bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape of regulatory quantitative systems pharmacology submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: An update report
Authors: Bai Jane P. F. , Liu Guansheng , Zhao Miao , Wang Jie , Xiong Ye , Truong Tien , Earp Justin C. , Yang Yuching , Liu Jiang , Zhu Hao , Burckart Gilbert J.
Published: October 2024

The number of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has continued to increase over the past decade. This report summarizes the landscape of QSP submissions as of December 2023. QSP was used to inform drug development across various therapeutic areas and throughout the drug development process of small molecular drugs and biologics and has facilitated dose finding, dose ranging, and dose optimization studies. Though the majority of QSP submissions (>66%) focused on drug effectiveness, QSP was also utilized to simulate drug safety including liver toxicity, risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), bone density, and others. This report also includes individual contexts of use from a handful of new drug applications (NDAs) and biologics license applications where QSP modeling was used to demonstrate the utility of QSP modeling in regulatory drug development. According to the models submitted in QSP submissions, an anonymous case was utilized to illustrate how QSP informed development of a bispecific monoclonal antibody with respect to CRS risk. QSP submissions for informing pediatric drug development were summarized along with highlights of a case in inborn errors of metabolism. Furthermore, simulations of response variability with QSP were described. In summary, QSP continues to play a role in informing drug development.
Unveiling the Performance of SCAN Functional for Studying the Hydrated Ion in Solution: A Hybrid Forces Molecular Dynamics Study of La3+ Hydration
Authors: Prasetyo Niko
Published: October 2024

SCAN/molecular mechanics molecular dynamics (SCAN/MM MD) simulations have been employed to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of La3+ in aqueous solution. These simulations revealed the presence of two distinct hydration shells, with the first shell exhibiting a La‐O bond distance of 2.56 Å. The water molecules in this initial hydration shell displayed a mean residence time (MRT) of 208 ps, suggesting a less rigid structure. Five successful ligand exchange events occurred within a simulation duration of 100 ps. The stretching frequency of La‐O was found to be 331 cm−1, with a force constant of 92 N/m. Notably, the data obtained from the SCAN/MM MD simulation demonstrated good agreement with experimental findings.
Dynamic Event‐Triggered Consensus Tracking Control for Nonlinear Stochastic Multi‐Agent Systems Under Dual Network Attacks
Authors: Xing Shuangyun , Li Minghao , Deng Feiqi
Published: October 2024

This study discusses consensus tracking control problems for nonlinear stochastic multi‐agent systems under DoS attacks and deception attacks. The above attacks are respectively described as receiving duplicate data and receiving false data. In an effort to save network resources, this study proposes an appropriate dynamic event‐triggered mechanism. On this basis, a feedback controller for consensus tracking is designed. Then, a new consensus tracking criterion under dual network attacks is proposed. In addition, by selecting a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and using Jesen inequality, sufficient conditions for system mean‐square stability are obtained. Finally, the efficacy of this approach is validated through a numerical example.
Acyl Iodide Synthesis from Carboxylic Acids Using a Novel Ph2P(O)H‐I2 Binary System and Its Application to Facile Preparation of Amides, Esters, and Thioesters
Authors: Fujiwara Kohsuke , Kawaguchi Shin‐ichi , Yamamoto Yuki , Gonda Yuhei , Ogawa Akiya
Published: October 2024

Acyl iodides are expected to be excellent acylating agents due to the low bond dissociation energy of the carbon–iodine bond and the high capability of iodine as a leaving group. Unfortunately, the preparative methods for acyl iodides directly from carboxylic acids are rather limited. In this work, we found that a novel binary system combining I2 and diphenylphosphine oxide (Ph2P(O)H) provides a simple method for the preparation of acyl iodides from carboxylic acids. Furthermore, the subsequent one‐pot reaction with appropriate nucleophiles, such as amines, alcohols, and thiols, afforded the corresponding amides, esters, and thioesters, respectively, in good to excellent yields.
Recent Advances in MXene‐Based Aerogels for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhou Jin , Sui Yiling , Wu Na , Han Mingrui , Liu Jishang , Liu Wei , Zeng Zhihui , Liu Jiurong
Published: October 2024

Developing lightweight, high‐performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials those can absorb the adverse electromagnetic radiation or waves are of great significance. Transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) are a novel type of 2D nanosheets associated with a large aspect ratio, abundant polar functional groups, adjustable conductivity, and remarkable mechanical properties. This contributes to the high‐efficiency assembly of MXene‐based aerogels possessing the ultra‐low density, large specific surface area, tunable conductivity, and unique 3D porous microstructure, which is beneficial for promoting the EMW absorption. Therefore, MXene‐based aerogels for EMW absorption have attracted widespread attention. This review provides an overview of the research progress on MXene‐based aerogels for EMW absorption, focusing on the recent advances in component and structure design strategies, and summarizes the main strategies for constructing EMW absorbing MXene‐based aerogels. In addition, based on EMW absorption mechanisms and structure regulation strategies, the preparation methods and properties of MXene‐based aerogels with varieties of components and pore structures are detailed to advance understanding the relationships of composition‐structure‐performance. Furthermore, the future development and challenges faced by MXene‐based aerogels for EMW absorption are summarized and prospected.
Fabrication of Vanadium Oxide‐encapsulated Hybrid Carbon Nanospheres for Enhanced Tribological Performance
Authors: Liu Sha , Li Shuo , Wang Yixin , Xue Shenghua , Liu Shujuan , Ye Qian , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: October 2024

A new sulfur‐containing carbon nanospheres encapsulated with vanadium oxide (V@SCN) is synthesized through a one‐pot oxidation polymerization and then carbonization method. The prepared V@SCNs exhibit good dispersibility as a lubricant additive, which is owing to the inherited lipophilic organic functional groups in the sulfur‐containing carbon shell derived from the carbonization of polythiophene. The agglomeration and precipitation of metals in the base oil are also avoided through the encapsulation of lipophilic carbon shells. The stress and thermal simulation results show that the vanadium oxide core bestows upon the carbon nanospheres enhanced load resistance and superior thermal conductivity, which contributes to their excellent tribological properties. Introducing 0.04M‐V@SCN to the base oil leads to favorable tribological characteristics, such as a fourfold rise in extreme pressure capacity from 250 to 1050N, a reduction in friction coefficient from 0.2 to ≈0.1, and a substantial decrease in wear by 90.2%. The lubrication mechanism of V@SCNs as lubricant additive involves the formation of a robust protective film on the friction pair, which is formed via complex physical and chemical reactions with the friction pair during friction.
Full‐Color Dynamic Afterglow in Carbon Dot‐Based Materials Regulated by Dual‐Phosphorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhang Longyue , Chen Xipao , Xin Mingyu , Yang Hailiang , Guo Dongying , Hu Yaoping
Published: October 2024

Developing afterglow materials with wide‐range and time‐dependent colors is highly desirable but challenging. Herein, by calcinating the mixture of Rhodamine B and NH4Al(OH)2CO3, carbon dots (CDs) are generated and in situ embedded in the porous Al2O3, forming the CDs@Al2O3 composite, which exhibits time‐dependent phosphorescence colors (TDPCs) from blue to green after excited by a UV lamp. Photophysical studies reveal that the blue phosphorescence with a short lifetime of 214 ms originates from the carbon core state, while the green phosphorescence with a long lifetime of 915 ms is associated with the surface state of CDs. Simultaneous activation of the blue and green phosphorescence with different lifetimes induces the TDPC performance. Using CDs@Al2O3 as the donor, a series of long‐wavelength fluorescent dyes including Rhodamine 123, Rhodamine 6G, and Rhodamine B as the acceptors, and epoxy resin (ER) as the matrix, a dual‐phosphorescence resonance energy transfer system (CDs@Al2O3‐dye‐ER) is constructed to rationally regulate the afterglow emission, conferring the full‐color dynamic afterglow from blue to red at different decay times with high afterglow quantum yields of up to 48.2%. The fascinating afterglow properties of the CDs@Al2O3‐dye‐ER composites enable their successful applications in multidimensional information encryption and polychrome 3D artworks.
Developing High‐Performance Ceramics from Multicomponent Grain Boundary Entropy Design
Authors: Han Meiqi , Ren Pei , Zhang Mu , Li Xiaodong , Jin Jianfeng , Sun Xudong
Published: October 2024

Grain boundary (GB) glassy phase often results in poor ceramic performances. Here, a Multicomponent Grain Boundary Entropy (MGBE) descriptor extracted from high‐throughput first‐principle calculations is proposed to capture the nature of high‐entropy GB phases in ceramics. In a Si3N4 ceramic model system, MGBE is found to have a direct correlation with GB phase crystallinity, element segregation, and formation of pores. The predicted highest MGBE sintering additive combination (MgO‐Y2O3‐Er2O3‐Yb2O3) leads to high‐performance ceramics of homogenous microstructure and pure GB (YErYb)2Si3O3N4 phase without observable glassy film. Conversely, low MGBE additives result in a substantial amount of GB glassy phase, element segregation, and pore clusters. The MGBE descriptor can make a rapid screening of multicomponent sintering additives, offering a novel approach for rational designing of ceramics with targeted microstructure and performances.
Tannic Acid Selective Modulation Defects to Enhance the Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity of Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Cui He , Wu Xiaoqian , Li Shunli , Wang Jiabo , Wang Ruoxue , Zhao Yi , Ge Kai , Hu YiDong , Shen Boxiong , Yang Yongfang
Published: October 2024

Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDH) have shown great potential in photoreduction of CO2 owing to its flexible structural adjustability. In this study, the mild acidic property of tannic acid (TA) is exploited to etch the bimetal LDH to create abundant vacancies to gain the coordination unsaturated active centers. Based on the different chelating abilities of TA to various metal ions, the active metals are remained by selective chelation while the inert metals are removed during the etching process of bimetal LDH. Furthermore, selective chelating with metal ions not only increases the percentage of highly active metals but also compensates for the structural damage caused by the etch, which achieves a scalpel‐like selective construction of vacancies. The NiAl‐LDH etched and functionalized by TA for 3 h exhibits superior photo‐reduction of CO2 performance without co‐catalysts and photo‐sensitizers, which is 14 times that of the pristine NiAl‐LDH. The fact that many bimetal LDHs can be functionalized by TA and exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency is confirmed, suggesting this strategy is generalized to functionalize double‐ or multi‐metal LDH. The method provided in this work opens the door for polyphenol‐functionalized LDHs to enhance their ability for light‐driven chemical transformations.
Proton Ionic Liquid Modulates Hydrogen Coverage and Subsurface Absorbed Hydrogen to Enhance Pd Metallene Electrocatalytic Semi‐hydrogenation of Alkynols
Authors: Yang Ruidong , Sun Kuo , Mao Qiqi , Wang Wenxin , Deng Kai , Wang Jianguo , Yu Hongjie , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: October 2024

Electrochemical semi‐hydrogenation of alkynols to produce high‐value alkenols is a green and sustainable approach. Although Pd can exhibit excellent semi‐hydrogenation properties, its intrinsic mechanism still lacks in‐depth study. Herein, a proton ionic liquid (PIL)‐modified Pd metallene (Pdene@PIL) is synthesized for the electrocatalytic semi‐hydrogenation of 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol (MBY) to 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol (MBE). The PIL modification of Pdene@PIL resulted in an MBY conversion of 96.1% and MBE selectivity of 97.2%, respectively. Theoretical calculations indicate the electron transfer between Pdene and PIL, leading to easier adsorption of MBY on the Pd surface. The d‐band center of Pdene@PIL shifts away from the Fermi level, which weakens the adsorption of over‐hydrogenated intermediates. At the same time, the PIL modification facilitates the adsorption of surface‐adsorbed hydrogen (H*ads) and inhibits the formation of subsurface‐absorbed hydrogen (H*abs). In particular, the PIL modification optimizes Hads* coverage, reduces the reaction energy of the rate‐determining step (C5H8O*‐C5H9O*), and inhibits HER. The reduction of H*abs formation inhibits the transfer of Pd to PdHx and suppresses the over‐hydrogenation. This work provides new insights into the modulation of H* to enhance the alkynol electrocatalytic semi‐hydrogenation reaction (ESHR) process from the perspective of surface modification.
Morphology Regulation and Oxygen Vacancy Construction Synergistically Boosting the Piezocatalytic Degradation and Pure Water Splitting of SrTiO3
Authors: He Yiwei , Tian Na , An Yue , Sun Rongjun , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the development of high‐efficiency piezoelectric materials is an effective means to make full use of the mechanical energy widely existing in the environment. However, there are few reports on multi‐strategies synergistically improving piezocatalytic activity, and the mechanism of synergistic enhancement of piezocatalytic activity also receives less attention. Herein, the SrTiO3 nanorods decorated with tunable surface oxygen vacancy concentrations are prepared. Oxygen vacancy‐optimized SrTiO3 nanorods exhibit efficient and undifferentiated piezocatalytic degradation activities for both anionic and cationic dyes under ultrasonic vibration. More importantly, it can split water into H2 and H2O2 with high production rates of 540 and 332 µmol g−1 h−1 without adding any sacrificial agents and cocatalysts, respectively. Mechanism analyses demonstrate that the 1D structure is beneficial to mechanical energy harvesting, and the surface oxygen vacancy induces larger surface asymmetry and piezoelectric response, synergically enhancing the piezocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 nanorods. In addition, metal deposition experiments under different conditions show that SrTiO3 nanorods possess abundant reactive catalytic sites in the piezocatalytic reaction process. This work provides a further understanding of piezocatalysis in piezoelectric nanomaterials and is important for the development of efficient piezoelectric catalysts.
Fabricating a Robust Ultramicroporous Metal‐Organic Framework for Purifying Natural Gas and Coal Mine Methane
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Yu , Zheng Wenqi , Lin En , Deng Chenghua , Geng Shubo , Chen Yao , Cheng Peng , Zhang Zhenjie
Published: October 2024

Purifying methane (CH4) from natural gas and coal mine methane (CMM) is of great significance but challenging in the chemical industry. Herein, a robust ultramicroporous metal‐organic framework (MOF) is reported, which can be synthesized on a gram scale by stirring under room temperature. Single‐component adsorption isotherms of gases (CH4, ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), nitrogen (N2)) and breakthrough experiments indicate that the MOF can separate CH4 efficiently from CH4/C2H6/C3H8 ternary mixture, with super high purity‐CH4 production of 154.7 cm3 g−1. Additionally, the MOF shows higher CH4 capacity than N2, resulting in excellent separation performance for the CH4/N2 mixture. Notably, the binding sites of gases can be precisely determined by single‐crystal X‐ray data, further confirmed by molecular simulation. It is found that there are multiple hydrogen bonds and C─H···π interactions between the gases and the framework. This work offers an excellent candidate material for CH4 purification with both high capacity and separation efficiency.
Flexible Hybrid Membrane with Synergistic Exciton Dynamics for Excessive 280 h of Durably Piezo‐Photocatalytic H2O‐to‐H2 Conversion
Authors: Ma Tenghao , Liao Guocheng , Gao Fanfan , Duan Wen , Wang Yusen , Cui Rongxia , Wang Chuanyi , Li Wei
Published: October 2024

Solar‐driven H2O‐to‐H2 conversion is a feasible artificial photoconversion technology for clean energy production. However, low photon utilization efficiency has become a major obstacle limiting the practical application of this technology. Herein, a metal atomic replacement (Sb→Ni) is conducted to disintegrate bulk Sb2S3 nanorods and synchronously grow the NiS nanolayers, and a flower‐like Sb2S3‐NiS nanocomposite with high BET specific surface area and synergistic exciton dynamics is constructed for simulated solar (SSL)‐driven H2O‐to‐H2 conversion. The optimal Sb2S3‐NiS nanocomposite is compounded with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to prepare a flexible PVDF/Sb2S3‐NiS (PSN) hybrid membrane with stable structure and excellent recyclability via an electrospinning method. Due to the synergistically interacted organic–inorganic interface and high porosity, it is conducive to the exposure of effective active sites, exciton conduction and mass transfer and exchange, thereby an outstanding alkaline (Ph = 13.0) H2O‐to‐H2 conversion activity with a 0.06% of solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency and over 280 h (70 cycles) of durable recycling is achieved under the collaborative drives of SSL and weak ultrasound (40 Hz). This study raises a state‐of‐the‐art membrane material for solar‐driven panel reaction technology.
Sweat Pore‐Inspired Functional Nanofiber Fabrics for Sweat Management and Simultaneous Detection
Authors: Wang Ruidong , Guan Chunsheng , Jin Xuening , Chai Jing , Zhou Fujin , Wang Ning , Song Botao
Published: October 2024

Functional fabric with directional sweat transport and simultaneous sweat detection is highly desirable in daily life due to its crucial role in ensuring exercise comfort and promoting health. Herein, the inspiration is drawn from both the perspiration function of sweat pores and the backflow prevention feature of the surrounding solid skin to develop bioinspired hydrophobic nanofiber fabric. When combined with commercial cotton, this fabric enables rapid discharge of sweat through the sweat pore‐like channels at an ultrafast speed of 240 g s−1 m−2, while effectively preventing backflow around these channels to ensure highly efficient personal drying. The performance of the bioinspired nanofiber fabric surpasses that of five commercially available moisture‐wicking fabrics by effectively guiding liquid transport while minimizing residual moisture accumulation on the inner side. Furthermore, a colorimetric analysis system is integrated into the bioinspired nanofiber fabric, which facilitates convenient sampling of sweat samples and detection of biomarkers in sweat such as chloride ion, calcium ion, and pH level. This innovative design based on the concept of sweat pores opens up new possibilities for developing intelligent fabrics, electronic skins, and point‐of‐care devices.
Gradient Thermal Annealing Assisted Perovskite Film Crystallization Regulation for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaic‐Photodetection Bifunctional Device
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Chen Peng , Luo Jianwen , Ouyang Zexian , Sun Mulin , Hu Qin , Xie Weiguang , Liu Pengyi , Chen Ke
Published: October 2024

Perovskite crystallization regulation is essential to obtain excellent film optoelectronic properties and device performances. However, rapid crystallization during annealing always results in poor perovskite film and easy formation of trap, thereby greatly restricting device performance due to severe non‐radiative recombination. Here, an easy and reproducible gradient thermal annealing (GTA) approach is used to regulate the perovskite crystallization. Through a low‐temperature initial annealing of GTA, the solvent evaporation is slowed down, thus extending nucleation time and providing a buffer for the rapid crystallization of perovskite grains in the subsequent high‐temperature stage. As a result, completely converted and highly crystalline perovskite is obtained with 1.6 times larger grain size, reduced trap density and suppressed non‐radiative recombination of photo‐generated carriers. The film crystallinity is also enhanced with more advantageous (100) and (111) lattice facets which are favorable for carrier transport. Consequently, the perovskite photodetectors exhibit a large linear dynamic range of 174 dB and an excellent response even under ultra‐weak light of 303 pW. Meanwhile, perovskite solar cells achieved increased PCE and maintained 85% of original efficiency after heating at 65 °C for nearly 1000 h under unencapsulated conditions. To the knowledge, this represents the best performance reported for a perovskite photovoltaic‐photodetection bifunctional device.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Activation/Functionalization of 8‐Methylquinolines
Authors: Doraghi Fatemeh , Aghanour Ashtiani Mohammad Mahdi , Ameli Mahmoud , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: October 2024

8‐Methylquinoline is regarded as an ideal substrate to participate in diversely C(sp3)−H functionalization reactions. The presence of the chelating nitrogen atom enables 8‐methylquinoline to easily form cyclometallated complexes with various transition metals, leading to the selective synthesis of functionalized quinolines. Considering the great importance of quinoline cores in medicinal chemistry, in this review article, we have covered the publications related to the C−H activation and functionalization of 8‐methylquinoline under transition metal catalysis during the last decade.
“I sit here thinking I can do this”—Developing justice‐centered ambitious science teaching identities in professional learning communities
Authors: Cooke Hannah , Campbell Todd , Luehmann April , Zhang Yang , Scipio Déana
Published: October 2024

Explicitly attending to justice in science teaching and learning is long overdue. Here, we examined the professional teacher identity development of 13 science teachers as they collaborated in networked professional learning communities (PLCs) to implement and revise a culture‐setting unit focused on the science of COVID and engaging in collaborative inquiry cycles to identify and refine justice‐centered ambitious science teaching (JuST) practices in classrooms. These JuST practices are conceptualized as a synthesis of justice‐centered pedagogies and ambitious science teaching. To accomplish our research aims, we drew on qualitative methods, where we relied on transcribed video recordings of 21 PLC meetings and three transcribed end‐of‐year focus group interviews of two PLCs (i.e., 13 secondary science teachers, mostly white) across a year‐long period. As a result of our analyses, we identified how professional learning arranged through PLCs, culture‐setting units, and collaborative inquiries supported professional JuST identity development by, among other affordances, providing space for the critical and emotional work of learning to discuss race, affording teachers strategies for getting to know their students and the assets they bring to classrooms, and recognition and positioning of teachers as professionals capable of identifying or developing, refining, and contributing to knowledge about JuST science teaching and learning. Challenges identified included, among others, identifying how the culture‐setting units could be effectively integrated into existing curriculum maps and the uneven implementation support from administrators. In the end, what is revealed helps better conceptualize how engaging teachers in PLCs around tasks like curriculum implementation and refinement or collaborative inquires support professional JuST identity development and how such experiences can be more carefully negotiated.
Opportunities of the Bioeconomy in Mexico: Valorization of Agro‐Industrial Waste
Authors: Cano‐Gómez Christian Iván , Hinojosa‐López Jessica Ivonne , Muñiz‐Marquez Diana B. , Wong‐Paz Jorge E.
Published: October 2024

The transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy offers a pivotal opportunity for Mexico to mitigate environmental impacts and drive economic growth through the valorization of agro‐industrial waste. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities of establishing a waste‐based bioeconomy in Mexico, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies and infrastructure in transforming agricultural waste into valuable bioproducts like biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals. The paper underscores the necessity for robust policy frameworks and collaborative efforts to address technological, infrastructural, and regulatory barriers. It provides a comparative analysis of circular business models and waste valorization strategies successfully implemented in countries such as Brazil, Chile, and the Mediterranean region, drawing practical insights applicable to Mexico. This review uniquely combines technological, policy, and business model innovations to offer a comprehensive approach to the sustainable development of Mexico's bioeconomy. By navigating these complexities, Mexico can unlock significant economic, environmental, and social benefits, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Obituaries
Authors: Sayer Paul David
Published: October 2024

He made significant contributions to animal and human health during his varied and interesting career.
A Conceptual Framework for Human‐Centric and Semantics‐Based Explainable Event Detection
Authors: Kolajo Taiwo , Daramola Olawande
Published: October 2024

Explainability in the field of event detection is a new emerging research area. For practitioners and users alike, explainability is essential to ensuring that models are widely adopted and trusted. Several research efforts have focused on the efficacy and efficiency of event detection. However, a human‐centric explanation approach to existing event detection solutions is still lacking. This paper presents an overview of a conceptual framework for human‐centric semantic‐based explainable event detection with the acronym HUSEED. The framework considered the affordances of XAI and semantics technologies for human‐comprehensible explanations of events to facilitate 5W1H explanations (Who did what, when, where, why, and how). Providing this kind of explanation will lead to trustworthy, unambiguous, and transparent event detection models with a higher possibility of uptake by users in various domains of application. We illustrated the applicability of the proposed framework by using two use cases involving first story detection and fake news detection.
Introduction to Manufacturing Engineering
Authors: Ivanov Vitalii , Evtuhov Artem , Dehtiarov Ivan , Trojanowska Justyna
Published: October 2024

“Manufacturing” can be defined as transforming raw materials and components into finished products through various technological methods and operations. Manufacturing may include machining, chemical processing, assembly, and other processes that result in goods for use or sale.
Technological Processes in Machining
Authors: Ivanov Vitalii , Evtuhov Artem , Dehtiarov Ivan , Trojanowska Justyna
Published: October 2024

To design technological processes, such fundamental principles should be observed: technical (quality of products); economic (minimal costs to make products); and ecological (minimal damage to workers and the environment).
Sustainability Nexus AID: landslides and land subsidence
Authors: Motagh Mahdi , Garg Shagun , Cigna Francesca , Teatini Pietro , Bhardwaj Alok , Matin Mir A. , Zarei Azin , Madani Kaveh
Published: October 2024

Landslides and land subsidence pose significant threats that are both existing and growing in nature. These complex phenomena should not be considered in isolation but rather as interconnected challenges. To effectively understand and mitigate them, a data-driven nexus approach is necessary. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively, the United Nations University has launched the Sustainability Nexus Analytics, Informatics and Data Programme, a comprehensive initiative that intends to enable the nexus approach to problem solving in coupled human–environment systems. This paper provides a detailed background on the Programme’s “Landslides and Land Subsidence Module”, underscoring the crucial need for a nexus approach. Additionally, it highlights some of the tools and strategies that can be employed to tackle the challenges at hand. The success of this initiative hinges on active participation from various stakeholders. By embracing a holistic approach and fostering collaboration, we can strive towards better preparedness and long-term resilience against landslides and land subsidence.
Internet self-efficacy moderates the association of information technology ability with successful ageing among older employees in three African samples
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Hatsu Sylvester , Opuni Frank Frimpong , Muhonja Faith , Opara Confidence Chinwe , Sghaier Sarra , Danquah Emelia
Published: October 2024

The literature suggests that two distinct competencies [i.e., information technology ability (ITA), and internet self-efficacy] are necessary for the effective use of information technologies for successful ageing, but no study has examined the association of these skills on successful ageing and its domains (i.e., illness avoidance, functioning, and engagement with life). This study investigated whether Internet Self-Efficacy (ISE) moderates the potential association of ITA with successful ageing. The study adopted a cross-sectional design based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist and includes measures against confounding and common methods bias. The participants were 1186 older workers aged 50 years or older in three African countries (Kenya = 350; Nigeria = 260; Ghana = 576). The minimum sample size necessary was calculated, and data were analysed with hierarchical linear regression analysis. After controlling for the covariates, ITA and ISE had a positive association with successful ageing as well as illness avoidance, functioning, and engagement with life in the whole sample. ITA was also positively associated with successful ageing and its domains in Kenya and Ghana. The associations of ITA with successful ageing and its domains were positively moderated by ISE in the whole sample and within each of the three samples. Higher ITA can be associated with successful ageing among working older adults, and ITA positively influences successful ageing at different levels of ISE. Older adults with high ITA are more likely to avoid illness at a higher ISE.
Jeopardizing Biomedical Creative Abduction Through Impoverished Epistemic Niches
Authors: Magnani Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

In this article the problem of discoverability and abductive creativity in scientific cognition will be characterized by the analysis of current difficulties that affect various aspects of the scientific enterprise such as in the case of the organization of Research and Development in biopharmaceutical companies. I will contend that this case symbolizes a paradigmatic example of what I have called “impoverished epistemic niches” in which it seems that some of the fundamental aspects that qualify modern science are jeopardized. To refer to some recent challenges to the crucial role played in scientific abductive cognition by the so-called “maximization of eco-cognitive openness” and “optimization of eco-cognitive situatedness”, I will propose the new concept of “epistemic irresponsibility”. I will emphasize the importance of the so-called knowledge in motion – in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary scientific research: the concept of knowledge in motion is also the necessary conceptual premise of the analysis of various kinds of epistemic irresponsibility. I indeed will illustrate the current increasing expansion of commodification and commercialization of science, marketing of technoscientific products, impoverishment of the epistemic niches, showing that a consequence is and could further be an attack to the possibility of a further flourishing of human fecund and successful abductive creative cognition in science, and so at the same time human creativity severely compromised.
Application of deep learning models to generate rich, dynamic and production-like test data
Authors: Tan Chao , Behjati Razieh , Arisholm Erik
Published: October 2024

Traditionally, software development teams in many industries have used copies of production databases or their masked, anonymized, or obfuscated versions for testing. However, privacy protection regulations, for example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), prohibit such practices. In such a situation, there is often a need to generate production-like test data, i.e., test data that is statistically representative of the production data and conforms to the domain’s constraints. In this paper, we address this need by presenting a novel approach for generating production-like test data using deep learning techniques and studying the practical effectiveness of our proposed approach in industrial settings. We frame the problem of generating production-like test data as a Language Modeling problem. We then propose a general solution for test data generation and a framework for evaluating and comparing language models based on training effectiveness and the representativeness and validity of the generated data. To evaluate the practical effectiveness of our solution, we apply it to a case study: the Norwegian National Population Registry (NPR). Within the context of NPR, we experiment with three of the most successful Deep Learning algorithms for Language Modeling, namely Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Variational Autoencoders, and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). We furthermore evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these algorithms quantitatively, using the proposed evaluation framework. The results from our case study show that our approach can generate highly complex data that is statistically representative of the production data and conforms to the business rules of the domain. Moreover, test data generated with RNN, which outperforms the other two algorithms, are syntactically and semantically valid in more than 97% of the cases and are highly representative of the real NPR data. The practical applicability of our approach is evident from the fact that our approach was fully deployed in a test environment at the NPR, generating on-the-fly and scalable amounts of production-like test data that are used in the integration testing between NPR and its data consumers.
The non-relativistic geometric trinity of gravity
Authors: Wolf William J. , Read James , Vigneron Quentin
Published: October 2024

The geometric trinity of gravity comprises three distinct formulations of general relativity: (i) the standard formulation describing gravity in terms of spacetime curvature, (ii) the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity describing gravity in terms of spacetime torsion, and (iii) the symmetric teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (STEGR) describing gravity in terms of spacetime non-metricity. In this article, we complete a geometric trinity of non-relativistic gravity, by (a) taking the non-relativistic limit of STEGR to determine its non-relativistic analogue, and (b) demonstrating that this non-metric theory is equivalent to Newton–Cartan theory and its teleparallel equivalent, i.e., the curvature and the torsion based non-relativistic theories that are both geometrised versions of classical Newtonian gravity.
Bayesian Ensemble Kalman Filter for Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Gryvill Håkon , Grana Dario , Tjelmeland Håkon
Published: October 2024

Inverse theory and data assimilation methods are commonly used in earth and environmental science studies to predict unknown variables, such as the physical properties of underground rocks, from a set of measured geophysical data, like geophysical seismic or electromagnetic data. A new Bayesian approach based on the ensemble Kalman filter using Gaussian mixture models is presented to overcome the assumption of Gaussian distribution of the unknown variables commonly used in the data assimilation literature and to generalize the algorithm to inverse problems with multimodal probability distributions. In applications of subsurface characterization, the multimodality of the unknown variables is generally due to the presence of different rock types, also known as geological facies. In the proposed method, the weights of the Gaussian mixture model represent the facies proportions, and they follow a Markov chain model. The proposed Bayesian model generates the unknown model parameters conditioned on measured data using a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler. The validity of the method is demonstrated on a data assimilation problem where the goal is to estimate the posterior distribution of the unknown rock density from a set of repeated measurements of acoustic wave velocity measured at different times. The proposed method provides accurate estimates with efficient computational times.
miRNA biomarkers to predict risk of primary non-function of fatty allografts and drug induced acute liver failures
Authors: Schönberg Juliette , Borlak Jürgen
Published: October 2024

Primary non-function (PNF) of an allograft defines an irreversible graft failure and although rare, constitutes a life-threatening condition that requires high-urgency re-transplantation. Equally, drug induced acute liver failures (ALF) are seldom but the rapid loss of hepatic function may require orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT). Recently, we reported the development of a rodent PNF-disease model of fatty allografts and showed that a dysfunctional Cori and Krebs cycle and inhibition of lactate transporters constitute a mechanism of PNF. Based on findings from the rat PNF-disease model, we selected 15 miRNA-biomarker candidates for clinical validation and performed RT-qPCRs in well-documented PNF cases following OLT of fatty allografts. To assess specificity and selectivity, we compared their regulation in pre- and intraoperative liver biopsies and pre- and post-operative blood samples of patients undergoing elective hepatobiliary surgery. Additionally, we assessed their regulation in drug induced ALF. We confirmed clinical relevance for 11 PNF-associated miRNAs and found expression of miRNA-27b-3p, miRNA-122-3p, miRNA-125a-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-192-5p to correlate with the hepatic steatosis grades. Furthermore, we demonstrate selectivity and specificity for the biomarker candidates with opposite regulation of let-7b-5p, miRNA-122-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-194-5p in blood samples of patients following successful OLTs and/or liver resection. Moreover, by considering findings from 21 independent ALF-studies, we observed nine PNF-associated miRNAs regulated in common. We report miRNAs highly regulated in PNF and ALF, and their common regulation in different diseases broadens the perspective as biomarker candidates. Our study warrants independent confirmation in randomized clinical trials.

Graphical abstract

Created in BioRender. Schönberg, J. (2024) BioRender.com/e21p058
Manner/result polysemy as contextual allosemy: Evidence from Daakaka
Authors: Hopperdietzel Jens
Published: October 2024

Manner/result polysemy describes a phenomenon where a single root can encode both manner and result meaning components of an eventive verbal predicate. It therefore poses a challenge to (i) the hypothesis of manner/result complementarity as a fundamental constraint on verb/root meaning and (ii) a strict one-to-one mapping between roots and meaning. Examining novel data from the Oceanic language Daakaka, I provide further evidence that polysemous verbs like tiwiye ‘press manually, break’ only apparently violate manner/result complementarity, as manner and result meaning components are in complementary distribution. As both meaning components are sensitive to their morphosyntactic environment, I develop an account of contextual root allosemy, in which manner and result interpretations are associated with designated syntactic positions in relative configuration to an event-introducing verbalizer v. In particular, I argue that a single root may be associated with two non-compositional entries in the encyclopaedia, an eventive and a stative one, which allows the root to be merged in either the manner or result position. Independent support comes from suppletive verb forms in the paradigm of polysemous roots in Daakaka, where the spell-out conditions of contextual allomorphy and contextual allosemy overlap. Finally, I discuss theoretical and empirical challenges for alternative accounts of manner/result polysemy, including accounts based on derivation, coercion, and homophony.
Choosing reference land use for carbon and biodiversity footprints
Authors: Soimakallio Sampo , Norros Veera , Aroviita Jukka , Heikkinen Risto K. , Lehtoranta Suvi , Myllyviita Tanja , Pihlainen Sampo , Sironen Susanna , Toivonen Marjaana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Carbon and biodiversity footprints are increasingly calculated. However, little attention has been paid to the coherency of methodological choices and interpretation of the footprint results. This paper aims to clarify the coherency between the choice of reference land use and carbon and biodiversity footprints and discuss the challenges encountered.

Methods

First, we analyse features of reference land use options proposed in ISO 14067 (2018) i.e. business as usual, projected future, target, potential natural regeneration and historic baseline. Second, we discuss the connection between temporal scope and life cycle of land use. Third, we provide guidance on how to choose reference land use coherently. Fourth, we discuss specific issues related to carbon and biodiversity footprints and their relationship to reference land use. Finally, we provide conclusions and recommendations for further conceptual development.

Results and discussion

Choice of reference land use and determination of temporal scope of a study may significantly influence the assessment of carbon or biodiversity footprints. If the aim of a footprint study is to assess the effects of land use, reference land use should describe dynamically non-use of land. Thus, potential natural regeneration or continuation of natural state (if it is the starting point) of land is the coherent reference land use in this case. If the aim of a footprint study is to assess the effects of a decision to change land use or its management, reference land use should describe dynamically alternative use of land expected without the studied decision. Business as usual or projected future is a coherent reference land use in this case. Historic baseline or target reference land use may be useful in comparing the ecosystem value of the studied land use with a pre-set historic baseline or (policy) target.

Conclusions

We conclude that coherent choice of reference land use for carbon or biodiversity footprints depends on the goal and scope of a study. Beyond methodological coherency, issues related to the reliability and availability of appropriate data are relevant and vary between reference land use choices. However, difficulties in the assessment should not justify incoherent choices. We recommend that uncertainties are not overlooked but incorporated in the assessment and considered in the interpretation of the results. In addition, we recommend that key methodological choices, including the definition of the purpose of a study, chosen temporal scope and applied reference land use, should be clearly and transparently presented.
Optimizing Transformation-Induced Plasticity to Resist Microvoid Softening
Authors: Snow Brandon D. , Olson G. B. , Parks D. M.
Published: October 2024

Many high-performance steels that are critical for energy-efficient, lightweight designs rely on transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) to achieve superior combinations of strength and ductility/toughness. Further development of these alloys will require greater optimization of the metastable (retained) austenite phase responsible for TRIP. Considering the complex nature of TRIP and its effects on ductile fracture, an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approach to materials optimization is desired. In this work, we report the results of a large series of micromechanical finite element calculations that probe the interaction of TRIP and void-mediated ductile fracture mechanisms. The simulations identify the optimal austenite stability for maximizing the benefit of TRIP across a wide range of stress states. The applied stress triaxiality significantly influences the microvoid growth rate and the computationally determined optimal stability. The simulation results are compared with existing experimental data, demonstrating good agreement.
Identifying the informational needs and sources of support of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors to inform the development of a digital platform
Authors: Vlooswijk Carla , Janssen Silvie H. M. , Sleeman Sophia H. E. , Pluis Jonas , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , Husson Olga , van Eenbergen Mies C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the (age-specific) informational needs and support sources used by Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors throughout their cancer trajectory and socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with most common AYA-related informational needs.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among AYA cancer survivors (mean, 10.3 years after diagnosis, SD = 5.6). Informational needs and sources of support were examined via open questions and analyzed via a thematic inductive approach. Responses on informational needs were categorized according to the AYA anamnesis of the Dutch AYA “Young & Cancer” Care Network used in clinical practice. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were performed to assess differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics among AYA cancer survivors based on their varying levels of informational needs.

Results

In total, 593 AYA cancer survivors were included (mean, 32.2 years at diagnosis, SD = 5.6). Most common informational needs were related to: family and children (23%), fertility and pregnancy (23%), work and reintegration (20%), peers with cancer (13%), and intimacy and sexuality (13%). Females, AYA cancer survivors diagnosed a longer time ago, those with a college/university education, those diagnosed with breast or hematological malignancies, and those treated with chemotherapy were more likely to have AYA-related informational needs. The most often used sources of support were healthcare professionals (76%), family (72%), social life (69%), and websites (47%).

Conclusions

AYA cancer survivors have informational needs related to their life stage including topics like family and children, and fertility. Tailored information services and support are needed, including opportunities to connect with peers and support for relatives. By addressing the informational needs and sources of support for AYA cancer survivors, we can improve AYA care programs and empower AYA cancer survivors to better cope with the consequences associated with their disease.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This study will help to inform the content of AYA websites and platforms and help AYA cancer survivors, relatives, and healthcare professionals to become more aware of the needs of AYA cancer survivors and facilitate better use of relevant information and support services.