bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
15‐Point versus pass/fail grading in orthodontic education: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bialas Marina Julia , Schmid Jonas Q. , Middelberg Claudius , Stamm Thomas , Blanck‐Lubarsch Moritz
Published: December 2024

Objectives

There is a lack of evidence on whether a grading system or a pass/fail system influences manual skills in dental education. This parallel‐group randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the influence of a 15‐point grading system compared with a pass/fail evaluation on the quality of orthodontic appliances in dental education.

Methods

Predoctoral dental students of three orthodontic courses (n = 139) were randomly assigned to either the test group (15‐point grading system) or the control group (pass/fail) using sealed envelopes. In both groups, the fabricated orthodontic appliances were assessed by five calibrated dentists using standard criteria. The primary outcome was the quality of the orthodontic appliances using a 15‐point grading system. Group differences were evaluated with Mann‐Whitney U tests and Fisher ́s exact tests.

Results

The quality of the orthodontic appliances was slightly higher in the test group (n = 68) compared with the control group (n = 70) in all three courses with mean grading values of 11.63 ± 0.75 versus 11.59 ± 0.99, 10.96 ± 0.83 versus 10.85 ± 0.82, and 10.93 ± 1.15 versus 10.14 ± 1.03. However, a statistically significant difference was found only in course 3 (p = 0.0222). Female participants performed better than males in all three courses (p = 0.0207).

Conclusion

The implementation of a 15‐point grading system has a positive impact on the quality of appliances in orthodontic education and can be recommended. However, the differences were small and clinically meaningful in only one of the three courses evaluated.
Exploring the Impact of Gender on the Characteristics and Complications of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Patel Het , Elmer Joshua , Liaquat Hammad
Published: December 2024

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory process of the esophagus often associated with structural and motility problems. Previous studies have shown an increased prevalence in males over females, however there is little data exploring the risk of esophageal complications among genders, which may be indicative of differences in disease severity.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using National Inpatient Sample data including adults hospitalized between 2016 and 2020 presenting with EoE. The primary outcome measured was inpatient complications related to the patient's history of EoE and secondary outcomes include demographics, comorbidities, month of presentation, and age of patients.

Results

Of the 21 755 patients with history of EoE, 112 260 (52%) were male and 10 495 (48%) were female. Males had higher rates of several EoE complications, including esophageal obstruction, food bolus, esophageal rupture, requiring esophageal dilation, requiring esophageal laceration repair with p < 0.05 for all. Higher rates of females with EoE were seen in the Black population (p < 0.05). We also found that males were most likely to have esophageal impaction and esophageal rupture in the month of March (p < 0.05). Esophageal impaction was more common in males ages 25–29 (p < 0.05), whereas females were more likely from age 75–79 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Males have an overall high rate of complication from EoE. There was a higher prevalence of females with EoE in the Black population although the rates of complication remained higher in males in this subpopulation. The month of March carries a risk of esophageal impaction and rupture pronounced particularly in men. Age also appears to have an influence on the rate of esophageal impaction.
Efficacy of Vonoprazan 10 mg and 20 mg for Patients With Proton Pump Inhibitor‐Refractory Functional Dyspepsia: A Double‐Blinded, Randomized Study
Authors: Bunchorntavakul Chalermrat , Jaigla Pantaree
Published: December 2024

Background

A proportion of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) have inadequate symptom control with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treatment. Vonoprazan demonstrates higher efficacy in acid reduction than PPI; however, the existing efficacy data for vonoprazan in treating PPI‐refractory FD is limited.

Methods

This double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial study was conducted at Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok between December 2022 and 2023. Patients with FD who were unresponsive to the standard dose PPI were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 10 mg or 20 mg of vonoprazan for a 4‐week duration, with a subsequent 4‐week follow‐up after treatment. The primary outcome was changes in the Global Overall Symptoms Scale (GOSS).

Results

Sixty patients were randomized without significant differences in baseline characteristics between both groups. The mean GOSS between the 10‐mg vonoprazan and the 20‐mg vonoprazan arm were 25.73 and 26.17 at week 0, 14.33 and 15.50 at week 2, 9.37 and 10.04 at week 4, and 9.79 and 9.33 at week 8, respectively (all p < 0.001 vs. baseline and p > 0.05 between groups). The quality of life was improved, with the Nepean dyspepsia index changing −4.13 and −4.25 at week 4, respectively (all p < 0.001 vs. baseline; p = 0.853 between groups). Symptom response rates (> 50% improvement in GOSS) were 72.4% and 75.9% at week 8, respectively (p = 0.24 between groups). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Vonoprazan demonstrated significant effects in the alleviation of symptoms in PPI‐refractory FD patients. There was no statistically significant difference in symptom alleviation between the 10 mg and 20 mg doses of vonoprazan.
Extremal Problems for a Matching and Any Other Graph
Authors: Zhu Xiutao , Chen Yaojun
Published: December 2024

For a family of graphs , a graph is called ‐free if it does not contain any member of as a subgraph. The generalized Turán number is the maximum number of in an ‐vertex ‐free graph and , that is, the classical Turán number. Let be a matching on edges and be any graph. In this paper, we determine apart from a constant additive term and also give a condition when the error constant term can be determined. In particular, we give the exact value of for being any non‐bipartite graph or some bipartite graphs. Furthermore, we determine when is color critical with .
Economic Drivers of China's Declining Fertility: The Role of Digital Inclusive Finance and Household Debt
Authors: Yang Fei , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: December 2024

The declining birth rate in China has resulted in a decrease in the labour force, increased ageing of the population and constrained economic growth potential, making the increase in the birth rate a priority. This study explores the connections among digital inclusive finance, household debt and fertility rates using microdata from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) for the years 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, along with data on digital financial inclusion in China. The baseline study finds that both digital inclusive finance and household debt are negatively correlated with fertility rates, though there exists a positive association between digital inclusive finance and household debt. Heterogeneity studies show that the impacts of household debt and digital inclusive finance on fertility rates vary by region and household income level. In both the eastern and central‐western regions, digital inclusive finance significantly affects family fertility decisions, whereas household debt significantly negatively affects family fertility decisions in central‐western areas. High‐income families are more positively influenced by digital inclusive finance, whereas low‐income families are primarily negatively affected by household debt. Specific types of debt, such as housing and education, have a significant negative impact on fertility rates. Policy research also found that targeted reserve requirement ratio policies for inclusive finance are beneficial for increasing the birth rate. This paper provides empirical evidence for policymakers, helping them design more effective policies to reduce the economic burden on families, enhance family welfare and promote an increase in birth rates.
Artificial intelligence in radiation therapy treatment planning: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Lewandowska Milena , Street Deborah , Yim Jackie , Jones Scott , Viney Rosalie
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiation therapy holds promise for addressing challenges, such as healthcare staff shortages, increased efficiency and treatment planning variations. Increased AI adoption has the potential to standardise treatment protocols, enhance quality, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. However, drawbacks include impacts on employment and algorithmic biases, making it crucial to navigate trade‐offs. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was undertaken to examine the AI‐related characteristics radiation oncology professionals think are most important for adoption in radiation therapy treatment planning.

Methods

Radiation oncology professionals completed an online discrete choice experiment to express their preferences about AI systems for radiation therapy planning which were described by five attributes, each with 2–4 levels: accuracy, automation, exploratory ability, compatibility with other systems and impact on workload. The survey also included questions about attitudes to AI. Choices were modelled using mixed logit regression.

Results

The survey was completed by 82 respondents. The results showed they preferred AI systems that offer the largest time saving, and that provide explanations of the AI reasoning (both in‐depth and basic). They also favoured systems that provide improved contouring precision compared with manual systems. Respondents emphasised the importance of AI systems being cost‐effective, while also recognising AI's impact on professional roles, responsibilities, and service delivery.

Conclusions

This study provides important information about radiation oncology professionals' priorities for AI in treatment planning. The findings from this study can be used to inform future research on economic evaluations and management perspectives of AI‐driven technologies in radiation therapy.
Simulation and Future Projections of Reference Evapotranspiration in Egypt
Authors: Sobh Mohamed Tarek , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Amer Nabil , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: December 2024

With the intensification of climate change, there is an increasing need to assess its potential impacts on hydrology and water resource systems. The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) plays a crucial role as an indicator for calculating the hydrological cycle and understanding these effects. The main objective of this study was to analyse the projected changes in simulated ETo over Egypt until the end of the 21st century. This analysis was conducted using the global climate models (GCMs) of the latest phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) framework, which incorporates the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs)—SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5. The Penman–Monteith equation was applied to calculate ETo utilising data from four CMIP6 GCMs for the historical (1970–2014) and two future periods, the near future (2020–2059) and far future (2060–2100). The results revealed an overall increase in ETo for all scenarios and periods. The highest increase in annual ETo was observed under SSP5‐8.5, reaching 14.2% during the far future, while the lowest projected increase was 4.36% for SSP1‐2.6 in the near future. In addition, the projected ETo demonstrated the greatest increase during winter, while the lowest increase was in summer. Geographically, the increases will be more in the southwest and the least in the southeast for all scenarios and future periods. These findings emphasise the potential consequences that Egypt, a global water stress hotspot, could face if ETo rises due to escalating temperatures. It underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the sustainability of water resources in the face of climate change.
Climate influence on Si abundance and Si isotopes in the Yimaguan loess–paleosol sequence
Authors: Wang Baoliang , Yu Hui‐Min , Cheng Wenhan , Lan Jianghu , Huang Fang
Published: December 2024

The SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/TiO2 ratios of loess–paleosol sequences in the Chinese Loess Plateau have been proposed as indicators recording changes of the East Asian winter monsoon. However, interference from silicon (Si) leaching induced by chemical weathering raises concerns about their applications to paleoclimate reconstruction. Silicon isotopes can serve as an effective tool for monitoring Si leaching, as the release of Si can lead to a decrease in δ30Si values of soils. Here we use Si isotopes to evaluate previously published SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/TiO2 ratios in loess–paleosol sequences from the Yimaguan profile, Gansu Province, Northwest China, and examine the potential alteration caused by chemical weathering. The SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/TiO2 ratios show opposite trends to that of the frequency‐dependent magnetic susceptibility (χfd) and the chemical index of alteration (CIA). However, the whole profile exhibits limited Si isotopic variation, with δ30Si values ranging from −0.28‰ to −0.16‰. The homogeneous Si isotopic signature indicates that Si is not significantly leached during pedogenesis. Therefore, the SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/TiO2 ratios are not modified by Si leaching due to chemical weathering; instead, they are mainly affected by the grain size sorting effect, which is controlled by the change of winter monsoon intensity. This suggests that SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/TiO2 can serve as reliable indicators of paleoclimate changes, with an increase in the ratios reflecting the strengthening of the East Asian winter monsoon. Based on our observation of the Yimaguan loess–paleosol samples and the global loess data previously published, we also constrained the average Si isotopic composition of the upper continental crust (UCC) to be −0.22 ± 0.06‰ (2 s.d.).
Cost and Inpatient Burden of Mandible Fracture Management: A 14‐Year Analysis
Authors: Weitzman Rachel E. , Zhao Karena , Subramanian Tejas , Sclafani Anthony P.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate characteristics associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization of mandible fracture management.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, treatment information, and associated costs were collected for all patients treated for mandible fracture treated at a single institution over a 14‐year period. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the patient and fracture characteristics associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization.

Results

We identified 552 patients with 834 mandible fractures from 2008 to 2022. Patients' mean age was 40 years, 67% were male, and 38% Caucasian. The median cost of treatment, adjusted for inflation, was $8,869.49, and median length of stay (LOS) was 3.0 days. Associated cranial/intracranial injury, transfer presentation, increased facial fractures, and traffic‐related injuries resulted in a significant increase in both cost and LOS. LOS had a significant impact on cost, while age also significantly increased LOS for patients with mandible fractures.

Conclusions

This study represents one of the largest comprehensive databases of mandible fractures and one of the first to provide a descriptive cost and inpatient burden analysis of mandible fracture management. To improve outcomes and reduce hospital cost and inpatient burden, protocols should be implemented to identify and mitigate factors that we identified as contributing to increased cost and length of hospitalization.

Lay Summary

This study represents one of the largest reviews of cost and inpatient burden of mandible fractures. We found that presentation via transfer, traffic‐related injuries, and more facial fractures were associated with significantly higher cost and longer length of hospitalization.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Herpes simplex virus presenting as an oropharyngeal mass
Authors: Molotkova Evgeniya , Buhle Anna C. , Rush Patrick S. , McLean James E. , Carpenter Patrick S.
Published: December 2024

Objective(s)

Present a clinically challenging case of an immunocompetent 74‐year‐old male who presented with marked dyspnea and hemoptysis. After the airway was secured, direct laryngoscopy revealed a large, fungating, hemorrhagic mass of the left lateral pharyngeal wall and surrounding structures.

Methods

Chart review of a single patient. This patient provided consent for his case materials and images to be used for educational purposes and publication.

Results

The clinical appearance of the mass was suspicious for an aggressive neoplasm. Initial biopsy of the mass was nonspecific, revealing necrosis and inflammation, but was negative for malignancy. Due to concern for bacterial supraglottitis, empiric treatment with antibiotics was initiated. Cultures were positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum. Repeat biopsy samples showed signs of underlying human simplex virus (HSV) infection, which was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. After addition of acyclovir, the patient began to improve clinically and was eventually decannulated. There was complete resolution of the mass at his 1‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

HSV supraglottitis is a rare, rapidly progressive, and highly morbid condition. Lack of overt patient risk factors, frequently inconclusive biopsies, and clinical appearance mimicking other etiologies make diagnosis challenging. Superimposed bacterial infection is even less common and may contribute to increased disease severity and progression.
Establishment of a survival rabbit model for laryngotracheal stenosis: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Qingyu , Xu Hongming , Xie Yuhui , Zhang Lina , Li Yao , Yan Guofeng , Ding Yiwen , Lu Shunkai , Xie Zhibo , Chen Jiarui , Xu Mengrou , Liang Xiaoben , Chen Juan , Fu Penghuai , Li Xiaoyan , Peng Liming
Published: December 2024

Objective

To develop a reproducible survival rabbit model for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS).

Methods

Seventy New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were randomly divided into experimental groups (n = 30) and a control group (n = 40). In experimental groups, a nylon brush was inserted retrograde from the tracheotomy through the subglottis and rotated until a full layer circumferential mucosal injury to cartilage exposure, assisted by fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FOL) visualization. Experimental group 1 (n = 10), rotated 10 times; group 2 (n = 20), rotated 20 times. The control group underwent tracheotomy only without nylon brush scraping. The rabbits underwent FOL at 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th week postinjury respectively to observe the formation of LTS. They were euthanized and the larynxes and tracheas were subjected to gross and histopathological examination at 12 weeks postinjury.

Results

The control group all survived, while five cases in experimental groups died from LTS and/or mucous plug. Histological observation showed that the control group had intact laryngotracheal mucosal epithelium without any stenosis; the experimental groups showed proliferation of fibroblasts and thickening of collagen fibers. The mean stenosis in control group was 9.31 ± 0.98%, while that in experimental group 1 was 32.78 ± 7.07% and 58.25 ± 8.96% in experimental group 2. The difference between the three groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 47.98, p < .05).

Conclusions

We successfully developed a reproducible survival rabbit model for LTS using a nylon brush through FOL visualization combined with tracheostomy. This model can provide a mature and stable animal model for the exploration of wound‐healing pathophysiology and the effect of interventions.

Level of evidence

NA.
Electrospun Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fibrous Membrane Decorated with MXene/Carbon Black for Dual‐Mode Human Movement Monitoring and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Gao Qingsen , Wang Xin , Schubert Dirk W. , Liu Xianhu
Published: December 2024

Conductive fiber membranes have received widespread attention due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, developing conductive fiber membranes for both strain sensing and energy harvesting remains a challenge. Herein, a novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polydopamine (PDA)/MXene/carbon black (CB) (TPMC) conductive fibrous membrane is developed by combining electrospinning and layer‐by‐layer dip‐coating processes. The TPMC fibrous membrane can be used as a component of strain sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) to achieve dual‐mode human motion detection and energy harvesting. The strain sensor boasts a wide operating range (0.5%‐195%), excellent sensitivity (with a gauge factor (GF) up to 54 at 50% strain and maximum GF of 6.5×104), fast response (80 ms) and excellent cycle durability (over 10 000 cycles), making it possible to detect slight or heavy human activities under various conditions effectively. Additionally, a single‐electrode TENG utilizing the TPMC membrane achieves an output voltage of 115 V, a current of 0.8 µA, and a power density of 68 mW m⁻2, also serving as a self‐powered sensor for various movements. The excellent dual‐mode sensing and energy harvesting properties make it promising for future high‐performance wearable devices.
Constructing Dynamic Macropores in Thermo‐Responsive Hydrogel Actuator for Large‐Deformable Gripper
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Wen Xin , Wu Baoyi , Lu Jianlei , Su Minru , Zhang Kaihang , Ni Chujun
Published: December 2024

Poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm)‐based smart hydrogels are widely employed in emerging applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering, because their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is close to physiological conditions. However, the dense chain collapse during the thermo‐responsive phase transition restricts water diffusion, resulting in limited volumetric change. Here, a pure PNIPAm hydrogel that achieves a large‐scale volume transition by incorporating PNIPAm microgels, is presented. During its thermo‐responsive shrinkage, the microgels contract to 10% of their original volume, generating open macropores that serve as efficient water channels, thereby facilitating volume change of hydrogel bulk. In contrast to conventional PNIPAm hydrogels with static porous structures, these dynamic macropores disappear when the microgels return to their initial state at lower temperatures, preserving the mechanical integrity of the entire hydrogel. This enhanced deformability enables the bilayer hydrogel actuator to achieve bending angles exceeding 1150°, a sixfold increase over traditional PNIPAm‐based actuators, allowing it to function as an intelligent gripper capable of capturing small, mobile organisms. This approach, which addresses the inherent challenge of achieving large‐scale deformability in conventional bulk PNIPAm hydrogels, is distinct from existing strategies.
Experimental Study on Polymer–Polymer Interfacial Thermal Resistance
Authors: Xia Yinfeng , Saito Takushi , Kawaguchi Tatsuya
Published: December 2024

This study presents an experimental measurement of interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) at polymer–polymer interfaces using a multi‐layered bulk sample approach. ITR is commonly measured using thin‐film techniques, but new advancements enable testing in bulk materials with multilayered structures. However, traditional multilayer fabrication is often resource‐intensive and lacks consistency. This study introduces a simple rotational overlapping method for fabricating multi‐layered polymer samples for bulk ITR measurement. Combining numerical simulations with experimental validation, researchers optimize layer overlapping conditions using measured viscosity data of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polylactic acid (PLA). Samples are fabricated at viscosity‐matching temperatures, and shear forces from stirring disks create uniform layer patterns. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations elucidate the layer formation mechanism, enabling the fabrication of samples with over 112 layers within a 4.6 mm thickness. ITR testing reveals a direct correlation between layer number and thermal resistance. PE‐PP samples exhibit an average ITR of 9.58 × 10−6 K m2 W−1, with a 10.32% increase in resistance from 38 to 112 layers. Similarly, PE‐PLA samples with an ITR of 1.31 × 10−5 K m2 W−1 show a 2.8% increase from 5 to 23 layers. Overall, The experimental procedure provides valuable data to advance the understanding of ITR in polymer–polymer interfaces.
New York advocates issue blueprint for reforming crisis care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2024

As New York moves forward with initiatives to bolster the state's mental health system, a statewide advocacy organization wants to make sure the favored strategies don't serve to scapegoat individuals with mental illness.
Low‐Insertion‐Loss, High‐Power Rectangular Waveguide‐To‐Coaxial Transition
Authors: Li Qian , Song Kaijun , Zou Xinjun , Fan Yong
Published: December 2024

A low‐insertion‐loss, high‐power rectangular waveguide‐to‐coaxial transition is proposed in this letter. The proposed rectangular waveguide‐to‐coaxial transition is constructed by a rectangular‐waveguide H–T junction and square coaxes. The H‐plane T‐junction is used to convert the input wave into two in‐phase waves. After passing through three 90° bends, the electric field vectors of the two in‐phase waves are in opposite directions. Then they combine at the coaxial port. The TE10 mode in the rectangular waveguide is converted to the TEM mode in the coaxial line by the transition ridge. The power capacity of the transition is increased by the N‐type connector. For verification, an X‐band rectangular waveguide‐to‐coaxial transition has been designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that the 20‐dB fractional bandwidth is 22.4%. The insertion loss is no more than 0.1 dB. The transmission efficiency is 97.7%. And the power capacity can reach 65 kW.
Preparation of Monodisperse Cross‐Linked Elastic Silicone Particles
Authors: Nakamoto Reina , Takeuchi Yuya , Okubo Yohei , Fujita Keisuke , Suzuki Toyoko , Minami Hideto
Published: December 2024

Micrometer‐sized monodisperse silicone droplets are prepared through a sol–gel process involving 3‐methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane (MPDS) at room temperature for 1.5 h in the presence of NH3 as a catalyst. The size of the obtained droplets is controlled by changing the stabilizer concentration and solvent polarity. However, the obtained droplets have not maintained their particulate shape in the dry state due to the absence of a cross‐linking structure. Thus, radical polymerization is performed on the obtained silicone droplets at 70 °C for 2 h; consequently, spherical particles with high monodispersity are observed in the dry state, indicating the presence of a cross‐linked structure. Microcompression tests are conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the silicone particles. Initially, the recovery ratio (elasticity) is not high because the molecular weight of the silicone particles is low, ≈600, due to MPDS cyclization (MPDS trimer). Anionic ring‐opening polymerization is therefore performed to extend the molecular weight of the MPDS trimer. Benzyldodecyldimethylammonium bromide and tetrakis[tris(dimethylamino)phosphoranylidenamino]phosphonium chloride are used as catalysts for anionic ring‐opening polymerization. These catalysts increased the molecular weight to ≈2000 and 7600, respectively. Furthermore, the silicone particles obtained through anion ring‐opening polymerization and radical polymerization have high recovery ratios (elasticity).
Industrial Synthesis of Linear Low‐Density Polyethylene with H‐Shape Long‐Chain‐Branching Structures Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Bingyu , Chen Fengtao , Dong Jin‐Yong
Published: December 2024

A novel linear low‐density polyethylene containing H‐shape long‐chain‐branching structures (LCB‐LLDPE) is industrially synthesized with Ziegler‐Natta catalysts and gas‐phase polymerization process at the assistance of ω‐alkenylmethyldichlorosilane copolymerization‐hydrolysis chemistry. The incorporated LCB structures are characterized by NMR, SEC, and SAOS (small amplitude oscillatory shear) measurements. With a same‐sourced plain LLDPE as a comparison benchmark, the new LCB‐LLDPE is studied for its properties on various aspects, revealing, among others, significantly reinforced rheological properties, including enhanced shear‐thinning behavior, a significant strain‐hardening phenomenon in extensional flow, and substantially increased melt strength, as well as significantly improved optical properties, which all benefit its application in extrusion blow molding for thin‐film production.
Enriched EFG Method for Hydraulic Fracture Modeling in Multiphase Porous Media
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Hasan , Iranmanesh Mohammad Ali , Charmkhoran Behnam Bagheri
Published: December 2024

The numerical investigation in this study focuses on the propagation of hydraulically driven fractures in deformable porous media containing two fluid phases. The fully coupled hydro‐mechanical governing equations are discretized and solved using the extended element‐free Galerkin method. The wetting fluid is injected into the initial crack. The pores are filled with both wetting and non‐wetting fluid phases. Essential boundary conditions are enforced using the penalty method. To model the discontinuities in field variables, the extrinsic enrichment strategy is employed. Ridge and Heaviside enrichment functions are utilized to introduce weak and strong discontinuities, respectively. The nonlinear behavior in front of the crack tip is defined by means of a cohesive crack model. Continuity equations for wetting and non‐wetting fluids through the fracture domain are expressed using Darcy's law and cubic law. The coupling terms of fluids are considered in accordance with their mass transfer among the crack and the surrounding domain, simulating the fluid leak‐off phenomenon and the fluid lag zone. The results demonstrate the success of the proposed numerical framework in simulating the intricate aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process. Sensitivity analysis is performed with varying domain permeabilities and wetting fluid viscosities to elucidate their effects on different aspects of hydraulic fracture.
Towards a Better Understanding of the Influence of Carbohydrates on the Structural, Dynamic, and Functional Properties of Fibromodulin: Crucial Insights From a Comparative In Silico Approach
Authors: Rao Rajas M. , Dauchez Manuel , Baud Stéphanie
Published: December 2024

Proteoglycans are a class of biological macromolecules that are characterized by the presence of long chains of negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). One family of proteoglycans, the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs), is a class of well‐conserved proteins, which are predominantly present in the extracellular matrix and are critical components of numerous processes in the extracellular matrix. Interestingly, fibromodulin (FMOD), one of the members of the SLRP family exists both as a proteoglycan and as a glycoprotein in juveniles and old‐aged individuals, respectively. Despite their physiological significance and interesting variations in their carbohydrate composition, their structural dynamics (e.g., evolution of their structure over time), and their 3D conformational preferences remains unexplored to date. In this study, molecular modeling techniques were used to investigate the effects of changes in carbohydrate composition on fibromodulin structure and dynamics. A total of 6µs of all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed on three types of fibromodulin systems: non‐glycosylated FMOD, the glycoprotein form lacking charged keratan sulfate disaccharides and fibromodulin proteoglycan with keratan sulfate GAGs. Substantial changes were found in FMOD dynamics between the three states. These changes were accompanied by modifications to the curved‐solenoid architecture of FMOD, as well as local changes in solvent accessibilities to some critical residues. A relatively rigid, negatively charged motif, with a well‐conserved sequence across various FMOD species, was identified in the unstructured N‐terminal domain. This motif was highly accessible in both the proteoglycan and glycoprotein states, despite its proximity to carbohydrate chains. These two features (rigididy and high accessibility) suggest a key role for this motif in the protein‐protein interactions established by Fibromodulin. Overall, the study provides insight into how carbohydrate composition influences protein dynamics and functions.
Registration of ‘Addi Jo’ rice
Authors: Angira Brijesh , Webster Connor , Kongchum Manoch , Dalla‐Lana Felipe , Wilson Blake , Zaunbrecher Richard E. , Dartez Valerie , Williams Brady , Theunissen Brent , Famoso Adam N.
Published: December 2024

‘Addi Jo’ (Reg. no. CV‐162; PI 701526), a high‐yielding and high‐amylose long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, and was approved for release in 2021. Addi Jo was derived from the cross ‘Thad’/‘Catahoula’. It demonstrated good yield potential and favorable agronomic characteristics in the 2018 preliminary yield trial. From 2019 to 2022, Addi Jo underwent evaluation in 32 replicated trials across nine locations in Louisiana. Four high‐yielding commercial cultivars were included as checks: ‘Mermentau’, ‘Cheniere’, ‘Jupiter’, and ‘CL153’. The grain yield of ‘Addi Jo’ was 8.8 t ha−1 compared to 8.9 t ha−1 for Mermentau, 8.3 t ha−1 for Cheniere, 9.2 t ha−1 for Jupiter, and 9.5 t ha−1 for CL153 across 24 trials from 2019 to 2022. Addi Jo had a similar plant height to Mermentau, Cheniere, and CL153, and was 4‐cm taller than Jupiter. It exhibits cooking quality similar to Thad, with high amylose and gel temperature. Addi Jo is moderately susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight, moderately resistant to narrow brown leaf spot (Cercospora spp.), and resistant to leaf blast.
Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationship Analysis of Physical and ADMET Properties of Anticancer Drugs Using Domination Topological Indices
Authors: Kuriachan Geethu , Angamuthu Parthiban
Published: December 2024

Chemical graph theory is an important field in mathematical chemistry that uses domination degree‐based indices to convert the chemical structure of molecules into numerical values. These indices help investigate physico‐chemical properties, pharmacokinetic properties, and biological activity in QSPR and QSAR studies. Among the most life‐threatening diseases, cancer remains a major global health concern. Various anticancer drugs like Tegafur, Floxuridine, etc., are employed to combat different cancer types. This paper designs a QSPR model to predict selected physico‐chemical and ADMET properties of these anticancer drugs using indices like the first, second, and modified first Zagreb domination topological index; forgotten, hyper, and modified forgotten domination topological index; and first, second, and modified first Zagreb ‐domination topological index; forgotten, hyper, and modified forgotten ‐domination topological index, via ‐ and ‐polynomials. The relationship analyzes for these properties with the domination degree‐based indices are conducted using the inverse cubic regression method. The results can correlate with other properties, aiding in constructing a disease‐based drug library.
Global Analytic Potential Energy Surface of PH2+ (13A″) and Dynamics Studies of the P+(3P) + D2 Reaction
Authors: Li Meirong , Li Xia , Yang Zhiyong , Zhu Ziliang , Xing Wei
Published: December 2024

The global potential energy surface (PES) of PH2+(13A″) was constructed using permutation invariant polynomial neural network method based on 18 566 ab initio energy points. In ab initio calculation, aug‐cc‐pVQZ and aug‐cc‐pwCVQZ basis sets were used for H and P+, respectively. The topographic features of the PES were discussed in detail and compared with available theoretical and experimental values. The results indicate that the PES is well fitted by using neural network method. In addition, quasi‐classical trajectory (QCT) calculations were carried out for the P+(3P) + D2 reaction in the collision energy range from 1.2 to 8.0 eV. The integral cross sections were reported and compared with experimental data. The differential cross sections were also calculated, and it reflects that the “complex‐forming” mechanism dominates the reaction in the low collision energy range, and direct abstraction mechanism plays a dominant role in the high collision energy range.
Writing in Creole Contexts: A Study of Jamaican Primary School Students
Authors: Tucker Shawna‐Kaye D. , Chalmers Hamish , Murphy Victoria A.
Published: December 2024

Creole‐speaking contexts are significantly underrepresented in language and literacy research yet present a unique context for understanding the nature of language and literacy development among numerous learners in the Global South. In the Caribbean in particular, the poor writing outcomes of Creole speakers across all levels of education has been a subject of lament for educators and policymakers for several years. Given the significant differences between the home and school languages, particularly in the areas of grammar and phonology, as well as the importance of these skills in writing, it is worth exploring the nature of writing challenges among Creole dominant learners in the Caribbean. This paper outlines an empirical study exploring the nature of writing challenges experienced by Creole dominant primary school learners in the Jamaican context. As part of a larger mixed‐methods study, students completed a narrative writing task which was assessed with reference to an analytic rubric. Findings showed that beyond grammar, which has largely been the focus of extant literature, Creole dominant learners experienced significant challenges in lower‐order transcription skills and higher‐order oral language skills at the word, sentence, and text levels. Findings are discussed in line with the not‐so‐simple view of writing and recommendations for supporting the literacy development of Creole‐speaking learners in the Caribbean are outlined.
SegTest: Metamorphic Testing of Image Segmentation via Guided Instance‐Level Test Data Augmentation
Authors: Hou Zhonghao , Wang Xingya , Zhang Shijie , Chen Zhenyu
Published: December 2024

Image segmentation software (SegSoftware) is a kind of DNN‐based image analysis software that aims to recognize the shapes and categories of instances according to their implicit semantic information. SegSoftware frequently uses in safety‐critical fields. Therefore, we should provide adequate testing to SegSoftware. Due to the high cost of manually acquiring the testing oracle for SegSoftware, we employ metamorphic testing to detect its erroneous behaviour. This paper proposes SegTest, a metamorphic testing method that primarily addresses two major challenges in applying metamorphic testing to SegSoftware: (1) devising a method for generating derived test cases, which is the data augmentation approach, and (2) finding effective metamorphic relations for automatically generating the testing oracle. Regarding the former, SegTest utilizes an instance‐level data augmentation method. It generates new test data by inserting annotated instances into the existing images. For ease of exposing erroneousness, we statistically analysed thousands of SegSoftware erroneous behaviours and formulated the guidance strategy of instance selecting and insertion positioning. As for the latter, this paper proposes a metamorphic relation to insert an instance at a position in an original image, where SegSoftware should accurately segment the inserted instance's contour and assign it the appropriate category while preserving the segmentation results of other regions unchanged. Our empirical study shows that SegTest can effectively detect thousands of erroneous behaviours of SegSoftware, and the formulated augmentation strategy achieves a 12.1%–14.1% improvement in SegSoftware erroneousness detection. SegTest also detects 7135 erroneous behaviours on the commercial IBM Segmenter, which verifies the effectiveness of erroneousness detection in practice.
Enhancing integrated water resources management in Tanzania through participatory and institutional capacity building approaches
Authors: Kwikima Muhajir Mussa
Published: December 2024

Despite embracing integrated water resources management (IWRM), Tanzania faces water scarcity, degradation, and climate impacts because of weak implementation driven by poor stakeholder participation and inadequate institutional capacities. This mixed‐methods study aimed to analyze opportunities for advancing IWRM through participation and capacity‐building interventions. Quantitative data were obtained through questionnaires to measure capacity needs and engagement levels, with 78 representatives from important stakeholders in the Arusha, Tanga, and Morogoro regions participating. Qualitative data involved interviews and document review. Data were analyzed statistically and thematically. Stakeholders recognized IWRM's importance, but participation was limited to implementation, with the government dominating decision making. Key capacity gaps identified included hydrological monitoring (65%), legislation enforcement (60%), and financial management (52%). Enhancing multi‐stakeholder collaborative frameworks, establishing independent platforms for joint planning, and regular needs‐based training were recommended to strengthen fragmented roles, address knowledge gaps, and empower stakeholders.
How Political and Cultural Situations Are Impacting Pharma Industries
Authors: Amatulli Annabella
Published: December 2024

The pharmaceutical industry is governed by several rules and requirements defined by Health Authorities across the world: the goal is to develop efficacious and safe medicines, to treat and protect patients. However, more than in the past, pharma industries should take care of changes imposed by cultural and social behaviors. Special attention should be paid on gender-medicine, personalized and individualized drugs/treatments, rare diseases, and development of so called “orphan drugs” and activities designed to support patients and families in need (donation of drugs, patient journey, patient support programs etc.…). But also, initiatives finalized to avoid the waste of good drugs and prescription of the right amount of medicine—this because there is the urgent need to protect the environment, reduce the waste and addressing the requests coming from the new generation of patients. The question is: how the companies can embrace these bottom-up requests in compliance with requirements and rules? How should the companies interact with Health Authorities to spread the voice of the real-world? The industry should be aware that the voice is not only the voice of patients in needs but also the one of healthy citizens that could be patients in the future.
Sustainable Production with Circular Equipment - Opportunities and Challenges in Practice
Authors: Blanke Philipp , Blondrath Aileen , Petrovic Oliver , Riesener Michael , Herfs Werner
Published: December 2024

The importance of sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions to tackle climate change has long been recognized in the automotive industry. A key area of consideration is production itself. Until now, existing systems and equipment have often been put into storage or scrapped when products are changed, even though they could still be put to good use in other production lines. The potential lies in counteracting the waste of resources through circular resources, so that production itself becomes more sustainable. At the same time, production will become even more flexible, as it should be possible to book equipment as required and only pay for it during the utilization phase. This can become a competitive advantage for companies as it enables them to react to rapid product changes and fluctuating demand. The paper looks at the opportunities for companies to use circular equipment using the example of clamping fixtures but also highlights the current challenges that prevent their use in practice. In addition to identifying the potential of digitalization and the linking of individual life cycles, the complexity of a life cycle assessment of operating resources is shown on the one hand and what is possible with the result on the other. The new “Equipment as a Service” business model for renting equipment will also be highlighted and the associated issues of responsibility and billing will be discussed.
Evaluation of Component Suitability for Hybrid Remanufacturing Process Chains
Authors: Marquart Veronika , Meißner Julian , Hofer Andreas , Milde Michael
Published: December 2024

The topic of sustainability is currently not only omnipresent in research and politics but is also gaining significant importance in the industry. Different customer groups are increasingly attaching importance to sustainable products and adapting their purchasing behaviour accordingly.

One important field of action for achieving ecological sustainability is the circular economy. Circular economy describes a cycle-based model of production and consumption, whereby materials and products are to be recycled after use in such a way that further use of the product, or the materials used is possible. This can be done in different degrees of recovery, for example by reuse, repair, recycling, remanufacturing etc. Remanufacturing offers an industrially attractive recovery option with high value retention. However, it also places the highest demands on the product to be recycled as the quality is described “as new”.

The Landshut Level Model of Remanufacturing (LEMOR) is a comprehensive model for the step-by-step assessment of the suitability of a component for remanufacturing from a technical, economic and strategic perspective. This ranges from a review of the basic technical suitability to the influence of the individual damage pattern on the remanufacturing process. The assessment can be divided into a generic and a component-specific spectrum. The generic evaluation is specified in more detail by defined component properties which were collected in the component-suitability-assessment. This initial part of the evaluation shows the possibility of integrating different production processes (in particular additive manufacturing processes in combination with subtractive processes) to expand and realize high-quality and complex remanufacturing processes. A software tool was developed for the automated and user-friendly collection of component properties and their automated comparison with the requirements catalogue for testing remanufacturing suitability.