bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Growth of Illicit Drug Use and Its Effects on Murder Rates
Authors: Park Sujeong
Published: December 2024

After years of reductions in the rate of murder in the United States, the national murder rate has increased since 2015. The causes of this trend are generally unknown, though there is some evidence related to narcotic drugs. Arrests related to heroin and cocaine had been stable between 2010 and 2014 before a sudden increase in 2015. Likewise, the number of murders related to narcotic drugs has increased since 2013, with a jump in 2015. Increased rates of these crimes parallel recent dramatic growth in overdoses involving heroin. However, the causal relationship between the recent opioid crisis and the rise in murder rates is missing from the literature. I used OxyContin reformulation as an exogenous shock to illicit markets. OxyContin reformulation led some people who misused OxyContin to switch to illicit opioids. Previous work has shown that areas with higher rates of OxyContin misuse experienced faster growth in heroin overdoses post‐reformulation. I tested whether this growth in illicit drug use caused an increase in crime. After reformulation, I find significantly greater relative increases in murder rates in states with high pre‐reformulation rates of OxyContin misuse. The results support a causal link between the opioid epidemic and crime.
Interactions and Click Functionalization of a Poly(Thiophenyl‐Tetrazine‐Co‐Fluorene) Conjugated Polymer with Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kukendran Shagana , Salimi Sara , Adronov Alex
Published: December 2024

A highly soluble thiophene‐based poly(tetrazine) polymer was prepared that can undergo inverse‐electron‐demand Diels‐Alder (IEDDA) click reactions efficiently with different types of trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) derivatives resulting in post‐polymerization functionalization. The resulting pyridazines post‐oxidation exhibited strong interactions with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and showed selectivity toward metallic SWNTs. The resulting dispersions were used to prepare thin films, whose sheet resistivity was measured. It was found that α‐amino‐ω‐methoxy triethylene glycol (TEG) functionalized pyridazine dispersion film resulted in a lower sheet resistance by several orders of magnitude compared to the non‐clicked tetrazine dispersion indicating better conductivity post‐IEDDA. Furthermore, modification of the polymer backbone while bound to the SWNT was performed successfully, preserving the properties of the nanotubes.
Red‐Shifted Bioluminescence Using Substrate‐Fluorophore Conjugates
Authors: Narbonne Zuccarelli Clément , Laxio‐Arenas José , Russo Francesco , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: December 2024

NanoLuc (NLuc) is one of the brightest luciferases and has been used in numerous reporter assays and sensor designs. However, its blue light emission (460 nm) is suboptimal for deep tissue imaging or some diagnostic application, and red shifting its emission is desirable. Here, we report the design and synthesis of novel furimazine and coelenterazine analogs conjugated with fluorophores to achieve red‐shifted bioluminescence with NLuc and closely related H‐Luc via a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Structural insights into NLuc‐substrate interactions informed the functionalization of substrates. We report the synthesis of novel substrate‐fluorophore conjugates. We show that red‐shifted emission was achieved with high BRET ratios. The conjugates are less bright than the parent substrates, but our study highlights the importance of linker length and flexibility for optimizing bioluminescence emission reaching wavelength beyond 600 nm.
Label‐Free Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Amyloid Beta on Silver Nanostructured Substrates for Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Authors: Sunil Navami , Shikkandar Ashma , Durai Baby Roselin Rajan , Unnathpadi Rajesh , Sankar Veintramuthu , Pullithadathil Biji
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a public health concern, for which an early diagnosis is essential. Biomass‐derived carbon fibres with surface‐decorated silver nanoparticles (Ag@CFs) have been utilized as surface enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor platform for the detection of the amyloid beta Aβ (25–35) for the pre‐diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Structural and morphological characterizations confirmed the distribution of plasmonic silver nanoparticles over the surface of carbon fibres. The SERS sensor performance of Ag@CFs was evaluated using rhodamine 6G, which showed an enhancement of the order of 106 which proved the effectiveness of the developed SERS sensor towards trace level detection of analyte. A range of amyloid beta concentrations, from 100uM to 10pM, have been analyzed as a proof‐of concept for this study, showcasing the efficacy of the Ag@CFs based SERS sensor to detect trace level concentrations of amyloid beta, even as low as 10 pM. This investigation is a promising development in the field of AD diagnostics since it may turn out to be a non‐invasive, economical and early diagnostic tool.
Exploring the Possibility of a Planar Tetracoordinate Boron in BXY3 (X = B, Al, Ga; Y = C, Si, Ge) Clusters: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Chakraborty Bhrigu , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: December 2024

In this study, we investigated the potential energy surface of BXY3 (X = B, Al, Ga; Y = C, Si, Ge) clusters employing a few global optimization techniques. Remarkably, the global minimum structure obtained for most of the cases revealed a planar tetracoordinate boron atom, shedding light on the inherent stability of this motif. A comparative analysis of the performance of the different global optimization techniques employed is presented, offering insights into their efficacy. Additionally, the overall stability of the obtained global minimum structures is thoroughly examined through Atom‐centered Density Matrix Propagation (ADMP) simulations spanning 20 ps at temperatures 300 and 500 K. The aromaticity of the respective clusters is also assessed via Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) and Isochemical Shielding Surface (ICSS) calculations, providing valuable information regarding their electronic structure and stability. This comprehensive theoretical investigation contributes to our understanding of the structural properties of these clusters, with implications for their potential applications in various fields of chemistry.
Theoretical Study of the Subsequent Decomposition Mechanisms of 1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7)
Authors: Luo Yuheng , Yadav Komal , Kaiser Ralf , Sun Rui
Published: December 2024

This computational study focuses on the mechanism of the consecutive decomposition of FOX‐7 and compares the results with recent experimental study [J. Phys. Chem. A 2023, 127, 7707] under 202 nm photolysis (592 kJ/mol). The mechanisms of forming these compounds, including cyanamide variants (HNCNH and NH2CN), hydroxylamine (NH2OH), nitrosamine (NH2NO), diaminoacetylene (H2NCCNH2), cyanogen (NCCN), water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), urea ((NH2)2CO), hydroxyurea (NH2C(O)NHOH), and formamide (NH2CHO), have only been speculated on without any energetic information previously. This study employed an unsupervised potential energy profile search protocol and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to identify reaction pathways leading to these compounds. The calculations reveal that although some products (e.g., HNCNH, NH2CN, H2NCCNH2, and NCCN) can be formed via unimolecular decomposition, other products (e.g., NH2OH, NH2NO, H2O, NH3, (NH2)2CO, NH2C(O)NHOH, and NH2CHO) are energetically favored if they are formed via bimolecular recombination between unimolecular decomposition products or a product and a FOX‐7 molecule.
Impact of Immunosuppressive Therapy, Vaccination, and Monoclonal Antibody Use With Outcomes in Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients With COVID‐19: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Francis Ashley , Chaudhary Ammad Javaid , Sohail Abdullah , Tarar Zahid I. , Jaan Ali , Cavataio Joseph P. , Farooqui Sara , Varma Adarsh , Jafri Syed‐Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

Patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation are at an elevated risk of severe coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) because of post‐transplantation immunosuppressive therapy. However, optimization of vaccination, modification of immunosuppression, and implementation of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in transplant recipients with COVID‐19 is uncertain.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent liver or kidney transplants and were diagnosed with COVID‐19. The association of several vaccine doses, mycophenolate therapy, and mAB therapy with mortality outcomes after COVID‐19 diagnosis (3 and 6 months), hospitalization, and length of hospital stay were assessed.

Results

This study included 255 patients with a median age of 59 (23–89) were included. Many COVID‐19 vaccine doses were not associated with any outcome; however, patients with a liver transplanted with mycophenolate had higher 3‐month (19% vs. 0%; p = 0.02) and 6‐month (21% vs. 0%; p = 0.01) mortality rates than those who did not. In addition, transplant recipients who received mAb therapy for COVID‐19 were less likely to be hospitalized (37% vs. 68%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For organ transplant recipients with COVID‐19, vaccination alone may not be an optimal strategy for preventing serious outcomes. Rather, the types of organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy (particularly mycophenolate), and COVID‐19 treatment strategy should be synergistically considered to promote an optimal therapeutic dynamic for a vulnerable population.
Flexible Strain Sensor Based on a Dual Crosslinked Network of PAMgA/GL/PANI Antifreeze Conductive Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Yutong , Hu Jiankang , Li Mingjie , Wu Bingying
Published: December 2024

Conductive hydrogels possess excellent flexibility, conductivity, and sensing properties, making them important carrier materials for flexible strain sensors. They show promising application prospects in fields such as human motion detection and artificial intelligence. This paper introduces polyaniline (PANI) and glycerol (GL) into the magnesium acrylate (AMgA) monomer and prepares the polymagnesium acrylate/glycerol/polyaniline (PAMgA/GL/PANI) hydrogel by free radical polymerization method. When the addition of PANI is 9 wt.%, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel exhibits good mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 0.385 MPa, an elongation at break of up to 505%, a compressive strength of 1.04 MPa, and its room temperature conductivity is 1.437 S m−1. Even after freezing at −20 °C, its conductivity can still reach 1.254 S m−1. When the tensile deformation of this conductive hydrogel reaches 500%, the gauge factor (GF) reaches 10.33. In addition, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel also has good self‐healing, adhesion, and moisture retention. These excellent characteristics make it suitable as a flexible strain sensor that can not only accurately monitor human joint movements and subtle physiological signals but also serve as an encrypted information transmission medium.
Recycled PET Packaging Materials of Improved Toughness— Importance of Devitrification of the Rigid Amorphous Fraction
Authors: Ronkay Ferenc , Gere Dániel , Slezák Emese , Szabó Edina , Marosi György , Bocz Katalin
Published: December 2024

Degradation, a common problem faced during the processing of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), leads to significant embrittlement of the products, as a result of which the material loses its applicability. Increased crystallization rate of the short chains of recycled PET and obstructed mobility of the amorphous phase are the main causes of enhanced brittleness. In this research, a straightforward method is proposed for improving the toughness of recycled PET products, namely the devitrification of the rigid amorphous phase by thermal annealing, which results in enhanced molecular mobility in the amorphous fraction, thereby promoting ductile deformation. The effects of thermal annealing conditions are comprehensively evaluated on the microstructure and macroscopic properties, i.e., impact resistance, of recycled PET films. The perforation energy value of the recycled PET film is found to increase to its threefold, reaching a value higher than 18 J mm−1, as a result of 10 s thermal treatment at 120 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analyses, and thermally stimulated depolarization current measurements provide evidence for the devitrification of the rigid amorphous fraction under these conditions, which is the key to efficient enhancement in toughness.
A Novel Two‐Stage Reliability Analysis Method Combining Improved Cross‐Entropy Adaptive Sampling and Relevant Vector Machine
Authors: Fan Xin , Yang Xufeng , Liu Yongshou
Published: December 2024

The computational burden becomes unbearable when reliability analysis involves time‐consuming finite element analysis, especially for rare events. Therefore, reducing the number of performance function calls is the only way to improve computing efficiency. This paper proposes a novel reliability analysis method that combines relevant vector machine (RVM) and improved cross‐entropy adaptive sampling (iCE). In this method, RVM is employed to approximate the limit state surface and iCE is performed based on the constructed RVM. To guarantee the precision of RVM, the first level samples and the last level samples of iCE are used as candidate samples and the last level samples are regenerated along with the RVM updates. To prevent unnecessary updates of RVM, the proposed method considers the positions of the samples in the current design of experiment. In addition, based on the statistical properties of RVM and iCE, an error‐based stopping criterion is proposed. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method were validated through four benchmark examples. Finally, the proposed method is applied to engineering problems which are working in extreme environment.
Deforestation changes the effectiveness of bed nets for malaria control
Authors: Estifanos Tafesse Kefyalew , Fisher Brendan , Ricketts Taylor H.
Published: December 2024

Land use changes such as deforestation and the degradation of tropical forests can be key drivers of infectious disease, including malaria. However, programmes that evaluate the effectiveness of malaria‐control strategies such as bed nets rarely account for the impacts of surrounding land use change. This study investigates how the cumulative deforestation rate for nearly 20 years moderates the effectiveness of bed nets on malaria positivity in children under age of 5 years.

We used multilevel mixed‐effect modelling, demographic and health data, and remotely sensed environmental data to analyse malaria positivity among 18,610 children in six malaria‐endemic sub‐Saharan African countries.

Our models suggest that deforestation is positively associated with increased odds of malaria positivity, whereas bed net use is negatively associated with malaria positivity, as expected. However, we also found that the effectiveness of bed net use varies with the extent of deforestation levels. Bed net use is associated with a significant reduction (by 24.7% to 32%) in malaria positivity at sites with less than 50% deforestation, but this effect is not observed at sites where deforestation exceeded 50%. Our findings suggest that the extent of deforestation can influence the efficacy of malaria control interventions, highlighting the need to integrate deforestation and malaria control considerations when designing environmental conservation and public health policies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sodium Alginate Composite Films Incorporated by Glycerol and Oxidized MWCNT for Driving Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Li Chuang , Xu Chenyu , Song Xiangyu , Ma Li , Zhang Dehai , Guo Dongjie
Published: December 2024

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are widely used in many fields such as bionic robotics and wearable electronics. Due to a high elastic modulus and a poor flexibility, pure sodium alginate (SA) film constrains the deflection of DEA and is not suitable for using as the electrode. By incorporating the plasticizer of glycerol and the conductive fillers of oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), the resultant MWCNT/SA composite film exhibits a high flexibility and a high electrical conductivity (129 Ω·sq.−1), enabling it as the electrode to drive the dielectric matrix of VHB4910 for out‐of‐plane actuations. Driven by a relatively low electric field of 20.8 V/μm, the MWCNT/SA electrode DEA presents a desired areal strain of 3.8%. Long‐term actuations reveal that the MWCNT/SA electrode DEA exhibits very stable electromechanical behaviors with a relative displacement shift (RDS) of 19.8% over 500 cycles, which is far lower than the commercial silicone electrode DEA, whose RDS is 127.8% under the same driven conditions.
Ballistic Pendulum Measurement and Prediction of Blast Reflected Impulse From Spherical Charges at Close Standoff Distances
Authors: Veldman Roger L. , Nansteel Mark W. , Yang Richard , Chen Charles C.‐T.
Published: December 2024

A ballistic pendulum was used to measure the total reflected blast impulse from bare spherical C‐4 charges with charge masses ranging from 0.113 to 0.68 kg at a standoff distance of 0.127 m. A high‐speed camera was used to record the maximum horizontal movement of the pendulum bob and the associated blast impulse was calculated. The measured results were compared to total impulse predictions from ConWep and to numerical simulations using an empirical blast model and both axisymmetric and 3D finite element blast models. Live fire test results showed good consistency in measured blast impulse between repetitions, while the 3D finite element blast model was necessary to achieve a strong correlation of predicted impulse with measured values.
Controlled Charge Polarity in WSe2 Field‐Effect Transistor Grown by Self‐Flux Method
Authors: Le Thi Hai Yen , Uddin Inayat , Phan Nhat Anh Nguyen , Yoo Won Jong , Kim Gil‐Ho
Published: December 2024

In 2D materials, tungsten diselenide (WSe2) has great potential for optical and electronic devices. However, the quality of WSe2 crystals, determined by defects and grain boundaries, currently restricts its performance in controlling carrier‐transport properties. Consequently, the most significant issue achieves superior growth of WSe2 crystals and appropriate metal contacts. Herein, a doping‐free approach to manipulate the polarity of WSe2 transistors by utilizing distinct metal contacts is presented. WSe2 field‐effect transistors are examined employing low‐ and high‐work function metals. In these findings, a transition in polarity from n‐type for In and Cr to p‐type for Pd and Au is demonstrated, showcasing remarkably high on/off ratios (≈107) and mobilities (≈117 cm2 V−1 s−1) at room temperature. This straightforward polarity control technique can be further extended by utilizing contact architecture‐based research in other 2D materials for future nano‐electrical and optoelectronic devices.
A Soft‐Containing Gripper for High‐Speed Handling of Breadcrumb‐Coated Oysters
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Zhongkui , Kutani Keigo , Kawamura Sadao
Published: December 2024

Soft grippers have been developed for handling a diverse array of objects, particularly excelling in grasping deformable and soft food items due to their soft and flexible nature, which is essential for preventing damage. However, the development of soft grippers capable of operating at extremely high speeds, typically achieving a pick‐and‐place cycle in less than 1 s, remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, this study proposes a pneumatic soft gripper designed for the high‐speed handling of breadcrumb‐coated oysters and demonstrates its feasibility for application in food production lines. The proposed gripper consists of two soft fingers and a soft cushion positioned between them. The geometries of the soft fingers and the cushion were meticulously designed to securely contain the oyster. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to investigate the effects of gripper stiffness on the swaying motion, stress, and deformation experienced by the grasped soft object under high acceleration. The fabrication of the soft finger and cushion was accomplished using a liquid silicone 3D printer, and the durability of the soft finger was confirmed to exceed 1.6 million cycles, comparable to that of a suction pad. Food compatibility tests were conducted to ensure the suitability for handling food products. Feasibility tests on the automatic packaging of breadcrumb‐coated oysters were performed using a parallel robot, examining five operating speeds, two applied pressures, and three oyster orientations. The results indicated that the proposed soft gripper could achieve maximum operational speeds of approximately 90 oysters/min for 16 g oysters and 80 oysters/min for 40 g oysters, thereby outperforming human workers and a commercial soft gripper. Through FEA and packaging experiments, it was determined that there exists an optimal stiffness for the soft gripper when handling the breadcrumb‐coated oysters under high acceleration.
Trends in Market‐Based Blue Carbon Projects
Authors: Perera Nipuni S. , Costa Micheli D. P. , Macreadie Peter I. , Wartman Melissa
Published: December 2024

The integration of blue carbon (BC) into the voluntary carbon market promotes BC ecosystem management through financial incentives. We analysed 70 BC projects and present a comprehensive knowledge synthesis on a multifaceted BC sector and its contribution toward sustainable development. Currently, market‐based BC projects are located across 29 countries, covering an extent of one million hectares globally. Mangrove projects are dominant (99.98%) with project clusters located in Mexico, Senegal, India and Myanmar. The private sector emerged as key players in project development and investments. Across their crediting periods, the 11 registered projects (with ongoing credit issuances) are estimated to deliver 154 MtCO2 of total carbon abatement, with 5 MtCO2 of BC credits already issued. Not limiting to climate benefits, BC projects address broader goals of sustainable development by aligning with poverty reduction, gender equality, economic development and biodiversity conservation. However, further improvements are needed around transparency, permanence, benefit sharing and reporting frameworks to enhance the integrity in BC projects.
In‐Depth Structural Analysis of a Stapled Pentapeptide and Its Assembly Into Straight α‐Helices
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Sun Jinming , Yang Fadeng , Tian Zi‐You , Wan Chuan , Yin Feng , Ye Yuxin , Li Zigang
Published: December 2024

Peptide self‐assembly is a complex hierarchical process involving the progressive formation of secondary structures, such as α‐helices, β‐sheets, and turns, during the early stages. It is precisely these multi‐component building blocks that contribute to the complexity of protein assemblies in living organisms. While coiled coils are well‐understood in protein folding, determining the structural characteristics governing their lateral packing remains challenging. Here, a stapled pentapeptide (CIHs) that forms straight α‐helices are reported. Using single crystal X‐ray diffraction and Microcrystal electron diffraction (Micro‐ED), the atomic‐level assembly mechanism of CIHs is investigated. This study describes the specific geometric standards based on these α‐helical building blocks and their interactions. By modulating the hydrophobic interface between these blocks via side‐chain alterations, this study validates that these mutant assemblies can inherit the specific spatial geometry and regular interaction interfaces of straight α‐helices. These results provide a simple template for exploring the hierarchical assembly of straight α‐helices and studying the impact of side chains on lateral packing, opening new avenues for the development of high‐order peptide assemblies based on straight α‐helices.
Optimizing Aesthetic Appearance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using Color Filters
Authors: Schaible Jonas , Winarto Hanifah , Škorjanc Viktor , Yoo Danbi , Zimmermann Lea , Jäger Klaus , Sekulic Ivan , Schneider Philipp‐Immanuel , Burger Sven , Wessels Andreas , Bläsi Benedikt , Becker Christiane
Published: December 2024

The significance of color aesthetics in photovoltaic (PV) modules gains importance, especially in design‐centric applications like building‐integrated PVs. Color filters based on distributed Bragg reflectors, consisting of alternating thin‐film layers of different refractive indices, can modify the appearance of standard silicon modules. This approach is also extended to optimize the color appearance of emerging PV technologies such as perovskite solar cells, which typically exhibit a less appealing gray–brownish appearance. In this contribution, perovskite solar‐cell stacks combined with MorphoColor color filters are presented. Angular‐resolved reflectance simulations based on wave optics and ray tracing with experimental data are validated, and the color appearance from various viewing angles is evaluated. Additionally, the impact of individual layers on color appearance and the maximum achievable short‐circuit current density in the perovskite solar cell is investigated. By applying Bayesian optimization, the color distance is minimized to the targeted appearance. Tailoring the bridging layers between the color filter and the perovskite solar cell is found to strongly influence the color impression due to the coherently combined color filter and perovskite solar cell. The presented color optimization concept allows to customize the aesthetics of emerging PV thin‐film technologies such as perovskite solar cells.
Constraints and coping strategies of urban agriculture households in Namibia's informal settlements during COVID‐19
Authors: Muzanima J. , Shipandeni M. N. T. , Togarepi C. , Shivolo‐Useb S. , Jona C. N. , Petrus N. P.
Published: December 2024

The global outbreak of the unprecedented COVID‐19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges in the agro‐food systems worldwide urging the need to build resilient food systems for food security. Urban agriculture (UA) has the potential to contribute to resilient and sustainable food systems. This study investigated the impact of COVID‐19 on UA practices in the informal settlement of Windhoek, Namibia. Samora Machel and Tobias Hainyeko constituencies were purposively selected using a stratified two‐stage probability sampling design within each constituency to select the study sites and a sample of 59 households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with open‐ and closed‐ended questions. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to identify constraints and coping strategies employed by urban farmers in informal settlements. Households that participated in the study were engaged in UA with 60.4% male‐headed households. Horticultural crop production (67.2%) and mixed farming (18.2%) were the main activities. The major constraints were high input costs (74.6%), inadequate land (61%), and unavailability of water (59%). The major coping strategies were intensified/started production (43%), use of alternative locally available inputs and resources (22%), changed marketing strategy (11%), and reduced hired labor (8%). The community resilience was weakened during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A holistic and integrated approach to urban planning and policy that recognize UA within the broader food system is required. There is a need to strengthen policy on land use and infrastructure planning that incorporates both formal and informal food systems and enhances disaster risk preparedness.
Analysing shear‐lag warping displacement functions and mechanical characteristics of rectangular concrete box‐girder bridges
Authors: Cen Feng , Gan Zi‐yu , Gao Pei‐wei
Published: December 2024

A theoretical foundation for the accurate analysis of the shear‐lag effect in rectangular box‐girder flange slabs is established in this study through the selection of appropriate warping displacement functions. Initially, a series of warping displacement functions that fulfil the basic warping mode of the box‐girder flange slabs is proposed based on the principle of longitudinal warping displacement function setting. Subsequently, the shear‐lag effect, self‐equilibrium condition for shear‐lag warping stress and Timosheko shear deformation are comprehensively considered. The governing differential equations and corresponding natural boundary conditions of the box girder are determined by applying the energy variation principle. The box girder's natural frequency is calculated by solving the governing differential equations under the given warping displacement functions and boundary type. The accuracy of the various warping displacement functions is subsequently evaluated based on the natural frequency values of box girders. A high‐precision longitudinal warping displacement function for box‐girder flange slabs is selected, thus enhancing the analysis precision of the box girders' mechanical properties. Additionally, the necessity of selecting appropriate warping displacement functions is verified through static and dynamic analyses of the box girders. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the finite element solutions and the corresponding analytical solutions utilizing the proposed warping displacement functions, demonstrating the validity of this approach for analysing the box‐girder response. Consequently, the proposed method provides a robust basis for understanding the mechanical properties of rectangular box girders and enriches the existing analytical theory of box structures, guiding the design of rectangular concrete box‐girder bridges.
Screen Use, Physical Injuries, and Orthopedic Health
Authors: Manganello Jennifer A. , McKenzie Lara B. , Stavrinos Despina , Straker Leon
Published: December 2024

Children and adolescents are using screen media, which include devices such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, more than ever before. Much research has examined the impact of screen use on obesity, physical activity, and sedentary behavior as well as sleep and eye strain. In this chapter, we focus on the ways in which the use of screens can lead to physical injuries, including orthopedic issues, for children and adolescents through four distinct mechanisms. One focuses on the ways in which devices themselves can lead to injury (e.g., a television tipping over). Another explains how screen use can cause distractions leading to physical injury, whereas the third addresses overuse. Finally, the fourth mechanism considers the role of media effects. We present a brief overview about each of these four mechanisms, offer important research questions to address going forward, and identify recommendations for key audiences. Continuing research on injuries and orthopedic health from screen use is vital, as it refines recommendations and fosters innovative solutions. At the same time, stakeholders, including researchers, industry professionals, and parents, must stay alert to the evolving risks posed by new devices.
Social Media Use, Body Image Concerns, and Disordered Eating Among Adolescents
Authors: Choukas-Bradley Sophia , Maheux Anne J. , Aubrey Jennifer Stevens , Charmaraman Linda , Maas Megan K. , Nesi Jacqueline , Ward L. Monique , Yang Chia-chen
Published: December 2024

Highly visual social media (SM) provide novel opportunities for adolescents’ exposure to idealized appearance content. This chapter outlines the current literature regarding adolescents’ SM use, body image concerns, and disordered eating. Our focus is on the broad spectrum of body image concerns and disordered eating, rather than clinical disorders. Recent research has suggested that SM may lead adolescents and young adults to engage in frequent upward social comparisons with attractive peers, celebrities, and “influencers” and to internalize appearance ideals, leading to body image concerns (e.g., body dissatisfaction, self-objectification) and disordered eating (e.g., caloric restriction). Highly visual SM also present unique opportunities for presenting an idealized version of oneself, which aligns with key self-presentational goals during this developmental period, and which may lead to preoccupation with one’s online appearance. Although research has primarily focused on young women, initial findings suggest that online appearance concerns are relevant for young men’s body dissatisfaction and disordered eating as well. Most research has been conducted in Anglophone, industrialized countries, with little attention to culturally relevant appearance concerns specific to adolescents of color, LGBTQ+ youth, or adolescents in the Global South. We provide a call for future research priorities as well as recommendations relevant for clinicians, parents, and policymakers.
Problematic Internet Use: A General Perspective
Authors: Fineberg Naomi A. , Grant Don , Demetrovics Zsolt , Brand Matthias , Burkauskas Julius , Corazza Ornella , Gansner Meredith , Gentile Douglas A. , Gjoneska Biljana , Griffiths Mark D. , Király Orsolya , Potenza Marc N. , Weinstein Aviv M.
Published: December 2024

How the Internet is used and any negative outcomes of engagement with it—especially with regards to children—is a topic of great interest, bearing legitimate investigation. Proposed identifiers of problematic internet use(PIU) include aspects of use in correlation with distress or impairment across biological, psychological, sociological, and/or occupational/academic functioning. Adolescents and those with vulnerabilities across developmental or sociological domains are particularly susceptible. Although validated instruments have been utilized to assess PIU, concerns surrounding the methodology, currency, and some validation measures of existing and cross-sectional screening tools and a lack of those with true external validity and variance, combined with some disagreement surrounding PIU, have impeded its diagnostic acceptance. Current investigative approaches to PIU include clarifying problematic gambling and gaming criteria, psychotherapeutic therapy, pharmacological interventions, and non-invasive neurostimulation therapies targeting cortical brain regions. As child screen time appears to be increasing, further research, ethical health/social policy changes, and digital literacy programs are strongly endorsed. To avoid online engagement dysregulating or harming children, digital policy youth user protection standards, pragmatic key player dialogues, transparent reassessments of digital-centric business models without compromising less resourced countries, and even globally agreed child online safety regulations are also recommended.
Structural Racism in Tech: Social Media Platforms, Algorithmic Bias, and Racist Tech
Authors: Noble Safiya U. , Roberts Sarah T. , Bui Matthew , Brock André , Snow Olivia
Published: December 2024

Covers key studies published over the last decade documenting the harmful effects of racist technologies, which include how algorithms are racially biased and produce harmful effects.
Is Social Media Increasing Risk for Mental Health Problems Among Youth?: It’s Complicated
Authors: Barzilay Ran , Pagliaccio David , Funkhouser Carter J. , Auerbach Randy P.
Published: December 2024

Adolescent social media use and mental health problems have been on the rise, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to premature conclusions that social media causes adverse adolescent mental health outcomes. However, to date, there is no definitive data to support this causal link. Preliminary research has drawn associations between social media use and adolescent mental health burdens, but these data are largely cross-sectional, fail to account for potential risk and resilience factors, and do not tease apart the role of social media from offline sources associated with psychiatric disorders. In this chapter, we describe the complexities in ascertaining the direct association between social media use and adolescent mental health, particularly for marginalized youth who report greater social media use and more mental health problems. Specifically, we summarize known links between social media and adolescent mental health, describe unique aspects of this association pertaining to marginalized youth, and discuss potential adverse and protective social media factors. Importantly, we also detail the need to contextualize adolescent social media use amidst the broader youth mental health crisis, especially given the ongoing clinician shortage. Given the nascency of the field, we then provide methodological and conceptual recommendations for future research.
Gender and Sexuality: LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences
Authors: McInroy Lauren B. , Macapagal Kathryn , Beer Oliver W. J. , Coyne Claire
Published: December 2024

Internet-enabled information and communication technologies (ICTs) pose simultaneous risks and opportunities for contemporary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise sexual and/or gender diverse (LGBTQ+) adolescents and young adults—a population who may be particularly active users of ICTs. This chapter provides a brief overview of LGBTQ+ youths’ lived experiences and barriers to care, followed by a review of extant knowledge regarding the ICT experiences of this population with a particular focus on the context of the United States. Significant gaps in knowledge regarding LGBTQ+ youths’ engagement with ICTs persist and proposed areas of inquiry for future research are provided. As ICTs continue to advance, sustained examination must be undertaken. Specifically, how current and emerging technologies impact LGBTQ+ youths’ lives, emphasizing heretofore under-researched subpopulations (e.g., transgender youth, ethnic and racial minorities). Knowledge translated informs multiple areas, including education, service provision, policy development, and expansion of technologies that consider LGBTQ+ youths’ unique needs. Specific recommendations for various stakeholder communities (e.g., educators, service providers, policy makers) are offered.
Sexual Health Information Online
Authors: Walsh-Buhi Eric R. , Javidi Hannah , Macapagal Kathryn
Published: December 2024

As only half of adolescents in the United States receive school-based sex education that meets the minimum standard articulated in national goals (Lindberg and Kantor LM, Adolesc Health 70:290–297, 2022), young people often turn to other sources of sexual health information, including online sources. Although adolescents view teachers, parents, friends, and medical professionals as more trusted sources of sexual health information (Jones and Biddlecom, J Health Commun 16:112–123, 2011), they also seek out online sexual health information (OSHI) specifically for more sensitive, potentially embarrassing, or stigmatizing topics. With a rise in the prevalence of Internet use and advances in innovative, accessible digital technologies, especially over the last decade, adolescents have greater access to OSHI at their fingertips than ever before. This chapter describes the tools (i.e., Internet use and device usage/ownership) adolescents use for OSHI, the latest trends related to OSHI-seeking, including data on sources of such information (e.g., websites, apps, social media) and topics sought, as well as benefits and risks of OSHI, such as exposure to misinformation, bias, and inaccuracies. We end by describing directions for future OSHI research and offering recommendations for clinicians/providers, educators, and policy makers.
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Digital Media Use on Attention
Authors: Baumgartner Susanne E. , Parry Douglas A. , Beyens Ine , Wiradhany Wisnu , Uncapher Melina , Wagner Anthony D. , Bavelier Daphné
Published: December 2024

Due to the ubiquitous nature of digital media in youths’ lives, concerns have been raised that digital media might negatively affect attention. For children and adolescents, these concerns revolve around two questions. First, what are the momentary, short-term effects of digital media on attention and processing (e.g., while studying or doing homework)? Second, what are the sustained, long-term effects of frequent media distractions and media multitasking on youths’ ability to focus and sustain attention? This chapter provides an overview of the current state of the literature on these two issues and highlights the most important research gaps and directions for future research. In sum, current studies point toward attentional performance decrements when using digital media. These decrements might be particularly strong when one perceives digital media to be more important than the primary task, when the digital distraction draws on the same sensory modalities than the primary task, and when one is forcefully interrupted by media (i.e., incoming messages). Whether these momentary distractions, or continuous media multitasking more generally, have sustained negative effects on attentional abilities remains largely unknown.
Technoference in Parenting and Impacts on Parent–Child Relationships and Child Development
Authors: McDaniel Brandon T. , Linder Lisa , Vanden Abeele Mariek M. P. , Ventura Alison K. , Coyne Sarah M. , Barr Rachel
Published: December 2024

“Technoference” is a term that describes how parent media use (e.g., phone use) can interfere with parent–child relationships and interactions. Research has shown technoference effects on parents and children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence, such as decreased parent responsiveness and adverse child behavioral outcomes. However, potential benefits of parent media use have also been identified, such as media use to cope with stress, stay connected, increase breastfeeding perseverance, and seek parenting information. Technoference has only been researched for about a decade, and there are large research gaps. We propose a research agenda to parse out long-term or cumulative effects of technoference on parenting and child outcomes, while also accounting for the role of context and content of device use on the potential effects of technoference. We propose that guidance for parents should not guilt or stigmatize them but rather consider reasons for media use and offer tailored suggestions for managing use. However, the proliferation of persuasive design features in apps and media makes self-control and change of device behavior difficult. We also propose that the burden for managing media usage should not solely lie with parents; policymakers and the tech industry should play a pivotal role.
Criminological, Psychological, and Developmental Aspects of Pandemic Strain and Online Cruelty
Authors: Parti Katalin , Sanders Cheryl E. , Breaux Rosanna , McCoy Meghan
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of our lives, causing significant strains to children and adolescents, particularly in the academic and social domains. We use digital cruelty as a broad concept that, besides cyberbullying, incorporates a wide range of hurtful online behaviors involving children. We explore digital cruelty from an interdisciplinary perspective that criminology, mental health, and child development can provide, which will shed light on the effects and roles of pandemic-related strains in developing digital cruelty as a deviant coping strategy in childhood and adolescence. As a takeaway, digital cruelty in children should be examined from multiple angles, where various disciplines contribute to the explanations and development of prevention and intervention programs.
Bridging America’s Homework Gap by Closing the Digital Divide
Authors: Chakravorti Bhaskar , Aguilar Stephen J. , Franco Arturo , Leichty Reg , Polikoff Morgan Scott
Published: December 2024

The pandemic revealed how essential access to high-speed Internet was and the unevenness of access to it. This places children in homes on the wrong side of the digital divide at a severe disadvantage as digital access is key to effective learning because of increased use of online learning management systems, multimedia resources, online research as well as for remote schooling during climate and other emergencies. A disproportionate share of the burden resulting from this phenomenon is felt by children of color in urban areas. A long-term solution to closing the digital divide is needed. This chapter explains the scale of the problem and offers a set of recommendations to close the divide.
Imagination, Creativity, and Play
Authors: Richert Rebekah A. , Choi Koeun , Gleason Tracy R. , Goldstein Thalia R. , Sibert Susan M.
Published: December 2024

Encouraging children to engage their imagination and creativity plays a critical role in healthy cognitive, social, and emotional development. As such, questions about the influence of digital media use (“screen time”) on the development of imagination and creativity are critical. Findings to date regarding the impact of media exposure on creativity are mixed. Some studies suggest that decreases in creative thought and expression are related to the frequency of media exposure and having media in the foreground and background during play. However, others suggest that media content aiming to engage children’s imagination can promote creativity and abstract thinking, especially when engaging with characters that they love or want to be like.
Introduction to the Section on Emerging Technologies
Authors: Danovitch Judith H.
Published: December 2024

The rapid evolution of modern technology is transforming children’s social interactions and learning environments. Children increasingly have access to devices such as voice-assistants and virtual reality headsets, leading to concerns about how using new technologies affects their health and well-being. This section specifically examines how access to several types of emerging technologies affects children’s cognitive and social development. It emphasizes the need for researchers to better understand the consequences children's use of these technologies and discusses ethical issues, such as privacy protection, that arise as a result of their use. The chapters in this section suggest that, as access to and use of emerging technologies continues to expand, collaboration among stakeholders ranging from caregivers to policymakers will be crucial for maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks to children’s development.
Children’s Understanding and Use of Voice-Assistants: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Danovitch Judith H. , Dubé Adam K. , Oranç Cansu , Szczuka Jessica , Yarosh Svetlana
Published: December 2024

As voice-driven digital assistants become more popular and widely available, it is essential to understand how children think about and use these devices. Because voice-assistants (VAs) share characteristics with humans, such as interaction via natural language, they hold unique appeal to young children as both information sources and social partners. However, these shared characteristics with humans also potentially make it more difficult for children to understand how VAs work and to evaluate the information that they provide. Given the recent advent of VAs and rapid improvements in the technologies that they rely on, future research should focus on how VA use impacts children’s social cognition and learning, and how to design VAs that children can use safely and effectively. Recommendations are provided for how caregivers, educators, developers, and policymakers can support children’s use of VAs in ways that promote their social and cognitive development, while protecting them from potential dangers.