bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyberattacks, cash conversion cycle, and corporate performance
Authors: Harris Oneil , Nguyen Trung
Published: December 2023

This study examines the effect of working capital efficiency on the performance of firms that experience cyberattacks. We find robust evidence that an aggressive working capital policy improves the immediate and after‐market stock returns as well as the operating performance of firms that suffer an outside party or a malware hacker attack. Specifically, we document a negative relationship between announcement period abnormal returns and the industry‐adjusted cash conversion cycle, implying that investors react less favorably when breached firms have more conservative working capital policies. We also find a negative association between the cash cycle and long‐horizon buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns indicating that working capital efficacy has a protracted positive effect on stock performance after an attack. The cash conversion cycle is also negatively related to operating performance, as measured by industry‐adjusted market power, industry‐adjusted return on assets, and industry‐adjusted market‐to‐book ratio. In addition, we find that access to trade credit and the ability to delay payments made to suppliers (depicted via days’ payables outstanding) are the most important factors in helping breached firms mitigate the financial and operating costs of cyberattacks. Overall, our results are robust to endogeneity concerns and expand the literature on the firm‐level aspects of data breaches.
An efficient enzyme cascade bio‐platform based on metal‐organic frameworks nanozyme for the detection of glucose
Authors: Sang Xiao
Published: December 2023

Objective

Enzyme cascade reaction typically involves the synergistic action of two or more enzymes. It is an efficient tool in the field of biosensing. In this research, with the combination of natural enzyme and nanozyme, a high‐performance enzyme cascade bio‐platform is constructed for sensing of H2O2 and glucose.

Methods

The enzyme cascade bio‐platform consisting of natural enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) and nanozyme (hemin@ZIF‐8) was constructed through one‐step co‐precipitation method. The morphology and structure of the composites were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. UV‐vis spectrophotometer was used to research the catalytic activity and sensing performances of enzyme cascade bio‐platform.

Results

The synergistic catalysis between hemin and ZIF‐8 in hemin@ZIF‐8 nanozyme resulted in highly efficient peroxidase‐like activity, which could be used for H2O2 sensing. The porous structure of the metal‐organic framework provided a good microenvironment for loading the natural enzyme, guaranteeing the enzyme activity and spatial proximity of enzymes. The bio‐platform achieved the sensitive detection of glucose with low detection limit of 7.15 μM. Due to the color change in the catalytic reaction, this bio‐platform can be used for detecting glucose qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively with the naked eye.

Conclusions

The constructed efficient enzyme cascade bio‐platform combined the advantages of natural enzyme and nanozyme. This research not only expanded the application possibilities of nanozyme‐based enzyme cascade system, but also offered an effective strategy for the development of simple, rapid and reliable sensing methods for real application.
Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency type C; variable presentation and beneficial effect of triheptanoin
Authors: Bernhardt I. , Van Dorp L. , Dixon M. , McSweeney M. , Gan C. , Baruteau J. , Chakrapani A.
Published: December 2023

Pyruvate carboxylase is a mitochondrial enzyme essential for the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), gluconeogenesis and fatty‐acid synthesis. Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (PCD) mostly presents with life‐limiting encephalopathy (types A/B). A milder type C presentation is rare, with a comparatively favourable prognosis. Therapies remain essentially supportive. Triheptanoin is an odd‐chain triglyceride, with the potential to replenish TCA intermediates (anaplerosis), and its metabolites cross the blood–brain‐barrier. Outcomes of triheptanoin treatment in PCD types A/B have been disappointing, but have not been reported in type C. Here, we present two new patients with PCD type C, and report the response to treatment with triheptanoin in one. Patient 1 (P1) presented with neonatal‐onset lactic acidosis and recurrent symptomatic lactic acidosis following exercise and during illnesses, with frequent hospitalisations. Speech development was delayed. MRI‐brain showed delayed cerebral myelination. Patient 2 (P2) presented with episodic ketoacidosis, hyperlactataemia and hypoglycaemia at 2 years of age, with gross motor delay and mild global volume loss on MRI brain. Treatment with triheptanoin was commenced in P1 at 3 years of age with up‐titration to 35 mL/day (25% of daily energy intake) over 6 months, due to transient diarrhoea. Dietary long‐chain triglycerides were restricted, with fat‐soluble vitamin supplementation. Subsequently, hospitalisations during intercurrent illnesses decreased, post‐exertional hyperlactataemia resolved and exercise tolerance improved. Continued developmental progress was observed, and repeat MRI 18 months after initiation showed improved myelination. Triheptanoin was well‐tolerated and appeared efficacious during 2 years' follow‐up, and has potential to restore energy homeostasis and myelin synthesis in PCD type C.
Deregulated mitochondrial quality control, the heel of Achilles in elucidating the role of autophagy in SARM1‐mediated axon degeneration
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Yifan , Song Mingxue , Zhao Xiulan , Song Fuyong
Published: December 2023

Autophagic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases is being extensively studied, yet the exact mechanism of macroautophagy/autophagy in axon degeneration is still elusive. A recent study by Kim et al. links autophagic stress to the sterile α and toll/interleukin 1 receptor motif containing protein 1 (SARM1)‐dependent core axonal degeneration program, providing a new insight into the role of autophagy in axon degeneration. In the classical Wallerian axon degeneration model of axotomy, disruption of axonal transport destroys the coordinated activity of pro‐survival and pro‐degenerative factors in the axoplasm and activates the NADase activity of SARM1, thus triggering the axonal self‐destruction program. However, the mechanism for SARM1 activation in the chronic neurodegenerative disorders is more complex. Mitochondrial defects and oxidative stress contribute to the activation of SARM1, while mitophagy can inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction and promote the clearance of SARM1 on mitochondria, thus protecting against neuronal degeneration. Therefore, in‐depth elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of mitophagy during axonal degeneration can help develop promising strategies for the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders.
Duodenal obstruction: A rare complication of severe acute pancreatitis in children
Authors: Leclercq Olivier , Lecomte Laurie , Stephenne Xavier , Scheers Isabelle
Published: December 2023

Duodenal obstruction (DO) is an uncommon complication of pancreatitis. It has been described in groove and severe acute and chronic pancreatitis in adults but, to the best of our knowledge, it has not yet been reported in pediatric acute pancreatitis. Current guidelines comment on management of several early and late‐onset complications, but DO is not mentioned. We describe two patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who presented with several complications including walled‐off necrosis and DO. In adults, DO is generally managed with adapted nutrition but may require surgical bypass, such as gastroenterostomy. Our patients were managed conservatively and fully recovered 2 months after DO diagnosis. DO may require lengthy hospitalizations and markedly restrict patients' quality of life; however, prolonged conservative treatment was effective in our patients and should be considered even in severe pediatric cases.
Neurometabolism and brain morphometry in an adolescent female with an extra‐hepatic congenital portosystemic shunt
Authors: Chabbey Isaline , Cudalbu Cristina , Barras Eugénie , Hanquinet Sylviane , Maréchal Bénédicte , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Wacker Julie , Zangas‐Gheri Florence , McLin Valérie A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) has been reported both in patients with congenital porto‐systemic shunts (CPSS) and chronic liver disease. CHE is difficult to recognize in children as there is no clear definition and its manifestations are highly variable. CHE is associated with variations in brain volumes and metabolites that have already been demonstrated using 1.5‐3T MRI systems. However, the in‐depth study of brain metabolism requires the high spectral resolution of high magnetic fields.

Objectives and Methods

We analyzed the neurometabolic profile, brain volumes and T1 relaxation times of a child with a CPSS using high field proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS, 7T) combined with MRI and compared it to an age‐matched control group. We also evaluated the impact of shunt closure on neurocognitive symptoms using adapted neuropsychological tests.

Results

7T MRS revealed a significant increase in glutamine compared to controls, a decrease in brain osmolytes, and a slight elevation in NAA concentrations. 7T MRI scans showed morphological abnormalities but no changes in the signal intensity of the globus pallidus. Neurocognitive testing revealed attention deficit disorder, language difficulties, and mild intellectual disability. Most of these areas improved after shunt closure.

Conclusions

In this paediatric case of type B HE with normal fasting ammonia, neurometabolic profile was compatible with what has been previously shown in chronic liver disease, while also demonstrating an isolated glutamine peak. In addition, neurocognitive function partially improved after shunt closure, arguing strongly for shunt closure in both presymptomatic and symptomatic patients.
Readers bracing for funding needs, AOT issues, politics in 2024
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2023

Editor's note: For the first issue of the year, we asked our readers about their most pressing challenges and opportunities awaiting them in 2024. Here are some comments we received. More to come next week.
Mitigating biomass recalcitrance for plant‐based bioenergy production
Authors: Ninkuu Vincent , Liu Zhixin , Zhou Yaping , Guo Enzhi , Song Xiao , Gao Peibo , Xie Yajia , Sun Xuwu
Published: December 2023

The emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, predominantly from fossil fuel combustion has received critical warnings several times as their levels exceed the tolerable limits in view of global warming. This calls for a paradigm shift from a fossil fuel‐based source to a less hazardous bioenergy source. Plant feedstock is an attractive source of raw materials for bioenergy production; however, chemical or enzymatic digestion of the feedstock is expensive owing to the supramolecular lignocellulosic barrier, indicating the need for better alternatives. Several attempts have been made towards reducing the biomass recalcitrance of straw using genetic transformations. We present a review highlighting potential plant candidates for bioenergy production, the lignocellulose composition of the feedstock, how the composition can impede enzymatic degradation, the regulation of lignocellulose polymer biosynthesis, and the influence of genetic transformation on biomass saccharification. Moreover, the review also discusses conflicting research interests in biomass recalcitrance and suggests a common ground. The review findings suggest that bioenergy production from crop straws will drastically reduce over‐dependence on fossil fuels and consequently pollution levels.
Multiscale Monte Carlo simulations for dosimetry in x‐ray breast imaging: Part I ‐ Macroscopic scales
Authors: Massera Rodrigo T. , Tomal Alessandra , Thomson Rowan M.
Published: December 2023

Background

X‐ray breast imaging modalities are commonly employed for breast cancer detection, from screening programs to diagnosis. Thus, dosimetry studies are important for quality control and risk estimation since ionizing radiation is used.

Purpose

To perform multiscale dosimetry assessments for different breast imaging modalities and for a variety of breast sizes and compositions. The first part of our study is focused on macroscopic scales (down to millimeters).

Methods

Nine anthropomorphic breast phantoms with a voxel resolution of 0.5 mm were computationally generated using the BreastPhantom software, representing three breast sizes with three distinct values of volume glandular fraction (VGF) for each size. Four breast imaging modalities were studied: digital mammography (DM), contrast‐enhanced digital mammography (CEDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT). Additionally, the impact of tissue elemental compositions from two databases were compared. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed with the MC‐GPU code to obtain the 3D glandular dose distribution (GDD) for each case considered with the mean glandular dose (MGD) fixed at 4 mGy (to facilitate comparisons).

Results

The GDD within the breast is more uniform for CEDM and BCT compared to DM and DBT. For large breasts and high VGF, the ratio between the minimum/maximum glandular dose to MGD is 0.12/4.02 for DM and 0.46/1.77 for BCT; the corresponding results for a small breast and low VGF are 0.35/1.98 (DM) and 0.63/1.42 (BCT). The elemental compositions of skin, adipose and glandular tissue have a considerable impact on the MGD, with variations up to 30% compared to the baseline. The inclusion of tissues other than glandular and adipose within the breast has a minor impact on MGD, with differences below 2%. Variations in the final compressed breast thickness alter the shape of the GDD, with a higher compression resulting in a more uniform GDD.

Conclusions

For a constant MGD, the GDD varies with imaging modality and breast compression. Elemental tissue compositions are an important factor for obtaining MGD values, being a source of systematic uncertainties in MC simulations and, consequently, in breast dosimetry.
Modeling and solving a multi‐objective optimal portfolio of upstream oil and gas assets
Authors: Yan Wei
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on optimizing project investments in oil and gas companies. It proposes a multi‐objective method for investing in oil and gas assets, considering factors such as scale and efficiency. The model takes into account the presence of nonlinear equations and integer constraints, and establishes a nonlinear multi‐objective mixed integer programming portfolio model for oil and gas. The weights of multiple objectives are determined using support vector machines. The optimization model incorporates the displacement transfer concept of particle swarm optimizer and the mutation operation of genetic algorithm using the transfer strategy of Gaussian particle swarm. The effectiveness of the model and algorithm is demonstrated through two examples.
Transformer‐based 2D/3D medical image registration for X‐ray to CT via anatomical features
Authors: Qu Feng , Zhang Min , Shi Weili , He Wei , Jiang Zhengang
Published: December 2023

Background

2D/3D medical image registration is one of the key technologies for surgical navigation systems to perform pose estimation and achieve accurate positioning, which still remains challenging. The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method for X‐ray to CT 2D/3D registration and conduct a feasibility study.

Methods

In this study, a 2D/3D affine registration method based on feature point detection is investigated. It combines the morphological and edge features of spinal images to accurately extract feature points from the images, and uses graph neural networks to aggregate anatomical features of different points to increase the local detail information. Meanwhile, global and positional information are extracted by the Swin Transformer.

Results

The results indicate that the proposed method has shown improvements in both accuracy and success ratio compared with other methods. The mean target registration error value reached up to 0.31 mm; meanwhile, the runtime overhead was much lower, achieving an average runtime of about 0.6 s. This ultimately improves the registration accuracy and efficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Conclusions

The proposed method can provide more comprehensive image information and shows good prospects for pose estimation and achieving accurate positioning in surgical navigation systems.
Surface Analysis Insight Note: Observations relating to photoemission peak shapes, oxidation state, and chemistry of titanium oxide films
Authors: Bargiela Pascal , Fernandez Vincent , Ravisy William , Morgan David , Richard‐Plouet Mireille , Fairley Neal , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: December 2023

It is common practice to describe the coordination of metal atoms in a binding configuration with their nearest neighbors in terms of oxidation state, a measure by which the number of electrons redistributed between atoms forming chemical bonds. In XPS terms, change to an oxidation state is commonly inferred by correlating photoemission signal with binding energy. The assumption, when classifying photoemission signals into distinct spectral shapes, is that a distribution of intensities shifted to lower binding energy is evidence of a reduction in oxidation state. In this Insight note, we raise the prospect that changes in photoemission peak shape may occur without obvious changes, determined by XPS in stoichiometry for a material. It is well known that TiO2 measured by XPS yields reproducible Ti 2p photoemission peaks. However, on exposing TiO2 to ion beams, Ti 2p photoemission evolves to complex distributions in intensity, which are particularly difficult to analyze by traditional fitting of bell‐shaped curves to these data. For these reasons, in this Insight note, a thin film of TiO2 deposited on a silicon substrate is chosen for analysis by XPS and linear algebraic techniques. Alterations in spectral shapes created from modified TiO2, which might be interpreted as the change in oxidation state, are assessed in terms of relative proportions of titanium to oxygen. It is found through detailed analysis of spectra that quantification by XPS, using procedures routinely used in practice, is not in accord with the typical interpretations of photoemission shapes. The data processing methods used and results presented in this work are of particular relevance to elucidating fundamental phenomena governing the surface evolution of materials‐enabled energy processes where cyclic/non‐steady usage changes the nature of bonding, especially in the presence of contaminants.
Bright and Stable Yellow Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Through Core–Shell Nanostructure Engineering
Authors: Li Saifei , Xu Xiongping , Lin Qingli , Sun Jiahui , Zhang Han , Shen Huaibin , Li Lin Song , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

Solution‐processed and efficient yellow quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are considered key optoelectronic devices for lighting, display, and signal indication. However, limited synthesis routes for yellow quantum dots (QDs), combined with inferior stress‐relaxation of the core–shell interface, pose challenges to their commercialization. Herein, a nanostructure tailoring strategy for high‐quality yellow CdZnSe/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell QDs using a “stepwise high‐temperature nucleation‐shell growth” method is introduced. The synthesized CdZnSe‐based QDs effectively smoothed the release stress of the core–shell interface and revealed a near‐unit photoluminescence quantum yield, with nonblinking behavior and matched energy level, which accelerated radiative recombination and charge injection balance for device operation. Consequently, the yellow CdZnSe‐based QLEDs exhibited a peak external quantum efficiency of 23.7%, a maximum luminance of 686 050 cd m−2, and a current efficiency of 103.2 cd A−1, along with an operating half‐lifetime of 428 523 h at 100 cd m−2. To the best of the knowledge, the luminance and operational stability of the device are found to be the highest values reported for yellow LEDs. Moreover, devices with electroluminescence (EL) peaks at 570–605 nm exhibited excellent EQEs, surpassing 20%. The work is expected to significantly push the development of RGBY‐based display panels and white LEDs.
Architecting the Microenvironment Skeleton of Active Materials in High‐Capacity Electrodes by Self‐Assembled Nano‐Building Blocks
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Wu Dichen , Feng Lanxiang , He Xuewei , Hu Ting , Ye Ang , Fu Xuewei , Yang Wei , Wang Yu
Published: December 2023

In analogy to the cell microenvironment in biology, understanding and controlling the active‐material microenvironment (ME@AM) microstructures in battery electrodes is essential to the successes of energy storage devices. However, this is extremely difficult for especially high‐capacity active materials (AMs) like sulfur, due to the poor controlling on the electrode microstructures. To conquer this challenge, here, a semi‐dry strategy based on self‐assembled nano‐building blocks is reported to construct nest‐like robust ME@AM skeleton in a solvent‐and‐stress‐less way. To do that, poly(vinylidene difluoride) nanoparticle binder is coated onto carbon‐nanofibers (NB@CNF) via the nanostorm technology developed in the lab, to form self‐assembled nano‐building blocks in the dry slurry. After compressed into an electrode prototype, the self‐assembled dry‐slurry is then bonded by in‐situ nanobinder solvation. With this strategy, mechanically strong thick sulfur electrodes are successfully fabricated without cracking and exhibit high capacity and good C‐rate performance even at a high AM loading (25.0 mg cm−2 by 90 wt% in the whole electrode). This study may not only bring a promising solution to dry manufacturing of batteries, but also uncover the ME@AM structuring mechanism with nano‐binder for guiding the design and control on electrode microstructures.
2D Co‐Directed Metal–Organic Networks Featuring Strong Antiferromagnetism and Perpendicular Anisotropy
Authors: Parreiras Sofia O. , Martín‐Fuentes Cristina , Moreno Daniel , Mathialagan Shanmugasibi K. , Biswas Kalyan , Muñiz‐Cano Beatriz , Lauwaet Koen , Valvidares Manuel , Valbuena Miguel A. , Urgel José I. , Gargiani Pierluigi , Camarero Julio , Miranda Rodolfo , Martínez José I. , Gallego José M. , Écija David
Published: December 2023

Antiferromagnetic spintronics is a rapidly emerging field with the potential to revolutionize the way information is stored and processed. One of the key challenges in this field is the development of novel 2D antiferromagnetic materials. In this paper, the first on‐surface synthesis of a Co‐directed metal–organic network is reported in which the Co atoms are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled, while featuring a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This material is a promising candidate for future antiferromagnetic spintronic devices, as it combines the advantages of 2D and metal–organic chemistry with strong antiferromagnetic order and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.
Reinforcement of Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Activity Enabled by Constructing Silver‐Incorporated NiCo‐PBA@NiFe‐LDH Hierarchical Nanoboxes
Authors: Cao Wen , Wu Jie , Zhou Chunyan , Gao Xuehui , Hu Enlai , Zhang Jing , Chen Zhongwei
Published: December 2023

Complicated oxygen evolution reaction (OER) poses the bottleneck in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production through water electrolysis. Herein, an integrated strategy to modulate the electronic structure of NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) is reported by constructing Ag‐incorporated NiCo‐PBA@NiFe‐LDH heterojunction with a hierarchical hollow structure. This “double heterojunction” facilitates local charge polarization at the interface, thereby promoting electron transfer and reducing the adsorption energy of intermediates, ultimately enhancing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst. It is noteworthy that an exchange bias field is observed between NiCo‐PBA and NiFe‐LDH, which will be conducive to regulating the electron spin states of metals and facilitating the production of triplet oxygen. Additionally, the unique hierarchical nanoboxes provide a large specific surface area that ensures adequate exposure to adsorption sites and active sites. Profiting from the synergistic advantages, the overpotential is as low as 190 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, with a low Tafel slope of 21 mV dec−1. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculation further substantiated that the incorporation of Ag in the heterojunction can effectively reduce the adsorption energy of reactant intermediates and enhance the conductivity.
A Non‐Flammable and Flexible Aluminum Derived Lithium‐Ion Storage Device with a Wide Temperature Range of Operation
Authors: Yuan Zeyu , Li Linlin , Zhao Lianjia , Chen Ruoyu , Li Dongdong , Han Wei , Wang Lili
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development and increasing popularity of electric vehicles and wearables, battery safety has become a leading focus in the field of energy storage research. Specifically, aluminum‐ion batteries are gaining increasing attention as low‐cost energy‐storage systems with high safety levels and theoretical energy density. However, the dense alumina passivation layer on the aluminum anode surface and slow kinetic performance of commonly used ionic liquid electrolytes still render poor performance. This report presents a new type of aluminum‐derived lithium‐ion battery (ALIB) that maintains a certain discharge performance under damaging conditions, including continuous bending, high‐ and low‐temperature environments, and shearing. This new ALIB effectively meets the current demand for flexible and wearable batteries. The prepared ALIB achieves a stable cycle of 130 mAh g−1 specific capacity and ≈260 Wh kg−1 theoretical energy density at a wide voltage platform of 2 V and a test temperature of 25 °C without undergoing combustion. Additionally, the study analyzes the reaction mechanism of this ALIB based on density functional theory and conducts ex situ XRD and XPS analyses to elucidate the underlying storage mechanism.
Polycarbonate‐Based Solid‐Polymer Electrolytes for Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Ruoff Erick , Kmiec Steven , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: December 2023

Solid‐polymer electrolytes comprised of polypropylene carbonate (PPC) and varied sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI) salt concentrations are investigated for implementation as a conductive solid polymer electrolyte into solid‐state cathode composites utilizing a sodium‐layered oxide active material. The ionic conductivity generally increases with NaFSI salt content, reaching ≈1 mS cm−1 at 80 °C at the highest salt concentration (PPC:NaFSI = 0.5:1). Through an all‐in‐one slurry casting method, Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode composites are fabricated in which the dispersed PPC electrolyte acts as the primary binder. Enabled by a bilayer polymer electrolyte system, cycling performance with the PPC cathode electrolyte is optimized with respect to salt concentration and anode material. The best cyclability is achieved with a moderate salt concentration electrolyte (PPC:NaFSI = 5:1), showcasing an initial capacity of 83 mA h g−1 with a remarkable 80% capacity retention after 150 cycles at C/5 rate and 60 °C. The superior performance of the lower salt concentration electrolyte is attributed to better electrochemical stability, as confirmed by linear sweep voltammetry and online electrochemical mass spectrometry measurements. These results underscore the potential of carbonate‐based polymer electrolytes and the importance of balancing electrolyte conductivity and stability in cell design.
Investigation of Elastic Softening and Stiffening Effect of Aluminum Nitride Under Stress Loading by Born‐Lande Equation
Authors: Chen Cong , Lu Yuwen , Zhang Jie , Bai Libing , Wang Jiahao , Cheng Yuhua , Zhou Hong
Published: December 2023

As a core functional material in acoustic resonators and filters, the elasticity of aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric thin film and its correlated intrinsic properties deserve priority attention. This paper presents an in‐depth investigation of elastic softening and stiffening effect induced by stress loading in AlN piezoelectric thin film. Based on the Born‐Lande equation, the physical mechanism of such new intrinsic elastic property is revealed and predicted quantitatively for the first time from the perspective of atomic interaction forces. It is found that a maximum 6.7% modulation range of elasticity coefficient can be achieved under ultimate stress loading conditions from (−2.5, −2.5) to (2.5, 2.5) GPa. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Extramural English in Scandinavia and Asia: Scale Development, Learner Engagement, and Perceived Speaking Ability
Authors: Sundqvist Pia , Uztosun M. Sercan
Published: December 2023

This article comprises two international studies. Study 1 aimed to develop a scale to measure the frequency of learners' voluntary, informal, out‐of‐school engagement with English, so‐called Extramural English (EE) activities. It involved three stages – pilot study, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis – followed by measuring the test–retest reliability and known‐groups validity of the scale. L2 English learners (N = 907; mean age: 17) from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) and Turkey participated. The analyses led to a 32‐item EE Scale that loaded onto eight factors: EE Digital Creativity, Gaming, Internalized, Music, Niche Activities, Reading and Listening, Social Interaction, and Viewing. Study 2, in which the scale was implemented, aimed to explore the frequency of EE activities and examined whether EE predicts learners' perceived speaking ability in different settings. Learners from Scandinavia (N = 197) and Asia (N = 125; China and Turkey) participated. Data analyses showed that both samples engaged most frequently in EE Music, Viewing and Reading and Listening. Ordinal regression analysis revealed that EE predicts perceived speaking ability in both contexts, but differently so. Thus, EE seems to play different roles for learning English in the different settings. Implications are discussed regarding the context‐specific nature of EE.
Toxicological effects of microplastics in renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Kuang Qihui , Gao Likun , Feng Lixiang , Xiong Xi , Yang Jun , Zhang Wei , Huang Lizhi , Li Lili , Luo Pengcheng
Published: December 2023

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a significant threat to biological survival and human health. However, our understanding of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys using an ischemia–reperfusion (IR) mouse model. Four‐week‐old ICR mice were exposed to 0.5 μm MPs for 12 weeks prior to IR injury. The results showed that MPs exposure could aggravate the IR‐induced damage to renal tubules and glomeruli. Although there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels 7 days after IR, MPs treatment resulted in a slight increase in both parameters. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors (MCP‐1 and IL‐6) at the mRNA level, as well as macrophage markers (CD68 and F4/80), were significantly higher in the MPs + IR group than in the Sham group after IR. Furthermore, MPs exposure exacerbated IR‐induced renal fibrosis. Importantly, the expression of pyroptosis‐related genes, including NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, cleaved caspase‐1, and IL‐18, was significantly upregulated by MPs, indicating that MPs exacerbate pyroptosis in the context of renal IR. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MPs exposure can aggravate renal IR‐induced pyroptosis by activating NLRP3‐GSDMD signaling.
Improving Shop Floor-Near Production Management Through Data-Driven Insights
Authors: Schmitt Robert H. , Kiesel Raphael , Buschmann Daniel , Cramer Simon , Enslin Chrismarie , Fischer Markus , Gries Thomas , Hopmann Christian , Huebser Louis , Janke Tim , Kemmerling Marco , Müller Kai , Pelzer Lukas , Perau Martin , Pourbafrani Mahsa , Samsonov Vladimir , Schlegel Peter , Schopen Marco , Schuh Günther , Schulze Tobias , van der Aalst Wil
Published: December 2023

In short-term production management of the Internet of Production (IoP) the vision of a Production Control Center is pursued, in which interlinked decision-support applications contribute to increasing decision-making quality and speed. The applications developed focus in particular on use cases near the shop floor with an emphasis on the key topics of production planning and control, production system configuration, and quality control loops.

Within the Predictive Quality application, predictive models are used to derive insights from production data and subsequently improve the process- and product-related quality as well as enable automated Root Cause Analysis. The Parameter Prediction application uses invertible neural networks to predict process parameters that can be used to produce components with desired quality properties. The application Production Scheduling investigates the feasibility of applying reinforcement learning to common scheduling tasks in production and compares the performance of trained reinforcement learning agents to traditional methods. In the two applications Deviation Detection and Process Analyzer, the potentials of process mining in the context of production management are investigated. While the Deviation Detection application is designed toidentify and mitigate performance and compliance deviations in production systems, the Process Analyzer concept enables the semi-automated detection of weaknesses in business and production processes utilizing event logs.

With regard to the overall vision of the IoP, the developed applications contribute significantly to the intended interdisciplinary of production and information technology. For example, application-specific digital shadows are drafted based on the ongoing research work, and the applications are prototypically embedded in the IoP.
Evolving the Digital Industrial Infrastructure for Production: Steps Taken and the Road Ahead
Authors: Pennekamp Jan , Belova Anastasiia , Bergs Thomas , Bodenbenner Matthias , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas , Dahlmanns Markus , Kunze Ike , Kröger Moritz , Geisler Sandra , Henze Martin , Lütticke Daniel , Montavon Benjamin , Niemietz Philipp , Ortjohann Lucia , Rudack Maximilian , Schmitt Robert H. , Vroomen Uwe , Wehrle Klaus , Zeng Michael
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Production (IoP) leverages concepts such as digital shadows, data lakes, and a World Wide Lab (WWL) to advance today’s production. Consequently, it requires a technical infrastructure that can support the agile deployment of these concepts and corresponding high-level applications, which, e.g., demand the processing of massive data in motion and at rest. As such, key research aspects are the support for low-latency control loops, concepts on scalable data stream processing, deployable information security, and semantically rich and efficient long-term storage. In particular, such an infrastructure cannot continue to be limited to machines and sensors, but additionally needs to encompass networked environments: production cells, edge computing, and location-independent cloud infrastructures. Finally, in light of the envisioned WWL, i.e., the interconnection of production sites, the technical infrastructure must be advanced to support secure and privacy-preserving industrial collaboration. To evolve today’s production sites and lay the infrastructural foundation for the IoP, we identify five broad streams of research: (1) adapting data and stream processing to heterogeneous data from distributed sources, (2) ensuring data interoperability between systems and production sites, (3) exchanging and sharing data with different stakeholders, (4) network security approaches addressing the risks of increasing interconnectivity, and (5) security architectures to enable secure and privacy-preserving industrial collaboration. With our research, we evolve the underlying infrastructure from isolated, sparsely networked production sites toward an architecture that supports high-level applications and sophisticated digital shadows while facilitating the transition toward a WWL.
Materials in the Drive Chain – Modeling Materials for the Internet of Production
Authors: Rajaei Ali , Becker Marco , Deng Yuanbin , Schenk Oliver , Rooein Soheil , de Oliveira Löhrer Patricia , Reinisch Niklas , Viehmann Tarik , Abouridouane Mustapha , Fernández Mauricio , Broeckmann Christoph , Bergs Thomas , Hirt Gerhard , Lakemeyer Gerhard , Schmitz Georg J.
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, the focus lies on a predictive description of the material response to the thermomechanical loads within different process steps by means of physical and data-driven models. The modeling approaches are demonstrated in examples of innovative production technologies for components of a drive chain: Fine blanking of parts; powder metallurgical (PM) production of gears; open-die forging and machining of drive shafts. In fine blanking, material, process, and quality data are acquired to model interactions between process and material with data-driven methods. Interpretable machine learning is utilized to non-destructively characterize the initial material state, enabling an optimization of process parameters for a given material state in the long-term. The PM process chain of the gear includes sintering, pressing, surface densification, case hardening, and finishing by grinding. Several modeling and characterization approaches are applied to quantitatively describe the microstructure evolutions in terms of porosity during sintering, density profile after cold rolling, hardness and residual stresses after heat treating and grinding and the tooth root load bearing capacity. In the example of the open-die forging, a knowledge-based approach is developed to support the decision-making process regarding the choice of the proper material and optimized pass schedules. Considering the microstructure of the forged shaft, the elastoplastic material behavior is described by a dislocation-based, multiscale modeling approach. On this basis, process simulations could be carried out to predict the process forces, chip form, residual stresses, and the tool life among other output data.
Camilla Herculiana (Erculiani): Private Practices of Knowledge Production
Authors: Bakić Jelena
Published: December 2023

This chapter analyses the paratextual and epistolary rhetorical strategies connected with private practices of knowledge production used by the sixteenth-century Paduan natural philosopher, apothecary, and writer Camilla Herculiana (Erculiani). To legitimize her authorship, she used different rhetorical strategies, but her self-portrayal as a woman, housewife, mother, and wife, and her references to household maintenance, solving daily problems, and being free to learn only in the hours of the night, furnish fruitful terrain for a rhetorical-cultural analysis. Such an analysis will shed important light on the relationships between the private and public spheres, gender hierarchies, and the meaning of privacy in late sixteenth-century knowledge-making.
A Double Helix: The Intertwined History of the Marginalisation of Welfare Clients and Their Activist Lawyers and Advisers in the Transformation of the Welfare State in England and Wales
Authors: Sanderson Pete , Sommerlad Hilary
Published: December 2023

This chapter draws on four qualitative studies conducted in England from the mid-1990s to 2015, to trace the intertwined stories of the emergence, flourishing and decline of activist welfare professionals committed to democratising access to justice and the expansion of and subsequent restriction in legal subjectivity. It situates these professionals’ role conception and practices in post-war UK social citizenship and shows how the neo-liberal project to construct an exclusionary form of citizenship entailed restrictions in access to the law. The data is used to highlight the relationship between the resulting impoverishment and disenfranchisement of welfare clients and the de-professionalisation of their lawyers and legal advisers and explores the mechanisms by which these twin goals were achieved.
The Paradoxical Reality of Welfare Professionals: Encounters Between Welfare Professionals and Citizens Within Social Security in the Netherlands
Authors: de Winter Paulien
Published: December 2023

Welfare professionals work with a paradoxical reality. They should treat all citizens the same, and at the same time they must act responsively in individual cases when appropriate. Based on in-depth interviews with welfare professionals, this chapter provides a picture of the daily activities of welfare professionals and their interactions with citizens in the Dutch social security context. Based on a typology of enforcement styles, the chapter shows variation between and within agencies in how welfare professionals interpret the rules and how they respond to rule violations. It shows that, despite stricter legislation, welfare professionals are still able to leave their mark on enforcement.
Access to Justice and Social Rights for Victims of Trafficking and Labour Exploitation in Sweden
Authors: Schoultz Isabel , Smiragina-Ingelström Polina
Published: December 2023

This chapter delves into the challenges encountered by victims of human trafficking and other forms of labour exploitation in Sweden as they struggle to access social rights and justice. By drawing from theories of victimisation as an interactional process, the study examines the role of professionals such as government agents, social services, unions, and NGOs as facilitators in assisting victims in gaining access to social rights and justice. The chapter underscores how access to justice and social rights is intricately intertwined with the victim identification process, the migration regime, and the gendered nature of assistance programmes. The limited access to social rights for victims may be attributed to the principles of inclusion and exclusion associated with the welfare state and the logic of the migration regime.
Sozialökologische Konflikte der »Überflüssigen«: Zentrale Befunde und theoretische Diskussion
Authors: Graf Jakob
Published: December 2023

In meiner Arbeit wurde bisher deutlich, dass die meisten der dargestellten Kategorien des Nicht-Kapitalistischen theoretische Chiffren geblieben sind, die eine Leerstelle bezeichnen und nicht zur Klärung der dahinterliegenden Verhältnisse ausreichen. Zwar weisen Konzepte wie »Exklusion«, »Überbevölkerung«, »Marginalität«, »traditioneller« oder »informeller Sektor« auf Formen der Nicht-Integration in den kapitalistischen Sektor hin, allerdings tragen sie eher zum Verständnis der Effekte des kapitalistischen Sektors bei als zu demjenigen der Eigenlogiken des Nicht-Kapitalistischen.  Daher wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit die Heuristik der »strukturellen Heterogenität« erarbeitet und das empirisch-analytische Konzept des »bedarfsökonomischen Sektors« eingeführt. Im Folgenden lege ich die zentralen empirischen Befunde dar, die diese Herangehensweise mit Blick auf die chilenische Gesellschaft hervorbrachte und gehe im Anschluss auf kapitalismus- sowie klassen- und konflikttheoretische Schlussfolgerungen und die Stärken und Schwächen der von mir gewählten Konzepte ein.
Spotlight: Zu den Grenzen der Medizin und dem „Human Enhancement“
Authors: Fangerau Heiner
Published: December 2023

Die Grenzen der Medizin sind ein beständiges Thema in der Geschichte der Literatur und der Popkultur ebenso wie in der medizinischen Ethik. Im Kern bezieht sich die Frage nach den Grenzen darauf, wann den Menschen betreffende Phänomene in medizinischen Kategorien gefasst, gedeutet und im Handeln adressiert werden sollen und dürfen. Aus historischer Sicht sind diese Grenzen nicht klar markiert, sondern in beständigem Fluss. Neue Techniken, wissenschaftliche Konzeptverschiebungen, gesellschaftlicher Wandel, ökonomische und politische Rahmenbedingungen sowie moralischer Wertewandel tragen dazu bei, dass vorher nicht medizinisch definierte Lebensbereiche dem Zugriff der Medizin eröffnet oder ehedem medizinisch definierte Phänomene nicht mehr auf medizinische Begriffe gebracht werden können. Ein prominentes Beispiel bietet die Homosexualität, die noch im ausgehenden 20. Jahrhundert von der Weltgesundheitsorganisation nosologisch gefasst, d. h. als Krankheit beschrieben wurde, sich dann aber medizinischen Deutungsmustern und Praktiken entzog (Conrad und Angell 2004).
Dürfen Gentherapien so viel kosten? Ethische Bewertung der hohen Preise und des performanceorientierten Erstattungsmodells
Authors: Alex Karla , König Julia
Published: December 2023

In diesem Kapitel wird untersucht, ob hohe Preise für Gentherapien gerechtfertigt sind und ob die Problematik, die mit hohen Preisen verbunden ist, durch das Erstattungsmodell „pay for performance“ (P4P) behoben werden kann. Dazu wird zunächst beschrieben, wie Preise für neue Arzneimittel, zu denen auch Gentherapien zählen, in Deutschland festgelegt werden (Abschn. 22.2). Danach wird P4P als Beispiel für ein Erstattungsmodell vorgestellt (Abschn. 22.3).
Introduction, GDN, ModHub, Modding Tutorial Videos, LuaDoc, FarmCon…
Authors: Brumbaugh Zander , Leithner Manuel
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, we will explore the GIANTS Developer Network (GDN) and other important resources and materials available to mod creators (you!).
Money Cheat Mod
Authors: Brumbaugh Zander , Leithner Manuel
Published: December 2023

This chapter will explore making a money cheat which will allow players to give themselves unlimited amounts of in-game money. This mod may also be useful for testing other mods you make as you will be able to make any purchases from the shop or upgrades without concern for money. Furthermore, you will need to learn how to make it so players can interact with placeable objects in the environment. Let’s start!
Documentation and Appendix
Authors: Brumbaugh Zander , Leithner Manuel
Published: December 2023

Throughout the tutorial chapters of the book, we used many internally defined functions in the systems of the mods. While the purpose and function of these mods were explained in context, you may find official use and documentation for each of them useful in your own projects. In this chapter, you will find the official engine API documentation used by GIANTS Software engineers. Please note that you can find the latest version of the documentation on the GDN:
Speed Trap Trailer Mod
Authors: Brumbaugh Zander , Leithner Manuel
Published: December 2023

This chapter will explore making a speed trap trailer which will detect and fine a vehicle exceeding the speed limit. This will require you to learn methods for detecting vehicles, displaying certain effects with shaders, and deducting currency from a player’s balance. Let’s get started!