanism regulation, and optimization of solvation structure and interfacial property is given. Finally, challenges and prospects for further research toward fast‐charging SIBs are proposed. The authors hope this review will provide a deep understanding of the design principles of fast‐charging SIBs and inspire more endeavors to conquer the practicability issue of SIBs in energy storage fields.
Addressing media and information literacy in engineering design education: Learning to design technologies in the era of science denial and misinformation
Authors: Pérez Greses , Henderson Trevion , Wendell Kristen B.
Published: January 2025

Engineering design entails making value‐laden judgments against ill‐defined, ambiguous, and/or competing sociotechnical criteria. In this article, we argue that such conditions make engineering designers particularly susceptible to the potentially deleterious effects of mis/disinformation in the processes and practices of engineering design, their engagement with people and communities, and in the production and evaluations of the artifacts they produce. We begin by critiquing dominant approaches to engineering design education, specifically, engineering education's social‐technical dualism and the ubiquitous ideology of depoliticization, which has exacerbated the effects of mis/disinformation in engineering design. We follow by outlining a framework for developing students' capacity for mitigating its effects in the specific context of engineering design thinking and making value‐laden engineering judgments and decision‐making. We envision three areas of opportunity for engineering design education to teach students strategies for navigating these challenges when engaging with (a) the processes and practices of engineering, which reflect the unique types of information students engage with across the design process, (b) people and their communities, including the strategic and careful performance of activities for gathering information, while mitigating the harms to misinformation and disinformation and maximizing the benefits of community involvement, and (c) the social and technical criteria of engineering design outcomes in the form of artifacts (e.g., products, processes).
CBL and Its Evolution as an Instructional and Pedagogical Practice
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This chapter provides a short overview of the history of Challenge-Based Learning (CBK) and its evolution as a pedagogical practice in higher education. We discuss how CBL reshapes pedagogical approaches to learning and teaching as well as student engagement and self-directed learning in collaborative practices. The vignette included compares CBL to other experiential learning methods such as problem-based and project-based learning. The chapter then discusses CBL's origins in both bioengineering at a higher education level and the Apple pilots at a high school level, both in the USA.
CBL Assessment, Feedback, and Evaluation
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This chapter presents a comprehensive, practical guide to assessment, feedback, and evaluation in CBL for teachers and practitioners to use. It takes a detailed look at formative and informative methods of assessment and how it can be done in both informal and formal ways. For feedback, it looks at how this is given by all parties in CBL; teachers and practitioners, students, and external stakeholders to ensure a multi-directional learning process. It also examines how to evaluate the successful use of CBL and how to balance this with traditional evaluation methods. It offers practical tips for practitioners throughout the chapter and examples of conversations that illustrate how to conduct effective feedback sessions before concluding with a vignette giving real examples of CBL assessment and evaluation in two courses at Prague University of Economics and Business.
CBL Micro-Level Frame Case Studies
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This Chapter contains five micro-level case studies that examine CBL within specific educational practices, for example, within a particular academic discipline. Case Study One explores CBL used in the master's level course Information Management and Digitalization at UiS. Case Study Two presents an innovative approach to learning dubbed “An inGenious Way of Learning,” at Linköping University, alongside a parallel implementation at the University of Stavanger. Case Study Three, also at Linköping University, details the application of CBL in sustainability education. Case Study Four showcases the implementation of CBL in a multidisciplinary integrated project at the Universidad de Sevilla. Finally, Case Study Five, again from Linköping University, explores the integration of CBL in Project Management and Organisation studies.
CBL Meso-Level Frame Case Studies
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This chapter contains five meso-level case studies that examine CBL outside of specific educational practices such as extra-curricular CBL implementation with a particular focus on the role of external stakeholders. Case Study Six, from the University of Trento, examines the extra-curricular Alpine Smart Working Challenge, which partners with the local innovation hub. Case Study Seven from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona details the co-creation of a CBL challenge with local stakeholders. Case Study Eight, a collaboration between Hamburg University of Technology and the University of Twente, investigates the integration of CBL with the writing of a master’s thesis through the pilot of the ECIU strategic challenge. Case Study Nine, from Kaunas University of Technology, explores the utilisation of CBL in a specific extra-curricular model focusing on innovation in CBL. Finally, Case Study Ten presents the unique implementation of CBL in a non-educational context, in a specially designed CBL programme for communications staff at the University of Stavanger.
CBL Future Implications for Teachers, Practitioners, Students, and Stakeholders
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This chapter is an exploration of the multi-faceted implications of future CBL implementation for teachers, practitioners, students, and external stakeholders through a close reading of the case studies within the three levels of the ecological framework including micro, meso, and macro. This analysis draws on the details of these CBL implementations in different disciplines and in different ways to reveal contextualised practices and understandings that shape an emerging set of practical implications for those who would like to implement CBL.
CBL Conversations with Colleagues and Students
Authors: Dikilitaş Kenan , Marshall Tim , Shahverdi Masoumeh
Published: January 2025

This chapter gives a direct voice to CBL experiences through transcripts of interviews with colleagues and students shaping the narrative around the implementation of CBL. These conversations are both one-to-one interviews conducted on Teams and a questionnaire answered via Microsoft Forms. Themes discussed throughout the book in earlier chapters are revisited, offering a nuanced perspective on the transformative potential of CBL. Readers are also invited to reflect on questions specific to each interview that can enhance their own teaching practice of CBL.
AIXE. A Method to Evaluate the UX of Systems Integrating AI
Authors: Spallazzo Davide , Sciannamè Martina , Ceconello Mauro
Published: January 2025

The chapter frames the AIXE (AI user eXperience Evaluation) scale, a statistically validated questionnaire to assess the UX of AI-infused products, describing its development process as well as its validation. AIXE is composed by 33 questions with 4 ordinal Likert-scale answers, organized around 12 descriptors related to the UX of the target systems. The questionnaire is meant to be proposed to the intended users of AI-infused products to quantitatively analyse the user experience they convey. The chapter further illustrates how the scale can be applied, its limitations and future opportunities.
Der Einfluss räumlicher Ungleichheit auf nachhaltige Alltagsmobilität am Beispiel formal Höhergebildeter
Authors: George Sarah , Salomo Katja
Published: January 2025

Um den Klimawandel effektiv zu bekämpfen, ist es von großer Bedeutung, die Bevölkerung zu umweltfreundlichem Verhalten zu motivieren. Dies schließt die Alltagsmobilität ein. Sie zählt zu den größten Quellen von Treibhausgasemissionen. Bisherige Forschungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Personen mit höherem Bildungsniveau tendenziell umweltfreundlichere Mobilitätsmuster aufweisen, was in der Regel mit einem stärkeren Umweltbewusstsein erklärt wird. Wir untersuchen, inwieweit diese Verhaltensweisen durch sozial-räumliche Faktoren beeinflusst werden. Zum anderen gehen wir belastbaren Hinweisen auf Verhaltensänderungen zugunsten klimaschonender Mobilität nach. Dazu verwenden wir Daten zur Alltagsmobilität aus den Jahren 2002 und 2017, die eine repräsentative Stichprobe der deutschen Bevölkerung im Alter von 18 bis 65 Jahren umfassen. Mithilfe von Mehrebenen-OLS- und logistischen Regressionen sowie fractional multinomial logit-Modellen analysieren wir Veränderungen im Mobilitätsverhalten von Personen mit hohem Bildungsniveau über die Zeit. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Hochschulabsolventen nicht nur häufiger in Metropolregionen leben, sondern auch in den zentralen Vierteln dieser Regionen, was zu kürzeren täglichen Pendelstrecken führt. Folglich benötigen sie weniger Reisezeit und können langsamere und nachhaltigere Verkehrsmittel für ihre Arbeitswege, Besorgungen und Freizeitaktivitäten nutzen, ohne dabei höhere Zeitkosten für ihre Alltagsmobilität als andere soziale Gruppen zu haben. Diese Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit, sozial-räumliche Ungleichheiten zu bekämpfen, um einer breiteren Bevölkerung einen nachhaltigen Lebensstil zu ermöglichen.
Warum überleben Qualitätsmedien?
Authors: von Rimscha M. Bjørn , Ehrlich Gianna L. , Siegert Gabriele
Published: January 2025

Journalistische Qualität, Qualitätsdimensionen, Medienmarken, Medienkritik, Reputation
Wie verändern Hybrid-DRGs („diagnosis related groups“) die deutsche Urologie?
Authors: Reimold Philipp , Groeben Christer , Borkowetz Angelika , Eisenmenger Nicole , König Frank , Leitsmann Marianne , Witzsch Ulrich , Müller Markus , Schöne Markus , Schultz-Lampel Daniela , Fisch Margit , Kollenbach Peter , Schneider Andreas , Westphal Jens , Borchers Holger , Belusa Axel , Michel Maurice Stephan , Volkmer Björn , Huber Johannes
Published: January 2025

Hintergrund

Mit der Einführung der Hybrid-DRG („diagnosis related groups“) zum 01.01.2024 sollen Anreize geschaffen werden, bisher stationär erbrachte Leistungen in der Urologie, beispielsweise die Ureterorenoskopie (URS), ambulant durchzuführen und sektorengleich zu vergüten. Die Auswirkungen auf die Versorgungsrealität sind derzeit unklar.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Umfrage war es, ein Stimmungsbild zur Einführung der Hybrid-DRG in der Urologie zu erfassen und erste praktische Erfahrungen sowie zukünftige Perspektiven zu beleuchten.

Material und Methoden

In einer deutschlandweiten Online-Umfrage im Zeitraum Mai bis Juli 2024 wurden 32 Fragen u. a. zur Patientenversorgung, Weiterbildung und weiteren Indikationen gestellt. Zudem wurde eine Einschätzung des ambulanten Potenzials für URS bei Harnleiter- und Nierensteinen sowie Hydrozelenresektionen erfragt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt beantworteten 364 Urologinnen und Urologen die Umfrage. 54,5 % waren niedergelassen, 45,5 % in Kliniken tätig. 91,1 % waren operativ aktiv. Das Konzept der Hybrid-DRG wurde von 34 % der operativ Tätigen positiv bewertet, jedoch sahen 68 % keine Erleichterung für den Alltag. 51 % äußerten Bedenken hinsichtlich der negativen Auswirkungen auf die Weiterbildung. Der Anteil der 2023 ambulant erbrachten URS lag bei 21 % (Harnleitersteine) und 11 % (Nierensteine) mit langfristigem Steigerungspotenzial von bis zu 33 %. Hydrozelenresektionen wurden bereits zu zwei Dritteln ambulant durchgeführt, und 74 % der Befragten hielten diesen Eingriff für in einer Hybrid-DRG abrechenbar.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Umfrage zeigt ein differenziertes Meinungsbild zu den Hybrid-DRG in der Urologie, jedoch umfasst die Stichprobe nur etwa 6 % der Urologen in Deutschland und Chefärztinnen und Chefärzte sind überrepräsentiert. Eine Wiederholung der Umfrage zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt wäre sinnvoll, um die Entwicklungen im praktischen Einsatz zu evaluieren.

Graphic abstract
Derandomized Truncated D-vine Copula Knockoffs with e-values to control the false discovery rate
Authors: Vásquez Alejandro Román , Márquez Urbina José Ulises , González Farías Graciela , Escarela Gabriel
Published: January 2025

The Model-X knockoffs is a practical methodology for variable selection, which stands out from other selection strategies since it allows for the control of the false discovery rate, relying on finite-sample guarantees. In this article, we propose a Truncated D-vine Copula Knockoffs (TDCK) algorithm for sampling approximate knockoffs from complex multivariate distributions. Our algorithm enhances and improves features of previous attempts to sample knockoffs under the multivariate setting, with the three main contributions being: (1) the truncation of the D-vine copula, which reduces the dependence between the original variables and their corresponding knockoffs, thus improving the statistical power; (2) the employment of a straightforward non-parametric formulation for marginal transformations, eliminating the need for a specific parametric family or a kernel density estimator; (3) the use of the “rvinecopulib” R package offers better flexibility than the existing fitting vine copula knockoff methods. To eliminate the randomness from the different sets of selected variables in distinct realizations, we wrap the TDCK method with an existing derandomizing procedure for knockoffs, leading to a Derandomized Truncated D-vine Copula Knockoffs with e-values (DTDCKe) procedure. We demonstrate the robustness of the DTDCKe procedure under various scenarios with extensive simulation studies. We further illustrate its efficacy using a gene expression dataset, showing it achieves a more reliable gene selection than other competing methods when the findings are compared with those of a meta-analysis. The results indicate that our Truncated D-vine copula approach is robust and has superior power, representing an appealing approach for variable selection in different multivariate applications, particularly in gene expression analysis.
Value of endometrial biopsy in patients with hysteroscopically atrophic endometrium in patients with postmenopausal bleeding
Authors: Ashmore Ayisha A. , Alao Abayomi I. , Hibbard Amie , Burchnall Libbi , Menic Natalie , Abdul Summi , Asher Viren , Bali Anish , Kolhe Shilpa , Phillips Andrew
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To determine the rate of precancer and cancer in women presenting with PMB who have a visually atrophic endometrium at hysteroscopy and assess the value of endometrial biopsy in this situation and the adequacy of the samples obtained.

Methods

Retrospective reviews of all patients with a visually atrophic endometrium at hysteroscopy who had presented with PMB and had an ET > / = 4 mm or ET < 4 mm with focal changes or irregular features between 2013 and 2024 at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton were included (n = 1096). Patients who had previously had cancer or precancer or had unclear hysteroscopy findings were excluded. The endometrial biopsy histology result was considered the main outcome measure.

Results

188 patients did not have a biopsy performed (17.15%), 660 patients had benign pathology (60.22%), and 239 patients had an inadequate sample result (21.81%). Nine patients had precancerous changes (0.82%). The rate of cancer was 0.00% (n = 0). The NPV of a visually atrophic endometrial cavity at hysteroscopy in detecting precancer or cancer was 99.2%. Patients with an ET < 4 mm pre-hysteroscopy and an atrophic endometrial cavity at hysteroscopy were 2.25 times more likely than those whose ET is > 4 mm to have an inadequate sample (p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.61–3.16). 10 patients who had an inadequate sample at initial biopsy had a repeat inadequate sample (n = 23, 43.48%).

Conclusions

The incidence of precancer/cancer in patients presenting with PMB with a visually atrophic endometrium at hysteroscopy is low. Many patients within this cohort have an inadequate sample at biopsy, and therefore, repeat sampling is of questionable value.
Patient education on Instagram? Structured content analysis of the hashtag “obstructivesleepapnea”
Authors: Seifen Christopher , Pordzik Johannes , Ludwig Katharina , Bahr-Hamm Katharina , Buhr Christoph Raphael , Matthias Christoph , Gouveris Haralampos
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Instagram ranks among the most used social media platforms worldwide. An increasing number of posts are dedicated to specific medical topics, such as sleep medicine. The educational content of these posts is largely unknown. Therefore, a structured content analysis of posts linked to the hashtag “obstructivesleepapnea” was conducted, as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents the most common sleep-related breathing disorder.

Methods

The hashtag “obstructivesleepapnea” was entered into Instagram’s search field. The first linked post was selected and then subdivided into visual content and text content for systematic analysis with a focus on educational information on OSA. Demographic factors of the post such as likes, hashtags and the posting account were also included in the analysis. The data collection was completed for N = 150 consecutive posts.

Results

37.3% of the visual content and 32.7% of the text content addressed educational information on OSA. In both subgroups, the most frequently discussed aspects were OSA symptoms, comorbidities, and therapy (visual content: 50.0%, 39.3, and 41.1%, respectively; text content: 42.9%, 44.9%, and 24.9%, respectively). The most common (professional) background of the account, as self-stated by the holder, was dentists (29.5%). Additional sleep medicine content was posted by 34.3% of all accounts.

Conclusion

Instagram offers informative content about OSA and is therefore a potential source for patient education. However, the content available is often poorly organized and in most cases incomplete. Patients may have difficulty categorizing the information provided to benefit from it.
A comparison of health-related quality of life between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis in children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease in Thailand: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thavorncharoensap Montarat , Chaikledkaew Usa , Youngkong Sitaporn , Assanatham Montira , Wisanuyotin Suwannee , Chaiyapak Thanaporn , Pongwilairat Natthida , Srisuwan Konggrapun , Bhummichitra Parkpoom , Pruangprasert Patamakom , Boonyapapong Pantipa , Chongchet Nawarat , Khongkhanin Uthaiwan , Vachvanichsanong Prayong , Chartapisak Wattana , Pattaragarn Anirut
Published: January 2025

Background

Improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the main goals in managing stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, limited evidence compares HRQoL between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) in children. This open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare HRQoL in pediatric patients with stage 5 CKD receiving CAPD vs. APD in Thailand.

Methods

Children with stage 5 CKD were randomized 1:1 to receive APD or CAPD. The primary outcome was HRQoL, measured by EQ-5D-5L, EQ-5D-3L, and PedsQL at baseline, week 16 and week 48. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 60 patients were recruited: 30 with CAPD and 30 with APD. General characteristics, utility scores measured by EQ-5D and HRQoL score measured by PedsQL were comparable between both groups at baseline. During follow-up, no significant differences in terms of utility and HRQoL scores could be identified at week 16 and week 48. Although the children in the APD group seemed to have more favorable changes in some PedsQL domains of PedsQL (school and social domain), as compared to the CAPD group, it was not found that the improvement from baseline was significantly different between both groups.

Conclusions

No significant benefit of APD was found over CAPD in terms of HRQoL improvement. However, larger studies are warranted along with qualitative studies to examine the complete impacts of APD on HRQoL among pediatric patients with stage 5 CKD and their families.

Graphical abstract