bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis of the Green Ammonia Synthesis System Driven by Synergistic Hydrogen Production Using Alkaline Water Electrolyzers and Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers
Authors: Yu Jianyu , Liu Luyao , Du Yiyun , Li Yanchao , Zhang Dongshun , Li Biao , Liu Xianhai , Cheng Linsheng , Zhang Xinyi , Zhang Yumeng
Published: September 2024

Green ammonia and hydrogen from renewable energy sources have emerged as crucial players during the transition of the chemical industry from a fossil energy‐dominated economy to one that is environmentally friendly. This work proposes a green ammonia synthesis system driven by synergistic hydrogen generation using alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMEC). The effects of hydrogen‐production ratios of PEMEC and AWE on the thermodynamic and economic performance of the system are compared and analyzed via multi‐objective optimization. The findings showed that an increase in the amount of hydrogen produced by PEMEC improves the system's energy efficiency, but the payback period is delayed because of the PEMEC high initial investment cost. The techno‐economic performance of the system at a 1:1 ratio of PEMEC to AWE hydrogen production are investigated considering the system level heat integration based on the pinch point analysis method to maximize the heat recovery. The results show that increasing the operational temperature, the pressure of the electrolyzer, and the ammonia synthesis pressure will enhance the system's thermal performance. Economic analysis shows that reducing electricity prices and electrolyzer investment costs will be the key to achieving the economic feasibility of the green ammonia system.
Effect of sediment erosion on pressure pulsations in a large Pelton turbine
Authors: Yao Bing , Zhou Yijin , Wu Baofu , Pang Jiayang , Jiang Dengyun , Zhang Haiku , Liu Jitao , Qin Bei , Liu Xiaobing
Published: September 2024

Pelton turbines functioning in sandy river environments often encounter difficulties due to the swift movement of sediment particles, leading to erosion and damage to overflow components. These challenges can result in operational instability, particularly noticeable in large turbines. Pressure pulsation is crucial for turbine stability, and alterations in overflow component profiles caused by sediment erosion can worsen pressure pulsations. This study utilizes numerical simulations to analyze turbine pressure pulsations based on surface profile changes of runner buckets after 2 and 4 years of sediment erosion in a single 500 MW large‐scale Pelton turbine. Our findings reveal that erosion leads to a gradual decrease in pressure pulsation along the bucket's splitting edge from the notch to the root. After 4 years of erosion and wear, the relative pressure pulsation amplitude in the root region increased by more than 530%. Additionally, changes occur in the thickness of the water film in the erosion area on the working surface, disrupting the flow pattern and generating more vortices. This occurrence intensifies the relative pressure pulsation amplitude and reduces bucket stability. The study findings highlight the significant impact of sediment erosion on Pelton turbine pressure pulsation, posing a considerable risk to the unit's operational stability and safety.
Sensitivity analysis of geological mining influencing factors on the pressure relief effect of upper protective layer mining
Authors: Lei Wulin , Du Xuanhong , Zhang Dingding , Wang Jian , Yang Rili , Zheng Chao , Huang Xu , Wang Siyang , Zhao Jian , Cao Juheng
Published: September 2024

To study the influence of different geological and mining factors on the decompression effect of protective layer mining, a numerical simulation was carried out using FLAC3D numerical software. Taking the Hulusu coal mine as the engineering background, numerical simulation studies were carried out under different mining heights, working face lengths, interlayer lithologies and layer spacing by using FLAC3D numerical software, and the effects of different geological and mining factors on the degree of decompression and the scope of decompression were quantitatively investigated through the control of single‐factor variables. The results show that: the stress at the critical depth of impact ground pressure is 16.44 MPa, and the coefficient of unloading degree C = 0.5 is the indicator of sufficient unloading; the unloading effect of the protected layer decreases with the increase of layer spacing, lithological strength, and length of the working face, and increases with the increase of mining height; the geological and mining parameters of the protected layer show a functional relationship with the critical depth of the unloading, and the order of the influence of pressure relief effect is layer spacing > mining height > interlayer lithology > working face length. The results of the study are very important for the determination of the mining parameters of the protective layer, the estimation of the protective effect, and the design of the management programme of impact pressure.
Dynamics and internal structure of a rock glacier: Inferring relationships from the combined use of differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry, electrical resistivity tomography and ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Buchelt Sebastian , Kunz Julius , Wiegand Tim , Kneisel Christof
Published: September 2024

Rock glaciers are characteristic landforms in alpine environments originating from the movement of permanently frozen ground. Hereby, rock glacier velocity (RGV) is an important parameter for understanding the effects of climate change on mountain permafrost. Although understanding of rock glacier dynamics has increased during the last decades, linking small‐scale surface kinematics to sub‐surface properties and heterogeneities remains a challenge. To address this gap, we conducted geophysical surveys (electrical resistivity tomography [ERT] and ground‐penetrating radar [GPR]) along two profile lines of 450 and 950 m in length on a rock glacier in the Central Swiss Alps. Additionally, RGV was derived from Sentinel‐1 differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) to quantify annual east–west displacement and elevation change as well as seasonal acceleration during the snow‐free summer months with a ground sampling distance of 5 m. Our results show that movement angle and seasonality are highly associated with different patterns in sub‐surface structure. These different movement patterns are linked to subunits of different morphological origins. Thereby, we can upscale the geophysical results based on the DInSAR surface movement parameters and outline an area within the study site probably affected by ice of glacial origin. Hence, DInSAR movement angle and seasonality can help to bring local sub‐surface information derived from time‐consuming geophysical investigations into the spatial domain. In this way, a better understanding of the current morphodynamics as well as the past and future evolution of the landform can be reached. Applying the approach to other sites with available geophysical investigations could enhance our knowledge about systematic links between surface kinematics and the internal structure of rock glaciers and other ice‐rich glacial and peri‐glacial landforms, as well as their response to a warming climate.
Holistic learning and optimization scheme for wireless networks
Authors: Husen Arif , Chaudary Muhammad Hasanain , Ahmad Farooq , Sohail Abid
Published: September 2024

Future networks are expected to use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning applications intensely. The primary focus of machine learning techniques will be on intelligent automation and decision‐making based on information learned from network functions, resources, and users. The research community has studied several schemes for using machine learning in communications and networks in the last two decades. However, the schemes mainly focus on learning the state information of individual network functions and resources and performing their optimization in a standalone fashion. Recently, a study group from the International Telecommunication Union has outlined machine learning pipeline requirements. It addresses several aspects of machine learning operations, such as model selection, data sources, and action points. However, the mechanisms to define the state of network functions and resources for different network layers and domains are yet to be explored. Therefore, in addition to the above, specific studies are required for cross‐layer and administrative domain knowledge sharing and holistic optimization. Without considering the holistic view, applying machine learning to optimizing individual functions and resources may result in nonoptimal and unexpected behaviors instead of having any positive effect. The need for global and deep holistic learning has recently been identified in the literature; however, no implementation of the above scheme has been studied or evaluated for networks. This article proposes a novel approach, implementing global and deep holistic learning in wireless networks toward fulfilling the requirements of future intelligent networks. It also proposes an objective function‐based feature engineering for wireless networks. Experimental results of the proposed scheme show significant improvements in the network performance and accuracy of the machine learning models. Moreover, applications of transfer learning to base learners for network functions and resources can significantly expedite decision‐making with reduced computational costs.
A classroom practitioner's self‐study on theorizing a practicality ethic framework for adopting digital affordances in language education
Authors: Yan Dave
Published: September 2024

This article recounts a classroom practitioner's doing and thinking on the adoption of digital affordances in the context of Languages Other Than English education at an Australian school. Through the lens of practicality ethic, this practitioner employs a self‐study methodology to explore the dynamic relationships between private theories of teaching and teacher agency in their daily use of Information and Communications Technology. Using qualitative data and content analysis, this study explains how a teacher's situated knowledge influences their decision‐making when adopting specific affordances. The findings of this self‐study generate a unique type of knowledge, bridging the gap between theoretical usefulness and practical relevance in technology use. It sheds light on the significance of considering teachers' situatedness, their judgment, and their capacity to enhance classroom experiences. Through this self‐study, a practicality framework is developed, providing practitioners with an evidence base to examine their everyday use of technology. This line of self‐study scholarship rethinks and reframes educational research, highlighting the contemporary realities of teaching and learning. It offers an in‐depth understanding of how and why practitioners adopt specific digital affordances based on what they consider important. The article concludes with several critical implications for practitioners, policymakers, and academic researchers. Future research is recommended to explore collaborative self‐studies and studies across different curricula or various educational settings. Alternatively, nonreductive data analysis and other theoretical perspectives can be explored.
Leftover and weed, joint efforts to preserve health: Joke or reality?
Authors: Kurćubić Vladimir S. , Stajić Slaviša B. , Živković Vladimir , Mašković Pavle Z. , Matejić Vesna , Dmitrić Marko , Živković Saša , Kurćubić Luka V. , Jakovljević Vladimir
Published: September 2024

This review sheds light on opportunities to transition to a sustainable food system by reducing the use of synthetic additives, preventing biodiversity loss, and creating healthy foods with the most desirable biological and nutritional value in accordance with the ONE HEALTH approach, positively affecting the preservation of the health of animals, people and the environment. The promotion of the value of the circular economy is reflected in the use of a by‐product of the winery (grape pomace – GP) and weed (Sambucus ebulus L. ‐ Dwarf Elder (DE)) for the production of bioactive substances (BAS) from which phytocomplexes (PHYCO) will be created for various purposes in achieving the ultimate goal: healthier human population. We comprehensively analyzed the benefits of the possibility that the addition of PHYCO of plant extracts and lyophilizates (LYOP) in food/feed enables the highest concentration of BAS while the doses of PHYCO are the lowest/cheapest. Such bioproduction must enable the creation of supplements (antimicrobials/antioxidants) or food with desirable techno‐functional and sensory properties and preventive/therapeutic action.
Enhancing Gene Expression Predictions Using Deep Learning and Functional Annotations
Authors: Ramprasad Pratik , Ren Jingchen , Pan Wei
Published: September 2024

Transcriptome‐wide association studies (TWAS) aim to uncover genotype–phenotype relationships through a two‐stage procedure: predicting gene expression from genotypes using an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data set, then testing the predicted expression for trait associations. Accurate gene expression prediction in stage 1 is crucial, as it directly impacts the power to identify associations in stage 2. Currently, the first stage of such studies is primarily conducted using linear models like elastic net regression, which fail to capture the nonlinear relationships inherent in biological systems. Deep learning methods have the potential to model such nonlinear effects, but have yet to demonstrably outperform linear methods at this task. To address this gap, we propose a new deep learning architecture to predict gene expression from genotypic variation across individuals. Our method utilizes a learnable input scaling layer in conjunction with a convolutional encoder to capture nonlinear effects and higher‐order interactions without compromising on interpretability. We further augment this approach to allow for parameter sharing across multiple networks, enabling us to utilize prior information for individual variants in the form of functional annotations. Evaluations on real‐world genomic data show that our method consistently outperforms elastic net regression across a large set of heritable genes. Furthermore, our model statistically significantly improved predictive performance by leveraging functional annotations, whereas elastic net regression failed to show equivalent gains when using the same information, suggesting that our method can capture nonlinear functional information beyond the capability of linear models.
Studies to assess natural resource recovery and evaluate monitoring methods for restored bottomland hardwood forests
Authors: Hooper Michael J. , Struckhoff Matthew A. , Isanhart John P. , Albers Janice L. , Grabner Keith W. , Green Nicholas S. , Kunz Bethany K. , Victoria McDonald M. , West Benjamin M.
Published: September 2024

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process assesses natural resource injury due to oil or chemical spills and calculates the damages to compensate the public for those injuries. Ecological restoration provides a means for recovering resources injured or lost due to contamination from oil or chemical spills by restoring the injured site after remediation, or acquiring or reconstructing equivalent resources off site to replace those lost due to the spill. In the case of restored forests, once restoration is implemented, monitoring of forest ecology helps keep recovery on track, with the maturation of forest vegetation, recovered soil conditions, and development of microbial, fungal, and faunal communities, necessary for ecologically functioning forests. This series of papers focuses on applying methods for monitoring restoration progress in forest vegetation and soils, and amphibian, avian, and mammalian communities, assessing strengths and weaknesses of different methods, and evaluating levels of effort needed to obtain accurate indications of forest ecological condition. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1912–1916. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points

Ecological restorations recover resources injured or lost due to contamination from oil or chemical spills, by restoring the injured site after remediation, or by acquiring or reconstructing equivalent resources off site to replace those lost due to the spill. In the case of forests, once restoration is implemented, monitoring is important to track the progress of indicators of ecological function, such as maturation of forest vegetation, recovered soil conditions, and development of faunal communities. Articles in this special series describe the recovery of vegetation and soils, and amphibian, avian, and mammalian communities in forest restorations of multiple ages, while simultaneously comparing the strengths, weaknesses, and relative efficiency of different monitoring methods.
Study on the effects of beta cyclodextrin‐zinc oxide nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalysts in microbial oil fermentation
Authors: Ravi Kumar Janice , Anandan Dayanandan , Kaliyaperumal Viswanathan
Published: September 2024

In order to study the catalytic activity of beta cyclodextrin‐encapsulated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in microbial oil synthesis, rice‐washed waste water (RWW) was used as the fermentation medium and streptomyces fradiae as the microbe. The introduction of zinc oxide nanoparticles during fermentation had an impact on output and growth. The biomass percentage was 1.5 times greater and the fatty acid profile was better than in the control samples. The analysis of the induction period (IP) revealed that samples containing zinc oxide nanoparticles had maximum oxidation stability for up to 120 days of storage, along with a considerable reduction in autoxidation. The cetane number and calorific value, however, increased with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. A new study discovered that the use of ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated in β‐CD led to much increased production (63.5 g/L) of microbial oil than the control sample (42.5 g/L). Therefore, it is anticipated that these nanoparticles would find utility in energy‐related applications.
Dissecting SOX9 dynamics reveals its differential regulation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Govindaraj Kannan , Kannan Sakshi , Coutinho de Almeida Rodrigo , Jansen Klomp Lucas , Karperien Marcel , Meulenbelt Ingrid , Post Janine N.
Published: September 2024

The transcription factor SOX9 is integral to tissue homeostasis and is implicated in skeletal malformation, campomelic dysplasia, and osteoarthritis (OA). Despite extensive research, the complete regulatory landscape of SOX9 transcriptional activity, interconnected with signaling pathways (TGFβ, WNT, BMP, IHH, NFκB, and HIF), remains challenging to decipher. This study focuses on elucidating SOX9 signaling in OA pathology using Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to assess SOX9 activity directly in live human primary chondrocytes (hPCs). Single cell FRAP data revealed two distinct subpopulations with differential SOX9 dynamics, showing varied distribution between healthy and OA hPCs. Moreover, inherently elevated SOX9‐DNA binding was observed in healthy hPCs compared to preserved and OA counterparts. Anabolic factors (BMP7 and GREM1) and catabolic inhibitors (DKK1 and FRZb) were found to modulate SOX9 transcriptional activity in OA‐hPCs. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate regulation of SOX9 signaling in OA, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for modulating SOX9 activity in diseased states.
Simulator practice of temporary anchorage device (TAD) insertion on inter‐radicular sites improves learning and confidence in dental residency
Authors: Duan Duoni , Gan Mark Joo Seng , Lim Li Zhen , Foong Kelvin Weng Chiong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This exploratory study elicited the procedural considerations and inter‐radicular site placement techniques of experts and investigated how the use of a simulator, with and without feedback, influenced novice learners’ procedural considerations, placement techniques, and confidence.

Methods

Three orthodontic/oral maxillofacial surgery expert clinicians participated in a temporary anchorage device (TAD) insertion assessment accompanied by a think‐aloud protocol. Expert transcripts were coded according to a coding scheme to analyze clinicians’ (N = 18) procedural considerations and placement techniques. Residents were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. Two placement sessions were conducted at two inter‐radicular sites with audio recordings. The intervention group received real‐time feedback on root contact from the simulator's sensor and postoperative radiographs for self‐assessed feedback. Residents’ confidence levels were compared before and after placements, and subjective feedback about the simulator was obtained.

Results

This study utilized the think‐aloud protocol to capture experts’ procedural considerations and placement techniques during TAD insertion and revealed a disparity between residents’ and experts’ thought processes. Only four out of 15 expert themes were mentioned by more than 50% of the residents. The use of the TAD insertion simulator in combination with feedback broadened residents’ procedural considerations after one round of placement. Residents’ confidence increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between them (p > 0.482).

Conclusion

When used in conjunction with feedback, simulator practice of TAD insertion broadened residents’ procedural considerations after one round of placement. It improved residents’ confidence level and was well received as a learning tool.
Pediatric Dentistry Program Directors as stakeholders in the process of Board certification
Authors: Caffrey Erica M. , Dhar Vineet
Published: September 2024

Purpose/objectives

Board certification is an important credential for pediatric dentists to achieve for purposes of career advancement, hospital privileges, and reputation. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the engagement of residency Program Directors (PDs) with the Board certification process in terms of criteria for clinical readiness, curriculum development, and value. An additional objective was to identify challenges and ways in which PDs may need support as they prepare residents for Board certification.

Methods

Eighty‐seven PDs were invited to participate in this study, out of which 32 agreed to participate (36% response rate). The study included a digital non‐validated survey and verbal interviews. Digital and verbal survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

PDs had recurrent themes in their descriptions of clinical readiness, including information gathering, application of knowledge, and professional awareness. Half of the participants used the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) exam domains as a guideline in their curriculum development. Of the verbal interview participants (N = 32), 30(94%) felt that Board certification was very important to their residents and program. Many barriers to successful completion of the Board exam were discussed, and a diverse array of suggestions were made for mechanisms to better support PDs as they prepare residents for Board certification.

Conclusions

Board certification is valued by PDs and influences their criteria for clinical readiness. Increased engagement with the ABPD will facilitate better support for PDs and will enhance the consistency of training standards in residency programs.
Functional Verification of Transcription Factor comp54181_c0 in Monascus purpureus
Authors: Zhang Chan , Wang Haijiao , Ablimit Arzugul , Zhao Yufei , Sun Qing , Dong HuiJun , Zhang Bobo , Liu Chengjian , Wang Chengtao
Published: September 2024

Monacolin K is a valuable secondary metabolite produced after a period of fermentation by Monascus purpureus; however, our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of its synthesis remains incomplete. This study conducted functional analysis on the key transcription factor, comp54181_c0, that is involved in the synthesis of monacolin K in Monascus. Mutant strains with either knockout or overexpression of comp54181_c0 were constructed using CRISPR/Cas9. A comparison between the knockout and overexpression strains revealed changes in fungal morphology and growth, with a significant increase in the production of Monascus pigments and monacolin K when comp54181_c0 was absent. Real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis revealed that comp54181_c0 significantly influenced the transcription of key genes related to monacolin K biosynthesis in Monascus. In conclusion, our study elucidates the crucial role of comp54181_c0 in Monascus, enriches our understanding of fungal secondary metabolite development and regulation, and provides a foundation for the development and regulation of Monascus and monacolin K production.
Knowledge assessment tool for pediatric parenteral nutrition: A validation study
Authors: Fleet Sarah E. , Sideridis Georgios , Wolbrink Traci
Published: September 2024

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a high‐risk medication, and its prescription and administration requires extensive training. Difficulties inherent with bedside teaching have made teaching these concepts challenging. Currently, no knowledge assessment tools with validity evidence exist to test the effectiveness of new PN teaching interventions. We sought to develop and provide validity evidence for a pediatric PN knowledge test to measure the effectiveness of future teaching interventions.

Methods

We created a multiple‐choice question knowledge assessment tool that underwent content validation by PN experts and was emailed to potential participants. We evaluated the knowledge assessment tool for factorial validity, internal consistency reliability, and discriminant validity.

Results

We enrolled 103 medical students (40%), residents and fellow trainees (55%), and attending physicians (5%) into the study between October 2021 and October 2022. Five of the 30 questions performed poorly based on their nonsignificant contribution to the primary aim of assessing pediatric PN knowledge. Following the exclusion of those questions, the knowledge assessment tool demonstrated an acceptable model fit, and the root mean squared error of approximation was <5%. The omega coefficient was 0.829, indicating acceptable levels of reliability, and using an analysis of variance test (ANOVA) demonstrated significant differences between groups, showing good discrimination between levels of experience (F[2, 80] = 39.002; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We have developed and provided validity evidence for a multiple‐choice question knowledge test that may be used by educators and programs to evaluate knowledge of pediatric PN in physicians and trainees.
Chemometrics analysis of the flow and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch
Authors: Olawoye Babatunde , Olaoye Isaac Olatunde
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Starch from a non‐conventional source such as cardaba banana is relatively underexplored compared to conventional sources such as potato, maize or tapioca. Its high amylose content, however, suggests its suitability for specific industrial uses. Understanding the flowability, rheology and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch could lead to its novel application in food product formulation and pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of modification on the bulk material characterization (powder flowability), granule size and shape (measured by light microscope), rheology and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch.

RESULTS

The flowability of cross‐linked starch was affected significantly by the granule size (105 892.7 μm), shape (circularity 0.78) and compressibility (0.20), making it a more free‐flowing powder than other starch powders. The rheological behavior of the starch paste revealed that the Herschel–Bulkley model best predicts the rheological behavior with the highest coefficient of determinant (R2 > 0.9).

CONCLUSION

Cross‐linked Cardaba banana starch with an excellent characteristic will find good application in food products that require free‐flowing behavior. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inkjet‐printed quantum dot light‐emitting diodes: Development and challenges for display applications
Authors: Han Changyeol , Lee Sooho , Ko Yunhyuk , Cho Jungho , Jung Yun Ku , Kang Dong Jin , Kwak Donghoon , Kim Sehun , Ha Jaekook , Yoon Yeo‐geon , Lee Changhee
Published: September 2024

Quantum dot (QD) technology is rapidly advancing and draws much attention for display applications where accurate and vibrant color reproduction is highly required. Currently, significant research is being conducted in developing quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QD‐LED) as next‐generation displays. QD‐LEDs offer several advantages, including high color purity, wide color gamut, and lower manufacturing costs. Recent advancements in QD synthesis and device engineering have significantly improved the performance of QD‐LEDs, but several challenges must be addressed for the successful commercialization. In this article, we provide an overview of QD‐LED developments and key issues that are required to be solved for realizing practical inkjet‐printed QD‐LED displays.
Classifiers of anterior cruciate ligament status in female and male adolescents using return‐to‐activity criteria
Authors: Girard Céline I. , Romanchuk Nicholas J. , Del Bel Michael J. , Carsen Sasha , Chan Adrian D. C. , Benoit Daniel L.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A lack of standardization exists for functional tasks in return‐to‐activity (RTA) guidelines for adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLi). Identifying the variables that discern ACLi status among adolescents is a first step in the creation of such guidelines following surgical reconstruction. This study investigated the use of classification models to discern ACLi status of adolescents with and without injury using spatiotemporal variables from functional tasks typically used in RTA guidelines for adults.

Methods

Sixty‐four adolescents with ACLi and 70 uninjured adolescents completed single‐limb hops, lunges, squats, countermovement jumps and drop‐vertical jumps. Jumping distances, heights, and depths were collected. Decision trees (DTs) were used to classify ACLi status and were evaluated using the F‐measure (F1), kappa statistic (ĸ) and area under the precision–recall curve (PRC). Independent t tests and effect sizes were calculated for each important classifier of the DT models.

Results

A five‐variable model classified ACLi status with an accuracy of 67.5% (F1 = 0.6842; ĸ = 0.350; PRC = 0.491) with sex as a classifier. Significant differences were found in three of the four spatiotemporal variables (p ≤ 0.002). Separate models then classified ACLi status in males and females with an accuracy of 53.3% (F1 = 0.5882; ĸ = 0.0541; PRC = 0.476) and 76.9% (F1 = 0.7692; ĸ = 0.541; PRC = 0.528), respectively, with significant differences for all variables (p ≤ 0.013).

Conclusions

Among the DT models, females were better able to classify ACLi status compared to males, highlighting the importance of sex‐specific rehabilitation guidelines for adolescents.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Newborn Hearing Screening Success… Patient Care Failure
Authors: Jennings Akailah , Isaacson Glenn
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the efficacy of a newborn hearing screening program in an urban hospital 24 years after a longitudinal study identified failings in its program and recommended solutions.

Methods

A hospital‐specific, Pennsylvania database was queried to determine rates of in‐hospital testing, referral, and diagnosis for Temple University Hospital (TUH), and to compare these with reporting sites statewide. At TUH, interviews with newborn hearing screeners and audiologists were conducted to identify barriers to care.

Results

In the year 2022, 2,006/2,069 newborns (97%) were successfully screened prior to hospital discharge at TUH. (63 babies were never tested). There were 73 who did not pass automated auditory brainstem response testing (ABR) in at least one ear. All of these 73 infants returned for repeat automated ABR testing and 50/73 passed in both ears. 23/2006 (1%) were referred to diagnostic testing. 13/23 were successfully scheduled. 11/23 passed in both ears. 2/13 were found to have hearing losses. 10 infants (43%) were lost to follow‐up and were never diagnosed. Examining lost‐to‐follow‐up rates statewide, we identified a relationship between successful follow‐up and local median family income.

Conclusion

Legislation on the state level and improvements in audiometric technology have led to highly successful in‐hospital screening with relatively low false‐positive rates. Despite this, inadequate outpatient follow‐up testing and inequities in the American health care system continue to delay audiometric diagnosis and habilitation of congenital hearing loss. Lack of transportation, childcare for siblings, and newborn insurance status impede access to diagnostic testing.

Level of Evidence

3 evidence—retrospective review comparing cases and controls Laryngoscope, 135:942–947, 2025
Soil Nutrients Inversion in Open‐Pit Coal Mine Reclamation Area of Loess Plateau, China: A Study Based on ZhuHai‐1 Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Wang Juan , Ma Rongrong , Zhou Wei
Published: September 2024

Soil nutrients are crucial to assess land reclamation quality, and the use of various types of remote sensing data for soil nutrient inversion has been a key focus for soil monitoring. However, fewer studies have been conducted using satellite‐based hyperspectral remote sensing. To explore the potential of satellite‐based hyperspectral remote sensing in soil nutrient monitoring, this study selected soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium content data from 83 sample sites using ZhuHai‐1 hyperspectral data. After spectral transformation and feature extraction, various inversion models were constructed, including partial least squares regression, support vector machine, recurrent neural network, and random forest. After verification by accuracy, the best spectral‐model combination was used for inversion. The results showed that the R‐squared range of the inversion models was 0.67748–0.78115. High content areas of soil organic matter and available potassium exhibited concentrated and contiguous features, while high content areas of total nitrogen and available phosphorus were more fragmented and fine‐grained. Alfalfa grassland plays a vital role in improving reconstructed soil in the early reclamation stage, and agricultural activities have differential impacts on soil nutrient accumulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for verifying the application capability of ZhuHai‐1 hyperspectral satellite data in soil monitoring.
Ocean conditions influence the quality of recruiting benthic marine invertebrate larvae—Insights from fatty acids
Authors: Hiltunen Minna , Thomas Michael , Shanks Alan L. , Galloway Aaron W. E.
Published: September 2024

Many marine benthic invertebrates have a pelagic life stage, during which larvae need to accumulate enough reserves to complete metamorphosis to a settled benthic juvenile. Currently, very little is known about how ocean conditions affect quality of the larvae. We studied this for three settlement seasons (2017–2019) by collecting returning Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) megalopae at the Oregon coast and analyzing them for fatty acid biomarkers. We found that the larvae are omnivorous and have versatile diets. The daily larval abundance was positively correlated with larval quality. Despite the relatively high day‐to‐day variation, we found pronounced seasonal and inter‐annual differences in the body condition (size and total fatty acid content) and biomarker composition of megalopae. Especially, the early season recruits of 2017 had lower content of lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids known to be beneficial to crustaceans. This is likely related to lingering effects of the eastern Pacific marine heat wave (2014–2016) on pelagic communities. The larvae were rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with lower levels in benthic juveniles, indicating an ontogenetic diet shift and likely lower availability of DHA and EPA in the benthic environment. The pulsed megalopa recruitment may provide substantial carbon and lipid inputs to the nearshore ecosystem as a form of pelagic subsidy. Our results reveal that ocean conditions may have an effect on the quality of returning larvae, which likely influence their recruitment performance and early juvenile success, and thus potentially also the population size and commercial catch 4 yr later.
Difference‐Frequency Generation of 0.2‐mJ 3‐Cycle 9‐µm Pulses from Two 1‐kHz Multicycle OPCPAs
Authors: Gu Xingbin , Ding Yufang , Hu Zhixuan , Yuan Peng , Zhang Dongfang , Wang Jing , Xie Guoqiang , Ma Jingui , Qian Liejia
Published: September 2024

Intense long‐wave infrared (LWIR) femtosecond pulses within the 8−14 µm atmospheric window present an array of applications, such as in strong‐field physics, ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, and self‐guided atmospheric propagation. However, the realization of an LWIR source capable of delivering millijoule‐class energy, few‐cycle duration, and kHz repetition rate concurrently remains challenging. Here, such an LWIR source via the combination of different nonlinear parametric processes is reported, driven by a 1 kHz Yb:YAG thin‐disk laser. The system comprises two parallel multi‐cycle optical parametric chirped‐pulse amplifiers (OPCPAs) operating at 2.3 and 3.1 µm, respectively, alongside a stage of ZnGeP2‐crystal‐based difference‐frequency generation (DFG). The resulting 9 µm DFG pulses have a record energy of 0.21 mJ, a 3‐cycle duration, a 1 kHz repetition rate, and long‐term energy stability. The simultaneous output of three synchronized intense lasers at short‐wave infrared (2.3 µm), mid‐wave infrared (3.1 µm), and LWIR (9 µm) renders the source particularly appealing for multicolor ultrafast applications.
Preparation of Gradient HEA‐DAC/HPA Hydrogels by Limited Domain Swelling Method
Authors: Dong Shiyu , Lu Guoqiang , Wang Guohua , Wang Keqiang , Tang Ruifen , Nie Jun , Zhu Xiaoqun
Published: September 2024

Hydrogels are widely used in biological dressing, tissue scaffolding, drug delivery, sensors, and other promising applications owing to their water‐rich soft structures, biocompatibility, and adjustable mechanical properties. However, most of the conventional hydrogels are isotropic. The anisotropic structures existed widely in the organizational structure of plants and animals, which played a crucial role in biological systems. In this work, a method of limited domain swelling to prepare anisotropic hydrogels is proposed. Through spatially controlled swelling, the extension direction of hydrogels can be limited by a tailored mold, further achieving anisotropic hydrogels with concentration gradients. The external solution serves as a swelling solution to promote swelling and extension of the hydrogel matrix in a mold which can control the extension direction. Due to the diversity of external solutions, the method can be applied to prepare a variety of stimulus‐responsive polymers. The limited domain swelling method is promising for the construction of anisotropic hydrogels with different structures and properties.
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Autologous Mid‐Urethral Fascia Slings and Retropubic Mid‐Urethral Slings for Women Undergoing a Primary Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mangir Naşide , Güler Hayrullah , Keskin Hakan
Published: September 2024

Aim

Current guidelines on surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) recommend an informed decision making process between the physicians and patients reviewing all available surgical options with and without mesh. However, there is a lack of synthesized clinical evidence on some of the comparisons that can feed into patient counseling processes. The aim of this study was to review the available studies comparing clinical outcomes of an autologous fascial sling (AFS) and a retropubic (RP) synthetic sling for women undergoing a primary surgery for SUI.

Methods

We conducted a literature search from 1990 to 2024 following international guidelines. We have included studies reporting on comparative outcomes of AFS and RP synthetic sling surgeries as a primary procedure.

Results

Three randomized studies were included with follow‐up durations ranging from 24 months to 10 years. The mean percentage change in symptom scores ranged from 27.7% to 44.9%, with no significant difference between the two sling types. There was no difference between groups with regard to objective cure rates, subjective cure rates and length of hospital stay between AFS and RP slings. AFS surgeries had longer operative times. There were concerns about bias, particularly related to allocation, blinding, and missing outcome data.

Conclusion

Overall, both types of slings had similar cure rates but AFSs were associated with longer operative times. The study highlights the need for more research on the comparative effectiveness of AFS and synthetic slings for SUI surgery to guide decision‐making for SUI surgical treatments.
An accurate wavelets‐collocation technique for neutral delay distributed‐order fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Rahimkhani Parisa , Ordokhani Yadollah , Sabermahani Sedigheh
Published: September 2024

In this study, a new class of optimal control problems called neutral delay distributed‐order fractional optimal control problems is introduced, this problem is solved based on an efficient computational scheme. To solve the problem, we derive an exact formula for the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator of Genocchi wavelets based on beta functions for the first time. By taking into account this operator, collocation method, and Gauss–Legendre integration formula, the solution of fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs) under consideration is converted to a nonlinear programming one to which existing well‐developed algorithms may be applied. The mentioned scheme is applied to both FOCPs with or without delay. Error analysis associated with the proposed idea is also investigated under several mild conditions. The effectiveness of the strategy is showed by several illustrative examples, furthermore, a comparison with the previous methods highlights the preference of this scheme.
Optic pathway gliomas in children: Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 95 patients in a single center over a 31‐year period. Can we avoid radiotherapy?
Authors: Kebudi Rejin , Yildirim Ulku Miray , İribaş Ayça , Tuncer Samuray
Published: September 2024

Background

Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) are rare tumors in children. Lesion extent, visual functions, neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), and age are factors that guide treatment. This study evaluates the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of children and adolescents with OPG treated over a 31‐year period in a single center.

Methods

Ninety‐five patients with OPG diagnosed between January 1990 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. First‐line chemotherapy regimen consisted of vincristine and carboplatinum for 1 year. Radiotherapy was not used as first‐line treatment and tried to be avoided in the ones who progressed after first‐line treatment.

Results

Ninety‐five children (44 male, 51 female) with a median age of 52 (1–216) months were evaluated. Sixty‐three (66.3%) had NF1 and 10 (10,5%) diencephalic syndrome. The most common presenting symptoms were visual abnormalities and/or proptosis, nistagmus, and behavioral changes. Twenty‐one (22.1%) patients with NF1 had stable disease throughout the follow‐up period and received no treatment. Sixty‐three of 74 patients received treatment at diagnosis and 11 due to progression during follow‐up. Only one adolescent received radiotherapy at progression. Patients who progressed, received further line systemic treatment (vinblastine; bevacizumab; vincristine–cisplatinum–etoposide). Ten‐year overall survival in all patients, in patients with NF1, and without NF1 were 97.2%, 98%, and 95.8% (p > .05), respectively; 10‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) in all patients, in patients with NF1, and without NF1 were 71.6%, 85.7%, and 54.2% (p = .001), respectively.

Conclusions

In children with symptomatic/progressive OPG, chemotherapy consisting of vincristine–carboplatinum (VC) is effective. Radiotherapy may be avoided, especially in patients with NF1.
Bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the modulus of PBAT composites and creep resistance
Authors: Ye Xiaojing , Ye Yanpeng , Han Yulong , Ren Fengmei , Ma Haihong , Xu Weibing , Zhou Zhengfa
Published: September 2024

Bamboo has a short growth cycle and exists in large quantities in nature. This paper uses bamboo powders (BP) to reinforce polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT) modulus and creep resistance. The BP was surface modified by γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560), and compounded with PBAT in a twin‐screw extruder. The results showed that the specific surface area and micropores of BP were considerably higher than that of common wood powders and cellulose and contributes significantly to the modulus and the creep resistance of composites. Compared with pristine PBAT, the tensile modulus, flexural modulus of K‐BP/PBAT composites increased by 225%, 608%, respectively, at a filler content of 25 wt%. In addition, the creep resistance of K‐BP25 was improved by a factor of 3.25 compared to PBAT. The enhancement mechanism of K‐BP was discussed, the large specific surface area and micropores of K‐BP provided more anchoring sites, which effectively increased the interfacial binding force between K‐BP and PBAT, and enhanced the nucleation ability of PBAT, thus improving the modulus and creep resistance of the composites. The results of this paper broadened the scope of application of PBAT.

Highlights

The bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the modulus of PBAT.

The bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the creep resistance of PBAT.

The special feature of K‐BP can provide more anchoring sites for PBAT.

The K‐BP improves the nucleation ability of PBAT.