bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the parental stress scale's psychometric properties
Authors: Montoro‐Pérez Néstor , Alós‐Maldonado Raúl , Montejano‐Lozoya Raimunda , Richart‐Martínez Miguel , Martínez‐Alzamora Nieves
Published: September 2024

Parental stress can affect the ability of parents to cope with the challenges of raising children. The result can be a negative cycle within the family dynamic, which in turn can interfere with children's development and emotional regulation. Among the many instruments available to assess parental stress, the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) deserves particular mention. To our knowledge, there are currently no systematic reviews evaluating the psychometric properties of the PSS. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the psychometric properties of the PSS using the COSMIN (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) methodology and to conduct a meta‐analysis. A thorough literature search was conducted from different databases. A meta‐analysis to test the generalisability of PSS internal consistency across its component factors was performed. A total of 20 validation studies of the PSS were identified. Based on the COSMIN methodology, this instrument receives an ‘A’ rating, meaning that it is considered to be a cross‐sectional instrument with the necessary scientific evidence for the assessment of the construct of parental stress. The meta‐analysis testing the generalisability of its internal consistency yielded satisfactory results across the different factors. Future research should focus on those psychometric properties of the PSS that have not been studied as extensively, such as reproducibility, responsiveness, measurement error, and measurement invariance.
Fabrication of Conical Microstructure Array for Stable Droplet Generation Over Wide Flow Rate Range
Authors: Chen Tingting , Cui Licong , He Wang , Zhao Zhijun , Liu Huiyun , Qian Linmao , Yu Bingjun
Published: September 2024

Droplet generators with the ability to resist flow fluctuations are of importance for microfluidic chip analysis systems. However, obtaining stably desired‐size droplets is still a bugbear since even slight fluctuations can cause polydisperse droplets. In this study, a high‐performance droplet generator is achieved with a functional conical array housed in the junction of the channels. The conical microstructures are fabricated through the selective etching of the scratched silicon nitride/silicon (Si3N4/Si) substrate in potassium hydroxide (KOH) etchant, where the combination of lateral and normal material removal contributes to the structure formation. It is found that the key role of the conical microstructures is to regulate the flow rate of the continuous phase, which allows droplet generation to turn to the necking phase and enables droplets to shed more easily. It is also noted that the droplet generator with such a conical array can produce monodisperse droplets in wide‐range flow, providing new insights for high‐quality device design.
Deconstruction Engineering of Lignocellulose Toward High‐Plateau‐Capacity Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Zongyi , Huang Jiahong , Zhong Lei , Zhang Wenli , Qiu Xueqing
Published: September 2024

Biomass‐derived hard carbon is a promising anode material for commercial sodium‐ion batteries due to its low cost, high capacity, and stable cycling performance. However, the intrinsic tight lignocellulosic structure in biomass hinders the formation of sufficient closed pores, limiting the specific capacity of obtained hard carbons. In this contribution, a mild, industrially mature pretreatment method is utilized to selectively regulate biomass components. The hard carbon with a rich closed pore structure is prepared by optimizing the appropriate ratio of biomass composition. Optimized etching conditions enhanced the closed pore volume of hard carbon from 0.15 to 0.26 cm3 g−1. Consequently, the engineered hard carbon exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, including a high reversible capacity of 346 mAh g−1 with a high plateau capacity of 254 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹, robust rate capability, and cycling stability. The optimized hard carbon shows an 88 mAh g⁻¹ increase in plateau capacity compared to hard carbon from directly carbonizing bamboo fibers. This mature approach provides an easy‐to‐operate industrial pathway for designing high‐capacity biomass‐based hard carbons for sodium‐ion batteries.
Single Crystalline GeSe Van Der Waals Ribbons With Uniform Layer Stacking, High Carrier Mobility, and Adjustable Edge Morphology
Authors: Sutter Eli , Kisslinger Kim , Wu Lijun , Zhu Yimei , Yang Seunghoon , Camino Fernando , Nam Chang‐Yong , Sutter Peter
Published: September 2024

Performance of the group IV monochalcogenide GeSe in solar cells, electronic, and optoelectronic devices is expected to improve when high‐quality single crystalline material is used rather than polycrystalline films. Crystalline flakes represent an attractive alternative to bulk single crystals as their synthesis may be developed to be scalable, faster, and with higher overall yield. However, large – and especially large and thin – single crystal flakes are notoriously hard to synthesize. Here it is demonstrated that vapor‐liquid‐solid growth combined with direct lateral vapor‐solid incorporation produces high‐quality single crystalline GeSe ribbons with tens of micrometers size and controllable thickness. Electron microscopy shows that the ribbons exhibit perfect equilibrium (AB) van der Waals stacking order without extended defects across the entire thickness, in contrast to the conventional case of substrate‐supported flakes where material is added via layer‐by‐layer nucleation and growth on the basal plane. Electrical measurements show anisotropic transport and a high Hall mobility of 85 cm2 V−1 s−1, on par with the best single crystals to date. Growth from mixed GeSe and SnSe vapors, finally, yields ribbons with unchanged structure and composition but with jagged edges, promising for applications that rely on ample chemically active edge sites, such as catalysis or photocatalysis.
Effects of Coprecipitation Conditions on the Electrochemical Properties of Cobalt‐Free LiNi0.9Mn0.1‐xAlxO2 Cathodes
Authors: Lee Steven , Kmiec Steven , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: September 2024

Commercializing high‐nickel, cobalt‐free cathodes, such as LiNi0.9Mn0.1‐xAlxO2 (NMA‐90), hinges on effectively incorporating Al3+ during the hydroxide coprecipitation reaction. However, Al3+ coprecipitation is nontrivial as Al3+ possesses unique precipitation properties compared to Ni2+ and Mn2+, which impact the final precursor morphology and consequently the cathode properties. In this study, the nuance of Al3+ coprecipitation and its influence on the cycling stability of NMA with increasing Al3+ content is elucidated. While low reaction pH and ammonia concentration are suitable for producing Al‐free LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2 (NM‐90) effectively, the same coprecipitation environment leads to porous precursor morphology and poor cycle life in Al‐containing LiNi0.9Mn0.08Al0.02O2 (NMA‐900802) and LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA‐900505). By systematically increasing the reaction pH and ammonia concentration for the Al‐containing compositions, the precursor morphology becomes denser and the cathode cycling stability is greatly improved. It is hypothesized that the improvement in cycling stability stems from the reduction in Al(OH)3 nucleation, which promotes hydroxide particle growth with optimal Al3+ incorporation into the cathode lattice.
Construction of Chiral‐Magnetic‐Dielectric Trinity Structures with Different Magnetic Systems for Efficient Low‐Frequency Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sun Chen , Jiang Yuchen , Fan Zeng , Che Renchao , Pan Lujun
Published: September 2024

The fabrication of carbon nanocoil (CNC)‐based chiral‐dielectric‐magnetic trinity composites holds great significance in low‐frequency microwave absorption fields. However, it is not clear that how the different magnetic systems affect the magnetic and frequency responses of the composites. Herein, four types of magnetic metals, FeCo, CoNi, FeNi, and FeCoNi, are selected to be combined with the chiral templates respectively, resulting in four types of chiral‐dielectric‐magnetic composites with similar morphology. The CNC templates endow all the composites with excellent dielectric loss. Further permeability analysis and the micro‐magnetic simulation confirm that the frequency response region can be well adjusted by changing the magnetic systems with specific magnetic resonance modes and magnetic domain motion. Due to the synergistic effect between magnetism, chirality, and dielectricity, the FeNi‐based composites exhibit the best low‐frequency microwave absorption performance. The minimum RL of −60.7 dB is achieved at 6.7 GHz with an ultra‐low filling ratio of 10%, and the EAB value in low‐frequency region is extended to 3.7 GHz. This study provides further guidelines for the design of the chiral‐dielectric‐magnetic trinity composites in low‐frequency microwave absorption.
Safe design and evolution of smart contracts using dynamic condition response graphs to model generic role‐based behaviors
Authors: Xu Yibin , Slaats Tijs , Düdder Boris , Troels Hildebrandt Thomas , Van Cutsem Tom
Published: September 2024

Smart contracts executed on blockchains are interactive programs where external actors generate events that trigger function invocations. Events can be emitted by participants asynchronously. However, some functionalities should be restricted to participants inhabiting specific roles in the system, which might be dynamically adjusted while the system evolves. We argue that current smart contract languages adopting imperative programming paradigms require additional complicated access control code. Furthermore, smart contracts are often developed and evolved independently and cannot share a joint access control policy. This makes it challenging to ensure the correctness of access control properties and to maintain correctness when the contracts are adapted. We propose using dynamic condition response (DCR) graphs for role‐based and declarative access control for smart contracts and techniques for test‐driven modelling and refinement of DCR graphs to support the safe design and evolution of smart contracts. We show that they allow for capturing and visualizing a form of dynamic access control where access rights evolve as the contract state progresses. Their use supports the straightforward declaration of access control rights, improved code auditing, test‐driven modelling, and safe evolution of smart contracts and improves users' understanding.
Scanning Probe Nano‐Infrared Imaging and Spectroscopy of Biochemical and Natural Materials
Authors: Shen Jialiang , Noh Byung‐Il , Chen Pengyu , Dai Siyuan
Published: September 2024

The mid‐infrared with a characteristic wavelength of 3–20 μm is important for a wealth of technologies. In particular, mid‐infrared spectroscopy can reveal material composition and structure information by fingerprinting chemical bonds’ infrared resonances. Despite these merits, state‐of‐the‐art mid‐infrared techniques are spatially limited above tens of micrometers due to the fundamental diffraction law. Herein, recent progress in the scanning probe nanoscale infrared characterization of biochemical materials and natural specimens beyond this spatial limitation is reviewed. By leveraging the strong tip–sample local interactions, scanning probe nano‐infrared methods probe nanoscale optical and mechanical responses to disclose material composition, heterogeneity, orientation, fine structure, and phase transitions at unprecedented length scales. These advances, therefore, revolutionize the understanding of a broad range of biochemical and natural materials and offer new material manipulation and engineering opportunities close to the ultimate length scales of fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes.
The brachiopod faunas from the Fezouata Shale (Lower Ordovician; Tremadocian–Floian) of the Zagora area, Anti‐Atlas, Morocco: evidence for a biodiversity hub in Gondwana
Authors: Candela Yves , Harper David A. T. , Mergl Michal
Published: September 2024

Since the early 2000s, the discovery of fossils and their collection from the Fezouata Shale has accelerated; enabling us to understand the faunas more thoroughly. The brachiopod fauna has not been investigated for the past 50 years, and we present here the results of our recent studies. From the material (c. 350 samples), 30 species were identified and assigned to 23 genera. Among these, one new genus (Tinzoulinorthis) and four new species (Wosekella maghribi, Rafanoglossa inversa, Orbithele tazagurta, Lacunites punctum) are erected; one taxon is recognized at the family level. The fauna described from the upper Tremadocian horizons is more diverse than those in the Floian. The former is characterized by a high γ‐diversity, although at the horizon level the α‐diversity is low to medium. This fauna is typical of high‐energy, shallow‐water, unstable environmental conditions, in which long‐lived communities were prevented from developing into climax communities, and the succession of opportunists were regularly smothered in situ and killed by storm deposits. Multivariate analyses of the faunas indicate that the Tremadocian fauna, characterized by many endemic taxa, has closer affinities with faunas from peri‐Gondwanan terranes, in particular Bohemia. The Tremadocian Fezouata fauna is very rich in taxon first occurrences, which, coupled with a high γ‐diversity, suggest that it may have been a diversity hub. In contrast, the Floian Fezouata fauna not only shows stronger connections with Bohemia and the Montagne Noire, it also has links with the South Urals and Baltica, reflecting the changing Early Ordovician palaeogeography.
Effect of Trace Magnesium Addition on TiN Inclusions and Microstructure in 20CrMnTi Gear Steel
Authors: Qi Zexin , Wang Jin , Bai Yun , Liu Wei , Yang Shufeng , Zhang Feilong , Li Jingshe
Published: September 2024

To enhance the quality of the microtitanium alloy steel, this study is the first to utilize the addition of trace amounts of magnesium in 20CrMnTi gear steel to improve the TiN inclusions and microstructure within this type of steel. Herein, the effect of different magnesium contents (0–50 ppm) on nonmetallic inclusions in steel is taken as a starting point. Simultaneously, the pinning effect of the modified inclusions on the microstructure is also explored. The results indicate that after adding magnesium, the average size of the inclusions decreases from 2.8 to 2.3 μm, and the grain boundary mobility M decreases from 16 to 1.27 × 10−11 m4 kJ−1 s−1. Mg can reduce Ca and Ti in oxide inclusions, forming finer MgAl2O4 particles, thereby refining their size. The formed MgO and MgAl2O4 act as inhomogeneous nucleation sites for nitrides, resulting in smaller size, more uniform distribution, and less harmful TiN. Notably, TiN can provide nucleation sites for MnS. The size and distribution of sulfides are also improved during the modulation of TiN. It is found that the modulated TiN–MgO–MnS microinclusions can be used as austenitic pinning particles. These particles increase the pinning resistance and improve the grain boundary mobility, thus contributing to grain refinement.
Misclassification Excess Risk Bounds for 1‐Bit Matrix Completion
Authors: Tien Mai The
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the misclassification excess risk bound in the context of 1‐bit matrix completion, a significant problem in machine learning involving the recovery of an unknown matrix from a limited subset of its entries. Matrix completion has garnered considerable attention in the last two decades due to its diverse applications across various fields. Unlike conventional approaches that deal with real‐valued samples, 1‐bit matrix completion is concerned with binary observations. While prior research has predominantly focused on the estimation error of proposed estimators, our study shifts attention to the prediction error. This paper offers theoretical analysis regarding the prediction errors of two previous works utilizing the logistic regression model: one employing a max‐norm constrained minimization and the other employing nuclear‐norm penalization. Significantly, our findings demonstrate that the latter achieves the minimax‐optimal rate without the need for an additional logarithmic term. These novel results contribute to a deeper understanding of 1‐bit matrix completion by shedding light on the predictive performance of specific methodologies.
Generalisation bounds for kernel PCA through PAC‐Bayes learning
Authors: Haddouche Maxime , Guedj Benjamin , Shawe‐Taylor John
Published: September 2024

Principal component analysis(PCA) is a popular method for dimension reduction and has attracted an unfailing interest for decades. More recently, kernel PCA (KPCA) has emerged as an extension of PCA, but despite its use in practice, a sound theoretical understanding of KPCA is missing. We contribute several empirical generalisation bounds on the efficiency of KPCA, involving the empirical eigenvalues of the kernel Gram matrix. Our bounds are derived through the use of probably approximately correct (PAC)‐Bayes theory and highlight the importance of some desirable properties of datasets, expressed as variance‐typed terms, to attain fast rates, achievable for a wide class of kernels.
Examination of Salmonella Prevalence in Pigs Through Rye‐Based Feeding and Coarser Feed Structure Under Field Conditions
Authors: Lindhaus Jens Gerrit , Reckels Bernd , Chuppava Bussarakam , Grone Richard , Visscher Christian , Hartung Clara Berenike
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly occurring bacterial zoonosis in Germany. Rye in pig feeding offers new possibilities for addressing that issue due to its high content of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs). These are fermented in the intestinal tract to specific fermentation products, which seem to have bacteriolytic effects against Salmonella. A coarse feed structure can display synergistic effects.

Methods

Seven conventional pig fattening farms increased the rye content (40%–70%) while limiting the amount of fine particles (maximum of 20% ≤0.25 mm). Samples from pigs were tested for Salmonella antibodies and compared with samples from 167 farms without any changes to the feed.

Results

Rye‐based diets had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on Salmonella antibody (percentage optical density [OD%]) detection. In this study, it became apparent that significantly fewer positive OD% values could be detected due to the increase in rye compared to farms that did not change the feed (Farm 6 P0: 35.45 ± 36.18; P1: 15.48 ± 16.98; P2: 9.36 ± 8.17). An elimination of Salmonella could not be achieved, but especially farms with high antibody counts were able to strongly reduce those in both phases consecutively (Farm 5 P0: 35.17 ± 35.53; P1: 18.56a ± 20.96; P2: 13.38a ± 18.99). That was different on farms without adapted feeding, where an increase in Salmonella antibodies was observed (P0: 17.38 ± 22.21; P1: 20.12 ± 25.39; P2: 18.12 ± 25.44).

Conclusion

By increasing the proportion of rye and limiting the proportion of fine particles in the feed, Salmonella antibodies (OD% values) in meat juice and blood can be significantly reduced, especially on farms with an initially high incidence of Salmonella. If that is implemented in feeding across the board on farms, an improvement in food safety and a decreased risk of zoonosis can be expected.
Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Veterinary Professionals and Senior Animal Health Students in Central Gondar Zone, Gondar, Ethiopia: Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Perspectives
Authors: Mekonen Abibo Wondie , Mekasha Yesuneh Tefera , Feleke Melaku Getahun , Getaneh Atsede , Dereje Meron , Bafe Misganew , Nigussie Sete , Beyene Achenef Melaku
Published: September 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide challenge to the well‐being of animals and humans. The emergence of AMR is largely attributed to the improper utilization and overuse of antimicrobials. In order to combat this issue and promote responsible antimicrobial use (AMU), it is imperative for veterinary professionals and graduating students to possess extensive knowledge, maintain positive attitudes, and adhere to good practices regarding AMU and AMR.

Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of veterinary professionals and senior animal health students’ towards veterinary AMU and AMR.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was conducted on purposefully selected 200 participants (60 of them were veterinary professionals from the districts and towns, and the remaining 140 were senior animal health university students). A self‐administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results

The study revealed that, overall, study participants’ KAP were not satisfactory. From veterinary professionals, about 56.7% of respondents scored average knowledge, whereas 66.7% and 61.66% of them had negative attitudes and poor practices, respectively, on AMU and AMR. The study found that 56% of the participants’ think the previous knowledge they acquired regarding AMU and AMR was not sufficient, and the internet was used as a source of drug information by the majority of participants. The majority (72%) of them were not taking special training on AMU and AMR. Regarding senior animal health students, this study indicated that 52% and 69.2% of the respondents had poor knowledge and a negative attitude, respectively, towards AMU and AMR.

Conclusion

Overall, veterinary professionals in the central Gondar zone have average knowledge, a negative attitude and poor practices. Poor knowledge and a negative attitude were also observed among senior animal health students towards AMU and AMR. Therefore, to fill the observed gaps, activities that enhance the skills of veterinary professionals and students should be implemented. Ingreted measures with animicrobial stewardship program and Nationwide studies are highly suggested to evaluate the overall status of veterinary professionals towards AMU and AMR.
Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution (ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26) of Blastocystis spp. in Anatolian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Van, Türkiye
Authors: Ayan Adnan , Aslan Celik Burcak , Celik Ozgur Yasar , Yilmaz Ali Bilgin , Orunc Kilinc Ozlem , Oktay Ayan Ozge
Published: September 2024

Background

Blastocystis spp. is one of the most common protozoa worldwide, living in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals. On the basis of the genetic heterogeneity of small subunit ribosomal RNA, at least 28 subtypes (ST1‐ST17, ST21 and ST23–ST32) are reported to exist in mammals and birds.

Objectives

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis spp. in Anatolian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Van province in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey.

Methods

DNA was extracted using commercial GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit and then stored at −20°C until PCR amplification. After PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene region positive Blastocystis spp., amplicons from buffalo faeces were sequenced and then deposited in GenBank (OR576949.1, OR576950.1, OR576970.1, OR576971.1, OR577019.1, PP837943.1, PP837940.1, PP837939.1, PP837604.1, PP837937.1, PP837934.1, PP837601.1, PP837936.1 and PP837603.1).

Results

PCR analysis of 120 faecal samples showed a total prevalence of 11.67% (14/120). The prevalence was higher in females and young animals (p > 0.05). Sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis spp., ST10, ST14, ST25 and ST26 subtypes. To our knowledge, Blastocystis subtypes ST25 and ST26 in buffaloes were reported for the first time in this study.

Conclusion

It is thought that more large‐scale studies should be carried out to determine the zoonotic subtype potential of this protozoan in the region.
Development of multifunctional passive cooling PE composites with high reflectivity and flame retardancy by combining inorganic flame retardant and organic aromatic compound
Authors: Wang Kesong , Wang Xiaofei , Qi Yanli , Chen Tingting , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the pressing issue of energy problems has led to increased interest in passive cooling materials due to their energy‐saving potential. In this work, antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) were added into polyethylene (PE) composites to obtain cooling materials with high reflectivity and flame retardancy. With 7 wt% Sb2O3 and 21 wt% DBDPE, the reflectance of samples in all solar wavelengths was greatly improved by at least 47.76%. Furthermore, the internal temperature of the self‐designed temperature test device was reduced from 47.1 to 28.4 °C with a sunlight simulator at a light intensity of 1000 W/m2 for 1 h at an indoor temperature of 25 °C. In addition, the UL‐94 vertical flammability rating was upgraded from No Rating to V‐0, and the limiting oxygen index value increased by at least 6.2%. The selection of a PE matrix with a higher degree of crystallinity resulted in enhanced mechanical properties. These multifunctional PE composites have the advantage in its high reflectance across all solar wavelengths and relatively good flame retardancy. Evidently, resultant characteristics make these composites potential candidates for application in the passive cooling field.

Highlights

Inorganic and organic particles were incorporated into the PE matrix.

Multifunctional reflective cooling composites were prepared.

The factors affecting the reflectivity of composites were analyzed.
Managing the decline of coal in a decarbonizing China
Authors: Davidson Michael R.
Published: September 2024

Pressures to address climate change are eroding the privileged role coal has held in China throughout its modernization. Phasing down coal requires a suite of supply‐ and demand‐side tools to both reduce production (and therefore, maintain sufficiently high prices) and shift to coal alternatives across diverse consumption sectors. This review outlines contours of the coming coal transition by documenting coal's rise in modern China, its status in key debates of today's energy system, and the range of modeling scenarios of coal's future to mid‐century. In addition, through an analysis of current efforts and impacts in four transition policy areas—supply‐side, demand‐side, employment and social impacts, and stranded assets and fiscal revenues—it identifies gaps and future recommendations. Emerging scholarship on enhancing political feasibility and fostering a “just transition” needs to move beyond global cases and address highly localized and temporally bound impacts.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Future of Global Energy

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy
Predictors of appendicectomy one year after antibiotic treatment for acute appendicitis: Insights from a prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Javanmard‐Emamghissi Hannah , Doleman Brett , Lund Jonathan N. , Hollyman Marianne , Moug Susan J. , Tierney Gillian M. ,   The COVID: HAREM (Had Appendicitis and Resolved/Recurred Emergency Morbidity/Mortality) Collaborative Group
Published: September 2024

Background

Surgeons are sometimes reluctant to manage uncomplicated appendicitis non‐operatively. Reasons cited include the risk of recurrent appendicitis and the risk of missed appendiceal malignancy. The aim of this study was to address these uncertainties and determine the long‐term efficacy of antibiotic versus operative management of appendicitis.

Method

One‐year follow‐up of patients enrolled in the multicentre, COVID:HAREM cohort study during March‐June 2020 was performed. Initial operative or non‐operative management was determined on a case‐by‐case basis by the responsible surgeon. Outcomes were appendicectomy rate at 1‐year, histology of removed appendix and predictors of unsuccessful antibiotic treatment.

Results

A total of 625 patients who had non‐operative management were included. Emergency appendicectomy had been performed by 1‐year in 24% (149/625), with a median time to appendicectomy of 12 days [IQR 1–77] from presentation. Thirty‐one patients had elective appendicectomy. Normal histology was reported in 6% of emergency procedures and 58% of elective ones. There were 7 malignancies and 3 neuroendocrine tumors identified at histology. All patients with malignant histology had ≥1 risk factors for malignancy at initial presentation. Faecolithiasis (hazard ratios (HR) 2.3, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.51–3.49) and a high Adult Appendicitis Score (AAS >16; HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.52–3.92) were independent risk factors for unsuccessful non‐operative management.

Conclusion

At 1 year, 71% of patients managed non‐operatively did not undergo an appendicectomy. Recurrence of appendicitis was associated with faecolithiasis and a high AAS. Patients at higher risk for appendiceal malignancy should have targeted follow‐up. These factors should be considered when counseling patients on non‐operative management.
Hydrothermal analysis of time‐fractional magneto hydrodynamic viscous fluid flow on a plate
Authors: Alhachami Ali Salam Khairullah , Asadi Zohreh , Jalili Bahram , Khan Yasir , ShayanMehr Mahdi , Jalili Payam , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: September 2024

The work was conducted to analyze convective heat transfer theory concerning the MHD effect on a flat and vertical plane. Thus, it is assumed that the plane has an unlimited surface area. In this work, we have tried to investigate the speed, temperature, and concentration by examining the impact ability of the studied space from changes in the mass concentration of nanoparticles and course, other dimensionless parameters such as Soret number, magnetic parameter, and Grashof. We attempted to analyze the idea of the treatise using the Caputo‐Fabrizio‐fractional derivative model, which is worth mentioning. One of the interesting results of this work is that with the increase of volume fraction of nanofluids from 0.01 to 0.04 wt%, we see that the thermal distribution increases significantly. The temperature profile has decreased by almost 7% as a result of increasing the dimensionless Prandtl number from 4 to 7. A 19% increase in velocity values is caused by increased fractional parameter effects from 1 to 3.
Shear flow of mixed convection nanofluid past a plate in the company of prescribed surface heat flux and mass flux at the boundary
Authors: Dey Sudip , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: September 2024

Combined impacts of prescribed surface heat and mass fluxes on nanoliquid flow over a vertical plate with shear flow have been inspected. A two‐phase model for nanofluid has been considered. By means of similarity alterations, partial differential equations which govern the problem under consideration are changed to ordinary ones and nonlinear equations are solved numerically by shooting technique and Runge–Kutta method. The related effects of appropriate parameters on streamwise velocity, velocity, velocity gradient, temperature, and concentrations are analyzed elaborately. The importance of unlike factors on heat and mass transport as well as fluid flow phenomena are detected and analyzed physically as far as practicable. Fluid velocity rises but temperature and concentration are noted to diminish due to mixed convection. Velocity gradient at the wall rises with the rise in mixed convection parameter but wall temperature and wall concentration are found to diminish with the growing values of mixed convection parameter. As Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis parameter increase, the wall velocity gradient declines until a certain point and from that point it starts to behave in the opposite way. Additionally, the temperature at the wall increases as these parameters grow, but temperature at the wall decreases with the rising values of the mixed convection parameter. On the other hand, the wall concentration increases with the increasing values of the thermophoresis parameter, but wall concentration decreases with the swelling values of the Brownian motion parameter and mixed convection parameter. The results of this study will be of immense help to the engineers and scientists to obtain superior flow phenomenon and heat, mass transport features.
Exploring exotic decays of the Higgs boson to multi-photons at the LHC via multimodal learning approaches
Authors: Hammad A. , Ko P. , Lu Chih-Ting , Park Myeonghun
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson, the most recently discovered elementary particle, may still serve as a mediator between the SM sector and a new physics sector related to dark matter (DM). The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has not yet fully constrained the physics associated with the Higgs boson, leaving room for such possibilities. Among the various potential mass scales of the dark sector, the sub-GeV mass range is particularly intriguing. This parameter space presents significant challenges for DM direct detection experiments that rely on nuclear recoils. Various innovative experimental methods are currently under investigation to explore this sub-GeV dark sector. The LHC, functioning as a Higgs factory, could explore this sector once the challenge of identifying DM signals is resolved. Due to the significantly lower mass of particles in the dark sector compared to the Higgs boson, these particles are expected to be highly boosted following the Higgs boson’s decay. However, detecting and identifying these highly boosted particles remains a considerable challenge at the LHC, despite their eventual decay into SM particles. We employ a well-motivated leptophobic $$ {Z}_B^{\prime } $$

Z
B
′

model as a prototype to analyze the distinctive signatures from Higgs boson exotic decays into multi-photons. These signatures consist of collimated photons that fail to meet the photon isolation criteria, forming jet-like objects. Conventional analyses relying solely on the purity of energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter would fail to detect these signatures, as they would be overwhelmed by background events from Quantum Chromodynamics. To effectively distinguish between such novel signal signatures and SM background events, we leverage advanced machine learning techniques, specifically the transformer encoder in a multimodal network structure. This neural network successfully separates dark sector signals from SM backgrounds, outperforming traditional event selection analyses.
Yukawa couplings at infinite distance and swampland towers in chiral theories
Authors: Casas Gonzalo F. , Ibáñez Luis E. , Marchesano Fernando
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We study limits of vanishing Yukawa couplings of 4d chiral matter fields in Quantum Gravity, using as a laboratory type IIA orientifolds with D6-branes. In these theories chiral fermions arise at brane intersections, where an infinite tower of charged particles dubbed gonions are localised. We show that in the limit Y → 0 some of these towers become asymptotically massless, while at the same time the kinetic term of some chiral fields becomes singular and at least two extra dimensions decompactify. For limits parametrised by a large complex structure saxion u, Yukawa couplings have a behaviour of the form Y ~ 1/ur, with r some positive rational number. Moreover, in this limit some of the gauge couplings associated to the Yukawa vanish. The lightest gonion scales are of order mgon ~ gsMP with s > 1, verifying the magnetic WGC with room to spare and with no need of its tower/sublattice versions. We also show how this behaviour can be understood in the context of the emergence of kinetic terms in Quantum Gravity. All these results may be very relevant for phenomenology, given the fact that some of the Yukawa couplings in the Standard Model are very small.
Targeting (pseudo)-scalar CP violation with Bs → μ+μ−
Authors: Fleischer Robert , Malami Eleftheria , Rehult Anders , Vos K. Keri
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The leptonic decay Bs → μ+μ− is both rare and theoretically clean, making it an excellent probe for New Physics searches. Due to its helicity suppression in the Standard Model, this decay is particularly sensitive to new (pseudo)-scalar contributions. We present a new strategy for detecting CP-violating New Physics contributions of this kind, exploiting two observables: $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{\Delta {\varGamma}_s}^{\mu \mu} $$

A

Δ

Γ
s

μμ

, which is accessible due to the sizeable decay width difference of the Bs system, and the mixing-induced CP asymmetry $$ {\mathcal{S}}_{\mu \mu} $$

S
μμ

. The strategy also uses information from B → K(*)μ+μ− and Bs → ϕμ+μ− decays. We find remarkably constrained regions in the $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{\Delta {\Gamma}_s}^{\mu \mu} $$

A

Δ

Γ
s

μμ

-$$ {\mathcal{S}}_{\mu \mu} $$

S
μμ

plane that serve as promising targets for future measurements.
Constraining non-unitary neutrino mixing using matter effects in atmospheric neutrinos at INO-ICAL
Authors: Sahoo Sadashiv , Das Sudipta , Kumar Anil , Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The mass-induced neutrino oscillation is a well established phenomenon that is based on the unitary mixing among three light active neutrinos. Remarkable precision on neutrino mixing parameters over the last decade or so has opened up the prospects for testing the possible non-unitarity of the standard 3ν mixing matrix, which may arise in the seesaw extensions of the Standard Model due to the admixture of three light active neutrinos with heavy isosinglet neutrinos. Because of this non-unitary neutrino mixing (NUNM), the oscillation probabilities among the three active neutrinos would be altered as compared to the probabilities obtained assuming a unitary 3ν mixing matrix. In such a NUNM scenario, neutrinos can experience an additional matter effect due to the neutral current interactions with the ambient neutrons. Atmospheric neutrinos having access to a wide range of energies and baselines can experience a significant modifications in Earth’s matter effect due to NUNM. In this paper, we study in detail how the NUNM parameter α32 affects the muon neutrino and antineutrino survival probabilities in a different way. Then, we place a comparable and complementary constraint on α32 in a model independent fashion using the proposed 50 kt magnetized Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector under the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which can efficiently detect the atmospheric νμ and $$ {\overline{\nu}}_{\mu } $$

ν
¯

μ

separately in the multi-GeV energy range. Further, we discuss the advantage of charge identification capability of ICAL and the impact of uncertainties in oscillation parameters while constraining α32. We also compare the α32 sensitivity of ICAL with that of future long-baseline experiments DUNE and T2HK in isolation and combination.
Axion detection via superfluid 3He ferromagnetic phase and quantum measurement techniques
Authors: Chigusa So , Kondo Dan , Murayama Hitoshi , Okabe Risshin , Sudo Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We propose to use the nuclear spin excitation in the ferromagnetic A1 phase of the superfluid 3He for the axion dark matter detection. This approach is striking in that it is sensitive to the axion-nucleon coupling, one of the most important features of the QCD axion introduced to solve the strong CP problem. We review a quantum mechanical description of the nuclear spin excitation and apply it to the estimation of the axion-induced spin excitation rate. We also describe a possible detection method of the spin excitation in detail and show that the combination of the squeezing of the final state with the Josephson parametric amplifier and the homodyne measurement can enhance the sensitivity. It turns out that this approach gives good sensitivity to the axion dark matter with the mass of $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) μeV depending on the size of the external magnetic field. We estimate the parameters of experimental setups, e.g., the detector volume and the amplitude of squeezing, required to reach the QCD axion parameter space.
Nonlinear evolution of disturbances in higher time-derivative theories
Authors: Fring Andreas , Taira Takano , Turner Bethan
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of localized initial value profiles when propagated in integrable versions of higher time-derivative theories. In contrast to the standard cases in nonlinear integrable systems, where these profiles evolve into a specific number of N-soliton solutions as dictated by the conservation laws, in the higher time-derivative theories the theoretical prediction is that the initial profiles can settle into either two-soliton solutions or into any number of N-soliton solutions. In the latter case this implies that the solutions exhibit oscillations that spread in time but remain finite. We confirm these analytical predictions by explicitly solving the associated Cauchy problem numerically with multiple initial profiles for various higher time-derivative versions of integrable modified Korteweg-de Vries equations. In the case with the theoretical possibility of a decay into two-soliton solutions, the emergence of underlying singularities may prevent the profiles from fully developing or may be accompanied by oscillatory, chargeless standing waves at the origin.
Fatigue nach einer COVID-19-Erkrankung im Zusammenhang mit Depressivität und Ängstlichkeit bei Versicherten aus Gesundheits- und Sozialberufen
Authors: Mertens Svenja , Nienhaus Albert , Peters Claudia , Koch-Gromus Uwe
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Fatigue bezeichnet einen andauernden Erschöpfungszustand, der auf eine Infektionskrankheit folgen kann. Sie zählt zu den häufigsten Symptomen beim Post-Covid-Syndrom (PCS). Auch bei psychischen Erkrankungen kann Fatigue auftreten, allerdings ist Fatigue, wie andere chronische Erkrankungen, auch selbst ein Risikofaktor für Depressivität und Ängstlichkeit. Ziel der Analyse ist es, zu untersuchen, inwieweit sich Fatigue und Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit gegenseitig bedingen und ob es Unterschiede zwischen PCS-Betroffenen und vollständig Genesenen gibt.

Methodik

In einer Längsschnittuntersuchung mit 3 Messzeitpunkten wurden Versicherte der Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege, die im Jahr 2020 mit SARS-CoV‑2 infiziert waren, zu Fatigue, Depressivität/Ängstlichkeit und lang anhaltenden COVID-19-Symptomen befragt. Zur Analyse der längsschnittlichen Effekte der beiden Variablen wurde ein kreuzlagiges Paneldatenmodell angewandt.

Ergebnisse

Die Stichprobe (n = 860) weist zu den 3 Messzeitpunkten einen Anteil von 68,7–75,1 % an PCS-Betroffenen auf. Das Modell zeigt eine Güte von R2 = 61,49 % und durchgehend signifikante Effekte, jedoch unterscheiden sich die kreuzlagigen Pfade nicht signifikant voneinander. Wird danach stratifiziert, ob eine PCS-Symptomatik vorliegt, schwächen sich in beiden Gruppen die kreuzlagigen Effekte ab, während nur in der Gruppe der PCS-Betroffenen die Effekte von Fatigue auf Depressivität und Ängstlichkeit bestehen bleiben.

Diskussion

Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen einen wechselseitigen Zusammenhang von Fatigue- und Depressivitäts‑/Ängstlichkeitssymptomatik. PCS-Betroffene könnten von psychotherapeutischen Behandlungen aufgrund ihrer Fatigue profitieren, da dem Entstehen von Depressionen oder Angststörungen vorgebeugt werden kann.
The role of the frailty in the evaluation of injury risk factors for National Basketball Association players
Authors: Macis Ambra
Published: September 2024

Injuries often occur in sports and, due to medical and economic reasons, it is important to understand the factors that mainly affect the risk of experiencing them. This work aims to explore this field in the context of the National Basketball Association (NBA) league. Thus, the main purpose is to identify the main individual players’ characteristics that are associated to a higher risk of suffering an injury in a shorter time, taking into account ten seasons, from the beginning of 2010–2011 season until the end of 2019–2020 season. All the needed information has been retrieved from different big datasets regarding NBA players. The work stands in the survival data analysis framework and, for the purpose, a Cox regression model with frailty has been used. Results suggest that the player’s position and the Body Mass Index have a significant effect on the injury’s risk. From a methodological point of view, this manuscript provides an insight into the role of the frailty in the model, studying its relationship with the residuals of a mispecified Cox model.
Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Care Bundle: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Powell T. Clark , Hoke Tanya P. , Norris Kyle P. , Page Margaret R. , Todd Allison , Redden David T. , Brumfield Cynthia G. , Straughn J. Michael , Richter Holly E.
Published: September 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The objective was to implement an evidence-based peri-partum care bundle for women sustaining obstetric anal sphincter injuries and to evaluate compliance with recommendations for antibiotics use, repair in the operating room, and follow-up before and after implementation.

Methods

This project was reviewed by the Institutional Review Board and determined to be exempt. A clinical care bundle containing education and standardized orders in the electronic medical record was implemented. Characteristics of pre- (October 2017 to September 2019) and post-intervention (October 2019 to August 2021) cohorts were compared and compliance with recommendations for antibiotics use, surgical repair location, and follow-up were evaluated. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, ANOVA F, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed, as indicated. Significance level was p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 185 cases were identified. Seventy-five percent of women were nulliparous. Mean gestational age was 39 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention groups did not differ in age, BMI, race, parity, gestational age, comorbidities, birthweight, or delivery type. Ninety-eight cases were identified pre-implementation. Eighty-six (88%) had third-degree lacerations. Post-implementation, 87 cases were identified. Seventy (80%) had third-degree lacerations (p = 0.17). Recommended antibiotic-type use improved from 35% pre-implementation to 93% post-implementation (p < 0.001). Repair in the operating room was similar pre-implementation and post-implementation (16.0% vs 12.6%, p = 0.48). Post-partum follow-up within 2 weeks improved from 16.3% pre-implementation to 52.8% post-implementation and mean time to follow-up was shorter post-implementation than pre-implementation (18 vs 33 days; both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of an evidence-based peri-partum care bundle resulted in standardization of care in accordance with established recommendations. Compliance with recommendations for surgical repair in the operating room remained unchanged.