bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing sympatry networks to assess potential introgression pathways within the major oak sections in the contiguous US states
Authors: Cannon Charles H. , Kartesz John , Hoban Sean , Loza M. Isabel , Bruns Emily Beckman , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Increasing evidence indicates gene flow commonly occurs between closely related species in diverse plant genera and can involve numerous species. Here, we present a simple method to quantify and characterize the potential for gene flow among “sympatric” species (they share some part of their geographic distribution), using oaks as a case study. The resulting sympatry networks provide insight into potential interspecific gene flow, from the perspective of each species and across the entire suite of interfertile species. In a rapidly changing world, interspecific gene flow will play an increasingly important role in the conservation of endangered species, both positive and negative.

We provide a simple method, using geographic distribution data, to quantify and characterize sympatry networks among a suite of interfertile species to assess potential routes for introgressive hybridization (IH). Sympatry is a necessary condition for IH and is easily determined from widely available geographic distribution data.

Oaks, famous for hybridization, present an excellent case study. We use county‐level data for 94 oak species in the contiguous US states to determine patterns of sympatry of species within the four sections, assumed to be interfertile. The pairwise sympatry relationships can generate species‐centric local networks or a syngameon‐wide network. Two different measures of sympatry are used: proportional and relative.

Most oak species are exposed to IH from many species, with red oaks having slightly higher local levels of sympatry (5.7 vs. 3.8 spp per county) than white oaks but lower total numbers of sympatric species (13.7 vs. 14.8). The nature of potential IH generally differs for threatened species, which are often embedded in the much larger distributions of widespread species.

Potential IH within oak sections is widespread and disproportionately affects rare species. Given that IH has potentially positive or negative impacts on species cohesion, persistence, and adaptation, the geographic connections among species and the ‘local sympatry effect’ can serve as a springboard for hypothesis generation and genetic investigation of introgression patterns.
Applying the Estimand Framework to Non‐Inferiority Trials
Authors: Lynggaard Helle , Keene Oliver N. , Mütze Tobias , Rehal Sunita
Published: August 2024

Most published applications of the estimand framework have focused on superiority trials. However, non‐inferiority trials present specific challenges compared to superiority trials. The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use notes in their addendum on estimands and sensitivity analysis in clinical trials that there may be special considerations to the implementation of estimands in clinical trials with a non‐inferiority objective yet provides little guidance. This paper discusses considerations that trial teams should make when defining estimands for a clinical trial with a non‐inferiority objective. We discuss how the pre‐addendum way of establishing non‐inferiority can be embraced by the estimand framework including a discussion of the role of the Per Protocol analysis set. We examine what clinical questions of interest can be formulated in the context of non‐inferiority trials and outline why we do not think it is sensible to describe an estimand as ‘conservative’. The impact of the estimand framework on key considerations in non‐inferiority trials such as whether trials should have more than one primary estimand, the choice of non‐inferiority margin, assay sensitivity, switching from non‐inferiority to superiority and estimation are discussed. We conclude by providing a list of recommendations, and important considerations for defining estimands for trials with a non‐inferiority objective.
Nonlocality Enhanced Precision in Quantum Polarimetry via Entangled Photons
Authors: Pedram Ali , Besaga Vira R. , Setzpfandt Frank , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür E.
Published: August 2024

A nonlocal quantum approach is presented to polarimetry, leveraging the phenomenon of entanglement in photon pairs to enhance the precision in sample property determination. By employing two distinct channels, one containing the sample of interest and the other serving as a reference, the conditions are explored under which the inherent correlation between entangled photons can increase measurement sensitivity. Specifically, the quantum Fisher information (QFI) is calculated and compare the accuracy and sensitivity for the cases of single sample channel versus two channel quantum state tomography measurements. The theoretical results are verified by experimental analysis. The theoretical and experimental framework demonstrates that the nonlocal strategy enables enhanced precision and accuracy in extracting information about sample characteristics more than the local measurements. Depending on the chosen estimators and noise channels present, theoretical and experimental results show that noise‐induced bias decreases the precision for the estimated parameter. Such a quantum‐enhanced nonlocal polarimetry holds promise for advancing diverse fields including material science, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing, via high‐precision measurements through quantum entanglement.
Synthesis of Benzoxazinones via DIPEA‐Promoted Condensation of Benzoxazoles with α‐Keto Acids
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Yan Jiaqi , Guo Jing , Chen Ping
Published: August 2024

An efficient and environmental protocol for the synthesis of 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐ones under mild benign conditions has been developed. This facile one‐pot approach to 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐ones from commercially available benzoxazoles and α‐keto acids which only promoted by DIPEA. The protocol exhibits a wide range of applicability in terms of benzoxazoles and α‐keto acids. Notably, the 2‐aryl benzothiazoles can be produced under the similar reaction conditions.
Political competition and the rechanneling of corporate bribery into politically connected charity donations: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Jeong Yujin , Siegel Jordan I.
Published: August 2024

Research Summary

We examine the relationship between political competition, corporate bribery, and corporate contributions to politically connected charities, and whether there is a shift from covert to concealed corporate nonmarket action as political competition increases. Panel analysis using rare corporate bribery and charity donations panel data from South Korea reveals that as political competition increases, corporate bribery decreases, whereas corporate contributions to politically connected charities increase. Subsequent panel analysis uncovers that amid increased political competition, firms that made larger bribes in the prior year contribute more to politically connected charities in the subsequent year, and that this form of rechanneling is more pronounced for smaller business groups. Implications are discussed.

Managerial Summary

This study argues that the field of strategy needs to do more to analyze firms' illegal strategic behavior, both to gain a deeper understanding of business practices in the corporate world and to develop recommendations for policymakers on how to curb such behavior over time. Using comprehensive and rare firm‐level data on bribery of high‐level government officials and donations to politically connected charities from South Korea, this study analyzes how businesses rechannel their bribery of senior‐level politicians to contributions to politically connected charities as the country's level of political competition becomes stronger. This study proposes a theory of rechanneling and demonstrates support for the theory using the extensive data set on bribery and politically connected charity donations from South Korea.
Counterintuitive Trend of Intrusion Pressure with Temperature in the Hydrophobic Cu2(tebpz) MOF
Authors: Merchiori Sebastiano , Donne Andrea Le , Bhatia Ribhu , Alvelli Marta , Yu Jiang‐Jing , Wu Xu‐Dong , Li Mian , Li Dan , Scheller Lukasz , Lowe Alexander R. , Geppert‐Rybczynska Monika , Trump Benjamin A. , Yakovenko Andrey A. , Chorążewski Mirosław , Zajdel Paweł , Grosu Yaroslav , Meloni Simone
Published: August 2024

Liquid porosimetry experiments reveal a peculiar trend of the intrusion pressure of water in hydrophobic Cu2(3,3′,5,5′‐tetraethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazolate) MOF. At lower temperature (T) range, the intrusion pressure (Pi) increases with T. For higher T values, Pi first reaches a maximum and then decreases. This is at odds with the Young–Laplace law, which for systems showing a continuous decrease of contact angle with T predicts a corresponding reduction of the intrusion pressure. Though the Young–Laplace law is not expected to provide quantitative predictions at the subnanoscale of Cu2(tebpz) pores, the physical intuition suggests that to a reduction of their hydrophobicity corresponds a reduction of the Pi. Molecular dynamics simulations and sychrothron experiments allowed to clarify the mechanism of the peculiar trend of Pi with T. At increasing temperatures the vapor density within the MOF’ pores grows significantly, bringing the corresponding partial pressure to ≈5 MPa. This pressure, which is consistent with the shift of Pi observed in liquid porosimetry, represents a threshold to be overcame before intrusion takes place. Beyond some value of temperature, the phenomenon of reduction of hydrophobicity (and water surface tension) dominated over the opposite effect of increase of vapor pressure and Pi inverts its trend with T.
Achieving Efficient Oxygen Evolution on High‐Entropy Sulfide Utilizing Low Electronegativity of Al
Authors: Wan Yi , Wei Wenrui , Ding Shengqi , Wu Liang , Yuan Xianxia
Published: August 2024

Efficient and stable catalysts are in high demand for accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a high‐entropy sulfide (HES) of (FeCoNiCrCuAl)S@HCS with a 3D structure is successfully prepared by utilizing a simple one‐step solvothermal method and employed as catalyst toward OER. The lower electronegativity of Al compared to the other metal elements and its anti‐corrosion character enable an outstanding OER performance of (FeCoNiCrCuAl)S@HCS with an overpotential of 253 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and an excellent durability after 20 000 CV cycles, outperforming the commercial RuO2 and most reported metal‐sulfide catalysts. Experiments coupled with theoretical calculations reveal that Al atom primarily serves as electron donor and promotes a redistribution of local electrons from Co and Cr toward adjacent Fe, Ni, and Cu sites. As a result, the Cr‐Al site possesses a lowest energy barrier during the rate‐determining step and works as the dominant active site for OER process. This study provides a novel insight and strategy into structural design and performance enhancement for HES materials.
Reconfigurable All‐Oil Microfluidic Devices by 3D Printing
Authors: Feng Weixiao , Wen Yunhui , Sun Shuyi , Li Peifan , Shi Shaowei
Published: August 2024

Nanoparticle surfactants have been widely used to construct structured liquids in oil‐water systems. Less attention, though, has been given in non‐aqueous systems, for example, oil‐oil systems, mainly due to the lack of suitable surfactants. Here, by using newly developed molecular brush surfactants (MBSs) that form at the DMSO‐silicone oil interface, the construction of all‐oil microfluidic devices is reported with advanced functions. Due to the high interfacial activity of MBSs, Plateau‐Rayleigh instabilities of liquid jets can be completely suppressed, leading to the production of liquid threads with jammed MBSs at the interface. Taking advantage of the 3D printing technique, all‐oil microfluidic devices with complex structures can be constructed, showing promising applications in mass transmission, chemical separation, and material synthesis.
Uncovering the Nonequilibrium Evolution Mechanism between Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 Cathode and Impurities in the Na2SO4‐FeSO4·7H2O Binary System for High‐Voltage Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Qi , Yang Qiang , Zhang Xinyu , Yang Zhuolin , Mu Daobin , Li Li , Chen Renjie , Wu Feng
Published: August 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries are increasingly recognized as ideal for large‐scale energy storage applications. Alluaudite Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 has become one of the focused cathode materials in this field. However, previous studies employing aqueous‐solution synthesis often overlooked the formation mechanism of the impurity phase. In this study, the nonequilibrium evolution mechanism between Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 and impurities by adjusting ratios of the Na2SO4/FeSO4·7H2O in the binary system is investigated. Then an optimal ratio of 0.765 with reduced impurity content is confirmed. Compared to the poor electrochemical performance of the Na2.6Fe1.7(SO4)3 (0.765) cathode, the optimized Na2.6Fe1.7(SO4)3@CNTs (0.765@CNTs) cathode, with improved electronic and ionic conductivity, demonstrates an impressive discharge specific capacity of 93.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and a high‐rate capacity of 67.84 mAh g−1 at 20 C, maintaining capacity retention of 71.1% after 3000 cycles at 10 C. The Na2.6Fe1.7(SO4)3@CNTs//HC full cell reaches an unprecedented working potential of 3.71 V at 0.1 C, and a remarkable mass‐energy density exceeding 320 Wh kg−1. This work not only provides comprehensive guidance for synthesizing high‐voltage Na2+2δFe2−δ(SO4)3 cathode materials with controllable impurity content but also lays the groundwork of sodium‐ion batteries for large‐scale energy storage applications.
Cold Model Experiment to Simulate the Melting Process of Recycled Steel for a Converter Using Ice Water Mixture
Authors: Liu Mengke , Zheng Dingli , Ma Guojun , Fang Qiang , Lv Renxiang , Gu Huazhi , Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2024

To study the melting process of recycled steel in converter bath and explore its influence mechanism on improving the smelting efficiency of converter, a cold model experiment of melting process of recycled steel is performed. The effect of size, shape, and ratio of recycled steel as well as top‐ and bottom‐blowing stirring on the melting behavior of ice cubes and mixing process of bath is researched. In the results, it is shown that as the ice ratio increases from 5% to 20%, the final stable temperature of water bath gradually decreases from 19.0 to 2.3 °C, the time for total melting of ice cubes and mixing time of bath increase from 913 and 135 s to 2856 and 325 s, respectively. With increasing ice size from 20 × 20 × 20 to 45 × 45 × 45 mm3, the time for total melting of ice cubes and mixing time of bath gradually increase from 1205 and 105 s to 1523 and 163 s, respectively. The time for total melting of ice cubes and mixing time of bath gradually reduce with the increase in top‐ and bottom‐blowing flow. In addition, the relationship between weight and specific surface area of recycled steel with scrap ratio is obtained.
Die Seilnetzmodelle zur Olympiadachlandschaft in München. Letzte Zeugen der Modellstatik
Authors: Schmid Benjamin , Möller Eberhard , Putz Andreas , Weber Christiane , Wenzel Baris
Published: August 2024

Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts „Last Witnesses – Messmodelle im Ingenieurbauwesen – wissenschaftliche Bedeutung und Erhaltung“, gefördert durch die DFG im Schwerpunktprogramm 2255 „Kulturerbe Konstruktion“, wurden die wenigen überlieferten Messmodelle aus der Epoche der Modellstatik untersucht und dokumentiert. Dieser Bericht gibt Einblick in die für das Münchner Olympiadach gebauten physischen Modelle und ihre Verwendung im Planungsprozess. Dabei werden die Grenzen der Methode der Modellstatik bei großen Seilnetzkonstruktionen deutlich und wie dies die Digitalisierung in Architektur und Bauwesen beförderte.
Experimental evaluation of cyclic behavior of precast concrete frame with steel shear wall
Authors: Koopaizadeh Jaber , Behnamfar Farhad , Tafti Mohammad Reza Javaheri
Published: August 2024

This study seeks to integrate steel shear walls with precast concrete systems into stable and resistant structures against lateral loads. It is desired to study the ductility factor, lateral strength, and behavior as well as the energy absorption of this integrated system compared to the precast concrete frame without a shear wall. For this purpose, two steel shear wall samples made of mild steel and galvanized steel plates are constructed within a precast concrete frame. The assembly is tested under a cyclic lateral load. The integrity of the connections of steel strips of the wall together, and the boundary of the wall to the frame, is observed to be excellent. The main failure mode is composed of the diagonal yielding of the steel wall. The system benefits from large hysteresis loops and no degradation because of any instability. The beam‐column connections remain almost intact even at large cycles of deformation. Moreover, a bare precast concrete frame is tested in the same way to compare the lateral behavior. The utilized ductile beam‐column connections are successful in retaining the integrity of the system until large drifts. However, the seismic design characteristics of the bare frame turn out to be inferior to the steel shear wall system. Results of the cyclic tests show that by proper design of the interior and exterior connections of the shear wall as well as the beam‐column connections, the steel shear wall system can largely increase the stiffness, ultimate strength, and energy dissipation capacity of a bare precast moment resisting reinforced concrete frame. On top of that, the system is able to retain its integrity up to lateral drifts over 2%.
MHD flow of second‐grade fluid containing nanoparticles having gyrotactic microorganisms across heated convective sheet
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Faizan , Yasmin Humaira , Ali Farhan , Raizah Zehba , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Saeed Anwar
Published: August 2024

In order to keep mechanical processes running smoothly, there is a growing need for effective heat transport. The present study aims to explore the variation of heat on time‐dependent maximum hydrodynamic drag (MHD) second‐grade nanofluids perceiving motile gyrotactic microbe with stretchable sheets. We process the analysis of the thermal energy distribution by using the convective boundary conditions. In addition to this, we take both the chemical reaction and the heat radiation into consideration. The governing nonlinear (PDEs) are converted into (ODEs) by a similarity transformation and then computed BVP4c technique. The multiple results are marked in the range of opposing flows only. Then, the effects of numerous physical variables on temperature, concentration, fluid velocity, and motile microorganisms are scrutinized using different graphical representations. The unsteady parameter and second‐grade fluid also strengthen for higher qualities, while inverse conduct is identified for a magnetic field framework. Finally, the temperature field cultivates a more significant assessment of the Biot number, and reverse behavior is observed for the Prandtl number. The obtained results are found appropriate to the existing literature.
Numerical study of third‐grade nanofluid flow with motile microorganisms under the mixed convection regime over a stretching cylinder
Authors: Waqas Hassan , Hasan Md. Jahid , Jaima Shahrin Jahan , Naqvi Syed Muhammad Raza Shah , Manzoor Umair , Liu Dong , Muhammad Taseer
Published: August 2024

The investigation of mixed convective flow involving microorganisms in nanofluid has garnered considerable interest in recent times owing to its extensive applicability in the biomedical domain. However, there has been a lack of study investigating a comprehensive parameter analysis for the flow of a third‐grade nanofluid around a cylinder in the presence of microorganisms. This study focuses on numerically investigating the flow of nanofluid around a stretched cylinder in the presence of motile microorganisms. The study also considers convective boundary conditions. Moreover, this study explores the nanofluid qualities related to Brownian motion and thermophoresis diffusion characteristics. The variable parameters include the Prandtl number (Pr), Peclet number (Pe), buoyancy ratio parameter (Nr), mixed convection parameter (), bioconvection Lewis number (Lb), Biot number (Bi), and Marangoni number (Ma). The bvp4c issue solver tool in MATLAB is used to numerically solve the nonlinear governing differential equations. The numerical model has been validated using prior papers. Graphical representations are created to depict several important measurements, such as velocity streamlines, velocity profiles, temperature distributions, nanoparticle concentrations, densities of gyrotactic motile microorganisms, local Nusselt numbers, skin friction, and Sherwood numbers. The link between the Nusselt number and the parameters Nt and Rd suggests that as Nt falls and Rd increases, the Nusselt number increases. The skin friction value is directly proportional to the values of Nr and Nc. There is a positive correlation between the rise in the local mass transfer rate and the values of Rd and Nt. The population of mobile microorganisms grows as the values of Lb and Pe decrease.
Impersonal Bei Sentences in Early Mandarin: Form and Function
Authors: Ting Jen
Published: August 2024

This chapter investigates a specific type of bei construction in Early Mandarin, characterized by the absence of an overt subject. I propose that these bei sentences contain an empty subject position, accommodating either referential or non-referential subjects. The bei sentences with a non-referential subject are argued to exhibit similarities to impersonal constructions found in various languages (Malchukov & Siewierska, 2011; Siewierska, 2008) both in terms of form and function. The findings of this study will broaden the discussion of impersonal constructions beyond European languages, thereby enhancing our understanding of impersonal constructions across different languages.
Searching dark photons using displaced vertices at Belle II — with backgrounds
Authors: Jaeckel Joerg , Phan Anh Vu
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Dark photons in the MeV to GeV range with kinetic mixing of the order of ≲ 10−4 − 10−3 can be produced in significant numbers at low energy colliders such as Belle II. Their decay length can be macroscopic raising the hope for a fairly clean search via displaced vertices as proposed in [1]. However, even this is not background free. Here, we calculate and discuss problematic backgrounds from displaced photon conversion and discuss their potential impact on the sensitivity. In addition we also briefly consider the dangers of prompt backgrounds.
Occurrence and identification of lungworms in Iranian wild boars
Authors: Ghahvei Younes , Khani Maryam , Azizi Shahrzad , Khovand Hosein , Shamsi Shokoofeh
Published: August 2024

This study represents the first investigation into the occurrence and identification of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Iran, utilizing both molecular and morphological methods. Thirteen wild boars from Kerman Province were examined, with 92.3% found to be infected with at least one species of Metastrongylus. Mixed infections were observed in 38.46% of the animals. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of M. pudendotectus and M. salmi, with prevalence rates of 76.9% and 53.9%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed transverse and longitudinal sections of Metastrongylus parasites within the airways, causing partial to complete obstruction, interstitial pneumonia, and inflammatory responses. The study also highlights the public health significance of these parasites. The higher prevalence observed compared to earlier studies suggests changes in environmental conditions, host dynamics, or agricultural practices as possible factors, warranting further investigation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, particularly in regions with significant wild and domestic swine populations. This study contributes to the understanding of Metastrongylus spp. distribution and their pathological impact, emphasizing the ecological importance of wild boars and the necessity for continued monitoring and research to prevent and control infections in both animal and human populations.
The validity of over-the-counter skin, hair, and nail recommendations for adult patients with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Javdan Bahar , Pattison Lindsay M. , Rangu Sneha A. , Tejeda Emely , McLellan Beth N.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Patients undergoing cancer treatment experience a multitude of skin, hair, and nail adverse events, prompting them to use non-evidence-based and often restrictive over-the-counter (OTC) recommendations to alleviate their symptoms. Comprehensively assessing evidence-based OTC modalities is crucial to enable cancer patients to comfortably resume their lives post-treatment and integrate clinically sound practices into their self-care routines.

Objective

Perform a systematic review and assessment of evidence-based OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Evidence review

PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases were searched in March 2023 to identify English articles addressing OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult patients before, during, and after cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy (RT). Quality was assessed with Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine criteria.

Findings

2192 unique articles were screened, of which 77 met inclusion criteria consisting of 54 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 8 non-randomized controlled cohorts, 1 non-randomized controlled clinical trial, 3 controlled prospective cohorts, 4 prospective cohorts, 2 controlled clinical trials, 1 prospective comparative study, 2 case reports, and 2 case series discussing 9322 patients. An additional article outside of our database search was included for a total of 78 articles. OTC skin care treatments with the best quality of evidence included moisturizing creams. Our review revealed a paucity of evidence-based hair and nail care practices.

Conclusions and relevance

This systematic review serves to highlight the efficacy of diverse OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult cancer patients while encouraging further clinical trials to establish evidence-based management guidelines.
Neural algorithm for optimization of multidimensional object controller parameters
Authors: Bałazy Patryk , Lalik Krzysztof , Knap Paweł
Published: August 2024

Optimal control of multivariable systems is a complex dynamic process that minimizes the cost function to obtain the optimal control strategy. Unfortunately, for nonlinear systems, it is not possible to use the traditional linear quadratic regulator (LQR), which would be optimal over the entire range of parameter variation. The problem of nonlinear multivariable systems and their optimal control is very momentous. The solution presented in this paper is based on the application of Reinforcement Learning (RL) networks in controlling a five-degree-of-freedom overhead crane system. Additionally, unlike the classical approach, the algorithm is adapted to directly analyze tabular data of inputs and outputs of the controlled model instead of analyzing its state as feedback (model-free). Implementing the new control structure for the multivariable system improved control quality compared to the classical LQR controller with linearization at the operating point. In addition to quality, the resource indicators, which in the LQR controller are represented by the matrix R, have been significantly improved. The architecture of the neural control system is presented, ensuring that over the entire range of nonlinearity, the quality of control is preserved while reducing the cost of its resource intensity. Obtaining optimal control with reduced resources for its implementation induces a wide range of applications of such neural control in engineering systems. The effectiveness of the proposed control system has been demonstrated in simulation studies. The simulation results present the system’s excellent control performance and adaptability over the entire range of object nonlinearity. The neural algorithm resulted in significantly shorter adjustment time and better control quality with significantly less system resource consumption and increased system dynamics.
Management der akuten infektiösen Gastroenteritis bei Säuglingen und Kleinkindern
Authors: Vécsei Andreas
Published: August 2024

Eine akute infektiöse Gastroenteritis ist eine häufige Erkrankung bei Kindern. Die Behandlung gemäß den Leitlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie (ESPGHAN) konzentriert sich darauf, eine Rehydrierung innerhalb von 4 h mit einer hypoosmolaren oralen Rehydrierungslösung (ORL) zu erreichen. Während der Rehydrierungs- und Realimentationsphase wird empfohlen, dass Mütter weiterhin stillen. Die Realimentation mit normaler Kost soll früh erfolgen, bereits nach 4 h Rehydrierung. Weiterer Flüssigkeitsverlust durch Diarrhoe nach erfolgter Rehydrierung sollte durch ORL ausgeglichen werden. Der Einsatz unnötiger Medikamente sollte vermieden werden. In Österreich halten sich Kinderärzt:innen genauer an diese ESPGHAN-Empfehlungen als der europäische Durchschnitt. Angesichts der Bedeutung des Themas im kinderärztlichen Alltag ist es jedoch ratsam, das Management der akuten Gastroenteritis regelmäßig zu überprüfen und vertieft zu behandeln. Dabei ist es auch sinnvoll, Anregungen zur Überprüfung etablierter Standardmaßnahmen, die sich eingeschlichen haben könnten, sowie potenzieller Verstöße gegen Leitlinien im täglichen Arbeitsbereich der Kinderärzt:innen anzubieten.
Recent trends in psychotropic medication use in children and adolescents in Ireland
Authors: Parkin Rebecca , Bennett Kathleen , Nicholas Fiona Mc , Hayden John C.
Published: August 2024

In response to concerns regarding overprescribing of psychotropic medication in children/adolescents, this study examined trends in psychotropic medication use in Ireland by age group and gender. A retrospective, repeated, cross-sectional study of the Irish pharmacy claims database was conducted. Yearly prevalence of children/adolescents receiving dispensed psychotropic medications was analysed from January 2017 to December 2021 and compared across years, age groups (5–15 years, and stratified as 5–11 and 12–15 years) and gender. Yearly prevalence was defined as the mean number of patients in receipt of medication per month per 1000 eligible population during a given calendar year. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the association of year, age group and gender on prevalence. Prevalence ratios (PRs) per year (average change in prevalence between each year) were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of included psychotropic medications dispensed in the 5–15 years group increased from 6.41 (95% CI: 6.22, 6.59) in 2017 to 8.46 (95% CI: 8.26, 8.68) in 2021 per 1000 eligible population (32% increase). The PR per year (adjusting for age category and gender) was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.035, 1.107; p < 0.001). An increasing trend over time was also observed for all individual drug classes. These findings suggest increased use of psychotropic medication in children/adolescents from 2017 to 2021. However, despite increased prevalence over time, comparison with the literature shows that psychotropic medication use in Ireland remains lower than international comparators.
Monitoring the potential dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in foods, environment, and clinical samples: a one health prospective
Authors: Das Madhuchhanda , Ojha Anup Kumar , Dolma Karma G , Majumdar Tapan , Sarmah Pallab , Hazarika Suranjana , Modi Dilem , Gogoi Dimpu , Das Samaresh , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan
Published: August 2024

Circulation of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in the environment, animals, and humans is a major concern. Food chain is an important link to spread AMR across the biosphere. Global warming, preserved and fast foods availability, random use of un-prescribed antimicrobials, unplanned bio-waste management, and using high doses of antibiotics and bio-fertilizers to agricultural fields and animal farms, increase the threat of spreading AMR bacteria. Current study reports prevalence of AMR in enteric pathogens isolated from food, food handlers, environment, and diarrheal patients. The incidence data on AMR pathogens were collected from Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, India, through a well-structured market and hospital surveillance. There  were 428 (3.0%) enteric pathogens detected in food and 184 (5.3%) in clinical samples. Most of the pathogens were resistant (70–100%) to commonly used antimicrobials in treatment of diarrheal infection. Result showed a spread of AMR across food chain, underscoring need for swift preventive intervention.
Configuration balancing for stochastic requests
Authors: Eberle Franziska , Gupta Anupam , Megow Nicole , Moseley Benjamin , Zhou Rudy
Published: August 2024

The configuration balancing problem with stochastic requests generalizes well-studied resource allocation problems such as load balancing and virtual circuit routing. There are given m resources and n requests; each request has multiple possible configurations, each of which increases the load of each resource by some amount. The goal is to select one configuration for each request to minimize the makespan: the load of the most-loaded resource. In the stochastic setting, the amount by which a configuration increases the resource load is uncertain until the configuration is chosen, but we are given a probability distribution. We develop both offline and online algorithms for configuration balancing with stochastic requests. When the requests are known offline, we give a non-adaptive policy for configuration balancing with stochastic requests that

$$O(\frac{\log m}{\log \log m})$$

O
(

log
m

log
log
m

)

-approximates the optimal adaptive policy, which matches a known lower bound for the special case of load balancing on identical machines. When requests arrive online in a list, we give a non-adaptive policy that is

$$O(\log m)$$

O
(
log
m
)

competitive. Again, this result is asymptotically tight due to information-theoretic lower bounds for special cases (e.g., for load balancing on unrelated machines). Finally, we show how to leverage adaptivity in the special case of load balancing on related machines to obtain a constant-factor approximation offline and an

$$O(\log \log m)$$

O
(
log
log
m
)

-approximation online. A crucial technical ingredient in all of our results is a new structural characterization of the optimal adaptive policy that allows us to limit the correlations between its decisions.
Classes of probability measures built on the properties of Benford’s law
Authors: Cerqueti Roy , Maggi Mario
Published: August 2024

Benford’s law is a particular discrete probability distribution that is often satisfied by the significant digits of a dataset. The nonconformity with Benford’s law suggests the possible presence of data manipulation. This paper introduces two novel generalized versions of Benford’s law that are less restrictive than the original Benford’s law—hence, leading to more probable conformity of a given dataset. Such generalizations are grounded on the existing mathematical relations between Benford’s law probability distribution elements. Moreover, one of them leads to a set of probability distributions that is a proper subset of that of the other one. We show that the considered versions of Benford’s law have a geometric representation on the three-dimensional Euclidean space. Through suitable optimization models, we show that all the probability distributions satisfying the more restrictive generalization exhibit at least acceptable conformity with Benford’s law, according to the most popular distance measures. We also present some examples to highlight the practical usefulness of the introduced devices.
Medikamentöse Behandlung bei gestörter Frühschwangerschaft
Authors: Colleselli-Türtscher Valeria , Seeber Beata
Published: August 2024

Eine von vier Frauen wird im Laufe ihres Lebens mit der Diagnose einer gestörten Frühschwangerschaft („missed abortion“ [MA]) konfrontiert. Die medikamentöse Therapie zur Aborteinleitung hat in den letzten Jahren zunehmende Bedeutung erlangt und stellt neben der chirurgischen Behandlung eine Alternative mit guten Erfolgsraten dar. In diesem Beitrag werden die unterschiedlichen Therapieregime und ihre Erfolgsquoten vorgestellt. Aufgrund ihrer hohen Inzidenz ist die MA in der klinischen Praxis ein häufiger Konsultationsgrund, der einer patientinnenadaptierten Aufklärung über die möglichen weiteren Therapieoptionen bedarf.
The weighted Euclidean one-center problem in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Cawood Mark E. , Dearing P. M.
Published: August 2024

Given a finite set of distinct points in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

and a positive weight for each point, primal and dual algorithms are developed for finding the Euclidean ball of minimum radius so that the weighted Euclidean distance between the center of the ball and each point is less than or equal to the radius of the ball. Each algorithm is based on a directional search method in which the search path at each iteration is either a ray or a two-dimensional circular arc in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

. At each iteration, a search path is constructed by intersecting bisectors of pairs of points, where the bisectors are either hyperplanes or n-dimensional spheres. Each search path preserves complementary slackness and primal (dual) feasibility for the primal (dual) algorithm. The step size along each search path is determined explicitly. Test problems up to 1000 dimensions and 10,000 points were solved to optimality by both primal and dual algorithms. Computational results also show that these algorithms outperform several open-source SOCP codes.
The role of cognitive flexibility in job search behaviour: a research agenda
Authors: Roux Etienne , Beccaria Gavin , McIlveen Peter
Published: August 2024

This conceptual paper proposes the Cognitive Flexibility Job Search Self-Efficacy (CF-JSSE) model, aimed at exploring the understudied role of cognitive flexibility in job search behaviour. Cognitive flexibility, a crucial attribute in today’s complex employment market, is posited as a core intrapersonal process moderating relationships between dispositional traits, learning experiences and job search self-efficacy. This research agenda, integrating vocational, neuropsychological and personality psychology, strives to enrich our understanding of job search behaviours and career development.
Screen Time Soars and Vision Suffers: How School Closures During the Pandemic Affected Children and Adolescents’ Eyesight
Authors: Alah Muna Abed , Abdeen Sami , Bougmiza Iheb , Selim Nagah
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to determine the impact of school closures on visual acuity and screen time among students in Qatar. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting governmental school students. Data were collected via telephone interviews with parents, and visual acuity measurements were extracted from the electronic health records. We interviewed 1546 parents of selected students, about 24% reported their children’s history of visual disturbances, primarily refractive errors. The mean screen time across the week increased significantly by 11.5 ± 11.6 h during school closures. We observed a significant decline of visual acuity during the closure compared to the pre-closure period across the entire sample, both sexes, and the younger age group. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that local students and those with a history of visual disturbances were 1.7 times (AOR: 1.73, 95%CI 1.18–2.54, p = 0.005) and 2.5 times (AOR: 2.52, 95%CI 1.69–3.76, p < 0.001) more likely to experience decline of visual acuity respectively. School closures in Qatar were associated with a significant increase in screen time among students and a notable decline in their visual acuity. This deterioration highlights the need to monitor children’s screen time and implement cost-effective measures to reduce screen exposure and enhance overall eye health among students.
Study the influence of Ag+ nanoparticles on the surface of the Sr1-xAgxFeO3-δ perovskite on optical, magnetic and antibacterial properties
Authors: Abdel-Khalek E. K. , Alluhayb Abdullah H. , Younis Alaa M. , Mohamed E. A.
Published: August 2024

Recently, we produced low cost SrFeO3-δ perovskite with antibacterial properties. In this study to improve the antibacterial properties of SrFeO3-δ perovskite, we doped it with silver. Ag+ nanoparticles on the surface of the Sr1-xAgxFeO3-δ perovskite samples were prepared by sol-gel method. Structural properties of these samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), EDS elemental mapping and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). These techniques confirmed the presence of small amount of cubic Ag spherical nanoparticles on the surface of the cubic Sr1-xAgxFeO3-δ perovskite structure. Further, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for these samples revealed the presence of Ag1+ ions, oxygen vacancies and mixed valence states of Fe ions on the surface of the samples. The energy band gap of these samples was estimated using Kubelka–Munk equation and its value increased with increasing Ag up to x = 0.10. Additionally, Magnetic hysteresis (M − H) loops revealed that these samples displayed antiferromagnetic behavior with a small amount of ferromagnetic order. Finally, the antibacterial properties of these samples revealed that the antimicrobial activities were improved with increasing Ag (x = 0.10). Our results showed that Ag+ nanoparticles on the surface of the Sr1-xAgxFeO3-δ perovskite samples are a promising antimicrobial agent.

Graphical Abstract
Analyzing quality of life among people with opioid use disorder from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Data Share initiative: implications for decision making
Authors: Patton Thomas , Boehnke Jan R. , Goyal Ravi , Manca Andrea , Marienfeld Carla , Martin Natasha K. , Nosyk Bohdan , Borquez Annick
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We aimed to estimate health state utility values (HSUVs) for the key health states found in opioid use disorder (OUD) cost-effectiveness models in the published literature.

Methods

Data obtained from six trials representing 1,777 individuals with OUD. We implemented mapping algorithms to harmonize data from different measures of quality of life (the SF-12 Versions 1 and 2 and the EQ-5D-3 L). We performed a regression analysis to quantify the relationship between HSUVs and the following variables: days of extra-medical opioid use in the past 30 days, injecting behaviors, treatment with medications for OUD, HIV status, and age. A secondary analysis explored the impact of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Results

There were statistically significant reductions in HSUVs associated with extra-medical opioid use (-0.002 (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0001]) to -0.003 (95% CI [-0.005,-0.002]) per additional day of heroin or other opiate use, respectively), drug injecting compared to not injecting (-0.043 (95% CI [-0.079,-0.006])), HIV-positive diagnosis compared to no diagnosis (-0.074 (95% CI [-0.143,-0.005])), and age (-0.001 per year (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0002])). Parameters associated with medications for OUD treatment were not statistically significant after controlling for extra-medical opioid use (0.0131 (95% CI [-0.0479,0.0769])), in line with prior studies. The secondary analysis revealed that withdrawal symptoms are a fundamental driver of HSUVs, with predictions of 0.817 (95% CI [0.768, 0.858]), 0.705 (95% CI [0.607, 0.786]), and 0.367 (95% CI [0.180, 0.575]) for moderate, severe, and worst level of symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion

We observed HSUVs for OUD that were higher than those from previous studies that had been conducted without input from people living with the condition.
Prevalence and associated factors of napping among older adults in the Philippines
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: August 2024

Background

The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of insomnia among older adults in the Philippines.

Methods

In all, 5206 cross-sectional nationally representative data from older adults (≥ 60 years) of the 2018 Longitudinal Study on Ageing and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP) was analysed. Napping frequency and duration were assessed by self-report.

Results

The prevalence of regular nappers was 35.7%, low or moderate napping (1–59 min) was 10.5% and long napping (≥ 60 min) duration was 25.2%. In the final adjusted model, older age was not significantly associated with low or moderate napping duration but older age was positively associated with long napping duration. High wealth status, physical activity and late insomnia were positively associated with low or moderate napping duration. High wealth status, urban residence, daily activity limitations, and physical activity were positively associated, and currently working status, poor self-rated health status and current alcohol use were negatively associated with long napping duration.

Conclusion

One in four older adults reported long napping duration. Sociodemographic, health status and behaviour and sleep parameters were associated with low or moderate and/or long napping duration.
Selective recovery of europium from real acid mine drainage using modified Cr-MIL and SBA15 adsorbents
Authors: Fonseka Charith , Ryu Seongchul , Choo Youngwoo , Kandasamy Jaya , Foseid Lena , Ratnaweera Harsha , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu
Published: August 2024

The successful adoption and widespread implementation of innovative acid mine drainage treatment and resource recovery methods hinge on their capacity to demonstrate enhanced performance, economic viability, and environmental sustainability compared to conventional approaches. Here, an evaluation of the efficacy of chromium-based metal–organic frameworks and amine-grafted SBA15 materials in adsorbing europium (Eu) from actual mining wastewater was conducted. The adsorbents underwent comprehensive characterization and examination for their affinity for Eu. Cr-MIL-PMIDA and SBA15-NH-PMIDA had a highest Langmuir adsorption capacity of 69 mg/g and 86 mg/g, respectively, for an optimum level of pH 4.8. Preferential adsorption tests followed using real AMD collected at a disused mine in the north of Norway. A comparative study utilizing pH-adjusted real AMD revealed that Cr-MIL-PMIDA (88%) exhibited slightly higher selectivity towards Eu compared to SBA15-NH-PMIDA (81%) in real mining wastewater. While Cr-MIL-PMIDA displays excellent properties for the selective recovery of REEs, practical challenges related to production costs and potential susceptibility to chromium leaching make it less appealing for widespread applications. A cost–benefit analysis was then undertaken to quantify the advantages of employing SBA15-NH-PMIDA material. The study disclosed that 193.2 g of EuCl3 with 99% purity can be recovered by treating 1000 m3 of AMD.