bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blasting effects of cross‐fault deep‐buried excavation on adjacent existing tunnel stability
Authors: Chai Shaobo , Chai Lianzeng , Meng Chao , Liu Kai , Song Lang , Zheng Shaojie
Published: December 2024

The vibration caused by blasting excavation of rock mass frequently poses a threat to the stability of adjacent tunnels. Previous research is limited by the simplification of a rock mass as a homogeneous elastic medium, without considering the wave attenuation caused by viscoelasticity and wave separation induced by rock discontinuities, as well as plane waves while neglecting geometric attenuation of near‐field nonplane blast waves. This paper establishes a theoretical model of cylindrical P‐wave propagation across a fault to an adjacent existing tunnel. Based on the time‐domain recursive method, vibration equations and peak particle velocity on the adjacent existing tunnel wall caused by a cylindrical wave passing through a fault are derived. The rock mass and fault are assumed to satisfy Kelvin viscoelastic bodies, and contact interfaces between fault and rock mass follow a nonlinear hyperbolic deformation model in the normal direction and a linear model in the tangential direction. The results show that tunnel vibration caused by the blast cylindrical P‐wave is primarily induced by transmitted P‐waves. With the increase of the fault dip angle, vibration on the upper side of the adjacent existing tunnel gradually decreases, while vibration on the lower side increases. The closer the vibration to the upper and lower sides, the stronger the shear effect on the tunnel wall, and the closer the vibration to the middle, the stronger the pressure effect on the tunnel wall. Larger fault thickness and higher initial blast wave frequency result in weaker vibration of the adjacent tunnel. The deeper the burial depth, the stronger the vibration of the adjacent tunnel wall. Findings of this study provide insight into the dynamic response of rock construction and safety evaluation in engineering service.
Repeated fuel treatments fall short of fire‐adapted regeneration objectives in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest, USA
Authors: Nagelson P. Bryant , York Robert A. , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Foster Daniel E. , Stephens Scott L. , Bisbing Sarah M.
Published: December 2024

Fire exclusion over the last two centuries has driven a significant fire deficit in the forests of western North America, leading to widespread changes in the composition and structure of these historically fire‐adapted ecosystems. Fuel treatments have been increasingly applied over the last few decades to mitigate fire hazard, yet it is unclear whether these fuel‐focused treatments restore the fire‐adapted conditions and species that will allow forests to persist into the future. A vital prerequisite of restoring fire‐adaptedness is ongoing establishment of fire‐tolerant tree species, and both the type and reoccurrence of fuel treatments are likely to strongly influence stand trajectories. Here, we leveraged a long‐term study of repeated fuel treatments in a Sierra Nevada mixed‐conifer forest to examine the regeneration response of six native tree species to the repeated application of common fuel treatments: prescribed fire, mechanical, mechanical plus fire, and untreated controls. Our objectives were to (1) quantify differences in forest structure and composition following the repeated application of alternative fuel treatments that may influence the establishment environment and then (2) identify the stand structure and climate conditions influencing seedling dynamics. We found that both treatment type and intensity are highly influential in shifting forests toward more fire‐adapted conditions and determining species‐specific regeneration dynamics. Specifically, the conifer species tracked here increased in either colonization or persistence potential following repeated applications of fire, indicating fire may be most effective for restoring regeneration conditions broadly across species. Fire alone, however, was not enough to promote fire‐adapted composition, with concurrent mechanical treatments creating more favorable conditions for promoting colonization and increasing abundances of fire‐tolerant ponderosa pine. Yet, even with repeated fuel treatment application, establishment of fire‐intolerant species far exceeded that of fire‐tolerant species over this 20‐year study period. Moreover, increasing growing season water stress negatively impacted seedling dynamics across all species regardless of treatment type and intensity, an important consideration for ongoing management under heightened climatic stress. While repeated treatments are waypoints in restoring fire‐adapted conditions, more intense treatments via gap‐creation or hotter prescribed fires targeting removal of fire‐intolerant species will be necessary to sustain recruitment of fire‐tolerant species.
Demographic rescue falters when pathogens are present
Authors: Searle Catherine L. , Gutierrez Stephanie O. , Ciubotariu Ilinca I. , López‐Cruz Alana , Christie Mark R.
Published: December 2024

As natural populations continue to decline globally, direct forms of intervention are increasingly necessary to prevent extinction. One type of intervention, known as demographic rescue, occurs when individuals are added directly to a population to increase abundance and ultimately prevent population extinction. However, the role of infectious disease in demographic rescue remains unknown. To examine the effects of pathogens on demographic rescue, we used a host–pathogen system with the aquatic crustacean Daphnia dentifera as the host and the fungus Metschnikowia bicuspidata as the pathogen. We constructed a randomized 3 × 2 factorial experiment with three rescue treatments (none, low, high) and two pathogen treatments (unexposed, exposed), where the pathogen was introduced via infected individuals during rescue events. We found that adding more individuals to demographically depressed populations increased abundance over the short term; highly supplemented populations initially had 62% more individuals than populations that had no introduced individuals. However, by the end of the experiment, populations that did not have any individuals introduced averaged 640% higher abundance than populations where infected individuals had been added. Thus, the introduction of infected individuals can result in worse demographic outcomes for populations than if no rescue is attempted.
Strong Acid‐Free Homogeneous Catalytic Systems for the Ester Products Synthesis by Alkenes Alkoxycarbonylation: Recent Advances
Authors: Sevostyanova Nadezhda T. , Batashev Sergey A.
Published: December 2024

Alkoxycarbonylation represents a method for the ester products synthesis from available reagents – unsaturated compounds, alcohols, and CO. The beginning of research on this reaction was laid in W. Reppe’ works in 1953. In early works, halides and carbonyls of Co, Ni, Rh, and Ir were used as catalysts, and alkoxycarbonylation was often complicated by the unsaturated compounds hydroformylation or alcohol carbonylation. In recent decades, in the presence of the most active and selective Pd‐phosphine systems with strong protonic acids, the products are typically only isomeric esters, which corresponds to the creating waste‐free production principles. At present, a large‐capacity synthesis process for methyl methacrylate, dubbed Alpha, is in operation, with the initial stage being ethylene methoxycarbonylation. In light of these developments, there is a growing interest among chemists and technologists in alkenes alkoxycarbonylation. The use of strong protonic acids as co‐catalysts is essential for the formation of active catalytic complexes. However, these acids are highly corrosive and can cause the alkenes isomerisation. This review is devoted to the analysis of acid‐free homogeneous Pd‐, Ru‐, Co‐, and Ni‐catalysts employed in alkenes alkoxycarbonylation over the past 15 years. As a result, polymers, monomers and other valuable linear and branched esters were obtained.
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Fibrous Concrete Beams Incorporating Nano Silicon Dioxide Powder
Authors: Hama Sheelan Mahmoud , Hamadi Enas Faeq , Jahami Ali
Published: December 2024

This research investigated the combined effect of nano‐silicon dioxide (NSD) and steel fibers (SF) on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams. Eight specimens were tested: four without SF and four with SF, with varying NSD percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) replacing cement. The study examined the mechanical properties of concrete and structural behavior outputs, including load‐deflection, ductility, and damage patterns. Results indicate that NSD significantly enhances compressive strength, with increases of 8.7%, 25.2%, and 32.5% for 1%, 2%, and 3% NSD, respectively. Combined with SF, there are additional improvements in tensile and flexural strengths, leading to higher load capacity and reduced deflection. Beams with 1% steel fibers showed a 30% higher load capacity compared with those without fibers. The ACI code was found to underestimate the load capacity of beams with NSD and SF, indicating the need for updated equations. While NSD increased concrete brittleness, SF enhanced ductility and energy absorption. Future research should focus on optimizing NSD and SF dosages, studying long‐term durability, and validating findings through large‐scale tests.
Enhanced Modeling and Control of Organic Rankine Cycle Systems via AM‐LSTM Networks Based Nonlinear MPC
Authors: Sun Yang , Du Ming , Qi Xiao
Published: December 2024

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) serves as an effective means of converting low‐grade heat sources into power, playing a pivotal role in environmentally friendly production and energy recovery. However, the inherent complexity, strong and unidentified nonlinearity, and control constraints pose significant challenges to designing an optimal controller for ORC systems. To address these issues, this research introduces a novel modeling and control framework for ORC systems. Leveraging an attention mechanism‐based long short‐term memory (AM‐LSTM) network, the dynamic characteristics of ORC systems, which are subject to non‐Gaussian disturbances, are accurately modeled. A performance metric based on survival information potential (SIP) is developed to optimize the network parameters. Furthermore, a multi‐objective optimization approach that integrates nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) with the multiverse optimizer (MVO) algorithm is implemented to ensure effective control under varying operating conditions and constraints. Through extensive simulations, the proposed framework demonstrates superior accuracy, robustness, and control performance for ORC systems.
Efficient Coordination Among Chinese Provinces in Managing Supply and Demand for Staple Crops
Authors: Wang Yifei , Deng Xiangzheng , Liu Yansui , Wang Juanle , Li Zhihui
Published: December 2024

Ensuring a stable supply and demand of food represents a pivotal challenge for sustainable development. This study seeks to delineate the spatiotemporal distribution and circulation patterns of supply and demand for staple crops, identify the major producing and consuming zones in China, and investigate the drivers underpinning efficient coordination of food supply and demand. Results indicate that between 2000 and 2020, China's food supply and demand expanded by 73.8% and 36.62%, respectively, achieving a supply surplus. However, the most significant threats to supply–demand coordination are the extensive use of feed and industrial crops, compounded by the import vulnerabilities arising from global supply chain uncertainties. In terms of major producing and consuming zones, Northeast China plays a vital role in the national food supply, contributing 71% of domestic soybeans, 55% of its maize, and 34% of its rice. Climatic conditions and self‐sufficiency rates are key determinants of provincial supply and demand for staple crops. Provinces such as Sichuan, Hubei, Anhui, and Shandong represent balanced producing–consuming zones for these staple crops. To enhance food supply–demand coordination, tailored and adaptive measures for different provinces are imperative. This study offers theoretical insights to understand the trends of food supply and demand and further contributes to adaptive strategies to address climate change for sustainable food systems.
Authentication of Coffea arabica: Comparative Multispectral Discrimination by NIR and UV–Vis Spectroscopy Aided by Artificial Neural Networks and Data Fusion
Authors: Moll Vanessa , Beć Krzysztof B. , Handle Lara , Huck Christian W.
Published: December 2024

Coffea arabica L. (Arabica) is considered the highest quality coffee species and provides the majority of the worldwide production. Among its groups are rare and expensive coffees; consequently, Arabica is subject to fraudulent practices. Currently, a selection of methods allow to precisely discriminate between the primary commercial coffee species (Arabica and Robusta). However, Arabica coffees offer a very restricted genetic diversity, and the authentication of its groups by spectroscopy has not yet been demonstrated to be feasible. This study aimed to step beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art, evaluating the possibility of a multispectral approach to discriminate shelf‐ready coffee beans of the most significant Arabica groups, Typica and Bourbon. Spectral analysis was performed by a benchtop near‐infrared (NIR; 1000–2500 nm), a benchtop ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis; 200–1000 nm), and a handheld Vis‐NIR (350–2500 nm) spectrometer, hyphenated with nonlinear classification techniques, including artificial neural networks (ANNs). Additionally, low‐level (LLDF) and mid‐level (MLDF) data fusion as well as variable selection (VS) methods were evaluated in their predictive performance. This study successfully demonstrates that closely related Arabica groups are discriminable from each other using a rapid multispectral approach, including direct on‐site analysis. The NIR region provided precise classification of the Arabica coffees (94%–98% accuracy), the Vis‐NIR (88%–93 %), and the UV–Vis (82%–93 %) region showed also good discrimination but left room for improvement. However, an LLDF of the Vis‐NIR and the UV–Vis region in combination with VS proved to be a potent tool to further refine the authentication of coffee groups and showed very good classification accuracies (91%–97%).
Enhancing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Producing Curcumin‐Infused Plant‐Based Milk Alternatives With a Two‐in‐One Post pH‐Driven Processing Strategy
Authors: Suryamiharja Anthony , Gong Xiping , Akoh Casimir C. , Zhou Hualu
Published: December 2024

Increasing food sustainability and health benefits is essential to meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. This study used a green two‐in‐one post pH‐driven processing strategy to develop a sustainable and healthy plant‐based milk alternative. It achieved both extraction and encapsulation in one step by directly incorporating the health‐promoting curcumin from turmeric into soymilk. A high processing efficiency was observed, 94.2% ± 1.6%, with a high extraction efficiency of 96.4% ± 0.5%. Using raw turmeric instead of a purified curcumin significantly enhanced the sustainability in the use of raw materials, for example, reducing the CO2‐eq emissions by 22 times and energy use by 10 times, even with a very small percentage of curcumin (∼0.03 wt%) in the formulation. This strategy underscores the importance of using raw materials and minimizing processing steps to develop more sustainable foods. Additionally, the incorporation of curcumin was found to impart a yellow color to soymilk. No significant changes were observed in other physicochemical properties like particle size, zeta potential, and melting behavior, as most curcumin molecules were encapsulated within the lipid phase of soymilk. The curcumin‐infused soymilk powders also maintained excellent storage stability for 1 month under freezing temperature.
Financial access of midstream agricultural firms in Africa: Evidence from the LSMS‐ISA and World Bank Enterprise Surveys
Authors: Ambler Kate , de Brauw Alan , Herskowitz Sylvan , Pulido Cristhian
Published: December 2024

We use data from the Living Standards Measurement Study—Integrated Surveys on Agriculture and the World Bank Enterprise Survey from seven African countries, to identify agricultural midstream firms and assess their access to credit, comparing them to nonagricultural midstream firms. We find that the agricultural midstream firms are larger and more productive, and are less likely to report barriers to accessing credit, although overall access levels remain low. These findings help build our understanding about the financial needs of micro‐, small‐, and medium‐size enterprises in the agricultural midstream and suggest that more targeted data collection could further this research agenda.
High school foundational skills intervention in context: Lessons from a research–practice partnership in an urban district
Authors: Reynolds Dan , Kemper Brianna Rae , Collette Kristin
Published: December 2024

While adolescent foundational skills interventions can be critical levers for reading improvement, district leaders, teachers, and researchers must make complex decisions about how to evaluate their effectiveness in context. In this discussion article, we explore three issues and tensions we experienced during a 2‐year research–practice partnership overhauling Tier II high school reading intervention practices in a district serving largely African American students. First, we discuss assessment and the challenges of using data and reading theory to simultaneously address system‐level and student‐level needs. Second, we share our process for choosing a curriculum and evaluating its effectiveness. Finally, we weigh how students' African American English may have been related to program implementation and foundational skills development. We share our takeaways to help practitioners and researchers seeking systematic foundational skills improvement across a district, especially districts like ours.
Exploring the Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Associated With Bullying Victimization: The Intersection of Gender and Family Support
Authors: Son Hyewon , Jang Hayun , Park Hansol , Subramanian S. V. , Kim Jinho
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Children from multicultural families in South Korea are at high risk of bullying victimization, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. This study explores the gendered dynamics of depressive symptoms associated with persistent exposure to bullying victimization among these youths, as well as the role of family support.

Methods

This study utilizes data from nine waves of the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study (MAPS), spanning from 2011 (Wave 1) to 2019 (Wave 9). MAPS is a nationally representative longitudinal survey of adolescents with multicultural backgrounds and their mothers. Participants include 1375 families (51.1% girls; grade 4−13). Fixed‐effects models were estimated to address the possibility of bias due to unobserved time‐invariant confounders. Gender‐stratified analyses and interaction models were employed to examine the moderating role of gender and family support.

Results

Depressive symptoms among girls were higher with persistent bullying victimization; however, this association was observed up to two consecutive waves of exposure (an immediate and short‐term pattern). In contrast, persistent bullying victimization was associated with a cumulative increase in depressive symptoms up to three or more consecutive waves of exposure in boys (an immediate and cumulative pattern). Moreover, while family support was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among bullied girls, bullied boys exhibited a similar pattern of a cumulative increase in depressive symptoms regardless of the level of family support.

Conclusion

The study's findings suggest potential considerations for gendered interventions related to mental health outcomes of bullying victimization among multicultural family youth in Korea.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles by Using In Vitro Grown Aloe vera L.
Authors: Gül Damla , Arkan‐Ozdemir Simge , Yücel Oğuz , Yıldırım Eren , Kalyon Göksenin , Ilhan‐Sungur Esra , Emik Serkan , Erol Ayşe , Kara Neslihan Turgut
Published: December 2024

In this study, in vitro grown Aloe vera L. tissues were used for AgNP synthesis. Adventitious root and callus tissues were grown in MS medium containing 1 mg/L IAA and 1 mg/L NAA. Using A. vera L. leaf, in vitro grown callus, and adventitious roots tissue extracts, AgNPs were synthesized. According to DLS analysis, PDI values and zeta potential values showed that AgNPs from adventitious root were more suitable in terms of size and surface charge. Characterization of adventitious root‐derived AgNPs was performed by UV–Vis absorption spectrum, ICP/MS, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. According to HPLC results, catechin, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, polydatin, coumarin, and ellagic acid were found in adventitious roots. Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC2 7853), MRSA (ATCC 33951) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) strains were used to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of AgNPs. The highest antibacterial activity was determined against P. aeruginosa. Lower concentrations of AgNPs caused changes in the structure of the biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa, which produced particularly strong biofilms, resulting in failure of biofilm maturation. Accordingly, AgNPs synthesized from Aloe vera L. adventitious roots had antibacterial and antibiofilm activity even at low concentrations against the tested bacterial strains.
Increased serum B‐cell maturation antigen levels evaluated with an Elecsys‐based serum B‐cell maturation antigen assay have a negative prognostic value in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos Ioannis , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Fotiou Despina , Migkou Magdalini , Eleutherakis‐Papaiakovou Evangelos , Theodorakakou Foteini , Roussou Maria , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Dimopoulos Meletios A , Kastritis Efstathios
Published: December 2024

Background: Serum B‐cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) levels have emerged as a potential biomarker for disease monitoring in multiple myeloma (MM) with prognostic value.

Methods: Herein, we evaluated the sBCMA levels in 166 patients with newly diagnosed MM with an Elecsys‐based sBCMA assay.

Results: Increased sBCMA levels at diagnosis were correlated with inferior survival outcomes in terms of both progression‐free and overall survival. In a subset of patients with available samples at the time of disease progression, there was a trend for decreasing sBCMA values.

Conclusion: Sequential evaluation of sBCMA in prospective studies will determine the value of incorporating sBCMA measurement in clinical practice.
Circulatory response to exercise relative to oxygen uptake assessed in the follow‐up of patients with fatty acid beta‐oxidation disorders
Authors: Imbard Apolline , de Calbiac Hortense , Le Guillou Edouard , Laforêt Pascal , Schiff Manuel , Brassier Anaïs , Thevenet Elise , Pontoizeau Clément , Lefrère Bertrand , Ottolenghi Chris , Lebigot Elise , Gaignard Pauline , Gobin Stéphanie , Acquaviva‐Bourdain Cécile , Benoist Jean‐François , Tuchmann‐Durand Caroline , Legendre Antoine , de Lonlay Pascale
Published: December 2024

Patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) experience muscle symptoms due to impaired ATP metabolism and the toxicity of accumulated mitochondrial FAO substrates or intermediates, especially during catabolic states. A major issue is the absence of specific and sensible biomarkers to evaluate metabolic equilibrium. The relationship between cardiac output (Q) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during incremental exercise (dQ/dVO2) provides an indirect surrogate of mitochondrial function. A high dQ/dVO2 slope indicates impaired oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle during exercise. Our study aimed to evaluate dQ/dVO2 as a potential marker of the severity of FAODs. We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory parameters and treatment data for FAOD patients over 6 years old, including a disease severity score, plasma acylcarnitines and cardiopulmonary exercise tests with Q measurement via thoracic bioelectrical impedance. FAO flux was measured in whole blood and in myoblasts when available. We included 27 FAOD patients followed from 2015 to 2022, with deficiencies in LCHAD (n = 10), CPT2 (n = 6), VLCAD (n = 7), or MADD (n = 4). CPT2 deficient patients with severe scores had the highest C18:1‐, C16‐, C18‐acylcarnitines, and dQ/dVO2. In these patients, dQ/dVO2 was positively correlated with C18:1, C16, and C18 acylcarnitines. In a linear multivariate regression model, dQ/dVO2 was significantly associated with the severity score (B = 0.831, p = 0.008) and triheptanoin treatment (B = −0.547, p = 0.025). dQ/dVO2 and plasma long‐chain acylcarnitines might be useful to monitor CPT2D, as these parameters associate with our clinical severity score and could reflect altered mitochondrial functions.
Otolaryngologist surgical preferences for orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease: A North American survey
Authors: Higgins Ryan C. , Lane Ciaran F. , Goyal Neerav
Published: December 2024

Background

Orbital decompression is recommended for TED especially in the treatment of severe, refractory cases yet there are no clear guidelines regarding the optimal surgical approach. Previously conducted surveys assessed variations in the management of TED but only amongst ophthalmologists. Our study attempts to better characterize surgical and perioperative preferences amongst otolaryngologists in the management of TED.

Methods

A survey was administered to the American Rhinologic Society and Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery via REDCap with 52 total respondents. Respondent demographic information and pre‐operative management, procedural specifics, and post‐operative management preferences were collected.

Results

The majority of respondents practiced in a metropolitan (82.7%), academic setting (73.1%) and received subspecialty training in Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery (88.9%). Most elected for corticosteroids (63.5%) and medical management (69.2%) prior to orbital decompression but did not use any classification system (86.5%). Orbital decompression was most often done with ophthalmology collaboration (71.2%). Removal of two bony walls (55.8%) via medial wall (97.9%) and orbital floor (72.3%) removal was most preferred. Removal of one orbital fat aspect (60.6%) via the medial fat pad was most preferred. Combined bone and fat removal (59.6%) completed via an endoscopic approach (71.2% and 97.0%, respectively) was most common. Post‐operatively, most patients were not admitted (88.4%) with saline nasal rinses (92.3%) utilized by most respondents.

Conclusions

This survey completed by otolaryngologists highlights several key distinctions in the preferred surgical approach during orbital decompression and the perioperative management of TED when compared to ophthalmologists and current recommendations.

Level of evidence

Level 4.
Ultra‐Large Bandwidth and Ultra‐High Sensitivity Germanium/Silicon Avalanche Photodiode
Authors: Zou Mingjie , Shi Yang , Xing Sizhe , Li Zuhang , Zhang Junwen , Yu Yu , Zhang Xinliang
Published: December 2024

Germanium/silicon (Ge/Si) avalanche photodiode (APD) has emerged as a highly desirable component for optical communication, sensing, and computing, attributed to its inherent gain. Conventional schemes typically suffer from limited bandwidth and significant excess noise due to the high gain, restricting the high‐sensitivity detection in burgeoning high‐speed applications. Here, a Ge/Si APD is developed with an ultra‐large bandwidth at an optimal gain. This breakthrough is achieved by implementing an extremely narrow multiplication layer to enhance the space charge effect, overcoming the intrinsic bandwidth limitation in conventional APDs while elaborately harnessing the gain to a moderate value to ensure the optimal sensitivity. The device possesses a bandwidth of 67 GHz at an optimal gain of 6.6 and enables data reception of 240 Gb s−1 four‐level pulse amplitude modulation signal—the largest bandwidth and highest single‐channel bitrate among all reported APDs. The presented APD suggests promising applications for high‐speed and high‐sensitivity data communication owing to its competitive performance, cost‐effectiveness, and high‐yield production.
Within‐Firm and Cross‐Firm Interconnection Strategies in Asymmetric Networks
Authors: Luo Yuchen , Li Lingfang (Ivy) , Fu Xiao
Published: December 2024

This paper develops a unified framework for analyzing various interconnection regimes in two dimensions: compatibility between networks managed by the same firm (within‐firm interconnection) and compatibility between networks of different firms (cross‐firm interconnection). Our study examines a duopoly market in which a dominant firm operates two networks and a competitor offers a standalone network. We find that the strength of economies of scale is critical in determining firm choices of interconnection regimes. The welfare implications of interconnection regimes are also investigated. In particular, policy interventions aimed at promoting cross‐firm interconnection may result in socially undesirable outcomes.
Machine learning‐assisted performance analysis of organic photovoltaics
Authors: Zhong Sijing , Huang Jiayi , Meng Hengyu , Feng Zhuo , Wang Qianyue , Huang Zhenyu , Zhang Lijie , Li Shiwei , Gong Weiyang , Huang Yusen , Ying Lei , Li Ning
Published: December 2024

Although the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs) has been rapidly improved, there is still a lot of room for designing and developing new materials and their combinations to approach the efficiency limit. In this work, we establish a database of ∼100 bulk heterojunction OSCs composed of representative donors and acceptors reported in the literature, and train machine learning models to identify the efficiency potential of donor‐acceptor combinations. We find that the fully connected neural network achieves a Pearson coefficient of up to 0.88 for predicting the efficiency of OSCs with different combinations of donors and acceptors. We use sure independence screening and sparsifying method with feature analysis to analyze and evaluate the performance of OSCs. To prove the reliability and viability of the predictive model, we introduce the theoretical efficiency limits and confidence tests into the process, which provides a simple but reliable solution to quickly analyze and evaluate the potential of OSC materials and material combinations.
A Novel Balanced‐to‐Balanced Filtering Crossover With Wideband Isolation and Common‐Mode Suppression
Authors: Tan Xiao , Wang Zhongbao , Zhao Shipeng , Liu Hongmei , Gao Mingming , Fang Shaojun
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a novel balanced‐to‐balanced (BTB) filtering crossover is proposed, which is co‐designed to integrate the bandpass response and common‐mode (CM) suppression characteristics without cascading the filtering networks and Baluns. Even‐ and odd‐mode analysis is adopted to verify that the proposed BTB filtering crossover can achieve the differential‐mode (DM) cross‐transmission while maintaining high isolation and CM suppression. For verification of the design theory, a microstrip prototype with the center frequency f0 of 2.45 GHz is fabricated and measured. The measured DM return loss, insertion loss, and isolation are 28.7, 0.54, and 43.6 dB, respectively. For CM excitation, the measured CM suppression and isolation at f0 are 45.4 and 45.6 dB, respectively. More importantly, the proposed crossover features wideband isolation (over 20 dB) and CM suppression (over 45 dB) covering all measured frequencies from 1.0 to 4.0 GHz.
Evaluation of Automatic Analysis Software for 1H NMR Spectra Quantification. Impact of Signal Broadening and EDTA Addition
Authors: Hernández‐Espino Circe C. , García‐Aguilera Martha E. , Valeriano Alan Emmanuel Aguilar , Esturau‐Escofet Nuria
Published: December 2024

NMR is a well‐established analytical technique that enables the identification and quantification of several compounds in complex mixtures. The implementation of automated analysis software enhances this process by comparing sample spectra with a library of standard reference spectra. One of the key parameters in libraries is the signal line width; however, this may result in a concentration bias for compounds with broad signals, particularly those that are complexing. This study aims to evaluate the quantification of seven compounds commonly present in wine with complexing activity. Four automatic programs and manual deconvolution were used to quantify mixtures of these compounds at known concentrations, both in the presence of cations and with the addition of ethylenediamine‐tetraacetate (EDTA) as a chelating agent. Additionally, malate was quantified in a wine sample using the standard addition method, both with and without EDTA. The findings illustrate that three of the programs, which employ the signal width value, underestimate compound concentrations in the presence of cations due to signal broadening. This error was mitigated by the EDTA addition. In contrast, the remaining software, which did not utilize signal line width, obtained similar concentrations in both cases. Future investigations involving the automatic analysis of compounds with complexing activity should take care of sample preparation and/or algorithm selection. Furthermore, future software development should consider allowing flexible adjustments of signal line width in their workflow.
Retention of T-bar anchor tags by adult steelhead during their upstream migration
Authors: Voss Nicholas S. , McCormick Joshua L. , Lubenau William J. , Bowersox Brett J. , Copeland Timothy , Quist Michael C.
Published: December 2024

Objective

T-bar anchor tags can be used to obtain recapture data from anglers, directly estimate exploitation, and evaluate population dynamics. However, their use by biologists to study anadromous salmonid fisheries is limited. Two hurdles to adoption include the functional difficulty of tagging large anadromous salmonids using conventional tagging equipment and a lack of information on tag loss by large anadromous salmonids and how it changes over time. As such, our objectives were to (1) describe a T-bar anchor tagging system modified to study adult steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) and (2) present an instantaneous tag loss model for steelhead that allows estimation of tag loss over time.

Methods

First, we developed a modified tagging system by tagging hatchery-obtained steelhead carcasses and live, resident Rainbow Trout larger than 500 mm using a variety of hardware and tag dimensions. Next, we double-tagged adult steelhead captured at the Lower Granite Dam adult fish trap, Washington, United States. We then used data from 182 recaptured steelhead to fit an instantaneous tag loss model. Last, we investigated whether steelhead tag loss was related to body length.

Result

Tag loss was generally low within the time period under study (i.e., up to 221 days between release and recapture). The estimated probability of tag loss was 0.034 at release, 0.044 at 1 month, and 0.113 at 8 months. We failed to detect significant differences in tag loss parameters between two data subsets consisting of small (<720-mm) and large (≥720-mm) steelhead.

Conclusion

T-bar anchor tags are useful external tags for studying adult steelhead during their upstream migration. Because anglers can be used to provide recapture data, T-bar anchor tags may be particularly useful where angler effort is high or direct estimation of fishery exploitation is desired.
Systems Engineering Approach Towards Sensitive Cellular Fluorine‐19 MRI
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Pal Piya , Ahrens Eric T.
Published: December 2024

In vivo fluorine‐19 MRI using F‐based tracer media has shown utility and versatility for a wide range of biomedical uses, particularly immune and stem cell detection, as well as biosensing. As with many advanced MRI acquisition techniques, the sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) in vivo is a key consideration for a successful study outcome. In this review, we analyze the primary factors that limit cell LOD. The achievable sensitivity is strongly dependent on the specific composition of tracer, cell type of interest, cell activity, data acquisition and reconstruction methods, and MRI hardware design. Recent innovations in molecular 19F tracer design and image acquisition–reconstruction methods have achieved significant leaps in 19F MRI sensitivity, and integration of these new materials and methods into studies can result in > 10‐fold improvement in LOD. These developments will help unlock the full potential of clinical 19F MRI for biomedical applications.
Homomorphic Witness Encryption and Its Applications
Authors: Wang Yuzhu , Wang Xingbo , Zhang Mingwu
Published: December 2024

In witness encryption (WE), an instance of an NP problem is allowed to be used to encrypt a message, and who holding a witness of the problem can efficiently decrypt the ciphertext. In this work, we put forth the concept of homomorphic witness encryption (HWE), where one can evaluate functions over ciphertexts of the same instance without decrypting them, that is, one can manipulate a set of ciphertexts with messages to obtain the evaluation of , for any function . We declare that such homomorphic witness encryption schemes can be generically constructed from indistinguishable obfuscation () for any classes of functions. Then we propose the instantiate of multiplicatively homomorphic witness encryption (MHWE) and linearly homomorphic witness encryption (LHWE) using an , homomorphic encryption for NP problems such as Subset‐Sum and a batch‐processed GS‐proof system, which enables us to evaluate multiplication operations and linear operations over ciphertext. Furthermore, we show the practicality of homomorphic witness encryption by proposing new protocols for applications of interest, such as homomorphic time‐lock encryption, multi‐party contract signing, and e‐voting.
Factors Associated With Adolescents' Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intention: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Chen Angela Chia‐Chen , Liu ChengChing Hiya , Arcoleo Kimberly , Ling Jiying , Robbins Lorraine B.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To examine relationships between hypothesized potential predictors of vaccination and adolescent's Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intention and whether these predictors differed by sex. We also investigated adolescents' experiences and preferences regarding learning about HPV through social media and other technology, to inform future tailored interventions.

Design

Cross‐sectional research design.

Methods

119 adolescents ages 11–17 years who had not received any HPV vaccine were enrolled. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from community and clinical settings, with the majority of households located in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in a southwest state. Participants completed an anonymous survey. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, chi‐square test and hierarchical logistic regression were conducted to describe the sample, examine relationships between potential predictors and HPV vaccination intention and investigate sex differences.

Results

The mean sample age was 13.76 years (SD = 2.03); 63% female; 42% Hispanic/Latino; 55.5% received free or reduced‐price lunch. Compared to White adolescents, Hispanic/Latino adolescents reported higher HPV vaccination intention (AOR = 24.10, CI 95% [3.85–150.82]; p < 0.001). Adolescents who had higher perceived risk of contracting HPV (AOR = 1.89, CI 95% [1.23–2.91]; p = 0.004) and perceived more facilitators (AOR = 1.61, CI 95% [1.22–2.12]; p < 0.001) reported higher HPV vaccination intention. Compared to boys, girls (AOR = 0.28, CI 95% [0.08–0.97]; p = 0.045) had lower HPV vaccination intention. Adolescents also showed strong interest in learning HPV‐related issues through digital education.

Conclusion

Adolescent HPV vaccination rates in the United States are significantly below the targeted 80% completion goal. Nurses play a critical role in protecting adolescents from HPV infection and related cancers. Digital interventions addressing HPV vaccine‐related risks and facilitators and engaging key personnel (adolescent, parent, healthcare provider, teacher) in different settings have the potential to increase adolescent's vaccination intention.

No Patient or Public Contribution to This Study

Patients or the general public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation of the data in this study.
Factors Associated With Reflective Practice Among Specialist Nurses in China: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Xu Lichun , Lin Liyu , Guan Aixuan , Wang Qingqing , Lin Feng , Lin Weicong , Li Jing
Published: December 2024

Aim

The objective of this study was to investigate the level of reflective practice and its influencing factors among specialist nurses in Chinese tertiary general hospitals.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was adopted.

Methods

A General Information Questionnaire and a Reflective Practice Questionnaire were distributed from July to August 2023 to specialist nurses who had obtained a Certificate of Nursing Practice, completed systematic specialist nurse training and were professionally qualified in six tertiary general hospitals in Xiamen, China.

Results

A total of 344 specialist nurses participated in the study. Specialist nurses' reflective practice was categorised into four potential characteristics. According to univariate analysis, reflective practice of specialist nurses was associated with marital status, participation in nursing consultations, feelings of lack of competence, perceived low patient recognition of specialist nurses, and perceived low physician recognition of specialist nurses. In the ordered logistic analysis, marital status and whether or not to participate in nursing consultations were influential factors in the reflective practice of specialist nurses.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, we recommend that nursing administrators should take some steps to improve reflective practice among specialist nurses.
Emerging Applications of Smart Hydrogel Nanocomposites in 3D Printing
Authors: Heidari Mohammad , Shahi Farangis , Afshar Hana , Nobre Marcos A. L. , Dawi Elmuez A. , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: December 2024

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of stimuli‐responsive hydrogels in 3D printing, emphasizing their transformative potential in creating adaptive and multifunctional structures. Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels, including magneto‐, thermo‐, pH‐, moisture‐, solvent‐, and photo‐responsive varieties, have gained significant attention due to their ability to undergo dynamic changes in response to specific environmental stimuli. The review begins by exploring the fundamental characteristics and fabrication methods of hydrogels used in additive manufacturing, highlighting their exceptional adaptability and programmability. It then delves into various applications across diverse fields, including soft robotics, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, wearable electronics, food technology, electromagnetic interference shielding, and anti‐counterfeiting technologies. By integrating the latest advancements in 3D printing techniques, this review aims to offer insights into how stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are enabling the development of innovative, intelligent, and environmentally responsive systems. The future perspectives section discusses challenges and opportunities for advancing the use of hydrogels in 3D printing, suggesting directions for future research that could push the boundaries of functional materials and programmable structures.
Rational Design of Hot‐Melt Biodegradable Tissue Adhesive for Bone Fracture Repair
Authors: Shem Tov Orel , Dotan Ana L. , Lewitus Dan Y.
Published: December 2024

Biodegradable bone adhesives can be an effective alternative to metallic implants for stabilizing bone fractures, promoting healing, and restoring full function and mobility. Nonetheless, achieving strong adhesion to the bone under physiological conditions is complex. Herein, a polymer‐based hot‐melt biodegradable bone‐tissue adhesive was developed for bone fracture repair to provide strong bone adhesion in physiological (wet) conditions and is easy to apply. The incorporation of 3,4‐dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (HCA) and monobasic calcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) into the poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) matrix via melt blending demonstrated successful adhesion of bovine bone slices under wet conditions. A mixture design of experiments was applied to optimize the adhesive formulation to maximize adhesion strength while minimizing the adhesive's melting temperature (Tm). The optimized composition of 50% PCL, 25% HCA, 25% MCPM achieved a Tm of 52°C ± 0.6°C and a lap shear adhesion strength of 294 ± 88 kPa after 30 min and 226 ± 51 kPa after 2 h of application. Time‐dependent oscillatory shear measurements revealed that HCA prolongs the setting time while MCPM reduces it. Furthermore, in vivo feasibility testing demonstrated successful adhesion of fractured bones. The hot‐melt adhesive represents a promising approach toward bone fracture repair.
The Impact of Social Stress on Trustworthiness Judgments in Schizophrenia
Authors: Čavojská Natália , Ivančík Vladimír , Straková Alexandra , Januška Jakub , Dančík Daniel , Vašečková Barbora , Forgáčová Ľubica , Krajčovičová Dana , Kraus Jakub , Pečeňák Ján , Heretik Anton , Hajdúk Michal
Published: December 2024

The present study examines the impact of induced social stress on facial trustworthiness judgments in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) and the associations between symptoms and trustworthiness ratings. Thirty‐three individuals with SCZ and forty healthy controls (HC) were asked to rate the trustworthiness of 24 digitally morphed faces in two counterbalanced conditions. Mild social stress was induced by listening to loud noises from a busy street. BPRS, CAPE‐42, and the Paranoia Scale measured the severity of symptoms. We did not observe significant differences in trustworthiness judgments between the patient and control groups. Social stress did not impact trust judgments. Paranoia was negatively connected to trustworthiness ratings in the control group. Subjective rating of stress in noise condition was negatively associated with paranoia only in the control sample. In the patient group, a negative correlation was found between trustworthiness ratings in stress conditions and the severity of self‐reported negative symptoms. Our results suggest that mild social stress does not significantly affect trustworthiness judgments in either patients with SCZ or in HC. Differences between the patient and control groups in trustworthiness judgments were negligible. Overall, the results of this study can be considered mainly negative and contrast with previous studies. The stress induction paradigm or a smaller sample size might cause observed results. In controls, biased face perception was linked to trait paranoia. By contrast, in SCZ, other factors might impact trust perception and need further examination.