bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in central bank leadership and inflation dynamics
Authors: Higgins C. Richard , Qureshi Irfan A.
Published: February 2025

The macroeconomic impact of changing central bank leadership is examined. We empirically show that frequent changes in central bank leadership are associated with more volatile inflation rates. To provide a structural explanation, we develop a new technique for estimating a nonlinear New Keynesian model where the central bank varies its response to inflation. For a mix of developed and developing countries, we find that the stance of monetary policy often changes across governor tenures; these changes explain between 10% and 23% of the variation in inflation.
Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Featuring Localized Front Contacts
Authors: Smits Sebastian , Zhao Yifeng , Procel Moya Paul , Mazzarella Luana , Isabella Olindo
Published: February 2025

Throughout the development of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, the transparent conductive oxide has been regarded as an essential component of their front electrode, facilitating lateral charge transport of photogenerated carriers toward the front metal grid fingers. In rear junction (RJ)‐SHJ solar cells, the (n)c‐Si bulk is known to support the lateral electron transport at maximum power point injection level, provided that the contact resistance of the front contact stack is sufficiently low. This enables experimental RJ‐SHJ solar cell architectures featuring a localized front carrier‐selective passivating contact exclusively covering the area contacted by the metal grid. Herein, a top‐down approach to the synthesis of this type of architecture is studied and its optical and electrical performance applied to different (n)‐type contacts are investigated. Additionally, the potential of the localized contact architecture through Cu‐plated RJ‐SHJ solar cells is demonstrated. These solar cell demonstrators feature high short‐circuit current density of 40.5 mA cm−2, without significantly compromising their open‐circuit voltage or fill factor, enabling efficiencies well above 23%, a 2%abs improvement compared to their state before localization of the front contact.
Advances in Multimodal Synergistic Therapy Derived from Sonodynamic Therapy Mediated by BaTiO3 Piezoelectric Nanomaterials in Tumor Treatment
Authors: Gong Yajuan , Qi Jin , Huang Shuo , Zhang Ran , Li Jiadi , Zhang Binbin , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Qingmei , Liu Xiaoming , Wu Xiao , Wu Xiuping , Li Bing
Published: February 2025

Tumors endanger the lives of individuals worldwide. They form and metastatize to nearby and distant tissues and organs in several ways, which greatly increase the difficulty of therapy. The continuous development and progress in nanomedicine has provided new insights in the treatment of tumors. Owing to their excellent properties of barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO), especially piezoelectricity, BTO‐based nanomaterials have become popular among tumor therapy researchers in recent years. BTO‐based sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is considerably advanced than traditional therapies. Herein, first, the properties, structure, preparation technology, and working mechanism of BTO under ultrasonic stimulation is systematically introduced. Second, the research progress in BTO‐mediated SDT, electrical stimulation therapy, and BTO‐based SDT‐derived multimodal synergistic therapy in the field of tumor therapy is reviewed. Third, the biocompatibility, biodistribution, and bioelimination of BTO is summarized. Finally, the current problems associated with BTO‐mediated SDT as well as potential obstacles and opportunities in oncology and other biomedical fields are summarized and prospected.
Solely Light‐Induced Integrate‐and‐Fire 1T‐Neuron Operation and Implementation of the McGurk Effect
Authors: Lee Jaehee , Lim Jung Wook , Park Chohyeon
Published: February 2025

The increase in global data processing demands cannot be addressed with the limited architecture and processing speeds of existing technologies. Therefore, neuromorphic systems designed to emulate the functionalities of the human brain have emerged as a potential solution to address this issue. In this study, integrate‐and‐fire characteristics are successfully implemented using a single transistor to create a neuron‐like device within neuromorphic systems. The device employs oxide semiconductors as the channel and dielectric materials, ensuring structural stability and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor compatibility. TiO2 is used as the channel material because of its high photoresponsiveness. Further, voltage pulses are applied to the bottom gate to simulate electrical firing in a biological neuron model. Optical firing is achieved by directly exposing the channel to ultraviolet light using only optical stimuli. Moreover, the neuron‐to‐synapse transition behavior that depends on the modulation of the read voltage is observed. This study aims to mimic human brain activity and the McGurk effect is successfully replicated by simulating the integration of auditory and visual stimuli through the combined action of electrical and optical inputs.
Post‐Synthetic Graphitization and Photoluminescence Tuning of Carbon Dots from L‐Glutamic Acid
Authors: Ferrer‐Ruiz Andrés , Rodríguez‐Pérez Laura , Martín Nazario , Herranz María Ángeles
Published: February 2025

Carbon dots are promising luminescent nanostructures. Their availability, based on inexpensive precursors and their intrinsic fluorescent nature, place them as potential choices against traditional quantum dots in some applications. However, the carbon dots nature is nowadays not well defined and understood. They are usually hybrid nanomaterials in terms of structure and composition, which hinders the knowledge of their photoluminescence mechanisms. Herein, the solvent‐free pyrolysis of L‐glutamic acid by microwave synthesis leads to an incomplete graphitization of the precursor resulting in loose polymer‐like nanohybrids. Further experiments confirm that these carbon dots (CD) can be crosslinked and graphitized in a second heating step when using temperatures above 160 °C, reaching a plateau of graphitization over 200 °C. An exhaustive analysis by thermogravimetric analysis, Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy highlights the structural changes undergo from 140  to 200 °C, where an increase of stability is observed due to the graphitization process. The condensation and decarboxylation reactions with loss of hydrophilic functional groups like amine and carboxylic acids explain the formation of sp2 domains and the concomitant loss of solubility. The annealed CD exhibit a broader and slightly red‐shifted emission band, with lower emission quantum yields, when compared to the initial nanohybrids.
Counterfactual analysis of Storm Ciarán from an insurance viewpoint
Authors: Dixon Mark , Dixon Richard , Smart David
Published: February 2025

Storm Ciarán (2023) led to large industry‐wide insurance losses, concentrated in northern France, with a smaller contribution from southern UK. In a simplified application of the full version of CoreLogic’s Eurowind™ model, we show the impact of latitudinal displacements and amplification of maximum gust windspeeds on insured losses. Northward perturbations shift high gusts from over the English Channel to the UK mainland and areas of high insured exposure, increasing insured losses in the UK and decreasing those in France. Southward perturbations have the opposite effects in both countries.
Evidence‐Based Medicine Within Surgical Practice and Training: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tokidis E. , Perin G. , Vivekananda‐Schmidt P. , Balasubramanian S. P.
Published: February 2025

Background

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is a fundamental element of modern surgical practice. However, its integration into surgical training remains challenging. Through a scoping review, this study mapped existing evidence on the practice of EBM in surgery, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and curricula.

Methods

The literature was systematically searched through 3 databases and 2 registers. Fifty articles published over a 22‐year period (2001–2023) were identified based on predefined eligibility criteria. These were reviewed using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. The review was checked against the PRISMA 2018 checklist for scoping reviews.

Results

There is evidence of awareness and appreciation of EBM principles among surgeons and surgical trainees. However, the understanding of EBM terminology is varied. Attitudes toward EBM were predominantly positive yet reliance on clinical experience over evidence‐based guidelines was noted. Key barriers to EBM practice included time constraints, lack of structured training, and methodological challenges in surgical research. The review highlighted the lack of validated competency assessment tools and the need for structured EBM curricula. Various educational strategies, such as journal clubs and courses, were found to improve EBM knowledge, albeit with limited evidence on long‐term practice change.

Conclusion

This scoping review underscores the need for a more detailed understanding of stakeholder views of EBM in surgical practice, the development, implementation, and assessment of educational interventions in this field, and tailored strategies to assess EBM competency in surgery.
On Development, and Nature, Nurture, and Culture Relations
Authors: Lenz Taguchi Hillevi , Bodén Linnea
Published: February 2025

The main focus of this chapter is to introduce different ways of understanding development and why the concept has been matter of dispute. We discuss the concepts of nature, nurture, and culture while providing an introduction to some recent debates within what today is called the developmental sciences. Some developmental sciences are in part ontologically overlapping theories underpinning posthumanism and new materialism. The developmental sciences are nevertheless critically understood by childhood and early childhood education scholars in terms of normalizing developmentalism. As a counter to developmentalism, postdevelopmentalism has emerged, both in this field that concerns itself with children and within critical economics. The chapter ends by pointing out some of the ontological overlaps between the developmental sciences and postdevelopmentalism.
Those Whom the Research Concerns: Conducting Intervention Research as Inter- and Transdisciplinary Inquiry
Authors: Lenz Taguchi Hillevi , Bodén Linnea
Published: February 2025

The aim of this chapter is to describe the protagonist of this book, the intervention project called the Enhancing Children’s Attention project and some of the context around it. It sheds light on why we decided to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a widespread group-learning pedagogical approach using extensive testing, including brainwave recordings, in Swedish preschools, that is, to carry out evidence-based research in an academic and preschool context that is probably more test-averse than most others. The chapter further provides basic information about the project, which is central to understanding the discussions in other chapters, for example, information about how the randomized controlled trial was planned and conducted, how the interventions and testing for the project were carried out, and how ethical requirements were met.
Standardized Tests: Children in the Middle of a “Dangerous” Research Practice
Authors: Lenz Taguchi Hillevi , Bodén Linnea
Published: February 2025

This chapter focuses on children’s experiences taking part in the standardized testing that was designed to measure the effects of the interventions enacted by teachers and educators with the children in the Enhancing Children’s Attention (ECA) project. Critics of standardized testing usually describe it as an objectifying practice, where the children have little or no chances of affecting the practices. This critique is often presented in sweeping terms, as something problematic in general, thereby leaving the locality and the specificity of particular test situations out of the story. By analyzing video recordings of children and adults during the pre- and posttesting situations in the ECA project, this chapter investigates the concrete, local, material, relational, and other specific circumstances of what it might mean, as a young child, to take part in standardized testing.
Gendered-Trouble in the Interdisciplinary Bakery
Authors: Lenz Taguchi Hillevi , Bodén Linnea
Published: February 2025

The aim of this chapter is to take the position of the researchers in an interdisciplinary research team conducting multiple forms of methodologies within the framework of a randomized control trial (RCT). We discuss the difficulties and possibilities for the research team of doing interdisciplinary research in the Swedish early childhood context where there is a strong test averse attitude among educational researchers and where RCT studies are extremly rare. Inspired by Felicity Callard and Des Fitzgerald, we theorize on the figuration of the baking of interdisciplinary layer cakes and an interdisciplinary bakery as a space of conflict and possibilities while baking different forms of layer cakes. We show how the Enhancing Children’s Attention project meant baking at least three versions of multi-pan layer cakes. As we achieved more of a reciprocal respectful exchange and learning, it was possible to construct a shared relational research ethics for the project. A one-pan layer cake, where disciplinary knowledge was shared reciprocally, could then be baked. We also discuss the gendered disciplinary character of interdisciplinary collaborations of various forms of knowing at different scales.
Design for Service with Robots in Elderly Care Facilities in Japan Focusing on Human-to-Human Interaction
Authors: Tokuhisa Satoru , Morimoto Tetsuro
Published: February 2025

In 2010, seven per cent of the population in Asia was elderly, and this proportion is expected to reach 14 per cent by 2035. Japan was one of the first countries in the world to experience a declining birth rate and ageing population; with its extensive experience in this field, Japan needs to strengthen its cooperation with other countries in the region to deal with the problems of an ageing society and social security systems. In particular, the demand for medical care, elder care and health-related industries is expected to be high in Asian countries with ageing societies. This chapter focuses on elder care services in Japan and discusses service design and business transformation. The use of service robots to address the shortage of workers to assist the increasing number of elderly people is attracting attention. However, there is resistance to technology and robots among the elderly. Through fieldwork at an elder care facility and the implementation of prototypes for service with robots focusing on human-to-human interaction (HHI), we discuss what needs to be considered when designing service robots in the context of elderly care in Japan and and what’s the role of service design for that.
Designing a Graduation Ceremony of Life: A Reflection Journey Towards a Good Life in Old Age
Authors: Yang Chen-Fu , Halskov Lisa Lin
Published: February 2025

Most humans experience fear of death. When people realize their last moment is approaching, they might start to review their life. If their life review is full of passiveness and regrets, death becomes unbearable and unacceptable, especially there is no time to change anything about it. On the other hand, if the life review and related conversation are carried out when people are still healthy and able to take actions, death and anxiety can be driving forces in life. However, death is not a very easy topic to talk or think about in many countries or culture, and we do not want to talk about death until the last minute. Consequently, it might need an effective and comfortable way to facilitate the conversation and actions. Today, service design that emphasizes holistic, multi-disciplinary, and integrative characteristics has become a useful methodology for interactional and experience journey creation. In addition, LEGO® Serious Play® is a tool which does not only support the hand-mind connection, but enable the users to define, express, and visualize the tacit ideas and perspectives as well. Through participatory action research with design workshops, this study first explored four main fears of death. Secondly, we made three crucial reflections as design insights. Finally, this study provides a conceptual service design model for the practical application of old life review and planning, which could enhance the imagination and conversation for death.
Adoption of Service Design in the Banking Industry: A Focus on the Practice of Silent Designers
Authors: Chia Alvin Jia Hao , Lee Jung-Joo
Published: February 2025

The banking industry is facing unprecedented changes. Banks need to out-innovate their disruptors to remain relevant from the assault launched by various Financial Technology (FinTech) companies coupled with shifting customer needs and expectations. Numerous banks in Singapore (e.g. OCBC, DBS Bank) started to adopt service design as an innovation approach and trained non-designers in the service design methods. While this created a tribe of “silent designers” in organisations with the potential to innovate, their practice and contributions have been sporadic, ephemeral and limited, rather than systematic and sustainable. This chapter presents a literature review of silent design, innovation capability frameworks, and two case studies of Z Bank to illustrate how service design was adopted in Singapore’s banking industry. The case studies showcased the evolvement of Z Bank’s innovation capability across the dimensions of strategy, resource, process and mindset. Based on the findings, this chapter discusses future implications to enable better adoption of service design in the banking industry with a focus on the practice of silent designers.
From relativistic gravity to the Poisson equation
Authors: Bergshoeff Eric A. , Giorgi Giacomo , Romano Luca
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We consider the non-relativistic limit of general relativity coupled to a (p+1)-form gauge field and a scalar field in arbitrary dimensions and investigate under which conditions this gives rise to a Poisson equation for a Newton potential describing Newton-Cartan gravity outside a massive p-dimensional extended object, a so-called p-brane. Given our Ansatz, we show that not all the p-branes satisfy the required conditions. We study theories whose dynamics is defined by a Lagrangian as well as systems that are defined by a set of equations of motion not related to a Lagrangian. We show that, within the Lagrangian approach, a Poisson equation can be obtained provided that the coupling of the scalar field is fine-tuned such that the non-relativistic Lagrangian is invariant under an emerging local dilatation symmetry. On the other hand, we demonstrate that in the absence of a Lagrangian a Poisson equation can be obtained from a set of equations of motion that is not dilatation invariant. We discuss how our Ansatz could be generalized such as to include more p-branes giving rise to a Poisson equation.
Parting gravity’s tail: quadrupole tails at fifth order and beyond via integer partitions
Authors: Edison Alex
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This work studies the systematic organization of higher-order gravitational quadrupole tails using generalized unitarity methods imported from the study of scattering amplitudes. The first major result is a constructive algorithm for generic arbitrary-order tail effective actions which links the structure of their loop integral basis expansion with integer partitions, and predicts that only a single new unitarity cut needs to be evaluated at each tail order with all other contributions given in terms of lower-loop data. The algorithm is employed to compute the tail-of-tail-of-tail-of-tail-of-tail (T5) contributions to the effective action and associated energy loss to gravitational waves. Validation of the new effective action and radiated energy is done through counterterm extraction and renormalization analysis, leading to complete agreement with known counterterms and renormalization flow equations.
Optimal Rigidity and Maximum of the Characteristic Polynomial of Wigner Matrices
Authors: Bourgade Paul , Lopatto Patrick , Zeitouni Ofer
Published: February 2025

We determine to leading order the maximum of the characteristic polynomial for Wigner matrices and β-ensembles. In the special case of Gaussian-divisible Wigner matrices, our method provides universality of the maximum up to tightness. These are the first universal results on the Fyodorov–Hiary–Keating conjectures for these models, and in particular answer the question of optimal rigidity for the spectrum of Wigner matrices.

Our proofs combine dynamical techniques for universality of eigenvalue statistics with ideas surrounding the maxima of log-correlated fields and Gaussian multiplicative chaos.
Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease activities of green-synthesized Zn, Se, and ZnSe nanoparticles against Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Gurkok Sumeyra , Ozdal Murat , Cakici Tuba , Kurbanoglu Esabi Basaran
Published: February 2025

This study assesses the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease properties of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticles (NPs) against clinically pathogenic strains of Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis. The Se, Zn, and ZnSe NPs, synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1, were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealing average sizes of approximately 30 ± 10 nm, 30 ± 15 nm, and 40 ± 10 nm, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the morphological and topological characteristics of the NPs. The structural and crystal characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Among the evaluated NPs, Zn NPs at a concentration of 200 mg/mL exhibited the most substantial growth inhibition zone against S. salivarius. Conversely, the highest antibiofilm activity was observed against P. mirabilis, notably with 200 µg/mL Zn NPs. In the context of antiurease activity, both 100 μg Zn and ZnSe NPs caused complete urease inhibition (100%) in P. mirabilis within the initial 5 h, with notable inhibition rates of 94% and 80%, respectively, observed against S. salivarius. Significantly, in the current landscape of NP research primarily focused on antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, our study stands out due to its pioneering exploration of antiurease activities with these NPs. This distinctive emphasis on antiurease effects contributes original and unique value to our study, offering novel insights into the broader spectrum of NP applications, and paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements.
Five-year outcomes with gefitinib induction and chemoradiotherapy in EGFR-mutant stage III non-small-cell lung cancer: LOGIK0902/OLCSG0905 phase II study
Authors: Hotta Katsuyuki , Saeki Sho , Sakata Shinya , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Harada Daijiro , Bessho Akihiro , Tanaka Kentaro , Inoue Koji , Inoue Koji , Gemba Kenichi , Kubo Toshio , Sato Akiko , Ichihara Eiki , Watanabe Hiromi , Kishimoto Junji , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Katsui Kuniaki , Sugio Kenji , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: February 2025

Background

We previously showed the 2-year OS rate, the primary endpoint, of 90% in a phase II trial of gefitinib induction followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in unresectable, stage III, EGFR-mutant, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, neither long-term survival data nor late-phase adverse event profiles have been presented.

Patients and methods

Patients with unresectable, EGFR-mutant, stage III NSCLC were administered gefitinib monotherapy for 8 weeks. After confirming no disease progression during induction therapy, cisplatin and docetaxel on days 1, 8, 29, and 36 with concurrent radiotherapy at a total dose of 60 Gy were subsequently administered.

Results

In the enrolled twenty patients, the 5-year OS rate and median survival time were 70.0% [95% confidence interval: 45.1–85.3] and 5.5 years [4.91-NE], respectively, whereas 5-year PFS rate and median PFS time were 15.0% (3.7–33.5) and 1.4 years [0.69–2.29], respectively. Efficacy did not seem influenced even if radiation field was re-planed in response to the effect of gefitinib induction. As for late adverse events, pulmonary fibrosis occurred in 7 patients (35%). The median time from completion of CRT to the occurrence of the event was 245 days. All were grade 1, and there was no evidence of cavitation of the lesions or chronic infections such as Aspergillus infection during the course of the disease. One case of small cell lung cancer occurred during the period.

Conclusions

With longer follow-up time, we demonstrated favorable efficacy with tolerable toxicity profiles in the EGFR-TKI induction followed by standard CRT in EGFR-mutant, stage III, NSCLC.

Trial registration numbers

UMIN00005086. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000006047&type=summary&language=EjRCTs071180036. https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs071180036
Genetic structure of invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi populations in temperate northern European waters is consistent with a southern North Sea overwintering refuge
Authors: Lüskow Florian , Knudsen Steen Wilhelm
Published: February 2025

The ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi is native to the Atlantic coasts of the Americas and is considered a threat to biodiversity and food webs in recipient ecosystems. Most of these invasive ctenophores perish during the cold winter in temperate northern European waters (North and Baltic Seas) but spread again every summer/autumn. We collected ctenophores from the southern North Sea, inner Danish waters, and western Baltic Sea in 2017 and 2018, and sequenced genomic DNA obtained from tissue samples. We obtained sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2, and the intervening 5.8S fragment and partial fragments of the flanking 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes from nuclear DNA. Excluding the rRNA regions and focussing on only the two ITS sequences, we compared with ITS sequences archived in databases from specimens in its native (Northwest Atlantic) and other invaded habitats (Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, central-western Atlantic Ocean). The comparison revealed no significant difference in genetic variation among temperate northern European sampling locations but showed variation when compared with native and other invaded habitats. No significant genetic difference was identified between specimens collected in the temperate northern European waters for two consecutive years. The very low interregional and interannual genetic variations in M. leidyi specimens in the Northeast Atlantic are consistent with the presence of one single panmictic population in northern European waters and with the hypothesis, also suggested in previous studies, that annual dispersal from the southeastern North Sea into the western Baltic Sea can be traced back to the same population, which most likely originates every spring from the Dutch Wadden Sea and the English Channel.
Herbal remedies for oral and dental health: a comprehensive review of their multifaceted mechanisms including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways
Authors: Anwar Mohamed A. , Sayed Ghadir A. , Hal Dina M. , Hafeez Mohamed S. Abd El , Shatat Abdel-Aziz S. , Salman Aya , Eisa Nehal M. , Ramadan Asmaa , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Hatem Shymaa , Aly Shaza H.
Published: February 2025

Across diverse cultures, herbal remedies have been used to alleviate oral discomfort and maintain dental hygiene. This review presents studies on herbal remedies with remarkable antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anticaries, analgesic, and healing properties. The manuscripts demonstrate the depth of scientific inquiry into herbal remedies used for the management of various oral and dental health conditions. These include gingivitis, oral ulcers, mucositis, periodontitis, oral pathogens, carcinoma, xerostomia, and dental caries. Researchers have investigated the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of plant-derived compounds and their extracts evaluated their interactions with oral pathogens and inflammatory processes. The convergence of traditional knowledge and rigorous scientific investigation offers a compelling narrative, fostering a deeper understanding of herbal remedies as viable alternatives to conventional dental interventions. This work has the potential to provide patients with access to gentle, yet effective solutions, and simultaneously offer dental health professionals the opportunity to enrich their knowledge, and ability to provide personalized, holistic care. This review highlights the symbiotic relationship between herbal medicine and scientific understanding, emphasizing the importance of disseminating this knowledge to benefit both practitioners and patients, enabling evidence-based decision-making in dental care. The exploration of herbal remedies offers a promising alternative, potentially mitigating some of these side effects while promoting oral health in a more natural and holistic manner.
Benefits of the Use of Monte Carlo Simulations in Cryogenic Detector Design
Authors: Lotti Simone , D’Andrea Matteo , Macculi Claudio , Piro Luigi , Kilbourne Caroline , McCammon Dan , Kraft Ralph
Published: February 2025

Monte Carlo simulations represent a useful tool to predict and understand the behavior of X-ray detectors in space and on ground. We made use of the Geant4 software to simulate the performances of several TES detectors. We investigated the performances of the X-IFU CryoAC, a large area TES-based silicon detector in a laboratory environment, and its response to the ground level flux of cosmic muons. We were able to predict the background of the Athena X-IFU instrument (ESA) in the L1 environment for an equivalent time of

$$\sim$$

∼

100 ks and used the code to investigate the dependence of such a background on possible changes in the geometry such as pixel layout and size. We also compared the results with the ones obtained for the Line Emission Mapper (LEM), a probe concept proposed to NASA that uses a different TES array optimized for higher spectral resolution of lower energy photons, identifying issues with the detector design and indicating possible solutions.
The Childbirth Experience Survey (CBEX): An Analysis of Qualitative Survey data
Authors: Saeb Samia , Korst Lisa M. , Farahnik Ferina , McCulloch Jeanette , Greene Naomi , Fridman Moshe , Gregory Kimberly D.
Published: February 2025

Background

In collaboration with community research partners, a national cross-sectional online Childbirth Experience Survey (CBEX) of pregnant and postpartum birthing people was administered in 2016. The linked antepartum-postpartum survey included items across 18 domains (e.g., labor management, pain management, newborn care and feeding), and identified 23 childbirth-specific postpartum patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that were associated with hospital satisfaction. CBEX was implemented in 16 California hospitals to identify hospital-specific opportunities for improvement in care. We analyzed postpartum qualitative survey responses (1) to evaluate the content validity to test the representativeness of existing CBEX domains, (2) to assess for any potential new domains or topics of interest within existing domains, and (3) to use these data to provide hospitals with actionable information for practice improvement.

Methods

This was an analysis of qualitative survey data based on the following CBEX item: “Is there anything else you would like to share about your birth experience?” Patients could provide multiple comments. Using Atlas.ti Version 8, we mapped participant responses to the 18 existing CBEX domains.

Results

Of 525 surveys completed between Oct 2018 and Sept 2020, 172 patients responded to the qualitative item. A total of 235 comments were analyzed and all were able to be mapped to the 18 domains. Qualitative responses highlighted subtleties within several CBEX domains: (1) labor management: pressure from the care team to have a labor induction; (2) pain management: epidural effectiveness, timing, dosage, and education; (3) empathy and respect: issues related to students and residents; and (4) newborn feeding: rough physical handling of patients by nurses, specifically during lactation consults.

Discussion

CBEX survey data is currently being utilized in hospitals to inform childbirth-specific quality improvement initiatives. By capturing detailed voluntary participant responses, CBEX provides the opportunity to document and explore nuanced aspects of the childbirth experience and subtleties that may be contributing to maternal dissatisfaction.
Impact of neuroinflammation on brain glutamate and dopamine signalling in schizophrenia: an update
Authors: Nayak Usha , Manikkath Jyothsna , Arora Devinder , Mudgal Jayesh
Published: February 2025

Schizophrenia is one of the most severe and chronic psychiatric disorders. Over the years, numerous treatment options have been introduced for schizophrenia. Although they are relatively successful in managing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, most of the current treatments have a negligible effect on the negative and cognitive symptoms. Thus, none of them could prevent the relapse of psychotic episodes. Among the numerous hypotheses explaining the development and progression of schizophrenia, the cytokine hypothesis explains the role of inflammatory markers as a significant culprit in the development of schizophrenia. Elevated cytokines are reported in animal models and schizophrenic patients. The cytokine hypothesis is based on how increased inflammatory markers can cause changes in the dopaminergic, glutamate, and tryptophan metabolism pathways, like that observed in schizophrenic patients. Reasons, such as autoimmune disease, maternal immune activation, infection, etc., can pave the way for the development of schizophrenia and are associated with the negative, positive and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus, there is a need to focus on the significance of anti-inflammatory drugs against these symptoms. The development of new treatment strategies in the management of schizophrenia can provide better therapeutic outcomes in terms of the severity of symptoms and treatment of drug-resistant schizophrenia. This review attempts to explain the association between elevated inflammatory markers and various neurotransmitters, and the possible use of medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, statins, and estrogens as adjuvant therapy. Over the years, these hypotheses have been the basis for drug discovery for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Barriers and enablers to medicine-taking behaviours in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Nygård Torbjørn , Wright David , Kjome Reidun L. S. , Nazar Hamde , Aarli Bernt , Raddum Aase
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with low health-related quality of life and high costs to healthcare systems, particularly due to hospital admissions and exacerbations. Medicines, inhalers especially, reduce the risk of hospitalisations and exacerbations, but factors influencing medicine-taking behaviours are not fully understood.

Aim

To explore experiences of people with COPD related to medicines, and followingly identify and characterise any barriers and enablers related to medicine-taking behaviours using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Method

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and included ten people with COPD who had previously been admitted to hospital. Systematic text condensation was used inductively in the primary analysis of the interviews. In the secondary analysis, meaning units from the primary analysis were mapped to the TDF and summarised as barriers and enablers.

Results

Five major themes were developed in the primary analysis: (1) health literacy and information needs, (2) patient autonomy, (3) lack of access to medicines, (4) lack of effect from medicines, and (5) experiences of medicines-related issues. In the secondary analysis, thirteen barriers and nine enablers were mapped to nine out of the fourteen domains of the TDF.

Conclusion

People with COPD experience challenges related to medicines which need to be addressed by researchers and healthcare providers. The identified barriers and enablers mapped to the TDF can guide and inform future design of interventions and health care services.
Comment on Redstone’s “Democracy and the problem of certainty”
Authors: Sakamoto Arthur
Published: February 2025

Redstone (Democracy and the Problem of Certainty. Theory and Society, 2024) provides a welcomed discussion of our general psychological propensity to become overly sure of our convictions and to thereby avoid critical thinking about them. Her analysis helps us to better understand the sources of this cognitive bias and its impact on sociology which has become overly ideological. This cognitive bias is also inconsistent with Merton’s norms of science. Excessive ideological commitments and related cognitive bias are impeding the development of cumulative sociological knowledge.
Evidence of Magnetocaloric Effect in (Fe63Ni37)89B11 Nanostructured Magnetic Alloys
Authors: Garzón D. , Ostos C. , Sánchez L. C. , Marín Ramírez J. M. , Arnache O.
Published: February 2025

The magnetocaloric effect associated with magnetic entropy changes (ΔS

M
) and phase transitions in (Fe63Ni37)89B11 (FeNiB) powder alloys was investigated. For this purpose, the particle size of the samples was reduced under milling times of 0 (FNB) and 36 hours (FNB36). X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy results showed the formation of nanostructured magnetic alloys and the coexistence of γ-FCC, α-BCC, and oP-(Fe, Ni)B phases in agreement with the INVAR region. M(H) measurements revealed that both alloys are ferromagnetic soft at room temperature, with coercive field values below ~ 48 Oe. A detailed analysis of the magnetic phase transition using the modified Arrott plot and critical isotherm plots yields critical exponents (β = 0.27, γ = 0.92, and α = 4.4) close to the theoretical exponents obtained from the Tricritical Mean Field model. Moreover, a maximum magnetic entropy change (ΔS

M
) was evidenced around the phase transition (T

C
) at ~ 330 K (− ΔS

M
of 2.58 J kg−1 K−1) for FNB and ~ 415 K (− ΔS

M
of 0.4 J kg−1 K−1) for FNB36 with an applied field of 1.3 T. The relative cooling power and the temperature-averaged entropy change values were determined, and they exhibited a linear dependency as function of the external field. These findings give a good insight towards the advancements of FNB-based alloys for potential room-temperature magnetic refrigeration technology.
Aeroacoustic Process Monitoring and Anomaly Detection in Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Arkhipov Ivan , Kokal Uğur , Özdemir Ozan Ç.
Published: February 2025

Cold spray (CS) is an emerging additive manufacturing method used to deposit a wide range of materials by spraying solid particles at supersonic velocities using high-pressure millimeter scale de Laval nozzles. As CS technology finds applications in diverse areas, including 3D printing, the need for in situ process monitoring becomes increasingly apparent. The CS process is influenced by various process parameters, including nozzle gas inlet pressure, temperature, and powder feed rate. Accurately detecting variations in these parameters, as well as identifying process anomalies (e.g., nozzle wear, clogging), is crucial for the broader implementation of the technology. In situ detection of anomalous events and process health monitoring is paramount for identification of inconsistencies, ensuring product quality, enhancing cost efficiency, and reducing waste by early detection of faults. To this end, in this study, airborne acoustic emission was monitored during CS processes to discern acoustically detectable process parameters. Characteristics of aeroacoustic waves emitted under both free jet and deposition conditions were analyzed. Results indicate that changes in nozzle gas inlet pressure and temperature, powder feed rate, and nozzle wear status are discernible through acoustic power spectrum analysis. Time-domain analysis further facilitated the identification of anomalies associated with powder injection termination, deposit/substrate delamination, and nozzle geometry changes. Notably, the sliding window first order backward differentiation of total power and the power band in the time domain proved effective in detecting gradual anomalies, such as nozzle throat wear, whereas the second-order differentiation highlighted abrupt process changes, like delamination. This study demonstrates that airborne acoustic signals offer valuable insights pertaining to process faults in CS, establishing aeroacoustic signal monitoring as a promising component of stand-alone or multi-modal process monitoring for CS operations. Furthermore, the study offers invaluable insights for aeroacoustic signal feature engineering for the development of machine learning models for process monitoring in CS.
Predictive factors for successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in the internal medicine department
Authors: Cohen Gal , Bergman Idan , Atamna Alaa , Elis Avishay
Published: February 2025

The aging of the Israeli population along with a shortage of ICU beds have led to hospitalization of invasive mechanical ventilation patients in internal medicine departments, where, as opposed to ICU, the treatment is less than optimal. The aims of the study were to evaluate the predictive factors for successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in ventilated patients admitted to internal medicine departments. A retrospective study that included non-COVID 19 ventilated patients in internal medicine departments in a university affiliated hospital in Israel between the years 2018–2019. We compared datapoints between patients who were weaned from ventilators versus those who remained ventilated during the hospitalization, and defined demographic and clinical predictive factors for successful weaning. Data were collected from electronic medical records and included demographic, clinical, laboratory and ventilator information. The study group included 348 patients. The rate of successful weaning was 19%; patients who were successfully weaned were primarily functionally independent prior to ventilation, ventilated with low PEEP values, had high hemoglobin and albumin levels alongside with low CRP and lactate levels. Those who remained ventilated either required vasopressor treatment, had positive blood cultures or had lower GFR levels. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 60%, while the 30-day mortality rate was lower in the extubated group [214 (76%) vs. 6 (9%), P < 0.0001]. Our findings highlight the low rate of weaning from ventilation in the department of medicine, with higher mortality rate among the remained ventilated patients. Various favorable clinical parameters might predict successful weaning.
A new approach for the Brown–Erdős–Sós problem
Authors: Shapira Asaf , Tyomkyn Mykhaylo
Published: February 2025

The celebrated Brown–Erdős–Sós conjecture states that for every fixed e, every 3-uniform hypergraph with Ω(n
2) edges contains e edges spanned by e + 3 vertices. Up to this date all the approaches towards resolving this problem relied on highly involved applications of the hypergraph regularity method, and yet they supplied only approximate versions of the conjecture, producing e edges spanned by e + O(log e/ log log e) vertices.

In this short paper we describe a completely different approach, which reduces the problem to a variant of another well-known conjecture in extremal graph theory. A resolution of the latter would resolve the Brown–Erdős–Sós conjecture up to an absolute additive constant.
Engaging citizen scientists: designing an open research system for collaborative problem exploration
Authors: Gau Michael , Greif-Winzrieth Anke , Maedche Alexander , Weinhardt Christof , vom Brocke Jan
Published: February 2025

Open Science aims to make scientific research and its dissemination accessible to all levels of society to foster openness and transparency. Engaging in a dialogue with society to explore real-world problems is particularly important to increase the relevance of information systems research. However, reaching out to citizens and engaging them in the research problem exploration process on a large scale is challenging for researchers. In this research, we build on existing prescriptive knowledge and design an open research system to involve citizens in the problem exploration process. Applying the design science research methodology, we report on the results and findings of one complete design cycle. We deliver design knowledge including (1) design requirements derived from the literature, (2) propose a set of design principles, (3) an instantiation of the design principles in the form of design features as well as a publicly available artifact, and (4) evaluations through a series of online experiments and two field studies with actual citizens. With this research project, we contribute design knowledge for the class of citizen science systems and present an approach and a publicly available instantiation that can be leveraged for open research problem exploration to engage with society members at large.
Enhancing students’ digital literacy skills through their technology use in a course-based research project: a Hong Kong case study
Authors: Chan Alice Yin Wa , Sung Chit Cheung Matthew
Published: February 2025

Rapid technological developments in the digital era have led to substantial changes to higher education curricula. This paper reports on a qualitative study which examined students’ perceptions of digital literacy skills development through the completion of a course-based digital research project. Consisting of a digital skills training workshop and assessment tasks including the production of a website and a video, the research-oriented project was designed to be incorporated into a sociolinguistics course offered to undergraduate students at a university in Hong Kong. 57 Students participated in the group project as part of the coursework and wrote a reflective essay on their learning experiences upon the completion of the project. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to analyze students’ written responses in relation to their development of various digital literacy skills, including branching literacy, information literacy, reproduction literacy, photo-visual literacy, socio-emotional literacy, and technical literacy. The findings of the study showed that students considered their use of technology in the project facilitative of their development of digital literacy. While the nature and requirements of the assessment tasks may have limited students’ development of photo-visual literacy, positive experiences with regard to students’ development of the other literacy skills were reported. It is recommended that similar technologically mediated, discovery-enriched assessment tasks be implemented within the existing curricula in the higher education sector. To enhance students’ development of photo-visual literacy, teachers are also recommended to provide students with more opportunities for them to make use of visual graphics in their coursework.