bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informação, memória institucional e produção acadêmica: o legado da Ufes na Web of Science (2009-2018)
Authors: Costa Rosa da Penha Ferreira da , Miguel Marcelo Calderari
Published: September 2019

Neste texto apresenta-se o resultado de análise do percurso da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Ufes - por meio de indicadores bibliométricos, em torno de artigos científicos dos autores associados a instituição e representados na Web of Science - WoS -, no período de 2009 a 2018. Utilizou-se para a análise a abordagem quantitativa da medição da produção científica institucional na WoS; a situação dos norteadores bibliométricos para compor um diagnóstico por meio da amostragem de 6.650 itens documentais desdobrados em autores, países e revistas. O referencial empírico abrangeu 339 dos artigos envolvendo a instituição e que se encontram na base de dados, sendo analisado por meio dos softwares NetDraw, Ucinet 6.0 e Vantage Point 5.0. Notou-se que a produção da Ufes na base de dados pesquisada aumentou de 308 artigos em 2009, para 1.078 em 2018, com taxa média de crescimento anual de 15,19%. Em termos gerais percebeu-se que, nesse percurso de dez anos, a entidade se fortaleceu; que os relacionamentos sociais expressaram a existência de uma rede de coautoria ainda bastante fragmentada; que a maior parte da produção associada a instituição está registrada em inglês e em periódicos de impacto; que dezoito artigos recentes foram altamente citados (100), todos em inglês, sendo os mesmo em colaboração internacional e publicado em periódicos de impacto.Palavras-chave: imagem organizacional; bibliometria; redes de colaboração científica; universidades brasileiras.
Intellectual performance and educational attainment of Mexican adolescents in poverty
Authors: Palomar-Lever Joaquina , Victorio-Estrada Amparo
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to determine factors that can predict the intellectual performance and educational attainment of adolescents living in poverty. Data of Mexican adolescents from rural and urban areas (N = 1,093, 55.8% male, 61% urban) and their mothers were analyzed. The data came from a probabilistic sample with national representativeness of beneficiary households of the governmental program to fight poverty Oportunidades. Mothers and children were surveyed separately at home using questionnaires. Results from structural equations modeling revealed that higher intellectual performance was determined by older age, higher maternal intellectual performance and education, more adequate parenting practices, fewer siblings, and less insecure neighborhoods. Higher educational attainment was predicted by older age, higher intellectual performance, and more psychological resources. Data explained 25% of the variance of intellectual performance, and 39% of the variance of educational attainment. Results are discussed regarding the possibility of enhancing intellectual performance and education.
“Frontrunners”: An investigation of the discursive construction of “women politicians” intersectional identity
Authors: Milesi Patrizia , Alberici Augusta Isabella
Published: September 2019

This paper explores how female politicians discursively construct their intersectional identity as “women politicians.” We interviewed 10 female politicians in charge of local political offices and examined how they talked about the boundaries and contents of their “women politicians” identity. When talking about identity boundaries, the interviewees first presented “women politicians” as an exclusive minority within their gender group. Second, they constructed intergroup categorizations by comparing women who meet the requirements to enter politics versus women who do not. When talking about identity contents, the interviewees constructed intergroup categorizations along the ideological axis only. Thus, they overlooked the differences between men and women who share the same ideology while they enhanced the differences among women of different ideologies. Overall, the interviewees constructed their “women politicians” identity as a subordinate identity within their overarching ideological identity rather than as a real intersectional identity. These results are discussed also in terms of discursive de-politicization of the “women politicians” intersectional identity.
Heuristics in judgment tasks with unrecognized elements
Authors: Dimase Miguel
Published: September 2019

According to published studies in the field, random choice and random estimation are the only options for tackling judgment and decision-making tasks where the elements from which to infer a required criteria are not recognized. In Campitelli and Labollita (2010), participants were asked to estimate the nationality and Elo rating of chess players based on their surnames. In the present study I re-analyze those 123 participants from Campitelli and Labollita (2010) who declared not to have recognized any player. Even in this scenario of null recognition, they managed to correctly infer the Russian players' nationality and Elo ratings; it is likely that successful and ecologically rational heuristics were used. I found evidence of new structured probabilistic environments external to the lab, likely to have generated a number of undirected and involuntary associations in the memories of the participants, who may have used them in their heuristics to infer the criteria requested. The results support the models of limited rationality: despite the scarcity of available information, the fact that the heuristics did not guarantee success, and the risk of overestimating the heuristics’ effectiveness while underestimating their own biases, participants still favored them over random guesswork, thus suggesting an adaptive use. I invite a revision of what is considered “good reasoning” when applied to problems in environments of uncertainty that call for satisfactory, rather than optimal, solutions. This research provides the basis for new studies in the field of heuristics under previously unexplored conditions, and a new perspective for the analysis of prior works, towards a better understanding of the relationship between cognition and the environment.
Du « capital culturel » au savoir
Authors: Glevarec Hervé
Published: September 2019

Introduit par P. Bourdieu et J.-C. Passeron dans les années 1960, le terme capital, appliqué à la culture, est devenu une notion d’usage courant en sociologie. Il représente la conceptualisation, d’une part, du facteur explicatif de la reproduction sociale, par l’école, et, d’autre part, de la distribution sociale des goûts et des pratiques culturelles et, enfin, d’une dimension de l’être des individus (un des fondements, avec le « capital économique », de l’habitus). La notion se veut critique par sa considération des usages et fonctions sociales de la culture, son fonctionnement dans une relation de domination. Le capital culturel est censé prendre son contenu sociologique, selon P. Bourdieu, en relation au concept de « champ », soit sa définition proprement relationnelle. Cet article s’attache à montrer la signification universelle que cette notion a prise et qui se traduit dorénavant par un usage générique, une indistinction des dimensions de domination et de cognition et un emploi au-delà du processus de socialisation initialement à son fondement. C’est le statut épistémologique de l’analogie en sociologie qui est examiné. Nous soutenons que la notion de capital culturel devrait être réservée à la description des usages sociaux de la culture dans un rapport social arbitraire et être remplacée par celle de savoirs, déclinés au pluriel, chaque fois qu’il s’agit de désigner une connaissance ou une compétence pratique adéquate à son objet dans une situation qui le requiert.
Os limites da percepção interna e a idolatria do autoconhecimento em Scheler
Authors: Ramos Daniel Rodrigues
Published: September 2019

O artigo pretende discutir a possiblidade da percepção interna, delimitando-a do compreender da pessoa, que pode ser tanto compreensão do próximo como autocompreensão. Do mesmo modo, a percepção interna poder ser a percepção de si mesmo como percepção do outro. Parte-se, portanto, de uma indicação recorrente na fenomenologia de Scheler, de acordo com a qual a percepção interna não pode ser reduzida à autopercepção, entendida, sobretudo, no sentido de autoconsciência. Nesta direção, primeiramente, tenta-se uma definição fenomenológica do ato em questão, visando, sobretudo, libertá-lo das determinações idealistas enquanto autoconsciência e das compreensões subjetivistas, tais como a auto-observação e meio de autoconhecimento. Para tanto, demonstra-se que a percepção interna é uma direção de um único ato perceptivo e que o seu objeto não é uma forma lógica pura e vazia, mas sim a apreensão do eu material, concreto e singular. A intuição imediata e direta deste eu, então, aparecerá como a base sobre a qual se rompe com as duas interpretações supracitadas. Por fim, discute-se os elementos internos que contribuem para estes limites, em especial a fisiologia do sentido interno e os interesses do corpo-próprio (Leib), o que permite entender positivamente os limites e descrever os seus primeiros significados. A partir deste ganho fenomenológico, a investigação detém-se nos fatores externos, responsáveis por transformar a percepção interna em mero instrumento do autoconhecimento e por subjugá-la às metas e interpretações da cosmovisão natural, analisando brevemente as fontes da idolatria do autoconhecimento. Conclui-se que, na delimitação de sua possibilidade essencial, a desconsideração do papel psicofisiológico do sentido interno, a transladação das leis e relações espaço-temporais próprias da esfera física para a psíquica e, consequentemente, a superposição da percepção externa sobre a interna em consonância com a interpretação sensualista da última são as principais fontes da ilusão denominada idolatria do autoconhecimento.
Lived Experiences of Persons with Chronic Schizophrenia Living in the Community
Authors: Rani Akanksha , Prabhu Sphoorthi G. , Ammapattian Thirumoorthy , Trichy Janaki , Antony Sojan
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder which impacts a person’s ability to successfully function in the community. When it interacts with structural and situational stress like poverty, homelessness and unemployment, it can lead to negative experiences and makes a person vulnerable to abuse or even develop resilience or retaining a meaningful life within the limitation of the disorder. The study aims to understand how individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia define and evaluate their experience of living in the community; personal and environmental strengths, impact of illness on their personal and social life, the challenges and barriers they meet in their day to day life and how they overcome those challenges. Methods: The study focuses on lived experiences and deriving meaning from those experiences from a service user perspective. Therefore, Hermeneutic phenomenological approach will be used. In-depth interviews will be conducted over the course of four months to elicit client’s narratives of their experiences. The interviews are transcribed, read and coded to cluster thematic aspects in each case by using ATLAS.ti.v.7. Data will be collected till saturation point is reached and participants are from various age-group, socio-economic status, ethnicity and educational background, living in the Community. Implication: Participants’ stories would narrate sources of strength, process of normalization, describing instances of discrimination, social and structural factors which they encounter affecting their help-seeking behaviour and how these factors act as facilitator and barriers in their day to day life. Findings would suggest the need for advocacy services which are discussed through recommendations and suggestions.
Dietary Inclusion of Fermented Parkia in Feeds as an Organic Strategy to Improve Feed Quality and Antioxidant Parameters of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings
Authors: Abafi J. , Aliyu-Paiko M. , Adamu K. M. , King M. A.
Published: September 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess fermented parkia infusion in feed as organic strategy to improve feed quality and immune system of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria, between 1st January 2017 and 25th March 2017.

Methodology: In the present study, feed ingredients were fermented for 72 hrs with probiotic starter culture from Parkia biglobosa (TF diet) in comparison to a control diet with similar ingredients to the experimental diets but totally unfermented (CF diet) and used to make feed pellets. The experimental feeds were fed at 5% of body weight of each dietary treatment to triplicate groups of 20 fish per tank (100 Liter capacity), two times daily for 10 weeks. Proximate composition and mineral content of diets and whole fish, Feed efficiency, growth performance and Biochemical parameters of the fish were evaluated.

Results: The result of proximate compositions of experimental diets revealed a significantly higher protein and ash contents in TF compared to the CF. Carbohydrate content was significantly lower in TF diet while crude fibre, moisture and fat contents were not significantly higher in CF compared to TF. The highest values of some minerals such as sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) were also recorded in the TF while the least was recorded in CF. The result of feed efficiency and growth performance indicated similar feed acceptance and intake between fish fed the fermented diet and the control. The activities of serum antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in serum of fish fed TF compared to that in fish fed CF diet.

Conclusion: It can be deduced from this study that the fermented diet improved the immunity of fish and does not adversely affect the growth performance.
Study of the Output Electric Parameters of the Sub-cells Composing the Ga0.67In0.33P/GaAs/Ga0.70In0.30As Triple-Junction Photovoltaic Cell and its Performance in Real Environment:Cases of Bujumbura and Bugarama in Burundi
Authors: Ndorere N. , Kounouhewa B. , Agbomahena M. B.
Published: September 2019

Multi-junction photovoltaic cells composed of III-V semiconductor materials are widely used in photovoltaic systems. They offer very high efficiencies compared to single-junction photovoltaic cells. Knowledge of the behavior of their electrical parameters in real operating conditions is essential for their best use. This work presents an analytical model for predicting the behavior of the output electrical parameters of the sub-cells composing the Ga0.67In0.33P/GaAs/Ga0.70In0.30As triple junction photovoltaic cell, operating under the actual conditions of two selected sites. The dependence of the external quantum efficiency at the wavelengths corresponding to the absorption ranges of the top (Ga0.67In0.33P), middle (GaAs) and bottom (Ga0.70In0.30As)$$ sub-cells is analyzed and discussed. The influence of temperature and irradiation on the V oc ,J sc, F F and η parameters is discussed taking into account the meteorological characteristics of two selected locations. An average daily conversion efficiency of the Triple-Junction solar cell of 37.24% and a daily electrical power of 1613.1 W/m2 for the typical day(TD) of the sunniest month of the Bujumbura site were found. Similarly, under the same conditions, for the Bugarama site, we found an average daily efficiency of 37.28% and a daily electrical power of 1619.7 W/m2. The developed model can also be used to design a more suitable Photovoltaic system at any specified place, provided that local weather data is available.
La cultura como panacea: problematizando las políticas de regeneración urbana a través de la cultura en Buenos Aires
Authors: Dinardi Cecilia
Published: September 2019

En los últimos años el rol de la cultura como remedio universal para los ‘malestares’ urbanos, sociales y económicos ha sido celebrado sin precedentes, tanto en los discursos académicos como en las políticas públicas. A diferencia de estas narrativas celebratorias, el presente artículo formula una crítica de la política que sostiene a los proyectos de regeneración urbana a través de la cultura a fin de desestabilizar la función de la cultura como panacea. Utilizando un estudio de caso – la conversión del Palacio de Correos y Telecomunicaciones en un centro cultural conmemorativo en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires – el artículo ofrece un análisis en profundidad del proceso por el cual el patrimonio industrial es restaurado y reciclado usando una retórica cultural. El estudio muestra cómo la remodelación del Palacio de Correos permitió el surgimiento de una multiplicidad de significados sobre la cultura y su circulación en discursos provenientes de distintos ámbitos – mediáticos, inmobiliarios, arquitectónicos y gubernamentales. A su vez, estos discursos expresan disputas ya existentes en torno al diseño de las políticas culturales, los usos del patrimonio, la imagen de la ciudad y el valor asignado al correo como institución. Se puede observar cómo en la remodelación del Palacio de Correos se invoca a la ‘cultura’ como una estrategia de despolitización de la nueva sede cultural en el contexto posterior a las crisis del 2001-2002 en la Argentina, donde la política y 'los políticos' eran vistos como sinónimo de corrupción y del ineficiente manejo de la infraestructura pública por parte del Estado. El artículo finaliza resaltando la necesidad de adoptar una perspectiva crítica frente a los proyectos de regeneración urbana a través de la cultura en América Latina y de situar el análisis en términos histórico-políticos, dando cuenta de las complejas circunstancias de disputa en torno a distintos intereses de las cuales surgen usualmente los proyectos de renovación urbana a través de la cultura.
Chlorthalidone vs Hydrochlorothiazide and Kidney Outcomes in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Ishani Areef , Hau Cynthia , Raju Srihari , Wise Jessica K. , Glassman Peter A. , Taylor Addison A. , Ferguson Ryan E. , Cushman William C. , Leatherman Sarah M.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Hypertension is a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear whether different thiazide diuretics have a differential impact on kidney outcomes.

Objective

To compare kidney outcomes in patients with hypertension taking chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prespecified secondary analysis of the Diuretic Comparison Project, a randomized clinical trial comparing chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension, was conducted between June 1, 2016, and June 1, 2022, through Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide. This analysis extended follow-up to December 31, 2023. Veterans 65 years or older with hypertension who were taking hydrochlorothiazide were included.

Intervention

The Diuretic Comparison Project randomized 13 523 participants to continue hydrochlorothiazide or switch to chlorthalidone.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main kidney outcome was CKD progression, defined as doubling of serum creatinine level from baseline, a terminal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 15 mL/min, or dialysis initiation.

Results

Analysis included 12 265 participants (90.7%) with a baseline and 1 or more follow-up creatinine measurements (median [IQR] age, 71 [69-75] years; 3.2% female and 96.8% male). The mean (SD) study duration was 3.9 (1.3) years. Chlorthalidone was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide at preventing kidney outcomes (369 of 6118 [6.0%] vs 396 of 6147 [6.4%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.81-1.08; P = .37). Similar results were observed when a 40% or greater reduction of eGFR was substituted for doubling of creatinine in the above outcome, as well as any of the components of the primary composite outcome. There was no difference in the incidence of CKD (961 of 4520 [21.3%] for chlorthalidone vs 939 of 4518 [20.8%] for hydrochlorothiazide; P = .59) or acute kidney injury requiring hospitalization (391 [6.4%] for chlorthalidone vs 379 [6.2%] for hydrochlorothiazide; P = .63) between groups. However, a statistically significant increased incidence of hypokalemia for chlorthalidone vs hydrochlorothiazide was observed (545 [8.9%] vs 426 [6.9%]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Chlorthalidone was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide for kidney outcomes but was associated with an increased risk for hypokalemia. Given these findings, clinicians should feel confident using either agent for the treatment of hypertension and kidney outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02185417
Heterostructured Nanoglue Design for Durable Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Ruan Tingting , Xu Jie , Fang Nenghong , Lu Shengli , Zhou Jianping , Yin Xianze , Li Ruhong
Published: December 2024

Hybrid and heterostructures exhibit intriguing and significant properties that can endow unique properties to high‐performance batteries. However, their applications are often hampered by limited structural stability due to inevitable material agglomeration and structural collapse during repeated electrochemical cycles. Here, an efficient strategy to utilize an intermediate nanoglue to bond the substrate and heterojunction phase and increase the overall structural stability is reported. After screening the possible Fe‐based oxides, tunnel‐type FeOOH satisfies the principle of relatively high affinity to both Ti3C2Ox support and Fe3O4 phase, thus strengthening heterostructure stability. Furthermore, functional FeOOH quantum dots as nanoglue and graft them onto high‐surface‐area Ti3C2Ox support is experimentally utilized, then load high‐capacity Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto the nanoglue. The designed heterostructured nanoglue not only yields abundant heterojunctions with continuous channels for ion/electron transfer but maintains excellent electrochemical reversibility. Serving as anode for lithium storage, Ti3C2Ox/FeOOH/Fe3O4 hybrid enables a high discharging capacity of 790.4 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 500 cycles and superior cycling stability. The design principle is general and can be expanded to other hybrid materials.
Boosting Ammonia‐Fueled Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells with RuFe Nanoparticle Exsolution: Enhanced Performance via Secondary Redox Treatment
Authors: Liu Zuoqing , Di Haosong , Liu Dongliang , Yang Guangming , Zhu Yinlong , Luo Zhixin , Ran Ran , Wang Wei , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2024

Ammonia, with high hydrogen content and carbon neutrality, is an ideal fuel for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs). However, the limited electrochemical efficiency and durability of ammonia‐based PCFCs have posed challenges for broader implementation. Herein, a novel anode material, Ni‐Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1)0.94Ru0.03Fe0.03O3‐δ (BZCYYbRF), developed by co‐doping with Ru and Fe is introduced, which promotes the exsolution of RuFe nanoparticles under reducing conditions. A secondary redox process further enhances nanoparticle redistribution, increasing catalytic activity and improving ammonia decomposition and hydrogen oxidation, as well as the charge transfer at the heterointerface, leading to a marked improvement in the electrochemical performance of the PCFC under both hydrogen and ammonia fuel conditions. A single cell utilizing BZCYYbRF as the anode achieves a peak power density of 700 mW cm⁻2 at 650 °C under NH3 fuel, with stable operation for up to 150 h. Additionally, secondary redox treatment improved performance to 807 mW cm⁻2 at 650 °C. The innovation lies in the co‐doping and redox‐driven nanoparticle exsolution strategy, significantly boosting PCFC performance and stability, positioning this anode as a breakthrough for direct ammonia fuel cells.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalysis
Authors: Mishra Bikash , Alam Akhtar , Chakraborty Avanti , Kumbhakar Bidhan , Ghosh Samrat , Pachfule Pradip , Thomas Arne
Published: December 2024

The global energy crisis and environmental concerns are driving research into renewable energy and sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. Solar energy, as an ideal sustainable resource, has significant potential to contribute to the goal of net‐zero carbon emissions if effectively harnessed and converted into a reliable and storable form of energy. Photocatalysts have the potential to convert sunlight into chemical energy carriers. In this respect, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great promise due to their tunable structure on different length scales, high surface areas, and beneficial optical properties such as broad visible light absorption. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the key developments in COF‐based photocatalysts for various applications, including water splitting, hydrogen peroxide generation, organic transformations, and carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction. The underlying mechanisms, essential principles for material design, and structure‐function relationships of COFs in various photocatalytic applications are discussed. The challenges faced by COF‐based photocatalysts are also summarized and various strategies to enhance their performance are explained, such as improving crystallinity, regulating molecular structures, tailoring linkages, and incorporating cocatalysts. Finally, critical strategies are proposed for the utilization of photocatalytically generated chemicals into value‐added products.
Omnidirectional and Multi‐Material In Situ 3D Printing Using Acoustic Levitation
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Bansal Shubhi , Plasencia Diego Martinez , Di‐Silvio Lucy , Huang Jie , Subramanian Sriram , Hirayama Ryuji
Published: December 2024

Additive manufacturing is critical in modern production with advanced applications across various domains. However, achieving omnidirectional printing that can adapt to varying substrate geometries is still a challenge. Moreover, multi‐material in situ printing without cross‐contamination presents another hurdle. In this study, an acoustophoretic 3D fabrication system capable of omnidirectional and multi‐material in situ 3D printing is reported using acoustic levitation. This system harnesses a phased array of transducers (PAT) to finely tune the ultrasonic field, generating acoustophoretic forces that levitate and transport objects in mid‐air. It allows omnidirectional in situ printing of materials onto complex substrates with diverse orientations in a contactless and voxel‐by‐voxel manner. It is capable of manipulating a broad spectrum of materials, including liquids with zero‐shear viscosities from 1 to 5,000,000 mPa·s, as well as solids. AcoustoFab has successfully printed structural, conductive, and biological materials in varying directions on complex substrates. Additionally, the contactless approach enables in situ printing safely on a delicate surface, as demonstrated by printing on a human hand. The flexibility and versatility of this approach demonstrate promising applications in areas ranging from biomedical engineering to industrial manufacturing.
Research Progress in the Field of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors in the Last Five Years
Authors: Pang Qian , Huo Fangjun , Yin Caixia
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as the third gasotransmitter, crucial in various physiological processes involving its production and metabolism. Elevated levels of H2S can result in acute or chronic poisoning, whereas lower concentrations are involved in regulating diverse physiological and pathological activities within the human body. Moreover, it actively participates in maintaining normal cellular function by exerting cell protection and anti‐apoptotic effects. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to explore the physiological significance of H2S and its potential applications in developing prodrugs. To further unravel the biological and clinical potential of H2S, H2S donors have gained widespread utilization. These compounds facilitate our understanding of the specific functional aspects governed by H2S and hold promise as potential therapeutic agents. Therefore, it is necessary to study H2S as a delivery vehicle at the cellular and in vivo levels. This review provides an overview of advancements made over the past five years regarding H2S donors and their applications in biology, encompassing indirectly released donors of carbonyl sulfide (COS), directly released small molecule donors, Nanocomposite scaffolds, and hydrogels.
Detection of Over 110 Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids, Corticosteroids and/or Their Esters in Horse Hair Using Ultra‐High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography–High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry After Solid‐Supported Liquid Extraction
Authors: So Yat‐Ming , Kwok Wai Him , Ching Chris C. W. , Wong Celia O. L. , Wan Terence S. M. , Ho Emmie N. M.
Published: December 2024

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are banned substances in both human and equine sports. They are often administered intramuscularly to horses in esterified forms for the purpose of extending their duration of action. As such, the detection of intact esters of endogenous steroids in hair is particularly advantageous, as it can provide unequivocal proof of their external origin. Compared with urine and blood matrices, hair in general allows a longer detection window as long as the administered drug can be incorporated into hair and has not degraded. This can be useful in doping control of equine sports, where the timing of sample collection may be critical due to the transient nature of AAS in other biological fluids. This paper describes the detection of AAS and/or their esters, as well as corticosteroids, in horse hair using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐HRMS) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) after solid‐supported liquid extraction (SLE) at basic pH. The developed UPLC‐HRMS and GC‐MS/MS methods in combination allowed the detection of 117 AAS, corticosteroids and/or their esters with estimated limits of detection down to sub‐ppb levels and with good inter‐day precision. Method applicability has been demonstrated through the detections of (i) boldenone undecylenate, nandrolone phenylpropionate and trenbolone acetate in three proficiency testing hair samples and (ii) nandrolone as a metabolite in a post‐administration hair sample collected from a castrated horse having been administered nandrolone decanoate.
Alignment‐free diffuser film composed of a multilayer dielectric and a microprism layer for mini‐LED backlights
Authors: Nishikawa Marii , Taniguchi Yukio , Goto Masahiro , Ohyagi Yasuyuki , Kanai Yoshihiro , Sekido Masayuki , Yamamoto Hirotsugu
Published: December 2024

We propose a novel diffuser film structure designed for mini‐LED backlights. The proposed film is composed of a multilayer dielectric and a microprism layer. The dielectric layers function as an angle filter that does not transmit blue light directly above the LED and only transmits blue light with an incident angle above a designed value. The microprism layer controls the direction of the LED light and replicates the LED lights laterally. This combination of angle filter and microprism layer makes the illuminance distribution uniform without requiring alignment between the LED chips and the diffuser film. Our proposed diffuser film provides 4× better efficiency, better uniformity than conventional films, and only 50 μm thickness.
Integrated Optical Tunable Delay Line and Microwave Photonic Beamforming Chip: A Review
Authors: Shi Shangqing , Niu Hongsheng , Shi Wenhu , Lin Dongdong , Li Simin , Pan Shilong , Yun Binfeng
Published: December 2024

The microwave photonic (MWP) beamforming chip is a crucial component for achieving the miniaturization of optically controlled phased array radar systems. It addresses the unwanted ‘beam squint’ effect of traditional electronic antenna arrays in processing wideband RF signals through optical tunable delay lines (OTDLs), which has garnered significant attention and research efforts in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress on the classification, working principle, calibration and delay measurement methods, driving and control technologies, and system function verifications of OTDL and MWP beamforming chips. Also, discussions about the challenges that need to be addressed and the future development trends for this technology are given.
Bidimensional Gegenbauer Polynomials for Variable‐Order Time‐Fractional Integro‐Partial Differential Equation With a Weakly Singular Kernel
Authors: Yaghoubi Sara , Aminikhah Hossein , Sadri Khadijeh
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a pseudo‐operational collocation method based on Gegenbauer polynomials is presented to solve a category of variable‐order time‐fractional integro‐partial differential equations with singular kernels. The applications of these functional equations can be revealed in the theory of elasticity, hydrodynamics, heat conduction, and nuclear reactor theory. The pseudo‐operational matrices are constructed utilizing bivariate Gegenbauer polynomials to approximate the solution of the mentioned equation. Then, using the collocation method and resultant matrices, the main equation is converted into a system of algebraic equations that can be solved by Newton's iteration method. Besides presenting a fast and accurate method, an error bound is determined in a Gegenbauer‐weighted space for the residual function obtained from the proposed approach. Finally, several test examples are performed to confirm the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method.
A minimal physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling platform to predict intratumor exposure and receptor occupancy of an anti‐LAG‐3 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Michelet Robin , Petersson Klas , Huisman Marc C. , Menke‐van der Houven van Oordt C. Willemien , Miedema Iris H. C. , Thiele Andrea , Montaseri Ghazal , Pérez‐Pitarch Alejandro , Busse David
Published: December 2024

In oncology drug development, measuring drug concentrations at the tumor site and at the targeted receptor remains an ongoing challenge. Positron emission tomography (PET)‐imaging is a promising noninvasive method to quantify intratumor exposure of a radiolabeled drug (biodistribution data) and target saturation by treatment doses in vivo. Here, we present the development and application of a minimal physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) modeling approach to integrate biodistribution data in a quantitative platform to characterize and predict intratumor exposure and receptor occupancy (RO) of BI 754111, an IgG‐based anti‐lymphocyte‐activation gene 3 (LAG‐3) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Specifically, calibration and qualification of the predictions were performed using 89Zr‐labeled BI 754111 biodistribution data, that is, PET‐derived intratumor drug concentration data, tumor‐to‐plasma ratios, and data from Patlak analyses. The model predictions were refined iteratively by the inclusion of additional biological processes into the model structure and the use of sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of model assumptions and parameter uncertainty on the predictions and model robustness. The developed mPBPK model allowed an adequate description of observed tumor radioactivity concentrations and tumor‐to‐plasma ratios leading to subsequent adequate prediction of LAG‐3 RO at different dose levels. In the future, the developed model could be used as a platform for the prediction and analysis of biodistribution data for other mAbs and may ultimately support dose optimization by identifying dosages resulting in saturated RO.
Facile Construction of Soft Plasmonic Sensors with Exceptional Optical Activity for Quantitative Chiral Detection
Authors: Xi Panyi , Zhao Wenjing , Cao Yu , Xie Shengdan , Wang Pengpeng , Ungar Goran , Ye Xichong , Liu Feng
Published: December 2024

The facile construction of transmissive films with ultrabroad optical activity, spanning from deep‐ultraviolet to short‐wave infrared and offering convenient tunability across a wide range, is highly desirable for applications in sensing, imaging, and communication. However, achieving this remains challenging. Here, an easily applied wet‐stretching method is introduced that simultaneously orients polymeric substrates and surface‐coated plasmonic nanorods. Stacking two such hybrid films at an angle produces ultrastrong (ellipticity≈104 mdeg, gabs≈1) and broadband (200–2500 nm) circular dichroism (CD). The polymer's excellent strength and flexibility allow for broad‐range tuning of the CD spectra by applying external force. The optical activity is sensitive to intervening medium, facilitating chiral detection of various inserted analytes in the forms of films, salt pellets, or solutions. This cost‐effective and scalable fabrication strategy not only pioneers an expandable method for inducing chirality across diverse materials, but also offers a universal approach for constructing precise, non‐destructive, non‐contact, and reusable chiral sensors.
Effects of Hot Rolling on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Damping Properties of High‐Nitrogen Stainless Steel
Authors: Nikhil T. G. , Chaithanya Kumar K. N. , Shukla Shardendu , Singh B. Bhav , Suresh K. S. , Arockia Kumar R.
Published: December 2024

In this study, the mechanical and damping properties of high‐nitrogen stainless steel, containing 0.65 wt% nitrogen, after being subjected to hot rolling to deformation ratios 19%–85% are investigated. Mechanical properties are assessed using tensile testing and Vickers hardness testing while damping properties are analyzed using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. A significant improvement in tensile strength is observed in samples deformed to an 85% reduction, showing an ultimate tensile strength of 1227 MPa compared to the initial 810 MPa of the annealed sample. Both the frequency and temperature damping capacities increase with the amount of deformation, peaking at 66% reduction, before slightly declining at 85% reduction. In the study, Finkelshtain–Rosin internal friction peaks, characteristic of austenitic steels, are identified in the temperature range of 100–250 °C. Deformation up to a 66% thickness reduction results in deformed grains with a continuous increase in dislocation density, accounting for trends in the mechanical and damping properties. However, the 85% reduction leads to a finer microstructure with a high fraction of low‐angle grain boundaries formed through continuous dynamic recrystallization during hot rolling. This creates immobile dislocation networks, which adversely affect the damping properties.
Assessment of induction furnace steel slag as a potential river sand substitute for the production of standard concrete
Authors: Panda Akash Prava , Mohapatra Biswajit , Das Sai Sarthak , Dash Satyazit , Sethy Chinmay Kumar
Published: December 2024

The global construction industry consumes about 50 billion tons of sand every year and in the last two decades; the consumption has tripled in amount. As a critical concern, continuous research is in progress to examine numerous materials as alternatives of river sand. This study focuses to completely replace river sand by induction furnace steel slag (IFSS) for producing standard concrete of M25 grade without compromising the mechanical strength of the resulting mix. One hundred and fifty millimeter sized cubes and 150 mm × 300 mm sized cylinders were casted using Portland slag cement (PSC) and Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) as per Indian standard provisions. Laboratory tests were performed to assess workability, hardened density, compressive strength (7 and 28 days) and splitting tensile strength (28 days). At 100% replacement level, the obtained values of (PSC, PPC) specimens are: slump values (35, 40 mm); hardened density (2730, 2790 kg/m3); compressive strength (34.83, 38.10 MPa) and splitting tensile strength (3.03, 3.32 MPa). This research will act as a game‐changer in the construction industry towards a global sustainable future.
Integrating axiomatic design and design structure matrix into model‐based systems engineering: A case study for emergency response space mission design
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Ye Dong , Wei Cheng , Sun Zhaowei
Published: December 2024

With the increasing complexity of space missions due to technological advancements, model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) has become a new paradigm for systems engineering (SE), providing a more formal and accurate system engineering process while reducing costs. However, MBSE does not offer a comprehensive approach for effective system function design. This study introduces a conceptual design approach that integrates axiomatic design (AD) and design structure matrix (DSM) into the MBSE paradigm and applies it to functional and logical design. The research focuses on utilizing the design knowledge encapsulated by system models to facilitate the development of new systems. System models have the potential to bridge different design domains in AD, reveal implicit associations, and offer functional and structural analysis capabilities. To validate our approach, we conducted a case study on an Emergency Response Remote Sensing mission system. This case study demonstrates that our proposed methodology lends formality to traditional AD by deriving AD matrices and DSMs from a system model, thereby enhancing the system's structure while curtailing elemental alterations during iterative design processes. The novelty of this research lies in realizing the integration of traditional design theory with the model paradigm of SE, leading to an effective design solution during the functional and logical design stages.
Nudging tax filing through text message combinations: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Abdelnabi Mariam , Afraz Nazish , Ahmed Talal , Ayub Ahmad , Makki Fadi , Said Farah , Schiektekat Paola , Vlaev Ivo
Published: December 2024

Developing countries, with limited monitoring and auditing capabilities, face significant tax evasion issues. This study examines the impact of various text message combinations on promoting tax compliance, particularly in encouraging service providers to submit monthly sales tax returns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A randomised controlled trial involved 18,087 service providers and tested three types of SMS reminders. These included a basic reminder for the due date, a reciprocity message emphasising social responsibility, and a loss aversion (LA) message highlighting financial penalties and deactivation. Subsequently, service providers who didn’t file on time received one of three warning messages. These warnings included a basic alert about potential legal action, financial penalties, and deactivation, as well as a message framing continued non-compliance as an active choice (AC). Overall, the interventions did not significantly influence tax filing behaviour beyond basic reminders and warnings. However, compliance improved for early registrants with the LA reminder and AC warning, and these results were robust to multiple hypothesis testing corrections. Compliance worsened for recent registrants in all combinations except the LA reminder and AC warning. These findings suggest that targeted low-cost messages that convey vague threats can improve tax compliance among certain taxpayer groups.
Experiences of Communities Living in Shelters During the 2022 Eastern Kentucky Floods
Authors: Balasuriya Lilanthi , Johnson Oshea , Riley Tammy , Lockard Anthony Scott , McManus Pamela , Raleigh Angela , Ellis Martha , Schnall Amy Helene , Hanchey Arianna , Darling Sandra , Bolen Kristy , Thoroughman Doug
Published: December 2024

Background

On July 28, 2022, floods in eastern Kentucky displaced over 600 individuals. With the goal of understanding mental health needs of affected families, we surveyed households living in flood evacuation shelters after the 2022 Kentucky floods.

Methods

Families experiencing displacement from the 2022 Kentucky floods currently living in three different temporary shelter locations were surveyed via convenience sampling. A rapid community needs assessment involving in-person interviews using modified two stage cluster methodology (CASPER) was conducted between September 6-9, 2022.

Results

Teams conducted 61 household interviews. Since the flood, 27.7% reported that their household received services from behavioral health and 19.6% received grief counseling. Experiencing agitation (36.7%), difficulty concentrating (47.5%), nightmares (62.3%), or suicidal thoughts/self-harm (6.6%) were reported by households surveyed. Over one-fourth (27.0%) of individuals surveyed reported being depressed nearly every day. Over 20% reported anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) nearly every day. Over 75% of individuals surveyed reported being anxious several days or more over the last two weeks. Over one-third of individuals (34.0%) reported being unable to stop worrying nearly every day. Of those individuals surveyed, 36.1% reported barriers to mental health services.

Conclusions

Symptoms of depressed mood, anhedonia, anxiety, and nightmares were prevalent in displaced families six weeks after the 2022 Kentucky floods. Providing and encouraging access to mental health services are important priorities during disaster recovery.
Assessing the Public Health Consequences of Terrorist Attacks on Telecommunications Infrastructure: A Global Analysis
Authors: Mani Zakaria , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study investigates the public health implications of terrorist attacks on telecommunications infrastructure globally, assessing the direct and indirect impacts on emergency response and medical services.

Methods

Utilizing retrospective analysis, this research delves into incidents recorded in the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) from 1970 to 2020. The study employs descriptive statistical methods to identify patterns and examine the regional distribution and frequency of these attacks, alongside the types of weaponry used and the direct casualties involved.

Results

The analysis underscores a significant focus on telecommunications by terrorist groups, revealing a frequent use of high-impact weapons like explosives and incendiary devices aimed at maximizing disruption. The study highlights considerable regional variations in the frequency and nature of attacks, emphasizing the strategic importance of these infrastructures to public safety and health systems.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the critical need for robust security enhancements tailored to regional threats and the integration of advanced technologies in public safety strategies. The research advocates for enhanced international cooperation and policymaking to mitigate the impacts of these attacks, ensuring telecommunications resilience in the face of global terrorism.
Image-Based Sexual Abuse and EU Law: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Rigotti Carlotta , McGlynn Clare , Benning Franziska
Published: December 2024

In May 2024, the European Union adopted the Directive on violence against women and domestic violence, marking the first EU-wide binding legislation to address various forms of sexualized and gendered harm. This Article provides the first comprehensive analysis of the Directive’s provisions on image-based sexual abuse (“IBSA”), encompassing the non-consensual taking, creating, and sharing of intimate materials, as well as threats to distribute them. While acknowledging the aim to harmonize legislation at the Union level, the Article identifies a range of limitations and the failure to fully reflect the diverse experiences of victims. Additionally, the Article evaluates the complementary roles in combating IBSA of the Digital Services Act and the AI Act which impose obligations on online platforms, search engines, and AI developers. Overall, the current EU framework represents a promising but partial approach. If the EU is to comprehensively address IBSA and safeguard victims’ rights, implementation beyond the minimum will be required together with proactive, effective regulation.