bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bandgap Optimization of Photovoltaic Tandem Cells Based on Spectra Collected over a Full Year
Authors: Strandberg Rune , Imenes Anne Gerd
Published: December 2024

Spectral data collected every minute at the test station in Grimstad, Norway, are used to investigate the impact of spectral variation on tandem cells. The results are displayed as efficiency maps which are compared to equivalent maps for the air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) reference spectrum. Most of the maps are calculated for ideal cells and will thus serve as benchmarks for what can possibly be achieved under real conditions, but the impact of non‐radiative recombination is also included. It is found that there is generally good agreement between the efficiency under the AM1.5G spectrum and the efficiency found using the collected spectra. The main difference is that a slight blueshift in the real spectra favors larger bandgaps. Seasonal efficiency maps and maps for different types of conditions are also presented. The largest deviation from the reference spectrum is found for the three darkest months of the year. Optimizing the bandgaps for this period may increase seasonal production by several percent, albeit with a significant accompanying reduction in annual production. For June, the sunniest month, as well as for cloudy and lowlight conditions, it is found that the optimal bandgaps are slightly larger than those found for the AM1.5G.
Oxytocin misuse: A pitfall in the management of canine dystocia
Authors: Ajani Olumide Samuel , Agbugba Linda Chinyere , Oguntoye Cecilia Omowumi , Eyarefe Oghenemega David
Published: December 2024

Oxytocin misuse poses significant risks in the management of canine dystocia, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. Understanding the implications of oxytocin misuse is essential for promoting safe and effective interventions in dystocia cases. A 4‐year‐old female Neapolitan Mastiff was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, exhibiting signs of prolonged labour. The owner confessed to having administered up to 30 IU of oxytocin intramuscularly at once to the bitch. Physical and clinical examinations revealed weakness, recumbency and a foul‐smelling discharge suggestive of fetal death or infection. Despite a patent cervix, no fetus was presented in the birth canal, indicating a dystocia. Management included surgical intervention, which revealed severe intra‐uterine haemorrhage and the presence of a dead putrefying fetus. The over‐reliance on oxytocin for fetal evacuation without investigating the causation of dystocia, emphasises the urgent need for proper education of dog breeders.
Equilibrium of nonlinearly elastic shells of rotation with isolated disclination
Authors: Zubov Leonid M. , Karyakin Mikhail I.
Published: December 2024

The problem of large strains of shells of revolution containing disclinations is studied based on the 6‐parameter nonlinear theory of elastic shells known as the Cosserat model. The concept of isolated disclination in a shell of revolution is introduced by applying the general theory of Volterra dislocations in multi‐connected elastic shells. The Frank vector of this disclination is oriented along the revolution axis of the shell. A special substitution in the general system of nonlinear equilibrium equations is proposed to reduce the problem of large strains of rotational shells with disclination to a nonlinear boundary value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations. This allows us to find for the first time an exact analytical solution to the problem of equilibrium for a shell with disclination in the framework of the membrane theory of Cosserat shells. In the case of a general 6‐parameter model, a numerical solution to the problem of disclination in a closed spherical shell loaded with internal pressure is given. The peculiarities of the stress‐strain state of the shell due to the influence of disclination are analysed.
Automated Anomaly and Outlier Detection in GRACE and GRACE Follow-On Post-Fit Residuals Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lasser Martin , Zbinden Jonas , Meyer Ulrich , Panos Brandon , Arnold Daniel , Jäggi Adrian
Published: December 2024

GRACE and GRACE Follow-On inter-satellite ranges and thereof derived range-rates are the main observables for the determination of monthly snapshots of the Earth’s gravity field. These observations are sensitive to the mass distribution on the Earth, and as a consequence, the relative motion between the missions’ satellite pairs. The range-rate observations exhibit a number of difficult-to-identify error sources and efficient screening of the data is not trivial. Therefore, we apply machine learning based outlier detection methods such as isolation forests, to flag outliers in an unsupervised fully automated way. We apply the technique to post-fit residuals of monthly, joint orbit and gravity field determination processes, combined with the geographical position of each observation. The flagged outliers are investigated for local geographical correlations to distinguish between unfitted signal from gravitational sources and artefacts caused by the satellites’ instrumentation. For that purpose we train a mutual information neural network, learning the mutual information between the post-fit residuals and the geographical location. Outliers flagged as artefacts are removed from the original inter-satellite range-rate data and the orbit and gravity field determination process is repeated to investigate for improvements. The automated outlier detection with isolation forests performs similar, at times slightly better, to empirical screenings by visual inspection of post-fit residuals. In addition, the mutual information can be taken as a valuable source to detect geophysical signal remaining in the post-fit residuals.
Design and fabrication of an affordable, high-performance life-size humanoid robotic hand with integrated nanocomposite strain sensors
Authors: Attaoui Ahmed , Naifar Slim , Bradai Sonia , Ben Atitallah Bilel , Kanoun Olfa
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the design and fabrication of Fil3D-Hand, a humanoid robotic hand with five fingers integrating nanocomposite filament strain sensors to monitor finger movements. The objective is to replicate the functionality of the human hand through an affordable design, with potential applications in humanoid robotics and prosthetic rehabilitation. Based on the investigation of the human hand’s anatomical structure and existing robotic hands, the mechanical design of Fil3D-Hand is elaborated. The kinematics analysis and finger workspace are formulated and illustrated using the Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) convention and numerical simulations. The proposed design features 17 degrees of freedom, weighs 2.4 kg (including the forearm and 12 servo motors), and achieves a fabrication cost of less than $350. The Fil3D hand’s size is approximately 1.2 the size of the real human hand, allowing for enhanced versatility while maintaining a naturalistic appearance. This design strategy ensures a cost-effective, tendon-driven underactuated mechanism, utilizing servo motors for precise control of finger joints. It also integrates 14 filament strain sensors for accurate monitoring of finger positions. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of these sensors, revealing a highly linear correlation ($$ R^2 = 0.9964 $$

R
2

=
0.9964

) between the finger’s proximal angles and the strain sensor resistance, guaranteeing precise real-time monitoring of finger movements. Evaluation of the Fil3D-Hand’s performance highlights its excellent grasping capabilities, showcasing its potential in practical applications.
Regional sea level budget around Taiwan and Philippines over 2002‒2021 inferred from GRACE, altimetry, and in-situ hydrographic data
Authors: Lan Wen-Hau , Lee Chi-Ming , Kuo Chung-Yen , Lin Li-Ching , Handoko Eko Yuli
Published: December 2024

The regional sea level budget and interannual sea level changes around Taiwan and Philippines are studied using altimetry, GRACE, and in-situ hydrographic data during 1993‒2021. Results show that the average sea level trend around Taiwan and Philippines during 1993–2021 derived from the altimetric data is 3.6 ± 0.2 mm/yr. Over 2002–2021, the study shows closure of sea level budget in the eastern ocean of Taiwan and Philippines within the observed data uncertainties, and the ocean mass accounts for 88%–100% of the observed sea level rise. In contrast, the sea level budget is not closed in the western ocean of Taiwan and Philippines, probably due to the lack of complete coverage by in-situ ocean observing systems. In addition, both regional sea level anomalies and their steric component around Taiwan and Philippines exhibit pronounced interannual and decadal variabilities. The trade wind stress associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation offers a compelling explanation for the interannual and decadal signals of sea level anomalies in the southern ocean of Taiwan, with negative correlations of − 0.78 to − 0.64, indicating that trade wind stress makes a negative contribution to interannual-to-decadal sea level variability. In the northwestern ocean of Taiwan, the sea level variation is strongly influenced by the local monsoon system and shallow bathymetry with an annual amplitude of 90.3 ± 2.9 mm, larger than those in other regions around Taiwan and Philippines, where ocean mass is dominant with a high correlation with the sea level (+ 0.75 to + 0.78).
Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponents for SPDEs with Fractional Noise
Authors: Blessing Neamţu Alexandra , Blömker Dirk
Published: December 2024

We estimate the finite-time Lyapunov exponents for a stochastic partial differential equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion (fbm) with Hurst index

$$H\in (0,1)$$

H
∈
(
0
,
1
)

close to a bifurcation of pitchfork type. We characterize regions depending on the distance from bifurcation, the Hurst parameter of the fbm and the noise strength where finite-time Lyapunov exponents are positive and thus indicate a change of stability. The results on finite-time Lyapunov exponents are novel also for SDEs perturbed by fractional noise.
Akademikerinnen und Akademiker in der Ophthalmologie
Authors: Englmaier Verena Anna , Maier-Wenzel Anna-Karina , Liekfeld Anja , Eter Nicole , Brücher Viktoria Constanze
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

Die Zahl der Ophthalmologinnen hat in den letzten Jahren stetig zugenommen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Geschlechterverhältnisse an den deutschen Universitätsaugenkliniken zu untersuchen. Auch der Anteil der Frauen an Förderprogrammen, wie dem Clinician Scientist Programm, wird analysiert.

Methodik

Die Datenerhebung erfolgte im August 2023 anhand der offiziellen Internetplattformen der Universitätsaugenkliniken und der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG). Es wurde die Anzahl an männlichen und weiblichen Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung, Fach‑, Oberärzt*innen und Klinikdirektor*innen, Subspezialisierungen und akademischen Grade ermittelt. Die Informationen zum Clinician Scientist Programm wurden 2022 in einer Umfrage des Medizinischen Fakultätsrats erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Im August 2023 gab es 2 Klinikdirektorinnen an den Universitätsaugenkliniken (5 %), beide mit Schwerpunktbereich der Netzhautchirurgie. Mit 59,9 % gab es mehr Oberärzte als Oberärztinnen (40,1 %). Kein signifikanter Unterschied bestand zwischen beiden Geschlechtern hinsichtlich der Anzahl an Habilitationen (p = 0,554). Es gab mehr Fachärztinnen als Fachärzte für Augenheilkunde an den Universitätskliniken (F: 58,6 %; M: 41,4 %) sowie mehr Ärztinnen in Weiterbildung (F: 56,9 %; M: 43,1 %). Die Fachärztinnen waren signifikant häufiger promoviert als ihre männlichen Kollegen (p = 0,037). Der Prozentsatz an weiblichen Bewerbungen für das Clinician Scientist Programm lag deutschlandweit 2022 bei 46,6 %, der Programmstarterinnen 2021 bei 41,8 % und der Programmabsolventinnen 2021 bei 39,7 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Die oberärztlichen Positionen und die Positionen der Klinikdirektor*innen an den Universitätsaugenkliniken werden weiterhin überwiegend vom männlichen Geschlecht bekleidet. Auch werden Förderprogramme für wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs noch in der Mehrzahl an Männer vergeben.
Fluorescence of various buried fresh and fresh-frozen-thawed tissue types up until the point of active decay: a human taphonomy study
Authors: Charlot Emmanuelle , Gasser Anas , Oostra Roelof-Jan , Aalders Maurice C. G. , Krap Tristan
Published: December 2024

Forensic taphonomy is the study of postmortem changes of human remains for the purpose of answering legal investigative questions. Many variables can affect the pattern and rate of decomposition of remains, posing challenges for taphonomic studies and estimation of the postmortem interval. Given the gap in knowledge regarding the suitability of using frozen remains to extrapolate conclusions to fresh material, investigating the effects of freeze-thaw cycles followed by burial on human remains is vital for forensic practice and taphonomic research. This study explored the impact of a freeze-thaw cycle and subsequent burial on human tissue decomposition under semi-controlled field conditions. Fresh and fresh-frozen-thawed hands were buried at the Amsterdam Research Initiative for Sub-surface Taphonomy and Anthropology for 31.7 to 340.4 accumulated degree days. Decomposition was assessed using fluorescence measurements targeting protein and fluorescent oxidation products, and broader excitation-emission matrix measurements in skin, adipose, and muscle tissue. Decomposition trends varied primarily by treatment group: fresh samples generally aligned with expectations that protein levels would decrease over time while fluorescent oxidation products increased, whereas fresh-frozen samples deviated significantly from these expectations. Significant differences were found between protein and fluorescent oxidation products levels of fresh and fresh-frozen tissue at corresponding time points, indicating this method’s potential in determining sample state. However, fluorophore peak monitoring in excitation-emission matrices did not prove useful in establishing decomposition trends or potentially distinguishing between sample states. Despite limitations inherent to pilot and human taphonomy studies, this study clearly demonstrates that differences exist in the decomposition of fresh and fresh-frozen tissue, and that these trends vary slightly by tissue type. We therefore conclude that frozen material cannot be considered a proper substitute for fresh tissue regarding taphonomic processes, and the methods used in this study show promise in being used to differentiate between pre-decomposition treatments.
Rainfall variability and drought in West Africa: challenges and implications for rainfed agriculture
Authors: Tefera Meron Lakew , Giovanna Seddaiu  , Alberto Carletti  , Awada Hassan
Published: December 2024

This research investigates rainfall variability and drought patterns in West Africa and their consequential impacts on rainfed agriculture, with a particular focus on vulnerability linked to weather extremes Utilizing NASA POWER/Agro-climatology data, cross-validated against observed meteorological records in the targeted countries, this study spans the years 1981 to 2021, with a particular focus on Ghana and Burkina Faso. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and different statistical methods were employed to evaluate the variations in rainfall, including intensity and frequency, as well as analyze drought patterns in the study areas. Despite increased rainfall in the last decade, seasonal and decadal shifts have been noticed, and drought and irregular patterns still threaten the study areas. Temporal analysis reveals fluctuations in temperature and rainfall. SPI and SPEI results indicated a decline in drought frequency, aligned with global trends, though the monthly scale showed no evident decline. The spatial analysis highlights regional variations in rainfall and drought dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of region-specific mitigation and adaptation strategies, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making in West Africa's agriculture and water resource management under climate change. The findings underscore the continued threat of irregular rainfall patterns and drought, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address these challenges.
Security and privacy in virtual reality: a literature survey
Authors: Giaretta Alberto
Published: December 2024

Virtual reality (VR) is a multibillionaire market that keeps growing, year after year. As VR is becoming prevalent in households and small businesses, it is critical to address the effects that this technology might have on the privacy and security of its users. In this paper, we explore the state-of-the-art in VR privacy and security, we categorise potential issues and threats, and we analyse causes and effects of the identified threats. Besides, we focus on the research previously conducted in the field of authentication in VR, as it stands as the most investigated area in the topic. We also provide an overview of other interesting uses of VR in the field of cybersecurity, such as the use of VR to teach cybersecurity or evaluate the usability of security solutions.
The true identity of the strigiform species Ninox dubiosa Weick, 2006, with comments on a skull feature shared by the Ieraglaucinae and Surniinae
Authors: Mayr Gerald , Richter Adrian , Racicot Rachel A.
Published: December 2024

We revisit the holotype of Ninox dubiosa Weick, 2006, and show the species to be a junior synonym of the White-throated Screech Owl, Megascops albogularis (Cassin, 1849). Micro-CT scans of the specimen reveal the absence of a dorsal process on the jugal bar, which precludes its assignment to the taxon Ninox. The presence of a temporal fenestra is shared with species of the taxon Megascops. We detail that the process of the jugal bar is likely to represent a synapomorphy of a clade formed by the Ieraglaucinae and Surniinae, and its absence in Aegolius challenges the current placement of this taxon within the clade.
Enhancing Crop Resilience to Drought and Salinity: the Potential Role of Extremophiles in Mitigating Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sibanda Timothy , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara
Published: December 2024

Agriculture forms the cornerstone of food security across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), serving as a fundamental pillar that sustains livelihoods, supports economic resilience, and underpins regional stability. This region’s population is projected to reach 2.4 billion by the year 2050, which will increase its food demand by 60%. However, recurrent droughts, temperature extremes, and increasing soil salinity are emerging as threats to present and future food security as they restrict agricultural productivity. The biggest challenge facing the SSA region lies in finding ways to adapt its agricultural practices to climate change. This article explores the potential role of extremophile microorganisms in enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stress. Research has so far shown that extremophiles alleviate drought stress in plants by increasing the expression of an array of novel genes, including genes responsible for induced drought, heat and salt stress tolerance, increased production of enzymatic antioxidants, as well as increased production of plant growth promoting phytohormones. Importantly, research shows that (i) extremophile-induced plant growth promotion and stress alleviation is triggered by the presence the stressor (ii) phylogenetically diverse microorganisms isolated from different desert plants can induce stress tolerance in heterologous crop hosts. These findings raise hopes of proofing crops against climate change-induced drought stress and hence ensure food security. However, research on the role of extremophiles in agriculture in the SSA region still lags behind. There is need to build capacity in extremophile agricultural biotechnology in this region, primarily in the form of bioprospecting for isolates exhibiting strong plant growth promoting capabilities.
Guessing less and better: improved attacks on GIFT-64
Authors: Canale Federico , Naya-Plasencia María
Published: December 2024

GIFT-64 is a block cipher that has received a lot of attention from the community since its proposal in 2017. The attack on the highest number of rounds is a differential related-key attack on 26 rounds. We studied this attack, in particular with respect to some recent generic frameworks for improving key recovery, and we realised that this framework, combined with an efficient parallel key guessing of interesting subsets of the key and a consequent list merging applied to the partial solutions, can improve the complexity of the attack. We propose two different trade-offs, as a result of the improved key-recovery. We believe that the techniques are quite generic and that it is possible to apply them to improve other differential attacks.
The Help-Seeking Scale for Online Learning Environment (HSOLE): Validity and Reliability
Authors: Şahin Muhittin , Müftüoğlu Cennet Terzi , Yurdugül Halil
Published: December 2024

Help seeking is a critical psycho-educational structure that facilitates learning and ensures the potential and sustainability of online learning environments (OLE). This research aims to develop a scale for measuring help seeking behaviour in two contexts: (1) learning process help seeking and (2) assessment process help seeking. The motivation behind this research is to understand help seeking behaviours in OLE, which can potentially enhance these environments’ effectiveness and learning outcomes. Help seeking involves learners recognizing difficulties and actively seeking assistance to overcome them, making their learning processes more efficient. The study group consists of 843 undergraduate students. The data collection tool was developed through three key processes: design, application, and validation. The design process begins with creating an item pool. The scale validity is tested through factorial validity, and its construct validity is measured based on convergent and discriminant validity. Reliability is tested using construct reliability and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients. In conclusion, a valid and reliable measurement tool was developed with 58 items in total. This scale is an important tool for identifying help seeking tendencies in OLE. It contributes to the design of appropriate help systems to enhance the potential and sustainability of these environments. This research offers significant contributions to the literature on online learning and provides insights into strategies for making learning environments more effective.
Indigenous peoples as trustees of forests: a bio-socio-cultural approach to international law
Authors: Lizarazo-Rodriguez Liliana , Fabris Alice Lopes , Montag Doreen
Published: December 2024

Forests are an essential part of Mother Earth within the Earth system. Deforestation is a widespread practice due to systematic land-use change. The international community is concerned, but no instrument explicitly protects forests, which are essential to avoid overshooting planetary boundaries and protect planetary health. Indigenous peoples (IP) and forests have a long-standing relationship, and both are affected by deforestation and biodiversity loss. The intrinsic and existential relation of some IP with forests needs recognition and the establishment of mechanisms to protect their rights, society, and culture, to address the disappearance of these ecosystems. The role of IP in forest governance has been mainly assessed outside international law, from multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary fields. The multidimensional nature of the interaction between IP and forests could explain this phenomenon. This article uses a bio-socio-cultural approach to assess whether protecting the bio-socio-cultural rights of IP, which are intertwined with their ecosystems and territories, is a way to protect forests, and whether this view is consistent with international law. The article presents a multidisciplinary narrative literature review and identifies the main gaps in international law and policy on the protection of forests and IP. It makes three contributions. First, it shows the convergence of scientific evidence that IP are undoubtedly essential actors in the conservation of the ecosystems in which they live. Second, it discusses how this empirical evidence on the pluralist view of forests implies a transnational approach to involving peoples in the governance of their natural resources. This is, IP views on forests should be considered when addressing governance gaps of the Earth system. Third, it assesses how states need to recognise the plurality of their peoples and the need to prioritise the protection of key ecosystems and IP. In the same week that the Conference of the Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD-COP16) acknowledged the multi-ethnic nature of the world's populations and recognised people of African descent and IP as key stewards in conservation efforts, this article was accepted for publication. Without this recognition of plural visions, Mother Earth will collapse.
Detailed Analysis of the Superconducting Gap with Dynes Pair-Breaking Scattering
Authors: Lebedeva Anastasiya , Herman František
Published: December 2024

We study the energy gap within the Dynes superconductor theory. This model generalizes the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) approach by including the pair-breaking scattering, introducing the tunneling in-gap states up to a Fermi level. We analytically solve the energy gap equation in various limit cases. The solution provides simple tools for further studies, compared to more complex numerics, and highlights the basic characteristics of the theory. First, in the critical limit of pair-breaking scattering, we derive an analytical form of zero-temperature gap to transition temperature ratio. Next, we derive the dependence of the energy gap close to critical temperature and look at its behavior for general and critical pair-breaking scattering rate. Furthermore, we compare our result with the numerical solution of the gap equation assuming general temperature. We show the range of temperatures, for which the analytical approximation is valid. In the end, we provide the approximative formula of the gap, assuming general pair-breaking scattering, emphasizing its exact behavior close to transition temperature.
Exploring the dynamics of reactive oxygen species from CaviPlasma and their disinfection and degradation potential — the case of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins
Authors: Odehnalová Klára , Čech Jan , Maršálková Eliška , Sťahel Pavel , Mayer Barbora , Santana Vinicius Tadeu , Rudolf Pavel , Maršálek Blahoslav
Published: December 2024

We investigated the production of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) in solutions undergoing treatment using CaviPlasma (CP) technology. This technology combines plasma discharge with hydrodynamic cavitation. This study focused on factors such as pH, conductivity, presence of salts and organic matter affecting ROS formation and their stability in solutions. Depending on the used matrix, CP produces 450–580 µg L−1 s−1 of hydrogen peroxide and 1.9 µg L−1 s−1 of hydroxyl radicals dissolved in liquid. Using cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins as example, we proved that CP technology is a highly efficient method for destroying microorganisms and persistent toxins. The biocidal effect of the CP treatment was confirmed on two species of cyanobacteria, Synechococcus elongatus and Merismopedia minutissima. The effectiveness of the technology in degrading microcystins was also demonstrated. The potential of this technology is based on its high energy efficiency, G(H2O2) ≈ 10 g kWh−1 and G(O3) ≈ 0.03 g kWh−1 (in deionised water), realistic applicability with throughput rates (> 1 m3 h−1), and comparatively easy scalability system.
Evolving treatment paradigms after CDK4/6 inhibitors in advanced breast cancer
Authors: Gnant Michael , Balic Marija , Singer Christian F. , Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Pfeiler Georg , Suppan Christoph , Grünberger Birgit , Strasser-Weippl Kathrin , Castagnaviz Vanessa , Heibl Sonja , Bartsch Rupert
Published: December 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have transformed the treatment of hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‑negative (HR+/HER2−) breast cancer, becoming the standard in first-line endocrine therapy (ET). However, evidence supporting the optimal sequencing post-CDK4/6i progression remains scarce. Liquid biopsy and comprehensive genomic profiling enable tracking of resistance and identifying actionable mutations like ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT or PTEN. So far, post-CDK4/6i therapies include PARP inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), PI3K inhibitors, AKT inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, chemotherapy, and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), while rechallenging CDK4/6 inhibitors also offers additional avenues for molecularly targeted care. This position paper emphasizes the importance of biomarker-driven, individualized treatment strategies, highlights the need for collaborative efforts to ensure broad access to innovative therapies, and provides guidance for clinical practice, paving the way for more precise and personalized care in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer.
Standoff at the four-way stop sign: late-night diplomacy at the fourth session of negotiations (INC-4) on the global treaty to end plastic pollution
Authors: Tiller Rachel , Cowan Emily , Ahlquist Ina Helene , Tiller Theodore
Published: December 2024

Within the final session of negotiations inching forward, the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) completed its fourth session of negotiations (out of five) on an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) to “end plastic pollution.” This paper examines the results of the fourth session of negotiations INC-4, which took place from April 23 to 29th, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada. In this perspective paper, we analyze the trends, barriers, and themes shaping the emerging treaty text. Progress towards consensus on financial mechanisms and waste management was prevalent. This paper is based on close participant observations and document analysis throughout the negotiations, it became apparent that nearly all of the core obligations of the treaty came into brackets, which means states do not agree on text. There was additional divergence when it came to the inclusion of the production side of plastics in the treaty. We conclude by looking towards the fifth and expected final session round of negotiations in Busan, South Korea, in December 2024 by discussing if and how the plastic treaty will be effective when the full life cycle starting from production is not taken into account.
Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in Backfilling Works Beneath the Structures
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mahmoud A. , Morsi Ahmed Gamal M. , Hegazy Alnos Aly E.
Published: December 2024

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced in significant amounts. Nevertheless, the use of RAP is limited due to the absence of laboratory and field performance data. This research addresses laboratory and field tests to evaluate the use of RAP and various adapted mixtures in constructions such as road-bed layers and substitution layers. Modified proctor compaction, California bearing ratio, unconfined compression test, and static plate loading tests have been conducted on RAP, a mixture of RAP and crushed stone aggregates (CSA), and RAP stabilized with cement to satisfy the objective. Results have shown that 100% RAP material is suitable for use as a sub-base material. The ability of RAP material to be utilized as a cement-treated base layer is more pronounced when it is stabilized with cement (100% RAP + 8% and 10% cement). Utilization of 100% RAP stabilized with cement has been demonstrated to be economical in comparison with 100% CSA without cement. Finally, RAP material has shown good performance as a substitution layer.
Relational Data Cleaning Meets Artificial Intelligence: A Survey
Authors: Zhu Jingyu , Zhao Xintong , Sun Yu , Song Shaoxu , Yuan Xiaojie
Published: December 2024

Relational data play a crucial role in various fields, but they are often plagued by low-quality issues such as erroneous and missing values, which can terribly impact downstream applications. To tackle these issues, relational data cleaning with traditional signals, e.g., statistics, constraints, and clusters, have been extensively studied, with interpretability and efficiency. Recently, considering the strong capability of modeling complex relationships, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been introduced into the data cleaning field. These AI-based methods either consider multiple cleaning signals, integrate various techniques into the cleaning system, or incorporate neural networks. Among them, methods utilizing deep neural networks are classified as deep learning (DL) based, while those that do not are classified as machine learning (ML) based. In this study, we focus on three essential tasks (i.e., error detection, data repairing, and data imputation) for cleaning relational data, to comprehensively review the representative methods using traditional or AI techniques. By comparing and analyzing two types of methods across five dimensions (cost, generalization, interpretability, efficiency, and effectiveness), we provide insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and suitable application scenarios. Finally, we analyze the challenges and open issues currently faced in data cleaning and discuss possible directions for future studies.
Expectations vs. reality in nacre-like composites: dominating role of particle packing and polymer confinement in mechanical performance
Authors: Semeykina V. , Appiah C. , Rothberg S. , Heinrich S. , Giuntini D. , Schneider G. A.
Published: December 2024

After decades of research, mimicking the intricate structure of nacre shells with flawlessly packed blocks remains a laborious task in composite material design. For practical reasons, less ideal alternatives with reduced packing densities below 70 vol.% are often being explored. However, the extent to which the features of the nacre structure can be exploited remains unclear. This paper investigates whether mimicking nacre design in non-densely packed composites can still deliver exceptional mechanical performance. A wide range of ceramic particles (80–100 µm, including spheres and platelets) and methacrylate-based polymers was studied. All the composites exhibited little variation in strength (100–150 MPa) and E-modulus regardless of hierarchical structure, particle size, shape, or interfacial bonding, highlighting the greater importance of particle packing over these factors for ceramic loadings below 65 vol.%. In particular, the benefits of micron-sized anisotropic particles were diminished by the fundamental challenges in aligning such blocks: although these assemblies significantly enhanced fracture resistance, the elastic modulus was still lower than expected (25 GPa). A polydisperse mixture of irregularly shaped micron-sized particles surprisingly achieved a high elastic modulus of 20 GPa, suggesting that an optimized size distribution can provide benefits comparable to those of particle anisotropy. Composites loaded with small particles (< 500 nm) exhibited two key effects: the solvation shells contributed to the total organic content significantly, limiting the maximum ceramic loading, and the polymer confined within small interparticle voids exhibited increased stiffness, leading to more brittle fracture despite the abundance of organic phase. Both phenomena should be accounted for in theoretical simulations and the practical design of composite materials.

Graphical Abstract
Strategies for Dealing with Substances of Concern in Product Design – a Review of Five Cases
Authors: Bolaños Arriola Julieta , Aghaeian Soroush , Bakker Conny , Balkenende Ruud
Published: December 2024

Hazardous substances, or substances of concern (SoC), are present in numerous products and may be the source of significant risks to human health and the environment. In addition, the presence of SoC in products challenges the transition towards a circular economy. By implementing strategies such as reuse or recycling, SoC can be reintroduced in subsequent lifecycles, generating new forms of risk. Addressing SoC in the early stages of the product development process is necessary to mitigate the hazards and risks they may present throughout multiple lifecycles. Product designers hence need appropriate tools and methods to address SoC in products. However, we have observed that current research primarily focuses on the development of non-toxic chemical alternatives and approaches that mitigate the risks of SoC at a chemical and material level (i.e., substitution), lacking the necessary holistic approach to avoid trade-offs or unforeseen consequences. Available design specific methods, tools, and information to address SoC in products are extremely limited and have too a material focus. To address this, we investigated five cases to understand how SoC were dealt with across the product lifecycle and identify mitigation interventions used. We then analyzed the interventions and classified them into five levels of influence, i.e., chemical, material, component, product, and system, and evaluated their respective implications for design, advantages, and drawbacks. Our analysis results in three groups of mitigation strategies that are specifically relevant to product design: Avoid, which entails any modification to the product that eliminates the SoC, Control, in which the SoC remains in use, but its emissions are prevented, and Reduce, which includes any modification that results in the reduction of the volume of the SoC or its emissions. Our findings establish the potential contribution of designers in the mitigation SoC in products and constitute a basis for the development of methods or guidelines to address SoC from a product design perspective.
Pathological mechanisms and advances in neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade combined with chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Hou Yun-jing , Yang Xin-xin , Meng Hong-xue
Published: December 2024

In the most recent edition of Holistic Integrative Oncology, a study by Han and colleagues revealed that combining neoadjuvant programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade with chemotherapy is effective for treating locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The retrospective analysis included 51 patients. The participants were assigned to treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) alone or NAC combined with pembrolizumab. The study compared several outcomes between the two groups, including pathological complete response and objective response rates, delays in surgery, and toxicity. The results indicated that NAC combined with pembrolizumab significantly improved pathological responses without increasing toxicity or side effects. Meanwhile, we additionally reviewed the advanced pathological mechanisms underlying the combination of immune checkpoint blockade and NAC. These mechanisms encompass several key processes, including immunogenic cell death, increased immunogenicity of cancer cells, anti-angiogenic effects, and myeloid immunosuppressive cells. Consequently, the approach facilitates the transformation of tumors from a non-inflammatory state to an inflammatory state, thereby enhancing immune response rates.
ELSA for the Smart City: Ethical, Legal, and Social Technologization of Homes, Cities, and Societies Through Standardized ELSA-Assessment—A Legal Point of View
Authors: Gesmann-Nuissl Dagmar , Tacke Ines , Olschewski Bianca
Published: December 2024

Smart living environments such as the Smart Home or the Smart City are created by connecting various smart devices. The data-driven character of these IoT devices (IoT—Internet of Things) leads not only to an increase in comfort, but gives also rise to new legal, ethical, and social risks. Even though, IoT devices that are to be placed on the market in Europe shall undergo an approval process during which they are evaluated for their compliance with the entire legal system. Nevertheless, there is still a need to improve the analysis of the legal, ethical, and social impact on society prior to approving new technologies. Moreover, when different sets of data from individual devices are connected, more comprehensive information about residents can be accessed. Thus, legal, ethical, and social challenges also arise from the combination of several devices in a network in the context of Smart Homes or Smart Cities. We propose a standardized ELSA-assessment (ELSA—ethical, legal, social aspects) as a tool for the comprehensive analysis of IoT devices as well as networks. If the structure and composition of the IoT network is changed by adding a device or service, the assessment should be repeated. The standardized ELSA assessment could support responsible stakeholders in identifying and successfully mitigating unacceptable risks. Standardization of the assessment should enable repeatability and thus comparability of assessment results. In this way, legal, ethical, and social technologization of the Smart City can be ensured.
The role of social, economic, and medical marginalization in cancer clinical trial participation inequities: A systematic review
Authors: Hanvey Grace Ann , Johnson Hannah , Cartagena Gabriel , Dede Duane E. , Krieger Janice L. , Ross Kathryn M. , Pereira Deidre B.
Published: December 2024

Extant literature reveals how patients of marginalized social identities, socioeconomic status (SES), and medical experiences – especially patients of color and older adults – are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (CCTs). Emerging evidence increasingly indicates CCT underrepresentation among patients of lower SES or rural origin, sexual and gender minorities, and patients with comorbid disability. This review applies an intersectional perspective to characterizing CCT representativeness across race and ethnicity, age, sexual and gender identity, SES, and disability. Four databases were systematically queried for articles addressing CCT participation inequities across these marginalizing indicators, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. One hundred one articles were included in a qualitative evaluation of CCT representativeness within each target population in the context of their intersectional impacts on participation. Findings corroborate strong evidence of CCT underrepresentation among patients of color, older age, lower SES, rural origin, and comorbid disabling conditions while highlighting systemic limitations in data available to characterize representativeness. Results emphasize how observed inequities interactively manifest through the compounding effects of minoritized social identity, inequitable economic conditions, and marginalizing medical experiences. Recommendations are discussed to more accurately quantify CCT participation inequities across underserved cancer populations and understand their underpinning mechanisms.
Morphological evolution of splashing drop revealed by interpretation of explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Yee Jingzu , Kumagai Shunsuke , Igarashi Daichi , Pradipto  , Yamanaka Akinori , Tagawa Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2024

This study reveals the morphological evolution of a splashing drop by a newly proposed feature extraction method, and a subsequent interpretation of the classification of splashing and non-splashing drops performed by an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) video classifier. Notably, the values of the weight matrix elements of the XAI that correspond to the extracted features are found to change with the temporal evolution of the drop morphology. We compute the rate of change of the contributions of each frame with respect to the classification value of a video as an importance index to quantify the contributions of the extracted features at different impact times to the classification. Remarkably, the rate computed for the extracted splashing features of ethanol and 1 cSt silicone oil is found to have a peak value at the early impact times, while the extracted features of 5 cSt silicone oil are more obvious at a later time when the lamella is more developed. This study provides an example that clarifies the complex morphological evolution of a splashing drop by interpreting the XAI.
Effectiveness of the ‘Weet wat je eet’ nutrition education programme in Dutch secondary schools
Authors: Hoefnagels Femke A. , Versteegt Simone , Stafleu Annette , Huigens Marthe C. , Battjes-Fries Marieke C. E.
Published: December 2024

To assess the effectiveness of the ‘Weet wat je eet’ (‘Know what you eat’) school-based nutrition education programme on behavioural determinants and behaviour among students aged 12–15 years. A quasi-experimental study design was used, collecting data at baseline and after implementing the programme in both an intervention and control group (in total 611 students) across the Netherlands. Students from eighteen Dutch secondary education schools completed two consecutive questionnaires, assessing knowledge, self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm, intention, and behaviours related to healthy, safe, and sustainable nutrition. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted corrected for gender, grade, education level, and school location. The intervention group showed a significant higher increase in self-efficacy, attitude, intention to drink water (all three P < 0.01), and a significant higher decrease in the consumption of sugary drinks, snacks, and meat (all P < 0.05) than the control group. Both the groups scored significantly higher on knowledge during the post-test (both P < 0.05), although the intervention group not significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.14). No significant effects were observed for subjective norm, intention, and fruit, vegetable, and whole grain bread consumption. The results of this study showed positive effects of the ‘Weet wat je eet’ school-based nutrition education programme on self-efficacy and attitude towards healthy, safe and sustainable nutrition, intention to drink more water, and various healthy eating behaviours among secondary school students. Further research is necessary to assess the long-term sustainability of these results.
Food insecurity and BMI are associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 1-year longitudinal study
Authors: Asrullah Muhammad , Maula Ahmad Watsiq , Dewi Shita Listya , Helmyati Siti , Melse-Boonstra Alida
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented multifaceted challenges globally, impacting adolescent health. Among these, food security and nutrition are intertwined closely with mental health outcomes. In Indonesia, with its diverse socio-economic landscape, these interconnections may have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between food security, nutrition and adolescent mental health in Indonesia during COVID-19. Longitudinal data were collected from 511 adolescent boys and girls in 2021–2022 in Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the validated Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure adolescent depression. Multivariate linear regression and linear mixed-effects regression were employed to explore associations between these variables, while adjusting for sex, age, pubertal status and household income. Overall, food insecurity score was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β: 0·72, 95 % CI 0·52, 0·92), while BMI z-score was inversely associated (β: −0·31, 95 % CI 0·68, −0·03). We found an increase in strength of association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms over time (moderately food-insecure: β: 1·36 (95 % CI −0·10, 2·83) to 4·63 (95 % CI 2·17, 7·09); severely food-insecure: β: 1·89 (95 % CI 0·36, 3·41) to 3·30 (95 % CI 1·50, 5·10). Enhancing food access, improving nutritional status and providing mental health support are crucial components of adolescent health.